COLUMBIA LIBRARIES OFFSITE AVERY FINE ARTS RESTRICTED AR01 498827 History of the Original Township Of HUNTINGTON Past — Present — Future 1653— 1860 1925— 1930 ft ft ft ft ft to* ft ft ft ft ft ft ft ft ft OLD YORK LIBRARY - OLD YORK FOUNDATION Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library Gift of Seymour B. Durst Old York Library / A DETAILED HISTORY OF THE ORIGINAL TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON PAST— PRESENT— FUTURE. 1653 — I ^6o 1925— 1930 Compiled by Guy E. Johnston, Northport, N. Y. 1926. Auspices of Northport Observer. «( << «< List of Contributing Patrons whose contributions have helped make possible the publication of this History and Proposed Civic Improvements. Bletll, Bruno Brooklyn Dinner, Theo. O Centerport Hurling, Chas. E MacNicholl, Rev. W Oppikofer, Katherine Burt, Henry W East Northport Gildersleeve, L. B Leighton, Roscoe S Mellstrom, Tage '.rower, Ancel J Fort Salonga Geissler, .Louis F Jackson, Frank B Kellogg, R. W Scullin, Vincent Swayne, Francis B Deans, John Greenlawn Baylis, Willard N Huntington Bixby, Henry D Brink, B. Deane Brush, Geo. E Conklin, Douglas Cortelyou, Geo. B Darling, C. P Despard, Douglas C " Matheson, W. J Pendill, W. C < < vSammis, Chas. E., Jr Sammis, Theron H Simpson, Warfield Snevily, M. B Williams, T. S Alter, Mrs. Louis Northport Arthur, Scudder Babbitt, Frank L., Jr Bialla, Edw Bishop, H. W Buckley, Rev. Ulick O. S Bunce, Lizzie S. 1 Wild, Mrs. Edw. J.J Chesebrough, Augustus Chesebrough, Thos. F Cockcroft, Mrs. J. D Collas, Martha Hartt Dennington, R. B Donnell, Harry E Foale, H. J Hendrickson, Belle E Hiltman, J. W Ingraham, Henry A Lewis, Chas. M Lewis, Elwood G Losey, M. D Miller, George H Morrell, J. B Morse, D. P Mott, Charles S Mott, Henry S Moves, Harriet P O'Brien, John Overton, Dr. L. H Robbins, Mrs. Harry T vSaltz, Mrs. Max Schraeder, Albert H Scndder, Charles H Smith, Oliver K Steers, Henry, Inc Sullivan, Charles H ■ Young, J. M. & E. R Wheeler, F. W Wheeler, H. R McKinney, Mrs. Loretta F San Mateo, Califo TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON 5 This history, on which a great deal of time has been spent in collecting the necessary facts and data, is the direct outgrowth of the request of a neighboring paper, for an article on the subject, "NORTHPORT 75 YEARS AGO," and "NORTHPORT TODAY," and in the search for material for that article the great need was recognized for a connected history of the entire Township of Huntington, which included the present Town of Babylon up to March 13, 1872/ and while it aims to cover the entire township it deals more specifically with Huntington, Babylon and Northport, and in so far as practicable they have been treated separately, though the reader should ever bear in mind that the early history of Babylon and Northport is inseparably linked to that of Huntington. The great need was recognized not only for a connected history of the great events that stand out as land marks in the lives of those early pioneers, but for a narrative at once readable and entertaining, and at the same time inter- esting and instructive, from the very beginning of the white man's appearance in this locality up to the present moment, a history that every family in the entire Township including the present Town of Babylon should have one or more copies of, in order that they can thereby, not only trace back their ancestry tu mose memorable days of 1653 but also that they may become familiar with and able to com- municate to others the true history of the town of which they have the exalted honor to be citizens. There are of course, histories of Long Island, but they deal very largely with individual families and so far as known this is the only history of the Township of Hunting- ton, which is of course the one in which we are directly interested. 6 HISTORY OF THE ORIGINAL The period from 1861 to 1925 has been purposely omit- ted, not because those noble heroes who participated in the Civil War, The Spanish American War and the late World War are not worthy of all the honor we can possibly bestow upon them, for they certainly are, but for the reason that it would make this narrative too long and too bulky to be incorporated in a volume convenient to handle, and because every city, town and hamlet has its roster of war heroes. An effort has been made to comply with the original request as to conditions 75 years ago, by listing in all the places in the township including Babylon, Cold Spring, Huntington, Melville, Centerport, Greenlawn, Northport, East Northport, Commack and Ft. Salonga, those who were born 75 or more years ago, and who are still living, and a second list of those who have arrived at the good old Bible age of "three score years and ten," and are now between 70 and 75 years of age, and it is very certain that those lists will prove what has often been claimed heretofore, that this is the healthiest section of the United States. Those lists will be divided into three classes : First : Those born within the jurisdiction of the original Township of Huntington, and still living therein. . Second : Those born within the jurisdiction of the original Township of Huntington and now living outside of that jurisdiction. Third : Those born outside of the original Township of Huntington, but who are now residing in any of the places heretofore mentioned. It is undoubtedly true that you have to actually live with people to really find them out, or to thoroughly understand them, and since we cannot live literally with those that blazed the trail of civilization in the new world, the next best way is to consider and study the ordinances and laws with which they circumscribed themselves, for law in all TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON 7 ages has prescribed the mode of living that at least the majority are supposed to abide by in their daily walk through life. To start with then we must turn time backward in its flight to the days of the primeval forest, that the Red Man disturbed not except for material for his canoes and branches for his lodges, and through which the moccasins of so many generations of savages had worn their narrow paths or trails until they were often-times more than a foot deep, back to those days when every male was an archer of almost unerring marksmanship and exceedingly dexterous and clever with his spear and when deer and other wild game were plentiful on Long Island, when the wealth of our forefathers was measured by produce and the number of live stock a man possessed, when modern conveniences were not even conceived or dreamed of, when it required almost superhuman bravery to push into hitherto unknown terri- tory, there to build by means of clumsy tools a log cabin they might call home. In those days their automobile was an ox-cart and cart paths following the old Indian trails their concrete high- ways, while wooden plough shares tipped with iron, served as their Ford tractor and the old match lock gun, the forerunner of the old flint lock served as their magazine rifle. This history will tend to unfold to us a view of the social, political, religious and inner life of our ancestors, and to our present generation of young people, many things they done as herein related will seem decidedly queer and out of place in this day and age, and yet it is not only probable but almost certain that our manner of living and our methods of working and accomplishing things and which we now deem the most wonderful the world has ever known (and indeed they are) will appear decidedly grotesque and 8 HISTORY OF THK ORIGINAL queer and out of place to our precocious posterity of a generation hence, in fact it would not surprise me any, if such was the case within the next ten or fifteen years. What bravery and fortitude were displayed by tlit* women of that day will never be known, though tribute has been and will of course be paid to them in a general way, and while no doubt they often-times had reason to ques- tion why some things were done, or why such and such a move was made, we have no record of any murmuring or complaint on their part, so it is certain they were then, as they are now, man's best friend, his guardian angel so to speak, and the means whereby the race has continued to ascend to higher planes of justice, of humanity, of nobility and of righteousness. It was people of such sturdy traits of character and bravery that left England for the new world, a world un- known to them and settling first in New England, then emigrated to Huntington either by boat from Connecticut, or arriving from the w r est by way of Hempstead or possibly following the Indian trails from the older settlements at Southold and Southampton. We know not whence they came or how they came, but we do know it was unquestionably a long tedious journey, that would no doubt and did try the stoutest hearts and from which we, who have been reared in the lap of luxury, would turn away in fear and trembling. Tradition, and it is tradition only, says there were i i families that first settled in Huntington. The first definite information that we possess is 1653 when the first purchase was made from the Indians, but in- asmuch as Southampton and Southold were first settled in 1640 and are the oldest English settlements in New York- State, it is quite possible and probable that some more ven- turesome souls had traveled through here and being fasci- TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON 9 nated by the natural beauties of the locality had made their peace with the natives and settled here. When the first deed was made to the white settlers there were three Indian tribes in this vicinity, the Matinnecocks on the north side and as far south as the middle of the Island, the Marsepagues to the southwest, and the Suca- togues the southeastern part. Raseokan was chief of the Matinnecocks, Tackapousha chief of the Marsepagues and Resossechok chief of the Sucatogues. All of the Indian tribes on Long Island had been deci- mated by long wars with New England tribes to whom they had paid annual tribute in years gone by, but at this time 1653 they recognized the sovereignty of the Montauks, located around Montauk Point and whose chief was Wyan- dance, and it was quite essential in making deeds to have them confirmed by Wyandance, the Grand Sachem, and several which were not so confirmed became the subject of quite some litigation. Wyandance died in 1659 and was succeeded by his son Rioncom. The territory embraced under the sway of the Matinne- cocks was called Ketewomoke and Raseokan was known as the Sagamore of Ketewomoke. If the first settlers knew why the district was so named by the Indians they failed to make it a matter of record, and neither do we know why the English called it Hunting- ton, though it is generally supposed to have been because of the abundance of game, making it a favorite hunting ground for both the Indians and the English. There were three distinct purchases made from the Matinnecock Indians who at this time according to the best information numbered only about 30 families. The first deed was made to three residents of Oyster HISTORY OF THE ORIGINAL Bay and the same day assigned by them to several residents of Hunting-ton. Unfortunately the assignment has been lost, but the original deed is still a matter of record and is here produced in full. It shows most conclusively that the white man never did treat his red brother, as he himself would like to be treated, for this deed is not unlike many executed through- out the country, in fact many times we know the Indians possessions were taken from him by sheer force without any remuneration. "Articles of agreement betwixt Raseokan Sagamore of Matinnicoke, of the one part, and Richard Houldbroke, Robert Williams, Daniel Whitehead, of the other party, witnesseth as followeth : Know all men whome these present writings may any way concerne that I Raseokan do sell and make over unto the aforesaid parties Richard Houldbrock, Robert Williams and Daniel Whitehead, their heirs, executors or assigns, a certain quantitie of land, lyong and being upon Long Island, bounded upon the West side with a river commonly called by the Indians Nachaquetack, on the North side with the sea and going eastward to a river called Opcathoutycke, on the south side to the utmost part of my bounds promis- ing, and by virtue hereof I do promise to free the above saide lands from all title off and claim that shall be made unto it by reason of any former act; in consideration of which land the afore said Richard Houldbrock, Robert Williams and Daniel Whitehead doth promise unto the said Raseokan as followeth : 6 coats, 6 kettles, 6 hatchets, 6 howes (hose), 6 shirts, io knives, 6 fathom of wampum, 30 muxes (awls), 30 needles, further the said sachem doth promise to go or send some one in twenty days to show and mark out the bounds, and in case it prove not according to expectation then this writing to be voyde & of none TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON n efectt, but in case it be, then this writing to stand in full force, power and virtue. Witness our hands the 2th of April 1653. The mark X of the Sagamor. The mark of The mark X 1 IXvVV UlnvO Richard X Houlbrock tt tt X u Muhama Robert X Williams a tt X " Syhar Daniell X Whitehead tt ft X " Povnevoa si tt X " Nauamarawas tt n X ' Nescehe It it X " Mahenas a ft X 4 Yapacaman if ft X " Onamycas a tt X 4 Scanomy tt tt X " Manytony a a X ' Anchopin The mark X of Poanepon it ft X :l Wercoccu n n X " Penetun ft tt X lt Winhamas n t X " Nascoret tt tt X ' ' Asgeleues ft u X " Suanspac tf a X 4 ' Mamaram tt a X " Nemapapam a tt X ' ' Worn pom tt it X " Campas This is a true coppe of the orignall deed witnes our hands, Thomas Richards Moses Johnson Recorded in the office at New York nth day of November, 1667. Matthias Nicolls, Sec." The property included in this deed extended from Natchaguetack or Cold Spring Harbor on the west, Opkat- kowtycke, or Cow Harbor brook on the east, the Sound on the north and to what was then termed Country Path on the south, and contained 6 square miles more or less. It did not include Lloyd's Neck or Eaton's Neck. Horse or Lloyd's Neck was deeded Sept. 20, 1654 to Samuel Mayo, Danil Whitehead and Peter Wright for three HISTORY OF THE ORIGINAL coats, three shirts, two cuttos, three hatchets, three hoes, two fathom of wampum, six knives, two pair of stockings, two pair of shoes. The eastern purchase made July 30, 1656 is treated of under Northport. It carried the boundary east to Smithville or Smithtown. The Indian deed of Five Necks on the South Side from the Sucatogues and included in the Town of Babylon is treated of under the heading, Babylon. It is to the everlasting credit of these fearless pioneers, that even in that day, the subject of education was a very pertinent question, for at a town meeting held in 1657 or 268 years ago, an agreement was made with Jonas Houlds- worth, an educated Englishman, then 42 years of age, and this agreement is such a unique document it is here produced that young and old may fully appreciate the real status of the First Public School in the town of Huntington. "A covenant and agreement, made the eleventh day of February 1657 at a Corte or Town meeting betwixt the Inhabitants of ye Towne of Huntington, of the one partie, and Jonas Houldsworth, of the other partie, whereby the said Jonas Houldsworth doth engage himself to the saide Inhabitants during ye terme of foure years, to be expired from the 13 day of April next ensueing the day of the date hereof, For to schoole such persons or children as shall be put to him for that end by ye saide Inhabit- ants. And likewise the saide Inhabitants doth also engage themselves to the said Jonas Houldsworth for to build him a sufficient house and to give him with ye said house a percell of grounde adjoining to it for accommodation thereunto. And furthermore the saide Inhabitants doth likewise engage themselves to TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON 13 pay unto ye said Jonas Houldsworth, and in con- sideration of his said schooling twenty five pounds (English accompt.) and his diet the first year and also to allow him what more may come in by ye schooling of any that come from other parts. The said twenty five pounds is to be paid ye said Jonas as followeth : Three pounds twelve shillings in butter at six pence ye pound, and seven pounds, two shillings in good well sized merchantable wampum, that is well strung or strand, or in such comodityes as will suite him for clothing. These to be paid him by ye first of October, and three pounds twelve shillings in corne, one half in wheat and ye other in "Indian," at three and five shillings ye bushel (provided it be good and merchantable) to be paid by ye first of March. Also ten pounds fourteen shillings in well thriving young cattle, that shall then be betwixt two and four years old, the one half being in the steare kind, these to be delivered him when the yeare is expired. And also the two next ensuing years, To pay the said Jonas Houldsworth Thirty five pounds ye yeare, with ye foresaid alowance of what may come in by such as come from other parts. The said thirty five pounds is to be paid as followeth, viz : five pounds in butter at six pence ye pound and ten pounds in such wampum as is above mentioned, or in such comodityes as will suit him, these all to be paid by ye first of October; and five pounds in corne by ye first of March, the half in wheat, the other in Indian at five and three shillings per bushel (so that it be good and merchantable) ; and fifteen pounds in well thriving cattle betwixt two and four years old, the half being in ye steare kind — these are to be delivered HISTORY OF THE ORIGINAL when ye yeare is expired (being valued by indifferent men). And the fourth or last yeare to pay the said Jonas Houldsworth forty pounds in such pay as is above mentioned according to the nature and time proportionablely, and at the foresaid times of pay- ment. Also it is agreed of, that firewood be gotten and brought for the schoole when ye season shall require it, by such as send their children to school ; and that the said Jonas Houldsworth shall have liberty yearly for to choose foure men that shall be bound to him for the true performance of the fore- said engagement." It certainly is not a very difficult conundrum to guess who drew up that very binding agreement. Produce was the medium of exchange then and for many years thereafter, there being little real money in the country, and in 1679 which is 246 years ago, the Court of Sessions at Southampton established the following rates : — Winter wheat 4 shillings per bushel ; summer wheat 3 S. 6 d ; Indian corn 2 S. 3 d; rye 2 S. 6 d; pork 3 d. per pound; beef 2 d; oil £ 1.10 S. per barrel. In these good old days we sometimes talk so glibly about, they had no stoves, tin-ware, plated ware of any kind, china, porcelain, queen's ware, no table cloths or table forks, no carpets and few had any pictures, w r atches, musical instru- ments or works of art to adorn their homes, and tea and coffee were not to be found on their tables. Imagine my lady of today, being transported to that day and age, when the width of men's breeches and the length of women's dresses were all regulated by law. It would no doubt seem as if we were living in another world if we had to get along without forks and our silver TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON 15 spoons, but my, my, what a care free conscience they pos- sessed, for they were not burdened with the responsibility of reading through a book of 300 or 400 pages on "Eti- quette" to find out whether they should eat peas and beans with a fork or spoon, and the men didn't have to worry whether the creased trousers and cuffs of today, should bag at the knee and have no cuffs to-morrow. Then men had to braid their hair and powder their wigs, but incessant worry and responsibility and a desire to keep up to the pace demanded by society has wrought a most wonderful change, until today many of them are uncertain whether to use a brush or a towel in combing their hair. Truly those days were not without their compensations, and while they lacked many of the conveniences that we deem are indispensable today, and while those sturdy pioneers worked early and late, and worked hard, yet me thinks they retired with a care free mind and conscience, no vexing business problems disturbed their slumber and they awoke as fresh as a daisy to pursue their daily tasks, and after all that is about all we do even today, and while ostensibly we work only eight hours we are as a nation and people probably working on the average 18 or 20 hours a day, for the demands of business, and pleasure and society and fraternal and club life draw heavily upon us, and we retire late, only to arise in the morning to repeat the experiences of yesterday. I am wondering how our auctioneers of today, who can hear a bid near by, or on the outskirts of the crowd that no one else heard, would like to sell property under the fol- lowing conditions : It is recorded that the salt meadows at the head of Cold Spring Harbor were "sold at an outcry by an inch of candle." 10 HISTORY OF THE ORIGINAL The practice being for the auctioneer to light a piece of candle an inch long, and the person who put in the last bid as the last flicker of the candle expired took the property. This was the custom that was followed for many gener- ations at auction sales of property. A couple desiring to elope could not on a moment's notice»be married at "The little church around the corner," but they must have their names called three successive Lord's days in the meeting house in the parish where they resided, or obtain a license from the governor; they could then be married by a "minister" or a "Justice of the Peace," provided "they purge themselves by oath before the minister cr justice that they are unmarried," and any one taking a false oath of this kind was liable to the punishment pre- scribed by law, viz : — "be bored through the tongue with a hot iron." The reason for some of our roads being so crooked is, that the first roads naturally followed the Indian paths or trails and it is stated that they were narrow and the feet of so many generations of aborigines had trodden them, that the ground was worn away to the depth of a foot or more so they could be followed on the darkest night without diffi- culty. The laws were extremely rigid in those days and must have been obeyed by practically every one, as the records fail to disclose any persons that were put to death. W hile they may appear to be very harsh and some might term them inhuman and cruel, they seem to have been very effective and nobly served the purpose for which they were created. There were eleven crimes, the violation of which was punishable by death. Among them were murder, bearing false witness, maliciously to cause a conviction in a capital case, expressly denying the true God, denying the authority TOWNSHIP OF HUXTINGTOX of the king or raising armies to resist him, children over 16 smiting their parents, forgery and arson. Burglary and highway robbery were punishable as follows : First offense, branding on the fore-head ; second offense, branding as before and whipping severely ; third offense, death. Stealing clothes hanging out to dry or robbing orchards or gardens, the offender was publicly whipped. Stealing boats, cows or hogs was followed by cutting off one of the offender's ears. Firing woods was punishable with 20 stripes, lying or pub- lishing false news with seven hours in the stocks or not exceeding 40 stripes. Gamblers, drunkards and disorderly persons were put in the stocks or whipped. Every town was required to have stocks erected in the most public place. The constable's fee for whipping was two shillings and six- pence. If the penalty prescribed for burglary and highway rob- bery was put in effect in New York City their troubles would soon be over and it would also be a good plan for our villages to adopt, if the burglars that annually plunder the homes of our summer residents during the winter time could be apprehended. The first church was erected in Huntington in 1665. As the church had no bell, the service was announced by beating a drum. The seats and even the pulpit were roughly constructed, no carpet on the floor, no provisions for heating the church in winter, the people taking hot bricks or foot stoves with them to the service. Today we languish and almost perish if the minister happens to preach more than twenty minutes, but in the old days the service began in the morning and continued until late in the afternoon, except for a short recess for luncheon. The cost of building the church and parsonage, the minister's salary and all other church expenses were put into the town rate of taxation and levied and collected. i8 msTOkv of tin; original It is told of one old Quaker, Thomas Powell by name, that he would constantly rebel against paying taxes to sup- port a religion in which he disclaimed all interest. He . refused to pay six years taxes, 1 676-1681 amounting to £8, 15S. 10 d., but such pressure was brought to bear upon him, that it seemed the only alternative left him was to pay up, or leave town. He decided to pay and remain in Hunt- ington. When we stop to consider the simple, rough, primitive, unattractive church of that day, and the comfort and ele- gance of cushioned pews and velvet carpets and pipe organs of the church of today, the contrast is very great indeed, but we must remember that many of them had left England, in order that here they might worship God according to their conscience, and so they manifested a zeal, and energy and devotion that would overcome any and all obstacles, and that neither length of sermon or distance to be travelled could in nowise dim, and that gave to their religion a charm and attractiveness and beauty that the modern church with all its facilities can hardly hope to supply. The first will mentioned in the Town Records is a most interesting document. It was the will of Jeffrey Este who resided at Salem in 1637, afterward at Southold and was an old man when he moved to Huntington. His children were Tonsfield, Isaac and Catherine. Just imagine yourself to be the daughter and see how long it takes you to figure out your inheritance. It also appears that a good bed in those days was a priceless heritage and even now is not a thing to be despised as those who have travelled will bear testimony. Here is the will verbatim. Jefery Este deseased the 4th of Jenuary 57 haveing mad his will and desposed of his estat as follueth : TOWNSHIP OF HUXTIXGTON 19 1 — he gave to his son Isak Easte sholld have A bedd and all that thar unto belonging. 