The Lindenhurst Memorial Library has digitized “The Growth of our Village from
Wellwood to Lindenhurst” to help increase its use as a public resource.
The book was published by the Lindenhurst High School. The material itself was
compiled and edited by Louis Hirsch, a Social Studies instructor at the Lindenhurst
High School.
One section named “Review Questions for Assignment and Study” has been
removed from the digital book as this book will not be used as a textbook but
rather a resource.
While I expect this book will be a good resource to gain general knowledge of
Lindenhurst's history, the book should not serve as a definitive resource for
serious research. While the spelling of peoples names was verified with the
original book, it is possible that some names are misspelled. In particular, the
spelling of Thomas Welwood (the man) had one 'l' in his name yet Wellwood
Avenue (the street, named after Thomas Welwood) is correctly spelled with 2 'l's.
Minor sentence anomalies were left as is (e.g. sentences that start with 'but' or
'and', run on sentences, inconsistent capitalization, etc.).
Attribution of facts was generally not offered as no primary sources or references
were included in the book.
Craig Pullen
Librarian
Lindenhurst Memorial Library
12-Aug-2015
Page 1 / 80
THE GROWTH OF OUR VILLAGE
FROM
WELLWOOD TO LINDENHURST
( An Historical Review of Lindenhurst’s Development )
From 1869 to 1944
Material Compiled and Edited by:
Louis Hirsch
Instructor Social Studies
Junior High School
LINDENHURST HIGH SCHOOL
Page 2 / 80
According to the Lindenhurst historian, Mrs. Ellis, the name
Lindenhurst was taken because of all the linden trees on
Wellwood Ave. A particularly large one grew on Wellwood Ave.
and Hoffman Ave. on the north side of the tracks. The name was
changed from Breslau to Lindenhurst in 1891.
Page 3 / 80
Table of Contents
Thirty Years of Lindenhurst History (1870 ­ 1900)...................................................................................5
Indian Life and the Earliest White Settlers...........................................................................................5
Early Social and Economic Growth......................................................................................................6
Real Estate Activities (1869 ­ 1870).....................................................................................................7
Business Growth....................................................................................................................................8
Festivals and Amusement Centers........................................................................................................9
Growth of Religion..............................................................................................................................10
Marked Progress of Early Manufacturing...........................................................................................12
Social Life of Breslau..........................................................................................................................13
Growth of our Public Schools System (1870 ­ 1930).........................................................................14
Fire Department History......................................................................................................................15
Earliest Political Growth at Breslau....................................................................................................17
Real Estate Rivalry of Schleier and Welwood....................................................................................18
Indian Days..............................................................................................................................................20
Charles Schleier (Founder of Breslau)................................................................................................20
Police and Early Fire Protection of Early Breslau..............................................................................21
First Deputy Sheriff........................................................................................................................21
First Fire Company.........................................................................................................................22
Civic Activities Portray Mr. Torns as Model Citizen.........................................................................22
Lindenhurst of 1890 Recalled by Local Historian (Edward J. H. Mielke).........................................22
Early Development and Manufacturing..............................................................................................24
First Newspaper: "Breslau Herald".....................................................................................................25
Real Estate Progress In Early Breslau.................................................................................................25
OWNERS AND PURCHASERS OF LOTS..................................................................................26
From Late Nineties to 1910.................................................................................................................27
Growth of our Educational System.....................................................................................................27
Lindenhurst Today..............................................................................................................................28
Two Local Needs.................................................................................................................................30
Concerns Seek Factory Sites (From the Villager)...............................................................................30
Historical Review of the Lindenhurst Fire Departments (1877 ­ 1944)..................................................31
50th Anniversary at Breslau Engine Company Founding..............................................................35
Golden Anniversary of Breslau Engine Company.........................................................................35
Village Clerk (Clerk Alfred Pfeiffer)..................................................................................................44
Village Attorney (Attorney Franklin Voelker)....................................................................................45
History and Growth of Outstanding Public Buildings: First National Bank.......................................46
Lindenhurst Post Office...........................................................................................................................50
"VULCANITE MFG. COMPANY"........................................................................................................54
St. John's Lutheran Church ­ Social History............................................................................................55
History of St. John's Church Building.................................................................................................58
Historical Sketch.................................................................................................................................59
Mortgage Debt Donated......................................................................................................................59
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church....................................................................................................60
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A Rectory is Built................................................................................................................................60
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church....................................................................................................61
Debt Cleared Last Year..................................................................................................................61
Bethel Baptist Church.........................................................................................................................62
Grace Methodist Church.....................................................................................................................64
Lindenhurst Hebrew Congregation.....................................................................................................66
News Notes and Anecdotes of Years..................................................................................................67
Diamond Knocks and Boosts..............................................................................................................70
Catholic Knights "Watch" Fred Sheide...............................................................................................71
Timeline...............................................................................................................................................72
Table of Important Dates in the History of Lindenhurst (1867 ­ 1944)...................................................75
Page 5 / 80
Thirty Years of Lindenhurst History (1870 ­ 1900)
Indian Life and the Earliest White Settlers
On June 6, 1870 in a clearing of the scrub oak and pine brush adjacent to the South Side Railroad a
goodly throng gathered to witness the founding of a city. The city of Breslau (now Lindenhurst),
midway between Amityville and Babylon in the then Town of Huntington on Long island, formally came
into existence that memorable day. A brief record of the years preceding this event makes an
interesting background for the unusual history of this new "city".
In the early years Indians of the Secatogue and Massapequa tribes roamed the three necks and
uplands of Santapogue, Neguntatogue and Little Neck which the present territory of Lindenhurst
embraces. The numerous arrow heads found in the area, and still being discovered in the newly
plowed Victory gardens, attest to the good hunting.
On June 1, 1657 the Secatogue Indians sold Santapogue Neck (now Venetian Shores section) and
Neguntatogue Neck (the area between Neguntatogue Creek and Lindenhurst Canal) together with
three easterly Necks to Jonas Wood and his neighbors of Huntington. for "twelve coates, twenty
howes, twenty hatchets, twenty knives, ten pounds of powder, one pound of lead and on (e) great
Cettell (kettle) and on (e) hatt, present in hand, and doth further promise to give to the Sachem, every
yeare, a Coat for six years, next ensuing the Date hereof".
Little Neck (the land between the Canal and Strong’s Brook) passed from Indian hands on July 23 of
the came year in a deed. from the Sachems of Secatogue and Montauk to Jonas Wood "for himselfe",
the consideration being "one new gun and one Pistol and two pounds of powder". All the neckland
areas conveyed by these Indian deeds were bounded on the south by the Great South Bay and "as
hie northward ap the Indian Path:" (Montauk Highway).
A few years later, the lands to the north of the Indian Path were acquired from the red men. In a deed
of July 12, 1689, the Santapogue upland was conveyed by certain Secatogue Indians "for the
kindness and great love" they had "unto the owners of the lower neck meadows". Likewise in 1691
rights of the upland of Neguntatogue were transferred to the white settlers of Huntington. A part of
what is known as Sheet 4 of Lindenhurst was included in the so called Baiting Place Purchase of
1698. Additional acreage within the bounds of Lindenhurst was deeded by the Indians in the years
1693, 1700, and 1705. The latter paper bears in particular reference to Neguntatogue land, which is
"bounded in the north by the heads of two swamps", these words: "always providing... that it shall be
lawful for the said Indians to hunt in ye said land".
The Necklands acquired by the Huntington farmers were valuable for their thatch or salt hay which
was used as winter feed for their cattle. The north and south Indian Path called Neguntatogue, which
had been worn to a depth of a foot or more by the feet of the red men, was widened to road width by
wheels of the strong, ox-driven carts of the thatch-cutting farmers. This road is now Wellwood
Avenue, main thoroughfare through Lindenhurst Village. Up to 1900, maps were printed showing the
alternate name for the Avenue as "Neguntatogue Road".
Up to and including the period of the American Revolution there is no record of permanent white
Page 6 / 80
settlers within the bounds that mark Lindenhurst, which at that time was a part of the section known as
Huntington South. There is one tradition that before the Revolution Thomas Wicker, Town Clerk, had
a house on Santapogue-Neck, two miles west of Babylon, and that it was destroyed by fire. Since no
record can be found of such, the story must remain just a tradition. Nor was the Indian life here after
1776. Their numbers had gradually decreased and only a few scattered Aboriginos remained. These
served as slaves in the households on the north side. But at the turn of the 19th Century a few farm
houses appeared along the Oyster Bay Turnpike (Montauk Highway) and the Neguntatogue Road.
The names of these early people are familiar in Lindenhurst for until 1931, when some of the street
names were changed to facilitate home mail delivery, several avenues memorialized the first settlers –
Ketcham, (Van) Nostrand, Barto, Smith, Travis, Fleet and Strong. The descendants of the last named
family still own and live upon part of the original Strong Purchase. The first Strong home was
destroyed by fire in the 1860's. One remaining original homestead, now much changed in
appearance, is that of Elvin F. and Angelino Ketcham at the northeast corner of Montauk Highway and
Wellwood Avenue. Until recent years it was occupied, by Harrison H. Parsons, a descendant. It has
now been converted to business use. Another is the Daniel Smith home on lower Wellwood Avenue
and now familiarly known as the "Feller" place. The main house structure without the parch addition is
the original farmhouse. On July 7, 1826, the name of the southern part of the Township was changed
to South Huntington and that portion of land upon which these settlers made their homes was referred
to as Neguntatogue.
Early Social and Economic Growth
Neguntatogue’s growing population demanded a school district of its own and Number 29 was
established about 1840 in which year $36.20 was spent on its educational program. A small school
house was erected on the south side of the Turnpike 600 feet west of the Neguntatogue Road. In
1851 forty-three children between the ages of five and eleven years attended this school and in 1866
when the District was changed from to Number 29 to Number 4 (which it is now), there was an
enrollment of forty-five. The financial allotment for the District's use in this latter year was $63.64. The
school remained in use for two years after the founding of Breslau and then it was abandoned for the
larger building a mile to the north and nearer the center of the new city's activities. The little
Neguntatogue School was sold and moved to the west side of Wellwood Avenue, south of the
Turnpike. Fop many years it was used as a barn by successive owners. In 1942 a few years after the
death of its last owner, George Knoth, Neguntatogue’s School – its white plastered interior still in
evidence — was torn down together with other Knoth buildings.
Trustees of the Town of Huntington in 1856 declared a need on the south side for a pound to take care
of stray animals. On April 26 "on motion it was resolved that the pound be located on the premises of
Charles E. Ketcham adjoining his cow yard”. Mr. Ketcham's homestead was located on the north side
of the Turnpike west of Neguntatogue Crook and was in later years the residence of James C.
Bingham. In 1943 the home was demolished. Mr. Ketcham, who died. June 15, 1898 in his 92nd
year, was not only poundmaster but also a popular stage driver. For many years he drove a stage
from Moriches and Patchogue to Brooklyn.
And then civilization in the guise of a railroad entered the land of Neguntatogue. The South Side Rail
Road, planned since 1860 but its building delayed by the Civil War, laid its single track through their
pine brush about a mile above the Turnpike. It was opened to the public use in October 1867. It was
not until twenty-five years later that another track was laid so opening a double track service to
Brooklyn and New York.
Page 7 / 80
Interest in the acreage in the vicinity of the new railroad became apparent when Thomas Welwood, a
New York lawyer and Abby, his wife, began adding to the small holding which they had held in this
area since before the Civil War. It is recorded that in many cases substantial prices were paid for the
acquisitions of 1869 and ’70. Jared Barto, whose farm was on Neguntatogue Road, sold his 40 acres
to Thomas Welwood for $9000; John Barto sold 30 acres for $6000 and Captain Joe Berry disposed of
10 acres for $1500. An editorial under the date of October 30, 1869 in the “South Side Signal”, a
newspaper published in Babylon, reads thus: “There is a brisk inquiry for Pine Lands in this town.
Some few lots have changed hands at from $10 to $15 per acre, but where the titles are indisputable,
higher rates are being demanded. The time is coming!”
The fulfillment of the prophetic ending of the editorial was close at hand. By 1869 the Welwood
interest in Neguntatogue lands had grown to such an extent that a new station called “Wellwood” was
opened on the South Side Rail Road. The timetable of July 1869 showed four trains a day, two in
each direction with the east bound stopping on signal only. A commutation rate schedule from
Wellwood to Brooklyn was shown as follows: 3 months $49, 6 months $59, 1 year $80.
Real Estate Activities (1869 - 1870)
Thomas Welwood in November 1869 opened a real estate office at 15 Willoughby Street, Brooklyn
and advertised himself as being “engaged for many years in the Real Estate Business in the city of
New York and owning and having charge of considerable property in Kings, Queens and Suffolk
Counties" and intending to make Long Island property a Specialty”. At about this time the name of
Charles S. Schleier, a native of Breslau, Germany, came to the United States and settled in Brooklyn
in 1852 where he engaged in the paper hanging and wall decoration business. He became active
among the German population and organized several social, ceramic and political clubs. He also
published a German newspaper.
Mr. Schleier conceived the idea of a city devoted to the particular interest of the people with whom he
associated. Mr. Welwood with his large land holdings collaborated with him on this idea and
appointed Mr. Schleier agent and manager of the proposed enterprise. Jonathan Sammis of Babylon
surveyed the property and a map divided into Streets, Blocks and Lots called the "Map of property at
Welwood, Long island on South Side Rail Road, made by J. Sammis, Surveyor in 1869" was placed
on file in the County Clerk's office in Riverhead. On this official map the spelling of "Welwood" is
correct with one "L". The Rail Road spelling of the name with two "L"s has led to confusion and
misspelling down to the present day.
The name of the newly surveyed land was changed to the "City of Breslau" in deference to the
birthplace of Mr. Schleier, the originator of the city idea. Under this new name the map by J. Sammis,
margined by drawings of proposed public buildings was distributed to interested Germans within
Brooklyn and New York and sent across the sea to the Fatherland. People flocked to Schleier’s office
at 202 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn to make purchases of lots and by March 1870 over 4000 lots 25x100
feet had been sold. Lots which in 1870 sold for $25, were in another year to bring $300 and over. A
Breslau Building Association was formed by Schleier on a cooperative basis offered a convenient
payment plan for prospective lot buyers and home builders. Contracts for the erection of several
hundred houses were signed and plans for a large hotel nearly opposite the depot were made. The
people were given an opportunity to view the grounds of the proposed city on April 18, 1870 when Mr.
Welwood chartered a train of twenty-three cars and three locomotives to carry them to Breslau.
Page 8 / 80
And then came June 6, 1870; this was the date set for the formal dedication of the City of Breslau. It
was on a Monday and it is reported that about 5,000 people came from the city, some in open railroad
cars, while 3,000 came from the surrounding countryside. These figures are generally conceded to be
greatly exaggerated but the newspaper of that day so records them. A platform was erected near the
depot and speeches were made by Mr. Schleier, Judge Reid of Babylon, who delivered the prologue,
which was a model of good sense and earnest appreciation of the subject, Hon. Demas Barnes, Rev.
Matthew Hale Smith, Prof. Allen and Prof. Weinner, the latter addressing the assemblage in German.
Mr. Welwood had a "generous repast" served and the "best of feeling manifested itself on all sides."
The visitors were pleased by the prospects of the new city and Breslau was declared "a success and
destined to take an important place in the near future of the Island." A city bad been born--"Let the
work go on! Let the desert bloom!"
Business Growth
And the work did go on! A lumber yard was established rear the depot with watchman Frederick Torns
on duty; a wall paper factory followed in a building on the former Treadwell Fleet farm on the north
side of the Turnpike, east of Wellwood Avenue and a tar paper factory on the west side of Strong's
Lane. In the first year the erection of nearly two hundred houses was begun, most of them following
the pattern of city homes with two or three stories, flat roofs and many with store fronts. Most of the
houses were occupied while still under construction, while some of the farmsteads bought by
Welwood housed a few of the pioneers. Business was set up under improvised shelters. The first
bakery oven of Robert Gnilka on Thusnelda Avenue (now New York Avenue) near the corner of
Hoffman Avenue (named for the then incumbent governor of the state) turned out bread under a
hastily built roof. Heinrich Holl opened a grocery store near the depot in July of 1870 and laid in a
goodly supply. "He sees how the thing is likely to go and is preparing to meet the demand." Dr. Carl
Walter in March 1871 started a drug store on Schleier Avenue (5th Avenue) near Hoffman Avenue. Dr.
Dusseldorf of Sheet 4 administered to the medical needs of the people. Chatoney's Brewery (later
John Feller's establishment) opened for business the same year and a cigar store of Peter Hock was
started in the stove front house next to Nehring’s Hotel.
The ranks of those first business men were augmented within the 1870's by others ready to cater to
the needs of the growing community. Gottlieb L. Wrieth opened a general store on upper Wellwood
Avenue on what is now the Alex Jaeger property. He later moved to a spacious building of his own
construction on the northeast corner of Wellwood and Hoffman Avenues. Charles Wagner and
Frederick Torns conducted butcher shops, the former changing to the coal and feed business in 1877.
August Schmalkuche, Herman Mentz and Ernest Frevert started bakeries and Philip Strack sold dry
goods and hardware. Artisans of the early 1870’s included "fritz" Schneider. Wheelwright and
blacksmith who was famous for his well made wagons; Charles Behrens, sign painter; Fred Mohr and
Edward Parthe, carpenters; Edward Hohlbein, cabinet maker; A. Otto Krueger, photographer and
Peter Kiefer, barber. And the coffin maker and undertaker, Anton Hackel of Sheet 4 should not go
unmentioned. A large coffin painted on the side of his barn advertised his trade.
Two hotels were built in the new city - one of the three storied building of Franz E. Nehring on the
northwest corner of Hoffman and Wellwood Avenues, which was formally opened September 19,
1870, followed by a three day "open house"; the other the hotel of George Gleste on the southwest
corner of the same two avenues which was dedicated on April 10, 1871. These two hostelries were to
be the centers of, social activities in Breslau for nearly half a century. Nehring's Hotel, later Griebel's
changed hands in 1917 and its facade was rebuilt to accommodate four business places. The present
appearance of this once fine hotel building, which was the mecca of summer visitors, suggests little of
Page 9 / 80
its former handsomeness.
Gleste’s Hotel in 1912, while still owned by that family, was destroyed by fire. Irmisch owned store
buildings now occupy the site. A later hotel on North Wellwood Avenue, owned at first by Sebold Lang
became another center of village social life when acquired by Charles Hirsch, christened Washington
Hall in 1888 it still retains that name. Nicholas Heil's Hotel, three blocks north of Lang’s came into the
ownership of Andrew J. Feller in 1894 and as Neguntatogue Inn was the scene of many social
gatherings.
Other landmarks of the 1870's are still in evidence. On the south side of West Hoffman Avenue is one
of the largest - the Bank Building, the store of which is now occupied by a barber shop. Completed in
1871 and intended as quarters for a bank it was at first used a business office of Welwood and
Schleier. For several years following various stores occupied the first floor. Not until 1907 when the
First National Bank was organized in Lindenhurst was the structure devoted to the purpose for which it
was built. But in five years the bank outgrew this location and moved into its newly erected building on
South Wellwood Avenue. Among other places built in the 1870's the original architecture of which has
not radically changed, is the former home of Charles Wagner on West Hoffman Avenue next to
Nehring’s corner and the former Gauckler home on North Wellwood Avenue just south of the Sinclair
Service Station and now owned by Jacob Leemann. There are others standing of similar construction
which can be identified as typical of early Breslau.
Prior to the establishment of a post office in the new city mail was called for at either Amityville or
Babylon. Later, mail came to Breslau in care of the Station agent. On December 22, 1870 word came
of the appointment of Gustavus Gude as postmaster and the office was opened January 9, 1871 in the
new depot which had been built by Mr. Welwood in 1870 at a cost of $2,300. Successors to Mr. Gude
for the next thirty years were: Ferdinand Boschott in 1879; Charles Wagner, 1885; August
Schmalkuche, 1889; George W. Irmisch, 1893 and Frederick Torns, Sr. 1897. Facilities for the post
office were provided by them on their premises, all of which were conveniently located in the center of
the village. Lindenhurst became a money order post office in 1892 a welcome innovation since a trip
to Amityville or Babylon had formerly been necessary to obtain this service.
Festivals and Amusement Centers
In May 1871 the "Brooklyn Eagle" paid tribute to the growing community of Breslau and its population
– “No greater change has taken place anywhere on Long Island during, the last twelve months than at
the City of Breslau... Residents are thrifty, hard working, industrious people and deserve a great deal
of credit for the manner in which they are building up what will undoubtedly be a very flourishing
settlement". The first anniversary of this future "flourishing settlement" was gaily celebrated on Pfingst
Monday, May 29, 1871 by residents, nearby neighbors and visitors by special train from New York and
Brooklyn. Mr. Welwood was host at his recently completed mansion on site of the old Hone Farm on
the South Road or Turnpike, west of Broadway. This three story home “finished in the best possible
manner” remained under Welwood ownership until 1887 when it was purchased by the late Timothy F.
Neville by whose family it is still occupied. A fine repast was served that day by F. E. Nehring at
Welwood’s direction. Judge Reid and Rev. Matthew Hale Smith, both of whom had been present at
Breslau's inauguration, were among the speakers. Welwood's agent, Mr. Schleier remarked that "the
enterprise had not been gotten up in any spirit of mere speculation, but from a desire to furnish to the
crowded thousands of the cities a place where they could come with their families, and while enjoying
all the advantages of the city and country, might be enabled to build homes of their own."
Page 10 / 80
Mr. Welwood expressed his appreciation of the cooperation the enterprise had received and hoped
that many such occasions of celebration would be enjoyed for several years.
Another such celebration took place on June 2, 1873 at the newly erected Breslau Manufacturing
Company's building. Nehring's new pavilion and Gleste's Park were also centers of festivities.
However, this was the last real anniversary occasion until the 50th in 1920. Excursionists by special
train from the city continued to arrive on Pfingst Sunday and Monday but these occasions did not so
much celebrate the birth of Breslau as this religious holiday which was similarly a festival day in
Europe. The many hundreds from all sections of Long Island, Manhattan, who were attracted for a
period of more than forty years to the Pfingst Sunday celebrations found a Breslau festooned in her
best for the visitors. Trees on the main street were whitewashed; hotels and stores were decorated
with evergreen garlands and freshly cut birch trees. A carnival spirit was the rule of the day and
picnics, music and dancing were part of the program. To many an outsider Breslau and Pfingst
Sunday were synonymous.
Growth of Religion
Church life in the new city was not neglected. Until houses of worship could be erected the old depot
was used for that purpose, the first service being held there December 11, 1870. A large assemblage
attended the afternoon meeting and the morning Sunday school session numbered sixty eight
scholars. On that first Christmas festivities were held for these boys and girls in Nehring's Hotel.
On June 21, 1870 Thomas Welwood turned the first shovel of dirt for the first church, St. John’s
German Union Church on Palmer Avenue (now John Street). A year later on May 29, the cornerstone
of the Church was laid with an appropriate ceremony. The edifice; which still stands, was dedicated
August 26, 1872. Rev. A. Stoll, who had succeeded Rev. F. Wagner as pastor and several visiting
clergymen conducted the service. But the debt acquired in the building of the Church and the
adjacent parsonage was a burden too heavy for the small congregation and a sheriff's sale was
imminent. A change in the congregation from the control of the Reformed Synod to the Lutheran and
a call to the pastorage of Rev. G. W. Drees brought new hope. The Church, thereafter, was called St.
John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. Through the efforts of Pastor Drees sufficient funds were raised
locally and from New York friends to tide the Church over this difficult period. The congregation grew
and prospered under the guidance of the Christian character of Rev. Drees, who died in this pastorate
in 1891 at the age of eighty. Rev. A. W. Bertram was called to fill the vacancy. He grew in the esteem
of his people and they mourned his untimely death in 1896 at thirty eight years of age. The mortal
remains of Pastors Drees and Bertram are in the local cemetery. Rev. Edward Staudmann of Brooklyn
came to St. John's in August 1896 and remained for ten years when he left at the call of a Mt. Vernon
congregation. He has since retired and has on several occasions returned to visit his former
parishioners who held him the highest regard. St. John's continues to serve the community as it has
done since the inauguration of the village.
The Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help began its building on Bismarch Avenue (South 8th Street)
north of the Turnpike in July 1870. The Church was dedicated August 15, 1871 and on that same day
a bell, the gift of Charles Schleier was put in position. Impressive ceremonies witnessed by over a
thousand persons marked the occasion. Bishop Loughlin of Brooklyn officiated and there was music
by a New York Choir and the Breslau Leiderkranz singing Society. Rev. Father Theodore Driessen of
Detroit, devoted and zealous priest took over the parish. He literally made a church out of a wilderness
and Breslau residents pointed with pride to the fine Catholic Church building and its neat
surroundings. Rev. Father Schwartz of the Dominican Convent in Amityville succeeded Father
Page 11 / 80
Driessen in 1877. Financial difficulties soon befell the small congregation and there was a temporary
suspension of services but in 1881 most of the mortgage debt was generously canceled and the
Church reopened with Rev. Father Feser of Brooklyn as the spiritual guide. Benefits were held for the
Church with the result that by the end of the year the parish was in a prosperous condition.
Rev. Father Matthies J. Michels came to the Church in 1887 and was very popular among his people.
He died in 1891 at seventy-seven years of age and was buried in the cemetery to the rear of the
church. Rev. Father Leon Schaffert and Rev. Father John B. Koeborle were later priests. During the
latter's pastorate the Church's 25th anniversary was celebrated on August 16, 1896 with a parade
including all village organizations. High mass was held with Rev. Bishop McConnell present. In that
same year a sizable rectory was constructed. Shortly after the turn of the century the Bismarck
Avenue Church building was declared unsafe and a new and larger edifice was built on So. Wellwood
Avenue. The old Church structure was removed and finally razed by private parties to whom it was
sold. The Church site is enclosed by a fence and several graves in the cemetery still show tender
care. Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church has expanded considerably through the years and the
Christian work began in 1870 continues.
The cornerstone of a Baptist Church on Bennet Place (now Bristol St.) was laid March 17, 1872 and
the building dedicated May 20 of that year. William Diehl, a Williamsburg gentleman advanced the
sum of $3,000, the cost of the structure and gave the church “free use of it until such time as they are
abundantly able to repay it". A large group of people attended the first service in which several visiting
clergymen took part. Its congregation of twenty two was ministered to by the Rev. A. Stern. The
Church had been opened nearly two years when the congregation disbanded. Later the building was
used for a short period by a Methodist group and when it was again unoccupied, the structure was
bought by William Yost. He had a soap factory there in 1885. In 1895 after the disastrous fire of the
Vulcanite Manufacturing Company the building was leased by them for use as a temporary factory.
Winter storage quarters for Mr. Yost's carousel was the last use to which the structure was put. After a
fire had destroyed part of the building Mr. Yost in 1898 converted it into a private dwelling which still.
stands.
A Methodist congregation was started in 1881 by a group of workers of the Vulcanite Manufacturing
Company. They had come from Massachusetts with the concern and found no church of their faith in
Breslau. At first the Bank Building on West Hoffman Avenue was rented and prayer meetings under
Mr. Romery were held there every Sunday evening. The untenanted Baptist Church building was
leased and renovated and the first service was held there March 13, 1881. The congregation was
short lived but many years later in 1926 the Grace Methodist Episcopal Church way organized and
now has an attractive edifice on South Wellwood Avenue which is serving a goodly number of
Christian people.
It should be recorded that since 1900 a Hebrew Congregation has been formed in Lindenhurst and
also a Baptist group which seems to be flourishing.
The founder of Breslau considering all needs of the now city, presented to the citizens a plot of ground
to be used as a public cemetery. The plot in the northeast part of the village near the Stewart's line of
the Long Island Rail Road is still devoted to that purpose. The presentation and dedication ceremony
was held January 11, 1874 at which time Adam Griebel tendered the gift in the name of the donor, Mr.
