No. 83: Shop at Agnew & Taylor

very week we'll list a new event or activity in the Sachem community that you may or may not know about. Regardless, this column is meant to open your eyes to the many wonderful opportunities that exist for you right in your own backyard.

Event/activity: Shop at Agnew & Taylor

Where: 501 Hawkins Ave. Lake Ronkonkoma, N.Y. 11779

About: Agnew & Taylor, a hardware store on Hawkins Avenue across from the Ronkonkoma Fire Department, traces its roots back to 1888 when Willis Hallock opened a general store on the corner of Hawkins Avenue and Portion Road. In 1914, the store was purchased by James Agnew, who partnered with his brother-in-law Ike Taylor, giving rise to the store's name, Agnew & Taylor.  The current owners, the Webers, have been running the store for the past 26 years.

The Webers take great pride in preserving the store's long history by keeping the building as original as possible. Walking into the store, which has historical status, is like taking a step back in time. The floorboards are original, creaky, and faded after over 100 years of wear. The roof is the same one that stood above Agnew and Taylor the men. Rows upon rows of antique wooden drawers store excess inventory. There is even a store mascot, a friendly old mixed breed named Taylor who makes it her business to greet as many customers as possible.

Simply put, Agnew & Taylor is a major fabric of the Sachem community's early history. Continue to support its well being within the area.