2 — 20 shillings in shewes or if henry skodar so can to his dafter. 3 — he bequeathed his house and lote to Jonathan Skodar the son of henary skodar and his father to be his gardenar till his son come the age of 21 yeares and the rest of his estat to Henary skodar of huntington. I henary Skodar being exetar in the presunt of thes witneses the 23 of Jenunry 59. Jonas Wood. Thos. Bennydick. There were some very interesting experiences and prob- lems that the Court Records disclose, particularly of one Sarah Sooper or Soper. The first one about 1668. Remem- ber these are occurrences that did not take place a thousand miles away, but right in our own town. — "Marke Megs plaintive Against Sarah Sooper wife of henry Sooper Defendant in an accon of Molestacon. the plaintive Declareth that shee Coming to my house in a "violent mannar Contrary to order given her by ye augh- thoritie to the contrary, betterly Raileing and vehemently prevoking me by words saying shee was come to dame mee and that I was a damde ould devill and A Rogue if I did not throw her into the fire and her husband stood by her and did not Rebuke her for it which I shall prove. The Court finds for the plaintive in every Branch of the Declaracon that the Defendant hath Raishly and unreason- ably ansured Marke Megs for which the defendant is to give public satisfaction, secondly, in slanderous Lyes against Mark Megs as hee proved ffor which offence the Defendant is to sit in the stoks. Lastly for Molesting the plaintive in Coming to his hous and Raileing Against him in A very unreasonable mannor when shee was Commanded HISTORY OF THK ORIGINAL By aughthoritie to the Contrary, ffor which Contempt the defendant to sit in the stocks. The plaintiff to pay Cost of Court in Respect the Defen- dant suffers the Law. and if alsoe, if the defendant p'sist in such a Raileing and Revileing manonr that the Complaints coins in the like Mannor to Aughthorytie that then the Defend, to he Bound to her good Behaviour or els to give good securitie or to Bee sent to prisson. the Defendant sarah Sooper Charged Marke Megs the plaintive that hee would Murder her and that shee now gave notice of it that after it was Don it might bee knowne." Neither the threat of sitting in the stocks, being sent to prison or being murdered by Marke Megs seemed to phase the indomitable Sarah as witnesseth the following Marcli T672, 4 years later. — "At a Court held in huntington on the 13th Daie off march in the twentie fowerth of the Raine of our souvf. Lord Charls the second King of great Briton, france, and Ireland etc. Anno: Dom. 1672. By Capt. John Maning Justice of the pease and high Sheirfe off York sheare and Mr. Jonas Wood Justice of the peace and the overseers of the sd. towne. Whereas Marke Megs and Avis his wife p'sented A complaint against Sarah Sooper wife of henry sooper for her veyarious carradges towards the complainants and for former miscarradges and abuse of Aughtoritie whereby the said Sarah sooper Laye under the sentance off a towne Coort for Corparall punishment and it was not inflicted. This Coort have therefore ordered that if the sd. sarah sooper wife or henry sooper pursist in turbelence of sperit without Reformacon that for the first offence whether con- tempt of Aughthoritie or abuse of her Naighbours for the TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON 21 first offence committed by her the sd. Sarah to Receve fifteene stripes forthwith after Complaint Bee made to Aughthoritie at the Most public place in the towne. Alsoe Whereas henry sooper Complained against Marke Meges for provokeing him, the Coort see cause to Lay a fine of six shillings and eight pence uppon him the sd. megs for his Breach of the peace. Alsoe that henry sooper for his abuesfull carradge and provocacons against Mark megs in his hous and against the said megs this Coort hath ordred that him the sooper shall paye all charges herein that it may for the future time take warning that hee Commit no more such folly." — Evidently Sarah and Henry just doted on being in the limelight and where else could they shine more than in the court room, and what difference would a little matter of fifteen stripes make, particularly if not inflicted, and so they developed a real spirit of adventure and excitement and in their final act seemed to have passed off the stage for good. What controversies or quarrels they may have had, what depredations they may have committed or what crimes may have been laid at their door since 1672 it all evidently culminated in one great court scene in Sept. 1676 as follows. Att a Court held in Huntington the nth of Sept. 1676 by the constable & overseers of the same towne they being Tames Chetchester Const. Joseph Whitman Samuell Tittus Jonas Wood Tho. Powell over- seers. ' 'Simon lane Plant, against Henry Soper and his wife Defts. 22 HISTORY OF TIIK ORIGINAL The plant, declares that the defendents have confest that they did fetch away fruit from the orchard of Jacob Walker and would fetch away more in spite of his teeth and when I demanded of them why they stole my apples they replyed they had as much right to them as I and would fetch them away in spit of my teeth for they were common, this being the ioth of this Instant. The depossission of John Rogers aged 36 years, this deponent testifieth that hee was in the orchard and Hen Soapers boy was a top of the peach tree without the fence soe Mr. lane said to the boy Sarra will you never leave of your theefing trickes, then soaper hee replied, who doe you call theef, lane replied, you I call theef that has taken away my fruit daly & howerly, soaper replied you roge I have as much to doe here as thou hast, upon that lane fetched a stick and bid soaper goe off his ground or else he would make him goe of, soaper replied it was common and hee would stay there in spit of his teeth, then soapers wife com and said lane what hast thou to doe here more than wee, yea lowsey Roge pay mee what thou owest mee. lane said to soaper sarra if I catch thee here to marrow morning I will shout thee, soaper replied I have a goun as well as thee and I'll meet thee here to marrow and sarah soaper said to lane hee was a fake forsworne Roage." The reader will please note that Sarah had the last word. Let our good house-keepers of today pause and reflect as they sip their four o'clock tea, that their sisters of 1653- 56 had to pound their own corn in mortars, and you con- tractors and carpenters meditate on your brothers of that age making their log cabins and clap boards with axes and cleavers. Of course that condition did not exist for any length of time, and soon they were building dams and erecting mills TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON 23 to grind their grain and saw their lumber, tanneries were built and looms and spindles either manufactured or pur- chased for making flaxen and woolen garments. Rev. Wm. Leverich who had preached at Boston, Ply- mouth, Duxbury, Sandwich and Oyster Bay came to Hunt- ington about 1657 and was the only minister there until 1670. He is reported to have erected the first mill at the head of Huntington Harbor on Mill Dam Lane. The following record deals with what constituted the principal imports from the East India Islands at that time, namely, rum, wine and sack. Court Record about 1658. The deposition of mark mags taken befor Jonas Wood, this deponent sayeth that about agust in the yere 58 or when we ware a weding of indian corn, Thomas mathues cam to this deponent and desired hem to hellp abord a but of rum and a pip or 2 of windes that Jonas Wood and Edward Highbe had bought of his cosen and this deponent went to mr mathues house and he desired him to hellp in with pipe of rum and a pip or 2 of windes which jonas wood and Edward highbe had bought of hem and so this deponent asked mr. mathues if he had don and Mr. Mathues answared stay he colld not tell and this deponent and jonas wood and Mathues sate downe and Mr. Mathues sayd to Edward highbe com hellper and they 2 went a sid that is to say Mr. Mathues and Edward highbe and we sate to gethar and take a pip of tobackow so when Mr. Mathues and Edward highbe had ended thayr discorse they had them hoyst in the rest of the wine and this deponent further sayeth that he undar stod no partnarship betwixt them thre but only that Ead highbe and jonas wood had boute a pip of rum and a pipe or 2 of sacke and that without referance to any partnarship with Mr. Mathues. 24 HISTORY ()K THE ORIGINAL Edward- Hi ghbee apparently possessed, "sum neck," as evidenced by the following Court Record. Thos. Scudder vs. Edward Higbee. Thomas Skodar plaintive against Eadward higbe defendant in an ackcion of defamasion to the damag of a hundred pound the plaintive declaimeth that Eadward higbe has charged hem that he and his wife are both in fere of their lifes of the plaintive, the defendant ownes the charg. the 17 of ocktto 1660. thomas skodar plaintive against Eadward higbe defendant in an ackcion of slandar to damag of twenti pound the plaintive declameth that the defendant charged hem with the houlding of hem by the throt hallf an oure. the deposition of good Laten. he deposeth that good higbe sed that thomas skodar tok hem by the throt and helld hem hallf an ouar or thar about and all most throtelled hem. for the first ackion of the cort Thomas skodars, Eadward higbe is to give publick satis f ackcion or pay the Skoddar five poundes with the cost and charg of the cort. for the second the cort finds for the plaintive that the defendant shall give publick satisfackcion or pay 20 shilling and all so to pay 10 shilling for his ly with the cost and charge of the cort. Here is an interesting account where all power was vested in 3 men, but' probably none of us would envy their job. At a towne meting the 2 of desambar 1661. Mr. Sticklen, and William Smith, thomas benedick was chosen by the townes consent to end any difference between naybar TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON 25 and naybar in and by every waye untill the next court of election (or session) at harford and in case the delinquent refuse to apare before them to answar, it is the townes mind that either of them shall have power to grante a warrant or warants to compell him or thay to make thare aparance and stand to the award and all so it is agreed that the plaintive and defendant shall have liberty to chuse either of them a man to have the hering and thar vote desiding the mater of difference betwixt them and in case thare bee any crimmall cas committed by any person or persons of the towne or any stranger that shall com to toune and any way transgrese thay above mencioned to have power to call in such as they thinke mete to asist them in the matar depend- ing, and also it was agreed that inhabitants shall have against strangars and strangars against inhabitants the benefit of this aiithoryty so fere as they authoryty will reache. The following extracts from Town Meetings enable us to peer to some extent into the daily lives of our forefathers. Some are amusing, some display an effort at public protection from those inclined to let their live stock roam at large, and in imagination one can picture some person present in those meetings continually introducing proposed ordinances, the forerunner so to speak of some of our modern legislators who seem to think that to introduce a multiplicity of laws is a sure indication of marvelous states- manship. 1 — At a town meeting Feb. 4, 1660 it was agreed that the widow portar should have one acare of medow joyning to Tho. Skudars 2 akers occupying it so longe as she liveth in the towne. At the same meeting Mr. Stricklon and Jonas Wood and Thomas Benidicke ware chosen magistrates and Jonas 26 HISTORY OF THE ORIGINAL Holds worth, Clerk for Towne and Corte and Joseph Jenn- inges marshall. The 10 of Aprill 1660. in a town meeting it being put to vote conseining joyning to a jeurisdiction the Major vote was for to be under Coniticot jeurisdiction. same meeting — Mr. Nichlos wright of oster bay do acknowlleg that whar as I sed Mr. Sallton of oster bay was a knafe and that I would prove hem so I do in for this presenc acknowleg that i did do hem rong in speaking so unadvisedly in speaking that which had no ground for and do forth with promis to pay in part of the charg and trobell I have put hem to that is to say Mr. Sallton 10 shilling toward the charges. Richard Latting refused to acknowledge the authority of Connecticut over Huntington and the Court setting at Hartford subsequently expelled him from the jurisdiction on the alleged ground of "turbulent conduct," but not until some time after he was banished at Huntington as shown by the following record. the 28th of June 1660. It wase voted and agreed at a town meeting that ould Laten shalle take away his catell out of this town bounds within a fort night or 14 days or pay to the town 10 shilling ahead. All so itt wase ordered at the sam meting that oulld lating is to bring his catell and show them to 2 men home the town shall apint before he drive them away or to pay 5 poundes. TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON 27 It was voted and agreed at a town meting the 19 of Ocktober 1660 that the inhabitans shall have libarti to fall whit ookes in any part of the towne bounds exsept in any manes propriarty for the making of pipstaves. October 26, 1660. A second acsion comenst by William ludlam plainetif against henery whitne defendant in an acsion of trespas for breking the mill and grinding severall times without his leve to his greate damage. the defendant deny the breking of the mill but confessed he opened the dore : and went and ground his corne, his famely being all sick none abell to beate, he went to inquire for the kei but could not her of it for he was gone to the south and his family with himselve, being like to famish he was constrayned to do it, yet notwithstanding he gave the miller his just towle : the vardit of the courte in this acsion is this they finde the defendant was necessitated to that he did and the plaintiff sufered no damage. ffebuerary the 10th 1662. at a town meetting it was this day ordered that Thomas weekes and Thomas Joanes should doe their best to by a house and land in the Towne to be and continue the Townes for the use and beniffit of ye ministrey there in to enttertain a minisster. At a Towne meting the 19 of feberary 1662 it was agreed by the magar vote that if any of the inhabitants of hunting- ton shall aftar the last of March next insewing shall ither by way of gifte or paye do give or selle entartanement to -•8 HISTORY OF THE ORIGINAL Richard Laten for more than the spase of on weeke every person so ofending shall pay forty shillinges fine for every time he shall ofend in brakeing this order made for the pease of the Towne. at a towne meting of the inhabitents of huntington aboute the 7th of June 1662: it was agreed and by vote granted, that Mr. Leverich shall have all the meddow that lyes aboute cow harbor on both sides the creeke, for his yerly benifit, so long as he continue the minester of hunt- ington. This was the salt meadows at the head of Northport Harbor so they had the minister about as far away as they could, the church then being to the west of the present First Presbyterian Church. June the 7th 1662: it was this daye ordered that thar shall be no foote way through goodman chichesters lot; nor shall any person or persons have liberty to pass that waye as formerly withoute leave : upon the penalty of paying all damages that shall be done in the same house lott in corne or otherwise. Applicants for settlement to be approved. July 6th 1662 it is this day ordered by the townesmen of Huntington that no man possing house or lands in this town shall not at any time sell or lett or any way alinatte any part of such houses or lands to any man or woman but such as shall be approved of by such men as the towne have chosen for that purpose provided they receit not such men as are honest as are well approved of by honest and xpditious men only such men as have been freely entertained into the town as inhabit- ants have thar libertie to bv and whomsoever shall breake TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON 29 this above mentioned order shall pay 10 pound to the towne. the men chosen by the towne to aprove of such as shall be presented to them are as followeth. Mr. Leverge Thos. Weekes Goodman Jones : Will Smith ' H John Lum James Chichester and Jonas Wood At a towne meting of the inhabitants of huntington July 16, 1662 it was ordered that what man soever of our inhabitants being legaly chosen to the ofice of a constable shall refuse to serve for the yer insuing shall forthwith pay for his refusall thre pounds as a fine to the towne. At a towne meting the 27th of Aprell 1663 it was ordered that all fenses that are in generall either about felldes or horn lots are to be sofisently mended within 3 days after this meeting or else for every rode thatt shall be found defetetive by the men that are chosen to vew the fense for every rode being not jodged sufisent the owenar of the fense shall pay 5 shilling fine it was further ordared the same meting that for time to com all fenses shall be sofisently repared by the 10 of March or for every rode that shall be found defetetive by the vewares thos that thar fence shall be unrepayred the 11 of March shall pay 5 shilling a rod, and at the sam meting william Lodlom and Jonothan Rogares ware chosen to vew the west end fenses and Thomas skuddar and henary whison to vew the este end fenses. At a towne meting the 6th of Juene it was agreed at the sam meting that the towne plat shall be fenced in for HISTORY OF THE ORIGINAL the generall good for keping calfes and shepe and horses and for the keping hoges out of the towne and two men to be chosen to mesur the ground to give in what quantity of fence it will amount to and Captain sely and good Finch ware chosen to mesaur the fence. At a towne meting the 6th of June 1664 it was voted and agreed by the magar vot that Jerry Wood shall have liberty to purchas heare in this towne and to be reserved as an inhabitante. These good old days are apparently gone forever. This ordared by the Cort, held the 3th of July, 1663, for the wrighting a warrant 4 pence, and it is further ordard for the sarving a warrant 8 pense, an attachment eighten pence and sirving six pence, writing an execution tew shilling six pence, for entering an axion, for the clarke 2 shillings six pence, for witneses for a man to shillings and for a woman twelfe pence. for the Jury for every Action six shillinges and for evry Action hered by the magestrates or Commissionars ten shil- linges and to the Cort six shillinge. These sturdy pioneers did not hesitate to express their opinions in a manner that could not be misunderstood. Huntington, february the 21, 1670. To the Honarable Court of session houlden at south hampten in the towne of Huntington humbly Manfest thair Agrevences touching the order Conscerning the Repaireacon of the fort James at new yorke. May it please the worshipful Bench, wee of the towne of huntington Cannot see Cause to Con- tribute any thing to wards the Repaireacon, of the forte for these following Reasons, first because wee conceve wee are Deprived of the liberties of english men, secondly wee con- ceve wee have little or noe benefits by the Law : thirdly wee TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON 31 cannot conceve of any benifite or saftie wee can expect from the forte : fourthly wee finde ourselves soe much Desinabled by Manyfould trobles when wee thought ourselves in peace that wee Cannot Imparte with any such Desburstments. Abial Titus appointed official church bell or drummer. Monday, June 3rd, 1672. Being a training day it was then agreed by the consent of the whole company that Abial Titus should beat the drum Sabbath days in the fore and afternoon; and for his pains therein the company consented to buy a new drum which drum the said Abial is to keep in repair and beat at all need- ful times, as training days and times aforesaid; for which the said Abial is to remain rate free as long as the town see cause. How the styles have changed since 1673. Town Meeting, April 7, 1673. It was voted and agreed the same day by and with the consent of the town that the Constable and Overseers should do whot they could for the procuring of a minister and what they did or procured to be done herein the town would rest satisfied; and so left it wholly to their disposing. Town Meeting, Janeruary, 16, 1676. It was this day also ordered by the major parte of the toune that the Constable and overseers together with good- man Conklin, Isaaik plat & Jonas wood shall in the tounes behalf seriously give Mr. Jones an invitation and fully to manifest their desires for his continuing to despense the word of god and what more is dutie in the ministeriall offise amongst us of huntington and what further may bee requisite for incorragment to the aforesaid end. 32 HISTORY OF THE ORIGINAL It is ordered by the major part of the tonne that Mr. Jones shall have for himself and his, for his encorragment four ever twenty acers of upland to bee his and remaine his lor ever, where hee shall think best, not infrenging highways waterring plases according to the tonne true intent. A good "Liver" in the good old days was preferable. Bee it known to all men by these presents that I Robert Johnson and mary his wife hath freely given a sonn called by the name of Benjamin Johnson unto Thomas Whitson and martha his wife till hee come of age and that the said Thomas Whitson shall not dispose of the said child nnto any person without it bee to a good traide and a consiensius man and a good Liver and that ye said thomas shall bring him up to Readding, Righting sifering. In witness hereof 1 have heer unto sett to my hand, the above said promased. 