Welwood. Plots were laid out and residents of the village made their selections at a public meeting.
Citizens volunteered to make a mile long road from Wellwood Avenue to the cemetery and each man
working on the project was given a lot. After one heavy snowfall in the winter of 1876 Mr. Hundt was
paid fifty cents to clear this road to permit a funeral entourage to reach the burying ground.
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The Breslau Cemetery Association, incorporated May 25, 1875, was formed to administer business
affairs. Officers were chosen as follows: Adam Griebel, president; Adolph Noll, Vice-president; Anton
Langsdorf, secretary and Herman Hartmann, treasurer. Funds for cemetery improvement were raised
by picnics and summer night's festivals. The plot was enclosed by a fence and in 1887 a building
intended as a receiving vault was erected. A bell was placed in its tower in 1897 and tolled for many a
favorite son who had gone "Home." Decoration Day parades and exercises at the cemetery were
sponsored annually by the Association. Graves of departed veterans and firemen, both in the Catholic
cemetery to the rear of the Church and in the Department and Veterans organization have taken over
the Memorial Day Program.
In 1875 for the consideration of one dollar a portion of the original cemetery plot was deeded to the
Bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn for use as a Catholic cemetery. The first interment was in 1896
since the cemetery on the Church grounds had been used until that date. In 1876 following a petition
by the small group of Hebrew residents of the community a plot of ground for use as a Hebrew
cemetery was sold to them for the sum of $135.
Marked Progress of Early Manufacturing
From the beginning Breslau was intended to be a manufacturing center. The prospect of steady
employment attracted many of the original home builders. Most of the proposed industries failed to
materialize although Mr. Welwood through his agent offered free land to all manufacturers who would
locate in the community.
In 1872 the Breslau Manufacturing Company opened in a three storied brick building about one-half
mile east of the depot on Hoffman Avenue and under its superintendent Dr. F. R. Marquard,
manufactured, by a secret process, various ornamental articles out of sawdust. The plant was
referred to locally as the "papier mache factory." A depression period closed the place in 1876 and in
January 1881 the Vulcanite Manufacturing Company of Massachusetts took over the building and
began the manufacture of buttons, casters, jewelry and other articles from the hoofs of cattle. Safetypin making was added in 1898. At its high point the Vulcanite, under the able direction of its highly
regarded Superintendent Wilbur C. Abbott, employed nearly 200 people. Two extensions were added
in 1888.
On a Pfingst Sunday in June 1895 the entire plant was destroyed by fire with a loss of nearly $70,000
partially covered by insurance. Before the end of that month temporary quarters were set up in
various large buildings in the village and business was resumed. The citizens of Lindenhurst
volunteered to clear the old site of debris and prepare the ground for a new factory, the foundation of
which was begun a month after the fire. By October of that year the steam whistle calling the people
to work in the new plant was blown by Charles Hirsch, Jr., whose father had pulled the rope of the first
whistle blown in the original building. A reception was tendered the people of the community in the
new fireproof factory on the 15th anniversary of the local Vulcanite organization. At the turn of the
century the factory was still operating and did so until 1937.
A factory building erected in 1873 on the north side of the South Side Rail Road opposite the Breslau
Manufacturing Company was used for the manufacture of dress, cloak and fur trimmings. For eight
months until the death of the owner Mr. S. Brody the business provided work for nearly 100 people.
The factory closed but during the ensuing year was reopened for short periods by other interests. The
building from disuse and disrepair finally succumbed to the gale of the blizzard of '83.
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The manufacture of cigars began in the early 1870's and for nearly fifty years was an important
industry in Breslau. The C.L. Goercken plant on Hoffman Avenue and D. Bendheim's on South
Wellwood Avenue Were two of the largest. About 1920 the latter building was purchased by the
Catholic Church and converted into their first Parochial School.
The Swiss embroidery business, which is still a lucrative industry had its beginning in Nehring's Hotel
in 1886. A machine with 208 needles purchased by Mrs. Nehring was operated, in her place until its
sale and removal in 1890 to the three story Housler Building on Bismarck Avenue. Purchase of other
machines by villagers followed and embroidery shops, which gave employment to many, were
established throughout Lindenhurst. Among the big operators in the 1890's were Charles Weierter, Jr.,
Joseph Bannwart, Edward Roggweiler and Harry Kohler. The embroidery work still goes on in present
day Lindenhurst but not on as large a scale.
Other small manufacturers flourished for a time, among them the musical instrument plant of E.
Bernhart, and Jacob Oeffinger's accordion factory. The artificial flower industry of A. Otto Krueger and
his son John S. provided homework for many women. Ernest Henke began in 1897 in a two story
building on Travis Ave. the manufacture of a rotataryscope, a toy of his own invention. He turned to
button making in 1901 when he and a small group of local businessmen formed the Lindenhurst
Manufacturing Company, whose present day large plant, between Travis Avenue and Smith Street
houses the village most prosperous, industry.
During business depression the housewives of Breslau, deft with the needle, tailored clothing for New
York concerns. From time to time there were long periods of unemployment in the factories of Breslau
but the thrifty and ingenious, citizens weathered the storm.
Social Life of Breslau
The alternate prosperity and depression of their economic existence and the problems associated with
the founding of a new home did not dampen the social life of the people of Breslau. A newspaper
reporter of that early era put it thus: “If any of the human family know how to enjoy life to an advantage
the Germans can not be excelled." Ere the first year of Breslau's existence closed a singing society
known as the Liederbranz was giving concerts at Nehring Hotel. The Arion Singing Society and later
the Harmonia Club were organized and all groups arranged benefit concerts for the school and
churches.
The Breslau Brass Band with Henry Strack leader was organized in 1881 with a membership of ten.
In 1888 it was reorganized as the Breslau Cornet Band, a name with a familiar ring to many local
residents and to neighboring villagers as well. A handsome stage, owned by the group, conveyed the
Band to far points in Suffolk and Nassau counties for appearances in parades and concerts.
The Jolly Nine, a social group formed by young men in 1875, existed for many years. Balls and
parties were organized by them for the entertainment of the village folk and their annual Thanksgiving
Masquerade Ball at Gleste's Hotel was for over thirty five years a Breslau and Lindenhurst tradition.
Summer Night's Festivals, one of the Fatherland customs, and picnics were sponsored by all village
organizations. Favorite rendezvous for these affairs were Nehring's and Gleste's Parks to the rear of
the hotels. Washington Hotel Pavilion and in the very early days Nehring's Grove on the South Road
midway to Babylon. And mention must be made of Mr. Yost's carousel which from the middle 1880's
was set up for a few weeks each summer in Nehring's Park. That carousel was a part of early
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Lindenhurst which oldsters today look back upon with pleasure.
Sporting life was represented in the following organized groups; the Breslau Schutzen Corps begun in
1871, the Breslau turner's Society in 1873, the Lindenhurst Athletic Club in 1894, the Lindenhurst
Bicycle Club and the Progress Wheelmen in 1896. These two last named societies sponsored cycle
runs to distant points, the winners very often receiving valuable prizes. One such run from John
Pfurr's stand on the South Country Road to Bayview Hotel, East Amityville and return - a distance of
four miles - was completed in twenty minutes by Frank. Voelker who was awarded six silver forks. A
town bicycle path opened along the South Road in 1896 and a few years later a fine cycle path was
made on Wellwood Avenue.
Baseball and football teams represented Breslau in inter-village contests. The "Rising Star", a
baseball club, was organized in 1876 with C. F. Wild, captain; John Krueger, treasurer, and William
Hirsch, secretary, all of which are family names still familiar in Lindenhurst. The first football team in
1898 met the opponents with an “eleven” which included eight players who had never seen a football
game.
Sailing on the Great South Bay became a popular sport in the 1890's and "water excursions" and
beach parties were the feature of the summer program of all organizations. In 1893 Frederick Torns,
Jr. bought and moved to the dock at the foot of Wellwood Avenue the pavilion of the U.S. Land
Improvement Company. Named at first Neguntatogue Pavilion Mr. Torns not only operated a
refreshment counter there but organized boat races and dances for the younger generation. In one
race for sharpies and skiffs the prize was a barrel of flour. The pavilion in later years was enclosed
and is now used as a restaurant.
The founding of fraternal and benevolent lodges began early. Among the first were the first were the
Pioneer Lodge No. 71 Order of Sons of Freedom in 1871 and Grove No. 18 United Ancient Order of
Druids in 1872, the Breslau Lodge Knights of Protection in 1886 and the Breslau Labor Association in
1892. One of these are now in existence but William Tell Lodge No. 189 Knights of Pythias of 1882,
the Breslau Lodge No. 189 L.I.O.F. of 1885, G. D. Meinen 1890 are still part of Breslau fraternal life.
Growth of our Public Schools System (1870 - 1930)
The settlers in the new city of Breslau were faced early with the problems of providing educational
facilities for their youth. The Neguntatogue District School on the Turnpike was the only school house
in the vicinity in the year 1870. The small building cared for 41 pupils the year Breslau was founded
but during the following term , an increased school enrollment necessitated an immediate expansion in
school room space. The old depot, which had been moved one-fourth of a mile north to lots on what
is now School Street, was readied for use as a school and opened in 1871. A deed to the land was
presented by Mr. Welwood to the "Breslau School to be used for school purposes only." Professors F.
B. Conrad and. Jacob Sulzbach were engaged as instructors. The Neguntatogue School remained
open for a short time to care for the children of the farmers who lived in its vicinity. During. the school
year of 1871-72 the two school houses had a total enrollment of 170 and $450 is recorded as the sum
spent for teacher wages.
Professor Conrad lighted a Christmas tree in Nehring's Hotel on December 25, 1871 for all the
children of District 4 and prizes were awarded the most industrious and best behaving scholars. The
first annual picnic was at Nehring's Grove on the South Road in August 1872, the children being
escorted to the picnic area by the two existing fraternal groups and singing society - all preceded by a
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brass band. This lighter side of school life was incidental. Application to studies must have been
satisfactory for the visiting District Commissioner always had a good report for the educational work
being carried on. Until about 1885 all instruction for two days of the week was given in the German
language; the other three days were devoted to teaching in English. A few of the names on the
teaching roster during the early years follows: Frederick Megelin, Camille S. Knoth, Carl J. Schmidt,
Herman Mueller, Edwin J. Faust and Caroline Dick, who is now Mrs. Charles Weierter and still a local
resident.
The operation of district schools was under the guidance of a group or three trustees. The little
Neguntatogue School had among its trustees men bearing the names of these first land owners:
Gleet, Strong, Berry, Barto and Ketcham. The first record-of trustees of the Breslau School shows the
election at the annual school meeting of 1873 of Charles Hirsch, trustee, F. Christian Wild, collector
and Joseph Ketcham, clerk. A few succeeding trustees of the early years, whose descendants still live
in Lindenhurst, were Frederick Torns, John Feller, George Ruff, Henry Ramsauer, Alvin Parthe, John
Woelker, Charles Warta and William Kurdt. Mr. Wild previously mentioned, served the district for
sixteen years as collector and was followed by George W. Irmisch, who in 1892 turned over the office
to John S. Krueger.
It was felt that educational advantages of the village could be increased by changing from Common
School District to Union Free School and it was so voted. Elected to the board of Education now was
to consist of nine members and following were elected to the board: Alvin Parthe, President; Ernest
Henke, Ferdinand Gontz, William Hirsh and George Jommes. Martin Bollinger and John S Krueger
were designated clerk and treasurer respectively. Mention should be made of William Rall, who was
elected the Board of Education in 1895 and served continuously until the day of his death forty nine
years later.
Breslau soon outgrew its school building and in February of 1876 the following notice was inserted in
the "Signal": "Sealed proposals are received at Henry Hartman's for estimates to build a new school
house at Breslau until February 17 at 8 P.M. Plan and specifications can be seen at Henry
Hartmann's residence". In 1877 a two story frame school house on School Street just to the south of
the former school was completed and open for use. The vacated building was in 1878 renovated and
repaired to accommodate the first apparatus of the Breslau fireman. A meeting room for fireman and
public use was laid out in the upper part. In 1883 fire headquarters was moved to another location
and structure, which had served the community in many capacities, was converted into a private
dwelling. It still stands, an attractive home just north of the Elementary School.
Most Communities seem unable to keep space with the growing school population and Breslau was
no exception. In 1891 the assembly hall on the second floor of the new building was converted into a
classroom. Through purchases in 1890, '94 and '96 eleven additional lots adjacent to the school were
acquired and a two story wing 22 x 35 feet costing $2000 was added to the school in the year 1899.
At the same time a central steam heating system necessary, this school building was sold and moved
to North 4th Street, where it is now used as a coat manufactory. The present Elementary School was
erected on the site in 1910 and in 1930 a half million dollar Junior Senior High School was constructed
on South Wellwood Avenue. Lindenhurst has come a long way from the days of the Neguntatogue
School but fond recollections of the little schoolhouse are still cherished by at least one local resident,
Elizabeth Burchard who began her school life there in 1870.
Fire Department History
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An explosion in October 1877 of a kerosene lamp in the home of Charles Wagner, with the resulting
destruction of four houses by fire, brought home the necessity of an organized fire fighting group. On
November 29 of that year nineteen men met and formed the Breslau Feuer Wehe or Fire Brigade with
A. Otto Krueger, foreman, Henry Waldau, assistant; Julius Schneider, treasurer and Martin Bollinger,
secretary. Funds were collected and in February 1878 Charles Hirsch and Martin Bollinger went to
College Point, Long Island to purchase a hand engine and 250 feet of leather hose. The equipment
was housed in the old school house on School Street. Money for the final payment on the engine was
raised later through the presentation of a Summer Night's Festival in Nehring's Pavilion. Enthusiasm
for the new organization ran high for there were sixty active members six months after its inauguration.
Fire practices began immediately and on some occasions to make the practice more realistic actual
fires were kindled to give the boys a real workout. The firemen must have profited from these little
practice periods for their performance on actual duty was most commendable. Special praise was
given them for controlling a fire in 1881 in Henry Waudau's home on Travis Avenue. It is reported that
the "Fire company under Marshal John Feller did splendidly."
In April 1882 a large conflagration destroyed the accordion manufacturing plant of Jacob Oeffinger on
Smith Street with a loss of $7000. The adjoining residence and cigar factory of Louis Feustal escaped
destruction only through the Herculean efforts of the Feuer Wehr. At this fire it yeas realized that the
addition of a hook and ladder company to the existing unit was essential. A group of sixteen young
men met May 15, 1882 and established the Independent Hook and Ladder Company No. 1.
The "Independent" was within the year changed to "Union". At the first annual election set for
September 4 the following officers were elected: Herman Funk, foreman; Anton Langsdorf and
Nicholas Ott, assistants; George Gleste, Jr., treasurer and John Krueger, secretary. A hand drawn
hook and ladder truck costing $170 was made to order by F. W. Munkelwitz of Sayville. Money was
raised by contributions and benefit social events. Mr. Funk and George Hirsch took William Heling's
team to Sayville to get the truck on August 12 and a parade and celebration at Gleste's marked its
arrival. Temporary quarters to house the apparatus were rented in Sebold Lang's barn.
On June 16, 1882 the original Fire Brigade incorporated as the Breslau Engine Company No, 1 and
that company together with the newly formed Union Hook and Ladder Company purchased land of
Philip Stract on Palmer Avenue just to the west of St. John's Lutheran Church. In 1883 a building
22X35 feet was erected as their fire headquarters. The apparatus was placed in the lower hall and the
floor above was furnished for use as a meeting room. A joint board governed the communal property
of the two companies.
Another expansion in the fire fighting strength of Breslau took place September 27, 1884 when sixteen
men formed the Liberty Hose Company. Officers were elected as follows: Arthur Parthe, foreman;
Louis Secgoot, assistant; Michael Taylor, secretary; Andrew Hebrer, treasurer. A two-wheeled hose
carriage called "jumper" was purchased and was kept in rented quarters. When a four-wheeled
carriage was added to its equipment in 1891 the Hose Company bought lots and erected a house on
the west side of South Wellwood Avenue. The Structure remained in use until it was sold and moved
to make room for the present large building of the Lindenhurst Fire. Department. Mr. Klaus, purchaser
of the Hose Company building, removed it to the east side of South First Street just below Reade
Avenue. It was raised to make a two story dwelling and as such it still stands.
On May 20, 1885 the three companies then existing established the Breslau Fire Department with
Herman Funk, Chief; Hugo Waidau, assistant; Arthur Parthe, secretary; and Alvin Parthe, treasurer. In
September of that year department members traveled to Jamaica for their first tournament and along
with them went the Hook and Ladder truck which was transported thence by a railroad flat car. Many
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tournaments were attended in the following years and from them Breslau firemen brought home a
goodly number of trophies. In 1900 Lindenhurst played host to the Volunteer Firemen's Association of
Suffolk County. In anticipation of the event the Greenport "Watchman" said: "We hope it will be the
best tournament yet held; the Breslau firemen deserve to have the best as for years they have done
their best to help make the tournaments successful in other places." And a success it was due to the
well arranged and executed plans of the committee of firemen and citizens.
The younger boys of ten to fourteen years of age wanted a share in firemenic glories so they formed
two Juvenile Companies Engine Company No. 2. Each group had its apparatus built to small scale
which it proudly displayed in parades and tournaments.
In the early days calls were frequently received via the telegraph asking for assistance at large fires in
neighboring villages. In 1888 such a call came from Amityville. "William Heling harnessed his team to
the engine; Host Gleste's grays drew the truck; the hose cart was fastened to John Feller's wagon
and chief Torns carried a wagon load of firemen." Thirty minutes later the galloping procession arrived
at the burning Home Hotel.
On one occasion in 1889 the fire department was called upon to pump water into a railroad engine
held at the Breslau switch because of a wreck on the line ahead. The boys, ready for any emergency
hand pumped the necessary water supply into the engine. Later the Long Island Railroad harshly
canceled its step by transporting free of charge from Greenport to Lindenhurst in 1891 a newly
acquired steamer for the engine company and a new hose carriage for the liberty hose.
In 1889, during the regime of Chief Frederick Torns, Sr. , the Breslau fire district was created and the
expense of operating a fire department was henceforth to be met by taxation. The ownership of the
apparatus and buildings of the three companies passed into the hands of the new fire district of
Breslau. The board of fire directors aimed to continue and encourage the high efficiency of the
department. In 1893 a thirty-eight foot tower in which hung a fire bell thirty eight inches in diameter
was erected next to the Palmer Avenue fire house. The clear, deep tones of the bell, were said to
have been heard five miles away. Rewards of five dollars and three dollars were offered to the owners
of teams who would haul the steamer and other machines to fires so that the firemen would "reach the
fire in better condition."
Three other companies were to be formed and added to the Lindenhurst fire department in the years
after 1900 and large fire house was to be erected on South Wellwood Avenue in 1923. The first Feuer
Wehr of 19 men in 1877 was to be awarded in 1945 by a departmental active membership of 275.
Earliest Political Growth at Breslau
Almost contemporary with the founding of Breslau was the separation, from the town of Huntington of
the southern portion of its land for the purpose of establishing a new township, the Town of Babylon.
First elections of the town were held in April, 1872 and William Gauckler, who was elected justice of
the peace became the first Breslau representative on the town board. Mr. Gauckler, an esteemed
and cultured gentlemen died in office in 1877. Ferdinand Beschott was his successor, who was
followed in later years by Charles Wagner, Jacob Oeffinger, Herman Funk, Arthur Neville and Alvin
Parthe, the latter being elected in 1899. Also in that first Town election Elbert Strong and Frederick
Torns were selected commissioner of highways and constable, respectively.
Previous to the establishment of a Breslau election district in September, 1872, local voters cast their
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general election ballots in Amityville or Babylon, whichever was designated polling place for that year.
The south side railroad transported voters free of charge. With the formation of an Election District
voters could cast their ballots locally. F.E. Nehring's Hotel was named as the first polling place and Mr.
Nehring, Daniel Smith and Anthony Landsdorf were appointed inspectors of election. 197 votes were
cast in that first November election.
Breslau people from the first were politically enthusiastic. Each national and state election inspired the
formation of party groups. Every controversial question was debated in an open meeting. When in
1876 and 1877 the question arose of Babylon Township in Nassau County, Breslau voters fought
tenaciously for its continued existence as a part of Suffolk.
The result of the 1896 presidential election was of great concern to the local people since it involved
tariff policies, which would effect the operation of the Vulcanite Manufacturing Company, the principal
source of revenue of Lindenhurst residents. Returns from the "outside" were telephoned to the
Vulcanite which had the first and only telephone in the village, it having been installed the year before.
Messengers ran from the factory to the polling place to give reports and Engineer Hirsch remained
duty at the telephone until one P.N. The election of McKinley meant protective tariff and the prospect
of continued employment to Lindenhurst people.
In 1889 land speculators suggested a change in the name of the village but a petition signed by
residents was forwarded to Washington pleading for the continuation of the use of the name Breslau.
The question arose again in 1891 and a large number of petitioners favoring a name chance sent their
request to the post office department. Breslau formally became Lindenhurst (a name said to have
been suggested by the wife of Dr. Jesse M. Cadwallader) on July 14, 1891. The railroad officials
recognized the new designation and changed the station sign the same day. "The new name is
generally satisfactory and when people become used to the innovation, all, no doubt, will be "pleased"
reports the "South Side Signal".
Real Estate Rivalry of Schleier and Welwood
One unpleasant page mars the history of Lindenhurst. The relationship of Thomas Welwood and
Charles S. Schleier, the two who cooperated in the founding of a city, became strained in the early part
of the of the year 1872. Charges and counter-charges of owner and agent covered a period of several
years and the consequent uncertainty of who was authorized to convey a clear title to purchasers
retarded the progress of Breslau. The long period of court litigations and bankruptcy proceedings
involving these two men and their holdings in the new city led the Breslauites in 1886 to cry:"If Breslau
could be entirely rid of both Messrs. Schleier and Welwood, the place and people would be better off."
The story begins on January 10, 1872 when Thomas Welwood and his wife Abby and Charlotte A.
Schleier, wife of Charles E. Schleier signed an Agreement Deed which is on record in the Suffolk
County Clerk's office. Welwood, who originally owned all Breslau lands, conveyed to his agent
Schleier at an agreed price per lot certain lands, as yet, unsold the latter "to pay once a week and
oftener if called for one-half the gross receipts received .. from sale of .. land until the whole of land be
paid for." It was further agreed that, "all land hereafter bought within said boundaries shall be bought
on joint account." Welwood and Schleier each pay share of these latter lands at a fixed price per lot.
The first public evidence that all was not well with this agreement was the notice of Mr. Welwood in the
New York State Zeitung of April 1872 "that hereafter payment for lots at Breslau must be made to
him .. and not at the office of Mr. Schleier as he will issue not deeds for lots sold by the latter." In
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December the same year the courts dissolved and injunction which restrained Welwood from selling
lots. However Schleier continued to fight this decision in the courts and instituted litigation
proceedings against Welwood which remained unsettled for seven years. The confusion of
prospective block buying can be imagined. Their question was "who owns Breslau?". The land boom
suffered accordingly and difficult times came, to a few hundred already settled in the new city.
Anticipated business establishments failed to materialize and lack of employment caused many home
owners to face foreclosure.
In an attempt to make a final settlement of all court actions still pending the Welwoods and the
Schleiers signed an indenture in 1979, which appointed Henry C.M. Ingraham trustee of all unsold
lands in Breslau. Schleier's attorney was Moody B. Smith, a heavy mortgage holder in Breslau
property. Welwood's counsel was General Benjamin F. Tracy famous New York lawyer and Secretary
of the Navy in Harrison's administration. The latter received as his legal fee a large tract of land in the
south-western part of the village. It is now the section known as Deer Park. Schleier, by this last court
paper was named owner of certain Breslau lands subject to liens reposing upon them. Under the
direction of the Trustee, Schleier was to sell the land and meet the liens thereon. Schleier, by this last
court paper, was named owner of certain Breslau lands subject to liens reposing upon them. Under
the direction of the Trustee, Schleier was to sell the land and meet the liens thereon. Schleier instead
of concentrating on the sale of this land, bought up for unpaid taxes land to the north in the section
called Breslau Garden Plots. He proceeded to liquidate these tax lots.
By 1886 liens and claims, on all of the property, had accumulated to such an extent that by court
action the land was ordered sold at public auction under the direction of Timothy F. Neville, counselor
at law, who was appointed referee. Auction sales began immediately at the Watson House in Babylon.
Total sales in one day were $36,450. Some of the land came into the hands of a group of men
organized as the United States Land Improvement Company and this company proceeded to develop
and sell considerable property. In 1891 excursion trains carrying prospective buyers again came to
Breslau. But by 1895 the Company ran into financial difficulties when the mortgage held on the
property by the Welwoods was foreclosed. The next year several thousand acres owned by the
company and upon which no taxes had been paid were bought in by the Town of Babylon. Through
the succeeding years other real estate companies assumed ownership of Breslau land tracts and as a
result of their sales most of present day Lindenhurst is now owned by private parties. Equity or
ownership by Welwood and Schleier heirs ended in the 1930's with the final sale of their remaining
interests in Lindenhurst property.
Charles S. Schleier died June 9, 1887 in the Long Island College Hospital at 64 years of age. There
are those who claim his real estate promotion policies were questionable but the fact remains it was
he who conceived the building of Breslau. The older generation in Lindenhurst is familiar with his
name and his part in the history of the village but, since there is no longer even a street bearing his
name, Schleier in the future will be known only to the historian.
Thomas Welwood visited Breslau in 1890 "looking considerably older and his stalwart form stooped."
He died October 16, 1893. He was founder of Welwood, later Breslau and still later Lindenhurst, and
his memory is perpetuated in the one hundred foot wide thoroughfare which (although misspelled) has
born his name since 1869.
Lindenhurst's history does not end with 1900 but the story of the next forty-five years must await
another "telling." The large city envisioned by its founders Welwood and Schleier, did not materialize.
In 1900 the population of Lindenhurst was 1080 ad was to grow to 5745 in 1945. But size does not
determine its success or its worth. To the people who live there, a, majority of whom are descendants
of the Breslau settlers of the 1870's, it is home. A home cut from the pine brush of Neguntatogue land
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by people who had faith in its future. A feeling of justifiable pride in the achievements the past seventy
five years is a challenge to the people of Lindenhurst to continue building a community worthy of the
faith of their fathers.
Indian Days
Before the coming of the the white man, the land upon which Lindenhurst now stands was, in common
with the bulk of North America, was occupied by American Indians. Twelve Algonquin tribes of the
Mohegan nation were found occupying Long Island when the white settler came. The area from Front
Neck to Islip from the rear to about the center of the island was inhabited by the Massapequa tribe.
The Massapequas enjoyed a comparatively peaceful life without too many hardships. They made
their living chiefly by fishing and clamming in the nearby waters. There was little need for tilling the
soil except to plant a little grain for bread. Their homes were long log structures, housing as many as
fifteen families. Wampum (shell used by the American Indians as a medium of exchange) was
plentiful in the area--so much so that the Iroquois and other tribes periodically made it the target of
their invasions. The Massapequas, however lived on friendly terms with the white settlers on the
Island for the most part. The one war they did wage was apparently incited by the Dutch in 1654 as
an effort to break the hold which English had procured on the island. A Captain Underhill and his men
overcame the Massapequas, slaying about one hundred and fifty of them and marking finis' to trouble
with the Indians.
White settlers appeared slowly in the region and farmhouses dotted the section. Politically the area
was a part of the Town of Huntington and Charles E. Ketcham, whose house still stands (though
altered in appearance) at the northeast corner of Montauk Highway and Neguntatogue Road
(Wellwood Avenue) was one of the pound masters of the town. The tiny school building which stood
on the south side of the Montauk Highway served Santapogue Neck and Little Neck.
