A small taste of history: The Centereach Chamber of Commerce
Amongst the Middle Country Public Library’s many historical artifacts are a few that explain just how far the area has come from its pastoral roots. The picture and story below comes courtesy of a collaborative effort among the librarian staff.
The Centereach Chamber of Commerce in the 1960s was very much involved in bringing business and people to Centereach.
Its members were active in meeting with state, county and town officials on a variety of issues including rezoning property for businesses, the building of newly proposed garden apartments in Lake Grove and statistics of Suffolk County labor.
In 1966, the Chamber also was instrumental in appealing to state officials to place a Centereach sign on the Long Island Expressway to promote the community as “The Hub of Suffolk County.” They prepared a brochure that was distributed at that year’s Travel and Trade Exposition which sought to highlight the advantages of doing business in Centereach.
This 1962 picture shows newly installed officers of the Centereach Chamber of Commerce checking over reports of the previous year’s activities with new president, Nicholas Guzzone seated at right.
The installation took place at Centereach Bowling Lanes on Horseblock Road.
Along with promoting the economic growth of the area, Chamber members were very active in the
community. They sponsored a cocktail party and dance which took place annually in the Island Room at
Centereach Lanes. The Oct. 31, 1963, The Long Island Advance published photographs of the winners and
judges of a Halloween Costume Contest sponsored by the Chamber. Bags of candy were distributed to all
children present, and the Saxon Drum and Bugle Corps supplied the entertainment.
The Chamber of Commerce also took part in the annual parade and fair as seen in this 1962 picture of
Chamber officials posing in a convertible parade car.
Pictured left to right are William Regan of Regan Funeral Home, Robert Jones of Tinker National Bank, Mrs. Theresa Hansen and Charles Hansen, both of Centereach Fabrics, and Michael Dundon of Dundon Roofing Company. The Centereach Chamber of Commerce banner shown draped over the windshield of the parade car is a part of the Middle Country Public Library’s Heritage Collection. Plans are underway to have it conserved and displayed in the library’s Miller Business Center. Today, the Greater Middle Country Chamber of Commerce seeks to help businesses prosper in Centereach, Selden, Lake Grove and surrounding areas.
