HomeMy WebLinkAboutSouthold Township Souvenir BookA SOUVENIR CALENDAR CONTAINING A COMPLETE LISTING
OF SOUTHOLD EVENTS DURING THE TERCENTENARY YEAR
TOWNSHIP
celebrates
Suffolk County's
Tercentenary
1683 -1983
TOWN OF SOUTHOLD
William R. Pell III, Supervisor
Francis J. Murphy, Jr., Councilman ct Deputy Supervisor
Raymond W. Edwards, Town Justice (Fishers Island)
Lawrence Murdock, Jr., Councilman
John J. Nickles, Councilman
Joseph L. Townsend, Jr., Councilman
William Albertson
Carol Baumann
Carol Boger
Jean W. Cochran
Gail A. Comer
Frank Coyle
Mary Coyle
John Dorman
Mary Jane Hovarth
Eleanor Hughes
Barbara Kelling
Annette Knoblock
E. Richard Keogh
$outhold Town Tercentenary Commission
Magdaline Goodrich, Southold Town Historian
Southold Historical Society
& Advisor to the Historian
North Fork Co-ordinator, Girl Scouts
Greenport-Southold Chamber of
Commerce
Southold Town Festival Week
Church of the Open Door
Stifling Historical Society
Commissioner of Boy Scouts
for Peconic Bay area
Oysterponds Historical Society
Cutchogue-New Suffolk
Historical Council
Oysterponds Historical Society
4-H Clubs
Tercentenary Publicity
Oysterponds Historical Society
Joy Bear
Jerry McCarthy
Mary Jane Purcell
Barbara Sayre
Rev. Alexander Sime
William B. Smith
Dorieese Stewart
Rev. George Summers
Lynne Summers
Betty Wells
MerlonWiggin
Sheila Wirsing
George Wagoner
George A. Yoerger
Tercentenary Souvenir Book
Greenport Village Historian
Southold Town Libraries
North Fork Chorale
First Presbyterian Church &
Liason for all Denominations
Rotary International
Secretary to Tercentenary
Commission
Historic Map of Southold Town
Historic Map of Southold Town
Treasurer of Tercentenary
Commission
Service Clubs
Mattituck Historical Society
Southold Historical Society
Senior Citizen who wrote the
theme song, "Grand Old Southold"
Southold Town Records, Volume III
Southold Town Records, Volume III, Liber D,
covering the years 1683 to 1856, have been pub-
lished in the spring of 1983. This book joins Vol-
umes I and II, Libers A, B and C in covering South-
old Town's history completely from 1651 to 1856.
Earlier books were either lost or destroyed. A must
for historians, genealogists and researchers, this
book also is a valuable tool for civil servants and
for all who want to know more about our town's
official history.
Magdaline Goodrich, Southold Town historian,
has spent seven years in transcribing and editing
these records. Volume 1II is available from the
Southold Town Historian, Town Hall, Main Road,
Southold 11971, for $40.00, plus tax and cost of
mailing and handling for out of town orders.
SOUTHOLD
TOWNSHIP
celebrates
Suffolk County's
Tercentenary
1683 -1983
"Plum Island & Gut-1870'
HISTORIC
HOUSES
Above: William Corey Albertson
home, 1880, Main Road, Southold,
on site now occupied by super-
market.
Right: Jeremiah Vail homestead,
Laurel Avenue, Beixedon.
Left: Rensselaer T. Goldsmith
house, North Road, Peconic,
1880's.
Below: The Nassau Point mansion
of James Wilson, built in 1870,
converted to a clubhouse and
hotel in 1919, and destroyed by
fire, 1928.
WILLIAM R. PELL III
SUPERVISOR
MAIN ROAD
SOUTHOLD, L.I., N.Y. 11971
TELEPHONE
(516) 765-1800
(516) 765 1939
TO the Citizens of Southold Town in Suffolk County:
Southold Town is proud that its residents will be playing such
an important part in this 300th Anniversary of Suffolk County's
founding.
History reveals that Southold Town and her sister Town of
Southampton are the first English settlements in New York
State and the oldest Towns of Suffolk County.
Much can be said about Southold's historic past but I feel we
should also pause and give thought to the needs of the future.
Southold is an important part of Suffolk, the fastest growing
county in the country, and is experiencing a steady growth.
Consequently, we have been able to save much of the original
character of our town, thanks to the planning and foresight
of past and present officials and residents.
We had a planning board in the 50's, zoning to guide develop-
ment in the 60's, and a town master plan to further protect
and enhance our historical heritage, and our rural, water-
related way of life in the 70's. A professional study in-
cludes a complete economic thorough knowledge of the sources
of our income, whether agricultural, fishing, tourism, or
other. Now, in the 80's, the development of vineyards and
horse farming has further extended our potential.
This program will inform you of the events which will take
place through the efforts of the numerous historical, cul-
tural and all other organizations and individuals.
My hope is that through the application of proper planning,
Southold's growth will be such as to insure for all our people
a pleasant place to live in, now and in the future.
Please join us in the Tercentenary Celebration of Suffolk County.
William R. Pell III
Southold Town Supervisor
How many people know that at the tip of the North
Fork of Long Island can be found the oldest Engiish
Colony in New York State? Although officially settled in
1640, mention is often made in the histories and records
of the Town that Englishmen were here as far back as 1637
in search for oil and turpentine in the woods of Arshamo-
maque (West Greenport). Southold Town natives were and
still are as much New England as the Cape. In early days,
Southold Township started in Wading River and extended
eastward to Orient Point, Fishers Island, Gull, Block and
Plum Islands, as well as Shelter and Robin Islands. How-
ever, with the passing of time, Shelter Island became a
Township in its own right by 1730 and Riverhead in
1792. Consequently, at present, Southold Town encom-
passes the territory starting at the hamlet of Laurel (Frank-
linville) and still takes in all the islands except for Shelter
Island, bounded on the north by the Sound and on the
south by Peconic Bay.