1 doe hope to perform as witness my hand. June ip, 1 686. Thomas Whitson. Huntington Jeneuary 2th 1683. A town Court being then held by his majst authority. Complaint being then made to ye constable & overseers conserning John finch senior That he is deprived in some measure of his Intuelectuls, and that he is very subject to swounding fits : And that he is very much given to extrave- gent courses of drinking strong drink where by he is like to come to want and the Town like to be burdened by him. The Constable & Overseers haveing taken the same into their serious consideration of the dangerous consequences that may follow such impotentcy and extravegency do order that all ye known Estate that ye said John finch hath in his pres- ent possession shall be attached by warrant and secured and TOW X SHIP OF HUXTIXGTOX 33 presarved and improved as the Constable & Overseers shall think best for ye livelyhood and mantanence of ye said John rinch whereby he may not suffer nor the Town be damnefied. John Corey, Isaac Piatt Clerk. Epenetus Piatt Thos. Whitson James Smith. John mathews of this town departed this Life the 7th day of desember 1686. Dec. 11, 1686 An account taken of the estate of John mathews de- ceased. Apprized by phillip udall and John Scidmore, Senior the nth of Desember 1686. lb. s d one Iern kettle and tramell att 12 00 It a horse att .02 05 00 it an old cowe .02 00 00 it an old chest and other small things .01 00 00 owned by us ) Phillip Udall ) John Scidmore ) ) This account was exsepted of as legall. huntington Jan ye 29th 1682. Return Davis aged about 45 yeres testfieth that upon a Lords day not long since, towards night In my hous heard ye sound of a hors troting. I looked out and saw Robart Kellam cn hors back coming from oyster bay haveing a bag under him which had ye like of 6 pecks in it as I thought 34 HISTORY OF THE ORIGINAL & I supposed it was meal And I asked him why he set out from oyster bay on ye lords day to come home he said it was not lords day for it was night I said look yonder I think ye sun is half an hour hie and I belive you came out of oyster bay about ye beginning of ye afternoon meeting and I told him I thought he wold be taken notis of. I also asked him whether he had got his meal now he said yes he could not have it soon anouf to come horn yesterday and further saith not. In ye absense of ye justis sworne before me p. Isack Piatt. Thomas weeks being sworn saith that he was at John Kecham hous on a lords day towards night and I saw Robart Kellam coming from oyster bay on hors back with a bag under him and further saith not. The action is entered on ye back side of ye 23 page or 24. At a town court held in huntingtun Jan. 29, 1682 by his magist authoryty. The members where of are Mr. Jonas Wood, Justis of ye peace Isack plat Constable Samuell ketcham Thomas whitson Kpenetus platt, overseers, lames Smith The evidence are Thos. weeks & Return Davis entred on ye first page. A complaint entered against Robart kellem for braking ye sabath by traveling and caring of a burdin and the Court finding it Leagely proved. The court sentence is that ye said Robart kellam shall pay twenty shilling or make such an acknowledgment as ye Court shall except of and pay what is dew to ye court. TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON 35 The court Charges o 12 06 The Constables fees o 05 00 The Clerks fees o 03 11 The following shows the Puritan inclinations of our forefathers. "Where as we whos names are under written have ye last winter traveled from huntington to hempstead upon ye Lords day for which we are sori yt we have sinned against god and ofended our neibors for which we desir god to for give us and hope we shall never of end god nor man in ye Like maner." Tho. Higby Edward Higbee Moses Scudder Huntington June 3, 1683. The above sd. owned & sub- scribed In ye presents of ye Constable & overseers p me John Corey, Clerk. April ye 2d 1689. The same day above sd. was voatted and granted to Thomas Wickes libertie to sett his barne fowr foott into ye streett eastward and to Run his fence from ye south east corner of his barne to ye place wheare his gatte post stands nowe. Desember the 18th 1691. The same daye It was voted and consented unto that All swine that shall bee found trespasing In corn or Pasture Land shall bee Drove to Pound and the owners thereof shall paye all the Damige. The same day it was voated & consented unto that all those that have killed Wolves since thay were paide for in the Countey Rate shall have fiftenne shillings A woulfe and for all that shall be killed. 3* 1 1 1 STORY OK THK ORIGINAL Dec. 26, 169 1 . It was voted and consented unto that Samuel] Smith shall P>ce Pound keeper. Oct. 4, 1692. The same day it was voated & consented unto that Jonathan Roggras, Jr. shall have an In Largement to his Lott att Cow Harbour previded that he makes A sufficant highway higher up ye hill & that ye Layers out finde It can bee as sufficant a Highway as now thare is. Aprill ye 3rd 1693. The same Daye it was voted & consented unto that Mr. Tones shall have all that graveley Knowle allowed him into his medow and not to bee accounted as medow. Here's a problem for the reader to solve. The same Daye it was voted and consented unto that all ye towne shall goe out to cut brush two Dayes In Aprell the 17. It is also voted & consented unto that aney person or persons that Doe not cut brush ye dayes appoynted If thay cutt not brush ye same weeke shall pave three shillings for each Dayes Defect. From the granting of a New Patent to Huntington by Gov. Benjamin Fletcher, Oct. 5, 1694, town meetings where all orders and regulations had been made by the people ceased and henceforth all business was conducted by Trustees. An act was passed by the General Assembly ot the Colony, April 10th, 1693 changing the name of Long Island TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON 37 to that of the Island of Nassau and the act provided that it was to be so written in all deeds and legal papers. An agreement made in Huntington in 1765 or 72 years later specified the To\v|n of Huntington, Suffolk County, Island of Nassau. The change of name was made at the insistence of Governor Fletcher in honor of the new English King Wil- liam of Orange, and in spite of considerable opposition in the Assembly and on the part of the people. There is no record apparently of this law ever having been specifically repealed, but it was never popular and be- came obsolete by disuse, though the name appeared officially in some of the earlier acts of statehood, for example laws of 1789, 1801, 1810, 1813 and 1822. The first use of the term Long Island in an act of the state legislature is laws of 1792 chapter 60, and the last use of the term Nassau Island officially seems to be laws of 1822, chapter 241. The laws of 1828 chapter 21 provided that no statute passed by the government of the Old Colony of New York shall be considered as a law of this state, so that there can be no doubt that the present official name is Long Island. The following appears to be the first order issued by the newly created Board of Trustees. March 24, 1695. It is ordered By the trustees of the free holders and commonality of the towne of Huntington that no person shall take, ues, work up or Dispose of to any out of ye township any timber or any other Right Privilidg belonging to the town Lying, In Common, without life from the town ; upon ye penalty of the forfiet of ye timbar or other things so taken wrought or Disposed of and treble the value of ye same to the town : And whosoever shall fall any timber 38 HISTORY OF THE ORIGINAL upon any Land not laid out and Doth not make a Improve- ment of it within two months time It shall be Law full for any person so finding the same to work it up: And it is ordered 'That whome soever peeleth any standing trees for hark for their use of tanning : they shall forfit five shillings for every tree found so peeled. May 7, 1695 Joseph Bailey, Justus Wickes, John Wood, Capt. Wickes, John Adams, Thomas Brush, Jonas Wood were chosen trustees for this present yeare. Here is the first formal laying out of a highway. May the 8th 1695. Laide out by the survaiers of the Towne of Huntington a highway begining at the head of ye wigman swamp six Rods In width upland and so Running by the swampe And Banke side all most to the path of the beach. by mee John Kicham. Aprill ye 18th 1707. The same Day It was voted and Granted by ye trustees of ye free holders and Commonallity of ye Town of Hunt- ington that the afore sd. Trustees Do Give free Leave and Liberty unto Jonathan Scuder, Jonas Piatt, Danill Kelley, Eliphelett wood, Joseph wood John Wood, Jr. to build in ye Meeting house A gallery Across ye sd. House at ye east end and a Long ye north side ye Length of ye new Room to them and Theare Asoceates. May 1, 171 1. Whereas at a town meeting the first of May in the year 171 1 it was voated in the town meting whether they were willing to build a new meeting house and it was a Clear voat that it should be don by the town and that the trustees TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON 39 should have the Managment of the whole matter. These are to desire all who are willing that it should be don accord- ing to the agreement made with the town the day abovsd that it should stand in the hollow in the same place where the ould meting house now standeth or near there abouts wold signifye the same by setting here to thire hands and fixing the sums to their names that they are willing to pay towards the building the same. £ S John Sammis 10 John Brush & his sons 05 Jacob Brush 05 John Rogers 20 Timothy Conklen 05 John Ketcham 05 Thos. Brush senyer 08 Zebulun Whitman 03 nathanill williams 20 John wood hunter 3 james freeze 02 Benjamin Tedd 1 10 John Titus 03 Edward Brush 3 Henry Titus 05 Richard Brush 5 John Conkline 06 Jeremiah Hibert Juner 2 Abiall Titus 02 thomas Ketcham 4 James Chichester, Jr. 03 nathaniell Whitman 2 James Chichester 05 Ephraim Ketcham 3 Jcob Brush 02 Robert Brush 20 David Rogers David Sammis 30 Nathaniel Ketcham 06 John Ketcham Junior 02 daniel Chitester 02 Timothy Conkline 20 John deanes 02 Abiel Titus 3 Jeremiah wood 00 3 James white 3 michel Wareng 01 Silas Sammis 3 Eponetus Piatt 20 Thomas Brush 3 May the 6th 1712 at a town meting Huntington It was voated and agreed to by the major part of the town that the Little neck should be Lett out for ten years to the hiest bidder and John Wickes Juner bid four pounds one shilling and three pence and no man bid more this four 40 HISTORY OK THE ORIGINAL pound one shilling and three pence is tor a year and every year during the terme of ten years and the money is to be paid in the month of march in every year. Let us hope that the Trustees took advantage of the opportunity presented in the following. April 1713. W hereas Robert Macbeth offereth to teach school in this town of Huntington both Reading, Righting and Areth- matick we whose names are under written Considering that Ignorance and Illiteratness is the broadway to prophainesse and on the Contrary that Learning and virtue is the way to true pyety therefore Considering the advantage of Learning and the disadvantage on the Contrary we think fitt for to Accept of the above sd. offer and for to pay unto the sd. Robert Macbeth If he shall proceed and do the office of a school master to the best of his skill by teaching to Read. Right and arethmatick the severall sums we do affix our names and to pay the same quarterely and att four even payments with in the year from this present date as witness our hands this — day of aprille in the twelft year of the Reign of Queen Anne of Great brittain. Our present day Constables would be busy if they had to enforce the following ordinance. Town Meeting, May 5, 17 13. The same day it was voated and agreed that the Con- stable shall take Care that the boys and young people in this towne in time of servis on the Lords day do keep with in the house and from playing. March 18, 171 5. These are to give notice unto all the In habitants of the TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON 4i towne of Huntington that the majer part of sd In habitants Doth agree to gitt timber for a new meting house; to be sett upon the East hill a Cording to Lott all-Redy Drawd : Ye sd Inhabitants ** part of sd. Inhabitants that are willing to premot such a Desine may apere att the house of Justice wood of sd. town and they may have there order what to Do upon the beginning of next weak to say on Monday morning at Eight of the Clock Datted at Huntington March 18 Day and in first yere of the Rayn of our sovarane Lord george: King of Gratt Brittain Anno Dom 171 5. There was quite some dissension as to whether the new Church should be down in the hollow or up on the hill where the First Presbyterian Church now stands. It was submitted to 3 ministers Mr. Magnus, minister of Jemeco, Mr. Pomarary ministar of neutoun and Mr. Wolcy of oystar bay and it was decided to build it where it now stands. May 1, 1 716. It was voated that the Constable should take Care that there be no disorder on the Sabath in the time of Divine servis and to be paid for the same by the towne yearly. May 7, 1717. The day abov said it was voated and agreed to sell the ould meeting house to the highest bider by way of vandue and it was sold to Jonas Piatt Juner for five pounds and two shillings to be paid in a year and to give security for the payment as afor sd. Huntington August the 6th 171 7. It is this day ordered and agreed by the Major part of the Trustees of the town that Henry Lloyd of Queens Village shall have Liberty to build a pew in the Meeting house at his own Cost and Charge for the use of his family 4* HISTORY OF T 1 1 K ORIGINAL and his heirs provided that he shall not make use of that priveledge to the introduction of any minister to officiate in sd. meeting house of any different purswasion then is or has been usual! in this place here to fore but in Case he does the sd. pew shall acrew to the use of the town as much as If this priveledge had not been granted. By order of the trustees. John Wickes pd. Recorded by me Epenetus Piatt town Clerk. Huntington January the i d.y. 1760. At a Meeting of the Trustees it was agreed upon By them to Provide a house in some remote part of the town in order to be for the Benefit for those that Might unfor- tunately take the small-pox and further it was voated and agreed upon by ye trustees to for bid all Docters and people from ennockalating or Being" Enockaled in any Publick part of this town without ye consent of the Majestrates Jus. Wickes & Just Williams which is appointed by the Trustees where & what place they think propper and further it was voted & agreed upon by the Trustees that Jus. W'ickes & Jus. Williams should Prosecute and Commit any person Whatsoever that should Presume or cause the small pox to spread in a will full Manner or thretning in Any Manner of spreading the Desease and whomsoever will not comply in this Reasonable and Prudentiall Manner Must be Deamed & prosecuted as A *** against the Civil Authority. Shortly after the above meeting small-pox became very prevalent and there were a number of deaths resulting from variolus inoculation, a method used by Dr. Timon of Eng- land about 1700, whereas Dr. Jenner's vaccine lymph was TOWNSHIP OF HjUNTINGTON 43 not discovered until 1789. There were two small-pox hospitals established, that of Dr. Wiggins in eastern part of Huntington and on the road leading to Dix Hills and Dr. Gilbert Potter's hospital which was located at Cold Spring. Our forefathers seem to have had no use whatever for the comma, and it appears very rarely in letters, deeds or records, and oftentimes they neglected to use periods as well, and some words that should be capitalized are not while many that should not be are capitalized, but no uniformity or system apparently existed and sometimes the same word will be spelled differently in the same quotation or paragraph. The following is given as a sample of letter writing in 1760 or 165 years ago. The reader will have to supply his own commas and some additional periods to make the letter run smoothly. Isaiah Willits to Jesse Willits. Kind Brother: I received thine yesterday which reviveth the memory and respect which subsisteth I received thy account with satisfaction and can with some pleasure Inform thee that I with parents and Brother have settled again to business at our former homes where we have at present a prospect of making a decent and comfortable Living Brother John is settled at home and I expect will continue Brother Isaac is marryed four months ago to a Likely young woman of good repute tho of Low fortune and appears likely to be reason- ably happy in the state. I have two Little daughters thrifty and well their mother at present very unwell tho I hope not likely to continue long so : Father is not so well as common Mother in good health 44 HISTORY OF THE ORIGINAL and our acquaintants in general as far as I know. I con- clude in hast the Rearer waiting. I remain thy affectionate Brother. Isaiah Willits. At our former home the 13th day of the 5th Month 1760. P.S. Father says he remembereth a discourse and be- lieveth it to be true that Lawyer Nichols wife purchased the Land whereon her grandson now liveth at the time her hus- band was gone to england on account of the Controversy between the governors at York : by seeking into which dates and matter thee may perhaps discover something that is now unknown father says he does not remember huntington gut being a common name for any inlet but it seems likely that might have been so called by some as there abouts was much frequented by Huntington whalemen. Remember my love to sister Clement her brother John and Isaac also desire she may know they remember her in Love. From the following marriage agreement it is quite evi- dent they had no pawn shops or second hand clothing stores in the good old days. Marriage agreement between Reuben Arthur and Sarah Jarvis. Huntington June the 9 Day in the year 1760. The Conditions of this obligation Between me Reuben Arthur and Sarah Jarvis is such that if we Marry I Reuben Arthur do Quit her estate all but five and twenty pounds I Sarah Jarvis do Also out of the Rent of the fanne for the Childs Bringing up and if I Sarah Jarvis dont have no other Darter Ruth Jarvis shall have my wearing cloaths but if I have other Darters then the cloaths to be Divided Between them the wearing cloaths & I Reuben Arthur Do Hereby Bind my self in the sum of fifty pounds currant money to TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON 45 stand to these Articles by my hand and seal Before these witnesses as I have chosen. John Bunce. Reuben Arthur (Seal) May the 5th 1761 it was Voated and agreed by the Trustees of huntington that Jacob Brush should have Lyberty to Build a samp Mill in the Meeting house Brook southward of the Blacksmith's shop & that he and his heirs should have the Lyberty and priveledge to continue the same there as Long as he or they shall see fit and if any Dammage acrew by the water flowing any Persons Lands he or they shall make good such Dammage Neither shall he or his Heirs stop ye water to any Persons Dammage. Jos. Lewis Pr. May the 5th 1761 it was Voated & Agreed By the trus- tees of Huntington that Reuben Johnson should have Lyberty to make Two Gates one by his house and the other Down By the ClefT a Little southward of Peter Scudders Land & that he the said Reuben Johnson or his heirs should maintain & keep them in repair So Long as he shall see fit to continue the said Gates ther. Jos. Lewis P.D. The following no doubt was very interesting to Samuel particularly as to the spare suit. Feb. 18, 1763 an Indenture from Jane Robbert ye wife of George to Bind her son Samuel 16 years to serve from ye 3rd Day of May next ontill he come to 21 years of age to be Bound to Jerome fleet & his wife they to find him cloaths & Vituals to Learn him to read & to Give him two 46 HISTORY OF THK ORIGINAL New suits of Cloaths i to Labor in other for spare Days. Solomon Ketcham. Apparently inoculation did not take well with the early fathers, as witness the following. Huntington, February the 22nd 1763. Whereas that Contagious and Infectious Desease the small Pox hath for some Considerable time Past Been Spreading and still con- tinues to spread in Many parts of this town Especially By means of Innoculation whereupon Sundry and repeated Complaints have Been Made unto us the Trustees of the town of huntington that many Disorders & Irregularities have Been Commited By the Carelessness and untoward Conduct of many Persons within the Limmets afore said whereupon we have thought fit that such Disorders should be speedily redressed. Therefore we the subscribers the Trustees of the said town for the time Being do ennact that no Doctor shall Presume to Innoculate any person or persons w r ithin the Limmits afore sd. and that not any person within the Lim- mits afore said shall take the Infection By Innoculation from any Doctor or any other person whatever from the Date thereof and further that not any one person within the Lim- mits afore said shall Presume to Let one Person Come into his or her house Infected with the Desease By Innoculation or to suffer one person to be Innoculated therein and further it any person Presume to offend or Go Contrary to this act they may expect & shall upon the Complaint of any person grieved to any majistrate within ye Limmits to Be Com- mited or Bound over to the Court of sessions to answer TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON 47 the Contempt as the Court shall think propper, as Witness our hands and seals the Day & year above written. Joseph Lewis P.D. Cornelius Hartt Samuel Stratton Timothy Scudder Reuben Brush Jeremiah Wood James Nostron Evidently Mr. Free Peg believed in getting things free even if he had to peg away for ten years to discharge the obligation. This Indenture made this twelveth Day of March 1765 Witnesseth that I Free Peg now Residing in the town of huntington in the County of Suffolk on Nassau Island Do put and Bind my self, a servant unto Samuel Stratton Jonas Williams Esq. and Obediah Piatt esq. all Belonging to the Town, County and Island afore said Being the overseer of the Poor of the said Parish or town of huntington aforesaid to serve them or their Heirs, Successors or Assigns for and during the term of ten years from the Day of the Date hereof or untill I have Paid the full sum of seven pounds currant Lawfull money of New York with the Laufull Interest it Being for money Paid or Disbursed By the town or said Overseers of the said Town of Huntington on my account when I was chargeable to the said town and we the said Samuel Stratton Jonas Williams and obediah Piatt Do hereby Promise for our Selves our heirs, successors & assigns that if the said Peg above named shall pay the said seven pounds & the Interest any time Before the expiration of the said ten years that then this Indenture shall be Null Voide & of none effect otherwise to stand in full force according as is set forth in the same. HISTORY OF THE ORIGINAL Scaled and delivered In the presence of Jeremiah Wood Solomon Ketcham. Free X Peg (Seal) mark us Memorandum that the sd. Peg above Named Did form- erly Live with Capt. Alexander Smith, written Before en- sealing. W hen this law was enacted it didn't cost a small fortune to buy a pound of pork or bacon. Town Meeting, May 6, 1766. The same Day it was Voated that there should be no hog or pig above two months old within ye township go without Being ringed or sufficiently cut in the nose & if any person shall find any such without being ringed or sufficiently cut in the Nose it shall be Law full to Drive all such to the pound & receive one shilling pr. head and the Dammage if any be & all shall go to the poor of the town. May 6, 1766. The same Day it was Voated that sheep should Be keept and not to run out any where the ensuing year Without a sheppeard. Be it Remembered that on the 18 of December 1772 Departed this life Airs. Mary Sammis and Willd and Be- queath the sum of Ten Pounds Currant Money to be put out at Interest and Remain without Limitation of Time and the Whole of the Interest to be paid yearly and every year towards the support of the Gospel in the Presbeterine Con- gregation of this townd of which she was a Member. Witness. Gilbert Potter, Executor Solomon Ketcham, Clerk. TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTOX 49 May the 4th 1773 it was Voted at a General town meet- ing that the Trustees should sell and Dispose of all that tract of Land in Huntington west neck called the Personage Land and all the Town Meadow Lying on the great east Neck and that the money arising from the sale thereof should be applyed towards Purchaseing a New Personage or House and Lott in the Town spot of Huntington for the use of ye first Presbyterian Church and Congregation in said Town and that the said Parsonage when Bought should Ly forever for that Purpose and it was further Voted that what money should be wanting after the sale above men- tioned should be made up By the Presbyterian society ac- cording to the estimate of their estates in the said Town and that if no suitable Place Present when part or all the money be collected for that purpose that all such sum or sums of money shall be Hired out until a suitable Place Present and it was further Voted that if any Person or Persons after they have paid their part or share of said money or are Interested in the said Personage should re- move away from said Town or turn to any other Perswasion or society that all such Persons should Lose or be Divested of their Interest in said Personage. The property purchased was to the west of the old cemetary in Huntington Village. May 9, 1774. Know all Men by these Presents that we Col Piatt Conkling John wood Jesse Brush Thomas Wickes and Stephen Kelcy all of Huntington in Suffolk County have received of Israel Wood Presedent Jonas Williams Esq Capt Timothy Carll Henry Scudder and Solomon Ketcham the remaining five Trustees of the freeholders and Com- monality of the sd Town the sum of three Hundred and five pounds, Sixteen Shillings and seven Pence half peny in HISTORY OF THE ORIGINAL Cash & Bond being all the money that was raised for all the Town or Parsonage Land & meadow that was sold on the 24th day of may 1773 and whereas it was Voted on the 4th day of may 1773 that all that sd money should be applyed to Buy a New Parsonage in or near the town Spot for the use of the first Prisbiteral Church and Congregation in Huntington as may appear by the record thereof or Kept at Interest untill a good oppertunity did Present for that Purpose and whereas it was Voted again on the 3rd day of may 1774 that the five Persons first above Named Should take the Care and Charge of the said money and Apply it to the Purpose mentioned in the said former Vote therefore we the said Persons first above Named do Bind our Selves & our heirs & assignes that we will apply the said money according to the true Intent & meaning of the Sd. former vote Either by Applying the same towards purchasing a New Parsonage or Keeping the Same at Interest untill a propper oppertunity Present for that Purpose as Witness our Hands and seals this 9th day of May 1774. Sealed & Delivered ' Piatt Conklin (Seal) In the Presence of John Wood (Seal) Ananias Carll Jesse Brush (Seal) Joseph Lewis Thos. Wickes (Seal) Stephen Kelcy (Seal) The following very strong Declaration of Rights was set forth at a meeting held June 21, 1774. 