24 Gotham Street

 

24 Gotham Street, Valley Stream NY (Source: Zillow)

The home at 24 Gotham Street in Valley Stream, NY is a charming Starter Cape built in 1950. The address was part of Enumeration District 30-253 in 1950. At that time of the 1950 Census the following families were living on Gotham (note there is no House #24): 

 

House No. 29 - John & Katie Fell

House No. 22 - William & Constance Fellinger

House No. 21 - Adolph & Elizabeth Schoder

House No. 19 - James & Elsie Ferril

House No. 26 - Mrs. Mae Moors

House No. 30 - Joseph & Genevieve Grady

Based on the above household names, this area was primarily occupied by German families. I am unsure if the McNeils built the home at No. 24, however they are the earliest family I found at the address. Further deed research would be required to learn more and this home and property.

Owner/Resident History:

1969 - Mrs. M. McNeil

1988 - Anthony J. & Mary Bencivenga

1994 - James J. & Victoria Langdon 

1998 - Paul A. Damato

2017 - Salvatore S. Modica 

Prior to 1950 this land was uncleared and mostly Forest. The blue dot below shows you where house would later be built in a newly constructed neighborhood.

1926 Aerial View of 24 Gotham St. before the home was built between Gotham and Mill Rd. After World War II, this land was developed and some of the original homes on Gotham St. date back to 1936. By 1950 the population of Valley Stream was around 25,000. Today it is over 39,000.

Remembering Asa Partridge’s Young Lady’s School in Sag Harbor

Long gone are the days of ladies’ schools—dedicated institutions where women and girls were taught everything from etiquette and elocution to secretarial skills and domestic management. These schools served as vital stepping stones for women seeking refinement, education, and social opportunity in eras when formal schooling options for females were scarce.

In 1791, one of Sag Harbor’s earliest newspapers, Frothingham’s Long Island Journal, featured an advertisement for a “young lady’s school” opened by Asa Partridge in what was then spelled “Sagg-Harbour.” This marked the founding of the first private school in Sag Harbor—a significant milestone in the village’s educational history.

Among the skills taught was elocution, the art of clear and expressive speech, a valuable skill for young women of the time, often tied to social mobility and personal poise.

I often wonder where the hall that housed Asa Partridge’s school once stood. If you have any insight into its location—or better yet, a current photo of the property—I’d love to know!

By 1805, the school had come under the direction of a Mr. Moody, though Asa Partridge continued to serve as a trustee alongside four other men, suggesting he maintained an active role in its operations.

Records indicate that Asa owned land in what was referred to as the "Common" area of Sag Harbor. In 1818, he expanded his lot—located north of the property of Pelletiah Fordham and along what was then known simply as the “highway,” possibly Main Street—by purchasing 14 additional feet of frontage for $29.51.

It’s believed that this site later became home to the Meyer & Sons store, which stood on the property as of 1924. This connection offers a fascinating glimpse into the layered history of Sag Harbor’s built environment.

By 1850, Asa Partridge—then retired—owned property valued at $10,000, equivalent to roughly $400,000 today. Between 1849 and 1851, his land was gradually sold off to Sheriff David R. Rose, Charles Douglas, and E.M. Cooper.

Asa and Betsy on the 1850 Census in [Sag Harbor] Southampton, NY

Asa Partridge was born around 1762 and lived to the age of 92, passing away in Sag Harbor and being laid to rest in the Old Burying Ground. His wife, Betsey Conklin, died just a year before him. One can’t help but wonder—did Betsey help manage the school alongside him?

Old Burying Ground, Sag Harbor - Source: Nancy Remkus

Diners

 What comes to mind when you think about a diner? Eggs? Waffles? A 1950's malt milkshake shared by two? I associate diner history with the latter, however I recently learned that the diner concept actually dates back to 1872 when a man in Providence, Rhode Island decided to bring coffee and breakfast treats (and pie!) to workers via his horse and wagon.

So what was the first diner on Long Island? Rumor has it that it is the Colonial Diner in East Meadow. The earliest reference I found on the diner only dated back to 1968, however it is possible they didn't advertise in the papers. The Oceanside Diner (my hometown!) apparently opened about 1940 and the National Diner in Hempstead was opened by 1941. I really thought I would find a diner older than the 1940's though. Perhaps I am romanticizing the idea as I now am craving a chocolate egg cream. mmmmm.

The National Diner was located next to the fire department and stood at the corner of Jackson and Main St. These buildings no longer exist and definitely were part of a much more charming Hempstead. As you drive through Hempstead today it can be difficult to imagine this town and village as a much more green tapestry with a quaint town square surrounded by farmed land. Hempstead actually dates back to the mid 17th century. Many of its original proprietors left soon after due to the English and Dutch conflict of 1653.

National Diner, Hempstead NY

Do you have a picture to share of an old diner in your town? I would love to see what you have!