Discovering the Roots of Hewlett
Nestled in the southwestern part of Nassau County, the neighborhood of Hewlett is one of Long Island’s best-kept secrets, quietly holding on to its unique blend of history, charm, and community pride. When you stroll the tree-lined streets or visit neighborhood landmarks, you’re walking through centuries of stories that have shaped Hewlett into the vibrant place it is today.
The Origin of the Hewlett Name
Hewlett gets its name from one of Long Island’s founding families. The story dates back to the 17th century, when George Hewlett, an English settler, purchased land in the area in 1685 from the Rockaway Native Americans. The Hewlett family’s roots ran deep, with their farmlands and homesteads stretching across what would become an integral part of the Town of Hempstead. The name “Hewlett” became synonymous with the land, and as farms gave way to communities, the area proudly kept its namesake.
Early Settlement and Growth
Through the 18th and 19th centuries, Hewlett remained a largely rural environment. Orchards, potato fields, and dairy farms painted the landscape along narrow, dusty roads like Broadway and East Rockaway Road. The rhythm of the neighborhood was defined by the seasons and local gatherings at churches and schoolhouses.
With the introduction of the Long Island Rail Road in the late 1800s—today’s Hewlett station is one of the oldest still in active use on the Far Rockaway branch—the neighborhood’s destiny shifted. Commuters found they could enjoy suburban tranquility while staying connected to the bustling city, and residential development flourished around key crossroads such as Hewlett Avenue.
Notable Landmarks and Institutions
One of the jewels of the area is the Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library on Broadway, an institution that reflects the neighborhood’s commitment to lifelong learning and civic engagement. Opened in 1928, the library remains a cherished gathering place and community hub.
Hewlett’s religious heritage is visible in houses of worship like St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church on Woodmere Boulevard, whose congregation dates back over a century. Each Sunday, the historic stone building hosts lively services just as it did generations ago. Nearby, the Hewlett Fire Department on Franklin Avenue, established in 1893, is another thread in the fabric of local life, with its annual parades and open houses providing long-standing traditions for young and old.
Perhaps the most distinctive architectural icon is the charming Hewlett House, tucked along East Rockaway Road. Now a community resource for cancer patients and their families, it carries forward the area’s legacy of caring and serving neighbors in need, just as local families did in eras past.
Turning Points and Transformation
Hewlett’s evolution from pastoral farmland to suburban haven accelerated in the years following World War II. Returning veterans and the postwar baby boom brought rapid housing development, especially south of West Broadway, where winding streets like Leavitt Place and Stirling Place began filling with Cape Cods and ranches. Schools like Hewlett Elementary and George W. Hewlett High School provided excellent public education, instilling a sense of civic pride and belonging for generations of families.
Another pivotal moment came with the creation of Grant Park, a sprawling oasis off Broadway and Sheridan Avenue. With acres of fields, playgrounds, and walking paths, Grant Park has been a cherished refuge for everything from summer picnics to weekend hockey games on its skating rink.
Generational Roots and New Faces
Hewlett is one of five villages comprising “The Hewletts,” including Hewlett Bay Park and Hewlett Harbor, each with their own distinctive history. Still, it’s common to hear lifelong residents reminiscing on Central Avenue about their childhoods spent sledding down the park hills or sharing stories over bagels at the corner deli.
While traditions run deep, Hewlett has always welcomed change. In recent decades, a growing and diverse population has brought fresh flavors to neighborhood eateries, new energy to local businesses, and vibrant programming to community centers and synagogues. Yet, at its heart, Hewlett still offers what drew early settlers all those years ago: safe streets, strong schools, and neighbors who look out for one another.
Remembering the Past, Embracing the Future
For those who live here, Hewlett is more than just a place on the map—it’s a living mosaic of stories, stitched together by landmark buildings, tree-shaded parks, and the memories made by each generation. Whether you’re exploring the historic homes along Everit Avenue or enjoying a summer concert in Grant Park, you’re part of a continuum that stretches back over three centuries.
As Hewlett moves forward, honoring its roots while embracing what’s next, the spirit of the original Hewlett family—of building, persevering, and looking after the community—remains at the center of its enduring charm.
If you ever find yourself in this corner of Hempstead, take a moment to look around. Every street sign and weathered building has a piece of the past to share, and the sense of belonging is as close as a neighbor’s wave across the yard.