1st That every freemans property is absolutely his own, and no man has a right to take it from him without his con- sent, expressed either by himself or his representatives. 2nd That therefore all taxes and duties imposed on His Majesties subjects in the American colonies by the authority of Parliment are wholly unconstitutional and a plain viola- tion of the most essential rights of British subjects. TOWNSHIP OF HJUNTINGTON 5i 3rd That the act of Parliment lately passed for shut- ting up the port of Boston, or any other means or device under color of law, to compel them or any other of His Majestys American subjects to submit to Parliamentary taxation are subversive of their just and constitutional liberty. 4th That we are of opinion that our brethren of Boston are now suffering in the common cause of British America. 5th That therefore it is the indispensable duty of all colonies to unite in some effectual measures for the repeal of said act and every other act of Parliment whereby they are taxed for raising a revenue. 6th That it is the opinion of this meeting that the most effectual means for obtaining a speedy repeal of said acts will be to break off all commercial intercourse with Great Britain Ireland and the English West India colonies. 7th And we hereby declare ourselves ready to enter into these or such other measures as shall be agreed upon by a general congress of all the colonies : and we recommend to the general congress to take such measures as shall be most effectual to prevent such goods as are at present in America from being raised to extravagant price. And lastly we appoint Colonel Piatt Conkling, John Slos Hobart Esq. and Thomas Wickes a committee for this town to act in conjunction with the committees of the other towns in the county, as a general committee for the County, to correspond with the committee of New York. Israel Wood, President. This famous declaration was in reality a Declaration of Independence on a small scale and it is too bad that history seems to be silent as to the author but the writer inclines to the belief that while it is headed Huntington's Declaration of Rights that it was in reality written elsewhere and a copy probably forwarded to every town for adoption and the 12 HISTORY OF THE ORIGINAL appointment of a committee to co-operate with New York City, for there has been absolutely nothing thus far in the proceedings either of the Town Meetings or Trustees Meet- ings that would give the slightest indication of moving up suddenly to such high standards of thought, expression or language. The President of the Board for 1774 was Israel Wood, the Trustees John Wood. Jonas Williams esq. Henry Scudder, Stephen Kelly, Capt. Timothy Carll and Solomon Ketcham. The committee appointed Col. Piatt Conkling was Super- visor, Thos. Wickes, was a Chosen Commissioner and John Sloss Hobart, Esq. was a Justice of the Peace. May the 2. 1775 at a General Town Meeting it was Voted that there should be eighty men chosen to Exercise and be ready to March. The above was the first real indication that appears in the records of any preparation for the great conflict, the Revolutionary War, but it indicates they meant business and believed in preparedness. There were two companies formed in Huntington and all took part in the Battle of Brooklyn, or Long Island, after which some returned home, and others enlisted in the Con- tinental Army. They were a part of the Regiment of Josiah Smith, and served from July 29 to Aug. 31, 1776. Captain John Wickes Company was as follows: John Wickes, Capt. Thos. Brush, 1st Lieut. Nathaniel Whitman 2nd Lieut. TOWNSHIP OF H/U N T I N GTO N 53 Jesse Ketcham Sergt Timothy Sammis " Samuel Vail Nathaniel Rusco Corporal Ezra Conkling Stephen Kellcy John Williams, Drummer John Bennett, Fifer Wm. Sammis Samuel Nostran Robert Brush Jonas Sammis Tho. Conkling Joseph Wood Benj. Denton Phillip Sammis James Brush Ebenezer Sammis Gilbert Brush Joseph Conkling Jesse Smith Alexander Bryant Josiah Smith Joseph Ireland George Everit Nathaniel Allen Privates Isaiah Jarvis Peleg Smith Nathaniel Udale Jonas Higbee Nathaniel Jarvis Joseph Jarvis Caleb Rogers Samuel Wickes Stephen Stratton Obadiah Kellum John M'Gear Piatt Sammis David Ruland Nathaniel Sammis Eliphelet Chichester Samuel Hart Enas Bishop Tesse Willmot Captain Nathaniel Piatt's Company was as follows Nathaniel Piatt, Capt. Samuel Smith, ist Lieut. Henry Scudder, 2nd " John Stratton. ist Sargent John Carll 2nd " Jesse Bunce 3rd " 54 HISTORY OF THK ORIGINAL James Hubbs ist Corporal Jedediah Mills 2nd John Hart 3rd " Wm, Newman, Drummer Privates 1 nomas Moore Seth Jarvis Nathaniel laylor John Bayley Daniel Smith John Gildersleeve Lpenetus Wood Isaac Haff Israel ivl ills Jesse Weeks Nathaniel Smith James Abbet Nathaniel Sammis Simon Oakes Nehemiah Brush James Haff WTm T\TU1^ Wm. Mills Scudd Carll Matthew Smith Josah Wickes Job Smith T 1 T) Lemuel Rose David Smith Alexander Fleet Henry Shaddain T 1 T> 1 J Lake Ruland 1 ho. Wheeler Mathew Beale Silas Biggs Wm. Taylor Floyd Smith Wm. Smalling James Hubble Nehemiah Hart Moses Soper James Griffis Jesse Bryan George Beale Hezekiah Smith John West Nathan Smith Joseph Scidmore Phillip Bayley Eliphelet Hill Wm. Gates Reuben Arthur Jonas Wood David Monroe James Smith The first British troops arrived in Huntington, Sept. ist 1776 only six days after the Battle of Brooklyn. They were the Queen's 17th Light Dragoons and are said to have TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON 55 first camped where the old Huntington House stood, which building was torn down a few years ago, and the arrival of these troops at about the same time as the following proc- lamation must have been a bitter pill to swallow, after having recently adopted the celebrated Declaration of Rights or Declaration of Independence. To the Inhabitants of Suffolk County : His Excellency Gen. Howe having appointed me Com- manding officer for the eastern part of this Island, I do hereby strictly enjoin and order all persons whatsoever in your County of Suffolk, upon your peril, to use your utmost effort to preserve the peace of said county; that all Com- mittee-men and others acting under the authority of the Rebels, immediately do cease and remain at their respective homes, that every man in arms lay them down forthwith and surrender themselves on pain of being treated as rebels ; and I hereby exhort all persons to be aiding and assisting His Majesty's Forces by furnishing them with whatever lays in their power. In particular that they bring in their cattle (except milch cows and calves) for their supply, and their wjagons and horses for transporting their baggage, etc, for all which they shall be fully paid, His Majesty having sent his army, not for the oppression, but for the protection of the inhabitants: But I must also signify that unless they show a dutiful submission in all respects and an immediate compliance with these orders respecting the cattle and wagons I shall be under the necessity of marching the forces under my com- mand without delay into the county, and lay waste the property of the disobedient, as persons unworthy His Majesty's clemency. Will Erskine, Brigr Genl. Head-Quarters in Queens County, Aug. 29, 1776. HISTORY OF THE ORIGINAL Here was another galling proclamation. Huntington, Sept. 2, 1776. Sir:- You are hereby directed to give orders to all the Kings Capts., or next commanding officers of Militia, in the 3d Bat. of Suffolk Co. to call their several companies to- gether, at the usual places immediately, and to order those that have taken up arms against the King, to lay them down and take the oath of allegiance to the King, and sign a roll of submission, disclaiming and rejecting the orders of Con- gress or Committees ; and to obey the legal authority of Government. This is by order of Gen. Howe. O. Delancey. I have inclosed a true copy of the writing sent me by Gen. Howe to Col. Phineas Fanning. Jamaica, Queens Co. Sept. 5, 1776. His Ex. the Hon. \Ym. Howe, Gen. and commander in chief of all His Majesty's forces within the Colonies lying on the Atlantic Ocean from Nova Scotia to West Florida, inclusive, etc. having authorized me to raise a Brigade of Provincials solely for the defence of this Island to re- establish order and govt, within the same : to apprehend, to drive all concealed rebels from among His Majesty's well affected subjects, and other essential purposes : I do hereby for the encouragement of enlisting men in the county of Suffolk, give notice, that upon any persons of good recom- mended characters, raising a company of 70 men, they shall have commissions for one Capt. one Lt., and one Ensign, and shall be paid and subsisted as the officers and soldiers are in the British pay; and it is hoped the inhabitants of the county will cheerfully raise the men wanted for the service, as it will prevent the disagreeable business of detaching them which I shall be under the necessity of doing if the com- TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON 57 panies cannot be raised without. Given under my hand the date above. Oliver Delancey, Brig. Genl. The farmers were compelled to do their bit too, and while the British promised to pay those that were loyal, they forget to do it except in rare cases. Here was a proclama- tion issued for their special benefit. New York, Sept. 27, 1776. Sir : You are to desire the Justices of the Peace to summon the farmers of their Districts to attend at some central place, to demand of each, what grain and straw he can spare — as to hay we must have the whole, for which you'll give them proper Certificates to me to pay them by. The whole of the grain and forage of Rebels in arms is to be seized for the King's use. All persons removed off are to be deemed Rebels, and dealt with accordingly. John Morrison To Mr. E. Punderson Comissary of Forage. Capt. Nathan Hale born in Coventry, Conn., June 6, t 755 had joined the Revolutionary Army as a volunteer, and rose to the rank of Captain. Having been commissioned by Gen. Washington to enter the British lines in New York, he crossed the Sound to Huntington, successfully made his way to Brooklyn, procured the desired information and returned to Huntington, remaining over night at East Neck at the home of Wm. Johnson. The following day he ven- tured down to "The Cedars" a public inn at the head of Huntington Bay intending to return to Connecticut by boat and a boat that was approaching he mistook for the one he was looking for, but it was from a British vessel and filled with British soldiers. Some Loyalist at the inn revealed his identity to the soldiers, he was taken to New York, con- c8 HISTORY OK THE ORIGINAL it dcmncd as a spy and sentenced to be hung and was executed in what was then an orchard belonging to Col. Henry Rut- gers at East Broadway and Market Street. He was only a little over 21 years of age when executed on Sept. 22nd, 1776, but the true hero that he was, is shown by his last words:- "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country." It should of course be borne in mind that the entire Island was at this time under British control and so the following proclamation is not surprising at all as they the people were literally forced to do many disagreeable things so as not*to endanger their families and their own lives as well. Huntington, Oct. 21, 1776. The Committee of Huntington, being thoroughly con- vinced of the injurious and inimical tendency of our former meetings and resolutions and willing to manifest our hearty disapprobation of all such illegal measures, do hereby dis- solve this committee, and as far as in us lies revoke and disannul all former orders and resolutions of all committees and Congresses whatsoever, as being undutiful to our lawful Sovereign, repugnant to the principles of the British Con- stitution & ruinous in the extreme, to the happiness and prosperity of this country. Proclamations very similar in character were adopted and signed early in November by the committees of every town in Suffolk County as well as by the County Committee of Suffolk, not because the proclamation expressed the true feelings of the people but simply because they were entirely under the domination of the British soldiers. Those that desired to or were forced to enter the British Army made the following acknowledgment and took the oath of Fidelity before a Justice of the Peace. TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON 59 I Zophar Piatt one of his Majesty's Justice's of the peace for the County of Suffolk do certify that of the is duly Misted in the Company to be commanded by Thomas Conkling in his Majestys Service under the Com- mand of Brig. General Delancey. that I administered to him the oath of Fidelity; and that he Acknowledged that the Clause against Mutiny and desertion had been read to him. dated the day of 1776. British troops occupied barracks right in Huntington village and used the Presbyterian Church for a store house, no public worship being allowed, and in addition two com- panies of Provincial troops mustered into the service of the King were also quartered in Huntington, so that horses, cattle, sheep and forage of all kinds were seized to supply these soldiers. On June 14th, 1777 the beautiful Stars and Stripes were adopted by Congress as the national or patriot flag. Here was a drastic order issued that was bound to catch you whether you did, or did not comply with its demands. Huntington, Sept. 3rd, 1778. In Persuance of his Excellency General Tryon order :- We Do Hereby Notify to the Inhabitants of the Township of Huntington, that all the male Inhabitants From fiveteen years old to seventy that have omited or Neglected waiting on his Excellency on the 2nd Instant Acording to Orders : are Required to wait on his Excellency at New York on or before the 10th Day of This month on faillure of Which They will be fined five Pound, Each, and after the fines Are Leavid any refusing to wait on his Ex- HISTORY OF THE ORIGINAL cellency will be OHged To Quit The Island with their families. John Ireland — Isaac Young The Town Trustees took vigorous exception to a joy ride of some of the British troops and asked for restitution and for future protection but there is no record that their communication which reads as follows received any recog- notion whatever. To His Excellency Sir Henry Clinton Knight of the most Honourable order of the Bath Commander in Chief of all his majesties Troops in North America from Nove- scotia to west flurrida, etc., etc. The Memorial and Humble Petition of the Trustees of the Town of Huntington in Suffolk County, Humbly Shew r eth. That on Tuesday last the 24th Day of November 1778 A Party of his majesties Troops under the Command of on their Return from .Smithtown came to Huntington and there Plundered several Houses carrying away Butter and the Princable Necessarys of Many Familys took away many fouls Destroyed wheat and carryed off Quantities of corn and Did other Great Dammages without Paying or giving any Receipts for the things taken by the said Party. Your Excellencys Petitioners are Always Willing to supply his Majesties Troops with any thing they want that we have to spare and therefore we Look upon it A Great Hardship to be treated in this manner since by our Oath we are Entitled to his Majesties Protection we Pray your Ex- cellency therefore to Interpose in our Behalf that we may not only have Restitution made, But for the future be Protected against Every Act of Injustice and your peti- tioners as in Duty Bound shall Ever Pray, etc.. etc. TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON 61 There were 549 men from 15 years and upward in the Township of Huntington that were compelled to take the Oath of Loyalty and Peaceable Behaviour and their names are a matter of record, but have been omitted from this narrative. All towns on Long Island had to go thru this same pro- cedure though out of the thousands that had to take the oath it is very doubtful if there was a single one of them that did so of his own accord, but one and all in their heart of hearts sympathized with and desired to help the patriot armies. It has been stated that the winter of 1778-79 was very long and intensely cold, Long Island Sound being completely irozen for a number of weeks so that one could cross on the ice to and from Connecticut, and it is also stated that the ice in New York Harbor was so thick that cannon were drawn across it from the city to Staten Island. Our roads are well marked nowadays with "Caution" signs. Here was one that every one no doubt took the time to read in full. It was put up by Loyalists March 10, 1779. "Caution to Travelers." "A party of rebels have a place of resort at Bread and Cheese Hollow, on a by-road from the houses of two rebels, Nathaniel Piatt and Thomas Tredwell, to that of the noted Samuel Phillips near the Branch. They extend along the road from Philips' to the well known Piatt Carlls'. They are said to be commanded by the rebel Major Brush of Huntington. The unfortunate Loyalists in this part of the country are greatly exposed to the savage cruelty of these assassins. They are few in number and unable to defend themselves from the frequent incursions of the parties who land from Connecticut and who are supplied with provisions and intelligence by their confederates above mentioned. 02 HISTORY OF THK OKIC.IXAL While there were undoubtedly many that gave up their Farms rather than take the Oath of Loyalty, the following list is the only one appearing in the record. The first name given is that of the patriot who suffered banishment, the name at the right the Loyalist who took possession of the farm. Cornelius Conkling by Joseph Hoit Thomas Brush, Jr. Jabeth Cabbs William Sammis Jeams Ketcham Gilbert Bryant Samuel Hitchcock Josiah Buffett Stanton & Birdseye Joshua Rorgers " Nathaniel Jarvis Thomas Weeks " Burr Jesse Brush's John Ketcham & the Hobarts Isaiah Whitman " Filer Dibble Major Jesse Brush above is described as "A small, well built man with red hair, sandy complexion and a bright eye, strong as Hercules and bold as a lion." He is reputed to have sent the following warning to Ketcham and his associates. Aug. 25th, 1780. "I have repeatedly ordered you, especially April 15th to leave my farm. This is the last invitation. If you do not your next landfall will be in a warmer climate than any you ever lived in yet, 20 days you have to make your escape." The year 1780 if you will recall the old days when you studied history was a rather dark period for the cause of freedom in this country and it is doubtful if many could be found that really believed the colonies would achieve their independence, and to add to their discouragement the British Parliament voted $100,000,000 dollars, a vast sum for those days, 85000 seamen and 35000 additional troops with which to prosecute the war more vigorously. TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON 63 The following is the list of the heads of families as recorded about 1783. Town Spot of Huntington. Thomas Brush Richard Conkling", Sen. lohin Heaviland Isaac Youngs labeth Cables George Youngs loseph Hoit Moses Rolph Alexander Sammis Rheuben Rolph Henry Titus Zebulon Piatt Tonah Conkling Zophar Piatt XT Widow Keziah Conkling Jonathan Jarvis Jesse Sammis Daniel Wiggins Rich Conkling David Rusco lonas Sammis Joseph Lewis Jeams Ketcham Widow Piatt Salvanus Sammis Nathaniel Williams, Jr. Tohn Sammis John Weeks Jeams Rogers lonathan Baldwin Timothy Sammis Ezra Conkling Hitch Cook Israel Wood Ebenezer Gould Isaac Lose Abiel Titus John Denton Jonas Rorgers Joseph Bennett Hptidrirk^on Isaac TCptrham Israel Titus Jonathan Brush Zebulon Titus Jacob Ketcham Benjamin Denton Tredwell Brush Widow Wood John Wood Alexander Rorgers John W'heeler Samuel Conkling Obediah Piatt John Morgan David Conkling Joseph Whitman Ananias Conkling Isaac Kean Silas Sammis HISTORY OK THE ORIGINAL Hnbart Conkling Abraham Sillick Nathaniel Williams John Sammis Ezekiel Brush William Ward Jonas W illiams Thacher Sears J(JM'ph 11 and ford Jacob Brush Sollomon Kctcham Mat hew Bunce Alexander Denton J b Sammis Jeremiah Wood, Sr. Michal Beagle Jeremiah Wood, Jr. Nathaniel Harrison Phillip Conk ling Moses Jarvis Ezekiel Conkling Josiah Wheeler Thomas Conkling Shubal Smith Jonas Piatt Stephen Kelcy Timothy Conkling Jonathan Scudder Salvenus Chichester Thomas Scudder John Brush Henry Sammis William Place Lemuel Douglas Elizabeth Potter Joseph \Yeeks Joseph Sammis John Johnson Doc Piatt Rheuben Johnson Jesse Fleett West Hills now a part of South Huntington lists 28 families as follows : Annanias Brush Ezekiel Brush Eliphilet Brush Eliphelet Chichester Malbat Burtis Richard Smith Selah Wood Joseph White John Foster Wilmott Oakley Jesse Ketcham Selah Piatt John Oakerly Samuel Oakerley Nathan \ T alentine Nehemiah Whitman Nathaniel Whitman Mr. Dible TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON Corras Nostran Stephen White Widow Collier Samuel Wood Zophar Ketcham Joseph Ireland Abraham Collier John Ketcham, Sr. Samuel Nostran Nathaniel Brush The following are listed as living in Long Swamp. David Smith Timothy Abbitt Samuel Lewis Jonathan Smith Robart Jarvis Phillip Smith Jeremiah Jarvis Phillip Jarvis lchabod Smith Jesse Burtett I homas Kellum Annanias Carll hhthan Smith Dicks Hills listed a few more than Cow Harbor Northport. Daniel Smith Amos & Silas Smith Cornelius Hart Isaac & Zebulon Smith Micah Hart Nathan Piatt Richard Valentine Timothy Carl John Hart Jonah Wood Timothy Smith Jesse Carl Piatt Carll Jonathan Kelcv S. Baldwin Nathaniel Buffett Isaac Baldwin Daniel Blattsly Samuel Townsand Scudder Lewis Eliphilet Stratton Uriah Hubbs [esse Smith Michal Primp Splah Carll Silas Weeks Gilbert Carll Elisha Jillett Silas Carll Amos Soper Moses Weeks Ostran Jervis E. Weeks Zophar Rorger Simon Huff 66 HISTORY OF THE ORIGINAL Old Fields now Greenlawn had 12 families as follows. Henry Smith Josiah W'eecks Jacob Willis Ambrus Weecks Zacheriah Smith Lemuel W'eecks Jacob Ireland Piatt Vail Ebenetns Conkling Eliphilet Jarvis W illiam Lysaght Isaac Dennis About the close of the Revolutionary W ar there were 405 names on the Assessment Roll and the total tax was £31204, 10S the equivalent then of about $78000.00. The largest taxpayer was the Solomon Ketcham Estate £412 and the smallest was Widow Elizabeth Denton £ 7. The following proclamation by the Commander in Chief of the British forces no doubt raised high hopes on the part of those having claims against the British army. To the Inhabitants of Huntington In Consequence of Proclamation from the Commander in Chief bearing Date 4th May 1783 You are desired to bring in your Accounts thats unsettled from the month of August 1776 to the present year 1783 to Zophar Piatt Esq. who will give attendance every Tuesday and Friday from 12 to 4 o'clock in the Afternoon till 15th of June next For all Properties supplied the British Army or