Southold, with its hamlets, islands and one incorporated
village Greenport, has more to offer than any community
within 100 miles of New York City. It has scenic beauty,
woods and water, farming land of much fertility, and a cli-
mate second to none in this or any other state. It has all the
things that lighten the burden of living, yet it has succeeded
in retaining the pleasant air of the English country side.
There have been many reasons why the North Fork of east-
ern Long Island has not grown as rapidly as the South
Fork; mainly the conservatism of the wealthy people who
have not felt the need to imitate their neighbors of the
South Shore. Those who were fortunate enough to discover
this end of the island, have found it a pleasant and profit-
able surprise.
Often you hear the question-but what do you do so far
from larger cities? In early Southold~ the women were kept
busy in their homes; baking, cooking, preserving foods for
the winter, sewing clothes for all members of the family
and raising their children. They often helped bring in the
crop from the farms, took care of the fowl, made all natur-
al dairy products if they had cows. The man of the house
cleared some of the land for farming; raised cattle, sheep
and hogs; hunted for food since there was plenty of wild
game; fishing and clamming and in general doing everything
that he could to keep the family fed and sheltered. Many of
the men who settled in Southold were carpenters, mariners,
whalers, blacksmiths, silversmiths~ millers, brick makers and
some were ministers of the church, doctors and lawmakers
(attorneys). There are many other trades that were
developed with the passage of time.
The big day, just as it is today, was the Sabbath when
family and friends got together at the church. In early days,
this was an all day excursion because transportation was on
foot, horse or by boat. Family and friends gathered occa-
sionally at the different homes, which meant that the
guests would stay for several days or weeks at a time be-
cause of the traveling difficulties. The children always en-
joyed such trips and many of the old diaries of centuries
ago, which are still in existence, tell of the fun and enjoy-
ment involving_ the entire family.
In today's Southold, there are not enough hours in the
SOUTHOLD,
YESTERDAY..
day to accomplish all that you plan. Early Southold had
about 52 families scattered throughout the township.
Today we are 20,000 strong. With the coming of the Long
Island Railroad, transportation to New York City was
simplified. The bus system is especially good for traveling
any distance rapidly, and of course, almost every family
owns at least one car. Boats of all types are used for busi-
ness and pleasure. Southold is a busy, active community
and Town with its numerous churches of all denominations,
schools for boys and girls on all levels of education, libraries
in every hamlet, movies in one hamlet and village super-
markets, stores and shops of all kinds to meet the needs of
the average family. There are clubs and organizations for
every age group which can keep one constantly busy,
participating in volunteer work with constructive results or
being a member just for the social activities. Trips, parties,
bazaars, pancake breakfasts, antique shows, arts and crafts
and many other things too numerous to itemize. These
have been noted just to indicate how this great town has
grown culturally, educationally, religiously and economical-
ly. We have a well equipped and staffed Hospital and a
new Health center. The Nutrition program for the elderly
either at home or at the center is a program that has proved
to be very successful. The new center for senior and youth
activities is another asset to the town. These are just a few
of the advantages that Southold has to offer today.
The people of Southold Town, many of them our
ancestors, have lived through the ravages of many wars. At
the time of the Minute Men, the early militia was formed
and this group fought the French and Indian War; several
years later came the time of the Revolution and Southold
was very much a part of this war; then the War of 1812
followed by the Civil War, World War 1 & 11, the Korean &
Vietnam conflicts. Southold families have suffered in all the
major wars, but their "true grit" pulled them through very
trying times. Some lost families, homes and fortunes but
their strength of will kept them going until they regained
many of the things they had lost. Naturally, the early
settlers had all the frailties of man. They were arbitrary in
matters of conscious, but they were moral in their lives,
strong in their religious beliefs and practice, industrious,
prudent and aware of the needs of their settlement. Hard-
working, God-fearing and true to their new country, noth-
ing could hold them from making progress. Many famous
people were the result of all these setbacks.
.. AND TODAY
MAGDALINE GOODRICH, CGRS
SOU/HOLD TOWN HISTORIAN
Before the Long Island Railroad was built as far east as
Greenport, emigration from Ireland started and the people
settled in the many hamlets of this area. Some of the men
were laborers, others farmers and more helped in the build-
ing of the railroad. After the Irish came the influx from
Poland a most diligent, thrifty, hard working group who
started as laborers and farm hands until they had saved
enough money to purchase their own farms from tireir
previous employers. Later came the italians. All groups
brought to Southold Town their old country's culture
and custmns, many of them adopted by the local residents.
The Blacks were with Southold since its settlement, as
slaves to the more affluent families. But tire settlers did not
believe in slavery and long before the Civil War offered their
slaves freedom. Many would not leave their "masters",
chose to remain with them and were reimbursed with wages
as were the other hired help.
During the 17th & 18th centuries, only boys were allow-
ed to attend school, which was held in private homes until
the beginning of tire one-room school house. One such
school was a frame one-room building on the south side of
the main road east of Albertson Lane in Arshamomaque. It
was replaced by a red brick one-room school house on the
south side of the main road west of the old schoolhouse
site, and is presently used as a welding shop and antique
store. These small schools cropped up throughout the town.
For the higher education, there was Southold Academy,
presently Academy Printers building. It was situated on
the Main Road where the present Town Hall is located.
GREENPORT PIER, 1841
Franklinville Academy was in Laurel. Several graduates of
these two academies went on to Yale and Harvard.
