The hamlets of Selden, Centereach, and Lake Grove are steeped in history. Revolutionary War hero Daniel Roe’s whaleboat raids saved lives and foiled British attacks. In 1818, the New Village Congregational Church was built in the small community. Over 200 years later, it still stands as a nationally recognized landmark. Albert Norton’s Wheelmen’s Rest on Bicycle Path refreshed weary cyclists during the cycling craze of the 1890s, when hundreds of miles of dedicated side paths were constructed for enthusiasts. Modern hero Clarence Dare, state district fire ranger, guaranteed safety from the heights of Bald Hill’s lookout tower during the 1920s and beyond. Brookhaven police officer Alvin Smith patrolled from Smithtown to the Riverhead border to protect his neighbors in the 1930s. Together, the residents of these hamlets built and maintained schools and community organizations that nurtured and supported their vibrant, growing population.
In the spirit of preserving and making its history available to the community, Middle Country Public Library has created this photographic chronicle of that stretch of land along the Middle Country Road. To reserve a copy of the book, please click here