officers in the several Public Departments with their Proof and Vouchers that the whole may be properly at- tended to and sent to New York to certain officers Ap- pointed to receive them and to register the same Prepara- tory to a future settlement. By Advise of the Trustees John Ketcham, Huntington, May 28th. Clerk. TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON 67 While the statements were properly made out, and sworn to and forwarded to New York as specified, still not a dollar was ever paid. There were about 800 claims turned in and sworn to, and aggregating about £ 7200 and ranging from a few shillings in amount to the largest one of £ 100 and which read as follows. November 1778. James Hubbs. Quarter Master Nicolls of ye 17th Dragoons To a waggon and Horses he took and never returned valued at .... £ 100. The following petition was sent to Admiral Digby re- questing the return of the bell taken from the First Presby- terian Church. Sir : Whereas the Church Bell of Huntington on Long Island, was taken from this place in the year one thousand seven hundred seventy seven, by a Party from his majesty's ship the swan (& we suppose without ordrs from any proper authority) and carried to New York. Not many Days since it was on board his majestys brig Rhinoceros lying at the Dock near the ship yard in the east River. Wherefore we the Trustees of this Town, whose Names are hereunto sub- scribed, beg that your Excellency would be pleased to order said Bell delivered to who is authorized to receive it, which is discriminated by the Name Huntington which was cast upon it, and you will very much oblige your ex- cellencys most obedient humble servants. Huntington, August 22, 1783 His Excellency Admiral Digby. Zebulon and the Church Bell became almost inseparable as witness his affidavit. HISTORY OF THE ORIGINAL Personally appeared before me Zebulon 1 Matt and made Oath that some time in the last of November or the first of December 1777, he was taken Prisioner by the Master of the ship called the swan and was carried on board of the said ship where he saw the Bell belonging to the Inhabitant] of Huntington and the Deponent further saith that he and the Bell was shifted on board of a Brigg and from there he & the Bell was put on board of a Tender where the Bell was when he was sent to the Mane Guard in New York. Zebulon Piatt. Sworn this 3 of Sept. 1783 Before me Zophar Piatt, Justice. After seven long years of military rule, great disorder prevailed and lawless bands of marauders occupying un- frequented and lonesome places would sally forth at night and plunder the inhabitants, until finally they were compelled to establish civil government and at a meeting called Aug. 28, 1783 the following men were chosen to call the people together in case of robberies, etc. Moses Wickes, Comm. Joshua Ketcham, South. Epenetus Smith ) Jesse Bryant J Zebulon Smith Lemuel Carll David Smith, Long Swamp Jonathan Scudder, East Neck Wilmott Oakley 1 West Eliphilet Chichester J Hills Israel Carll, Cold Spring Crabmeadow Dicks Hills TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON 69 Thomas Brush, West Neck Capt. Wickes 1 y Town Spot. Capt. Conkling Piatt Vail, Old Fields. The Continental Army was disbanded Nov. 3, 1783 by order of Congress and the British army evacuated New York City on November 25th. It is needless to say there was great rejoicing everywhere that the colonies were now free and independent. A large number of Tories residing in the Township of Huntington found at the close of the war that they were very unwelcome and actually disliked and hated and so fled to Nova Scotia along with the Tories from other states. It was a nice, easy job and light pay to be sexton of a church in the old days according to the following : Mr. Isaac Losee agrees to take the Bill for £ 4 a year to Sweep the Meeting House once a month and cary the dirt out and Brush the Seats to ring the bell on Sundays and Lectures & Funerals. This ordinance would furnish a good excuse for a little friendly call on your neighbors. Town Meeting, Apr. 4, 1786. Further be it Enacted that no person shall let his Turkeys Ramble in his neighbours enclosure without one wing being cut. if not the person has a right to kill said Turkeys and carry them to the owner. There were some ordinances or laws promulgated long after the close of the Revolutionary War that seem very peculiar to us in this day and age. HISTORY OF THK ORIGINAL For example, at the town meeting April 3rd, 1787 among other measures enacted were the following: Voted, That the Gates at Crabmeadow and Fresh Pond shall be kept in good repair as usual with the penalty of five shillings to be paid by the Person who leaves them open. Voted, That no Horses of any kind, Oxen or Cows shall be allowed to run at large in the street on the Sabbath within the Hours of Ten OClock in the Morning and four Clock in the afternoon within one Quarter of a mile of any House of Publick Worship within the Town and that for every Horse, Ox or Cow that shall be so found running at large as aforesaid the owner or owners thereof shall forfeit and pay to any person or persons who ask, demand or sue for the same the sum of one shilling. Here is a study in surveying. Huntington, N. Y. October 3, 1787. John Ketcham, Esq., Sir:- I take this Opertunity to Give you the accounts of the 27 Day of Last Aperel. We went to the head of the river to run the Line of the ould Patting & when we came there I started at a Certain Chestnut tree in the Corner of Joshua Smiths Lot Near the head of the river as we so passed the sd tree is 26 rods to the west of a Certain Chest- nut stump called Nicoals Corner & 24 rods to the East-ward of the Pair tree called Wenecomack Corner. I run the Line Due South to the South Side of the Island I Crost the South road about five or six rods to the west of the house that formerly belonged to Saxton but know belonging to Gilbert Carll. This from your friend, Timothy Carll, Surveyor. Here is a copy of an original autograph letter of Aaron Burr the great lawyer and statesman relative to trespassing TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON 7i on the South Meadows, which later became involved in a iaw suit lasting several years. Sir :- I do not see that it is possible to institute an Action of Trespass, by reason of the Difficulties suggested when you were here. — A Lessee cannot maintain any Action for any Trespass before his Interest accrued. — If the Com- mons in Dispute are Town property or the property of all the Inhabitants as such they are subject to Town regulations & in this way may be preserved from Mauraurders. I am Sir your most oby Aaron Burr Sept. 30, 1790. Town Meeting, April 1, 1794. Vpted, that if any Goose or Gooselin older than two months shall be found in the Streets within the Town Spot of Huntington without a sufficient yoke the owner shall be Liable to pay six pence a head fine to be recovered with cost of suit by the one prosecuting the same. It is interesting to note that there were slaves in Hunting- ton almost from the first settlement and as late as 1755 there were 46 male and 35 female slaves. In March 1799 the State Legislature enacted a law whereby slave owners could voluntarily set their slaves free, provided they were capable of self-support and not over 50 years of age and nearly all of the 53 slave owners in Huntington freed their slaves. Town Meeting, April 7, 1807. "Resolved that any person heaping Sea weed on the Shores at the harbour in Huntington shall not give them any title to it any more than if it Lay in the Same manner the tide Left it." - > HISTORY OF THE ORIGINAL The early fathers did not have nervous prostration every year as we do when a coal strike is announced, neither did they have any cause to worry on account of the price of cord wood as shown by the following : Trustees Proceedings, Dec. 8, 1807. Resolved that any of the Inhabitants of said Town of Huntington may Cut Pine Timber on the Commonage be- longing thereto by consent from either of the Trustees pay- ing therefore at the rate of Twenty five Cents pr. Waggon Load & if any person shall Cut any such timber without the Consent as aforesaid they shall be deemed trespassors and persecuted accordingly. By Order of the Trustees Moses Rolph, Clerk. Only once in the Town Meeting records is there any reference to the war of 181 2 and that well along toward the close of the war, as shown by the following : Special Town Meeting, Xov. 5, 18 14. "It was voted that the Sum of two hundred and seven dollars & 86/100 be paid by the Town being the amount of two bills paid for 6 Casks of powder, 400 lb. of Musket Balls and a Quantity of buck shot by the Trustees of Said Town for the Militia to Defend the Said Town with in Case of Invasion. It w r as also voted to distribute the powder and balls as follows : 1 Cask of powder and the sixth of the balls & shot to be Deposited with Capt. Samuel Muncy at South. Also Voted that 1 Cask of the powder and the sixth partt of the Balls and Shot be Deposited with Matthew Gardiner Crabmeadow or fresh pond. Also Voted that 1 Cask of the powder and the Sixth of the Ball Shot be Deposited with Epenetus Smith, Cow Harbour. Also Voted that \Vi Casks of the powder and the Equal proportion of TOW NSHIP OF HiUNTlNGTON 73 the Ball and Shot be Deposited with Capt. Abel Conkling. Also Voted that 1^2 Casks of the powder and the Equal proportion of the Ball and Shot be Deposited with Capt. John Rogers. Recorded by me Moses Rolph, Town Clerk of the Said Town of Huntington. It will no doubt be a matter of much surprise to prac- tically every reader, to learn that such a measure as the following was ever passed by the Town. Town Meeting, April 1, 1817. "It was Also Voted that application be made to the Legislature of this State at their next meeting to annex the Town of Huntington to the County of Queens." Recorded by Moses Rolph, Town Clerk. The adoption of the above motion evidently stirred up a great deal of excitement and controversy that lasted for nearly two years and finally culminated in calling a Special Town Meeting to consider the question. Special Town Meeting, January 8, 1819. At a Special Town Meeting held at the house of Gilbert Carll in the Town of Huntington on the 8th day of January, 1819 by order of the Trustees of Said Town for the purpose of taking into consideration the propriety of petitioning the Legislature of this State to annex the Said Town of Hunt- ington to the County of Queens. Voted and Resolved by the above Said Meeting that no petition be sent to the Legislature for the aforesaid purpose. Recorded by Moses Rolph, Town Clerk. Among the measures passed at the Town Meeting, Tues- day, April 1830 were the following: 74 HISTORY OF TIIK ORIGINAL Resolved that the assessors and commissioners of High- ways be entitled to one dollar per day for services as fence Viewers. Five hundred dollars voted to meet expenses of maintaining the Poor of the Town. Two hundred and eighty dollars voted for maintainance of Common Schools. "At a meeting of the Trustees and Inhabitants of the Town of Huntington convened by notice to take into consid- eration the alarming circumstances of Rabid Dogs running at large unquestionable one or more having lately traversed nearly all the Township overspreading their baneful Poison to the great danger of the Inhabitants in general and injury to property Have come to the conviction that any dogs running at large at this time are a dangerous nuisance and ought to be attended too and that it is expedient that every person owning a dog either kill or secure him safely until the last Tuesday in March next, and that any person be at liberty to kill any dog found running at large out of the charge of the owner or some other person." Resolved unanimously by the Trustees that the above be made public. Signed on behalf of the Trustees. Isaac Conklin, President. Recorded by Moses Rolph, Huntington, Feb. i, 1832. Town Clerk. Extract from Town Meeting held First Tuesday in April 1836. "Resolved that three cents per head be paid as a premium for crows killed during the months of April, May and June of the current year 1836. Our old friend the Long Island Railroad Company ap- pears in the Town Records. At a meeting of the Trustees of the Town, May 1, 1837- TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON 75 Resolved that the President demand of the Long Island Railroad Company the sum of $50.00 for damage in cutting and destroying timber on the common lands. Moses Rolph was elected Town Clerk at the meeting April 2, 1805 to serve for one year, and re-elected every year up to and including the year 1838 when this record appears. Town of Huntington, Sept. 29, 1838. Whereas a vacancy occurred on the 18th of Sept. 1838 in the office of Town Clerk of said town by the death of Moses Rolph the late incumbent of said office — Now there- fore we the undersigned being three of the Justices of the peace of said town do hereby in pursuance of the Statute in such cases made and provided, appoint Jarvis R. Rolph to the office of Town Clerk of said town to hold the said office with the same power and subject to the same duties and penalties as if he had been duly Chosen to said office by the electors of said town until another Town Clerk shall be appointed in his place. In Witness whereof we have affixed our hands and seals to this Warrant at Huntington aforesaid this 29th day of September, A.D. 1838. Wm. Wickes ) Joel Jarvis ) Justices of the Peace. Timothy Carll ) The question of License or No License seems to have been one of great moment as far back as 1846 as witness the following: We, the Board of Justices of the Peace in and for the Town of Huntington, in the County of Suffolk, do certify that the following is a correct statement of the result of a special Town Meeting held in said Town on the 19th day 1 1 1 STORY OF THE ORIGINAL of May one thousand eight hundred and forty -six. That the whole number of votes given for License was five hundred and five. That the whole number of votes given for No License was four hundred eighty three. Dated Huntington, 19th May, 1846. Richard B. Post ) Jesse Jarvis ) Inspectors Geo. Oaks ) of Election. Timothy Carll ) Josiah Smith served as Town Clerk from April 1840 to April 1859. The first reference in the records regarding the Civil War is in Aug. 1862. President Lincoln had on July I, 1862 issued a call for 300,000 additional volunteers, and on Aug. 12, 1862 there appears this record: To J. Amherst Woodhull, Clerk of the Town of Hunt- ington : The undersigned respectfully request that a Special Town Meeting be immediately called, to take into consider- ation the appropriation of moneys to be used in securing our Town quota of recruits for the war, and providing for the families of such recruits — Dated Huntington, Suffolk County, N.Y. Aug. 12th, 1862. Geo. Carll, William Jarvis, Aaron Jarvis, J. H. Culver, M.D., John H. Duryea, Andrew Ketcham, J. Seaman, David Carll, William Muncey, Charles Wood, John R. Reid, Selah C. Smith and Samuel Muncey. A call was at once issued for a special Town Meeting to be held Sat. Aug. 16, 1862 at the house of Elias Smith at Long Swamp at one o'clock, P.M. At that meeting a war fund of $30,000.00 was author- TOWNSHIP OF HIUNTINGTON 77 ized to be disbursed to those volunteering and not less than a bounty of $100.00 be given to each volunteer, $6.00 per month to be paid to the wife of each volunteer and $1.50 a month to be paid each child of a volunteer between the ages of two and ten years. A complete list could be given of all those in the Civil War from the Township of Huntington, including Amity- ville, Babylon, Farmingdale, Centerport, Huntington, Com- mack, Cold Spring, Northport, Dix Hills and West Hills, but it would make the record too bulky and each of these villages undoubtedly has its own roll of their distinguished Civil War heroes. The following extract from the Trustees Meeting of Oct. 12, 1867 is of great interest to us even today. Resolved that the Trustees tender to the Long Island Railroad Company a right of way over the Town property. The following was unanimously adopted : Whereas, the Long Island Railroad Company has caused to be explored and surveyed, divers lines with a view of extending the branch road from Hicksville into Huntington village, two of which pass over a portion of the Town property, called the Poor House farm, indicating a terminus or depot to be located either on Main Street near the said property, or directly on it, at or near the northwest side or corner thereof : and duly considering the value of such accommodations to the inhabitants, as well as the great bene- fit which would accrue to the freeholders and commonalty of the Town by largely enhancing the value of said property, therefore, Resolved, That we hereby tender to the said Rail- road Company the right of way over the said Town prop- erty, on the line last surveyed, passing through the woods near John Alsop's barn; and also sufficient ground, not to 78 HISTORY OF TI1K ORIGINAL exceed two (2) acres or thereabouts for a depot, in case it is determined to locate on said land. And if the offer is accepted as to right of way, or for both purposes named we do hereby authorize the President of the Trustees of the Town of Huntington for a nominal consideration, to make and execute a deed for the necessary land, for the right of way, or for both said purposes, the quantity not to exceed two acres or thereabouts as above named, and deliver the same to the said company or its agent or a committee acting therefor. And whereas, the said line or survey indicates a gore or triangle of land to be left adjoining John Alsop's barn therefore. Resolved, That the President of the said Trustees is hereby authorized, at his discretion to sell the said strip of land to the said John Alsop or others and execute a deed or deeds for the same. The following interesting foot note is given in connec- tion with the foregoing resolutions. "It had been decided by the Long Island Railroad Com- pany to extend their road from Syosset, then the terminus of the branch road, to the village of Hunitngton at a point on the Poor House Farm, a little south of the Union School grounds, in case the grounds for a depot were donated to the company and certain contributions made for the right of way." The Trustees of the Town promptly offered the company the required land for a depot. Subsequently the President of the road and certain land owners came into collision con- cerning the right of way, and Mr. Charlick, with character- istic obstinacy, declining to yield anything, the arrangement for extending the road to the village fell through, and Northport having offered liberal aid in procuring the right TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON 79 of way, the route was directed further south on the present line to Northport. At a meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Town of Huntington on June 28, 1869. Resolved that Trustee Elias Baylis and Fayette Gould, Town Clerk, procure a safe for the purpose of keeping the Town papers in. When the above resolution was adopted the only article of furniture the Town owned for containing the Town rec- ords, was an old wooden chest, incapable of holding more than a small part of the books and papers; the remainder being piled promiscuously on shelves and tables, and the loose papers being in a very disordered condition. A small safe was procured at this time, and used until 1883 when the Board purchased a Herring safe, six feet high and 4^2 feet wide. Office of Trustees of the freeholders and commonalty of the Town of Huntington abolished. An Act to abolish the office of Trustees of the freehold- ers and commonalty of the Town of Huntington, County of Suffolk and to create their successors. Passed, May 3, 1872, three fifths being present. The people of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows : Section I. On and after the first Tuesday in April in the year one thousand, eight hundred and seventy two, the office of Trustees of the freeholders and commonalty of the Town of Huntington, in the Town of Huntington, in the County of Suffolk, shall be abolished and cease to exist. Section II. The Supervisor, Town Clerk and Assessors of the Town of Huntington and their successors, are hereby So HISTORY OF THK ORIGINAL created ex-officio, the Board of Trustees of the Town of Huntington, and legal successors of the Trustees of the freeholders and commonalty of the Town of Hunt- ington, and vested with all the rights, privileges, i>owers, duties and jurisdiction heretofore enjoyed and exercised by such Trustees, over the real and personal property of the Town of Huntington. The Supervisor of the Town shall be ex-officio, President of the Board of Trustees of the Town of Huntington hereby created. Section III. The President of the Trustees of the free- holders and commonalty of the Town of Huntington, shall upon demand, deliver to the President of the Board of Trustees of the Town of Huntington hereby created, and after the date aforesaid, all records, books, papers, documents, moneys and property belonging to said Town and then in his possession or under his control. Section IV. All Acts inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed. State of New York, Office of the Secretary of State ) ss. : I have compared the preceding with the original law on file in this office and do hereby certify that the same is a correct transcript therefrom, and of the whole of said original law. Given under my hand and seal of office at the City of Albany, the tenth day of May in the year one thousand, eight hundred and seventy two. ANSON S. WOOD, Secretary of State. Many no doubt will be interested to learn that the first newspaper published in the Town of Huntington was the American Eagle in 1821. In May 1825 the name was TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON 81 charged to the Long Island Journal of Philosophy and Cabinet of Variety. In 1827 it was again changed to The Portico and discontinued in 1829. The record does not so state, but no doubt the burden of carrying the second name assigned to it, accounted for its early demise. The Long Islander was started in 1838 by Walt Whit- man and now after the lapse of 87 years is one of the lead- ing papers of Suffolk County. In view of the appropriation voted at the last election for the erection of an iron fence around the Old Cemetery at Nassau Avenue and Main Street it will no doubt be of interest to every one to know what transpired relative to this Old Cemetery during the Revolutionary War. Possibly there was no edict issued during the entire war that caused a greater feeling of anger and resentment to- ward the British than the following : Order of Colonel Thompson for the erection of Fort Golgotha. Huntington, November 26th, 1782. . By Virtue of an Order from Lieut. Coll. Thomson you must Imediately warn all the Carpenters in Capt. Conkling District Especially those whose names are underwritten to appear by 8 O Clock every morning with their Tools to work at said Fort in Town on Failure of which, I'm under an Obligation to return their names Imediately they must also appear at the time every Morning and not go away till Dismissed or they will not be Credited for a Days work. Philip Conkline, Capt. Benjamin Brush Hubbard Conkline Isaac Selah Samuel Haveland John Wheler John Morgan Isaac Wood Richard Rogers Dan Higby 82 HISTORY OK THE ORIGINAL To Segt Conklin Ketcham. Huntington to labour on fort Golgotha. This Old Cemetery had at that time been the principal burying ground of Huntington for probably 100 years. The soldiers were working on Fort Golgotha from Sept. 27, 1782 to Feb. 13, 1783 and among other material used by them was not less than 100 tombstones. An account was rendered for these tombstones at $4.00 each, also a bill for boards, rails and trees in all a total of 525 £ 10 S. but like other bills rendered to the British Government it apparently never received any attention. Naturally this cemetery was a very sacred spot and to desecrate it in such an uncalled for and shameful manner could not result otherwise than the inhabitants of Hunting- ton detesting the sight of the British soldiers in their midst. The following description was furnished by a resident of Stamford and bears date, Dec. 8, 1782. "On the first of Dec. was at Huntington passing for an inhabitant, and passed within four rods of the front of the Fort which faces the north. It is about five rods in front with a gate in the middle, it extends a considerable distance north and south; the works were altogether of earth, about six foot high, no pickets or any other obstruc- tion to the works, except a sort of ditch, which was very inconsiderable, some brush like