Libraries went the same course-starting in private
homes. Since there has been a book about the libraries
in the past year written by Samuel Sands, I shall not
dwell on this. No doubt many of you have a copy.
Early Southold was called a "Plantation" and was
controlled by the church, originally Congregational and
later The First Presbyterian Church of Southold. In order
to vote, the men had to be members of the church and
were elected to hold set Town offices without pay. The
"Collector", known today as the Receiver of Taxes, was
paid a percentage on each dollar that he collected. The
percentage was determined by the men who were permitted
to vote. Now, the Southold Tax Receiver is an elected
Town officer with a specific salary, taken from the Town
budget passed by the voters.
Southold's government is modelled along fire pattern
and guidelines of the Federal, State and County govern-
ment. It has grown into a large governmental establishment.
Down through the centuries came the separation of church
and state. All American citizens, male and female over the
age of 18 years are permitted to vote regardless of race,
color or creed. The elected and appointed officers are
salaried either full or part time depending on the position.
Monies to pay these salaries come through taxes, personal
income, property, sales and all other forms of raising funds
to keep the government running smoothly.
As stated by Albertson Case, Esquire, in a speech he
delivered to the community on July 4, 1876: "Social
customs and all the conveniences of life, civil and religious
institutions, agriculture and the trades, means of travel and
communication, vessels, houses, lands have been subject to
such radical changes, that we can hardly imagine them as
they were." This beautiful town, teeming with active, busy
people, with its small but thrifty industries, its varied
businesses and professions and its extensive maritime
interests, is the product of over 340 years. To itenrize all
the various changes would take many pages. Full and ade-
quate treatment of my topic would mean thc writing of
another history of Southold. This is only a fragment of a
long history of which we can be proud.
It is right to be proud of our ancestors: honest, clear-
headed, hardworking people who came to occupy a strange
laud which nature has made beautiful to see, precious in its
valuable soil and climate. Southold settlement in 1640 was
poor and feeble, a wilderness, hr its maturity Southold
Town is still beautiful, strong and rich. It has a fair and
honest name due to our ancestors who lived industrious and
honest lives to leave as a fair heritage for the home of their
descendants.
To quote Mr. Case again: "Long Island may have been
called a cultural and intellectual desert. It is now a center
for advanced thought and artistic endeavors contributed by
those who were here before us." Southold is an outstanding
example of the changes over the centuries and, in my
opinion, a place to live a totally full, happy life, with all tile
conveniences of a large city, on a smaller scale;without the
hustle and stress of city life.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Listed below are specific dates for events tak-
ing place in Southold Town this Tercentenary
year. In addition to these, Southold has much to
offer every day. Enjoy our public beaches edging
sparkling bays and the Sound clean water for
swimming, sailing, fishing and water sports. On
land, Southold's rural ambience invites you to
walk, bicycle or visit by car our many historic and
scenic spots.
MAP OF SOUTHOLD TOWN'S HISTORIC SITES
To enjoy Southold Town's history, take with
you a copy of the MAP OF HISTORIC SITES, by
George and Lynn Summers. This map has been
published by the Southold Tercentenary Commis-
sion, and may be bought at Town Hall, Main
Road, Southold, or at any Chamber of Commerce
booth.
Saturday, May 14
Saturday, May 21
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
9:45 a.m.
8 p.m.
Sunday, May 22 8 p.m.
Saturday, May 28
9 a.m. to 12 noon
10 a.m. to 12 noon
Sunday, May 29 8 p.m.
Monday, May 30 10 a.m.
MAY
Historic Homes and Gardens Tour of several Orient sites, inchtding Orient's
oldest house, the Terry-Mulford house, and the studio of William Steeple
Davis. Sponsored by Oysterponds Historical Society
Stirling Historical Society's yard sale, on their museum grounds, Greenport
Great North Fork Foot Race, Polo Grounds, Greenport
North Fork Chorale's Spring Concert, Mattituck Presbyterian Church
North Fork Chorale's Spring Concert, Southold Presbyterian Church
Food Sale on Stirling Historical Society's Museuin Gronnds, Greenport
Old Fashioned Food Sale, Oysterponds Historical Society's Grounds, Orient
North Fork Chorale's Spring Concert, Orient Congregational Chnrch
Memorial Day Parade, Southold American Legion
Thursday, June 9
2 to4p.m.
Friday & Saturday
June 10, 11
Saturday, June 11
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
12 noon
Saturday, June 18
Sunday, June 19
2 to4p.m..
2:30 p.m.
Tuesdays, Thursdays
& Fridays in July
9:30 to 12 noon
Saturday, July 2
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
JUNE
Bus Trip to Sagamore Hill and Old Bethpage Village Restoration, sponsored
by Oysterponds Historical Society
Flower Show-Suffolk County Heritage Theme, Founders Landing,
Southold. Sponsored by the Southold Flower Club.
Suffolk County American Legion Convention. Southold Legion Hall
Yard Sale, Village Green, Cutchogue. Sponsored by Cutchogue-New Sufl'olk
Historical Council, 734-6532. (rain date: June 18)
Suffolk County American Legion parade, Southold Legion Hall.
Strawberry Festival, on Mattituck High School grounds. Featuring exhibits,
booths, rides, crafts, strawberry shortcake.
Old Town Arts and Crafts Guild's Open Hoose~ Cutchogue.
"The Rogers Site" lecture with slides. Archaeology Museum, Main Bayview
Road, Southold
JULY
Display of Historic Documents at the First Presbyterian Church, Southold
Annual Antiques Flea Market, Cutchogue Village Green (Rain site: Matti-
tuck High School Gym) $1.25. Cutchogue-New Suffolk Historical Council
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
1 to 4 p.m.
