Signs of Long Island’s rich history are everywhere in Roslyn, from the Van Nostrand-Starkins House built in 1680, to the former Frick Estate on land that belonged to the poet and editor, William Cullen Bryant.
“Roslyn has an Old World charm and a real-world history dating back to 1634. Its historic district is well maintained by passionate advocates,” says resident Madelyn Etkind, 55. Etkind is one of those advocates as a member of the Roslyn Landmark Society.
The quaintness of the town, and especially the duck pond at Gerry Park played a large part in Audrey Bernhardt’s decision to return to Roslyn 24 years ago. Bernhardt, 56, grew up here. “The village is beautiful and historic,” says Bernhardt, who co-owns Knit on Old Northern Boulevard.
Some townies bemoan the area’s affluence, however. “I don’t like the conspicuous consumption,” says one resident. “I’d like to see the rents come down so that not so many stores would be out of business, and something other than upscale lingerie boutiques come in.”