small trees fixed on the top of the works, in a perpendicular form; was told it encom- passed near 2 acres of ground. It is built on a rising ground, and takes in the burying-ground ; The Meeting house they have pulled down. The troops consist of Thomp- son's regiment, the remains of the Queen's Rangers and the Legion, being 550 effective; they are quartered as compact as possible in the inhabitants houses and barns, and some hutted along the sides of the Fort, which makes one side of TOWNSHIP OF HjUNTINGTON 83 the fort. The Inhabitants of Huntington do suffer exceed- ingly from the treatment they receive from the troops, who say the inhabitants of that County are all Rebels, and there- fore they care not how they suffer." Time will eventually obliterate all bitterness and ani- mosity that may have existed a few generations ago and so we have long ago forgotten and forgiven the rash and entirely uncalled for desecration of the abode of our lament- ed and honored dead, and are now only concerned in restor- ing as far as possible original outlines and boundaries, that future generations may preserve and reverence this hallowed ground. The reader has no doubt already formed his own ideas and made a mental picture of the physical characteristics, attributes, mental qualifications and virtues of his own for- bears and has a pretty fair idea of what entered into their daily lives in the way of responsibilities and work, recre- ations and social functions. It should of course be borne in mind that in the earlier days most of these sturdy pioneers were farmers and in con- sequence had to be at times as necessity might require their own mason, carpenter, shoemaker, wheelwright, tanner, butcher, blacksmith and in fact a jack of all trades so to speak, while his wife had to be cook, seamstress, care-taker, home-maker, mother and spinner, making all the clothes from flax and wool, and frequently carrying her spinning wheel with her when making an afternoon call on her neighbor. She undoubtedly had floors sprinkled with sand, high backed, clumsy, uncomfortable wooden chairs, either wood- en or at best pewter dishes and labored from early morning until evening late. *4 HISTORY OF THE ORIGINAL As late as 1793 there was no post-office on Long Island, those living in the eastern part of the island getting their mail from New London, those in the western part from New York and even as late as 1835 tne ma ^ s t a ge left New York for Kasthampton only once a week. President Dwight of Yale College about 1800 visited Long Island and summed up his visit and views about as follows: "That because of its insular position, the people of Long Island must always necessarily be very contracted and limited in their views, pursuits and affections, that they were practically destitute of advantages that would awaken and instill and diffuse energy and information, and that if such a thing did happen, the people would emigrate, and that the Island would continue for a very indefinite period to be a place where advantages enjoyed elsewhere, would here be very imperfectly realized.'' For many, many years Long Island has been the dwell- ing place of wealth, refinement, intelligence, and culture second to none throughout the country, so we are free to admit that President Dwight was a very poor prophet in- deed. At the outbreak of the Revolutionary War it is said there were in Suffolk County 2834 men, between 16 and 60 and that only 236 of them were counted as being loyal to the King of England. The first railroad on Long Island was from South Ferry, Brooklyn to Jamaica, and was open for travel, April 18th. 1836. In 1837 the road was completed to Hicksville and July 25, 1844 the first train of cars arrived in Greenport. The road from Hicksville to Syosset was completed in 1854 and the extension to Northport in 1868 and finally to Port Jefferson in 1872. The road from Jamaica to Babylon was opened up in the fall of 1867 and extended to Patchogue in 1868. TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON 85 The Matinnecocks who were the original owners of the Township of Huntington have gone the way of all the earth, and as far as is known there is not a pure blooded Indian in the township, and likewise all the early settlers of Huntington have been gathered to their fathers, so that Indians and settlers are now a memory, a matter of history, but a fond and cherished memory, and a history most vivid and entertaining in its every detail, and most commendable in its constant climb toward worthier motives and ideals, and we are the heirs of that priceless heritage of the past, which is as an open book to us, and through the reading and study of which we can thereby escape those things that would work to our detriment, and at the same time we can profit by all that was uplifting and ennobling in their lives. While that day had its great drawbacks and limitations as compared to the present day and generation, yet unques- tionably it were better to have lived then, than not to have lived at all. Let us bridge the years from the time of the Civil War up to the present moment, even though those have been history making years of wonderful progress along every conceivable line and direct our attention and thoughts to this great year of 1925 in its relation to Huntington. The Huntington of 1925 is a beautiful, busy mart of people, delightfully situated on the North Shore of Long Island, a large part of it nestling in a valley, so that it constitutes a most beautiful and charming picture, either by night or by day as you approach it either from the East or West. Its two principal business streets, Main Street and New York Avenue, are regularly laid out, very wide and lined with imposing buildings, and the center of Main Street is used for and makes an admirable and convenient parking place for automobiles. 86 HISTORY OF THE ORIGINAL Among the buildings worthy of particular mention on Main Street are the Catholic Church, the Protestant Epis- copal Church, the Methodist Church, the Central Presby- terian Church and at the top of the hill the historic First Presbyterian Church, while directly across the street is the imposing and commodious Huntington High School, the Public Library and the Town Hall, both buildings unique in design, attractive in appearance and beautiful in every way, stand on opposite sides of the street. Then there are the Bank of Huntington, the First National Bank, the Huntington Fire Department and the Suffolk Hotel as well as many large and attractive store buildings, and beyond the stores both to the east and west palatial residences line both sides of Main Street. Near the First Presbyterian Church and with the main entrance on Main Street is the beautiful Heckscher Park. One is unquestionably safe in saying that there is no Public Park in the entire country encompassed within a like area that can compare with this park in its marvelous beauty, artistic design and superb landscape effects, and there is nothing that the great philanthropic Mr. Heckscher could possibly have done that would add so much to the prestige and attractiveness of Huntington as has this wonderful and delightful little park. The closing of the year 1925 finds Huntingdon a village of rare beauty, with concrete walks and roadways, lovely shade trees, substantial buildings, imposing and comfortable residences, with a charming and hospitable people that are united in whatever will uplift and up-build Huntington and make it one of the two largest if not the largest village in Suffolk County. It is related as being a true incident that some years ago a Methodist Minister was assigned to Huntington, who had TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON 87 been living in the northern part of Connecticut and who had an invalid wife. Being anxious to know whether being so near the water would be beneficial or harmful to her health, he wrote to Washington and made inquiry, and received a reply that the northern shore of Long Island from Hortons Point on the East to Sands Point on the West was considered the health- iest section in the entire United States, and in proof of or to substantiate that statement a full list is given of all those living within the entire Township of Huntingdon who are 70 years of age and upward. The list is arranged alphabetically according to villages and will be found as the closing section of this history. 88 1 1 [STORY OF THE ORIGINA1 HUNTINGTON IN 1930. With a people determined to do all they can for its wel- fare, and who are actuated and controlled by a real admir- ation and love for the town in which they dw-ell, and who are willing to strive for and if necessary make some sacri- fices in its behalf, no one can prophesy with any degree of certainty whatever even for the short period of five years. One thing we can be very certain of, and that is that the Huntington of 1930 will be exactly what the people living there today make it. So the people must enlarge their vision as to what will constitute an ideal Huntington, remove the boundary stakes to take in the wooded hills and dales, elevate the moral, social, business and religious ideals of the people to a higher standard than ever before, and so pave the way for the peaceful but rapid passing from that of being a vil- lage to becoming a city of the first class, and so all building, all designing, all planning should have as a definite aim the future and far greater Huntington to be. All Long Island is bound to grow in population by leaps and bounds, if we are alive to our opportunities, for it is the natural dwelling place for the great hosts of the greatest metropolis the world has ever known, and I can see no reason why the entire section from Cold Spring on the west, to Smithtown on the east and to Deer Park on the south, should not be as thickly populated within five years as is Jamaica at the present time, if we arise and demand that to which we are entitled and which we must insist upon having and having it done at once. TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON 89 The one thing that has retarded the natural and rapid growth of Long Island is the Long Island Railroad and its clinging to its old policy of fifty years ago of charging all it possibly can of those who have been compelled through the years to use its road as a means of conveyance. But that day has now past or at least is passing, but the damage has already been done, and thousands, yes hun- dreds of thousands of people who really would have pre- ferred to live on Long Island have settled in Westchester County or Jersey instead, for the Long Island Railroad has consistently studied and planned and dreamed of ways and means of extracting more money from the commuters and the traveling public in general. That road never has been and much less since the in- vention of the motor truck a freight line railroad, but its cne hope of bringing millions of tons of building materials here on the Island lies in whether or not it electrifies its branches, and particularly the North Shore branch at once, and reducing its fare to and from the city so that it won't have to compete with auto busses. There is practically no one but would go into the city a couple of times a week if we could travel each way for say 50c or $1.00 for the round trip, and the railroad com- pany could make very substantial profits at that rate if the cars were electric, and inasmuch as the company would probably have to borrow the money to equip electrically it might just as well do it at once rather than wait until bus lines have been thoroughly established and the people con- tinue to patronize them because of the very dilatory tactics of the railroad company. The North Shore with its varying scenery of hill and dale naturally makes the most charming and picturesque surroundings in which to build a beautiful home, and the only reason that thousands upon thousands of homes are not HISTORY OF THK ORIGINAL being erected in our midst is the utter lack of adequate transportation facilities, the cars being crowded and some- times cold in winter and dust and cinders almost unbearable in summer. If the electrifying of the North Shore Branch is the one thing apparently that stands between us and prosperity and our becoming a great community centre, let us make our opinions and our beliefs and our demands known in no uncertain way, and this is one of those occasions where every man, woman and child can make his or her influence felt, in a most convincing way, and at a very opportune time. With that object in view petitions have been prepared requesting the Long Island Railroad to begin making ar- rangements at once to electrify their road from Jamaica to Northport, and these petitions when signed will be presented by our good Supervisor Abraham L. Field to the railroad officials. These petitions can be found at in Huntington " East Northport " Cold Spring " Northport Greenlawn " Centreport Huntington Station " Ft. Salonga " Melville " Dix Hills^ " Commack Certainly there can be no objection made to one member of the household signing the petition for all the members of the home, and the promptness with which these petitions are signed will evidence how much real desire we have to procure this great boon for a long suffering public. We are supposed to have 22,000 people in the present Township of Huntington and allowing for children under 2 years of age there should be not less than 18,000 or 19,000 signatures on these petitions and if the railroad company TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON 9i can openly ignore such a plea as that then they will have no one but themselves to blame for what methods of trans- portation may be put in operation. Assuming that the road is electrified during 1927 we can naturally expect and should prepare for a vast increase in our population and some measures should be taken to restrict our marvelous growth to citizens of this great republic or those that express their intention of becoming citizens. In other words we not only want a good substantial growth in population but we want good substantial people to make up that population. In 1930 then we can say that we reside in the most beautiful township in this great state, that we have all the conveniences of the great metropolis and free access to her multitudinous attractions, but without any of the discom- forts and crowded conditions of apartment life. Does the City of Huntington of 1930 appeal to you? If so rise up and do your part in making the visionary city a reality. It is a matter of common knowledge that the Long Island Railroad Company have included in their plans for 1926 the electrification of the North Shore road from Jamaica to Mineola. By putting on an additional force and borrowing the necessary money (which they have stated they will have to do anyway) they could extend the line to Northport much more cheaply than to make terminal facilities at Mineola and then electrify the line to Northport a year or two from now. Then too, in the last fifty-eight years the people of the Township of Huntington have paid millions of dollars into the coffers of the Long Island and it certainly does seem as if that road might manifest its appreciation by complying with our request, particularly as it would mean greatly increased revenue for the road as thousands of HISTORY OF THE ORIGINAL people would locate here and naturally have to patronize the road. COME, RESIDENTS OF THE TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON, HERE IS A GLORIOUS OPPOR- TUNITY FOR YOU TO SAY SOMETHING IN A VERY DEFINITE WAY, AND TO PLAY A VERY IMPORTANT PART IN BRINGING TO PASS THE GREATEST CIVIC IMPROVEMENT THAT COULD POSSIBLY BE BROUGHT BEFORE YOU AT THE PRESENT TIME. LET US DEMONSTRATE TO THE LONG ISLAND RAILROAD THAT WE ARE DEAD IN EARNEST, AND BY EVERY ONE SIGNING THE PETITIONS THAT WE ARE A UNITED PEOPLE IN DEMANDING THAT TO WHICH WE ARE JUSTLY ENTITLED. AS YOU MEET YOUR FRIENDS THE MORN- ING AFTER YOU HAVE READ THIS STATEMENT, JUST ASK THEM IF THEY HAVE SIGNED UP AND ALSO INCLUDED THE MEMBERS OF THEIR HOUSEHOLD. THEN AFTER PERFORMING THIS GREAT CIVIC DUTY, IF YOU WANT TO MAKE THE WORDS, HUNTINGTON, CENTERPORT, NORTH- PORT A TRIO OF NAMES KNOWN THE WORLD AROUND, DO YOUR PART IN CARRYING INTO EFFECT THE GREATEST CIVIC IMPROVEMENT OF ALL, AS OUTLINED IN THE POEM FOLLOW- ING THE HISTORY OF NORTHPORT. Author's Note : Owing to an unavoidable delay in the publication of this History and Proposed Civic Improve- ments, the petitions for the electrification of the North Shore Road were placed before the people for signature simultaneously with the publication itself. TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON 93 BABYLON The history of Huntington proper begins with the year I 653, when the first deeds were made with the Indians, while the first deeds concerning the present Town of Baby- Ion were in 1657. The Marsapeague Indians sometimes referred to as the Massapequas, occupied the territory included in the Town of Babylon and the first transfers of property were made to men residing in Huntington. Quite a conflict took place about the year 1653 between the Marsapeagues and one Capt. John Underhill, who com- manded quite a detachment of troops, with the result that the Indians were badly defeated and their so called fort, since called Fort Neck, was destroyed. The early purchases of land on the south shore seems to have been for the purpose of securing the salt grass or hay that grew in the marshes and was gathered in the fali of the year and carried to Huntington on the north shore. There were about 24 transfers of property made by the Indians to the white men, but as many of them were necks of land only they are not here recorded. The first Indian deed of property in the present town of Babylon was as follows : This writinge testifieth an Agreement and Bargame made Betweene jonas Wood off Huntington, on Long Island, the one party and meantaquit Sachem the other party : Witnesseth that the above sd. Jonas Wood hath for himselfe and the rest of his neighboures of Huntington, aforesaid, Bought five Necks of meadow Ling next adjoyn- "4 HISTORY OF THK ORIGINAL ing to massapeags Sachems land : and the above sd. Jonas Wood Doth hereby ingage himself for and on the behalf e off his Neighboures, to pay or cause to be paid, unto ye above sd. sachem of meantaquit, twelve coates, twenty howes, twenty hatchets, twenty knives, ten pounds of pow- der, ten poundes of lead and on great Cettell and on hatt, present in hand, And doth further promise to give to the above Sachem, every yeare, a Coat for six years, next en- suing the Date hereof : And the above sd. Sachem Waindance, for and in con- sideration of the these abov sd. goods, Doth give full Rite and proprietie to the afore sd. Jonas and his Neighbours and theere heyrs for ever to all the sd. five Neckes of meadow, and will free them from all Claims and titles that any other may Lay thereto in witness whereof Booth parties Interchangably put to their hands this fist day of June 1657- In the presence of X Lion Gardener Waindance Marke Thomas Tallmage Sachem of Meantaquitt. Benjamin Price This may witness to all that : keeossechok the sachem of secontok have Resigned up all that Right or Interest hee might any wayes lay unto the neckes of medowe expressed above in this wrighting and so confirm the bargain and full of the mantakit sachem as witness my mark Keeossechok X His mark. In presents of John Stiklings Samuel Fferman TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON 95 As witness the mark of Ambrus Sutton X The mark of Richard Brush X Recorded in the office in New York the 2nd day of November 1667. Matthias Nichols, Sec. The Indians also gave a deed July 23, 1657 to Half Neck which was directly west of the Five Necks above described. In August, 1658 the Marsapeague Indians gave a deed to Three Necks being those west of Half Neck and carry- ing the boundary over to the Oyster Bay Line. Takapousha then chief of the Marsapeagues states in a paper that is on file that it "grieved his heart" to make this deed, but that he was simply compelled to do so by Wyan- dance the Great Sachem of the Montauks and Lyon Gar- diner, who seemed to sway Wyandance about as he pleased. The deed is as follows : Agust the 17th day 1658. Bee it knowne unto all men By this writing That I, Wyandance, sachem of pammanake, or by the English called Long Island doe By these acknowledg to have sould to Henry Whitnee of huntington, for the use of the whole Town of Huntington, I say, I have sould to him for them three whole necks of medow Land Lying on the southward side of theire towne and westarly from the six necks which wee Bought Befor, these three necks of messepeake Land I say I for my selfe, and my heirs for ever, have sould. as above mentioned, and have sent my agent Cheaconoe to deliver, upon condicion as followeth : first they shall pay, or cause to bee paid to mee, or my asisgns, these ffollowing goods punctually, that is, first twelfe coats ech coate Being too yards of tucking cloath, twenty pounds of powder, HISTORY OF THK ORIGINAL twenty dutch hatchets, twenty dutch howes, twenty duch knives, ten shirts, two hundred of muxes, five paire of handsom stockings one good dutch hatt, and a great hue Loking glos, and for Choconoe, for his waves and going to marke out the Lande, shall have for himselfe one coat, fower pounds of poudar, six pound of led, one dutch hatchet, as alsoe seventeen shilling in wampum, thay must send by Chockanoe, which being punctually paid, then shall I declar this deed, which shall bee for the free and quiet possession of them and theire heaires forever and in the mene time it shall Remaine in the hands of Lyon gareden : In witnes where of wee have here to set our hands the day above written. Richard Brush Ambros Suten Huntington, Receved this 23 of May 1659, from the Inhabitants of Huntington full satisfaction and payment for the medow I sould Last to them which my man Chocke- noe marked out ffor them which joynes to that neecke that Belongs to Mr. Stikland and Jonas Wood and soe goes west- ward soe fTar as Chakenene hath marked being purchased in august Last which was 1658 witnes Chekenow x his mark Wyandance mark oxo Sasaketawah x mark The mantak Sachem The mark of Ambros x Sutten Tacpowsha his x mark " " Richard x Brush Division of Babylon Lands 1659 After wee ye Inhabitants of huntington by means of maineta — sachem had bought a sertaine number of necks of medowe at ye south side of ye Island : of seaquetauke and massapage Indians and have paid for them. The towne then disposed of these necks to particular men of the towne by ye TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON hundreds as there Rule of disposing of Land was : and that haulf neck which was massapage Indian land called by them tatamunehese weare for thomas weeks, william Rogers, Richard Ogden. Jonas wood, bartholoma smith and Henry whisson amounting to sixteen hundreds this haulf neck did belong to ye above named men to deride amongst them selves f( r their share which they did: sum amendment was afterwards given upon santipauge by the town to Jonas wood, thomas weeks and Henry whisson of the same haulf neck above said. Sumpwams Indian Deed. Know all persons by these presents that wee whose names are subscribed, namely pompott & mamascokan, seca- katake Indians being deputed and apointed by the Rest of our asosiate to Receive the payment of huntington men for a sertaine neck bought of ye said Indians, commonly called and known by ye name of sumpwams, wee say wee have Received of Epenetus Piatt in behalf of huntington, for our selves and all the Indians that have any right, their full satisfaction according to our bill of sail by us made as witnes our hands and seals ye 2nd December 1670. rhe word right interlined was before signing and sealling. Pwamas, sachems sun. acknowledg ye sam as witness my band and seall. Signed and sealled in presence of us John Brush the mark of x Thomas (L.S.) Epenetus Piatt " " " x Mamasop (L.S.) the mark of x Will Indian " " " x Pompott (L.S.) Daniell x Marken his mark This deed made by the Sucatogue Indians embraced only the meadows below the old Indian path and part of Babylon is now located within the territory deeded. This 9 8 HISTORY OF THE ORIGINAL was the furtherest east of all the necks purchased from the Indians in behalf of Huntington. Nov. 28, 1693 the Indians deeded Copiag Neck, South to John Wood, the property being bounded as follows: On the east by land of Samuel Wood, westward by Tatamuckatakis Creek, southward by meadows already pur- chased, northward by the Commons or 40 rods above the present Indian path. The Marsapeagues deeding this neck were Ahungem, Sonwames and Will Choppy. May 5, 1697 the Marsepague