What is Pearl River?

There are over 900 towns in the state of New York. Cities number 62. The number of villages is even higher than the number of towns. So, what is Pearl River? None of the above. I get reminded of this each election day when there is no mayor, supervisor or other elected official in Pearl River. Pearl River is considered to be a hamlet. One of the largest hamlets with a population of over 20,000. But this designation is hardly the proper one. Most hamlets in upstate New York consist of two roads that intersect with a general store, a church and a few homes clustered near by. Pearl River on the other hand, has a post office, a school, a library, two senior citizen clubs, two fire departments, etc. Whatever it is? It is a unique place that has a sense of identity. You know you're in it even if you don't know what it is you are in.