The name "Commack" comes from the Secatogue Native American tribe who lived on the South Shore of Long Island between Copiague and Bayport.[citation needed] The Secatogue named their northern lands in the center of the island Winnecomac which means "pleasant lands."[citation needed] The name may have been inspired because of the area's flat lands with rich soil, and thick oak forests abounding with plants and wildlife.[citation needed] From its earliest days, Commack, originally spelled "Comac" had fertile soil which made it the perfect land for farming.[3]
Commack is a suburban area, and, like most unincorporated places on Long Island, does not have a walkable downtown or "Main Street".[4]
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 inhabitants per square mile (1,162.3/km2). There were 12,138 housing units at an average density of 1,011.5 per square mile (390.5/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.[6]
In the CDP the population was spread out, with 26.0% under the age of 18, 6.2% from 18 to 24, 21.5% from 25 to 44, 29.5% from 45 to 64, and 16.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43.0 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.6 males.[6]
According to Census Bureau estimates for 2009–2011, the median income for a household in the CDP was $102,008, and the median income for a family was $114,866. Males had a median income of $83,135 versus $63,185 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $40,320. About 2.1% of families and 2.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.7% of those under age 18 and 5.0% of those age 65 or over.[7]
The Commack Fire Department celebrated its centennial in 2006.[8]
Sunshine Acres was built sometime in the mid-1800s and was home to Dr. Darling B. Whitney. The property was sold to the Brooklyn Baptist Young Peoples Union in 1915 and became a fresh air home, or camp, named Sunshine Acres. The house was located on Townline Road just north of the Methodist Church and served as the main building for the camp. The dorms, dining hall, and chapel were on top of the hill across the fields.
Commack Volunteer Ambulance Corps celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2016.
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.[9]
Notable people
Bob Costas (born 1952), television sportscaster and commentator
Craig Greenberg (born 1973), businessman, lawyer, and politician; Mayor-elect of Louisville
On November 14, 2006, radio station WBLI rated the Commack Motor Inn second of the seven wonders of Long Island,[11][12] just behind the Flanders Duck and ahead of the Montauk Lighthouse. The Commack 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.[13] In a 1994 interview, actress Rosie O'Donnell recounted, "That's where everyone in high school went to have their first sexual experience."[14]
In the American television program Criminal Minds, Special Agent David Rossi's hometown is Commack. One episode in the fifth season of the same show is set in Commack (although it was shot in Los Angeles).
Commack Middle School was also on one of MTV's True Life episodes.
American rock band Wheatus heavily referenced Commack satirically on their 2000 debut album in their song Wannabe Gangstar.
^ Andreeva, Nellie (February 21, 2022). "'Walker': Jared Padalecki Gets New Partner As Ashley Reyes Joins CW Drama As Series Regular". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 21, 2022.
United States
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