Indians Mame, Suructon and Will Chepey deeded to John Ketcham and Jonas Piatt a tract called by the Indians, Scuraway and by the English, Josiah's Neck from the South Meadows and running north by the swamp called by the English Wed Neck Swamp to the line of the said swamp upon the brushey plains, then on a straight line upon the brushey plains until it comes against the head of a short swamp joining the south meadows. Dec. 2, 1697 the Sucatogue Indians, Wameaus, Narwa- kam, Chipons, Charles Pamequa, Mumswarasen, Pompot, Mamescoken and Dumpshua deeded to Joseph Wood, Thomas Fleet and Nathaniel Foster the following described property. A certain neck of land adjoining a river that parteth this said neck and a neck called Sampaumes. This river called by the Indians, Amusk Comuncak. The neck called by the English the easternmost neck or commonly known as Captain Fleets Neck, and called by the Indians arase coseagge, bounded on the west by a swamp that parteth the other east neck and this neck. All this said neck of up- land from the edge of the meadow to the head of the swamp that parteth these two necks and to run one straight line TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON 99 east across the said neck to the great river that parteth the neck and a neck called Sampaumes as the same is now marked and laid out. In a deed made by the Indians, May 4, 1698 to the Trustees of the Town of Huntington of a tract of land and beach, the Indians reserved the right of fishing, fouling and hunting, and of gathering plume and hucel bearyes. East Neck was deeded by Wameas and Charles Pam, May 13, 1698 to the Trustees of the Town of Huntington. Dec. 16, 1699, Whawarem, Pampat and Will Cheepy, Sucatogue Indians deeded the following property to the Trustees. Bounded on the north by a line of Markt trees between according to the bounds set forth in the Patent of said Town of Huntington, south by the necks purchased and west by the south path leading to Copiague. the said Indians and the Inhabitants of Huntington, east The Neck commonly called Sampaumes was deeded tc the Trustees, April 14, 1702 the Indians reserving the right to hunt fish and foule and to gather Crambaryes. Misunderstandings having arisen about the division of the lands of Sump warns Neck and the village of Babylon, it is recorded May 15, 1740 that Epenetus Piatt and Phillip Ketcham of Huntington and Samuel Willis of Oyster Bay were appointed Yeomen Arbitrators, Indiferantly Chosen, Elected and Impartially Appointed by the propriators of a neck of upland Commonly known by the name of Sumpa- wames, to allot and Divide the said upland and the records HISTORY OF THE ORIGINAL disclose that they performed their work with great accuracy, each person's property being minutely described. Town Meeting, May 7, t 765. The same Day it was Voated that no furreners shall clam in our South Bay to make sale off on penalty of five pounds, any of our people giving strangers Lyberty shall forfeit forty shilling, neither fish, gun nor hunt on forfi- ture of sd. five pounds By any stranger. As near as can be ascertained there were no dwellings of any kind in Babylon until after 1700 or more than 43 years after the first transfer of land to Jonas Wood of Huntington, in fact even at the time of the Revolutionary War there were only a few settlers within the present Baby- lon limits and no records are available of any one serving in the Revolutionary War from Babylon proper, though un- questionably there were some. Col. Piatt Conklin who owned a large farm at Half Way Hollow and another large farm at West Neck now Amityville, and at the time of the Revolutionary War 67 years of age, was compelled with Thomas Fleet also a large farm owner near Babylon to take the Oath of Loyalty to the King and Thomas Fleet at least was forced to provide large quantities of grain and hay to the Queens Rangers at Huntington, and for which he never received a cent. Many pillaging parties of soldiers from the British Headquarters at Huntington raided the south side farms to procure supplies. Town Meeting, Huntington, May 6, 1783. Vote was carried on the above Day that no Person within the Township of Huntington, nor any other person should go upon the Marshes on the Island on the South side TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON 101 of this Island to cut any sedge grass before the first day of September under the penalty of paying the sum of Five Pounds for the offence, one half to go to the Complainer, the Other Half to the Overseers of the Poor for the use of the Poor. It is stated that one Arthur Dingee, owner of a large tract of land now forming part of the Village of Babylon was a noted Loyalist but the temperature became so warm for him, that he migrated with many other Tories to Nova Scotia in August 1783 and was followed by his wife and daughter in 1787. The whole family returned in 1792 when the animosity and hatred engendered by the war had prac- ticallv died out. J Town Meeting June 3, 1793. Also Voted that no Beach Clams on the south side of the Islands In our South Bay be catched by any Person Whatsoever to sell to Boatmen under the penalty of Ten Shillings per Thousand Clams for the Inhabitants of Hunt- ington to pay and Twenty shillings for Foreigners. And it is Ordained that Thos. Wickes, Esq., shall be Inspector of the Clams in the South Bay of the Town of Huntington and recover the Toleration and Give Permits for the Boatmen to carry said Clams away or authorize any other person. That the above order was exceedingly distasteful to the boatmen is shown by their posting the following notice shortly after the order was issued. Be it known To all it May Concern that the Boatmen will not pay hommig to Neither King nor Toleration Mas- ters under no less penalty than they shall fight for their Authoraty. io2 HISTORY OF THE ORIGINAL In the war of 1812, Babylon had its distinguished sons and among them were Jesse Abbott, Richard Dingee, Silas Cooper, Daniel Sammis, Israel Sammis, Jesse Sammis, John Tooker, Silas Tooker and Jesse Whitman. The ship Savannah wrecked off Babylon, Sunday night, Oct. 27, 1822 was a vessel with a remarkable record and the advertisement in the London Times of May 11, 18 19 certainly savors of the days of long ago. The announce- ment read as follows : "Great Experiment : — A new steam vessel of 300 tons, "The Savannah" has been built at New York for the express purpose of carrying passengers across the Atlantic. She is to come to Liverpool direct." This was the first steam propelled ship to cross the ocean. She could carry about 75 tons of coal and 25 cords of wood. Her builder was Francis Fickett of New York and it was built for Daniel Dodd. The engines were made at Morris- town, N.J., by Stephen Vail. The boat was launched August 22, 1818. The Captain was Moses Rogers, the navigator Stephen Rogers, both of whom were residents of New London. The ship sailed from Savannah, Ga. May 25, 18 19 and arrived at Liverpool, June 20th, the trip being made in 26 days, and steam being used 18 out of the 26 days. Later her steam machinery was removed and she became an ordinary sailing vessel, and it was as such she went to pieces Oct. 27, 1822 and all on board were lost, 11 bodies being washed ashore. The First Presbyterian Church of Babylon was erected about 1730 and was entirely destroyed by the British in 1778, the material being taken to Hempstead to make bar- racks for the troops stationed there. At the close of the Revolutionary War a new site was TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON 103 obtained and a two story church erected, made of large oak timbers and all supposed to have been hewed by hand. The interior of the church was not ornamented in any way or painted, the pulpit was very high, and the minister when seated was not visible even from the gallery which was on the east, south and west sides of the church. The people kept warm in cold weather by using foot stoves and a large wood stove for heating purposes was first used about 1831. In 1839 this church was moved to make room for a new church and the old one was converted into a residence. A total of 84 persons subscribed for the erection of this Church £32-4 S. and those contributing £ 1 or more were Jesse Weeks, Isaac Thompson, Silas Muncy, Aaron Higbie, Jesse Conklin, Timothy Scudder, Nathaniel Conklin, Phebe Conklin, Arthur Dingee, John Mowbray and Garrett Mont- fort. The Church was admitted to the Presbytery of Long Island on April 11, 1797. The Methodists of Babylon held their meetings in pri- vate dwellings or school-rooms until 1840, when a small Church 30 x 40 was built, which soon proved to be inade- quate and in i860 the large and ornamental church was completed and dedicated. Trinity Episcopal Church was organized in 1862 but w r as later merged into Christ Church of West Islip. The Babylon Baptist Church was organized in 1872, and the following year they erected a beautiful house of wor- ship. This church edifice was made possible very largely through the liberality of Mrs. Sarah Bertine and Mr. E. B. Litchfield. \ 1 1 STORY OF THE ORIGINAL St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church was erected in 1878, Rev. [OS. Coughlin being the first Parish Priest from 1878 to 1880. Sampawams Lodge No. 104 I.O.O.F., was instituted July 27, [849 with the following charter list, John Snod- grass, Jesse Conklin. Chas. Pascoe, Stephen Leek, Ebenezer Kellum, Stephen J. Wilson, E. V. Brown, Henry Southard, Henry Bedell and Valentine Sprague. Charter members of Babylon Lodge No. 793, F. & A.M. X opposite of name, living. This Lodge was instituted June 22, 1887. Theodore C. Fletcher Henry Buck Henry Livingston x George B. Burr Richard Higbie, Jr. Stephen de Forest x Charles Searle T. Edward Seaman Henry Seaman Henry H. Finlay Phillip T. Sammis Carl Schmidt x John W. Jarvis Leopold H. Fishel Charles S. Hendricks- n Norman Smith Dicio Falconer Smith A. Muncy George Dingithal Charles E. White Alonzo Matthias James MacLachlan The Post Office was established about 1803 an d * or a number of years was known as "Huntington South. P.O." The first postmaster was Major Timothy Carll. The first issue of the first newspaper was the Suffolk Democrat, April 8, 1859 under the editorship of John R. Reid. The paper had been published in Huntington for about 15 years and in 1866 it was removed back to Hunt- ington and became the "Suffolk Bulletin." TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON 105 Babylon furnished a large number of soldiers for the Civil. War and among them in the 127th Regiment, N.Y. Volunteers was 2nd Corporal Alfred C. Tillotson, who later conducted a grocery store for many years in Northport. Owing to the rapid growth of the Township of Hunting- ton and the distance separating the villages of Babylon, Amityville and Breslau from the Village of Huntington, there arose a strong desire to have the Township divided, both from geographical considerations and a wide diversity of interests between the towns of the North and South Shore and this desire finally culminated in an appeal to the State Legislature as follows : Petition to Divide the Town of Huntington. To the Legislature of the State of New York : We the undersigned voters and taxpayers of the Town of Huntington, Suffolk County, New York respectfully petition your Honorable Body for the passage of an act to divide the Town of Huntington into two towns. Dated January 27, 1872. The above petition was signed by 131 taxpayers, and the Act of the Legislature erecting the Town of Babylon out of the southern part of the Town of Huntington was passed March 13, 1872. The following is a summary of the Commissioner's report : We, the undersigned Commissioners duly named in and appointed under Chapter 105 of the Session Laws of the State of New York passed March 13, 1872 for the appor- tionment of the personal property belonging to the Old Town of Huntington (as it existed on the first Tuesday of April 1872) not required to meet liabilities of said Town of Huntington, then due, or about to become due, which had been authorized or directed, by any existing act, as also all ion HIST< >UY OF THK ORIGIXAL debts. bonds, obligations and liabilities of the Town of Huntington, existing at the time of the passage of the act, or which had been authorized or contracted, to apportion the same between the Town of Babylon and the Town of Huntington, as continued according to the amount of tax- able property in each to be ascertained by the assessment roll of the said Town of Huntington, for the year 1871, do hereby report as follows : viz : — Summary — We find the amount paid out for the old Town on bills, bonds, notes and contracts due, and contracted by said Town to be for the term ending April 2nd, 1872 $45,594.71 We find there are bills outstanding and not yet paid, amounting to 196.00 We find there are Bounty Bonds, not yet due, amounting to the sum of 7,600.00 There will be one year's interest on the above to April 1, 1874 532.00 Making total amount of obligations paid and to be hereafter paid as stated above $53,922.71 Deduct therefrom accounts pd. out 45,795.86 Leaves a balance to be provided for between the towns as per their proportional part, namely : Huntington $6501.48 - Babylon $1625.37 .... $ 8,126.85 Suffolk County ) ss. We the undersigned Commissioners appointed by and under Chapter 105, of the Session Laws of the State of Yew York, of 1872, and also John E. Ireland, present Supervisor of the Town of Babylon, do hereby certify that the sum of eight thousand one hundred and twenty six and 85/100 dollars ($8126.85) as shown by the annexed report TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON 107 as being due from the two towns collectively, has been pro- portioned as follows, viz : and the same has been raised on the tax list of the respective towns, and I, J. Amherst Woodhull, as Supervisor of the Town of Huntington, do hereby exonerate the Town of Babylon from the payment, the same having been received by me, from them, of her proportional part of the above named amount. Dated Amity ville, April 2, 1874. J. x\mherst Woodhull, Commissioner for Huntington James T. Morris, Commissioner of Babylon John E. Ireland, Supervisor of Babylon. All of the above is hereby submitted as being the whole and true account of all credits, debts, demands and evidences of indebtedness due, and to become due, for and against the Town of Huntington as it existed on the 2nd day of April, in the year one thousand eight hundred and seventy-two, subject however to any just and lawful claims for or against the said original Town as heretofore constituted, and the same to be decided as to their legality by the Supervisors of the respective Towns of Babylon and Huntington, for the time being when presented. Dated Amityville, Town of Babylon, April 2, 1874. J. Amherst Woodhull, Commissioner for Huntington James T. Morris, Commissioner for Babylon. Town of Huntington Town of Babylon $6501.48 1625.37 While Huntington still maintains its lead as the largest io8 HISTORY OF THE ORIGINAL village in the Township of Huntington, Babylon which now has a population of 3700, is second to that of Amityville with a population of 4245. During the last five years Amityville gained 980 in population while Babylon in the same time gained 1 175, so at the same ratio of gain it should pass Amityville in about 1940. The casual visitor or the summer sojourner is greatly impressed with the beauties of Babylon, and of course those that reside there are captivated by its many charms and seem to believe it bids fair to outshine its ancient namesake with its famous hanging gardens. The Long Island Railroad recently electrified the branch from Jamaica to Babylon, which will unquestionably greatly enhance its desirability as a place of residence and of course thereby greatly increase real estate values and result in a very rapid growth in population. The present taxable value of property of the Village of Babylon is $4,700,000. With its broad streets, several of which are hardsur- faced, its concrete walks, beautiful shade trees, famous shore front, delightful park, handsome residences and many imposing public buildings Babylon possesses all the neces- sary attributes that go to make up the attractive, thriving successful village of this present day and age. The Town Hall, a fireproof building, was erected in T917 and here are housed the necessary political machinery for conducting the business affairs of the Town of Babylon. Near the Town Hall is the Babylon Public Library, while across the street is the new Babylon Theatre erected in 1923 and supposed to have cost over $100,000. Oak Island and Fire Island inlets are famed as fishing resorts and for the vast number of fish that are caught there and for their large size, and particularly for the vast num- TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON ber and mammoth size of the fish stories that emanate from and around Babylon. Trie writer recalls one of these fish stories which ran about as follows : A party fishing in Oak Island inlet was trying to land a mammoth weak fish and in his excitement dropped his lighted pipe, which fell into the fish's mouth which just then managed to flop free, and lo and behold the following year the same party was fishing around in Hunt- ington Bay and landed the same fish and incidentally recov- ered his pipe, which was still smoking. Babylon claims to have more public water front than any town on Long Island and that means everything to the general public in these days when the automobile makes distances a secondary consideration. With its boating, fishing, cruising, yachting, bathing and hunting, it holds out inducements for practically every member of the family to locate within its beautiful borders, and with unsurpassed schools, and beautiful Memorial Park, it almost irresistibly captivates the average home-seeker. According to the latest available figures the member- ship of Babylon Churches is as follows : St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church 1400 Presbyterian Church 557 Methodist Church 400 Christ Protestant Episcopal 200 First Baptist 175 African Methodist Episcopal 16 Babylon is proud of the average longevity of its citizens and submits a list of those living within her borders and who have passed the allotted span of life of 70, as set forth in the Book of Books. The list is part of the closing section. I l() HISTORY OK THE ORIGINAL BABYLON IN 1930. It seems quite reasonable to suppose that the Babylon five years hence will scarcely be recognizable by the village residents of today, for it must inevitably extend its limits to accommodate the thousands that will want to locate with- in her boundaries, particularly since the electric car service has been installed. Mere growth in population is not desirable and so Baby- lon must place proper restrictions, so that along with quan- tity she will likewise be assured of quality, for quantity alone is a great liability and scarcely if ever becomes a real asset. In enlarging her boundaries ample provision should be made for parks and schools and fire protection, for the ex- tension of concrete side-walks and streets, for a sewerage system, in fact for all the conveniences and requirements of a city of the first class today. In vision one can picture the greater Babylon of 1930 as .a city of from 10 to 12 thousand people, with broad ave- nues, all hard surfaced, with department stores and beautiful public buildings and handsome bungalows, residences and mansions and estates, with absolutely fire proof school build- ings, half hour service to the city, beautiful recreation parks, and a city government second to none, and with the single idea in view of making Babylon the cleanest, the prettiest, the healthiest, the most charming and the most desirable place in the world in which to live. TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON NORTHPORT We have now arrived at what was originally intended to be the subject of this article, namely, "NORTHPORT SEVENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO, AND NORTHPORT TODAY." What tender memories are recalled by the mere mention of the word Northport, to one who has lived within her boundaries for nearly thirty years, and it was only because of a profound regard and esteem for my beloved Northport that induced me to consider for a single moment breaking into print on any subject, but after a little meditation and reflection, it seemed to me if the article could be presented to the public of this particular part of Suffolk County in the proper light, it might result in lasting benefits of inestim- able value, particularly to Northport and also to the entire town of Huntington. It was my purpose in the beginning to confine myself to the title as above stated, deriving my information very largely from the personal recollections of one who lived in those stirring days of 1850 and who is still with us, but in collecting the necessary material to do that, a thirst or desire was created to trace Northport back to its earliest days, until the subject became an entrancing one, and believing it will prove to be most interesting and instructive reading and well worth while from an historical standpoint, we will consider Northport first from about 1657 or 2 ^8 years ago down to about 1800, and in doing so it will perhaps enable us to bet- ter understand the real subject when we come to it of "The Northport of 75 years ago", and "The Northport of [12 HISTORY OF THE ORIGINAL today", and 1 am hoping that somehow, sometime, and I trust that sometime may be very soon, when the real pur- pose for which the article was written will be accomplished, and that "The Northport of tomorrow" will then stand forth in regal splendor, as the most beautiful village, not only of the great Empire State, but of all the Eastern United States as well, and it is solely with that ultimate aim and object in view that the article was written. As citizens of this great republic, we are all more or less interested in our ancestral or family tree, and so I have no doubt the citizens of this beautiful village would like to know something of the very earliest days of Northport, but careful search fails to give any very definite information as to just when or who were the first settlers here. Whether the first ones to settle here came by boat up the harbor, or whether they approached the harbor, through the valley, that later became the Main Street, or whether their eyes first beheld the beautiful handiwork of nature from Highland Park, or whether they first came from Huntington as seems quite likely, matters but little, for from any vantage point, any desire or instinct they might possess for the beau- tiful and the artistic, would naturally be stirred to its deepest depths, and well might they have exclaimed, "truly here the firmament showeth the handiwork of the great Creator/' and here in this enchanted spot we will build our homes, and those early pioneers have handed down to their descendants, the same belief and regard and love for the natural beauties of Northport, as stirred their hearts so many years ago. While I have every appearance of being a venerable old gray headed man. and might possibly be taken to be seventy- five or more, and that hence this article was written from personal experience, beg leave to assure the reader that such is not the case by any means, and that I am just as young in spirit as when twenty-one and not only that, I am TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON 113 not even a native New Yorker or Northporter, having first beheld the light of day in the good old Hawkeye State and having moved to this village from Chicago in 1897, and hence it stands to reason, that for history and geography of seventy-five years ago, I could not even draw upon the imagination, and so I have consulted with one who was then well on the road to ninety-two years of age, and who seventy-five years ago was a sturdy lad of sixteen or seven- teen, and born in the house that stands a little to the west of the Centerport bridge. I refer to Capt. Henry Frank Smith, than whom no better man ever sailed the seas, a man of sterling worth and unimpeachable character, universally loved and respected by all who know him and in my humble opinion gifted with the most remarkable memory for names, dates and events of any man with whom I have ever come in contact, a memory that any young man of 21 could well envy, and as I have listened to his recital of those old days of 75 years ago, that recital has woven about me a fascination and charm that I wish I might impart to the reader that he too might see in vision the good old days of our fathers that we frequently hear so much about when life