In 1867, the railroad of the South Side System was built across the Town of Huntington, with stations
at the growing villages of Amityville and Babylon. In some way, the region through which the railroad
passed as it crossed Neguntatogue Road and which stretched away to the north, covered with the
native scrub-oak growth; mixed with pine, which was common to much of the middle of the island,
came to the attention of Thomas Welwood.
When Thomas Welwood visited this region, he envisioned a thriving city complete with industry, places
of entertainment and many homes. He bought a tremendous amount of acreage and laid out many
streets with sites indicated for all types of buildings, which a thriving city should have. In 1869,
Thomas and Abby Welwood became the pioneer settlers and founders of Wellwood, together with
Charles S. Schleier, another who became interested in the conception of this vicinity as a
manufacturing and industrial community.
Charles Schleier (Founder of Breslau)
Harper's Magazine ran a biography of Charles S. Schleier in 1833, and the magazine's comments on
his activities make interesting reading. To quote the article Breslau is 33 miles from New York
bordering on the Great South Bay, on the line of the South Side Railroad and the commutations are
such that shop people and working men in New York can live there even after paying their traveling
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expenses, cheaper than where they labor. In the year 1870, Mr. Schleier built a railroad depot at the
cost of $2,000.00, which he presented to the railroad company, a Catholic Church was put up and it is
a commodious frame edifice, costing with the steeple and furniture, $5,000.00. The ground upon
which it was built was donated by Mr. Schleier together with $2,000.00 and a fine bell. Assistance of a
similar kind was offered the Hebrew, Lutheran and Baptists. At present there are four churches in
Breslau together with a Catholic Convent and an orphan asylum, under the care of the Sisters of St.
Dominic. Children of every denomination to the number of 400 are cared for in the asylum. A
volunteer fire department was organized and avenues and streets are named after German authors
and poets, Mosenthal, Goethe, Humboldt, Schiller, Lessing, Baron De Kalb and General Steuben.
The Breslau Post Office was established on Dec. 22, 1970, with Gustave Gude as postmaster.
Practically all the families attracted to the new city of Breslau were German and the life of the
community soon assumed an almost old country atmosphere. The German language exclusively was
used in church services and even the local schools conducted classes in German.
Schleier who had been born in Breslau Germany in 1823 had been compelled to seek a home in this
country because of his part in the Revolutionary War, in 1848. He accumulated quite a fortune within
a score of years in America and determined to buy land, divide it into lots and build houses for the
accommodation of the poor and middle classes. He was one of the early instituters of the easy
payment plan so popular today. The Welwoods and Schleier inaugurated an intensive advertising
campaign and were successful in selling many lots. On the first day of June, 1870 an elaborate
celebration was held in honor of the inauguration of this settlement and the name of Breslau was
adopted, replacing Wellwood. According to advertising literature, "Up to the close of that day (June
6th) about 8,000 city lots had been sold.
Police and Early Fire Protection of Early Breslau
Frederick Torns, Sr. Lindenhurst, oldest pioneer died at 91 years of age on Saturday July 16th, 1932.
He was familiarly known to all corners of the village as "Pop" Torns in view of his long association with
the advancement and progress of Lindenhurst. The Lindenhurst Star of July 22, 1932 carried a very
interesting account of Mr. Torns' life history and therein revealed valuable historic information
concerning the earliest forms of police protection and fire fighting employed by the Breslau inhabitants,
a word picture too clearly reminiscent of pioneer development out West. The articles follow in part.
First Deputy Sheriff
An the beginning of the land and real estate boom in Breslau during the early 1870's, when farms
were being cut into lots and streets were being made Mr. Torns purchased several plots and he came
to be affiliated with the building association (Breslau Building and Loan Association) which promoted
the erection for the first dwellings. Lumber began to move from the city and the anticipation of Charles
Schleier and Thomas Welwood, pioneer founders of Breslau and Welwood respectively, to establish a
typical German community began to react realization. At this time thievery of the lumber and
carpenter's equipment caused much trouble, and a special meeting of the building association was
called for the purpose of selecting a competent watchman to stand guard day and night.
The health of Mrs. Torns not being of the best, and with physician's advice that she seek a better
climate both came to Breslau and Mr. Torns was appointed watchman for the association.
Page 22 / 80
Homes began to spring up almost overnight, but the robberies continued. Several arrests were made,
but a Justice of the Peace of Amityville questioned his legal authority. In order to eliminate the
constant thievery, a group of hardy settlers, numbering fifteen, banded, together under the name of
Vigilantes to protect the property owners. In the days that followed, a number of arrests were made
and many accused persons severely thrashed as justice was taken in their own way. After a short
time it became evident that the depreciations were gradually ceasing and the carpenter contractors
were grateful. Shortly after that, Pop Torns was officially named the Deputy Sheriff, which gave him
the right to make arrests in the name of the law.
First Fire Company
The building boom continued and, as the community progressed with rapid strides, means were
sought to combat the fire hazard which was ever present in view of the thick surrounding woodland.
Insurance companies refused to assume any risk, which necessitated the people, and equally Mr.
Torns, to take the initiative. It was then the first volunteer fire company of the township (Breslau Feuer
Wehr) had its inception and of which Pop Torns was the sole survivor at the time of his death. He was
elected the third chief of the Fire Department and served over a period of nine years. (Fire apparatus
of this time is accurately discussed in the history of Lindenhurst Fire Dept.)
Civic Activities Portray Mr. Torns as Model Citizen
In the early seventies following several years of hardship, the village settled down to the ordinary rural
community life. Mr. Torns established himself in the butcher business, serving the trade at the present
Diamond Department Store, and conducting a thriving business for more than 30 years, after which he
retired to private life, remaining active in civic and public affairs until only a few years ago when he
was content to rest upon his well earned laurels and watch a younger generation in its work of welding
a perfected social and scientific generation and governmental system.
In 1897, he was appointed to the post-mastership and served four consecutive terms under William
McKinley, Theodore Roosevelt and William Taft. He also served as the third captain (foreman) of the
Breslau Engine Co., helped to organize the local Odd Fellows Lodge, and was one of the founders of
St. John's Lutheran Church over half a century ago, to name but a few of his numerous social and
political activities. At one time Pop Torns was one of the three Excise commissioners for the township
of Babylon, an elective office, and served as a director of the Fire Department for a number of terms.
Lindenhurst of 1890 Recalled by Local Historian (Edward J. H. Mielke)
A careful research into the February 12th, March 25th and April 15th issues of the Lindenhurst Star for
the year of 1932 brings to light the following and very vivid and unusually clear account of the physical
appearance of our village around 1890. Mr. Mielke's description follows:
"Occasionally, some one drifts into town who forty or more years ago left the local environment and
immediately get into print the declaration that Lindenhurst is the same today as it was during his
residence. I want to discredit these nearsighted and narrow minded visitors and call their attention to
some of the most conspicuous vicissitudes in the heart of the village. My own memory goes back to
April 4 1891, and at that time the block, southwest Wellwood and South Hoffman Avenues had just
one building, where the John Tanner residence now stands (just south of Seabro Building) occupying
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the site at that time, now being located on Ketcham Avenue, now South 2nd Street.
The block northeast Wellwood and North Hoffman Avenues, had at that time where the Wellwood
building now stands, a blacksmith and Wheelwright Shoppe and the corner now occupied by the
Washington Hotel, had a one and a half story building used at times (on days) as a saloon, with a one
story bowling alley extension.
The block northwest Wellwood and North Hoffman Avenues, had Nehring's Hotel at the corner, the
three story building where the malt and hop shop is now located (Friedman Building), and a small two
story building in the rear of the lot just west from the Sam Friedman building. (former Tiefel Dwelling
destroyed by fire). On the Wellwood Avenue, side was a small park with dancing pavilion where the A
& P store is located (now Moby Drug Store), and the one and a half story and basement building (next
to Moby's) same at time being occupied as a barber shop. The block southeast Wellwood Avenue and
South Hoffman Ave. had Gleste's hotel (Whelan Drug Store) the bank building (TavernaBarber Shop)
the two story bakery and grocery store of August Schmalkuche (Lindenhurst Bakery). On the corner
of Nostrand, a barn in the rear of said store, and the present home of Mr. Rothmier, at that time a
blacksmith shop and later the first home of Union Hook and Ladder Company. On Wellwood Avenue a
two story brick building where Boulokos Ten Room now is located, and a wagon shed. The Gleste
Hotel was destroyed by fire during 1912, and two years later the building where the candy kitchen
now stands during a most destructive fire in 1914.
I will now review to you Wellwood Avenue, north to the Central Extension of the Long Island Railroad.
Leaving the Washington Hotel we find the first Building that is now occupied by the Joe's Dry Goods
Store, long ago used as a tailor establishment, operated by a gentleman named Weltz. Next the
Gauckler residence, now owned by Jacob Leeman (next to Bob's Fruit Market) and at the corner of
Humboldt Place, now John Street, the one-story dwelling and butcher shop of Lindy's oldest pioneer,
Frederick Torns, Sr., and adjoining vacant store now the fish store of George Kriegbaum (just north of
Hirsch's Dept. Store), at that time a barn and wagon shed, and further on a saloon and grocery with
Nicklaus Heil its proprietor. The next block came a dry goods store and and hardware store of Philip
Strack, now conducted by Wiebel Paint Co. Next was a tailor shop of Henry Leigh, now a dwelling on
Schiller Place (Fremont St.) Next, the Mohr dwelling opposite Charles Heling residence and a bit
farther on a large dwelling between Ithaca and Jerome Ave. and then the general country store of G.I.
Wrieth at the corner of Henrich (now Newark St.)
Continuing, the next and last building on the easterly side of Wellwood Avenue, was the dwelling and
tinware shoe of Schweidweiler, about opposite the street running westerly past the Knoepfel property.
This during the last 80's became one of the most talked of houses in Breslau, and was the scene of
one of the most atrocious double murders in the annals of New York State, (as yet unsolved).
In going north in the westerly side of Wellwood Avenue, we leave the one and one half story and
basement, reaching the Ruff building, just north of the present shop of C.T. Willemen (site of Dr.
Greenberg residence) that has since been wrecked. Then we come to the present residence of
Breitenbruch, then Gentz, which was at that time the boot and shoe store of William Wolter (father of
William Wolter (Town of Babylon Supervisor). Continuing, the home of John Oberst, now owned by
Michael Buckley (just before reaching Sunrise Highway bridge), and terminating on Wellwood Avenue,
with a railroad station on the Central Line, now part of the Julian Becher home on Thushelda Avenue,
recently renamed New York Avenue.
After the collapse of the first boom there came a lull in the progress and development of Breslau, until
the affairs of the Continental Insurance Company in connection with the building operations that bad
been undertaken on a large scale, were finally adjusted, and then those of the inhabitants, who at the
Page 24 / 80
sale, purchasing buildings, began playing checkers with their purchases. Housemoving at that time
was in its infancy, and I believe the moving of the B. Beschott residence from the Sheet 5 section,
near the Brick House, was the first job that the late Jip Dittman undertook. It was a long and tedious
job to place this where the Adam Muller office is now located. This building has since been moved to
the Meridale Park section. The large dwelling now occupied by William Landt, Sr. stood at the corner
of 37th Street and New York Avenue, the one occupied by William Landt, Jr., stood on South 7th
Street between Kronfield and Gates Avenue. The building known to most of us as the Hoffman House,
which was destroyed by fire a few years ago, stood on Washington Avenue, just south from West John
Street. Across the street from the Vulcanite factory stood a blacksmith shop that was moved to the
Westerly side of Wellwood Avenue, north of Gates, and remodeled and is now the residence of Mrs.
Foy (just south of Modern Bakery.) At the easterly end of Ithaca St. stood two buildings of which one
was moved to Amityville, and is now part of the Weiss Dept. Store. , the other faces Wellwood Avenue
just south of Ithaca St. is the residence of Mrs. Bopp & Henry Heyer and family. The three story
building occupied by Palmaro Brothers stood on the northerly side of Gary Street, about 300 feet east
of Wellwood Avenue. The Haps dwelling in 36th Street, west of New York Avenue formerly stood on
the east side of South 6th Street between South Hoffman and Kronfield Avenues. The Diets Store and
dwelling (Jaffie Meat Market) at the corner of North 6th Street between South and Kronfeld and Gates
Avenue. The William Wild residence at the corner of North Wellwood and West John Street, formerly
stood on the east side of Broadway about 75 feet south from West John Street. The Tarusch store
(just south of the Elementary School) was another that took a long ride from Sheet 5 to present
location on School Street. The Sam Friedman stores on West Hoffman Ave. were built by the late
Charles Wagner from material salvaged from a three story factory building that went down during the
memorable blizzard of 1888, and stood just east from tie Heling Coal Yard (now occupied by Wolkoff
Coal Company).
Early Development and Manufacturing
In the fulfillment of Charles Schleier's dreams, industry quickly came to the budding development. J.S.
Kruger established the first industry in the new community. Mr. Kruger's business, inaugurated in
1872 was the manufacturing of artificial flowers and his firm continued to operate in Lindenhurst until
recent years. In the same year the Breslau Manufacturing Company was set in operation. It had a
large brick building and manufactured picture frames and many other articles from vulcanized wood.
The wood fiber used was imported from Germany and the process used in manufacturing was the
company and superintendent of the factory.
During the year 1876, the village was visited by fire and because there was not fire protection of any
kind, the blaze soon became uncontrollable and destroyed many stores and dwellings.
This catastrophe resulted, however, in the formation of the Breslau Engine Co. No. 1, in the year 1877.
In 1880, the Vulcanite Manufacturing Company came to Breslau and its coming gave assurance that
the community would become a successful one. Other early industries of this period were ladies
dress trimmings, cigar making, manufacture of safety matches, barrels, kegs, wagons, hardware and
buttons. While on the subject of early industry, it should be noted that Mrs. Agnes Nehring in 1886,
brought to the community an industry which was destined to become the first line of manufacture in
the region, namely, Swiss embroideries. The embroidering began with Mrs. Nehring and spread
quickly and at one time, as many as 125 hand and power machines were distributed throughout
Lindenhurst.
The dream of Schleier and the Welwood's were destined to fall somewhat short of the mark. Lot
Page 25 / 80
owners who hoped to make fancy profits on their real estate were many, but actual settlers were few.
By 1880 with thousands of lot owners on record, there were scarcely more than a hundred homes in
Breslau. The envisioned city failed to materialize but the seeds Lad been sown and slowly the
population increased.
First Newspaper: "Breslau Herald".
In 1891 a corporation known as the United States Land Improvement Company took up where the
founders had left off. The corporation advertised the community widely and sponsored the Breslau
building and Loan Association to encourage the building of homes. The promoters also began to
publish the Breslau Herald, the first newspaper in the village. The Herald was of course devoted
principally to the advertisement of the United States Land Improvement Company and the Building
and Loan Association — but its pages make interesting reading today. An advertisement in the June
1, 1891 issue reads in part: "The United States Land Improvement Company, is a duly incorporated
company, organized for the purpose of of supplying the masses with homes, fortune knocks once at
every Men's door."
Give each of your children a start in life, by buying a lot for its birthday or Christmas or New Year's
present, and when it gets of age, it will be worth a fortune, and your child will bless you for our
foresight, and mayhap give you a home on it, when age creeps on.
BRESLAU
In the Town of Babylon
30 Miles from Now York City Hall
(Editor's note--we wonder who did the measuring)
DON'T PAY RENT
"THOSE DAYS HAVE GONE BY"
The same issue contains adds of Charles Hirsch Jr., proprietor of Washington Hotel, George Gleste's
hotel, A. Schmalkusch's Grocer and Baker, and John Feller, Brewer and Bottler.
A help wanted ad of the Vulcanite Factory announces that "thirty" girls can find immediate employment
at wages ranging from $3.50 to $7.00 weekly.
A contest was being sponsored by the Herald to choose the most popular man in Breslau. To vote
one had to clip a coupon from the paper. One person could vote as many times as he chose. The
paper offered to sell issues in quantity at least 100 at 75¢ per 100 copies. Leading in the contest was
Mr. Dittman, with runners up, including John Feller, J. S. Kruger, A. Schmalkuche, Frederick Mohr,
Charles Hirsch, Jr., George Gleste, Sheriff Reynolds Timothy Nevella, Joseph W. Agrillo, Judge
Wagner, Fred Torns, E. S. McMurray, M. Heling, T. Wellwood, W. C. Abbott, and Paul Sury.
Real Estate Progress In Early Breslau.
Further perusal of the pages of the Breslau Herald reveals the typically high pressure salesmanship
that went into the real estate development of Breslau. The editorial column of the paper carries the
Page 26 / 80
following enlightening piece:
OWNERS AND PURCHASERS OF LOTS
Are you interested in the prosperity and welfare of Breslau?
Do you want the value of your lots to increase?
Do you want to see new houses built?
Do you want the money that you have invested to earn large interest?
Then join, and get your friends to join the Breslau Building and Loan Association.
See what has been accomplished during the last three months; imagine what will be accomplished in
the next six months. Within one year the whole town will be completely transformed, marching on as it
were, to improvement and prosperity. There is no questioning its ultimate success--it must go on:
location, its close proximity to New York, its peculiar adaptability for manufacturing purposes,
combined with the ever healthful climate, always soothing to the afflicted, and invigorating to the
sound in the body.
Will you then aid? You can do so by subscribing at once for shares.
Read carefully the prospectus and hand it to a friend, even though they are not interested in our
famous town. It will be a good and sure investment.
Trusting to have your subscription at an early day, we remain,
THE BESLAU BUILDING & LOAN ASSOCIATION
218 Fulton Street, New York.
The major portion of page one of the issue was devoted. to a "Warning to Gossipers." The article was
directed at people who have been currently casting slurs on the validity of titles in the community--a
matter which, incidentally, plagued the village from the times of Wellwood. Here are a few extracts
from the article:
"Breslau, in the near future, will be a settlement which will be a credit to itself and a credit to Long
Island generally.
It is a great pity though that in a community of peaceable and law abiding citizens such as our little
town is composed of there should creep in the fold black sheep and traitors whose only object in life is
to pester and annoy their neighbors.
These very people, supposed to be interested in the prosperity of the place, have settled here for the
express purpose of venting their spleen upon innocent people. Thank Providence, their number is
limited. They have from the start slanderously condemned any in this respect they have had their own
way for a number of years past. We are happy to say their days have gone. They will eventually be
compelled to take their gripsack and depart to the place where discontent and discord forever prevail Breslau is no place for them.
Those self-same people, with their characteristic meanness of fear and hatred of all mankind are
unable to comprehend the vast good the United States Land Improvement Company is doing to the
whole community including themselves, and they are therefore abusing the company and its objects
and are ever slandering the title to the company's property."
Page 27 / 80
One reason that can be assigned for the talk of these people is that they hold questionable titles which
were never examined, and they are fearful lest the 'United States Land Improvement Company will
demonstrate to them that they have no good title to the land they claims their own. They know this.
Usually a wise man keeps a closed mouth, and we kindly advise certain people to follow this advise.
From Late Nineties to 1910
Breslau grew quite rapidly in the nineties and it became particularly well known as a center for persons
of German extraction. One typically German festivity which attracted people from a widespread area
was the annual celebration of Pfingst or Whitsunday. Pfingst Sunday, originally derived from the
Hebrew Feast of the Pentecost observed on the Fiftieth day after Passover, celebrated the descent of
the Holy Ghost and was observed on the seventh Sunday after Easter. Huge crowds in picnicking
mode came by the train load to the village and memories of the annual holiday still live in the minds of
our citizens.
Unfortunately Pfingst Sunday in the 1895's was perhaps the darkest day in the history of our
community. The large factory building of the Vulcanite Manufacturing Company was burned to the
ground with a loss aggregation of $100,000. Its entire force was thrown out of employment, and since
its employees included such a large percentage of local residents it meant exceedingly difficult days
for the village. The building was, however, soon replaced with one of modern mill construction and the
Vulcanite Company continued to be an important factor until comparatively recent years.
Sometime during the early nineties (the exact date seems to be in dispute) a campaign was waged to
change the name of Breslau. Some old timers say that a notorious murder in the neighborhood was
responsible for the desire to change the name, while others ascribe it to the troubles growing out of
questionable land titles. Whatever the reason, the campaign. was successful and after consideration
of many suggested appellations, the name of Lindenhurst was adopted in 1891.
The years from 1900 to 1910 showed further signs of the steady growth of Lindenhurst. The
Lindenhurst Manufacturing Company was organized in 1901 and grew to be one of the largest button
firms in the country.
In 1904 a large addition to the St. John's Lutheran Church was erected, followed in the next year by
the construction of the Catholic Church.
1907 was marked by the establishment of the First National Bank of Lindenhurst and in 1909 the
Citizens of Lindenhurst erected a three-story brick structure, housing fourteen classrooms, a large
gymnasium, a library, a laboratory and an auditorium with a seating capacity of 600 persons.
Growth of our Educational System
The progress of the schools of Lindenhurst, always a prime consideration in the minds of the
community's, solid citizens, serves as an excellent barometer of the progress of the village itself.
The construction of the brief public school building in 1909 was followed in 1913 by the construction of
a Parochial School. In 1924 the members of the Board of Education conceived the idea of a
Lindenhurst Junior-Senior High School. The first proposition submitted to the voters calling for the
Page 28 / 80
construction of a school building was decisively defeated.
The need however was becoming urgent--the population of the village alone exceeded 2,500 at this
time, and for several years portable buildings had housed pupils who could not be accommodated in
the main building.
Four sites were submitted to the voters in 1925 and the Wellwood Avenue site upon which the building
now stands received the majority of the votes cast. Condemnation proceedings were initiated to
acquire the property selected and in 1929, the voters approved the payment of $52,000 for the court
awards.
In 1930 the contract for construction of the building was signed at a cost of $414,100.00. A bond of
$465,000.00 was authorized to include the cost of building and equipment, and ground was broken
July 13, 1930. The beautiful new structure was accepted by the Board of Education on September 11,
1931 and on September 14, it was open for school sessions.
In like manner, the commodious and substantially built parochial school of Our Lady of Perpetual Help
was completed in 1941 after an extended effect by the church under the inspired leadership of the late
Father Tobias Farrenkopf.
Lindenhurst Today
Bringing the story of Lindenhurst up to the present, we find community in the throes of a prosperous
era. Its seams are bursting at the sides chiefly because of the influx of war workers. At present time it
is estimated that there are well over 12,000 souls within the village confines, with an additional 13,000
or more included in the school district.
Almost every dwelling in the area is occupied, and if a vacancy occurs there are usually several
applicants waiting to grab it up.
Industry has kept pace with the growth of the community. The button Factory still is an important
factor in its field. The Philips Dorp building on West Hoffman Avenue has been taken over by
Grumman Aircraft and a large addition has been built. Many new plants more than make up for the
loss of the Vulcanite Company and the shrinking of the embroidery business. Imperial Machine ,
making potato peelers for the same branch of service, aviation Specialties, Inc. Lakeville
Manufacturing, making kitchen cabinets, a paint firm and Lindy Products, are some of the other
Important present day industries.)
The Linden Beer Brewery was another industry which aided luster to the name of the community. Its
beer was sold over a wide area and compared favorably with the best in the eastern part of the United
States. Adam Muller's Draft Products is still another. Babylon Milk and Cream Co., Pepsi-Cola
Distributing Company, Pinter Bros., Inc. and several other business firms indicate the progress in the
merchant field..
Retail business, unfortunately, bad not kept pace with the growth of Lindenhurst. Some of the
merchants are progressive enough in their ideas, but there has been a decided lack of cooperation on
the part of others. However, during the past years steps toward establishing a closer cooperation has
been evidenced in such movements as a local barber's association for uniform prices, and hours,
department stores agreement on uniform closing hours and the local Master Lumbers Association for
Page 29 / 80
uniform wage scale and working hours. Lindenhurst has benefited in the past from merchants'
associations or boards of trade. Some such body would go a long way toward holding for our
community the increase patronage which war work has brought.
Earliest traces of local attempts to provide educational facilities for the children of this community date
as far back as 1870 when a one-room farm building occupying the present site of the Diamond Fuel
Co. on Montauk Highway served as the first school in the history of our village. A local historian,
Ewald J. H. Mielke, still living at this writing, possesses a rare collection of actual photographs of that
particular school building as well as the different schools that were used for the education of our youth
in the years that followed. Mr. Mielke, through rare old postcards, photographs, and textbooks, has
pointed out how the schools of early Breslau consisted of only the first six grades. English was taught
three days of the week while instruction in the German language was required during the remaining
two days. At that time, teachers were selected from a group of volunteers who happened to possess a
high school or partial college education derived elsewhere and were paid a monthly salary of about
$28 or even less if enough money could not be collected individually from to local population.
Textbooks consisted of whatever could be purchased from secondary book stores in the city. The first
school built by tax funds was the present Lindenhurst Coat Factory, located on North Broadway,
housing the first through Eighth grades. Drinking water had to be pumped by hand from an indoor
wooden sink into a wooden bucket into which a tin dipper placed and passed along a thirsty line of
waiting children.
Later in 1909, the present Elementary grade school was built on that same site. At that time this threestory brick structure was hailed as the "Most modern, fire proof building in western Suffolk County."
The first faculty to teach in that institution consisted of nine women instructors and male principal.
Today the administration staff is made up of a supervising principal, high school vice principal,
elementary school principal, two office clerks, six janitors and 51 teachers.
The Lindenhurst Junior-Senior High School had its inception in the minds of the Board of Education in
October, 1924, who accordingly put forth a proposition to the voters of the District Wing for money with
which to purchase a site on Wellwood Avenue which was decisively defeated. But feeling that the
need was urgent, and that the taxpayers had not fully understood the original proposition, about a year
later four sites were offered for their consideration, and the site upon which building now stands
received the majority of the votes cast, including modern individual kitchen units; a commercial
department for bookkeeping, typewriting, stenography, office practice and business training. There are
rooms fully equipped for the teaching of fine arts and visual education; a library, a library instruction
room and a correctional room. There is also a combination cafeteria music and student's activity room.
Besides these, are the offices, a paneled Board room and teachers' rest rooms.
A low pressure vapor system provided heat. Individual room temperatures are automatically
controlled in conjunction with ventilating units, which furnish tempered fresh air. Ventilation of the
auditorium, kitchens, gymnasium locker and shower rooms, is accomplished by means of separate fan
units and the toilets throughout are ventilated by exhaust fans. Provision for vacuum cleaning
apparatus, with central suction plant in the basement has been made telephone and electric time
service is provided in each room together with synchronized electric equipment for announcing
changes in the school program.
Provision bas been made for a centralized radio equipment to be installed with a loud speaker in each
room and power speakers in the auditorium and gymnasium.
Post-War Plans for Local Business Expansion
Page 30 / 80
The editorial section of the Villager, local newspaper, in an issue of October 1943 very clearly brought
to light the urgent need for a local chamber of commerce as follows:
Two Local Needs
Within the last few days, certain events have taken place that bear out contentions we have made in
the past. At a recent dinner held at Narragansett Inn by an Amityville group the speaker outlined the
advantages of a community having a Chamber of Commerce. Then, at a meeting of the Long Island
Association and the Long Island Real Estate Board held in Garden City, the principal speaker spoke of
the need for adequate zoning and the results that were obtained when such was done in his native city
of New Brunswick, New Jersey.
Since this paper was started, we have urged that the businessmen of Lindenhurst organize and
support a Chamber of Commerce. Other communities have this or similar organizations and profit by
them to no small degree. It takes a while for the idea to catch on but once it is started the benefits
derived perpetuate its life automatically. Such an organization is not started by one group of selfseeking persons but is the universal movement of all typos of business working in categories suited to
their particular needs. We firmly believe in this form of expression on the part of the men who
contribute to the growth of a village and will continue to urge that something be done in Lindenhurst. If
any of you are interested, we will be glad to hear from you as to any ideas you may have.
