The whispers of “Tiny Towns” on Long Island have long intrigued curious explorers. This past weekend, a journey was undertaken to uncover the truth behind these intriguing tales, specifically seeking out the elusive Midgetville in Oakdale. While the search for tiny people in tiny houses proved fruitless, the adventure revealed some fascinating historical neighborhoods.
The first stop was Merrick, NY, in Nassau County, following cryptic directions found online. The area near Camp and Merrick avenues, off Lee Street, was rumored to house these miniature dwellings. However, instead of a town populated by little people, there were a handful of smaller-than-average homes. Research revealed that this area was once a Methodist campground, where families spent summers in tents and caravans, eventually converting some campsites into small cottages.
The quest continued eastward to Oakdale, NY, just south of Dowling College. Following online clues led to Idle Hour Blvd and the supposed location of Midgetville.
A closer inspection of the area revealed a unique neighborhood with charming, albeit not tiny, houses.
These unusually small homes were once part of the Vanderbilt estate’s farm. Lucy Pitchard Sawyer Thompson purchased the land and transformed it into an artist colony, which continues to host art fairs during the summer months.
The structures, originally stables for farm animals, have been repurposed into unique living spaces.
While Midgetville in Oakdale, filled with tiny residents, remains a myth, the area boasts a captivating history and unique architecture. The search for tiny houses concluded with a stop at a mini storage lot in Bohemia.
Though the quest for a true “Midgetville” continues, the exploration of these Long Island communities offered a glimpse into unique historical enclaves and architectural curiosities.
