A Revitalized Downtown Area Makes Patchogue an Ideal Place to Live
1/11/2021 (Permalink)
Patchogue Offers Arts, Food and a Strong Sense of Community
In Suffolk County, New York, you will find the Incorporated Village of Patchogue. Part of Brookhaven and adjacent to Great South Bay, it is about 60 miles east of Manhattan. Incorporated in 1893, it is central to East Patchogue, Canaan Lake, Fire Island, and North Patchogue. It also collaborates with nearby Medford to run a well-known school system and library system. In 2019, the American Planning Association recognized it as one of the “Great Neighborhoods” in America, recognizing communities planned to bring its residents together.
To reach Patchogue, you may take the Long Island Railroad to Montauk or take one of many buses that come through the town. The Montauk Highway, County Route 19, and County Route 83 all make their way through the area. Just off its shore, you can find Fire Island National Seashore, which houses Davis Park, a private community on the easternmost end of Fire Island. It is often referred to as Davis Park, Leja Beach, or Ocean Ridge interchangeably since the sense of community makes the three areas interdependent and their boundaries virtually transparent.
It is commonly accepted that Patchogue saw its first factory in 1798 when Jonas Wicks built a paper mill producing wrapping paper. It later succumbed to a fire in 1850, but it became one of several operation mills in the area. A lace mill, another paper mill, and wool mills are all part of the area’s history. Similarly, shipbuilding became a catalyst for industry, and the lumber industry employed many of its men. It wasn’t until 1868 that the railroad finally reached Patchogue, which became the terminal station for a little over a decade until Eastport opened its station.
Tourism followed the railroad's arrival, and New Yorkers visited Patchogue for leisure, making it a popular tourist destination. Family-owned inns and hotels were plentiful, and tourism became the engine behind the growth of small businesses and services. As time passed and societal tastes shifted, Patchogue lost some of its popularity, and eventually, it became obsolete. Small shops lost to bigger shopping malls, and far-away destinations became more attractive to New Yorkers. Luckily, the town’s leadership has proven to be nimble in its strategy and now appeals to those looking for a rich artistic community and one-of-a-kind goods.
Notable Patchogue Residents
The history of Patchogue may not be well-known to most, but many exciting characters live in the area’s local history. Some worth mentioning are included below-
- Captain Gil Moger- Born in 1833, he lived 93 years in Patchogue. When he wasn’t in town, he was out at sea. Although his longevity is notable, his story is more interesting because he went blind in his 40s and continued his seafaring career despite his lack of eyesight. He lived the last part of his life in his boat, The Black Swan, and didn’t abandon it until it burned about a year before Captain Moger’s passing. Stories tell about the support he got from his friends and the love he felt for the water.
- Captain John Baker- The Baker family was held in high esteem in the Patchogue society. What makes John Baker’s story peculiar is his alliance with the British during the American Revolution and his subsequent return to the area. History implies he proclaimed himself a patriot while aiding the Tories, which eventually caused his arrest. Upon being released from a short stay in prison, he reclaimed his place in society, and his treason became a non-issue. Some questions remain as to why he was allowed to return to a place he had clearly betrayed.
- Jeffrey R. MacDonald- Born in 1943, this former U.S. Army officer was convicted of murdering his two daughters and pregnant wife in 1970. Despite his affirmation of innocence, he was sent to the Federal Correctional Institution in Maryland. His case is one of the most litigated to date, with conflicting evidence and numerous court appearances. It is also highlighted in several tv shows and publications.
Patchogue is a town full of history and beauty. Whether you explore its theaters, the Fire Island National Seashore, or one of its many restaurants, you are sure to have a good time. Its superior school district and suburban lifestyle make it ideal for those looking for a calm place close to New York City. The downtown revival and the town’s commitment to affordability and job creation have created additional opportunities for residents and set it up for economic prosperity.
Preservation of Patchogue Homes
Newer construction and a commitment from city officials and developers to offer Patchogue residents options are at the center of its renewed strength. However, structures of all ages require close attention to keep them in top shape. At SERVPRO, we pride ourselves on being the best in the water restoration business and a resource to all customers who call our 24/7 hotline. When time is of the essence, we are ready to jump into action as soon as you need us.
SERVPRO staff members work diligently with industry experts to learn about the best practices and latest equipment available to our industry. In turn, this knowledgebase travels with our team into homes suffering from the aftermath of a minor leak or a full-blown flooding incident. Along with our expertise, we access the most effective equipment for water extraction and drying. Many team members are accredited by the (IICRC) the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification ensuring best practices are followed. As a follow-up, we can apply antifungal and disinfecting solutions to finish the job. Regardless of the situation, our professional crew is up to the challenge.
SERVPRO of Patchogue is your best resource when your home is in question. Relying on do-it-yourself solutions or inaction can only set the stage for future complications. Call us at (631) 924-1801 whenever the situation occurs and let our team take over. With our help, we will have your home in top shape and looking “Like it never even happened.”