The latter speech on adequate zoning was an answer to our having to sit through numbers of hearings
on zoning changes while getting the news at Town and Village Board meetings. Our impression has
been that the zoning ordinances are not the work of people who have any vision or wish to envision
future growth in this locality. There are insufficient areas zoned for industry which means prosperity to
any community on section. Our leaders should be expanding every effort to attract peacetime
industries to establish themselves here so that when the production of ward goods diminishes, our
locality will be able to absorb the excess workers as well as the returning servicemen in productive
enterprises rather than in projects to spend tax money.
Tine and time again, we see brochures from other sections of the county, painting a very rosy picture
of the particular locality as a future home for the manufacturer looking for a place to start. We should
get "on the beam" and expand every effort to attract as many enterprises as is humanly possible. We
have plenty of land that could be converted into taxpaying industrial sites where now they are
freeloading along as tax sale property in residential sections that are fringed by businesses and
industries wherever someone was successful in convincing the Planning, Zoning or the other boards
that their enterprises were worthy of merit. This system of having to change zoning for a normal
expansion of business reflects too unfavorably upon the methods originally used in setting the various
zoning boundaries. We'll never have a lasting economic soundness until we can make our section of
the country a productive section instead of a playground of neighboring metropolis.
Concerns Seek Factory Sites (From the Villager)
What may be one of the most important things to happen to our village took place at the meeting of
the Village Board Monday evening when two manufacturing concerns made inquiries as to the
possibility of their locating their plants in Lindenhurst. The Convector Company of Pittsburgh, Pa.,
wrote they would like to consider this locality as a possible site for their plant to manufacture dump
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trucks and would need sufficient space to erect a building of 10,000 square feet of space. Likewise,
the Englishtown Cutlet, Ltd., of Englishtown, N.J. wrote as to a similar opportunity of putting up a plant
of from 10,000 to 30,000 square feet in area.
Both of these inquiries were bona fide and show that we can have some more industry in the village
which would make it more prosperous. The country realizes that labor will be available in this section
following the conversion to domestic production and probably manufacturers want to be in
communities that would appreciate their moving in and starting work. Furthermore, a great market is
here and that, of course is attractive to prospective concerns.
The board will look into these matters in more detail and their conclusions will be available at a later
date.
More Plants Are A Sign of Bright Postwar Future
Two Companies Request Space for Business--Board is Pleased
Applications from two more factories for locating businesses here indicated a bright postwar future for
Lindenhurst. Already a thriving industrial settlement, the property requests of two additional
companies draws a prosperous picture for our village.
The latest factories to seek location here are the Converto Company of Pittsburgh, Pa., and the
Englishtown Cutlery Company, Englishtown, N.J.
Converto, manufacturers of portable equipment, require a building 8,000 to 10,000 square feet, plus a
railroad siding. They plan to do light manufacturing and employ 50 people, including common labor
and a fair amount of semi-skilled labor, with an eye to enlarging their business after the war.
The Englishtown Cutlery Company wants to purchase or lease with option to buy, property for
immediate occupancy with a minimum of 10,000 square feet and a maximum of 30,000 square feet.
They plan to put 3,000 workers on a payroll of about $700,000 now and 800 workers on a payroll of
$2,000,000 yearly after the war.
Their requirements include a village with a population of between 1,500 to 5,000 on a main line
railroad, in a No. 3 or 4 labor area under WMC classification within 35 or 45 miles from New York, New
Jersey or Connecticut.
Village Trustee John F. Whalen expressed his personal approval of factories locating here and the rest
of the board agreed with him. “I am in favor of more industries moving to Lindenhurst" said Mr.
Whalen. "It takes just one or two industries like this and we're on our road prosperity."
Village Clerk Alfred L. Pfeiffer will write to the two companies, suggesting possible sites for their
businesses, and will keep in close contact with them until some settlement can be made.
Historical Review of the Lindenhurst Fire Departments (1877 - 1944)
The present modern and fully equipped Fire Department of Lindenhurst, New York, owes its origin to
that first Volunteer Company of organized fire fighters, known as the Breslau Feuer Wehr (Fire
Brigade) dating back to 1877.
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In those pioneer days the fire insurance companies refused to insure property in the village unless
some fire protection was provided. The eighteen men comprising the first company collected and
donated enough funds to enable them to purchase a hand-pumping engine with 250 feet of leather
hose from Stratton Point, now College Point, Long island. This apparatus was housed in the little old
School House which, in after years, was known as the Sheide property.
Meetings were held in Gleste's Hotel, with Otto Kruger elected as the first Foreman of the Company.
From, this unit the three original Companies were eventually organized and came into existence-namely, Breslau Engine Company, it February 1882; Union Hook & Ladder Company, May 1842; and
Liberty Hose Company, September 1885, which together in May 1885 then organized the present
Department with the name of Breslau Fire Department, which was changed later to Lindenhurst Fire
Department in the year of 1909. Each of these Companies purchased its own apparatus and
equipment and erected its own headquarters from individual funds. On September 17, 1889 the
County Board of Supervisors authorized the incorporation of the Fire District comprising 1¼ square
miles with an assessed valuation of $275,000. A board of Fire Directors was then chosen consisting of
the Captains of the three companies and two citizen members. This Board functioned until the district
was dissolved in 1925 by the newly Incorporated Village Board which acted as Fire Commissioners
and which was replaced in 1927 by the present Fire Council of fifteen members, representing the six
companies and the department. The use of the hand and horse-drawn apparatus continued in the
department until 1917, a period of over thirty years, and then the first motorized piece of apparatus,
the Chemical & Hose truck, was purchased. Following then in 1920 the Fire District further authorized
the purchasing of a motorized 300 gallon Pumping Engine and Hook & Ladder Service truck,
motorizing the entire department. This same year, the southern part of the village was annexed and
became part of the Fire District which includes now about 5½ square miles.
In 1883 when the little old School house on School Street, which was being used as a firehouse,
became too small for the growing department, the three companies used their funds and erected a
Headquarters building on Palmer Avenue. This eventually became the property of Breslau Engine
Company and Union Hook & Ladder Company as Liberty Hose Company moved to the south of
Wellwood Avenue to new quarters, the present site of that new and larger headquarters.
The new building was necessary owing to the growth of the Department. The proposition to raise
$50,000 by a bond issue was referred to the taxpayers and they voted favorably upon it. The
construction of this new and modern building was begun in 1923 and completed in the early part of
1924.
The site, being four lots 50 x 200 ft. together with the entire interior equipment such as furniture, piano,
pool table, radio, folding chairs and kitchen outfit was furnished from the funds of the three original
companies, value amounting to over $10,000. In 1926 three new additional companies were
organized in the department-- Chemical A Rescue Co. No. 1, Chemical & Salvage Co. No. 2., and
Hook, Ladder and Engine Co. No. 2. The two latter companies immediately erected their own
buildings in the North and South ends of the village.
This same year the taxpayers voted to purchase a new pumping engine of 750 gallons capacity at
cost of $12,500 and a new hose truck t $6,000. In 1928 again they voted for a specially built Chemical
& Rescue truck with ambulance accommodations, one of the first of its kind in the State, at a cost of
$5,500. The different alarm signals used from time to time were a circular buzz saw,
later on tin horns placed in different sections of the village, then the church bell of St. John's Church
which was replaced by a stationary bronze bell from the Newton Fire Department on a tower erect& in
the rear of the old headquarters on Palmer Avenue. Then finally in 1915 an electric siren mounted on a
Page 33 / 80
tower at Liberty hose Co. building was installed and used in connection with the regular alarm, to call
the members of the Rescue Squad for accidents, drownings and hospital accommodation calls--a very
valuable service rendered to the community at large.
The present Department consists of six companies with seven pieces of motorized apparatus, two
racing trucks and the old reliable hand engine, which was built in 1931 and is now 11 years old; a Fire
Department Headquarters housing four companies and two separate Company firehouses; also a
Patrol Unit with eighteen members from each of the six companies, organized to do the Police &
Patrol duties at fires and otherwise. The personnel of the entire department is composed of 260 active
men and officers. The department holds membership in New York State Firemen's Association, the
Suffolk County, the Southern, N.Y., the South Shore and the Babylon Town Firemen's Association.
Three tournaments have been held in Lindenhurst, in 1900, and in 1920 by the Suffolk County Ass'n.,
in 1929 by the Southern N.Y. Ass'n. and in 1935 the tournament commemorating the 50th Anniversary
of the Department by Suffolk County Ass'n.
The Department has taken a very active part in many of the past tournaments and has on display in its
trophy closets many prizes to its credit. Union Hook and Ladder Company still holds two unbroken
records, the first made at Babylon, L.I. Sept. 6, 1893 in a 300 yard run, Hook and Ladder Contest
made in 46 seconds and the other at Bellport, L.I. on August 26, 1927, Motor Speed Contest in 25
seconds. Several other minor records held by companies of the Department remain unbroken.
Among the larger fires with which the department had to contend with were Vulcanite Mfg. Co., 1895;
L.I.R.R. Station, 1901; Gleste Hotel, 1912; Gleste Hotel again 1914; Gleste Hotel 1916; Alley Building
1922; Haber residence, ship and old fire headquarters, 1926; Hoffman House, 1930. Corner block of
business buildings located at South Wellwood Avenue and Merrick Road, 1939, brush fire which
leveled six homes and three garages in vicinity of 35th Street and Grand Avenue, 1943.
During its many years of service the department had rendered aid and protection to its neighboring
villages and unprotected areas in woods and brush fires and had never met any serious accident until
August 20, 1934, while responding to a call in Deer Park when an automobile collided with the Hook
and Ladder Service truck costing $8,500.00.
The department was fortunately fixed at all times in having members who, as musicians, organized
into bands and gave their services on many occasions. Up to the present time the department has
had 25 members serving it as Chief, and the first Chief elected to the office was Herman Funk, now 88
years of age and residing at Fort Lupton, Colorado. The Chiefs following him were: Hugo
Waldau, Fred Torns, Charles Hirsch, Alvin Parthe, Louis Seegott, William Rall, George W. Irmisch,
William F Wild, John Wieland, Fred Sheide, Joseph P. Warta, Charles Reihl, Albert Beyer, Joseph. J.
Schmitt, Robert Wild, Frank L. Hirsh, Edward A. Schneider, William Larkin, George Stephan, Herbert
Mielke, Ralph Steuve, Frank Voelker, Jr., Harold Haupt, and Martin Pfeffer.
The present officers of the department are listed in the agenda in the back of this book. The
apparatus available today contains the most modern equipment.
One of the outstanding local conflagrations causing serious property damage occurred in the year
1914. The Amityville Record of June 26, 1914 carried the following interesting front page description
of that fire, pointing out fire-fighting conditions of that period in local history as follows:
PERIL WHEN FIRE ENGINE STOPS
Page 34 / 80
Lindenhurst Had Close Call
When Seven Buildings Went
Up In Flames on Saturday
HELP FROM NEIGHBORS TIMELY
By the timely arrival, of help from Amityville and Babylon and the stubborn resistance offered by the
solid brick building of the First National Bank the Village of Lindenhurst was saved from the
destruction of a large part of its business section by a fire which broke out about, two o'clock on
Saturday morning and burned for an hour before it was discovered.
Mrs. H. Rothmeyer, looking out of the window of her home on Nostrand Avenue, saw the blaze in a
barn which stood at the rear of Edward Gleste's hotel at the corner of Hoffman and Wellwood
Avenues. She screamed “fire” until some unidentified person rang an alarm.
Lindenhurst depended almost entirely upon its gasoline engine but it still had its good old recordbreaking hand engine to fall back upon. Both were quickly brought to the fire which, by that time, had
enveloped the barn mentioned and was burning briskly in a barn at the rear of Fred Kienle's dry goods
store on Wellwood Ave., another barn back of Edward Schmalkuche's grocery store on Hoffman
Avenue, a storehouse in back of L. W. Irmisch's pharmacy and a large wooden wind mill belonging to
Edward Gleste.
Taking a stand on Wellwood Avenue, directly across from the heart of the fire, the engine company put
its hose into one of the driven wells from which water is obtained for fire purposes and started up the
engine or some reason which has not been satisfactorily explained the bearings or the circulating
pump stuck and broke. The machine refused to run and the firemen were helpless to check the
onward march of the flames, which, fanned by a stiff breeze from the northwest, were rapidly bearing
down on the one half story story and dwelling of Fred Kienle and the store and dwelling of the same
size occupied as a meat market by Valentine Goebel.
The hand engine was manned by a vigorous crew drawn from the numerous crowd which had by that
time reached the scene but it responded weakly with a stream which was hopelessly ineffectual. The
factory of the Vulcanite Manufacturing Co., situated about 1,500 feet to the east, has a powerful water
pump, maintained for its own fire protection. Saturday being a day off for the employees the fire had
been permitted to go out. Hugo C. Waldau, the engineer, got up steam and a call for more hose was
sent to Babylon and Amityville.
The Motor hose wagons of Hose Company No. 1 and the Dauntless Company made three miles to
Lindenhurst. Amityville Hook and Ladder Co. also responded promptly. They received the alarm at
three o'clock and shortly after half past three had lines of hose on the Vulcanite pumps and two
streams, powerful even at that distance, were preventing the flames from spreading to the row of
buildings on Hoffman Avenue. The fire on that side was confined to the barns and the store-house of
Irmisch's pharmacy.
At the south side the fire had by this time communicated to the Kienle and Goebel buildings which
were ablaze from cellar to roof. Clouds of burning brands were scattering over the frame dwellings on
both sides of Wellwood Avenue to the South. Between them stood the bank building.
Storm Engine Company, the Argyle Hose Company and the Phoenix Company had arrived from
Babylon and another hand engine stream was put into use. Householders were on every roof with tin
pails and similar utensils filled with water to save their homes. The streams from the hand engines
continued weak and made no impression on the blaze, which was so hot that persons could not stand
Page 35 / 80
on the opposite side of Wellwood Avenue when the fire was at its height.
“Will the bank building stop it?” was the question on every lip while the red tongues licked futilely at the
sides of that structure. Large plate glass windows in the side stood the heat remarkable well while the
adjoining buildings burned to nothing. At last, these structures almost to the ground, the window
casings on the bank caught fire and the glass broke. But they had held long enough. By that time the
firemen were able to get in near the bank and the flames on the side were quickly smothered, not a
particle of damage being done to the interior.
Before half past four the danger was over and the village breathed. easier. Shortly before seven
o'clock the Amityville and Babylon firemen gathered up their belongings and returned home. For
several hours, afterwards a stream was played on the ruins.
The total loss is estimated at $15,000. Edward Gleste had $1,500 insurance on the Goebel building,
which he owned, $500 on his barn and a like amount on his windmill. Fred Keinle's building and stock
were insured for $3,300, which will cover his loss. Rothmeyer's barn, which also burned is said to
have been insured. L. W. Irmisch had no insurance on his storehouse or the contents. Edward
Schmalkuche's barn is believed to have been insured. Valentine Goebel's loss is covered by
insurance.
A cow and at least one hunting dog were burned to death in the Gleste barn. Mr. Gleste also lost an
automobile. Occupants of the Kienle and Goebel buildings had ample time to escape before their
homes were destroyed. George Pebler, cashier of the bank, arrived on the scene early and prepared
some of the contents of the bank for quick removal in case the fire should spread to the building.
Charles Wild, one of the firemen, was overcome by heat and carried across the street by companions
to a place of safety. He soon recovered and went back. No other mishaps were reported.
Fred Kienle will put up a brick building to take the place of the old one. For the present he will occupy
a temporary building which he will erect south of the National theatre. Valentine Goebel will erect a
shop across Wellwood Ave. from the site of his old one.
50th Anniversary at Breslau Engine Company Founding
Early Lindenhurst Fire Department history is further clarified by the following article in the Breslau
Engine Company's 50th Anniversary Celebration published in the January 29, 1932 issue of the
Lindenhurst Star:
Golden Anniversary of Breslau Engine Company
Observed Saturday, January 23, 1932
"It was just 50 years ago that a few members of old Breslau banded together and formed the first fire
protection organization citizens of whom the present organization may justly feel proud, in that they
evidenced enough pride for their community to offer what service it was possible to perform, although
being handicapped thru lack of equipment and water facilities. From an organization composed of a
few, Breslau Engine Company has expanded and grown with the times, and today stands as one of
the finest of the Department.
Page 36 / 80
The present Breslau Engine Company really saw its beginning on November 29, 1877, then known as
the Fauer Wehr. Three years later it was re-organized under its present name and incorporated in
1882. Then captains were called foremen, and this honor was accorded to Frederick Torns Sr., the
last remaining pioneer of Lindenhurst. In order to carry on its efficient and excellent voluntary duty in
protecting life and property, a lot was purchased on John Street where the St. John's Lutheran Church
House now stands, and in January 1884 the construction of a fire house was completed. Eight years
ago when the new Fire Headquarters was erected, Breslau Engine and Union Hook and Ladder
companies moved to the new building.
At the services conducted on Saturday, the following members who have been continuously affiliated
with the company for twenty years or over were presented with gold service badges: Hugo Waldau,
joined 1881; John L. Mohr, 1887; August Bohne, 1889; William Rall, 1890; Peter Ott, 1893; Henny
Ramsauer, 1893; Joseph J. Schmitt, 1893; William F. Wild, 1895; Henry Denke, 1897; John Tanner,
1900; William Wolter, 1900; Adolph Gunther, 1910; Conrad Eckel, 1904; Frank Schlosser, 1904;
Joseph P. Warta, 1904; Edwin Sammis, 1906; James Mahorly, 1907; Jacob Leeman, 1907; Benjamin
Schwitser, 1908; George M. Torns, 1908; Jacob Haber, 1908; Lorenz Baunach, 1908; Jacob
Stainruber, 1908; Fred G. Bohne, 1908; Carl. Koept, 1909; Fred Furrer, 1909; Frank Slover, 1910;
Joseph Jaeger, 1912; George Gies, 1912.
Besides the above number, Breslau Engine Co. includes on its rolls 34 active members, one passive
and two honorary members. It is the oldest company in the department and operates two fire
apparatus a Pierce Arrow and American La France fully equipped pumpers. Their service to the
village during the period of organization has been notable and their history both thrilling and eventful.
Breslau's First Fire Chief Recalls Early Fire Department Events
The following article appeared in the May 27,1932 issue of the Lindenhurst Star:
Herman Funk, 86, Breslau's First Fire Chief Recalls Stirring Events of 1885
The golden anniversary celebration of Union Hook and Ladder Company observed on May 14, 1932,
recalled to the memory of Herman Funk, the first chief of the Breslau Fire Department forty-seven
years ago, the stirring' events which served as the foundation for the present efficient organization with
its fine apparatus and its modern headquarters. Mr. Funk, now a resident of Fort Lupton, Colorado,
where forty years ago he went for his heath wrote the letter published herewith to former Chief Robert
W. Wild. When Breslau Union Hook and Ladder Company was organized in 1882, Mr. Funk was one
of its charter members, there now being but three survivors. He served as its third foreman, being
preceded by John McCann and the late Nicholas Ott, the combined regime of the latter two men
extending only three and one-half months. Funk served two and one-half years and in 1885 was
elected the first chief of the fire department.
Fort Lupton, Colorado
May 21, 1932
Mr. Robert W. Wild, ex-chief
Lindenhurst, L.I.
Dear Sir:
Your letter of the 17th inst., with enclosure (50th Anniversary pamphlet) came last evening and surely
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surprised and greatly pleased me, as it will be forty years next September (1932) that I left
Lindenhurst, and never heard directly from the company during that time. The whole matter passed
before me from, the time the Vulcanite Manufacturing Co. made a donation of $50 to start with (Fire
Department) and the time up to my departure from Lindenhurst.
What good times we had attending tournaments at Babylon, Sayville, Riverhead and other places, and
quite often coming home with some prize or other. First the home made truck, then a hose cart, then
but not least the fire wells.
I still have hanging in my bedroom a picture of the first home which the department had, also the
ladder truck with the men, among which are some whom I remember, George Torns, Sr., Henry Finger,
Charles Behrens, George Gleste, George Wyrich and Christian Voelker. What a time we had when
the Fire District was established. But it was not all play by any means, and very frequently later
members were accepted who did not care how the thing originated nor had the same spirit and
perseverance of the original membership.
This, however, does not seem to be the case with your company, and not knowing, what you have in
apparatus, etc., I did hear at one time that you have a new fire dept. building. At the time I arrived in
Fort Lupton, I tried to get something started, but did not succeed.
THE ORIGIN and DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT
and SOCIAL CONTROLS
Foreword:
Slowly but steadily expanding and progressing forward in its successful growth socially, politically an
economically, Lindenhurst can rightfully and proudly assure an honored position among the
incorporation villagers of Long Island. Although many years younger than either of her sister villages
of Amityville and Babylon in matter of history (this year, 1945, marks Lindenhurst's 75th Anniversary,
the official founding date being established as June 1, 1870) our fair village, according to latest
statistics, already possesses a greater population (6,250 including Venetian Stores, Shore Gables,
North Lindenhurst, and East American Venice) than Babylon founded in 1657 and an area (4½ square
miles) equal to that of Babylon and Amityville combined. Industry and commerce have always found a
welcome haven in our community in which to set up and pursue successfully their various enterprises.
Toward this end the Zoning Commission and local village board: members have been most
instrumental and helpful in their broadminded and unprejudiced considerations of any and all
applications for establishment of industries designed to be of mutual benefit to both the village itself
and file applicant. The flourishing war industries, button and pin manufacturing industry, food
distribution corporations, handkerchief embroideries, beer manufacturing to mention a few, are ample
evidence of the progressive and cooperative spirit that has been and is current possessed by every
individual member of our village government organization. Since incorporation of Lindenhurst as a
village in the township of Babylon in 1923, a large number of improvements have been realized
throughout the length and breadth of the community. Paved streets modern street lighting,
streamlined police and fire department protection, fair and moderate property taxation, organized
traffic regulation, establishment of a carefully planned and beautifully landscaped village park, and
provided rest benches for bus commuters are but a few of the numerous outstanding progressive
measures undertaken and accomplished by the village fathers of Lindenhurst of whom we can feel
very proud and for whose services (in some cases on a gratis basis) every local citizen should feel
most grateful.
The following classroom reports are prepared and delivered by local officials in conjunction with a
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seventh grade social studies class project, under the supervision of Louis Hirsch, Lindenhurst High
School Social Studies instructor. These writings include the opinions of local officials from the Village
Police Department, Village Treasurer, Village Attorney and Village Clerk and represent a picture of
local government growth and development as a whole.
(A) Village Treasurer (Treasurer Robert W. Wild)
"I received an invitation from your teacher, Mr. Hirsch, to be here today and try to tell you of the duties
of the Treasurer of the Village of Lindenhurst. This is going to be a rather dry subject and I am going
to ask all to be patient and bear with me. The talk will be very short.
“First, let us go back about 35 years before we became incorporated and just go over the reasons we
decided to incorporate. While unincorporated we were part of the town of Babylon in general and as
such I can assure you that we more than paid our share in taxes, being taxed for more than one-third
of the full amount collected and in turn getting less than those who paid about one-sixth of the full
amount. In conjunction with this we had no representative on the Town Board who could fight for our
needs. Yes we had an assessor and a Superintendent of Highways but neither had a vote on the
Board. In other words we were like the colonists of the Pre-Revolutionary days – we were being taxed
without having representation. At that time we had an organization in the village called the
Lindenhurst Board of Trade who fought all the battles of the local people before the Town Board,
getting many things we needed but, in turn, getting many a severe 'calling down' from the hostile
members of said Board.
At that time, to get a measly 80 watt electric light on the street you had to get a petition from the
taxpayers in the vicinity of the place where the light was to be placed and the light would not be placed
unless the names on that petition represented $5,000 or more in actual assessed valuation - and that
time property was assessed at about one-tenth its value. We were denied police protection and if we
wanted this, we would have had to form a police district by vote of the people of course and those in
the district designated would be subject to the tax to support the police. This was never pushed – we
went on with the protection that we received from the constables, deputy sheriffs, and the State Police.
About 30 years later, this same Board of Trade tried to get a water supply plant for the village and an
engineer estimated that we could have this for a sum of, I believe $50,000. We could also have and
electric plant along with this project for an additional sum of $30,000. This matter was brought before
the people for a vote and it was defeated by the old 'die-hards' of the village – those who always
thought that 'if it was good enough for my parents, its good enough for me'.
“It was in the latter part of the year 1923 that the village became incorporated by a vote of the people,
and immediately thereafter an election was held for Village President, two Trustees and a Treasurer,
the same being Gustave Hahn as President and Edward McGraw, Voldenauer who resigned
immediately thereafter. His place was filled by appointment of William F. Wolter, who I believe served
for one year. After that the treasurer was appointed by the Board and the next official in that capacity
was Charles Riehl, serving for several years. He was followed by William Rall, who faithfully served
for a number of years and died while still in office. I then assumed this department's completing Rall's
term of office.”
"It was in the latter part of the year 1923 that the village became incorporated by a vote of the people,
and immediately thereafter an election was held tor Village President, two Trustees and a Treasurer,
the same being Gustave Hahn as President and Edward McGraw, Voldenauer who resigned
immediately thereafter. His place was filled by appointment of William F. Wolter, who I believe, served
for one year. After that the treasurer was appointed by the Board and the next official in that capacity
was Charles Riehl serving for several years. He was followed by William Rail, who faithfully served for
a number of years and died while still in office. I then assumed this department's completing Rail's
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term of office." "The accounts of the Village Clerk and the Village Treasurer are audited at least once every two years.
This is compulsory by state law and by the requirements of the company that bonds both officials for
the sum of $20,000 and $10,000, respectively. It is also required that certain records and books be
kept, the office of the Village Clerk doing most of this work, whereas the Treasurer must keep such
accounts that he may be able to make up very complicated reports at the end of the year. Most of you,
no doubt, think that the duties of the Treasurer are to receive all monies due the village and disburse
the same as ordered by the members of the Village Board.
You are right to a certain extent, but the duties are much more complicated than that. In the first place,
before a check can he issued and signed by the Treasurer, a voucher must be made up by the party
making a claim, monies due, duly signed and notarized (here Mr. Wild used a voucher form in
demonstration). This is to be presented to the members of the Village Board at one of their meetings
and must have the approval of a majority of the said Board before it can be paid. It must also be
certified by the Village Clerk, showing that the voucher has been noted in the minutes as being
approved for payment. The 'body' of the voucher must show in detail the reason for the payment and it
is the duty of the village clerk to check this before he presents it to the members of the Board for their
approval.
"The lower part of the voucher is in check form and is filled out by the Treasurer who gives the check
the same number as the voucher and protects it by perforation. It is signed by the Treasurer and
countersigned by the Mayor. No check is good with only one signature. A record is made of the
amount of the check, I the account to which it is charged such as General Fund, Police Fund, Fire
.Department Fund, and these are copied from a blanket-voucher (illustrated) made out by the various
heads of the departments approved by the Village Clerk and the Mayor. It is then the duty of the
Treasurer to make out a separate check for each and every one whose name appears on the form,
showing the details of the payment, the deductions,.the fund from which it is drawn, the voucher
number and the period for which it is drawn."
"Every check must be entered as in the case of the voucher checks, only that the check number differs
from the voucher number. The receipt must also be entered to show from what source they are
credited, such as Beverage Tax, Personal Income Tax, Franchise Tax and Village taxes and interest
thereon. At the meetings of the Village Board held on the first and third Mondays of each month, a
detailed report is made by the Treasurer showing all receipts and from whence they came, all
disbursements made, showing the check and voucher-check numbers and the amount disbursed. A
summary is also given showing how much the balance is in each bank since Village funds are
deposited in the two local banks. This balance, taking into consideration the outstanding checks and
voucher-checks, must agree with the bank balances to the penny."
"A Financial Report of the Village must be made out, at the end of the fiscal year for the Department of
Taxation and Finance— Bureau Of Research and Statistics showing the assessed valuation of the
property in the incorporated district, the rate percent that we judge is assessed (60%), the tax rate of
the Village, the amount of the taxes levied and the amount collected.
