Sam Gordon Building update:
Ben Vitale

TriTec allowed David Kennedy, a Patchogue community leader, along with members of the "Friends of Carnegie Library," to tour the Library. At that time the Sam Gordon Building was also discussed with TriTec. TriTec is currently the owner of the Sam Gordon property. Tritec said that the building was too unstable to move; Peter Sarich, a Patchogue Village Inspector did agree; it was "too far gone" to move.

Sam Gordon Wholesale Depot

Why do I feel that another piece of Patchogue History has fallen victim to the "Bulldozer." The operation of the Sam Gordon vegetable wholesale operation has not been extensively documented. In the early 1900s Sam probably delivered wholesale vegetables using a "Mack Truck," (see photo at link below)


Mack trucks


Is this not history? I do feel a sense of loss; the historic "Gordon Building" has indeed been demolished. Where does progress begin, and destruction of history end? Must we destroy all of our historic treasures. I feel that one cannot appreciate the present until he knows about the past.


I have on numerous occasions, attempted to generate a sense of awe in young people by telling them what it was like to live without a TV, or without a Computer. I have failed miserably! Most young people for some unknown reason appear to be indifferent to learning about the past. I would guess this indifference is because the past is not their past! Actually; when I think back to my high school days, I can recall that I did not like history. I had not realized that appreciation of the present comes from Knowledge of the past! I actually hated history class! "Why do I have to remember all this C$%p; what can I do with it?" It appears that nothing has changed very much! I feel that there is not as much concern for our history, as there should be! It is an unfortunate fact of life, that many people have to progress in age, before their appreciation for history blossoms!


Instead of restoring the Swezey building to its previous splendor, we are now about to demolish it. Another piece of Patchogue history will be delivered to the Dumps. And now, the Sam Gordon building is gone!


I as well as a few other concerned residents of Patchogue, "Googled" Sam Gordon; we all found the same limited information, that was written in "Long Island Stories." Almost nothing is known about the operation of Sam Gordon's business as it relates to Patchogue. Did Sam provide produce for all of the existing hotels at that time? Did the local residents buy produce from Sam? Did Mr. Gordon buy from local farms? Extensive information about Sam is simply not available.


A few years ago I had the pleasure of sitting next to a relative of Mr. Gordon, while on a Plane Flight to Florida or Las Vegas. Unfortunately I did not learn much about Sam Gordon. Wouldn't it be wonderful if the Gordon family would share some history about their relative Sam Gordon. I feel that there is a story that could and should be made available for everyone to enjoy. The Gordon family history is part of our history!


We, the residents of Patchogue Village, must learn to be proactive, in the preservation of our historic Landmarks. Hopefully we still have a few landmarks, that have not yet seen the Bulldozer! Is it possible to get Grant Money for historic preservation?


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