Bohemia Businesses
John Seidl’s Nursery
A living made from the sandy soil of Union Street
When we look back at the history of Bohemia, it’s easy to focus on the noisy landmarks — the dance halls of the Central Hotel or the roaring jets at MacArthur Airport. The true foundation of this community was built quietly, in the sandy soil that defined the area. This striking photograph captures a vital piece of that everyday history: John Seidl’s Nursery.
Founding Families
A Foundational Family
The name on the sign tells us immediately that this business was deeply rooted in the community. The name Seidl belongs to one of the foundational Czech families who settled Bohemia in the late 19th century. Historical records place the John Seidl family on Union Street, suggesting this business was likely operated right from their homestead.
Unlike the commercial bustle of “Hotel Row” on Smithtown Avenue, nurseries like this were often located on quieter residential streets, where family life and business were intertwined.
Local Economy
The “Green” Economy of Bohemia
Why a nursery? The answer lies in the landscape itself. As the early cigar-making industry faded, Bohemia’s residents turned to the land. While the sandy soil made some types of farming difficult, it was suited for poultry farms and, increasingly, nurseries and greenhouses.
By the era this photo was taken, Bohemia was transitioning. It was moving away from pure farmland but hadn’t yet fully become the dense suburb we know today. Nurseries like Seidl’s were essential during this period, providing the trees, shrubs, and flowers that advancing homeowners needed to landscape their new properties.
The Photograph
A Snapshot of a Simpler Time
The photograph itself offers a clear window into the landscape of the era. The road is unpaved sand and dirt — a common sight in Bohemia well into the mid-century.
In the background, we can see rows of young trees and nursery stock stretching out across the flat terrain. It paints a picture of a family-run operation where commerce happened right in the front yard, neighbor to neighbor.
Businesses like John Seidl’s Nursery may not have hosted grand balls or made newspaper headlines, but they were the economic lifeblood of the town. They remind us that Bohemia was built by hard-working families who literally grew their living from the ground up.