The Blue Dome opened for business in 1940. John J. Smith (1876-1955), a Valley Streamer who lived on Miriam Street, built an eight-stool hamburger stand, surrounded by a picket fence. “On your way home stop at the Blue Dome. Five hamburgers for 10¢ on carry-out orders only,” read an ad in the February 11, 1941, issue of Newsday. more

In 1929, newlyweds Rose and Vincent Gerbino moved to Valley Stream. Employed as an in-house photographer at the John Wanamaker department store in New York City, Vincent (1900-1970) initially commuted to his job. His employer tried to convince him to stay – he was talented and very well-liked, but Vincent has other plans. An entrepreneur at heart, he opened his first store on Rockaway Avenue and never looked back. He continued taking photos, his passion, in addition to selling cameras and film. Impatient and wanting to grow his business, the shop began to diversify. “First he added musical instruments, phonographs, and records, which helped satisfy his love for music,” explained Rose (1904-1997) in her 1990 oral history recording with interviewer Helen Dowdeswell (1914-2010). more

Goings-on in Freeport as reported in the Nassau Post: Published on June 22, 1917 MRS. CARRILLO ASKS TO GO TO FRANCE: Edith Carrillo, wife of actor and Lights Club member Leo Carrillo, applied … more

“Cameras clicked faster than the wheels of the steam train on Sunday when 350 gaping passengers were taken on a tour over long-abandoned tracks,” reported Newsday on October 28, 1952. For nine hours that day, avid rail and camera enthusiasts rode over 90 miles on a Long Island Rail Road “Fan-Trip” sponsored by the New York Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society. With a screeching whistle, and a vast plume of smoke and steam, the No. 107 chugged its way northward on the single-track West Hempstead Branch over Merrick Road. more

Hattie Miller (1865-1961) lived on Merrick Road in a stately wood-framed house surrounded by tall pine trees. Merrick Road at that time was not a heavily used thoroughfare – think plank road and horse-drawn carriages. A rustic split-rail fence ran along the north and south sides of the road. The house (located where the King Kullen parking lot stands today) expanded through the years, keeping pace with the “receptions and teas” that helped raise funds for Miller’s favorite philanthropies – including the Fortnightly Club, a literary group for women that was formed in 1898 and is still in existence. more

“Back in the day there was Studnick Auto Parts,” wrote Car Geek on the online car forum jalopyjournal.com. “They had wood floors and the owners lived upstairs above the shop. If you needed something after they closed, you would ring their bell and they would come down and sell you the part.” This is how many of us remember this popular store. But, before there was Studnick’s — there was Roeckel’s General Store. more

Hempstead Town Councilwoman Erin King Sweeney, of Wantagh, participated in programs locally and beyond that were designed to celebrate Women’s History Month. Sweeney appeared on “Good … more

In honor of Women’s History Month, the Miss Wantagh Court honored six local women at the third annual Women of Wantagh celebration on March 27. With purple balloons and decorations lining … more

Ellen Cook, Sandy Leonard, Mary Wagner and Johanna Livesay gasped when Regina Pinto described Henry Senter, her ancestor and a patriot of the American Revolution. Senter was 16 when he fought in the … more

Artists in Partnership Inc. and Long Beach REACH teamed up to host the first annual Women in the Arts awards and recognition party and fundraiser at the Allegria Hotel on March 24. In observance … more