"The Annual Report of the Village Treasurer goes to the State Comptroller on or before May 1st of
each year. Failure of the Treasurer to file this report on time subjects him to a penalty of $5.00 per day
for every day over that he fails to have the report with the Comptroller. This is a most arduous task
since the report, which is in book form, consists of 27 pages, comprising 552 items—517 of which
must be reported by this Village. It requires that every cent disbursed by the Village must he
accounted for item by item. The first two pages are for the summary of receipts and disbursements
while the remaining 25 pages must show an accurate amount of each and every item of receipts and
Page 40 / 80
disbursements. For example: the Street Dept. must show just how much has been spent during the
year for the wages of its employees, equipment and repairs, materials and supplies, repairs to streets,
sidewalks and curbing, snow removal, insurance, new sidewalks and curbing and pavements, street
lighting, park equipment and repairs and a few minor items.
"The Police Dept., Fire Dept., must make a similar report. The general fund is that which includes the
salaries paid to the Village Officials, namely: The Mayor, four trustees, Village Clerk, Treasurer,
Assessor, Building Inspector, and other Committees and Boards, stationery and Treasurer's
equipment. The main source of revenue is from Village taxes and interest thereon. Franchise Taxes,
Beverage Taxes, Personal Income Taxes, fines and arrears in taxes. All but the Village Taxes are paid
to us through the County-Treasurer.
"Finally, it may interest you to know that the incorporated Village limits comprise 4¼ square miles,
which is 2½ times the area of Amityville and two times the area of Babylon. It consists of 2,720 acres
of land and the population as of the 1940 census is 5,500 inhabitants."
A ten minute discussion period then ensued during which Mr. Wild graciously answered the numerous
questions propounded by an enthusiastic and enlightened school group of boys and girls who showed
their appreciation of the Treasurer's efforts with a hearty applause.
(B) Village Police Department (Police Chief, Edward Morlock)
"I was pleased when Mr. Hirsch asked me to speak to you today because it gives us an opportunity to
become better acquainted with each other in a pleasant social manner. To many boys and girls the
policeman represents a "boogy-man", someone to keep far away from at all times. In reality the
policeman is your friend and is interested in helping you. We want you to feel that we are always ready
to help you with your problems."
"Lindenhurst was policed by constables and deputy sheriffs until December 1923, when the village
was incorporated. In 1924, a one-man police department was founded. Late the same year the
personnel was increased to two men. Gradually the force was increased until at the present time it
numbers nine, two of whom are in the armed police forces (William McGraw, Navy, and Herman Bopp,
Army) and whose positions are being temporarily filled by desk men."
"I was appointed to the police department in April, 1925. At the time I was a motorcycle officer since
the police department had not as yet invoked the use of cars. That same year I had an accident and
broke my leg. William Lamm then took over, the motorcycle duties but likewise fractured his leg while I
was still in the hospital. Since we both occupied the same room, our conversation eventually led to the
mutual decision that a police car should be purchased and so we decided to have a dance to raise the
money. The dance was a success and with the proceeds we purchased the first police car, a Ford with
good intentions but not much speed. The police "ball has become an annual affair.
"At present, the police department has two police cars and we are equipped with a two-way radio. In
fact, our town of Babylon was the first in the county to have this type of police communication. Briefly,
the two-way radio works as follows: In the town which includes Babylon, Amityville, Lindenhurst, the
town police (constables ) and East Farmingdale there are nine police cars. In the headquarters of
each village mentioned there is also a receiving and sending set. When the headquarters wants to
contact the police car they radio the car to answer a call received on the telephone for a police officer.
If someone calls and reports an accident or fire at a certain spot the officer in headquarters relays the
information to the officer in the car and the car goes to the scene. By means of the radio the car can
respond to a call in the Village within one minute after it is received. (At which point several actual
incidents were told.")
Page 41 / 80
"No doubt you have all seen the policemen at the crossings when you are coming or going to school.
They are there for a purpose to protect the children. I noticed that some of you do not cross where
there is a policeman. That is a dangerous practice. So, please remember to always cross the street at
the guarded crossings."
Chief Morlock then proceeded to outline briefly various other details of police work including such
interesting explained topics as: The interrelation of F.B.I. (Federal Bureau of Investigation) and B.C.I.
(Bureau of Criminal Investigation) activities with local police department in fingerprinting, photography,
and local police schools; attendance at local, state and national police conferences; pistol shooting
competition with other county and island departments (for which many fine trophies have been
awarded to our local force), Civil Service requirements for appointment to the force and organization
officially illustrated by an excellent collection of rare photographs reminiscent of bygone years.
Annual Police Department Reports (1942 - 1944)
Local police activities are further explained and clarified by the following annual Police Department
reports for the years 1942, 1943, and 1944 as submitted by Chief of Police Edward Morlock to the
Village Board in January of each year for inspection and approval. These detailed facts and figures
further serve to point out the numerous duties involved in local police work, which duties for the most
part are unknown to the general public. Commending Chief Morlock on his 1944 report, Acting Mayor
John Whalen and members of Village Board suggested that he submit one every few months instead
of once a year "to let the people know what the police are doing". A surprising majority of the public is
sadly uninformed about the policeman's duties, he said, and -" added that many don't realize all the
work they accomplish during the course of a year. Mr. Whalen used the total of 966 telephone calls as
an example.
Page 42 / 80
ARRESTS
1942
1943
1944
Assault........................................................7...............................15...........................................17
Abandonment.............................................2.................................0.............................................0
Burglary......................................................0...............................11.............................................0
Carnal Abuse of Child.................................2.................................1.............................................2
Disorderly Conduct.....................................9...............................16
Incest............................................................................................................................................1
Manslaughter..............................................0.................................1.............................................0
Grand Larceny............................................4.................................1.............................................3
Indecent Exposure......................................0...............................11.............................................0
Petty Larceny..............................................4.................................4.............................................2
Bookmaking................................................0.................................1
Non-support..................................................................................................................................1
Public Intoxication.......................................4.................................1.............................................0
Public Safety...............................................0.................................1
Education law...............................................................................................................................1
Common Gambler (crap)............................0.................................7
Vagrancy......................................................................................................................................1
Violation 2nd War Power Act......................2
Refusing officer order...................................................................................................................1
Failed to provide for arrivals.......................0
Unlicenced scabenger..................................................................................................................1
Throwing garbage on highway....................0.................................1...........................................11
Failure to remove snow..............................0.................................1
Overtime parking..........................................................................................................................8
Juvenile Delinquency..................................2...............................14.............................................2
Speeding..................................................25...............................10.............................................9
Driving without license..............................16.................................3.............................................9
No registration on trailer.............................0.................................1
Leaving scene of accident............................................................................................................2
Operating an unregistered car....................1.................................1.............................................1
Passing red light.........................................8.................................0.............................................7
Reckless driving.........................................4.................................0.............................................2
Unlawful use of a name..............................1.................................0
Improper registration....................................................................................................................2
Fines Collected
Village..............................................$234.00........................$85.00..................................$208.00
Town..................................................156.00......................$275.00..................................$140.00
State..................................................125.00........................$25.00..................................$140.00
Other Activities
Auto Accidents investigated....................110...............................77
Stolen autos recovered...............................................................................................................30
Business doors open
after midnight.........................................31...............................28...........................................33
Page 43 / 80
Guarding Mails and payrolls...................233.............................234.........................................186
Animals destroyed....................................64...............................42...........................................48
Lost & stolen property...................$4,781.80..................................................................$7,569.10
Lost & stolen property
universal...........................$26,569,858.80
Lost Property recovered..............$12,048.50
1942
1943
Vacant houses posted & inspected.........171.................186
Requests for an officer............................973.................745
Lost children found...................................14.....................5
Hours of foot patrol..............................3,901...............3000
Miles patrolled, police cars.................44,981
Page 44 / 80
1944
205
966
12
3030
Village Clerk (Clerk Alfred Pfeiffer)
Mr. Pfeiffer was appointed last May, to fill the unexpired term of the late Nicholas-Muller. The pew
Village Clerk attended the New York City schools and was a graduate of New York City College. He
received a three year pre-medical course at Columbia University and was recently employed in an
executive capacity by the United Parcel Service of New York City. His local activities among others,
include being a member of the Lindenhurst Civic Association, a former Captain of the Fire Department,
honorary member of the World War Veterans Club, a trustee of the school board for the past six years
and Chairman of the Program Committee for the Lindenhurst Community Servicemen's Lounge.
Village matters are familiar to the present clerk as he served in the capacity of Village Trustee from
1923 to 1934.
Referring briefly to Treasurer Wild's recent classroom report regarding the close relationship between
the work of the clerk and that of the Village Treasurer, Mr. Pfeiffer first pointed out just how the duties
of both officers necessarily dove-tail in the matter of accurate recording of numerous financial
transactions under village jurisdiction. The prescribed duties of the village clerk " with illustrations
pertaining thereto then were outlined as follows:
1. The clerk of each village shall, subject to the directions and control of the board of trustees,
have the custody of the corporate seal, and to the books, records and papers of the village and
of all the official reports and communications to the board;
2. He shall act as clerk of the board of trustees, and of each board of village officials, and keep a
record of their proceedings, however, the clerk has no vote in board transactions.
Here Mr. Pfeiffer explained that it was the rightful privilege of any local citizen at any time to make
reference to the minutes of meetings held for information of a legal nature regarding village legislation,
assessment roll data, etc., since the minutes are public property; (3) He shall keep an indexed record
in a separate book, of all village ordinances; (4) He shall keep an accurate account of all that the
Village Clerk acts as village auditor and at least once during each term of office a state auditor is
called in to go over the clerk's books. (5) He shall, at all reasonable hours on demand of any person
produce for inspection the books records and papers of his office and shall furnish a copy to any
person thereof, certified in the proper form to be read in evidence, upon the payment of his fees at the
rate of six cents per folio. (6) He shall act as collector of village taxes and assessments which are
payable throughout the fiscal year; a 5 percent penalty is imposed for the first month thereafter.
Grievance Day, held the third Tuesday in November, gives local taxpayers the opportunity of making
complaints to the clerk concerning their property assessments. The rate of assessment is obtained by
dividing the total village tax assessment into the amount set aside in the village budget.
With regard to the fourth duty above, Mr. Pfeiffer described the use of the two-book or double entry
system by which an accurate account is possible of receipts and expenditures of the village in the
course of a year. In the event of even the minutest error on the yearly balance figures, an exhaustive
check must be made by the clerk to discover and rectify said error, so that the record books balance to
the penny.
In answer to student propounded questions, Clerk Pfeiffer completed his well organized talk with
carefully thought out explanations of scavenger permits, carnival permits, village sales tax, zoning
ordinances, and the plans now in progress for a new Municipal Building within the next five years. A
generous round of applause demonstrated the appreciative attitude of the assembled students.
Page 45 / 80
Village Attorney (Attorney Franklin Voelker)
In introducing attorney Voelker it was pointed out that the position of Village Attorney has been very
capably handled by the guest speaker since 1926, immediately following his admission to law practice.
He was elected to the School Board in 1924 and was a member continuously until 1930, serving as
president of the board for three or four years. Mr. Voelker has also been attorney for the School
District for the past five years.
Beginning with early colonial government, Mr. Voelker briefly traced government growth and
expansion up to and including present national, state and village forms. Incorporation of Lindenhurst
in 1923 at a public hearing led to the original setup of a president and trustees. Later, the village head
was officially called mayor and two more trustees were added to the board, which positions are
elective in nature. All other village offices are filled by appointment. Although our 1940 census showed
a population of 4,750, the present figure, 8,300, legally entitles Lindenhurst to a police judge, which is
being handled "ex-officio" by Judge Walter Saxton. All the local official positions, the duties involved
and term of office of each were then clearly explained. It is in connection with the various department
heads of which these officials are valued members, Mr. Voelker stated, that his duties as Village
Attorney call for much legal research and exactness of factual material obtained in order to render
sound legal advice and decisions.
Such items as municipal bonds for public construction, direct and indirect taxes, township and village
ordinances interpretations zoning committee problems, permits of various types, etc., were discussed
to some extent with reference to legal counsel involved.
Mr. Voelker said, too, that the state law requires that in order for a village to become incorporated, it
must have at least a mile square of area. Geographically, Lindenhurst has an area almost equal to that
of Babylon and Amityville combined. A fitting close to his report was provided by a Zoning Commission
meeting on Tuesday, February 17, 1931, Chairman Muller stated: "The present plan is to divide the
town into five districts, namely three residential districts, a business district, and an industrial district.
These will probably be an "A" and "B" residential district in which only single family dwellings will be
allowed, together with the customary institutional buildings and other constructions permissible in
residential districts. The third residential "C" district will also provide for single family dwellings but will
allow multiple family dwellings on approval of the Board of Zoning Appeals. For the purpose of
regulating gasoline stations, tire sales and service shops, a provision will be placed in the code
requiring applicants to obtain the approval of the Board of Appeals. This will also be the case in the
matter of commercial bill boards.”
The intent and purpose of village zoning was very aptly expressed by Chairman Muller who stated in
part in March 1951: "Zoning is the application of common sense and fairness to the public relations
effort to provide in each district or neighborhood just such protection, and just such liberty as is
sensible in that particular district. It avoids the error of trying to apply exactly the same building
regulations to every part of town, regardless of whether it is a suburban residence section or a factory
district or a business and financial center. It fosters civic spirit by creating confidence in everyone who
lives or does business in a community a chance for the reasonable enjoyment of his rights. At the
same time, it protects him from unreasonable injury by neighbors who would seek private gain at his
expense without regard to the cost and the rights of his neighbors. We must remember, however, that
while zoning is a very important part of village planning, it must go hand in hand with the laying out of
streets" and providing, parks and open spaces for the general welfare of the community. Zoning is far-
Page 46 / 80
sightedness in that it plans for the future."
Following many trying months of planning and regulating by the Zoning Commissioners, i.e., Adam
Muller, Chairman and Max Barash and Charles Riehl, Associates, The Zoning Ordinances prepared by
them was finally accepted officially by the members of the Village Board at a special deferred session
at the office of the mayor Charles Heling on Tuesday evening, July 21, 1931. This completed a task in
which the efforts of those appointed were put to many hardships through the unusually large amount
of objections raised against the proposition itself and the manner in which it was prepared. The
question of which way Wellwood Avenue, between Gates Avenue and the Montauk Highway should be
zoned and the divided opinion of its residents was perhaps the outstanding-cause of delay as many
favored that parcel of land for business and others desired it for strictly residential purposes. This
question, however, was definitely settled when the board voted to zone the property for residential
purposes.
During the period over which the zoning proposition was carried, several public hearings were held at
which time the board granted audience to everyone who was in any way interested in the plans as set
forth in the ordinances prepared. Although there were other objections raised with reference to several
sections of property within the village, the one main cause of dissuasion pro and con was the
Wellwood Avenue section. The action of the Board on this matter, as stated above, was reached when
the majority of citizens present expressed their wishes in favor of that section being zoned a
residential one.
At a special meeting of the Village Board, held at the Municipal Building on Monday evening August 10
1931, the reappointment of the Board of Appeals in connection with the recently adopted zoning
ordinances took place. Those appointed during the regime of Mayor Walter Wellbrock, namely, Lester
Y. Allers, Alex Jaeger, Sr., Harry C. Toms, Robert C. Kienle, and Adam Muller were duly approved of
and received the designation of the Board to resume their duties officially. At this meeting it was also
decided that before a gasoline station can be established, a petition bearing 80% of the residence
population within 500 feet in all four directions of the proposed area must be presented.
In August 1932, the members of the Planning Board headed by Chairman Adam Muller with Frank
Slover, Bertyl A. Lybock, George F. Weister and Harry G. Wichman, secretary accepted the general
plan of village improvements as detailed by an official man prepared by A. Mulhoffer, Babylon
engineer, retained for that purpose. New school sites, play grounds, park parkways, and boulevards,
baseball fields and recreation areas are shown in the plan on display in the Municipal Building for
public inspection. Following many months of effort, the Board, with Engineer Mulhoffer, definitely
arrived at the termination of their first and most trying task, the preparation of a general plan for
improvement in Lindenhurst over a period of the next 35 years. However, it remained in the hands of
local citizens to decide at a future time whether these improvements would be made so that
Lindenhurst may be classed as one of the most progressive in the state. The Lindenhurst High School,
Village Park, Meridale Park, Herr Park, Our Lady of Perpetual Help School and Wellwood Avenue
parking facilities are outstanding present day illustrations of the careful and far-sighted property
planning done by the Planning Board.
At this writing the official Board of Zoning Appeals register include: Chairman, Adam Muller; Secretary,
Frank K. Freverle; Cov Westerman, Henry Breunig, Arthur Parth, John Schwerbel.
History and Growth of Outstanding Public Buildings: First National Bank
Page 47 / 80
As the first banking institution to be established in Lindenhurst, the First National Bank may be
accorded singular honor in that respect. The story of the inception and subsequent growth bears out
that institutions rightful claim to being a leading unit in local matters of financial importance. The
following article, published in the July 19, 1912 issue of the South Side Signal, outlines in interesting
manner, the initial steps taken toward organization and early expansion:
"Lindenhurst's new First National Bank Building will be formally opened to the public tomorrow, July
20, 1912. It will be open for inspection from 3:00 until 9:00 P.M."
For many years the starting of a bank was discussed by the Lindenhurst people but nothing definite
was done until a citizens meeting was held on Monday, June 3, 1907 at Gleste's hall for the purpose of
organizing a National Bank. At that meeting many expressed their willingness to cooperate in the
venture and steps were taken to establish the bank with $25,000 capital in shares of $105 each.
Wilbur C. Abbott was chairman and Frederick Sheide acted as secretary. The first meeting of the
organization committee was held June 10, when a Mr. Wells, of Philadelphia, the original promoter,
stated that 190 shares had been subscribed. On June 14 the first board of directors were elected as
follows: Wilbur C. Abbott, president; Frederick Sheide and Charles Weierter, Jr., Vice-Presidents;
George Pebler, cashier; George W. Irmisch, Arthur Parthe, E. H. Mielke, John Tanner, Dr. C. A. Luce,
F. S. Bunce and Edward Schmalkuche, all of whom compose the present board of directors with the
exception of Arthur Parthe, deceased. Charles Riehl being elected in his place.
* Note: According to information supplied by Postmaster Arthur Cosgrove, the following incident adds
a somewhat humorous but none the less, important sidelight to the two fore-going statements;
"Frederick Sheide, then a state assemblyman from Suffolk County, was instrumental in procuring
financial support to the government at Washington for establishment of a bank in Lindenhurst. As one
of the Bank's vice-presidents, Mr. Sheide was also responsible for the collection from local investors of
$25,000 in deposits which, due to the lack of police protection at that time, was carefully hidden under
the beds of the Sheide homestead and slept on overnight until it could be deposited in the newly
opened bank. This was the first deposit made.
The bank was opened for business in the Irmisch building on Hoffman Avenue on September 9, 1907,
and the first day's deposits were $10,099.48. The bank has been accorded a wide and healthy
patronage, the total deposits on July 15, being $151,547.74, the net earnings $9,885.64 with four
dividends of $500 each paid at date. The total resources at present are, $193,336.75.
With a constantly growing business the quarters were found too small and during September of last
year after the purchase of the new site on Wellwood Avenue, ground was broken for the new building.
The contractor was Valentine Bangert, of Jamaica. The architect was Harry E. Oborne, who died
during the work of construction and he was succeeded by Harry Wickman of Babylon, who has
carefully noted the construction of the building according to the plans.
The building is of brick with terracotta trimming, fire proof, with a Spanish tile roof. Four large granite
columns adorn the front entrance. The interior is of solid oak and Italian marble. The floor is of tile. The
building is lighted by both gas and electricity, and heated by a hot water system. On the right of the
main entrance is the officers' room, partitioned by a heavy brass gate. There is a commodious lobby
on the south side, and a private booth for the patrons of the safe deposit boxes, and which number
over one hundred. In the rear is a large room for the use of the directors, with an old fashioned fire
place in the north end of the room. It also has a complete outfit of fire proof and burglar proof vaults.
It is one of the two bank buildings on Long Island outside of Greater New York equipped with an
electric bank- protection device. Three percent is paid in the savings accounts. Besides the present
staff of officers, Ainslee Warkle, of Amityville, and Warner Frevert of Lindenhurst, are members of the
clerical force.
Page 48 / 80
LINDENHURST STAR—SEPTEMBER 28, 1928
"First National To Increase Its Stock $25,000 to $50,000."
(1) 1928 will probably make the most important epoch in the history of the First National Bank of
Lindenhurst when the stockholders of record will be given an opportunity to vote upon the proposed
increase in capital stock from $25,000 to $50,000 on October 23, 1928. The doubling of the original
amount, $25,000 will, according to the highest authorities in banking circles, substantially strengthen
the institution allowing for a surplus equal to the proposed amount of capital stock and provided
sufficient sum in individual profits to properly care for the growing business of the bank.
LINDENHURST STAR—APRIL 25, 1930
"Alteration at First National."
(2) Alterations and improvements at the First National Bank building will begin within a few days. The
many modern changes include the removal of the present exterior concrete steps and small vestibule
and in place of the same, the erection of a new addition to the entire width of the property, namely, 50
feet in the property line, which allows for a new vestibule with stone steps will have brass hand rails
both sides and in the center.
The new addition to the front will be utilized for office space, ladies' waiting room, toilets, etc. Additions
to North and South of working space, separated from banking room and treated with acoustical plaster
to keep the noise of the machines from the banking space. An addition to the south and rear will
accommodate new coupon booths for safe depository use.
The front of the building will be finished entirely in stone in Crinthisa Order with large circular hard
windows and entrance in bronze and glass, which will make a very desirable and attractive banking
institution, certainly a big credit to the Village of Lindenhurst. The accommodation for the patrons of
the Bank will be greatly improved as outlined. A ladies' room attractively furnished will be provided,
coupon booths will be located conveniently near the safe deposit vault. The entire present interior will
be decorated. A night depository will be installed for the convenience of patrons. The second floor will
be given up to a large storage room.
Lewis Inglee, at Amityville, who represents the village as architect for the new half million dollar
school, is the architect for the banking alterations.
(3) January 27, 1936
"Plans for inauguration of a personal loan department in the First National were announced this week.
The service will be opened on Monday, January 27, loans will range from $50 to $1000 repayable in
weekly or monthly payments over a period of one year. In commenting upon the department, the
Bank said, "For a long time the need has been felt for a flexible loan --plan to help the responsible,
worthy people of the community who find themselves in temporary need of financial assistance. It's
planning to say that with the inauguration of the Personal Loan Department, we will be in a position to
be of real help to those who have no collateral, other than their good name and character, and who
are unable to meet emergencies of to reorganize their personal or business affairs."
At the close of the month of January 1936, a change in personnel was effected at an organization
meeting. George Pebler, who had ably served as its cashier since the first day the institution was
opened back- in 1907, retired from this position to be succeeded by Hallis F. Luce of Amityville, who
became a member of the Board in 1935. The new cashier was formerly associated with the Bank of
Manhattan Trust Co.
Page 49 / 80
Mr. Pebler, while retiring from the regular association at the bank, was advanced to the Presidency.
His predecessor Wallur C. Albett of Babylon, who held this title since 1917, was elected chairman of
the Board of Directors. G.W, Irmisch was re-elected as vice-president and Dr. Charles A. Luce, foster
father of the new cashier, was named to fill another vice-presidency which had been vacant for some
years since the retirement from the directorate of former Assemblyman Frederick Shiede. Ann Pebler
Futeinger was again designated to carry on as assistant cashier.
Election of officers held the second week in January 1945 resulted in the following official organization
for 1945; president — Frank K. Graser - Executive vice-president and cashier — H. E. Meeker; Vicepresident — Lawrence Baunach; Directors — Fred Bohne and Mrs. Joseph Feitzinger.
Walamein bronze doors and windows give the front of the building a really attractive appearance. The
bank building is now generally considered one of the most attractive in the Village centrally located on
the east side of Wellwood Avenue, south of Hoffman Avenue.
For the convenience of the public, deposits will be received all day Saturday and placed upon the
bank's books as of April 1st. The official opening day will be Monday, April 1st from 8:30 A.M. until 9:00
P.M. After the opening, banking hours will be daily from 8:30 A.M. until 3:00 P.M. On Saturdays the
bank will close at 1:00 P.M. and open again in the evening from 7:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M.
The officer's quarters are in the front of the banking room, always accessible to the public. Three teller
cages have been erected so that prompt and efficient service can be rendered at all times. In the rear
is the bookkeeping department where the most modern systems have been installed. The director
room has been fitted with soundproof walls, so that the business of the bank will always be
confidential."
Proof of the remarkable progress made by the Lindenhurst Bank in the first half year of its existence is
clearly evidenced in the following, Oct. 11, 1929 item in the Lindenhurst Star: "Organized toward the
end of last year (1928), the new bank opened for business on Mar. 28th of this year, with deposits on
the very first day of more than $75,000.00. People continue to show their confidence in the officers
and directors as shown by the large number of new depositors daily coming into the bank, resulting in
deposits on September 27th of nearly a quarter-million dollars and total resources of almost $400,000.
Mr. Muller states that it is especially unusual for a new bank to show a profit for the first year. This
published report however shows that since opening on March 28th, a period of only six months, has
actual undivided profits of $2,670.70.
The stockholders have already awakened to the increase in the value of their stock, for a few of the
original stockholders have recently sold their holdings at a substantial profit. It is reported that stock in
the Lindenhurst Bank is being held at $180 per share."
On January 17, 1936, the Star carried the following write-up which again showed definite healthy
forward progress of the Lindenhurst Bank: In submitting his report for the year, the President of the
Lindenhurst Bank, Adam Muller, not only reported a large increase in the number of depositors during
the past year but also was able to report that at the close of business on Saturday, January 11, the
resources of the bank had for the first time passed the $700,000 mark.
Total resources on Jan. 11, 1935, were $700,069 and $511, $250 on the same day in 1934; and
$498,138 on the same day in 1933. The Lindenhurst Bank has not found it necessary or advisable to
take any money from the Reconstruction Finance Corporation and its published statements show that
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the original capital of $100,000 has remained intact.
In 1936 the Lindenhurst Bank added modern banking facilities with the erection of a one-story
structure on the rear of its present building to house a vault for the storage of safe-deposit boxes.
Adam Muller, President; Gustave Hahn and Charles O. Ireland Vice-presidents; Ainslie M. Wardle;
cashier; Board of Directors— Archie M. Baker, Louis Edelman, Carl L. Fuchs, Gustave Hahn, Charles
O. Ireland, Adam Muller, Joseph P. Spellerberg, Ainslie Wardle.
A report of the condition of the Lindenhurst Bank, a member of the Federal Reserve System at the
close of business on December 30th, 1944, reveals the following interesting facts: Total Assets,
$2,050,907.66; Total Liabilities $1,881,137.66; Capital Stock Accounts $169,870.00 Mr. Wardle
reported that the bank announced two semi-annual dividends at $2.00 per share and increased its
total surplus fund by $2,500 during 1944 (Total fund—$56,000.00). The bank's total resources, he
said, are the largest since the bank was organized in 1929. Christmas Clubs and personal safetydeposit boxes are also flourishing, and annually increasing in membership. Last year's (1944)
Christmas Clubs distributed over $40,000 to its members, an increase of about $8,000 over the total
for 1943. The following figures on deposits further attest to the banks phenomenal financial growth:
Dec. 30, 1930-$221,347.06; Dec. 30, 1935—$380,158.99; Dec. 30, 1940, $1,012,105.73; Dec. 30,
1944-$1,876,452.61.
