Mattituck and Laurel

The small rural villages of Mattituck and Laurel remained relatively unchanged for more than 100 years until the railroad arrived in 1844. The Long Island Rail Road launched Mattituck-Laurel into a modern era of material progress, where business flourished and the area became a desirable location for summer visitors from New York City. The railroad station stood at the center of commerce and industry. Immigrants arrived and embarked upon new enterprises alongside the already thriving small shops and businesses. During the second half of the 19th century, Mattituck was home to a pickling factory, canning factory, large-scale creamery, and successful fertilizer business. Mattituck and Laurel presents a fascinating glimpse into the historic people and businesses that shaped these two iconic hamlets on the North Fork of Long Island.

Norman Wamback, historian and curator of the Mattituck-Laurel Historical Society, has joined assistant director Jeffrey M. Walden and reference librarian Gerard M. Matovcik from the Mattituck-Laurel Library to take the reader on a visual journey through historic Mattituck and Laurel. The authors have carefully selected these striking images from their unique collections as well as those of local families and other archives on Long Island.