Every Sunday in July
(3-10-17-24) 11:45 a.m.
July 7 and 8 and all
Thursdays & Fridays
in July 10 to I I a.m.
July 7, 8, 9
Friday & Saturday, July
8, 9 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday, July 9
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
l0 a.m.
2 to 4 p.m.
4to I1 p.m.
Sunday, July 10
11 a.m to4p.m.
Saturday. July 16
6 p,m.
8 p.m.
Sunday. July 17
2:30 p.m.
Wednesday, July 20
I0 a.m.
Saturday, July 23
9a.m.
2 to 5 p.m.
8to 11 p.m.
Wednesday, July 27
10 a.m.
Thursday. July 28 to
Wednesday, August 3
Saturday. Jnly 30
10 a.m. to 5 p,m.
10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Tuesdays, Thursdays
& Fridays in August
9:30 a.m. to 12 noon
Tuesday, August 2 6 p.m.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Summer Lawn Sale at the Greenport Library
Stirling Historical Society's building opens, remains open until Labor Day.
Open on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays until Labor Day.
Southold Fire Department's 4th of July Parade (rain date July 3)
Guided Tours of historic First Presbyterian Church, Southold, and the Old
Burying Ground, following the church sen, ice.
Children's Reading Program, Grades 1 to 6, "I Love Long Island", at
Southold Free Library
Book Sale by Southold Free Library at Custer Institute
Annual Rummage Sale at First Presbyterian Church, Southold. Clothing,
hardware, toys, furniture, tools
Art Show, Main Dock, Greenport. Sponsor: Greenport-Southold Chamber
of Commerce
Bake sale, First Presbyterian Church, Southold
"Meet Mattituck's Artists, Then and Now" in the Little Red Schoolhouse
on the grounds of the Mattituck Historical Society
German Festival at St. Peter's Church, Greenport. Band, dancing, entertain-
ment, children's rides.
Antique Auto Show at Depot Lane Schoolhouse, Cutchogue. Sponsor:
Cutchogue Lion's Club.
Mattituck Sale Day. Love Lane roped off. Sponsored by Mattituck
Chamber of Commerce.
Parade and Drill, Cutchogue Fire Department
Concert by Long Island Baroque Ensemble, Poquatuck Hall, Orient, follow-
ed by reception at Webb House. Sponsor: Oysterponds Historical Society.
'~National Parks of the West" Lecture with slides. Archaeology Museum,
Main Bayview Road, Southold
Children's Film Festival, First Presbyterian Church, Southold.
Anything That Will Float Except A Boat race, Arrow Bar, Southold. Rain
date, July 24. 765-9844
Victorian Tea lawn party, on grounds of the Mattituck Historical Society's
Museum (Rain date, July 24)
Country Square Dance, Cutchogue Village Green. (Rain site: Mattituck High
School Cafeteria) $1. Sponsor: Cutchogue-New Suffolk Historical Society
Children's Film Festival, First Presbyterian Church, Southold
Carnival on grounds of the Southold Fire Department
Art Show on grounds of the Southold United Methodist
(Rain date, August 6)
Appraisers' day, Oysterponds Historical Society
Church.
AUGUST
Display of Historic Documents
Southold
Parade by Southold Fire Department
at the First Presbyterian Church,
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
7:30 p.m.
Wednesdays, August 3
10& 17-10 a.m.
Thursdays & Fridays in
August 10to 11 a.m.
Saturday, August 6
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Every Sunday in August
7-14-21-28-11:45 a.m.
Friday, August 12 8 p.m.
Saturday, August 13
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday, August 20
I to 4 p.m.
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Saturday, August 27
2 p.m.
Saturday, August 27-
Labor Day, August 5
Outdoor concert by the Greenport Band on Oysterponds Historical
Society's Grounds, Orient.
Children's Film Festival, First Presbyterian Church, Southold
Children's Reading Program, Grades 1 to 6, "I Love Long Island", at
Southold Free Library
Outdoor Art Show, Old Town Arts and Crafts Guild, Village Green,
Cutchogue (Rain date, August 7)
Guided tours of historic First Presbyterian Church, Southold, and the
Old Burying Ground, following church service.
Douglas Moore Memorial Concert, Cutchogue Village Green
Flea Market, Bake Sale, craft demonstrations. Performance by 3rd N.Y.
Colonial Regiment & Colonial Fife & Drum Corps of Church of the Open
Door. Oysterponds Historical Society Grounds, Orient.
Appraisal Day on Mattituck Historical Society's grounds. $3 for one
appraisal; $5 for two. Two appraisals a customer.
Yard Sale, Custer Institute, Main Bayview Road, Southold.
"A Tribute To The Long Island Indian", jointly presented by the Matti-
tuck Historical Society and the Mattituck Free Library, on the museum
grounds.
Festival Week. Oysterponds Historical Society's buildings open daily.
Orient.
SOUTHOLD TOWN FESTIVAL WEEK
Saturday, Angust 27 Saturday, September 3
Tercentenary exhibits in Southold Town Hall, Main Road, Southold.
Antiques and items from long ago.
Suffolk County's photo exhibit also opens in Soutbold Town Hall for a
week-long stand.
Jean W. Cochran, Southold Town Festivities Week chairperson
Saturday, August 27
10 a.m.
I1 a.m.
Sunday, August 28
10:30 a.m.
11:45 a.m.
12:30 to 5 p.m.