Lindenhurst Post Office
The modern post office building located on the east side of South Wellwood Avenue (next to Catholic
Church) officially opened on Nov. 30, 1938. The Lindenhurst Star of that date carried the following
Item:
"New Post Office Opened Today"
"The new Post Office building, complete to the last detail in modern requirements, opened this
morning at 7 o'clock, the work of transforming mail matter, records, etc., from the old office, being
done yesterday in order that the transfer would cause no delay in the handling of the business of the
office by Postmaster Clarence E. Hirsch and staff.
There are 810 lock boxes provided in the new office, an increase of approximately 150 over that
provided in the old office. There are no call boxes. Modern protective combination locks are provided
on all boxes and one member only of each family renting a box will be instructed on the combination.
Ample space has been provided for paper and letter drops. There is a parcel post window, one for
general delivery and a money order window provided. No service is to be provided for lock boxes in
accordance with the Post Office Department's ruling. A large desk with the necessary writing
paraphernalia is located in the center of the spacious lobby. The building is well heated. Ample space
is provided for the clerical force in the rear."
The development of the present modern post office delivery system reveals the undaunted pioneer
spirit with which past postmasters were imbued and despite successive discouragements
arrangements for free city mail delivery were officially completed and put into effect locally. After many
disappointing months of untiring efforts to educate the local citizens to the values and requirements of
a free city mail delivery system, the local postmaster, Timothy J. Gibson, finally received official word
from Washington, D.C., at noon, April 3 1936, that he had been authorized and directed to inaugurate
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such service on July 1, 1936. Thus ended a long and sometimes discouraging campaign toward the
achievement of this facility long denied although the district had long been in the class entitled to it.
Had not economic conditions interfered, city service would have been effected several years previous
when former postmaster, Herbert Torns, had completed negotiations with the federal department. Mr.
Torns, while in office, was named chairman of the municipal street-naming committee and he, after
much effort, designated house numbers to every structure in the postal district to be served.
The present postmaster, Arthur Cosgrove, was sworn into office on June 12, 1936. Mr. Cosgrove is the
11th person to serve as head of the postal department in Lindenhurst. The first was Gustave Gude,
who was named by President Rutherford B. Hayes in 1877. Gude conducted the first post office in the
railroad station, as he was railroad agent at that time. He was succeeded by Ferdinand Beschott,
appointed by President James Garfield and Chester A. Arthur. Charles Wagner, a justice of the peace,
followed him upon designation of President Stephen Grover Cleveland, and was the first Democrat to
hold the office here. President Benjamin Harrison assigned August Schmalkuche to the office to
succeed Wagner, and he in turn was followed by George W. Irmisch, favored during Cleveland's
second term. Frederick Torns, Sr., served faithfully for the next sixteen years under the federal
administrations of Presidents William McKinley, Theodore Roosevelt, and William Howard Taft from
1897 to 1913, when President Woodrow Wilson named William F. Wild, the latter remaining until 1929
when Herbert Torns was designated to replace Mr. Hirsch and continued in office until Jan. 1, 1935.
Mr. Gibson next came in order, and served the shortest term of all; one year, six months, and twelve
days.
The location of street letter boxes was outlined by Postmaster Cosgrove in June 1936, as follows: No.
Wellwood Ave. and DeKalb Avenue, No. Wellwood Avenue and No. Hoffman Avenue, West John
Street and No. 7th Street; So. Hoffman and So. High Street, West Gates and So. 6th; West Gates and
South 2nd; South Wellwood and Reade Avenues; So. Wellwood and Montauk Hwy; So. Wellwood and
Gulf Street, Montauk Hwy., and So. Broadway, So. Hoffman and So. Broadway, No. Wellwood and
John Street.
The various locations of the post office quarters since the year 1890, attest to the somewhat unsettled
nature of our Village in its early years of growth. However, like a growing, healthy boy, each change
brought with it a stronger, better planned post office system to keep pace with Lindenhurst's increasing
strength socially, economically, and politically. The first known site for the U.S. Government post office
was the original railroad station from 1880 to 1885. Gustave Gude, was the postmaster. During the
next five years, Ferdinand Breschott assumed the postmaster duties, first in what was known as the 3story building on Ketcham Ave. (Now South 2nd Street, just south of Shell Gas Station), then moved to
the Store and Bakery of A. Schmalkuche at the corner of Nostrand Ave. (now So. 1st St.) Charles
Wagner was in charge of the post office duties until 1889, dispensing mail in the building where John
Knocht Shoe Store now is, same being divided into two stores. He was succeeded by August
Schmalkuche until 1893 during which period the post office moved back to Nostrand and South
Hoffman Avenues (now Bogdanski's Bakery and Delicatessen). The next four years (until 1897) saw
another change in location of the post office to the Irmisch Building (now Tarema Barber Shop) with
George W. Irmisch as postmaster. From that point on in local history up to the present, four more
changes in post office quarters took place as follows: (1) 1897-1913- Toms General Store (now
Diamonds Dep't. Store) and then next to present Zumpal Building, Frederick Toms, postmaster; (2)
1913-1921 - Wild, postmaster; (3) 1921 - 1929 -present Roulston Grocery Store, Clarence Hirsh,
postmaster; (4-) 1929-1935 - the present new building, just north of Catholic Church, Herbert Toms;
1935-37, same building, Timothy Gibson; 1937 to present same building, Arthur Cosgrove.”
A more detailed account of the growth and development of this Village's postal system as prepared by
Mrs. Lorena Frevert, local historian, follows:
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At the time of Breslau's founding on June 6, 1870 this section of South Huntington was served by the
Amityville and Babylon post offices. This inconvenient arrangement was improved upon in August of
1870 by having all mail sent to Breslau care of the station agent, received his appointment as
postmaster on December 22, 1870. The latter officially opened the post office on January 9, 1871 the
new depot built by Thomas Welwood at a reputed cost of $2300. The depot stood a few hundred feet
west of the present station and was a two-story building, the second floor of which was used as the
living quarters of the station agent. This structure was razed by fire on January 20, 1901.
Mr. Gude, our first postmaster, supplemented his income by conducting a small stationery store in the
depot. His postal duties could not have been too arduous in these days and the office was doubtless
handled efficiently. However, the public was as hard to please seventy-five years ago as today.
Complaints reached the public press "in regard to the manner in which the post office is managed.
"The office is often closed five minutes after the arrival of trains and subjects parties calling for mail
matter too much annoyance." This disapproval of postal management was registered in December of
1871 and a month later the "South Side Signal" reports that the "postmaster is becoming quite
unpopular. He collects postage on newspapers published in the county which under the franking
privilege is in violation of the law". Satisfactory changes in the postmaster's policies must have been
made for Mr. Gude continued in the office for eight years.
Ferdinand Boschott, a justice of the peace and a school trustee, received the appointment to the
postmastership in April 1879. The office was moved to the store of August Schmalkuche on the corner
of Hoffman Avenue opposite the depot and the postmaster had his home in Sheet 5 moved to this
more central location. Mr. Boschott opened the basement of his home as postal headquarters on
November 26, 1831. It is reported there was a "commodious room in which to transact business." The
young people of Breslau would gather in the post office at night and their "loud laughter and
mischievous propensities" led to public statements of disapproval. In July of 1885, Postmaster
Boschott died suddenly while sorting the evening mail. He was about sixty years of age and had
received his appointments from Presidents Garfield and Arthur. The Beschott home, which served as a
post office for four years, was moved from its Hoffman Avenue location to Ash Street in 1923 to make
room for the erection of the food distributing plant of Adam Muller, Inc.
Charles Wagner took over the duties of postmaster upon his appointment in August of 1885 and
removed the office to his residence, the present Knecht Building on West Hoffman Avenue. He held
the office during Cleveland's first administration but upon the election of Benjamin Harrison, August
Schmalkauche received the appointment on April 24, 1889. The post office facilities were returned to
the bakery store of the new appointee. Mr. Schmalkauche is said to have been a capable official.
During his regime a petition was forwarded to the Post Office Department to have the name of the
village changed from Breslau to Lindenhurst. Official word came through on July 14, 1891 that the
change was granted. The next year on July 22, Lindenhurst became a money order post office and
Postmaster Schmalkuche rearranged the office room to accommodate this innovation.
With the return of Cleveland to the presidential chair, George Irmisch was appointed postmaster on
December 13, 1893. The office was conducted in his paper and cigar store on Hoffman Avenue which
is presently occupied by the Nagy Paint Shop. It is said Mr. Irmisch had a "neat outfit—112 call boxes
and 8 lock boxes". A new service inaugurated under postmaster Irmisch was the posting in the office
each evening of weather forecasts received from the government station in New York.
The mischievous instincts of our local adolescents were manifested one morning in April of 1895,
when the postmaster Irmisch discovered. Max Zeilner's barber pole set up in front of the post office.
Perhaps there is someone living in Lindenhurst today who will now confess to this prank.
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On December 6, 1897, Frederick Torns, Sr. was appointed postmaster by President McKinley. He
continued to serve under Theodore Roosevelt and William Howard Taft—a term of sixteen years which
is a Lindenhurst record. On January 1, 1898, Mr. Torns opened this office in his butcher shop on
Wellwood Avenue and John Street— a building now to the rear of Diamond's Store. In the fall of 1905
the post office was moved to the new residence of his son, George A. Torns, at 214 North Wellwood
Avenue. The local mail service included three trains daily in each direction and the station agent was
under government contract to carry and deliver mail to a post office which was within 1,000 feet of the
station.
Postmaster Torns was responsible for the first letter box in Lindenhurst. In February of 1898 he put
one in place at the signal post at the railroad crossing on Wellwood Avenue for the convenience of the
village folk.
On June 5, 1913, William F. Wild received word of the Senate confirmation of his appointment as
postmaster by President Wilson. The office was set up in his former bicycle shop at the northwest
corner of Wellwood Avenue and John Street. Mr. Wild served "the government and patrons of the
office during two terms in a very capable commendable manner." During his period of office the postal
work increased considerably. On April 14, 1922, Mr. Wild turned over the duties of his office to his
successor, Clarence E. Hirsch, who was appointed by President Harding. William F. Wild is
Lindenhurst's oldest living ex-postmaster. Three years ago he with his family moved to Carmel, N.Y. ,
where at the age of 77 years he was engaged in gardening.
Postmaster Hirsch conducted his post office duties at the Wild office until July of 1922 when he moved
the postal facilities to the new Irmisch block on South Wellwood Avenue. The office occupied the store,
now used by Roulston's Grocery. The letter box placed on the railroad signal pole by Postmaster Torns
in 1898 was moved by Mr. Hirsch to the Hammerich corner at Wellwood Avenue and John Street. Four
collections were made a day but it is said little use was made of the box.
On November 30, 1928, Postmaster Hirsch again moved into new quarters. The new site was on
Wellwood Avenue just north of the Catholic Church. This post office had 810 lock boxes and
eliminated all call boxes. Mrs. Archie M. Baker had the distinction of mailing the first letter in the new
post office. This building, familiar to all, has served the people of Lindenhurst for nearly eighteen
years.
Clarence E. Hirsch resigned the postmastership, Nov. 18, 1929,and he was succeeded by Herbert
Torns, an appointee of President Hoover, and a grandson of former Postmaster Frederick Torns. Mr.
Herbert Torns began the movement for house delivery and in this connection served as chairman of a
Street Renaming Commission. Under his leadership the street names were changed and houses
numbered to facilitate this delivery service.
Mr. Torn's successor, Timothy Gibson, who took office on Jan. 1, 1935 continued to work vigorously for
the home delivery service. His resignation on June 1, 1938, was followed by the appointment of Arthur
Cosgrove to whom fell the honor of inaugurating the delivery service authorized by the government to
begin on July 1, 1938. A half holiday was declared by the Village Board—business ceased and the
national colors were displayed. Peter J. Willemen and William J. Matthews, qualifying through Civil
Service examinations, were designated carriers for the north and south sections, respectively.
Lawrence Bottger and Hugh Lynch were assigned as substitute carriers and office clerks, and during
the summer months were to serve the South Bay colonies.
The general increase of postal activity in the local office has made larger quarters mandatory.
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Postmaster Cosgrove, who has recently completed ten years of service, comes the distinction of
opening a new post office. The site, on the west side of South Wellwood Avenue upon which it is
erected, formerly was the property of Dr. Nicholas Pfeiffer. The large home he erected there in 1892
was occupied at one time by the three medical men in the Pfeiffer family - Dr. Nicholas Pfeiffer and
sons, Dr. Charles and Dr. Alfred. The son of the latter, our present village Clerk Alfred Pfeiffer,
occupies the home which nine years ago was removed to the rear of the plot on South First Street.
The Wellwood Avenue building site was recently acquired by its new owner and Lindenhurst's
handsome new post office has been erected thereon.
"VULCANITE MFG. COMPANY"
Through the generosity of Mr. Paul Abbott of Babylon the Village archives have been enriched by the
gift of eighteen interior and exterior photographs of the old and the new Vulcanite Manufacturing
Company's buildings. The photos are invaluable for they give a chronological pictorial history of the
buildings which housed early, Breslau's and Lindenhurst's most important industry and source of
remunerative employment.
The Vulcanite Manufacturing Company came here from Leominster, Mass., In 1880 and took over the
three story brick structure of the defunct Breslau Manufacturing Company of the Novelty Papier Co.,
as it was later called. The factory building was erected in 1872 and for about four years the latter
company manufactured their toilet and fancy articles by a patented papier mache process.
When the Vulcanite Company, which had a "reputation for integrity" and "financially healthy," acquired
the brick building it began the manufacture of various articles from the hoofs of cattle. The principal
product was buttons, but other articles included harness rings, furniture casters, and jewelry. It was
not until 1898 that the company turned to the making of safety pins.
With the Vulcanite came many of its New England employees, among them Mr. Wilbur C. Abbott, Mr.
Abbott was destined to remain with the firm for the full 57 years of its Lindenhurst existence. From
1883, he was its superintendent and was considered a "fair and courteous employer" and all were
"attached to him. "An "air of contentment" was said to have "pervaded" the factory under his
supervision.
The employees, which at times numbered 200, enjoyed an annual summer excursion under Mr.
Abbott's sponsorship. Early popular picnic areas were Van Nostrand's Pavilion at Hemlock Beach and
Rockaway Beach. A "Vulcanite Protective Union" was organized in 1886 by the female employees to
assist their sick and needy. And entertainment in the firehouse (100 admission) netted $75 for this
purpose.
For six years the Vulcanite operated here under the laws of Massachusetts, the state of its origin. On
November 24, 1886 the Company organized again under New York State laws and filed a certificate of
incorporation at Albany. The directors were listed as Thomas Porter of New York City, president; W. C.
Abbott of Babylon, Secretary Treasurer, E. H. Tooker of Nonfelair, N.J.; J.L. Porter of New York City
and A. D. Schroeder of Brooklyn.
On Pfingst Sunday, 1895, as the twelve car special train, Lindenhurst bound, rounded the curve, fire
broke out in the three story brick Vulcanite building. The program planned for the 25th anniversary
celebration of the founding of the village was forgotten in the catastrophe which occurred that day. The
main source of local revenue lay in smoldering ruins—a loss of $60,000. Nothing was saved but the
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office safe, its contents and some valuable papers found later in the ruins. Mr. Paul Abbott, donor of
the photographs of the factory, suggested that some of these pictures may well have survived the fire.
The local fire companies were assisted by the Babylon Fire Department which was summoned here
by telegraph. The latter department is credited with saving the stables and ice house of John S.
Krueger to which places south of the Vulcanite the fire had spread.
The public press reported that 150 people were employed at the time with a weekly payroll of over
$500. The company headed by President Thomas W. Porter and Superintendent Abbott made
arrangements for immediate leases of the Yost Building (old Baptist Church), the Littmann building on
Wellwood Avenue and the Ernest Frevert owned dwelling on Travis Avenue. The latter was used as
the office. Operation of the Vulcanite in those temporary quarters resumed within a month after the
fire.
The people of Lindenhurst offered to remove the debris and to prepare the site for a new Vulcanite
without cost to the company. The offer was gratefully accepted. Over 100 loads of brick "bats", mortar,
etc., from the ruins were carted to the public dock at the foot of Wellwood Avenue and used for fill. By
October 22, 1895 a new two story brick structure 150' x 40' was ready for occupancy. Two framed
extensions 30' x 50, housing the carpenter shop and stable, were to the rear. The new factory was
planned by Mr. Abbott, superintendent, and was considered "modern in every respect" and "could not
be improved upon."
In keeping with the modernity of the new factory the first, and for a time the only telephone in
Lindenhurst, was installed in the Vulcanite in 1895. A reading room was also established for
employees. "Two daily papers, two monthly magazines and a number of weeklies were supplied and
besides the noon hour reading period the workers were permitted overnight lending privileges.
A public reception in December attended by 300 residents celebrated the opening of the new
Vulcanite. There were decorations of bunting and greens; music for dancing, Mr. Charles Hirsch,
factory engineer, was the caterer, assisted by his wife.
The heads of the various departments in the Vulcanite at this time will be of interest to many local
people. They are as follows: Grinding, William Kurdt; Pressing and finishing, F. W. Walker; Sorting and
Packing, Minnie Dittmann; Machine Shop, F. Ernest Hetike; Box-making, Louise Yost; Printing,
Thomas McDuff, Samples, Christina Dittmann; Carpenter Shop, Martin Bollinger; Piping Shop, George
Toms; Stock Room, Phebe Jones; Engineer, Charles Hirsch; Day Watchman; Hugo Waldau; Night
Watchman, Henry Soshinsky; Driver, Ferdinand Gentz.
Through the following years the Vulcanite Manufacturing Company became an integral part of
Lindenhurst life. When the decision was reached in 1937 to close the doors of its factory for all time,
there was a feeling of personal loss in the community as well as in the hearts of those formerly
employed there. Closed for four years, the brick factory building in 1941 came into the possession of
the Lakeville Manufacturing Company, a cabinet making; firm which presently operates there.
A word of gratitude to Mr. Paul Abbott, son of the late Sup't. Wilbur C. Abbott, and himself an officer of
the Vulcanite, for the gift to our village file of these photographs of the past. The gift and the above
historical notes will put many an old time Lindenhurster into a reminiscent mood.
St. John's Lutheran Church - Social History
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The congregation of the St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church celebrated in September 1946, the
completion of seventy years of Christian service in the Village of Lindenhurst. Its place of worship on
West John Street and the founding group dates back five years earlier but, it was not until 1870 that a
definite organization of a Lutheran congregation was consummated.
The first church group was called the "Free German Christian Congregation" and on February 3, 1871
this congregation broke, ground for a house of worship on Fallenaleben Avenue (now John St.). On
May 29 of the same year a formal laying of the corners stone was held with the first pastor Rev. F.
Wagner in charge. The building was completed a year later and appropriate services of dedication
were conducted on August 26,1872 by a new minister, the Rev. A. Stoll. In the meantime the church
name had been changed to "United Christian German Congregation" a union of Reformed and
Lutheran faiths selected because of the congregational use of a hymnal published by the combined
denominations. Within a short time the name was again changed to St. John's Church and the
congregation in 1872 joined the New York Consistory of the Reformed Church. "Missionary" Schulz
became the church head for a few months in 1873 and was followed by Rev. Jacob Roesch. Another
change in church affiliation was voted in October of 1874 but the decision to align with the Lutheran
Ministerism was never formally concluded by the Rev. Hoffman who was the pastor at the time. This
last minister remained by six months and the congregation, without a pastor and without definite
denominational parsonage, burdened with debts, was advertised for sale at public auction in
December, 1875.
But the Protestant Christian people of Breslau earnestly desired an organized church group and a
place of worship. And here begins the history of St. Johns Evangelical Lutheran Congregation which is
now seventy years old.
On Feb. 27, 1876, 33 members of the former Reformed congregation met with the Rev. George W.
Drees who came to Breslau at their invitation. He had been minister of St. Luke's Ev. Lutheran Church
of New York for twenty-five years. The challenge of a destitute church in a struggling pioneer village
populated by German people appealed to this man of sixty-five years. It is said "the faithful old man
worked like a youngster" in this new field. At that first meeting with the local parishioners a decision
was reached to be in the manner of the Evangelical Lutheran St. John's Church. Membership was
applied for in the Lutheran Ministerium of the State of New York. A legal certificate for incorporation
was filed with the State authorities on September 5, 1886. The debt burdened church edifice in the
reformed group was taken over by the Lutheran congregation and Pastor Drees immediately began a
campaign to raise necessary funds. New York and Brooklyn friends assisted in a financial way and
every effort was made locally to operate the church in an economic manner so that every penny could
be applied to debt reduction. Repairs on the church and parsonage, although needed, were not
attempted until part of the debt could be paid. Members of the congregation under-took to do the
"chores" of the church voluntarily. When the Pastor's salary could not be met, deeds to building lots
were presented him. By concentrated effort $600 was paid off the debt by October of the first year.
To the Rev. Drees who gave of himself unstintingly in the Christian Service of St. John's belongs all
credit for the final debt-free congregation and for a complete renovated and repaired church and
parsonage. Services of thanksgiving and dedication were held the 19th Sunday after Trinity in 1885.
New York and Brooklyn congregations were well represented at this festive occasion and the Rev. S.
Keyl of New York delivered the morning service in German. An English sermon in the afternoon was
presented by Prof. O. Hanser.
On October 7th, 1891, at the age of 80 years and twenty-four days Rev. Drees was called home to a
well earned rest. His mortal remains are in the local cemetery to which place an annual pilgrimage is
made by the members of the Sunday School. The labors of Pastor Drees in Breslau were rewarded
Page 57 / 80
here and certainly in the Great Beyond. He founded a sound Lutheran congregation which in the year
1946 celebrated its seventieth anniversary.
On December 13th, 1891, Pastor Drees' successor the Rev. August W. Bertram, newly arrived from
the Province of Hanover, Germany, delivered his first sermon in St. John's Church. He was formally
called to the parish on March 27, 1892. His work here was blessed and it is said the "congregation
blossomed forth like a garden of God." But on June 30, 1896 the 34 year old pastor died of typhoid
fever. He, too, is buried in the local cemetery and a visit is made to his grave on Memorial Day. A pipe
organ was presented to the Church in his memory by a friend and was dedicated Jan. 27, 1901. It was
in use until the purchase of a larger instrument in 1928.
On August 23, 1896 the new Rev. Edward Staudermann, a newly ordained minister, came to St.
John's church. His work here was "crowned with the richest blessing." He remained for ten years and
during his pastorate the 25th anniversary of the Lutheran congregation was celebrated. In 1905 a
Sunday School wing was added to the church edifice and a few years later the present beautiful
stained glass memorial windows in the nave were put in place.
Rev. Martin J. Lorenz succeeded Pastor Staudermann in 1905 and in 1913 Rev. Emil Podszus
became the Minister. Rev. Andrew H. Schaefer followed in 1915 and remained until 1924. During the
latter's pastorate a steeple clock was presented by Mrs. G. M. Hahn and Mrs. John Feller in memory
of their parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Hirsch. On June 27, 1920 the church cooperated with the local
citizenry in celebration the semi-centennial of the village's founding. The church and parsonage were
professionally decorated and a special church service was conducted with Rev. Ackerman of
Middleton as the preacher.
A growing church and Sunday School necessitated enlarged quarters so, when the Breslau Engine
Company No. 1 and the Union Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 abandoned the old firehouse on
West John St., for the new department building on South Wellwood Ave. , St. John's congregation in
1923 purchased the firehouse and land for $3,000. The structure was used for the Sunday School and
as a parish hall until 1926 when on February 28th a disastrous fire originating in the Jacob Harber
House on the corner almost completely destroyed the old fire house. Only through the combined
efforts of the Amityville, Babylon and Lindenhurst fire departments was the church itself saved from
the ravages of the fire.
Following the destruction of the old fire house a building program, which had been contemplated for
the past two years, was begun by St. John's congregation. During the first years of the pastorate of
the Rev. August Westlin, present pastor of the church who came to Lindenhurst on June 1, 1924, the
imposing Church House of St. John's was erected to the west of the church on the lot adjoining the
site of the former fire house. What remained of the latter structure was sold to Mr. Herbert Mielke and
forms part of his home at the southwest corner of John and No. 5th Sts. The cornerstone of the church
house was laid Aug. 6, 1926, and the completed building was dedicated on Dec. 19, 1926, with Rev. J.
A. Weyl of Grace Church, New York, the speaker.
The same year of 1926 was the occasion for the 50th anniversary of the congregation and Pastor
Westlin and his parishioners arranged an appropriate celebration. In 1928, the interior of the church
edifice was completely renovated and new furnishings, new altar, and choir arrangement, and a
$6,500 pipe organ were installed. The latter was dedicated March 13, 1929 three days after a service
of re-dedication of the newly repaired and renovated house of worship.
Minor changes were made in the construction of the narthex and in the front step approach. Otherwise
the main portion of the church exterior remains the same as in the year of its erection in 1871.
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Rev. August Westlin, who has completed twenty-two years of service at St. John's leads his
congregation this month in the 70th anniversary celebration of the local Lutheran Church. In addition
the 20th year of the erection of the Church House is being celebrated. All Lindenhurst joins in a hymn
of praise and thanksgiving for this Church of God which has brought spiritual blessings to so many of
our Village folk for these many years.
History of St. John's Church Building
The oldest public building in Lindenhurst still being used for the purpose intended by its builders is the
church edifice now owned and used by the St. John's Evangelical Lutheran congregation on West
John Street.
Seventy five years ago on Pfingst Monday, May 29, 1871, the cornerstone of this church was laid.
The attending ceremonies were a part of the program planned for the anniversary, of Breslau's
founding. Thomas Wellwood and Charles Schleier; developers of the new “city”, played hosts that day
to an estimated 2,000 people. The south Side Railroad excursion trains brought in hundreds of
visitors from New York and Brooklyn. But that part of the celebration is another story and will be told in
a future issue.
The exercises accompanying the laying of the cornerstone of Lindenhurst's oldest church building
were conducted in German by the Rev. F. Wagner, pastor of St. John's German Union Church as the
church at that time was called. A guest speaker, Rev. Matthew Hale Smith, delivered a “very
impressive address" following which a box was sealed in the cornerstone. The box is reported to
contain the history of Breslau, names of the contributors and committee's, a Bible, a Testament, a
hymnal, a copy of the"Staats Zeitung”, the "Long Island Farmer", “The Signal" and other papers
together with samples of coin and currency.
During the day the church people busied themselves selling various articles in tents erected on the
premises all proceeds to be used in financing the erection of the edifice.
Ground for the church had been broken on February 3, 1871. A year and a half later on August 26,
1872 the building was dedicated. The edifice 35 x 50 feet in size was considered "Handsome" and
"Neatly constructed" under the direction of architect Charles Wuensch "whose work recommends
itself." Several clergymen from New York and New Jersey took part in the dedicatory services which
were led by the new pastor, the Rev. A. Stoll.
The St. John's United congregation - a combination of Lutheran and Reformed faiths - reorganized as
a church of the latter denomination. Under several ministers who remained for short periods the
church had financial struggle to keep its doors open. Hardships physical and financial, in the new city
of Breslau were reflected in the struggle for survival of its church groups.
On February 27, 1876 Rev. George W. Drees was called to the Breslau Church and at the same time
the congregation voted to become affiliated with the Lutheran Ministerium. The congregation which
was thereafter known as St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, is celebrating its 70th anniversary
this year.
In 1885 the church building was renovated "inside and out", the first repairs since its erection. On the
19th Sunday after Trinity the church was "ceremoniously rededicated." That the church at that time
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was free of debt is a "monument to the faithful and untiring efforts of Pastor Drees."
A Sunday School wing was added to the church edifice on the west in 1905 and a few years later the
present beautiful stained glass memorial windows in the nave of the church were put in place.
The steeple clock, the gift of Mrs. G .M. Hahn and Mrs. John Feller in memory of their parents, Mr. &.
Mrs. William Hirsch, has rung out the hours since 1917 - the only public clock in the village to give this
service.
