The 1901 Restored LIRR Depot and Freight House Museum pays tribute to Lindenhurst’s 1870 founding as Breslau; due in large part to the 1867 advent of rail service

Lindenhurst, NY – Where were you fifty years ago, Sunday May 18, 1975? Local radio stations were playing the #1 song-Earth, Wind and Fire’s “Shining Star”, the day was partly cloudy and the temperature was in the 60’s, the evening’s moon was in a first quarter phase, TV’s hits included “All in the Family” and “Maude”, Master Derby had just won the Preakness, President Gerald Ford declared an end to the “Vietnam Era” and at Irmisch Historical Park, here in Lindenhurst, Historical Society members celebrated “another auspicious Pfingst Sunday” by marking the Grand Opening of the 1901 Restored LIRR Depot and Freight House Museum. Lindenhurst Historical Society members, dignities including Mayor Thomas Kost and Suffolk County Legislator Joseph Bassano and residents were on hand to cut the ribbon; officially dedicating Suffolk County’s first railroad museum.

This year on Sunday, May 18, 2025 history will repeat itself when the Lindenhurst Historical Society celebrates the Depot and Freight House Museum’s 50th Anniversary as a museum with a “Community Picnic” on Irmisch Historical Park’s Great Lawn. The day’s festivities will include music, museum tours, a variety of food trucks, a model train display, raffles and lawn games and sack races for the children and young at heart. Opening ceremonies will begin at noon and the fun will continue until 4PM.

Lindenhurst’s Irmisch Historical Park, located at the intersection of South Broadway and South Third Street, has been home to the 1901 Restored LIRR Depot and Freight House Museum since November 1968, when the structures were placed there after being moved from their original location on South Hoffman Avenue at South Wellwood Avenue; where they had served Lindenhurst since March 1901 as its train depot and freight house. In the late 1960’s, when the LIRR announced plans to eliminate grade crossings and elevate the railroad tracks, the depot and freight house, had fallen into disrepair and now faced demolition. Lindenhurst Historical Society members seized the opportunity to snatch the building from the wrecking ball’s wrath and preserve the depot and adjoining freight house as a museum. The Historical Society spearheaded the buildings’ renovations, garnering volunteer labor, Village financial support and federal funding, transforming the dilapidated buildings into a Museum that replicates the building’s 1901 appearance. Recalling that our community can trace its 1870 founding as Breslau in part to the establishment of the South Side Railroad’s single track in 1867, the 1901 Depot and Freight House Museum, recently designated a Historical Transportation Site by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation, is a fitting tribute to the railroad’s influence on Lindenhurst’s evolution; from Breslau to today’s thriving Village, the fourth largest in New York State.

Today, Irmisch Historical Park is also home to the Village’s Old Village Hall Museum. Both museums are managed by the Lindenhurst Historical Society and contain artifacts and historic objects from the Society’s sizeable collection. Docent guided tours are available when each museum is opened.

Residents, friends and neighbors are welcome to join the Lindenhurst Historical Society on Sunday, May 18 for this community celebration highlighting the Restored 1901 Depot and Freight House’s 50th Anniversary and kicking off the Museums’ 2025 Summer Season.

The Mayor’s Beautification Society is happy to announce its annual geranium sale! Geraniums are $6.00 each or 6 for $30.00. Please place orders by May 10, 2025. Fill out the order form below and return, with payment, to Lindenhurst Village Hall.

2025 Mayor’s Beautification Geranium Sale Order Form

Online payments can be made at the following link: https://www.govpaynow.com/gps/user/cyg/plc/a0044d

In the field that says “Account #” please write “Geranium Sale”

Congratulations to our newly-elected Lindenhurst Fire Department Officers — Chief of the Department Robert Santos, First Assistant Chief Jonathan Cutolo, Second Assistant Chief David Brink, Third Assistant Chief Stephen Batz, Secretary Charles Vozzo, and Treasurer Sarah-Marie Callahan.

Mayor Michael Lavorata said “Our Lindenhurst Fire Department Chiefs and Officers truly, faithfully, and diligently perform their duties and render invaluable, selfless service to our residents. We congratulate our new Chiefs, and we are grateful to former Chief David Collins for his exemplary term in office. On behalf of the people of the Lindenhurst community, thank you!”

Pictured here (left to right) are Trustee Patrick Pichichero, Trustee Maryann Weckerle, Trustee Douglas Madlon, Deputy Mayor RJ Renna, Mayor Michael Lavorata, Chief David Robert Santos, 1st Assistant Chief Jonathan Cutolo, 2nd Assistant Chief David Brink, 3rd Assistant Chief Stephen Batz, Secretary Charles Vozzo, and Treasurer Sarah-Marie Callahan.

Mayor Michael Lavorata has announced that the Arbor Day Foundation has again named the Village of Lindenhurst, NY, a Tree City USA community for its commitment to urban forestry. “We are pleased and honored to be given this designation from the Arbor Day Foundation for the 36th year”, stated Mayor Lavorata. The Arbor Day Foundation is the nation’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to planting trees.

“We all benefit when communities like Lindenhurst place a high priority on planting and caring for trees, one of our nation’s most beautiful resources,” added Trustee Doug Madlon. “Trees shade our homes and add beauty to our neighborhoods, and they also provide many environmental, economic and social benefits.”

The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service.

Lindenhurst has met the four standards to become a Tree City USA community. Tree City USA communities must have a tree board or department, a tree-care ordinance, a community forestry program with annual expenditures of at least $2 per capita and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

Communities that earn Tree City USA recognition not only have taken the time to meet the four standards, they know that trees:

• Promote healthier communities by filtering the air we breathe by removing dust and other particles.
• Moderate climate, conserve water and provide vital habitat for wildlife.
• Reduce the heat island effect in urban areas caused by pavement and buildings.
• Reduce energy use and increase property values.

About the Arbor Day Foundation

The Arbor Day Foundation is a nonprofit, environmental and education organization of more than 1 million members, with a mission to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. More information on the Foundation and its programs can be found at www.arborday.org

Pictured here (left to right) are: Deputy Village Clerk Katie McCaffrey, Trustees Patrick Pichichero, Maryann Weckerle, and Doug Madlon, Deputy Mayor RJ Renna, and Mayor Michael Lavorata.

Welcome to the Lindenhurst Eggstravaganza!

Join us at the Village Square on Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM for a day filled with egg-citing activities for the whole family!

The fun kicks off at Village Square, where you’ll receive an Easter bag to decorate. This bag can then be used to collect eggs from the various businesses and organizations in the downtown that are participating (map will be available).

Don’t forget to stop by the petting zoo and take pictures with the Easter Bunny before you head out on your hunt!

Support “Hop to Help” by bringing a non-perishable food item to support local food pantries. Donations will be accepted in large Easter baskets located at Village Square.

We can’t wait to see you there!

Please register for this FREE event! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lindenhurst-eggstravaganza-tickets-1237799675149

For questions or more information, please contact Village Hall at (631) 957-7500 or info@villageoflindenhurstny.gov.

Event sponsored by the Village of Lindenhurst, Lindenhurst Chamber of Commerce, Lindenhurst Memorial Library, Lindenhurst Business Improvement District, Lindenhurst Mayor’s Beautification Society, and the Lindenhurst Historical Society.

**Raindate is April 12th from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM.