Downtown Lynbrook has changed dramatically throughout the decades.
A 1915 image shows Atlantic Avenue lined with small storefronts, horse-drawn wagons, early automobiles and utility poles, reflecting a village that was still in its early years following incorporation in 1911. At the corner stands Keller’s Cafe, a popular gathering place decorated with patriotic bunting and American flags.
In the century since, Atlantic Avenue has evolved from a dusty commercial street into the heart of Lynbrook’s modern downtown business district. Many of the original wood-frame buildings have been replaced or renovated, streets have been paved and widened, and storefronts have adapted to meet the needs of successive generations of residents. While the businesses have changed, Atlantic Avenue remains a central hub for shopping, dining and community events.
According to Historical Society of East Rockaway and Lynbrook records, the village experienced rapid growth during the 1920s as former farmland was subdivided into residential neighborhoods, helping shape the Lynbrook residents know today.
On July 4, 1914, East Rockaway residents gathered beneath a large shade tree to watch a community baseball game as part of the village’s Independence Day celebration. At the time, baseball was one of America’s most popular pastimes, and holiday games often drew large crowds of families, friends and neighbors.
A photograph captures a rural East Rockaway long before much of the area was developed, with open fields serving as gathering places for recreation and community events. According to local historical records, Fourth of July celebrations frequently brought residents together for sports, parades and patriotic festivities, reflecting the close-knit character of the village during the early 20th century.
The White Cannon Hotel was one of East Rockaway’s best-known landmarks during the early 20th century. Located along the village’s waterfront, the hotel served as a popular destination for visitors arriving from New York City and other parts of Long Island seeking recreation along Hewlett Bay.
According to local historical records, the area was once a thriving resort community, with hotels, boating facilities and summer attractions drawing seasonal guests. This 1910 photograph shows the hotel decorated with patriotic bunting and a large cannon displayed in front of the building, reflecting the property’s name and prominence within the community.
Another photograph offers a glimpse of East Rockaway’s waterfront during the village’s early years, likely between 1900 and 1915. The image shows a woman reading beside a small rowboat along a quiet creek or canal, reflecting the area’s reputation as a destination for boating, recreation and relaxation.
At the time, much of East Rockaway’s shoreline remained undeveloped, with wooded landscapes and waterways playing a central role in daily life. While the exact location is unknown, the photograph captures the peaceful character of the village during an era when residents and visitors alike enjoyed spending time on the water.
