Syosset

Purchased this book for my Mother who was born and raised in Syosset. She couldn't have been more pleased. The book is perfect for those who remember the beautiful Syosset they grew up in. Also, it has many beautiful pictures.

My family moved to Syosset in 1961, I was three years old and my brother was 5. We attended Berry Hill Elementary School, South Woods Jr. High School, and Syosset High School. We were both active in little league and school sports and belonged to Boy Scout troop 112. Recently my Mom called me and said she had just read a book about the history of Syosset and that she couldn't put it down until she finished it. She sent a copy and I couldn't put it down until I finished it too. I never realized that British soldiers camped along Jericho Turnpike in Syosset. If I had known this back when my brother and I were kids, we would have been digging everywhere looking for buried "treasure".I remember the monthly Boy Scout meetings in the gymnasium of Split Rock School. I remember camping at the Bruce Estate, and several of the other estates that still remained in the late sixties and early seventies. I have clear memories of playing in the abandon Sparks mansion with the empty swimming pool and horse stables. I'll never forget the broken elevator. There was a log cabin that probably belonged to the Sparks Estate; we played in it for endless hours. This book brought all of those fun memories back.I have lived in the Midwest since 1991 and annually visit family and friends in Syosset. Reading this book brought back thirty years of really good memories and filled in many of the pieces I didn't even know were missing. The author hinted at writing a sequel to this book, I hope he does it.

I savored every page! Whether you are a native or new resident of Syosset, or live anywhere on Long Island you will enjoy this wonderful book. The numerous old photos and text capture the topography of the land and the many historic events that took place in this area beginning more than a hundred years ago. I was surprised and delighted from cover to cover. The details of the geographic locations made it so much fun to visualize the "before and after". It is obvious that the author has a passion for his hometown. This book undoubtedly did not come together overnight. It is a true tribute to a great place. The writing is light, concise and friendly. This is a terrific book to take to the beach, curl up with on a cold night or keep on your coffee table. In fact, no guest room in your house should be without one! Great gift for anyone who has ever lived in or near Syosset and great marketing tool for realtors in the area.