History
Tokeneke began as a summer colony for New York City residents in the early 1900s. Well-to-do New Yorkers, artists, and writers gravitated to Tokeneke, building summers homes that were eventually expanded into year round residences. Most of the oldest homes were built as part of the original Tokeneke Park Development. These unique homes include Spanish colonial revivals, fieldstone cottages, and tudors – including the former home of Charles A. Lindbergh.
Tokeneke took its name from a Native American chief whose peaceful tribe enjoyed plentiful fishing, hunting and gathering in the area. A Native American silhouette is used to mark the park boundaries.
The Community
Tokeneke’s 268 homes are clustered around a tidal cove on the Connecticut shores of the Long Island Sound.
The residences enjoy various community features:
- Private Tokeneke constables patrol the neighborhood and roads
- Annual social events including summer block party, Halloween food trucks & festivities, holiday tree lighting and caroling, Easter egg hunt, and cocktail party
- A well-financed state of the art school district that ranks top in the state each year
- Access to Darien recreational facilities including the YMCA, two town beaches, a community center for teenagers, and numerous private tennis, boating, and golfing clubs