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Community Corner

#85: The Casino

Over 130 years later the Casino is still the place to be in Garden City.

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Suzie Alvey, Neighbor
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The Garden City Casino is located at 51 Cathedral Avenue, on the corner of Sixth Street and next to the Long Island Rail Road Station.

Proximity to the station was important because it made the Casino a very convenient and popular gathering place since its inception in the 1880s. Originally called the Stewart Arms, the historic building was for out-of-town churchgoers to relax with friends and wait for the train ride home.

The name was changed in 1895 to the Casino when member Stanford White and his famous architectural firm, McKim, Mead and White redesigned it. The Casino was one of the few places to go for entertainment in Garden City back then. It featured weekly concerts and plays, as well as dances and lectures. There were two grass tennis courts, bowling in the basement, croquet and badminton games, billiards and a place to buy bikes- but no gambling. 

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The bicycle was a new craze at the turn of the century. Day trippers would also come out on the Long Island Rail Road and then bike around our lovely town. The Casino’s manager sold many bikes during his time there, some for as much as $35 or more.

Bikes are not part of the scene now, but the Casino’s tennis program is very popular with members.

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Currently, the Casino is owned by the Village of Garden City. The Casino is run by the Board of Governors that consists of volunteer members. The board was established as part of its charter with the village. Garden City Caterers runs its catering services, as well as that of the Stewart Manor Country Club and Sans Souci in Sea Cliff.

The Casino features a recently renovated catering hall that holds up to 150 people for weddings, reunions and parties. It has a large dance floor and a stage. 

Visit www.GardenCityCasinoCaterers.com or call 516-216-5760 for more information.

Come back next Tuesday at 10 a.m. for reason #84. Click here if you missed reason #86.

Category: Catering

Price: Varies

Season: Year-round

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