The allure of “tiny towns” and miniature houses has long captured the imagination. This weekend expedition took us to Long Island in search of these fabled communities, specifically focusing on Midgetville in Oakdale, NY. While the tales of little people proved to be unfounded, the journey uncovered some unique and historically significant neighborhoods.
Our first stop was Merrick, NY, a town on Long Island’s south shore. Following cryptic directions found online, we explored a neighborhood near Camp and Merrick avenues, off Lee Street. Instead of tiny homes inhabited by little people, we discovered a cluster of smaller-than-average houses. Research revealed this area was once a Methodist campground where families spent summers in tents and caravans. These campsites eventually transformed into small cottages, some of which remain interspersed among standard-sized homes.
Our quest for tiny houses continued eastward to Oakdale, NY, just south of Dowling College. Online resources pointed us to a location accessible via Idle Hour Boulevard.
Parking the car, we explored the area on foot, discovering a charming neighborhood with a rich history.
This area was once part of the Vanderbilt estate’s farm. Lucy Pitchard Sawyer Thompson purchased the land and transformed it into an artist colony. This colony thrives today, hosting art fairs during the summer months. The small houses we encountered were originally stables for the farm animals.
While our search for Midgetville in Oakdale, NY, didn’t reveal a community of little people, it unearthed fascinating historical insights into unique Long Island neighborhoods. The small homes and cottages we found, though not “tiny” in the truest sense, offered a glimpse into bygone eras and the evolution of these communities. The legend of Midgetville persists, suggesting further exploration may be warranted.