Dedication of Youth Beautification Project, Horton's Lane entrance to
Town Hall, Southold. Fife & Drum Corps of Church of thc Open Door;
presentation of colors (50 American flags) by Boy and Girl Scouts;
Senior Citizen Chorale singing "(;rand Old Southold", release of hclimn-
filled red-white-&-blue balloons.
Guided tour of Town Hall by Town Board members. Meet your supervisor.
In the rear of Town Hall, browse booths covering a wide spectrum of our
Town's life: scouts, youth programs, schools, libraries, service clubs, Police
Department, Town highways. Refreshments.
Afternoon talk on rare books by Mrs. Marcia Oliver, Soutlmld Free Library.
Colonial Chnrcb Service, First Presbyterian Clmrcb. Southold
Guided tour of historic First Presbyterian Church and the Old Burying
Ground, Southold.
Art and Early American Crafts Exlfibit at Scnior-Yonth Center, Peconic.
Featuring local artists and craftsmen.
"Afternoon of Music", I~ounders Landing, Southold. Free concert sponsored
by Church of the Open Door.
Monday, August 29
7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, August 30
9:30 to 12 noon
6 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, August 31
7:30 p.m.
Thursday, September 1
6 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
Friday, September 2
6 to 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 3
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, September 18
2:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 8
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Friday Stmda¥
October 12. 14, 16
Sunday, October 16
2:30 p.m.
Sunday. October 30
4p.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 1 l0 a.m.
I 2 noon
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
"Indians of Long Island": address by William E. Golder, president of NYS
Archaeological Association, Long Island Chapter. Senior-Youth Center,
Peconic.
Display of Historic Documents, First Presbyterian Church, Southold
"Clam Chowder Concert" at Senior-Youth Center, Peconic. Clam chowder
& crackers, peach shortcake and coffee. Only 500 tickets, to be pre-sold.
Following clam chowder supper, an outdoor concert open to the public
Speaker: Folklorist John Eilerton, at Senior-Youth Center, Peconic
Children's Night. Family Box supper (bring your own) Senior-Youth Center,
Peconic
Children's entertainment, magician, etc. Small charge to cover
entertainment
"Southold By the Sound" cocktail party on Southold Town Beach. Large
tent, beach balls, umbrellas, false-front bath-houses, waiters and waitresses in
turn-of-the-century bathing suits, door prizes, raffles. Honored guests are all
past and present Southold Town officials. Benefit to begin a fund for
Southold Town's 350th celebration, 1990.
Folk & Farmers' Market Fair. Craft booths (hand-made items only),
wineries, florists and nurseries, baked goods, food booths, harvest booths,
seafood. Contests for best of jams, canned vegetables, baked goods. Judging
of largest potato, onion, cabbage, etc. Ribbon awards. Bands, Fife and Drum
Corps, Traditional music. Gala occasion. On the Southold High School
grounds. Rain date: Sunday, September 4.
"Early Accounts of Christ Appearing in Pre-Historic America." Film.
Archaeology Museum, Main Bayview Road, Southold.
Grand Townwide Parade-Laurel to Orient. Bands, fire departments, floats,
special marching groups.
Harvest Festival, St. Peters Church, Greenport
Astronomy Jamboree, Custer Institute, Main Bayview Road, Southold
"History of Firearms Up To The Civil War". Firearms exhibit. Archaeqlogy
Museum, Main Bayview Road, Southold.
Tercentenary Church Service, costume event. First Presbyterian Church,
Southold
Tercentenary Ceremonial Bell Ringing at the County Center, Riverhead.
Time Capsule installation, County Center, Riverhead.
HISTORIES OF OUR AREA
PUBLISHED IN 1983
AUGUSTUS GR1FFIN'S JOURNAL and a companion volume containing an index and supplement. Published by Oysterponds
Historical Society. Set, $17.50, index alone, $6. Pick up at Oysterpond's Museum. Village Lane, Orient 11957, or at bookstores.
For mail orders, add $1.50 and N.Y. State Tax.
SOUTHOLD TOWN RECORDS, VOLUME II1, 1683-1856. Transcribed and edited by Magdaline Goodrich, Southold Town
Historian. $40. Pick up at Town Historian's office, Town Hall, Main Road, Soul.hold 11971. For mail orders add postage,
handling costs, $2.50, and tax S2.90.
THE STORY OF NEW SUFFOLK by Marjorie Moore Butterworth. Published by Cutchogue-New Suffolk Historical Councik
$3.50. Pick up at local stores or at the Council's Old Schoolhouse. Village Green, Cutchogue 11935.
WHITAKER'S SOUTHOLD-the first 100 years, by Epher Whitaker. Published by Amereon House, $14.95. Pick up at Amereon
House, 800 Wickhams Avenue, Mattituck 11952. Mail orders: send $14.95 prepaid to Amereon House, Box 1200, Mattituck,
N.Y. 11952-9500
PLACES TO VISIT
IN SOUTHOLD TOWN
The eight hamlets of S0uthold Town, the village
of Greenport, and Fishers Island each and all have
something unique to offer during this Tercentenary
year. Fishing and water sports, tranquil lakes and
woodlands, modem shopping centers, white sandy
beaches, historic houses and places all are waiting
to be explored. The island's finest restaurants are
here on the North Fork. A tall ship will pay a call
to Greenport harbor. Art galleries and a playhouse
offer special attractions.
The hamlets, village and island that are Southold
Township are listed below and on the following
pages. Walk, bicycle or drive . . . and enjoy them.
LAUREL
Laurel forms the western boundary of Southold
Town. The hamlet is divided by the Town line-a
part lying in Riverhead Town and part in Southold.
This area was first known as Middle District and
later called Franklinville.
