Cedarhurst, Then & Now- By Ann Bienstock

Since the List publication is primarily distributed in the Five Towns area, I have decided to write about the history of the Five Towns, focusing each week on one particular town. Despite its name, though, none of the communities are actually towns. The Five Towns is actually a conglomerate of the “towns” of Cedarhurst, Lawrence, Inwood, Hewlett & Woodmere. It was because of their similarities that they were combined into this group. However, by the year 1910, the population of Cedarhurst had expanded to such great proportion that on September 16th, it became an incorporated village. It had its own court system, board of trustees, tax department and building department. The Village of Lawrence also eventually became an incorporated village. The remaining three towns have remained hamlets. This week, I will concentrate on Cedarhurst.

The village of Cedarhurst was originally settled before the War of Independence. According to local lore, Cedarhurst took its name from the grove (‘hurst’) of cedar trees near the post office. It was first inhabited by Native Americans and then by farmers, slaves and wealthy landowners from Great Britain. The entire Five Towns are surrounding Cedarhurst was occupied by British troops.

Cedarhurst today has over 6000 residents and resides over one square mile. It is a vital commercial area and a cultural hub of the South Shore of Long Island. It is knows for its historic museums, public & private golf and tennis clubs, and four season recreational facilities. It offers quick access to beaches, and is within close proximity to an international airport. Finally, it attracts Long Islanders from its surrounding towns; be it for the famous fashion and dining center found on Central Avenue or its Tuesday night concerts series situated in the Cedarhurst Park.

I was privileged to recently interview Mayor Andrew J. Parise, the mayor, (otherwise knows as Town President). Hearing his personal biography as well as hearing the village’s history was quite fascinating.

The mayor of Cedarhurst was born & raised in one of the five towns; Inwood. He attended Inwood grammar school, Lawrence Middle School and graduated from Lawrence High School. Immediately after graduation, he enlisted into the army where he so valiantly fought in World War II for three harsh years. He fought in many countries such as France, Germany and Czechoslovakia. The numerous medals of honor hanging in his office in the Village Hall are a testimony of his bravery, courage and devotion to his country. Mr. Parise moved to Cedarhust in 1946 where he currently resides. During those years, the area was mostly wooded lands where wealthy landowners from Great Britain resided. Mr. Parise lived in a stable house owned by Lord Estate. Each estate consisted of a few acres of land.

Mayor Parise was always involved in politics; on the local level and well as the state. He was active in the VFW and community affaris and chief of staff in the Town of Hempstead of seven different administrations. He was asked to join on the village board in 1971 and was involved ever since.

The mayor has been very instrumental in revolutionizing the Village of Cedarhurst. Projects such as the Cedarhurst Memorial Plaza, the Cedarhurst Park Revitalization Program, the revitalization of the business district and the Tuesday night concerts under the gazebo are example of activities spearheaded by the mayor. The mayor constantly tours the village keeping a watchful eye on the business district and does his best to fill vacant shops, while keeping its roads well lit and clean.

Cedarhurst is a “great place to live, work and play.” It is an upscale village with many amenities available for everyone. Yet, it is still small enough that people know one another. Cedarhurst is certainly a unique village where it has kept its old world charm of yesteryear combined with its modern characteristics and technology of today.