[2] The Main Street area is bounded on the east by the waters of Roslyn Pond and on the west by steep upward slopes.

[1] In the early 20th century, Gerry Park was created out of some of the Roslyn Pond land as part of a malaria control project.

Most of them were built by local builders or merchants, with only one, John Hendrickson's home at 110 Main, intended as an estate of the kind found elsewhere along Long Island's North Shore.

In the late 1960s the Roslyn Landmark Society worked to protect and preserve the extant structures, culminating in the Register listing.

They are recognized in its zoning and any additions, demolition or alterations are subject to approval by the six-member Historic District Board.