In 1833 the Franklinville Academy opened its
doors. Its excellent curricula was offered, in an
1858 brochure "in the common English branches"
at $3.50 a semester, with each "higher branch"
costing $.50 additional. The Academy served East
End youth for 57 years.
Acres of farmland give Laurel an open, rural
ambience.
Laurel Lake in c. 1900 photo.
Helen Prince photo
MATTITUCK
Mattituck was settled in 1662 by English colon-
ists. On their large land grants they pastured flocks
and herds, and raised corn, wheat, rye and flax.
Bustling Colonial Mattituck had a minister and
school teacher, a blacksmith, carpenter, cooper,
weaver, fuller, tanner and miller.
Today Mattituck is an area of fertile fields
stretching from Sound to Bay. Water related
sports abound-fishing, boating, swimming. Land
activities include tennis, golf, horseback riding,
dining and browsing the Love Lane shops. Among
Mattituck's scenic attractions are Wolf Pit Lake on
North Road, the Old Grist Mill, now a restaurant,
on Mattituck Inlet, and the I854 Octagon House
on Main Road.
The Mattituck Historical Society operates a
historic complex on the south side of Main Road
(Route 25), about half a mile east of Mattituck
High School, which includes the main museum
house, an 1864 schoolhouse, a milk house and a
barn.
The white Georgian home, now a museum, was
built in 1800, and its large west wing added in
1841. It is furnished with antiques of the period,
and displays a collection of toys and rare musical
instruments. Other displays include century-old
clothing, guns, quilts, maps and arrowheads.
The society meets on the fourth Tuesday of
each month from April through November, at
8 p.m. in the Little Red Schoolhouse on the
grounds. Visitors are welcome.
THE MATTITUCK HISTORICAL SOCIETY'S
MUSEUM COMPLEX
Main Road (25), Mattituck
Open Saturdays, 2 to 4 p.m. from
June 25 through September 3, and
for special museum events.
(Groups may arrange special dates)
Suggested donation: $1
THE MUSEUM COMPLEX INCLUDES:
The Museum House, 1800
The Little Red Schoolhouse
The Milk House
The Old Barn
Above: Grist Mill on Mattituck Inlet.
19th Century photo.
Left: The Mattituck Museum House,
1800
Below: Little Red Schoolhouse, 1864
Sketch by William Dove
CUTCHOGUE
Cutchogue called Corchaug, or "principal
place" by the Indians was settled by the English,
beginning in 1667. At that time a house already
stood in the area-the "Old House", as it is known
today. This house was built in Southold in 1649
by John Budd. When his daughter Anna married
Benjamin Horton, Budd gave the newlyweds the
fine medieval-style Colonial. It was taken apart
board by board and moved to Cutchogue in 1661.
Today it is officially designated a National Historic
Landmark.
The hamlet of Cutchogue includes a bank, fire-
house, country club~ many churches, a library,
schools, a variety of stores and a village green.
The village green was the first project of the
Cutchogue-New Suffolk Historical Council,
chartered in 1960. On the green was the Old
House. In 1961 Cutchogue's first district school-
house, 1840, was moved by the Council to the
green, restored, and opened in 1963. The Council
in 1974 influenced the placing of the Downs Creek
site of an old Indian fort, Fort Corchaug, on the
National Register. The 18th Century Wickham
farmhouse was moved to the green in 1965, restor-
ed and opened in 1975.
In 1975 the Council published "Pagans, Puritans
and Patriots of Yesterday's Southold" by Warren
Hall. In 1982 it entered an agreement with the
Congregational Church for management and
control of the Old House. This year the Council is
publishing "The Story of New Suffolk" by
Marjorie Moore Butterworth.
CUTCHOGUE-NEW SUFFOLK
HISTORICAL COUNCIL'S BUILDINGS:
Village Green, Cutchogue
Open Saturday, Sunday & Monday,
July and August
2 to 5 p.m.
Group tours by arrangement,
734-6532 or 734-5537
Admission to all houses, $1
THE VILLAGE GREEN COMPLEX INCLUDES:
Old House, 1649
Wickham Farmhouse, 1700's
Old Schoolhouse Museum, 1800's
Above: The Old House, 1649
Left below: Wickham Farmhouse, 1700's
Below: Schoolhouse Museum, 1800's
NEW SUFFOLK
This serene hamlet was laid out and named in
1836 by Ira Tuthill, though a cottage had been
occupied in the area during the 1700's. Soon a
shellfish industry flourished on the bay. Across
long shucking tables the freshest oysters and
scallops were prepared for New York markets dur-
ing fall and winter. In spring the weakfish brought
out crowds of sports fishermen.
In 1899 the John P. Holland Torpedo Boat
Company tested the first submarine commissioned
by the United States Navy. The subs were built in
Elizabeth, New Jersey and sent to New Suffolk for
fitting and trials. Several battle-scarred Spanish
American war ships were used for target practice.
In 1905 the base was moved to Groton, Connecti-
cut.
The 19th Century Oyster House,
which burned down in 1981.
PECONIC
One of the smallest of $outhold's hamlets,
Peconic is outstanding in its wealth of historic
homes, some pre-Revolutionary; its famous
citizens among whom was Henry Fitz whose work
with telescopes and photography may be seen in a
permanent exhibit at the Smithsonian Institution
in Washington, D.C.: and in its rich farmland-
some recently planted to vineyards.
Peconic was first known as West Southold. Later
its name was changed to Hermitage, in memory of
a colorful resident. Finally the name of Peconic
was given this historically and naturally endowed
area.
The Lewis R. Case home, still standing on
Peconic Avenue. Peconic author Rosalind Case
Newell may be seen seated between her mother
and grandfather in the buggy, in this 1895 photo.