The interior of the church building was completely renovated and new furnishings, including a $6,000
organ, were installed in 1928. Minor changes were made on either side of the front entrance but the
general exterior appearance of the structure remains the same as in the year of its dedication.
The stone bearing the dates 1871 - 1928 at the southeast corner of St. John's establishes this edifice
as the oldest public building in our Village still serving in the capacity originally intended by its builders.
Historical Sketch
On August 15th, 1871, the first Catholic Church in Lindenhurst, then the City of Breslau, was formally
dedicated by most Reverend John Loughlin, Bishop of Brooklyn. The site selected was on Bismarck
Ave., now South Eighth St. For over a year, the zealous parishioners who had to travel long distances
for Sunday Mass worked diligently for the erection of their own church. Unfortunately, detailed records
of the early beginnings of their endeavors are not extant. It is known that the first Mass was offered by
a Father Schneider in a private dwelling near Jaeggy's Hotel.
On Tuesday, June 21, 1870, ground was broken for the foundation of the new church. Thomas
Welwood, owner of the acreage upon which the Village is built, and co-developer with Charles
Schleier of the city of Breslau, turned the first shovelful of dirt. Building began immediately. Completion
of the structure warranted a great celebration and over one thousand people of the city of Breslau took
part in the exercises of the formal dedication. The Bridge Street Church Choir of New York City,
assisted by the Breslau Liederkranz and the Saenger Choir furnished the music. A tower bell installed
in the church was the gift of Mr. Schleier.
Rev. Joseph Huber, Rev. John P. Hoffman, Rev. Lawrence Fuchs and Rev. Henry Zimmer followed Fr.
Schneider in those first years. The first resident priest was Rev. Theodore Driessen who came from
Detroit to Breslau in February, 1874. He was a devoted and zealous priest and "well fitted for the work
before him. He attained great popularity within a few weeks." He extended his efforts , beyond this
scene and-organized a church in Babylon. Father Driessen's local labors led a newspaper reporter to
write: "I do not wonder that, notwithstanding every kind of poverty, hardship and difficulty, the Catholics
of this neighborhood, in fact, every citizen of Breslau point with pride to that church with its pastoral
residence, sheds, graveyards and artistically laid out surroundings as one of the neatest, cleanest,
and most beautiful country churches on Long Island; and this, the sole result of our Pastor's hard
labor." No wonder that he is duly appreciated and stands so high in the affection and esteem of all
classes.
Mortgage Debt Donated
Rev. Peter Schwartz, of the Dominican Convent at North Amityville was appointed an administrator of
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the parish in February, 1876. Financial difficulties which prevailed generally in Breslau curtailed the
activities in this territory between the years 1878 and 1881. Father Schwartz traveled from Amityville
each Sunday to say Mass here. In the year 1881, A. Langsdorf of Breslau and Charles Wood of
Amityville, donated most of the mortgage debt which they held on the church property. A benefit picnic
was held on Aug. 15 at Nehring's Pavilion and the financial results surpassed all expectations.
Succeeding the administratorship of Father Schwartz, a new pastor, Rev. George Feser, came to
Breslau in January, 1883. During this year the church was redecorated and the congregation was said
to be in a prosperous condition.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church
Rev. Matthias J. Michels succeeded Father Feser in May,1887. He became very popular and
"whatever success was achieved by the church during his pastorate, was in large measure due to
him." He died, in this parish in 1891 at the age of 77 years and is buried in the old cemetery to the rear
of the Bismarck Ave. property.
The Bishop then appointed Rev. Leahder Schaffer who served in Breslau for 18 months. He was
followed in 1894 by Rev. John F. Koeberle. During the seven years of Father Koeberle's pastorate,
the parish observed its twenty-fifth anniversary. The Silver Jubilee was celebrated on Sunday, August
16, 1896. A parade opened the festivities at 8:30 a.m. Music was furnished by the Breslau Cornet
Band and the march proceeded from Bismarck Ave. to Herman to V. Heling's residence, to Wellwood
Ave., to Hoffman, to Bismarck and to the church. In line were the Fire Department, St. Joseph's
Benevolent Society of Babylon, St. Cecilia Singing Society, the choir and citizens in carriages. High
Mass was offered at 10 o'clock by Father Koeberle. Bishop McDonnel delivered the sermon.
A Rectory is Built
A parish rectory was erected in 1896. Heretofore the priest's living quarters consisted of a few rooms
built on to the rear of the church. In fact, the first resident priest lived, during the winter months, in the
residence of Thomas Wellwood on the old South Road (at present the home of the Neville family). The
new rectory was described as a "modern cottage 25 ft. x 30 ft. constructed of good material handled
by first-class mechanics." It was connected by passageways to the church and to the former living
quarters. Its cost was $2,500. George Jommers did the carpenter work, John Voelker the masonry and
Charles Behrens the painting.
Father Koeberle left the parish in 1901. In this same year the church was declared unsafe. Old timers
say that the building could not support the heavy slate roof. Until October, 1902, when Rev. Peter
Henn came to Breslau, local parishioners attended the Amityville church, Father Henn arranged to use
a vacant building adjacent to Gleste's Hotel. This building has since been razed by fire. Father Henn
completely reorganized the parish. He purchased property on South Wellwood Ave. and arranged for
the erection of a new church,The rectory was moved from the original site to its present location. The
new church was dedicated on Thanksgiving Day of the year 1905. Its costs were $15,000. Bishop
McDonnell blessed the church and its altars. Present at this ceremony was Rev. Gustav Baer, now
Msgr. Baer, Pastor of St. Elizabeth's Church, Ozone Park, son of a local resident. Father Henn served
the parish for three and a half years. In May 1906, he was appointed pastor of St. Joseph's Church,
Astoria.
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In this same year the old church edifice on Bismarck Ave. was sold to Peter Heusler for the sum of
$1,000. It was moved to the corner of Gates and Bismarck Aves. and converted into an embroidery
shop. Later it was razed. The church still owns, the Bismarck Ave. site, to the rear of which is the old
cemetery. Also in the year 1906 money was raised, principally by the children for the new church bell.
The bell was blessed on September 2nd.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church
Rev. John Scheffel served as pastor from 1906 to 1908. He was succeeded by Rev. Joseph Buser,
who directed the building of the first parochial school and convent and parish hall on Hanover Avenue,
now South High Street. The Sisters of St. Dominic were brought to Lindenhurst to teach in the school.
Father Buser suffered a severe illness in the year 1913 during which time Rev. Conrad B. Lutz
administered to the needs of the parish. Father Joseph Buser's pastorate lasted nine years. After his
death in August, 1917 Father Henry Spengler served as administrator.
On September 1, 1917, Rev. Tobias E. Farrenkopf, the new pastor, said his first Mass in Lindenhurst.
He was a hard and conscientious worker. During his pastorate, property south of the church was
acquired including a cigar manufacturing structure (known as "the cigar box") which belonged to David
Bendheim. This building was converted into a four-room schoolhouse and was used until the present
brick school was built on the site in 1941, at a cost of $150,000. The old frame school was moved to
the Montauk Highway, west of Broadway and converted into two private dwellings which stand there
today.
In 1922 a statue of Our Lady of Grace was put in place on the lavm midway between the church and
the parochial school. The foundation of the statue v/as constructed of stone taken from the old church
edifice. In recent years the statue was removed to the rear of the church but in July 1946, it was
returned to its former location.
Father Farrenkopf died in this parish on February 18, 1942, at -the age of 66. He had served the
people of Lindenhurst for 25 years. A tablet in the foyer of the parochial school, given by the
Lindenhurst Board, reads: "The first citizen of Lindenhurst, the friend, good neighbor and fatherly
counselor of every resident of our town". The parochial school is a magnificent tribute to the untiring
zeal of Father Farrenkopf.
Rev. H. J. Woerts of Bayshore was appointed as administrator until permanent appointment of Rev.
Paul J. Faustmann on May 13, 1942.
The war years were busy years of this new pastor. In his plans for the future, he saw the need of
assistance. So, in June, 1942, with the advent of Rev. Joseph J. Holzheimer, the parish, for the first
time in its history, had two resident priests. Parochial societies were reorganized, additional Sisters
were brought to complete the school faculty and an immediate drive was begun to clear the school
debt. Meantime, the men and women of the parish serving in the armed forces, were introduced to
their two new priests, for the most part by the steady flow of communications which were sent to them
all over the world. At home, the parish opened its doors to provide for the spiritual and physical needs
of the men who were stationed in Army Camps near Lindenhurst.
Debt Cleared Last Year
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With the generous cooperation of the spirited congregation, Father Faustmann was able to announce
in February, 1945 that the debt of $74,500 on the school building was cleared. A ceremony of the
burning of the mortgage took place on the evening of February 10 in the auditorium of the school.
The over increasing population of the town made it necessary for Father Faustmann to plan extensive
renovations and new buildings. He succeeded in securing property on South Wellwood Ave. adjoining
both the church and the school, and in the early part of 194-6, fenced in two acres of church property.
This purchase included the acquisition of the Post Office building, which will be converted into a
Kindergarten school this year. The new Post Office opposite the old site, on South Wellwood Ave., is
to open this month.
A second assistant was sent to Father Faustmann in April, 1 1946 the Rev. Raymond J. Neufeld.
Plans and specifications are ready for an addition of nine classrooms and an extension on the
auditorium of the school, a new convent, a new rectory and a new church. The parish now awaits the
settlement of conditions which will permit the erection of these buildings within reasonable cost.
Bethel Baptist Church
On March 17, 1872 the cornerstone of a Baptist Church was laid, on the north side of what is now
Bristol Street, Breslau. Appropriate exercises marked, the occasion. Two months later on May 20, a
frame building 30 ft. x 50 ft. was dedicated with a large number of people from the city and
surrounding villages present. Rev. J.S. Ladd of the Babylon Baptist Church and clergymen from New
York, Brooklyn and Newark, N.J.
The new church was a " Very tasty little structure, well built and neatly furnished. Its cost was $3,000
and Mr. William Diegl, a Williamsburgh gentleman, generously advanced the money "until such time
as they are abundantly able to repay it. At the dedicatory service a collection of $110 was taken
toward providing cushions and carpets for the Church and several people from Babylon contributed
liberally. The Rev. A. Stern was called to the pastorate. Although the Baptist congregation began with
22 members and a large Sunday School group, within a year the organization ceased to exist.
But the building erected for church purposes continued to be devoted to religious services. A newly
organized Methodist group used the edifice in 1873 and '74. A Sunday School was headed by Treas.
F. Hartman, and Librarian F. Yetter.
Nothing is recorded concerning; this Methodist Church organization for the next several years, so it
too no doubt, soon closed its doors.
The Church edifice remained unoccupied until i881 when a new Methodist Episcopal Church Society
was organized by employees from Massachusetts of the Vulcanite Manufacturing Co., a new industrial
arrival in Breslau. The Bank Building (at present owned by Charles Taberna, the barber) on West
Hoffman Avenue was rented for the first services, but the old Baptist Church building was then leased
afternoons. Rev. W.P. Estes of Babylon and Rev. Filmer of Amityville officiated with the former
delivering a sermon on the "Value of Religious Privileges in a Community". On March 20, the Sunday
School met for its first session at 3 P.M. Regular church services were arranged for an evening hour.
The choir was directed by Mr. Augustus Bouton, who was also leader of the Breslau Band at the time.
The Church presented him with a violin case in appreciation of his work with the choir. The late Mr.
Wilbur C. Abbott, Vulcanite Superintendent, was the Sunday School Head. His popularity in this latter
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position was most assuredly heightened on August 18, 1881 when he invited the Sunday School
children and parents to meet at his home to eat ice cream and cake and drink lemonade.
Another social event in June of that year and financially profitable as well was a strawberry festival
held in a tent south of the depot. Admission to the tent was free but inside one could buy ice cream,
fruit lemonade, and confections.
In July of 1882 the Rev. Mr. Bedell of Freeport accepted a call to the pulpit of the Methodist
congregation. The church had an auspicious beginning but within a short time this Methodist group
also closed Church edifice.
The building was unused until November 1886 when a newly-organized Turners' Association of
Breslau made arrangements to purchase the structure and proceeded to hold a fair to raise funds to
repair and renovate it. But due to circumstances considered "unavoidable and regrettable " the
Turners disbanded in May of 1887.
The Church building again lay idle. In 1889 William Diehl, the Williamsburgh gentleman who loaned
the money for the erection of the church, and Henrich Reichardt, as trustees of the German Baptist
Mission of Breslau, transferred ownership of the building to William Diehl, Jr. The latter sold the
structure to William Yost in 1891. Mr. Yost and his family had come to Breslau in 1893 and built a
home on Smith Street a residence more recently owned and occupied by the Bartholet family. Mr.
Diehl made two stipulations at the time of the sale of the church edifice. He requested that the steeple
be removed so that the church-like construction would be eliminated and that the contents of the
cornerstone be turned over to him. Both requests were met the steeple was removed and Mr. Diehl
was given the papers and coins enclosed in the cornerstone. The stone itself was left in the building.
Mr. Yost turned the structure into a winter storage place and repair shop for his steam-driven carousel.
During summer season the merry-go-round was taken to several villages on Long Island and brought
joy "to many a youngster's heart. For a few weeks each year the carousel was set up in Nehring's
Park in Breslau. While at this last location on Pfingst Sunday in June of 1895, the great, local calamity
of the destruction by fire of the Vulcanite Manufacturing Company's building occurred. Mr. Yost's
vacant storage structure was one of the places leased as temporary quarters for the factory.
Machinery and boiler were moved in and removed only when the new Vulcanite building was ready for
occupancy in the fall.
Mr. Yost then decided to make living quarters out of a portion of the building. The Yost family took
possession early in 1896. On October 24, 1904, this landmark of thirty-two years was completely
destroyed by a midnight fire of undetermined origin. Mr. Yost passed away a few months later. His
daughter, Louisa C. Yost, arranged for contractors Louis Seegott and William Heling to erect a private
dwelling on the old church site. The West wall and a portion of the south wall of the old foundation
were incorporated in the new structure. Mother and daughter made their home in the new dwelling
until 1915 in which year the house was sold to the Oswald Goerckens. Mr. Goercken still retains
ownership and continues to reside there.
The original cornerstone of the Baptist Mission bearing the date 1872 on one side and the letters B.C.
(Baptist Church) on another is in Mr. Goercken''s cellar. It is a valuable relic of old Breslau. The
original building of the structure in 1872, would be gratified indeed were they to know that the present
Bethel Baptist Church, organized in 1941, occupies a building adjoining the old church site on the
west.
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Grace Methodist Church
It was on September 19, 1926, at 4P.M. in St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church that a group of
Christian men and women accepted an invitation to attend an organization service of the Methodist
Episcopal church of Lindenhurst. Dr. John W. Langdale, the district superintendent, presided at the
meeting, assisted by Dr. Hubert B. Munson, executive secretary of the Brooklyn and Long Island
Church Society. The local organization committee consisted of Mrs. George A. Chivvis, Mr. John
Butcher, Mr. Walter M. Smith, Mr. A. L. Brice, and the Rev. Paul M. Neiswander, a student at Drew
University who had been appointed pastor of the proposed new church group.
Three months previous to this organization meeting a survey of the village had been made to
ascertain the advisability of establishing a local Methodist Church. In the first few months ninety-nine
persons affiliated with the new church attesting to the need of a Methodist organization in Lindenhurst.
The hall of the Independent Club on North Broadway was rented for a meeting place and was used for
services until June, 1927. At that time title to the Comfort property on So. Wellwood Ave. was acquired
and the first floor was made suitable for church use by men of the church under the direction of
Joseph E. Minor. Church furnishings were the gifts of the Methodist Church of Babylon, the Ladies' Aid
Society, the Epworth League, Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur C. Abbott of Babylon and other interested persons
and organizations.
The second floor of the new church home became the living quarters of the Rev. C. Harold Dever, who
succeeded Rev. Neiswander in April,1927. Rev. Barton Bovee was called to the local pastorate May 1,
1928, and in July the church added to its property a plot 80 x 100 feet on Nostrand Ave. (So. First St.)
directly to the rear of the church home. Two of these lots were donated by Mr. Adam Muller. Two
years later through a satisfactory arrangement this plot on Nostrand Ave. was relinquished and title
was acquired to the southwest corner of Wellwood and Liberty Avenues. Upon this latter piece of
property the Methodist congregation was later to erect their church edifice.
The local Methodist Church continued to grow and it was evident that larger quarters were necessary
to accommodate the expanding congregation. In the fall of 1929 a building fund drive was
inaugurated and following the immediate encouraging financial response plans got under way for a
church edifice. Visits to a number of Long Island churches led the building committee headed by
Joseph E. Minor to decide in favor of the architecture of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Middle
Village. Consequently, Mr. Walter E. Bartels, designer of that church, was engaged as architect for the
Lindenhurst building.
At a congregational meeting on October 17, 1930, it was voted to incorporate the church organization
under the laws of the State of New York as the Grace Methodist Episcopal Church. Trustees were
elected as follows: Robert Legrande, Bertil A. Lybeck, Julian A. Manneck, Wilbur C. Abbott, Joseph E.
Minor, Edward W. Bower, Cornelius Heaslip, Leo Mentz, and Joseph A. Argust.
An interesting sidelight of the incorporation meeting on October 17, 1930, is the fact that the "First
Methodist Episcopal Church of Lindenhurst" was seriously considered as a church name. But,
discussion revealed that many years ago a Methodist Church group was existent in the village so this
proposed name was stricken from the list. Records show there were two Methodist groups in early
years. A group of that faith met in the Baptist Church Building in 1873 and '74. Another congregation
organized in 1881 by a group of workers in the Vulcanite Manufacturing Co. also met in the Baptist
Church on Bristol St. On the site of this old meeting place is the present residence of Mr. Oswald
Goercken.
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Fund raising and plans for this new church progressed rapidly. On March 15, 1931, a ground breaking
ceremony was held and on Sunday afternoon, July 12, 1931, appropriate exercises accompanied the
laying of the cornerstone. Rev. Bovee officiated and was assisted by several Church Society officials
and neighboring ministers. Mayor Charles Heling brought greetings and the Lindenhurst Fire
Department band rendered several selections. In the cornerstone were sealed lists of the church
membership and organizations, copies of "Our Church Booster," local newspapers and various church
records. A New Testament presented by Mr. Joseph Minor and used by him in World War I was
included among the religious books enclosed in the stone.
The completed house of worship of Grace Methodist Episcopal Church of Lindenhurst was dedicated
in a week of activities beginning November 29, 1931. A service of consecration took place at the
eleven o'clock service on November 29 with the Rev. Abram S. Kavanaugh guest preacher. At 3;30 in
the afternoon a formal dedication of the church was held. Bishop Wilbur P. Thirkfield delivered the
sermon. The dedication week closed on December 6, at an evening service consecrating the many
memorials presented to the new church by members, neighboring churches, and friends. The beautiful
stained glass windows in the chancel and nave were all gifts as were most of the church furnishings. A
scroll in the narthex dedicated on May 27,1934, lists those memorialized in the gifts and the names of
all donors.
The $30,000 cost of the new church was far below its actual valuation. General contractor Joseph
Minor gave his service without compensation and subcontractors did their work with little or no profit.
Mr. B.A. Lybeck, secretary of the Building Committee and a construction engineer, worked tirelessly in
the estimating and letting of contracts.
All Lindenhurst took justifiable pride in the fine new church edifice erected in the community. In
addition to the church membership, most of the business men and many village residents had
contributed financially to the building fund. Churches play an important part in our Village life and
people of all faiths considered it a privilege to have a small share in the new home of the Grace
Methodist congregation.
The building just south of the new church which had been used as a house of worship and parsonage
was now restored to its original appearance and the entire structure was converted into a home for the
pastor and his family.
During 1934 changes in the church school rooms were made to provide separate meeting places for
the various school groups. This arrangement facilitated the work of the church school as well as
providing convenient meeting rooms for the several organizations.
In February, 1935 Rev. Barton Bovee, who had led the Grace congregation for seven years, was
called to a New Britain, Conn, church. Reluctantly the local congregation released their minister for
service in another field. He had endeared himself to all and the growth and building of Grace Church
was in a large measure due to his leadership.
Rev. Albert H. Bailer became the local pastor in April, 1935 and his work with the young people of the
church was especially outstanding. In June of the following year Rev. Arthur P. Whitney assumed the
pastorate of Grace Church. During his ministry here the tenth anniversary of the congregation was
celebrated in 1936. In 1938 through the efforts of Rev. Whitney and the trustees of the church a
refinancing plan was arranged to the satisfaction of 'both congregation and mortgages. The final debt
under this new agreement was liquidated in September, 1946, thus giving Grace Church added
reason for celebration in this twentieth year of organization.
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Rev. Whitney terminated his association with the local church in Hay of 1939 when he was appointed
assistant to the president of Drew University in Madison, New Jersey. Rev. Louis E. Higgins was his
successor. During his ministry the word "Episcopal" was dropped from the corporate title — a part of
the general movement to unify all Methodist Churches.
In 1941, Rev. Harold Beaumont was called to Grace Church and his stimulating leadership brought in
many new members. In March of 1944 Rev. Beaumont enlisted as a chaplain in the U.S. Army and
served God and country during the ensuing war years. Rev. Louis Magin was the pulpit supply until
May when Rev. Paul L. Sartorio became the pastor. The latter is carrying on the splendid ministry of
his predecessor and Grace Church continues to grow spiritually and numerically, Its membership of
379 Christians, a Sunday School of 150, and active men and women organization, are part of a debt
free organization.
The ivy covered brick church at South Wellwood and Liberty Avenues is celebrating twenty years of
service in the work of God's Kingdom. Through the years Grace Methodist Church "has sought to be
friendly and helpful, as one that serveth." May future years continue to bless this House of God which
serves so well the Methodists of our Village.
Lindenhurst Hebrew Congregation
December 17, 1948 marked the 35th Anniversary of the founding of the Lindenhurst Hebrew
Congregation. Three and half decades ago a group of interested men met in Barasch Building at the
southwest corner of Nostrand Ave. (South First Street) and Hoffman Avenue to organize a society to
be known as the Lindenhurst Congregation.
Informal preliminary discussions were begun on October 26, 1913, and the same day monetary gifts
totaling $200 inaugurated a building fund drive. Temporary officers were elected as follows: George
Barasch, President; Nathan Friedman, vice-president; B. Diamond, financial secretary; Bruno Rieser
and George Feihberg, trustees.
A legal certificate of incorporation was executed under the date of December 17, 1913 and the fifteen
trustees whose names appear on the paper indicated their desire to associate themselves "for the
purpose of divine worship and instruction in the Jewish Religion and the Hebrew Language." Many of
the original trustees include well-known Lindenhurst business men: George Barasch, Nathan
Friedman, Louis Edelman, Harris Brower, Ike Brower, Alexander Leifert, Joseph Felcher, George
Feinberg, Davis Hillman, Max Cohen, Louis E. Barasch, Hyman Diamond and Samuel Cohert.
The zealous interest and cooperative effort of this group assured the success of their religious
organization. An earlier attempt by another generation had failed of development although
incorporation papers were filed. That was over seventy years ago and men whose names are now but
a memory planned a Jewish Congregation, Neta Szarschea in Breslau. Herman Rosenstein was the
leading personality in that movement and a meeting held on Nov. 23, 1874 at his home was attended
by Louis Pearlmann, Marcus Rosenthal, Jacob Spitz, Simon Spitz, Max Datomski, Joseph Bibso,
Abraham Rosenthal, Jacob Rosenberg, and Jacob Rosenthal.
But through the years the Jewish people, although without a formal house of worship met frequently
for services in private homes. The religious fervor of the generation of 1913 brought the early dream
of a Synagogue to realization.
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Land was acquired on North Fourth Street above West John and on June 20, 1915, formal exercises
accompanied the laying of the cornerstone. Over 300 were in attendance and in the absence of the
principal speakers who were delayed by "a storm and auto trouble." William H. Burroughs, a local real
estate developer and the donor of one of the lots upon which the Synagogue was to be erected, spoke
at length. He "touched upon the important place occupied by the Hebrews in the local community and
complimented them upon the spirit of progress which had induced them to erect their own temple of
worship".
A spirited auction for the privilege of laying the first foundation bricks was then conducted by Mr.
Burroughs. Nathan Friedman, a long time resident, bought the first brick for $80, and Louis Edelman
bought the second for $65. A total of over $700 had been added to the building fund when the auction
ended. L.F. Wrieth's Band played several musical selections and the ladies of the congregation
'Passed refreshments among the audience'. The afternoon's program closed with a traditional folk
dance joined in by young and old.
Officers and prominent members of the congregation were entertained at an evening dinner at the
home of the President, Abraham Weinstein. Present also were the delayed speakers, Alderman
Alexander Dresher and Rabbi Fleisner of Brooklyn.
By August 29, 1915 Contractor George Weierter had the building completed and ready for dedication.
With appropriate ceremony a golden key in the hands of Mrs. Abraham Weinstein opened the front
door. Three sets of the Ten Commandments were carried in procession from the home of Rabbi B.
Diamond on Bismarck Avenue to the Synagogue by Louis Edelman, Louis Felcher and Morris Siegel.
Abraham Weinstein, Elias Klapper and E. Pattiky shared honors in placing the Commandments
behind the altar. Other privileges were accorded members and for each such privilege a generous
contribution was added to the Synagogue treasury.
The celebration continued from two until eleven o'clock. Supper was served in the dining room below
the main hall to the accompaniment of orchestral music. Important local personages were invited
guest.
The brick and concrete Synagogue dedicated that day was to stand for thirty three years. Just two
weeks ago the razing of the old building was completed and on its site will be erected a modern home
for the resident rabbi.
The Jewish Center, a large well equipped brick structure erected 1931-34 to the south of the
Synagogue is presently being used for all congregational activities. A new temple will be erected on
adjoining land will encompass the plot on West John Street between North Fourth and North Fifth
Streets. Its construction awaits more normal building posts.
Rabbi Howard Levine is the spiritual leader of the Lindenhurst Hebrew Congregation and Reuben
Edleman is its president. The latter's father and many other currently active members of the
Congregation were among the first founders thirty-five years ago. The congregation is an active, well
organized unit today and all Lindenhurst joins in its hymn of praise and thanksgiving for the years of
religious service that are to come.
News Notes and Anecdotes of Years
Page 68 / 80
The following newspaper items selected from various newspaper issues starting from the year 1911 to
1953 are typical, perhaps of the social, economic and political development of other similar growing
communities. They are reprinted herewith not only for their local historic value, but also to perhaps
recall memories of yesterday to the minds of these adults and parents of our children who may chance
to read them.
Keynoting perhaps, the social economic and political growth and progress of Lindenhurst as revealed
to some extent by the many interesting local items below is the editorial appearing in the initial issue
(Sept. 23, 1927) of the Lindenhurst Star reading:
"Greetings: With this issue the Lindenhurst Star makes its debut. We felt for a long time that the
thriving and progressive village of Lindenhurst, one of the most important units in the township, was
entitled to a home paper, devoted to its needs and requirements-and with this idea in mind the Star
makes its appearance on the horizon of progressive Lindenhurst this week..Lindenhurst has as bright
a future as any other village on the Island, brighter than many. It is a village of pretty homes, with
many industries. Fifty-seven years ago there were no roads here much less any houses. In less than
six decades it has grown until its population equals that of many older villages..It is bound to forge
ahead and the Star will do its part to aid it in reaching the progressive goal. Its friendly rays will be a
beacon on its onward march toward success."
1902 (Southside Signal - May 17, 1902)
Breslau Engine Co, at its Monday meeting received a very fine report of the entertainment committee
showing a neat sum realized from the recent vaudeville and ball. It was voted to celebrate on Sept. 27
the 25th Anniversary of the organization of the company. Ex-chief Charles Hirsch was chosen a
delegate to attend the annual meeting of the SCVF (Suffolk County Volunteer Firemen) Association at
Brentwood on June 10th. Delegate Hirsch will fight from the floor a scheme to hold the tournament on
the Riverhead fair grounds.. Will someone who is "wise" tell us what sense there was in plowing up
the road west of School Street (now North Broadway). It seems to be little used by any in the Village
and seems like a waste of time and money.. Officer Finger's attention will be drawn to those business
men who drive their wagons on the side walks to deliver meat, milk, etc.
