Medford: From Prosperity Farm to Community

Many residents who live in Medford don't know the area's interesting history.

The lands surrounding Medford were unsuitable for farming, thanks to the wide expanse of Pine Barrens that covered the area. Like many other local spots in the region, it took the establishment of an LIRR station in June of 1844 to help the area between the villages of Patchogue and Port Jefferson.

According to Newsday, the LIRR auctioned four square miles of land in the area in 1850. The purchaser, the O.L. Schwenke Land & Investment Co., subdivided their purchase and sold plots for $10-$75. The land was a tough sell, but that did not deter the real estate developers. According to legend, a mock factory with a phony roof was built near the railroad. As trains approached, fires were burned to give the impression booming industries were established. It was never specified if that scheme was successful.

Looking to further drive growth in the area, a Demonstration Farm (modelled after a similar farm in Wading River) was set up by the railroad to highlight that the land was in fact fertile despite its Pine Barrens moniker. The farm was so successful, President Teddy Roosevelt even stopped by to visit in 1910! The Medford area has been enjoying steady growth since the first crops arose from the Medford Prosperity Farm. Where

As a local credit union, Teachers Federal takes pride in the fact that we are a home grown, locally staffed company. We got our start not in the wilderness of the Pine Barrens, but by a group of seven individuals who had $35 and the idea that there are better ways to bank. Since then, we’ve grown quite a bit, but never lost our connection to our local roots.

Medford has an interesting history, and we know our members appreciate a good story. If you aren’t a member, feel free to stop by the Farmingville branch and see how TFCU can show you why we’re the educated choice for all Long Islanders.  On your way over to Farmingville, stop and think for a second how much the community has grown!

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