SOUTHOLD
As early as 1633 a band of adventurous English-
men was in the woods of Arshamomaque, tapping
the pine trees for pitch. A later group in 1638
continued this lucrative work.
Reverend John Youngs led a group of families
from Southwotd, England, to the New World, and
in 1640 to a safe harbor in Southold, to found our
town.
During the Revolutionary War most Southold
families fled to "the mainland"-Connecticut-leav-
lng caretakers to guard their homes and livestock.
The War of 1812 also left scars. A British man-of-
war fired on Hortons Point, hitting at least one
home.
The Southold Historical Society, founded in
1960, operates a historic complex on Main Road.
Its red Hallock-Currie Bell House, 1899, contains a
painting gallery, library, antique furnishings
throughout, an outstanding costume collection, a
doll and toy exhibit, and silver, glass and pewter
displays. The Thomas Moore house was the home
of a founding father. George Wagoner, the
museum's director, who directed restoration of the
Moore house, says that its oldest part was built
before 1653, and that the home is intimately con-
nected with Southold's earliest history. A loom
room contains a 1790 loom, and the parlor has a
Rufus King sofa once used by Lafayette. A mid-
1800 barn holds farm equipment, carriages and
sleighs. The Treasure Exchange accepts consign-
ments and sells silver, glass and furniture.
At the Horton Point Lighthouse on the Sound,
the Society operates a marine oriented museum.
SOUTHOLD HISTORICAL SOCIETY'S
MAIN ROAD MUSEUM COMPLEX
Main Road (25) & Maple Lane
Svuthold
Open during summer months,
Sunday, Tuesday & Thursday
2 to 5 p.m.
Admission to whole complex, $2
To individual houses $1
THE MUSEUM'S
MAIN ROAD COMPLEX:
Hallock Currie-Bell House
The Buttery
Thomas Moore House
Downs Carriage House
Blacksmith Shop
Treasure Exchange
IN THE LIGHTHOUSE,
Hortons Point, Southold
The Lighthouse Museum
Open July & August
Saturday & Sunday
1 to 5 p.m.
Adults, $1 Children $.50
Above: Hallock Currie-Bell House, 1899
Below: Southold's first printing press
Below: Horton's Point Lighthouse, 1857-58
GREENPORT
Greenport is Southold Town's only village, hav-
ing been incorporated in 1838. This fishing village
was first called Stifling, and received its present
name in a town meeting in the old Clark House
hotel, in 1831.
Deep harbors and skillful craftsmen made Green-
port a whaling center in the 19th Century, and its
streets still are graced by many fine homes once
owned by whaling captains, houses complete with
widows' walks on their roofs.
The Long Island Rail Road was completed when
its last spike was driven in, at Greenport, in July,
1844. To service its facilities the LIRR built a large
storage area for freight and passenger cars, a
four-bay roundhouse for engine repairs and, in
1870, a brick freight house and station, two build-
ings that are standing today.
The Stifling Historical Society of Greenport was
founded in 1948. Its headquarters are in the 1831
Margaret E. Ireland house on Main Street, at the
northeast corner of Monsell Park. The house is
furnished in 19th century antiques and has a doll
and toy collection on the staircase landing. Frank
Coyle, president, reports that the society has
moved Greenport's eafly-1800's Berger House to
Monsell Park. It is being restored as part of the
museum complex.
Above: The Village Blacksmith Shop
STIRLING HISTORICAL
SOCIETY'S MUSEUM
Main Road at Monsell Park,
Greenport
Margaret E. Ireland House
Open July 2 to Labor Day
Saturday, Sunday & holidays
and for special events
1 to 4 p.m.
$.50 donation
(special groups by
appointment)
Sketches by Vincent Ouatroche,
1st Vice President of Stirling HistoricaJ Society
Above: Margaret E. Ireland House, headquarters of the Above: Berger House, early 1800's, being restored and
Stifling Historical Society, Greenport. moved to Monsell Park.
EAST MARION
East Marion was first called Oyster Ponds Upper
Neck. Around 1836 its name was changed to
Rocky Point and later, to East Marion, possibly in
honor of General Francis Marion, the "Swamp
Fox" of Revolutionary War fame.
East Marion lies between Long Island Sound and
Orient Harbor. Marion Lake decorates its southern
shore, and Dam Pond stretches watery fingers to-
ward it from the east. Beaches outline its shores
and the sound of surf is almost never out of one's
hearing.
Indians once camped along East Marion's eastern
edge while they clammed, and English colonists
took advantage of its windswept lowlands to erect
windmills.
Above: Engraving of an East Marion windmill.
FISHERS ISLAND
Above: Isabella Beach, Fishers Island
Fishers Island is reached by ferry boat or private
plane. It is a small beautiful exclamation point of
land set in the waters of Block Island and Fishers
Island Sounds. The eastern end of the island is
privately owned, but the summer visitor will find
restaurants, stores, the island's museum and a
tranquil beach open to the public.
Around 1643 the island was called Munnawtaw-
ket by Pequot Indians, who occupied it only in
summer. In 1640 John Winthrop, Jr., acquired it
by grants from Connecticut and Massachusetts, and
in 1644 the first house was built on the island, and
a farming community established.
The island, though isolated, was not secure dur-
ing Revolutionary times, and British soldiers
plundered it in 1779. In 1878 beams from Race
Rock lighthouse, just completed, gave guidance to
seamen. The U.S. Coast Guard in 1900 built a
permanent life saving station on this small island
so rich in history. This history is documented in
the Henry L. Ferguson museum, founded in 1960.
which is open daily in summer from 10 a.m. to
Boon.
