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February 10, 2004 22:46:33
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History of Gerritsen Beach
Named after Wolphert Gerritsen, who, having been granted 15,000 acres of land from the West India Company, settled there before the Revolutionary War.
In 1665, his descendant, Hugh Gerritsen, a farmer, built a tidewater mill off Burnett Street. A century later, the mill was still operational and supplied Washington's troops with food supplies. It burned down in 1931. In 1899, 67 acres of the Gerritsen property was purchased and, along with a refurbished 150 year old mansion, was used as a racing lodge for the adjacent Sheepshead Bay Race Track. This lodge still stands at Burnett Street, between Avenue V and Whitney Ave. The Shell Bank Canal was developed in 1920s, along with roadways, sidewalks and subdivided lots, spurring further development. Gerritsen Beach was purchased by The Gerritsen Beach Property Owners' Association in 1965. It is a closed community for residents only with private beach, complete with concessions and bandshell. Many homes in the area have waterside yards. The summer time waters flourish with boats, jet skis, swimmers and fisherman.
Served by Community District 15
Zip Code: 11229
Claims to Fame:
Gerritsen Beach Fire Department (32 Seba Ave) began in 1921. It is the only remaining volunteer fire department in Brooklyn. With 50 volunteers, an engine pump, rescue truck and ambulance, it boasts a quick response time.
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