Nestled in the heart of New City, NY, the Centenary neighborhood stands as a living testament to the area’s rich heritage and community spirit. Whether you’re a newcomer strolling down its leafy avenues for the first time or a lifelong resident recalling childhood memories, Centenary’s history is woven into every street, park, and cornerstone building.
Origins: The Birth of Centenary
Centenary traces its roots back to the late 19th century, a period when Rockland County was evolving from a quiet rural landscape into an increasingly vibrant township. The neighborhood’s name honors the centennial celebration of New City’s founding, established officially as a distinct local entity around 1888—one hundred years after Rockland County became independent from Orange County. When the area began to flourish in the late 1800s, local leaders sought a name that would both commemorate this milestone and inspire a sense of shared legacy. Thus “Centenary” was born, chosen to symbolize unity, renewal, and ongoing progress.
Originally, the land was dotted with fruit orchards and dairy farms, owned by families whose names, like DePew and Blauvelt, now grace the neighborhood’s street signs. Early settlers built modest homes along what are today Maple Avenue and Old Stone Lane, laying down roots that would nurture generations to come.
Key Historical Milestones
- The Railroad Boom (1890s-1920s): A transformative era began when Centenary’s own section of the Rockland County Railway opened just past Liberty Street, connecting New City with Nyack and Piermont. This new accessibility drew city dwellers seeking fresh air and open spaces, and the neighborhood expanded rapidly as seasonal country homes turned into permanent residences.
- Centenary Congregational Church (1903): Serving as both a spiritual and social hub, the beautiful stone church on DePew Avenue became a beacon for the community. Today, its bell tower still stands tall, watching over generations of worshipers, club meetings, and holiday fairs.
- Post-War Prosperity (1950s-1970s): With the construction of the Palisades Interstate Parkway and a postwar suburban boom, Centenary’s farms gradually gave way to tree-lined streets such as Orchard Road and Heritage Drive. Families flocked to the neighborhood, drawn by highly-rated schools like Lakeview Elementary and the welcoming green spaces.
Notable Landmarks: Stories Etched in Stone
Many of Centenary’s landmarks have survived the test of time and foster a sense of continuity between past and present.
- Centenary Green: Once the site of weekend markets in the early 20th century, this lush park at the intersection of Maple Avenue and Temple Street is now a gathering place for summer concerts and the beloved annual Centenary Picnic. Majestic old oaks shade picnic tables where neighbors have swapped stories for decades.
- Old Stone Lane Historic Homes: Here, charming Victorian-era houses line the avenue, their distinctive gabled roofs and wrought-iron fences recalling a bygone era. The blue house at 14 Old Stone Lane, built by the Blauvelt family in 1912, is a local favorite and a frequent stop on historical walking tours.
- The Former Centenary General Store: Now a cozy café, the red-brick building on the corner of Liberty Street served as the neighborhood’s general store and informal post office for decades after it opened in 1916. Old-timers remember gathering on the porch for penny candy and local news.
Heritage Institutions and Community Life
Centenary’s character is shaped by its sturdy institutions and vibrant organizations. Lakeview Library, founded in the 1930s, keeps the past alive with its local history room—home to photographs, newspapers, and personal accounts from early residents. The Centenary Garden Club, founded in 1955, continues its long tradition of beautifying public spaces, planting flower beds along walkways and organizing the popular Spring Flower Show.
Public education thrives in Centenary, with Lakeview Elementary and Centenary Middle School acting as anchors for families. The neighborhood’s commitment to education and youth engagement is evident during the annual Heritage Day Parade, a joyous display of floats, music, and costumes winding down Heritage Drive.
Evolution: Growth, Change, and Timelessness
While much has changed over the past century, Centenary’s sense of neighborliness remains constant. The arrival of new residents in the 1980s and 1990s brought greater diversity, enriching the community’s fabric. The green expanses of Centennial Park, created in the early 2000s, reflect a modern appreciation for open space as well as the community’s agricultural past.
Walking through Centenary today, you’ll notice that new homes and businesses blend seamlessly with classic architecture. Small family-run shops and bakeries on Liberty Street co-exist with modern boutiques. Children play on the rebuilt playgrounds of Centenary Green, just as their grandparents once did. The original fieldstone boundary walls, lovingly maintained, serve as enduring markers of the neighborhood’s rural roots.
Why Centenary Remains Special
Perhaps what makes Centenary truly exceptional is its commitment to preserving community spirit while embracing change. From historic home tours to garden walks and block parties, local traditions foster lasting bonds between residents. Every yard sale or Sunday stroll is a testament to a community that prizes both its heritage and its future.
Centenary’s streets, parks, and landmarks stand ready to welcome new generations, weaving old stories into fresh chapters. Whether you’re taking in the autumn leaves on Maple Avenue or sipping coffee in the old general store, you’re part of a neighborhood where history lives on—not just in buildings or archives, but in the hearts and memories of those who call Centenary home.