1908 The local depot was crowded to capacity on election night Nov. 3, 1908, when reports were
received via telegraph. Many greenbacks changed hands when it became known that Taft was
elected.
1910 Three carloads of shoe manufacturing machinery are en route to Lindenhurst for the Luscombe
Kadel Co. who are to locate here. The machinery will be installed in the old school building on its
present site until May 1911, when it is to be moved to a location on East Broadway.. The fine new
residence of Louis Seegott on Wellwood Avenue was sold this week to Dr. Walter B. Wellbrock of
Rockville Centre. He will occupy same at once and commence the practice of medicine in Lindenhurst
on or about Dec. 1, 1910.
1911 The new fire engine was given the first real test last Saturday when raging fires in the upper part
of the village made it necessary to call out the firemen. Asst. Chief John Wieland was among the first
to arrive with new apparatus and short work was made of the blaze which centered mainly about the
three stacks of meadow hay, the property of George Knoepfel, valued at $30.. Mine Host, Andrew
Feller, Proprietor of Negungatogue Inn, (present Feller residence on North Wellwood Ave.) who is very
clever with the brush, has trimmed up the horses and other paraphernalia on Thiel's carousel for the
coming season, which will be opened on Pfingst Sunday at Griebel's Park, (present Edelman
Department Store site)..Four candidates are already after the honor of being postmaster in
Lindenhurst, they being William F. Wild, (ex Janitor of Lindenhurst Public School system; William
Page 69 / 80
Heling, G.W. Irmisch, and Fred C. Schneider.... The residents north of the railroad tracks are fighting
to keep the post office in that section, while the southern citizens think it should come downtown since
it has been above for almost 16 years... The budget of the School district has been adopted by the
Board. The teachers' salaries item has been set at $5,000; Janitor, $600; truant officer, $75; the total
budget amounts to $12,305... The embroidery machines arrived from Switzerland on Saturday and are
now being placed in the new addition erected to the Barasch Building... Wm F. Wild, commander of
the Boys Brigade, has organized a new hose company to be known as the Cadet Hose Co... Dittman
Bros, are completing the work of moving the 50 ft. smoke stack at the Vulcanite factory.
The following advertisements appeared in the Liberty Hose Co. Journal on the occasion of their 15th
annual entertainment and ball at Washington Hall, Easter Monday night, April 7, 1911. Music was
furnished by Pvt. L.F.Wrieth's orchestra. The arrangement committee consisted of Charles Froelich,
chairman; Alvin Lindeke, secretary; Frank Hirsch, treasurer; Frank Wessel, Val Goebel and Raymond
Buerman.
Wessel's Hotel, unexcelled accommodations, near Great South Bay. Charles Eiehl, hardware and dry
goods; H. Kuhlman, select meats and provisions... William F. Wild, stoves, tinware, and
plumbing...Lindenhurst Cash; Store, C. & M. Dittmann, general merchandise...Leghorn Poultry Farm,
E, Schmalkucke, prop...Fred Kienle, dry goods and millinery...Prospect House, C. Hammerick,
prop...Donley's Pavilion, gunning and fishing parties, pipes... Gleste's Hotel, bowling alleys, pool
tables, etc... Val Goebel's Meat Market...Jacob Ganser, saloon keeper and butcher... August
Duerback, West End Hotel, Lindenhurst... William Wolter, fancy and staple groceries, boots, shoes
and rubbers...Luscomb Shoe co. artistic shoe making... A. Worta & Bros. Ford cars and the Famous
Cole 30.. Trommers Brewery, Wm. Lawrence, Jr., local representative Fred G. Bohne, motorcycle and
bicycle repairs... Charles Wild, barber shop and sporting goods.
Skating on local ponds has begun and we hope to see Judge Irmisch cutting the eagle's wing as in
days of old. Justice Irmisch is reported to be one of the fastest skaters on Long Island and with hardly
any effort can cut his initials perfectly on the frozen surface.
The Babylon Leader of June 30,1911, published this interesting item: "Gas will he turned on in
Lindenhurst shortly. The South Shore Gas Companies men have the work of laying the mains nearly
completed. Next week Little Lindy will be illuminated with the great white light." The July 21, 1911
issue of the Babylon Leader contained these news items:
This village received its first visit late Monday afternoon from an as yet unknown aviator. The machine,
which appeared to be of the monoplane type, circled over the meadows east of the village as if the
aviator had half a mind to make a landing, then rose several hundred feet in the air and darted away to
the westward and the villagers saw it no more. A concrete cellar was placed under the Washington
Hotel this week by Contractor Roggie, The Shoe factory (Luscombe Kadel Co.) is now on its new site
and a larger number of employees will at once be employed...Liberty Hose Company has again joined
the Suffolk County Volunteer Firemen's Association. The company has not forgiven the association for
the treatment it received many years ago, but joins in order to show proper respect to Amityville where
the tournament is held this year.... The Board of Trade meets tonight and according to reports Judge
Irmisch and Town Clerk Warta will be placed on the gridiron and tried out according to the usual
custom... Grass grows more than half way over Wellwood Avenue. It is a shame to mar the
appearance of this beautiful avenue... Saturday, July 29, will be fireman's day here. There will be a
parade of the department in full uniform followed by a game of baseball between the Lindenhurst A.C.
and the Waukewans. In the evening, the gasoline engine will be formally turned over to the
department. Babylon and Amityville departments will be invited... While at work in the planning mill of
the Lindenhurst Construction Co. at Lindenhurst last Friday, Ewald J.H. Mielke, manager of the
Page 70 / 80
concern,lost the end of the index finger of his left hand. The member came in contact with the planer.
Mr. Mielke lost no time and a moment later was on his way to the office of a local physician who
dressed the wound and the next morning Mr. Mielke was back at work at the planer.
The South Side Signal of July 28, 1911, in its "News of Lindenhurst" states: the members of the Men's
League of St. John's Church held their outing on Sunday afternoon in the grove south of Merrick
Road. The Leans crossed bats with the Stouts, and the former put it all over the latter to the tune of 19
to 3, or rather, that was the score when the man with the chalk quit keeping tabs for the want of more
chalk. It was fun to see the elderly gentlemen get right into the game as they did in days of old. The
Rev. Mr. Lorenz proved adept at the game. Charley Heling was missing behind the bat, otherwise the
score would have been different for the Stouts..Fire Director John Weibel is placing in position at the
different fire wells throughout the village neatly painted posts bearing respective members which will
greatly facilitate the work of the firemen (several are still in use today!)....Several gas ranges have
been installed in local dwellings during the week and it looks as though the morning coffee will soon
be cooking on the latest convenience. ('Cooking with gas', as it were!)
In the field of sports, a spirited and often "hotheaded" rivalry existed between Babylon, Lindenhurst
and Amityville on the baseball diamond back in 1911. A headline of the July 28, 1911, issue of the
South Side Signal reads: "Linde Beaten At Own Game Loses Series to Babylon in Exciting 10-Inning
Contest." "Halcyon Rooters Import a Crackajack Battery That "Overshaddered" Lewis' Colleagues
and Gave Us the Game by the Score of 2 to 1... 'Twas an Awful Jolt for the Aspirations of the Visitors...
Bashford's Sacrifice and Terrill's Nice Hot Grounder Did The Trick for Our Boys." Further indication of
the keen competition and inter-village enthusiasm is revealed in the standings of the three teams:
Team
Babylon
Lindy
Amity
Won
2
2
1
Lost
2
2
1
Tied
1
0
1
Per Cent
.500
.500
.500
The lineup of the Lindenhurst Athletic Club of 1911 included: Boehl; c.f., Diende, L.f., Frevert, R.f.,
Gerhald, 3rd B; Ellison, C; Lewis, P; Mortimer, 1st B; Voelker, 2nd B; Dinger, s.s.
The following excerpts taken from the "Diamond Knocks and Boosts" section of this sports article
serve to show the personal angles that frequently entered into the sports discussions of that time:
Diamond Knocks and Boosts
Chris Heyer usually is all right on the deciding line, but Saturday he had an "off day". He more than
followed that rule to always favor the runner when his home boys were sneaking around the sacks, but
when Babylon got on the base lines then our friend from Lindenhurst either didn't watch the play, or
helped to "out" the Halcyon lads. In the first Boehl was clearly out at second, but then Chris thought
different - he favored the base-runner, you know. Then, when Terrell was running to second, "Ump:
Heyer thought the ball was beating him down and without watching whether or not the Lindenhurst
second baseman touched Terrell, Heyer gave the motion "out." These two "decisions" were certainly
raw, but they didn't compare a bit with his calling E. Jefferson out at first, when Jefferson beat the ball
to the bag by three feet. In neither of the latter two instances did Heyer remember his rule, but there
was no need of any rule. But for Heyer the game should have gone to Babylon 1 to 0, nine innings.
Boehl would never have scored, you see, and throwing away the raw handout of Heyer on Terrell,
Page 71 / 80
Babylon's tally in the fifth would have been the only score made. Heyer's decision on Terrell is just
what Mac Lind criticized Joe Keenan for—making a decision before the play is finished.
Did you notice that Boehl hit the first ball thrown by Tobin — but did you see how Tobin tightened up
afterwards? Hard luck, Lindy! Did anyone hear Judge Irmisch during the game, or, did anyone "See"
Fred Sheide? No? He knew it would come.. .MacLind appears to be "off" in his remarks as to the
alternating of umpires. When Mr. Wood, of Amityville, umpired behind the bat for the first Babylon Lindenhurst game in Babylon he did not alternate with Mr. Heyer, who was in the field for Lindenhurst.
There was no alternating of umpires at the Babylon - Lindenhurst in Lindenhurst, and we understood,
there was no such alternating during the Amityville - Lindenhurst game in Amityville; However, we
believe this alternating plan should have ' been adopted in all the games...
In its comment, on the recent Babylon - Amityville game the Amityville Record said: "Lindenhurst sent
a large delegation to watch the game and they took the opportunity to tell the Babylon player just what
will happen at the next game between Babylon and Lindenhurst". Well, it looks as if the "large
delegation" were pretty poor prophets. Boehl is a lucky man — he's a good hitter and well
remembered on bases.
Shad is some pitcher, you bet. Pitching three games, he scored two shutouts and had but two runs
chalked up against him. He shut out Babylon in Lindenhurst, shut out Rockville Centre in Lindenhurst,
and Babylon scored the only two tallies in a 10 inning game...
Everybody happy—well you bet we were, in Babylon,
McLind and Judge Irmisch disappeared quickly - wonder why?..The Linde boys are the best batters,
so far, but sometimes they don't bat at the right time...
One excited fan, said to have come in from Lindenhurst, in an automobile, lost the crank handle of his
machine somewhere around the ball field.. After the game he searched all over .Babylon for a crank,
but he couldn't find one. Wonder why? Because nobody there was cranky just then...
It was Linde's turn to crow recently, now it's their turn to eat "crow."
1912 - March
A. Warta & Bro. unloaded a carload of new Ford autos this week. The demand is so great that another
carload has been ordered. An auto truck of the Borden Milk Co. came to grief on Monday when it
sank to its hubs in the mud on Wellwood Avenue. It was finally worked out after two hours by
volunteers... The large cross atop the Catholic Church which was blown over this week will be
repaired and put in place by Henry Rarnsauer and staff of steeple-jacks. ... A representative of the
Long Island Lighting Company was in town this week and made a sketch of the premises but could not
say definitely when lights will be installed.
The South Side Signal of July 19, 1912 adds to the long list of reminiscent items:
Catholic Knights "Watch" Fred Sheide
Members of Perpetual Help Council Present their Past Grand Officer With Handsome Time Piece —
Personal and Other Notes of a busy village.
Page 72 / 80
Hon. Frederick Sheide, Past Grand Knight of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Council No. 794 was
presented with a handsome gold watch bearing his monogram and engraved with the date, at the
regular meeting of the council on Tuesday evening. Mr. Sheide was completely surprised when Grand
Knight William J. Allar in a short address citing the highly efficient service which Mr. Sheide had
rendered the council since its organization nine years ago, presented him on behalf of the members
with the token of their esteem. Mr. Sheide was one of the organizers of the council and had been
elected annually to the higher office, until he refused a nomination last January. Mr. Sheide responded
with a lengthy address, stating that while he appreciated the gift he had always tried to do his duty,
and further expressed his gratitude in that the council had advanced to be the banner council of the
island. After the meeting a smoker was held. . . ANNOUNCEMENT: Fred G. Bonne's bicycle shop and
auto garage on Hoffman Avenue, Lindenhurst is now open daily. Agent for E.M.F. 30, and Flanders 20.
. . The members of L. F. Wrieth's band and their families and friends enjoyed their annual outing at the
beach on Sunday. . .The work of removing the weather vane and large bell from the ninety foot steeple
of St. John's church was completed Monday. William Bennet acted as steeple jack. The bell, which
measures nearly three feet in diameter will be gilded and replaced. The vane measures four feet in
length. . . A new roof is being put on the Dittmann building on Hoffman Ave. to replace the old one
which was partially destroyed by sparks flying from the Gleste Fire.
The August 16, 1912 edition of the South Side Signal contained the following "Oldtimers."
"G. W. Irmisch, president of the Board of Education, has appointed the following committees for the
coming school year: Messrs. Hirsch, Jorumes and Silkworth on supplies, Messrs. Warta Schneider
and Weierter on repairs, Messrs. Jommes, Silkworth and McGraw on finance, Messrs. Irmisch, Rail
and Hirsch on laws and rules, Messrs. Irmisch, Rail and McGraw on teachers' vacancies. Miss Coyle
has been relieved from duty here for the coming term at her request ... A certificate of incorporation of
the Lindenhurst Board of Trade has been filed with the State Department, with the following directors
for the first year: George Kurth, John G. Weibel, William F. Wild, George Wierter and William Rail..Two
new embroidery machines were installed at L. Liebl's factory on Saturday...An add of yesteryear:
WASHINGTON THEATRE Lindenhurst This Week Sunday, August 18, NEW FILM SERVICE 101
Ranch Bison entitled, "The Deserter", "Curfew Shall Not Ring Tonight," by Reliance Company.
Another high class vaudeville attraction prices 100 and 150. Arthur E. Parthe...WANTED: A number of
boys and girls over fourteen years old, are wanted for light work, easy to learn, at the factory of
Vulcanite Mfg. Co., Lindenhurst...Probably there is not another village in the county where they take
such pride in the fire department as in Lindenhurst. At the annual parade recently some of the girls,
even, dressed up in red, white and blue, and marched in the procession. The parade was a fine
spectacle. Lindenhurst has one of the largest and best equipped fire departments in the county and
interest in fire matters is so keen that the big department virtually has a little tournament all by itself
every year... Brooklyn Eagle.
Timeline
1913
May, 1913 Randolph Congden, a state inspector of grades, visited the school this week and
complimented Principal Nelson O. Duesler, President of the Board G. W. Irmisch, and the members of
the faculty for their fine methods in the school system. Two tablets lettered in gold showing the hours
of service at St. John's Lutheran Church have been presented by Charles Heling, to be placed at
either side of the entrance to the building.. The material for the big coal pockets to be erected by
Dittmann Bros, on their private railroad siding (Lindenhurst Coal Co. today) has arrived and work will
Page 73 / 80
begin at once... Edward Schmalkuche has purchased a motor delivery wagon for the benefit of his
growing trade. The Lindenhurst Fire Department has planned to present silver trumpets to their sister
departments of Huntington, Babylon and Amityville in recognition of the assistance rendered by them
at the Gleste Hotel fire last year. (1912)...The annual Pfingst Sunday Celebration last Sunday was a
big success. A sixteen car special train brought out about 2,000 visitors and hundreds of others came
by auto and carriages..It is understood that the New York Telephone Co. has leased one of the Geiger
buildings on Wellwood Avenue and will install a central office there on August 1, 1913..Constable
Peter Ott has been appointed a deputy sheriff...Henry Voelker is gradually getting the gasoline buggy
fever and will soon be seen behind the wheel of a six cylinder...The growing business of the Hebel &
Muller Distributing Co. has made it necessary to add the services of a clerk manager here. Adam
Muller, of Brooklyn, will have charge of the local branch store...The foundations of the new Parochial
School on Hanover Avenue (Present Parochial Hall on South High Street) are completed and the brick
walls are. now being erected.
Sept. 1913: Lindenhurst is planning to install an up to date fire alarm system. The committee,
Charles Riehl, William Rail and John G. Wiebel, has been looking up the proposed system. The old
alarm system of two bells has proven unsatisfactory. The siren and call box system contemplated will
cost about $1,500.
Dec. 1913. The Board of Education received the tax roll on Tuesday and the rate has been fixed at
$1.74 per each $100 assessed valuation being the same as last year. Collector Andre J. Feller will
begin collections within the next ten day...The thriving embroidery business in Lindenhurst took
another step forward this week when work was begun on a factory for John Hammerich in the rear of
the Prospect House (present Feustal residence on W. John St. and N. Wellwood Ave.) Contractor
Geo. Weierter is doing the work... Fire escapes are being erected on the Schmalkuche and Barasch
buildings this week... Gleste's National moving picture house on Wellwood Ave. costing $5000, has
been completed by Contractor Geo. Weierter and will have its grand opening tomorrow evening. 430
people may be accommodated. Henry Eckel will furnish the pictures. Painter Wiebel has done a very
artistic Job within. . .The first coin machines of the New York Telephone Co. were installed this week.
They are located at the Long Island Depot, Washington Hotel, Irmisch Pharmacy and C.B. Gnilka's
Hotel.
1914
May, 1914 : The trees about the village have their annual coat of whitewash in anticipation of the
reception of two thousand or more people expected to journey to Lindenhurst next Pfingst Sunday,
May 511 1914, on the occasion of the 34th annual excursion of the Breslau Lot Owners
Association.. .The Sheid Bottling Co. has installed a modern washing machine, being the only one on
Long Island. . . The first trolley passed through Lindenhurst three years ago (1911) giving this
community added transportation facilities and convenience of traveling between immediate villages on
the line.
June, 1914: Chief Wieland is to have all apparatus hauled by black horses at the Babylon
tournament. . .The Amityville Record of June 26, 1914, carried these interesting locals:
"The dance of the All Locals baseball team will be held tomorrow evening at the Washington Opera
House. On the evening of July 3, the team and some of its friends will have dinner at Wessels Hotel.
Christopher Heyer opened his moving picture show at the Washington Opera House last evening and
at the same time the Pastime Airdome on Wellwood Avenue opened its doors for business.. .This
Sunday the All Locals will play the Wyandanch team. Thereafter the Lindenhurst boys will play their
games on Saturdays until the close of the season."
Page 74 / 80
July, 1914: Engineers from the War Department on Wednesday to clear away the derelict hulk of the
mud digger which has lain off the canal at Lindenhurst since fire destroyed the superstructure more
than a year ago. . . The Lindenhurst Fire Department will hold its fifth annual ball in the Washington
Opera House on the evening of July 25. . . A shed to replace one of the burned buildings is being
erected for Edward Schmalkuche in, the rear of his grocery store on Hoffman Avenue...The Boys A.C.
will hold its "biggest dance of the season" tomorrow evening in the Washington Opera House. Andrew
Muller and William Mulder came together in a head on bicycle collision on upper Wellwood Avenue on
Saturday evening. Both men were knocked unconscious and suffered minor cuts and bruises.
Page 75 / 80
Table of Important Dates in the History of Lindenhurst
(1867 - 1944)
(Note: The list of dates and events below, although not all inclusive in nature, nevertheless is, I
believe representative of the most important happenings during the above period of local history. - L.
Hirsch)
Date Events
1867
1869
1870
1871
1872
1877
1886
1880
1890
1895
1900
1901
1904
1905
1907
1909
1910
1911
1912
1913
1914
The South Side Railroad System was extended across South, Huntington section of
Long Island area now including Lindenhurst.
Thomas and Abbey Wellwood became pioneer settlers of Wellwood (first name of
Lindenhurst)
Wellwood was changed to Breslau afters the German birthplace of Charles S. Schleier
who established homes for New York working people.
St. John' s Lutheran Church completed.
Manufacture of artificial flowers established by J.S. Krueger.
Breslau Engine Co. No. 1 formed.
Weiss Embroideries manufacture begun by the late Mrs. Agenes Nehring and
employing more than 300 people.
The Vulcanite Manufacturing Company established its business in Breslau.
Name of Breslau changed to Lindenhurst by popular vote (June 1, 1890). Census of
1890 showed a population of 970.
Vulcanite Manufacturing Company building burned to the ground with a loss
aggregating $100,000. Entire force of over 400 employee thrown out of work.
Sheide Bottling Co. Founded May 1; employees 5
Lindenhurst Manufacturing Company organized (Button industry.)
Large addition (wing of church) made to Lutheran Church.
The present Catholic Church was erected.
Establishment of the First National Bank; original quarters set up in Irmisch Building
(now Taverna Barber Shop) on South Hoffman Avenue and first day's deposits
amounted to $10,099.48.
The Present Lindenhurst Elementary School building was constructed; in 1920 the
school had fifteen teachers, thirty six high school pupils, and three hundred and thirty
five in the grades.
Villaim H. Larkin, Manufacturer of Paper Specialties founded; employees, 8.
Lindenhurst Board of Trade organized January 12; Charter members, 42.
Present First National Bank erected; initial deposit of $25,000 made by the then State
Assemblyman Fred Sheide on behalf of local investors.
On Sunday, June 2, a disastrous fire leveled the large and widely known Gleste Hotel
Irmisch corner today)
A large Hall and Parochial School was erected; enrollment 650 pupils
Hebel & Muller, Inc., Manufacturers, Agents and Jobbers in Grocers Specialties;
founded, employees 16; (present Adam Muller Kraft products)
On June 20th a fire consumed the Gleste home, Kienle store, five barns and water
tower.
Page 76 / 80
1915
1918
1919
1920
1923
1927
1928
1929
1930
1931
1930-1
1932
1936
1940
1941
1942
Another house of worship added, the Hebrew Synagogue
On January 1st the true and loyal citizens of Lindenhurst dedicated the Liberty Pole on
which the Stars and Stripes are daily displayed. The Boy Scouts of America organized
Dec. 12. Charter members 75; Girl Scouts Troop organized Dec. 17; Charter members,
8.
A Memorial in honor of the Lindenhurst boys who served in World War I was erected
(monument at plaza near railroad)
World War Veterans Club organized Dec. 12 Charter Members 12.
The census of 1920 shows a population of 2,280 in January of that year.
Lindenhurst Fire Department building erected.
First official village newspaper, the Lindenhurst Star, placed in circulation on Sept. 23,
1927.
New Lindenhurst Post Office (present building) opened for public use on November 30,
1928.
Lindenhurst Bank officially opened for business March 30, 1929.
Zoning Ordinance Commission organized on June 30, 1930.
Cornerstone laying, ceremony of Grace Methodist Episcopal Church on July 17, 1931.
Lindenhurst High School building completed. Cornerstone laying ceremony held on
November 1, 1930, building completed September 11, 1931
Original 1890 Charles Schluer map of Breslau presented to Village.
Free City Mail Delivery Systems instituted on July 1, 1936.
Census of population revealed, a total population of 5,460 in incorporated district and
6,500 in school district.
Second local newspaper, The Villager, entered publication October 8, 1941
(mimeographed form) first printed issue, October 3.4, 1942. Completion of present
Catholic grade school.
Dedication on Sunday April 11 of Lindenhurst Honor Roll honoring boys of the village in
service in World War II (located on lawn in front of High School).
U.S.O. Service men's lounge formally dedicated and opened to use of North
Lindenhurst caps of November 9, 1943.
1944
Disastrous brush fire destroyed about five homes and four garages in northwest corner
(sheet 4) of village, May 7.
Kent Marine Mfg. Building on South 16th Street, destroyed by fire; loss estimated at
$20,000 (Aug. 27).
South Shore Dairy Farms building almost completely destroyed by early morning fire of
unknown origin about ten milk cows burned alive; great damage to milking equipment.
(November 2).
Page 77 / 80
Attorney
Albert A. Arnold - December 26, 1923 to March 31, 1927
Franklin Voelker- April 1, 1927 to March 31, 1931
- April 1, 1938 to
Health Officer
Dr. A. M. Baker -January 1, 1935 to December 31, 1941
Deputy Clerk
Mary Muller - January 1, 1935 to December 31, 1938
Adolph Ness - April 1, 1938 to March 31, 1939
Mary Muller - April 1, 1939 to October 15, 1941
Evelyn D. Mentz - May 7, 1942 to April 1948
Virginia Graham - April 1948 to April 1949
Registrar of Vital Statistics
Charles Riehl - April 1928 to January 1938
Nicholas Muller - January 1, 1938 to March 51, 1944
Evelyn Mentz - May 15, 1944 to April 1948
Building Inspector
Timothy Gibson - April 1, 1933 to December 31, 1934
Nicholas Muller - January 1, 1935 to March 31, 1935
George Vaierter - April 1, 1935 to March 31, 1936
Herbert Mielke - April 1936 to March 31, 1937
Francis J. McCullough - May 3,1937 to December 6, 1937
Herbert Mielke - April 1, 1938
Plumbing Inspector
Carl Voelker - April 1, 1940 to
Board of Sanitary Examiners
Henry Mathias, President
Other present village officials include:
Directory of Elected Officials
Politically, Lindenhurst became an incorporated village on Dec. 8, 1923 with Gustave N. Halm taking
office as president and Edward J. McGraw and Alexander Jaeger becoming trustees. President Hahn
held office until March 1926, at which time he was succeeded by Edward J. McGraw who served one
year. During the term of George Irmisch, the title "president" was changed to "Mayor". Mayor Irmisch
held office until March 31, 1929, and succeeding holders were: Dr. Walter E. Wellbrock, April 1, 1929
to March 31, 1931; Charles Heling, April, 1931 to March 31, 1937; Dr. Walter B. Wellbrock, April 1,
1937 to March 31, 1939; John G. Blankenhorn, April 1, 1939 to April 1947; Milton Turk, April 1947 to
present. Roster of other Village Officials (1923-1944)
Village Clerk
Robert W. Wild, Dec 14, 1923 to March 31, 1931
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Timothy Gibson - April 1, 1931 to Dec. 31, 1934
Nicholas Muller, Jan. 1, 1935 to March 30, 1944 (deceased) .
Alfred Pfeiffer, May 15, 1944 to
Treasury
Charles Riehl, Dec. 8, 1923 to March 22, 1925
Wm. Rail, March 23, 1925 to April 7, 1944 (deceased)
Robt. Wild, May 15, 1944 to April 1948
Robt. Allar, April 1948 to
Assessor
Frederick O. Scheider, April 1, 1928 to May 21, 1938
Harry Wichman, August 1, 1938 to April 1948
Leroy Peters, April 1948 to
Street Commissioner
Charles Heling, Dec. 6, 1923 to Jan. 22, 1924
Geo. Grimm, Jan. 1, 1923 to March 20, 1926
Henry Macy, March 22, 1926 to March 31, 1938
Irving Feustel, April, 1938 to March 31, 1939
Henry May, April 1, 1939
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Problems and inconsistencies with this book:
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multiple ands in one sentence (and ... and … and)
spelling
proper names (e.g. Wellwood or Welwood?)
excessive parentheses
commas
syntax
no index
capitalization of compass directions (e.g. north)
hyphenation of numbers (e.g. ninety-five) ?
run on sentences
and or & ?
fibre or fiber
all caps on titles ?
no sources, references or bibliography
sentence starts with but
The star = Lindenhurst Star ?
Hyphenation (store-house)
Mr Welwood (person) vs Wellwood Ave (street)
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