MAMARONECK, NY (October 20, 2022) — New York State Senator Shelley B. Mayer Wednesday announced Miller’s Toys of Mamaroneck has been added to the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation’s Historic Business Preservation Registry.
The online registry was established by the legislature in 2020, as many businesses faced new and unique challenges, to honor and promote New York businesses that have been in operation for at least 50 years and that have contributed to their communities’ character and history. It aims to provide educational and promotional assistance to ensure continued viability and success.
Senator Shelley B. Mayer said: “Whether it was a trip to pick out a special treat or a first bicycle, many of our neighbors have fond memories of Miller’s Toys. Thank you to Miller’s Toys for providing decades of fun to the children of Mamaroneck and surrounding communities, and to Brooke and Taka Andrews for their commitment to the family business.”
Miller’s Toys Owners Brooke and Taka Andrews said: “We are honored and humbled to be recognized by New York State as a Historic Business. It’s been our privilege to serve our community by striving to bring best-in-class products and services to multiple generations of local families. We hope that we can continue to bring fun, friendship and fitness to these families for years to come.”
Brooke and Taka Andrews are the third generation of the Miller family to own and operate Miller’s Toys in Mamaroneck. Irving Miller first opened the store on Mamaroneck Avenue in 1948. A few years later, he moved the business across the street to its current location, which features a brick exterior and large show windows. Miller’s mainly sold bicycles in the early years before introducing all sorts of outdoor play equipment including swing sets and trampolines in the 1970s. To this day, the store continues to expand and diversify its offerings for Westchester families.
Assemblyman Steve Otis said: “Miller’s Toys has been part of the childhood history and memory of generations of Westchester families. From toys, bikes, outdoor equipment, games and clothing – every visit to Miller’s brings excitement. It is fitting that Miller’s is now recognized in the NYS Historic Business Preservation Registry.”
Westchester County Legislator Catherine Parker said: “For those of us who live in the Sound Shore and have children in our lives, Miller’s Toys has been a staple of our shopping for holiday and birthday gifts for many years. As a former retailer myself, I know that it is no small accomplishment to keep evolving and reinventing to sustain business in a growing online world. Congratulations to Miller’s Toys for its recognition to the NYS Historic Business Preservation Registry.”
Village of Mamaroneck Trustee Nora Lucas said: “My husband and I, having grown up locally, are lifelong Miller’s customers. Not only is Miller’s the spot to find the perfect toy, they also go above and beyond – from finding the necessary part to repair the high chair, to delivering a toddler bed or locating a hard to find doll to replace the special one that was lost. Miller’s is an important presence in our downtown. Miller’s is a local treasure.”
Mamaroneck Historical Society Co-President John Pritts said: “Miller’s has been a fixture in our community my entire life here. It was the go to place for toys and bicycles when I was young. One of my favorite Christmas presents, my first big guys Schwin ten speed, came from Miller’s. Congratulations to the owners for this timeless recognition.”
The full registry can be found on the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation’s website. Those interested in being added to the registry in the future should contact their state representatives.