East Park Civic Association

Circle Drive

Colony Lane

Hilltop Lane

Parkside Drive

     In 1946 East Park was an idyllic park area.  Roslyn Road was a winding two lane path with huge locust trees on each side. The Synagogues were yet to be built and the Long Island Expressway yet to reach us. When it did in 1950, the shops including a food shop, candy store, dry cleaner and pharmacy at the north end were removed along with six houses to make way.  Later other shops went up along Roslyn Road as did Temple Beth Sholom and Temple Sinai.
     There was great diversity in income among the first arrivals. These houses were constructed with the thought of providing homes for returning WWII servicemen.  
     Doors were left unlatched so that youngsters could go in and out while their mothers went off on errands. Children played in our park area.  At one time the possibility of  a community swimming pool was seriously considered.  The Town was going to float a bond issue providing that we had a willing majority of East Park residents.  Eighty five percent of our home owners were in favor and looking forward to this. Understanding that the people living across from the planned area objected and not wanting any dissension in the community the plan was abandoned.
    Throughout the 1950s and 60s every fall, there was a Barbecue and Square Dance at the Park. Harry Lazewatsky would string lights up in the trees.  Neighbors would pitch in barbecuing franks and hamburgers. There were games and races. The community would hire a professional caller and a great time was had by all.
     Twice a year, Christmas and Spring,  we held formal dinner dances...usually someplace on the water. It was a close knit community and throughout the year many lovely evenings were spent in each other's homes.
    We had a Welcome Wagon to greet every new family with a cheery smile, a list of local conveniences and a basket of goodies.  We had a phone directory in which the local merchants advertised, that included a list of older children willing to baby-sit, shovel snow or mow lawns.  There was a Boy Scout and Girl Scout Troop.
    We've progressed, lost eleven more homes to the HOV, lost some quiet and some security, but we still continue to welcome new residents and consider ourselves to be one of the great communities on Long Island.

                                                  

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