ORIENT
Indians, part of the Algonkian nation, were
Orient's first inhabitants, and called the land
Poquatuck. Engiishmen who settled here around
1661 called it Oysterponds. Orient became its
name in 1836.
Oysterponds was included in the land claimed
by Southold's first settlers in 1640. Their original
deeds are lost, but a confirmatory deed of 1665,
and Governor Andros' Patent, 1676, are in
Southold Town's official records.
Orient's excellent harbors and fertile land
brought tradesmen, fishermen and farmers, who
built their homes and shops as early as 1661. A
wharf and warehouse were added in 1740.
The Oysterponds Historical Society was founded
in 1944 to preserve fast disappearing documents,
family records and relics of historical and anthro-
pological interest. Orient has played a role in the
maritime, cultural, agricultural and religious life
of the county. The hamlet, as an historical unit, is
on the National Register of Historic Places. The
museum has planned an action-packed summer in
celebration of Suffolk County's Tercentenary.
OYSTERPONDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY'S
MUSEUM COMPLEX
Village Lane, Orient
Open during summer season,
Tuesday~ Thursday, Saturday & Sunday
2 to 5 p.m.
Adults, $2 Children $.50
Village House
"Down Neck" Schoolhouse
Hallock Building
Amanda Brown Craft Center
Red Barn
shinbone alley (antiques; closed Sunday)
Webb House
Carpentry Shop
Above: Webb House, c. 1740.
Above: An 1880-style Country Kitchen
in Village House.
Left: Village House, once home of
Augustus Griffin. At right, former one-
room schoolhouse of N.Y. District # 1.
CUSTER INSTITUTE
Main Baview Road, Southold
Custer Institute began with a small but enthu-
siastic group of amateur astronomers who met in
Southold, in 1927, to study the heavens. Member-
ship and interests broadened, and today the Insti-
tute has a brick headquarters with a revolving
dome, ample auditoriums for public and member-
ship meetings, a library, museum and workshops.
Custer's exceptional astronomical equipment-
refracting telescopes, an astro camera and micro-
scopes-is available for public observations every
Saturday after sunset.
The Institute holds two monthly meetings, one
for the membership and the other open to the
public, both with distinguished speakers. On alter-
nate Thursdays a cinema evening is held. On alter-
nate Wednesdays the "Community Living Room"
examines topics of the day. The Institute sponsors
about 20 summer workshops covering arts, crafts,
natural and environmental subjects and
photography.
For questions about programs and dates, or
membership, call 765-2626.
The Suffolk Times
ARCHAEOLOGY MUSEUM
SUMMER SCHEDULE:
Open Thursday through
Sunday, 1:30-4:30 p.m.
FOR SPECIAL APPOINT-
MENTS
Please call (516) 765-5577
MONTHLY LECTURES:
For dates and information,
(516) 765-3029
OF THE INCORPORATED LONG ISLAND CHAPTER,
NEW YORK STATE ARCHAEOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION
Bayview Road, Southold, N.Y. 11971
This Indian Museum contains the largest collec-
tion of Long Island Indian artifacts in the world.
At the entry is a collection of clay pots. As you
walk through the museum, you will see displayed
in historical order Clovis points and Orient focus
materials illustrating the transitional period from
Archaic to Woodland Indians. In the cases are
pipes, tools, jewelry, work and play items and an
outstanding food exhibit. Another exhibit, "What
The Dead Tell Us", includes two types of burials.
The museum and lectures are open to the public.
The Birthplace of Southold Township
Founders Monument, right in picture above, marks the location of Southold's first
meetinghouse and seat of government. The First Presbyterian Church's cemetery is on
Main Road, Southold.
The great iron triangle, above, hangs on the grounds of
the First Presbyterian Church of Southold. It was the
second instrument to call Southold's colonial citizens to
worship and to town meetings. The first was a drum. Out-
living earlier church buildings, the triangle hung in the pre-
sent steeple from 1808 to 1855, when it was replaced with
the present bell.
The Reverend Alexander Sime, right, and Richard
Winters, in this 1975 photo, are dedicating the triangle in
its present location on the church lawn.
Southold was founded in 1640, when Pastor
John Youngs brought his small band of Puritans
across Long Island Sound to the North Fork of
Long Island. The centerpiece of the new settlement
was a meetinghouse built on the town's highest
point. This building served as a place of worship, a
fortress for defense and the seat of government.
Every man who wished to live in Southold in 1640
was required to be a member of the church and a
voter at town meetings. At that time the church
and town government were one.
From these Puritan colonists, and from others
who came to settle the land, grew the hamlets that
in 1683 became Suffolk County, whose Tercen-
tenary we celebrate in 1983.
The location of the 1640 meetinghouse is
marked today by Founders Monument. The
Church stood on the northwest corner of the
colony's Old Burying Ground. A grassy area
around Founders Monument contains the unmark-
ed graves of the first generation of Southold pio-
neers. The oldest grave with a marker is dated
1658.
In 1784 the Southold Church was incorporated
as the "First Church, Congregation or Society of
Southold," and the church and town government
were separated. The present building, third in the
church's history, was erected in 1803. In 1832 the
church united with the Presbytery, becoming the
First Presbyterian Church of Southold.
FIRST MAP OF LONG ISLAND,
DRAWN BY ADRIAN BLOCK
1616'
SOUTHOLD TOWN MARION
o~~SOUTHOLD
PECONIC
CUTCHOGUE
0 ' ~/'~SUFFOLK ~ )
SOUTHOLDTOWN
TODAY
FISHERS
ISLAND
ISLAND
· Reprinted from "Long Island Before the Revolution"
by Martha Bockee Flint~ courtesy of Ire J. Friedman,
Associated Facutt¥ Press, inc.