Happy TravellerWelcome to Commack, a charming hamlet and census-designated place (CDP) located in Suffolk County, on Long Island, in New York. With a population of 36,124 at the 2010 census, Commack is a thriving community that offers a rich history, beautiful landscapes, and a variety of attractions for visitors to enjoy.
History:
Commack’s name comes from the Secatogue Native American tribe who lived on the South Shore of Long Island between Copiague and Bayport. The Secatogue named their northern lands in the center of the island Winnecomac which means pleasant lands. From its earliest days, Commack or originally spelled as Comac was known for its fertile soil which made it the perfect land for farming. Today, Commack is settled and suburbanized and, like most unincorporated areas of Long Island, does not have a true, walkable downtown or Main Street.
Geography:
According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 12.0 square miles (31.0 km2), all land.
Demographics:
As of the census of 2010, there were 36,124 people, 11,907 households, and 9,895 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 3,010.3 per square mile (1,165.3/km2). The racial makeup of the CDP was 91.6% White, 0.9% African American, 0.1% Native American or Alaska Native, 5.4% Asian, 0.01% Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, 0.8% from some other race, and 1.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.8% of the population.
Transportation:
Commack is served by four major thoroughfares: the Long Island Expressway, the Northern State Parkway, the Sunken Meadow State Parkway and the at-grade Jericho Turnpike. It also includes the historic Long Island Motor Parkway, which itself included the spur to NY 25 that later became Harned Road.
Landmarks:
Commack is home to the oldest Methodist Church building in New York state, the Commack Methodist Church, built in 1789 as the Comac Church. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is one of the oldest buildings in Commack. The National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame and Museum is located in the Suffolk Y Jewish Community Center in Commack. The Commack Fire Department celebrated its centennial in 2006. Harned Brothers Sawmill was built in the 1840s and has been run by the Harned family since the Great Depression. It is the only circular-sawmill still in operation on Long Island.
Notable people:
Commack has been home to many notable people, including television sportscaster and commentator Bob Costas, businessman, lawyer, and politician Craig Greenberg, Major League Baseball pitcher Pete Harnisch, National Football League linebacker for the Buffalo Bills Matt Milano, stand-up comedian, actress, singer, author, talk show hostess and media personality Rosie ODonnell, professional poker player Shankar Pillai, WNBA basketball player Samantha Prahalis, comedian Randy Rainbow, actress and star of The CW revival of the television series Walker Ashley Reyes.
In popular culture:
The Commack Motor Inn gained notoriety by its advertisements on late-night television and radio, extolling the perfect romantic getaway, its plush beds, mirror ball disco room and heart-shaped love tubs. By the 1980s, the Commack Motor Inn had become such an accepted part of Long Island life that its gift certificates were prizes at social clubs. In a 1994 interview, actress Rosie ODonnell recounted, Thats where everyone in high school went to have their first sexual experience.
Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or just want to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery, Commack has something for everyone. Come and experience all that this charming hamlet has to offer!