consisted in living, unhampered by modern inventions and organizations and responsibilities that sap our strength and steal away our time. The statements made relative to 75 years ago, are made from memory only, and it is not claimed or to be presumed that they are infallible, for to tie oneself down explicitly to the year 1850 would be an utter impossibility, but it is be- lieved they are practically correct, and certainly correct in so far as human memory can recall them, and so far as they could be verified by other people and as I know of no other source where information can be secured that would give a bird's-eye view of this village as it existed in 1850 it really 114 HISTORY OF TI1K ORIGINAL becomes a matter of quite some historical importance. Of course it is needless to say that people were just the same then as they are now, indeed they were bone of our bone and flesh of our flesh, our progenitors, and we esteem and cherish and revere their memory, and may we ever re- member that we are, what we are, very largely because of what they were then, and may all their good qualities as well as ours be transmitted to our posterity. In those good old days, there were the same likes and dis- likes, the same loves and hates, and here the progressive youth of their day, wooed and won the blushing, bashful maidens in the same old way, and even long before their time, here also the native American, the red man wooed the dusky Indian damsel and perhaps fought mighty con- flicts where Xorthport now stands for the surrounding region abounds in arrow heads, etc., and so as I tread the concrete side-walks that now line the village streets, and see the same sun, the same moon and the same stars as beamed forth upon those who once trod this historic ground, in vision and fancy I would fain call forth the mighty cloud of witnesses that ever set foot on this beautiful island, and listen to the recital of their life story, that one might revel in the history of by-gone ages, and then that one might by means of some magic wand or mystic power be made to feel that right here, in our very midst, is that fountain of per- petual youth for which Ponce DeLeon sought in vain, and whereby one might continue to read the life recital of suc- ceeding ages until earth shall be no more. If dreams and fancies and visions and ideals could only be made realities, then I am sure that every man, woman and child could and would hitch, not their wagon but their auto to a star, universal brotherhood would reign supreme and the human race be so uplifted, that man would continue to grow more and more like the Great Master of Men. TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON 115 That seems to be the task mapped out for posterity and not for our present day and generation, though fortunately I believe we are headed that way. The old original settlement of the Town of Huntington was about ten miles in extent east and west, and twenty miles north and south and included the present town of Babylon, being bounded on the north by Long Island Sound, on the east by Smithville or Smithtown, on the south by the Atlan- tic Icean and on the west by the town of Oyster Bay. The first historical fact concerning Northport then known as Cow Harbor was the second purchase of property from the Matinnecock Indians in 1656. Cow Harbor was the name applied to this section for a great many years, in fact the first mention of Northport as far as the town records disclose was in 1837 or 181 years after the land was purchased from the Indians. The second purchase or deed of property which included Northport (then designated Cow Harbor) is such a unique and interesting document it is here produced in full. "This indenture made in the yeare 1656, in or abought the Laste day of July bee twixt Asharoken Montinnock Sachem and the reste of the Indian owners with him, on the one parte, and Jonas Wood, William Rogers, Thomas Wilkes, for themselves and the reste of theire associates, on the other parte ; Witnesseth that I, Asharoken have solid unto Jonas Wood, William Rogers, Thomas Wilkes all the medoe, freshe, and salte lyinge and beinge upon the north side of Longe Islande, from our fourmer bounds Cow Har- bor brooke to Neesaquock river, all the medoe within these bounds weste and easte, and to the north sayd to as far as Asharokens bounds goeth "Southwards, as the necke called Eatons Necke, Crabmedos, and all the reste of the medows within the a fore sayde boundes with all the arbige that is or shall bee heareafter upon the woods, lands with in the a i [6 HISTORY OF THE ORIGINAL fore sayde bounds to bee the afore sayd Jonas is Willans and Thomas is to them and thare a sosiats, heeres and execators for ever, rasarvinge to the Indians Liberty to plante and hunte within thees a fore sayd bounds, and that for and in consideration of 2 coates, fore shertes, seven quarts of licker and aleven ounces of powther in witness heeareof wee have set to our hands. Acharoken X his mark Jonas Wood Makamah X his mark William Rogers Syhar X his mark Thomas Wilkes Foger X his mark Poynepya X his mark Xamerows X his mark Mohemos X his mark Mamarad X his mark Manateroryi e X his mark Entered in ye office at New Yorke the 15th day of October, 1666. Matthias Nicolls, Seer. Included in the above deed was all the property between the brook at the head of Northport Harbor and Smithtown Harbor, South to Old Country Road and North to the Sound. It would also appear from this deed, that what is now the ultra fashionable and beautiful Asharoken Beach derived its name from this Matinnecock chieftain. No doubt immediately after this purchase in 1656 set- tlers began to locate around Northport Bay, but again his- tory is silent as to their names. Remarkable as it may seem, there is no record whatever of any trouble between the first white settlers on Long Island and the Indians then occupying the Island, and I am inclined to believe it was very largely due to the fact that here the settlers bargained with the natives first and paid them for TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON 117 their lands, while in New England in many instances they seized the lands first and then arranged payment afterward. The following is the last Indian deed of record and was executed by Ned Lane and two squaws, Charity Lane and Bette Squa, the sole survivors of the once very powerful Matinnecock tribe. This deed it will be observed covers the same territory deeded in 1656 with the addition of Eaton's Neck and ex- tended from the head of Cow Harbor or Northport Harbor to Smithtown. No reason is assigned for this duplication of deeds but it would seem perhaps that Ned was in need of winter blan- kets (it being in February), and a little change in his pocket and so laid claim to the land in question as sole heir of the Matinnecocks. The deed reads as follows : — To all People to whom these Presents shall come know ye that we ned Lane and Charity Lane & also Bette Squa the widow of Maharason Indian Deceased all of Huntington in Suffolk County on Nassau Island Being the only Surviv- ing Heirs of Asharoken Metinicok Sachem Deseased have for & in Consideration of two Good New Dutch Blanquits as also for a Valueeble Sum of Currant Money of New York to us in hand well and truly Paid by Joseph Lewis Prece- dent Timothy Scuder Cornelius Hartt Samuel Stratton, Reuben Brush, Jeremiah Wood and Jecobus Nostran all of the same place Being Present trustees of the Town of Hunt- ington aforesaid the recept whereof we do hereby acknow- ledge & ourselves therewith to be fully satisfied & contented & Do hereby acquit & Discharge the said Trustees above named & their associates, their Heirs, successor & Assigns forever have given Granted Bargained sold alienated en- feeffed Conveyed & Confirmed & By these Presents do fully & absolutely give grant Bargain sell alien enfeeff convey & nS HISTORY OF THE ORIGINAL confirm unto them the said trustees above named their asso- ciates their Heirs successors and assigns Forever all the Soyl Right Planting and Hunting right and all the remain- der whatsoever that was Reserved to the Indians in a Cer- tain Deed from under the hand & seal of the said asharoken & his associates Bearing Date the Last Day of July 1656. that is from Cow Harbor Brook to Nesequag River within those Bounds west and east and to the North sea and as far southwards as asharokens Bounds or Limmits Did ever ex- tend and the Neck called eatons Neck and Crabmedow all Being within the Limmits of the Former Pattent granted unto the said Town of Huntington with all the timbers Trees rights Lyberties & appurtenances to the same Belong- ing or appertaining To Have & To Hold all the above Demised Premises with the appurtenances unto them ye said Trustees their heirs successors and assigns Forever and we the said Ned Lane Charity Lane and Bette Squa do hereby declare that we had good & Law full right to sell & Dispose of ye same in manner as above said and that the said Trustees above named their heirs successors & assigns shall & may at all times forever hereafter By Virtue here of Peacably & Quietly have hold Possess & Injoy all ye above Demised premises with the Appurtenances free & clear from all former Bargains & sales whatsoever In wit- ness hereunto we have set to our hand & seals this second day of February Anno Dominie one thousand and seven hundred and sixty Two. Sealed & delivered In the presence of Joshue Ketcham Solomon Ketcham Ned (his X mark) Lane Charity (her X mark ) Lane Bette ( her X mark) Squa TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON 119 Evidently the inhabitants of Cow Harbor from the time this land was purchased in 1656 up to the close of the Revolutionary War dwelt in harmony, and done nothing unseemly for there is no record whatever of any of them having to appear before the town fathers for any offence whatever. It is a matter of record that at the close of the Revo- lutionary War there were 221 heads of families in the town of Huntington, apportioned as follows : Huntington proper 102, West Hills 28, Long Swamp 13, Dix Hills 35, Old Field 12 and Northport 31 and the estimated population was 1 100. The 31 families residing in Cow Harbor or Northport were as follows : — The records disclose that Nathaniel Jarvis served in Captain John Wickes Company from July 29th to Aug. 31, 1776 and Jesse Bryant in Capt Nathaniel Piatt's Company, Joseph Bunce Joshua Bunce Widow Bunce Zebulon Bunce Benjamin Denice Thos. Fleet Widow Havens Dan Higby Abel Akerly Samuel Akerly Jesse Baldwin Jeams Bishop Epenetus Bryant Jesse Bryant Widow Bryant Joseph Higby Stephen Higby Jeams Hill Abraham Jarvis Icabod Jarvis Nathaniel Jarvis Nathaniel Kelcy Wm. Nichols Jesse Oaks Jacob Piatt Josiah Rogers Noah Rogers Stephen Rogers Phineas Sills Widow Udall Stephen Wickes I JO 1 1 1 STORY OF Till". < )RIGINAL both a part of Col. Josiah Smith's Regiment, and presum- ably both took part in the battle of Brooklyn after which tiie regiment was disbanded, many returning home and a few joining the Continental Army. Apparently these were the only two from Cow Harbor or Xorthport that had any part in the Revolutionary War for in the first lot of 430 that took the Oath of Loyalty to the King at Huntington, we find the names of Abel Akerly, Jesse Baldwin, Jeams Bishop, Jesse Bryant, Joseph Bunce, Joshua Bunce. Zebulon Bunce, Benjamin Denice, Dan Higby, Joseph Higby, Stephen Higby, Abraham Jarvis, Ichabod Jarvis, Nathaniel Jarvis, Nathaniel Kelcy, Wm. Nichols, Jesse Oaks, Jacob Piatt, Josiah Rogers, Stephen Rogers, Phineas Sills and Stephen Wickes, a total of 22 and a few days later in the same year, 1778, there were 119 additional men took the oath, among which were Samuel Ackerly, Epenetus Bryant, Thos. Fleet, Jeams Hill and Noah Rogers, or a total of 27, and the 4 widows mentioned in the list of inhabitants accounts for the entire 31 families. It was absolutely necessary to take this Oath of Loyalty or be accused of treason, besides having one's prop- erty confiscated, as this entire section was completely under the domination of the British, they having a regiment or more of British soldiers stationed in the Village of Hunt- ington. Of the 31 families living in Cow Harbor at the close of the Revolutionary War, 17 of them appear on the Assess- ment Roll, their property being assessed as follows : Samuel & Abell Akerly Epenetus Bryant Jessie Bryant Jeams Bishop Joseph Bunce £ 70 170 36 47 TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON 121 Benjamin Denice 60 Joseph Higby 42-10 James Hill 63 Abraham Jarvis 55 Ichabod Jarvis 50 Nathaniel Kelcy 1 10 Wm. Nichols 20 Jesse Oaks 95 Jacob Piatt 68 Josiah Rogers 114 Noah Rogers 120 Phineas Sills 25 The first official notice in the Town Records dealing with Cow Harbor specifically is in 1795 an d ls m tne f° rni of a petition to the trustees as follows : Petition to the Trustees May 20, 1795. We the subscribers Inhabitants of Cow Harbor would direct our request to the Consideration of Mr. John Brush President of Huntington. We think ourselves much ag- grieved by a particular set of Persons who are making it their Business to catch and carry Clams & Oysters to New England and as the Bed is but small they will soon all be destroyed and we forever be deprived of the priveledge. We wish that some means might speedily be used to put a stop to it which would be a public benefit as well as a great convenience to us. The persons employed in the Business are two or three Free Blacks belonging to this Town & two or three others from we know not where. We are certain it is not for want of employment that would be more profit but because they are two Idle to fol- low it. This petition is signed by 36 of the then residents of Northport. 122 HISTORY OF T1IK ORIGINAL In the minutes of the Trustees Meeting of Jan. 28, 1802 it is recorded that inquiry was to be made "as to who has been cutting Cedars & Pines on Eatons Neck Beach." Phineas Carll and Daniel Jarvis appointed to go to Eaton Neck Beach. Also a Complaint respecting the Thatch being cut at Cow Harbour by Win. Sills. The following record has to do with what was undoubt- edly the first dock constructed in Northport. 1802 To the President and Trustees of the Town of Hunting- ton. We the Undersigned being Inhabitants of said Town & persons who frequent the Landing Called Bryans Landing in said Town Humbly Request that A Grant or Permission may be you be given us for the purpose of building a Public Dock at said Landing as aforesaid under such Rules and Regulations as a majority of the persons concerned may adopt from time to time. As the public utility of a Dock as afore said must be fully manifest to you we flatter ourselves you will not hesi- tate to comply with our request. Am Gentlemen yours, &c, The above petition bears 28 signatures. May 18, 1802. Whereas Jesse Bryan, Elles Carll, John Scudder and other Inhabitants of the Town of Hunt- ington and other persons frequenting the Landing called Bryans Landing in the Eastern part of the Town of Hunt- ington did by their Petition to the President and Trustees of the Commonality of the Town of Huntington request that a Grant or permission be given them and such other TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON ' 123 persons as might associate themselves with them for the purpose of building a Dock at said Landing under such rules and regulations as a Majority of the persons concerned might from time to time adopt of and concerning the same. The President and Trustees in pursuance of the request contained in said petition did on the last Tuesday of April Grant the same with full power and authority to said persons to build said Dock and to make such necessary laws and regulations of and concerning the same as may be deemed by them or a Majority of them right and proper. Huntington, May 18, A. D. 1802. By Order of the Trustees. John Ketcham, Clerk. A copy Granted. Lease — Trustees of Town of Huntington to Joseph C. Lewis March 1, 1824. "A certain piece of land covered with water situate in the said Town of Huntington at a place called and known by the name of Cowharbour and on the west side thereof for the express purpose of Building a Dock thereon bounded as followeth beginning feet northward of the old Dock by the Mill of Henry S. Lewis and others running easterly into the Harbour to low water mark thence Northerly one hundred feet, thence westerly to high water mark, thence southerly to the Place of beginning but not to obstruct the free passage of carriages along the shore on the west side of the S'd dock or lot of land above Described." Covenant of quiet enjoyment. Term fifty years. Rental 6 cents yearly. Right of re-entry reserved in event of nonpayment of rent. U4 HISTORY OF THE ORIGINAL Dock to be built in three years. Kates of wharfage specified. Option of renewing the lease given to Lessee for same term at same rental. Nathaniel Potter, P. D. Witness Moses Scudder Roswell Drigg Recorded by Moses Rolph, Town Clerk The reader will please observe that this in reality was a lease for too years at a total rental of $6.00. The next official notice of Northport is a Special Meet- ing of the Trustees, the record reading as follows :- Trustee Proceedings. Special Meeting, Nov. 10, 1828. At a meeting of the trustees of the Freeholders and commonality of the Town of Huntington convened in the village of Cow harbour on -Monday, the 10th day ''of November 1828, present Isaac Conklin, Pres., Selah Carll, Richard Van Wyck, John Ketcham, John Oakley, Junr. Trustees. Resolved that the Commissioners of Highways in and for said Town do lay out a public highway round little neck. Recorded by Moses Rolph, Town Clerk. There was a lease granted for a dock at the head of great Cow Harbour, Sept. 5, 1832 and some time between that date and June 10, 1837 tne name of Cow harbour was changed to Northport but the record is silent as to why or when or by whom. The closing statement of the Meeting of the Trustees. June 10, 1837 is as follows: Resolved that the board do now adjourn to Friday in- stead of Saturday at North Port the 16th day of June inst. at 2 O'clock P. M. TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON 125 Lease — Trustees to John Velsor. "A certain piece of land covered with water at the head of North port (formerly Great Cow- harbour) at a place called James Point, bounded westerly by a highway newly laid out, easterly by the Channel to be seventy feet front and rear, which land included is for the express and only purpose of building a Dock in such manner as not to incumber the highway at the head of said Dock." Term twenty three years. Rental fifty cents yearly. Trustees reserve right of re-entry in the event of non- payment of rent. Covenant of quiet enjoyment. Rates of Wharfage specified. Dated 5th Sept. 1839. Witness Chas. A. Floyd, Pres. (Seal) Josiah Smith Recorded by Josiah Smith, Town Clerk. Petition Sept. 1, 1842. We the Subscribers, Inhabitants and freeholders in the Town of Huntington do hereby petition to the trustees of said town (or if not proper) to the legal authorities having power to act in such cases to take into consideration the necessity of putting a Stop to dredging for oysters in the harbour of Northport thereby destroying much property belonging to the town. Dated, Northport, Sept. 1, 1842. J. C. Lewis. Selah Bunce Melancton Bryan Lewis Ketcham Bryan Scidmore Isaac M. Fleet Lyman Sammis Abraham Ketcham James F. Hartt H. Sanford Augustus H. Scudder John B. Kelsey Piatt Lewis Epenetus Ketcham Solomon Rogers. 126 HISTORY OK THE ORIGINAL The following is a fair sample of the leases for shore property entered into between the Town Trustees and pri- vate individuals. Lease — Trustees to Moses Hart, dated Sept. 24, 1846. "A certain piece of land covered with water situate in 1 he said Town of Huntington at a place called and known by the name of Northport Harbour bounded as follows, viz: beginning on a parallel line with Piatt Lewis, north line adjoining the highway that runs east by Selah Bunce at highwater mark and running westerly seventy feet from low water mark into the harbour, thence southerly four hundred and ninety five feet, thence easterly to high water mark, thence northerly 490 feet to the place of beginning, for the express purpose of building a dock. Not to obstruct free passage of vehicles on the east side of the dock. Term, twenty one years. « Rental, eight and 25/100 dollars yearly. Trustees to re-enter in event of non-payment of rent. Covenant of quiet enjoyment. Trustee to renew lease upon such terms as may be agreed upon. Gilbert Carll, Pres. Recorded by Josiah Smith. Town Clerk. A paper called the Northport Advertiser was published in Northport for several years by Jos. S. Lewis and the Suffolk County Journal by Benjamin T. Robbins. The First Presbyterian Church of Northport was regularly organized in, 1794, though a tentative organiza- tion existed for some years prior thereto, the first minister being the Rev. Joshua Hartt, more familiarly known as Priest Hartt. This church was built in Fresh Pond and TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON 127 Rev. Hartt served the church from 1783 to 1809. He is said to have married more couples than any minister in the town of Huntington either before or since his time. The record discloses over 500 marriages and the ordinary fee was $3.00. The last entry in his marriage record after stating the facts relative to the marriage, concludes by saying, "Promised $50.00 and paid nothing." The first church was a modest frame building, located on what is now known as the Ft. Salonga road. In 1829 a new building was erected at Red Hook, now Vernon Valley, in back of what is commonly called the David Bryant house, and when the present church was built in 1873 tne building in Vernon Valley was moved to the foot of Main Street and forms part of the stores now oc- cupied by the A. & P. store and Harry Kirby's and one of the original windows is still intact on the south side of his ice-cream parlor. Temperance societies became very active and very ag- gressive about 1843 an d finally centered in a political issue, and the vote at a town meeting in 1846 was : for license 505 against license 483. Oyster beds were first discovered in Northport Bay in 1848 and later became the leading industry of the village. Northport has ever been a fraternity town, being far ahead of her sister villages in Suffolk County as far as fraternities are concerned. The first lodge located in Northport was Northport Lodge No. 270 I. O. O. F. instituted March 22, 1847. The record discloses that on Jan. 19, 1847 Brothers Joel Bryan, Thos. B. Smith, Selah Bunce, Wm. Spriggs, Abraham M. Ketcham, Arden M. Hallock and John F. Udall petitioned the Grand Lodge for a charter, and the application stated among other things that some of the petitioners had perilled their lives in rescuing the passengers u8 history ok the original and crew of the Steamer "Rhode Island" driven ashore November i, 1846. That they had recognized the O. F. signal of distress given from the steamer and had very promptly responded. The charter was granted with seven charter members as above named. Capt. Selah Bunce was presented with a gold medal by the passengers of the ill fated "Rhode Island," and the in- scription reveals that there were only three of these charter members directly concerned in the rescue, being Capt. Selah Bunce and Wm. Spriggs and John F. Udall. This medal was inscribed as follows: Presented to Capt. Selah Bunce by the passengers of the steamer "Rhode Island" for his intrepidity and courage. Who with his brave associates, John F. Udall, Chas. Conk- lin, John B. Howard, Nathaniel H. Kelsey, Win. Spriggs & Jacob Jarvis, manned the first boat and came to their rescue while lying in great peril among the breakers off the Long Island shore, November 1, 1846. This medal which was a reward for distinguished bravery and at the same time as a heartfelt expression of the deepest gratitude on the part of those rescued is now in the possession of Mrs. Chas. T. Sammis who was a daughter of John F. Udall. Northport Lodge No. 270 held its sessions in the old sail loft on the dock and numbered as its membership about 1854, the following. Joel Bryan Charter Member Selah Bunce Thos. B. Smith Arden M. Hallock Abraham M. Ketcham Wm. Spriggs Parmenius I. Hawkins Jonas S. Higbee Shepard Higbee John W. Hulse Cornelius E. Ketcham Harvev Ketcham TOWXSHIP OF HUNTINGTON fTilhp-rt ArVprlv vjiiuvi l i iti\ci i y I UC1 S\. xvClUldlll vai i 1 lai 1 v-J . Dal L v / Qfprvhpn A Y< ptr*nQtn oicpncii r\. rvc luuiiij Coalman Rarto T< crhprt S T PW1nnmnrp l_y lllJllcllCL i\ . VJClV-llllClC 1 Pll'l? I ro ff L(C U 15 tall I nrpii7n ShsiflhriTt l^Ul CuiU OlldLlUvJlL lompc rimer I alllCo JLVdl llllii Tipvirl stinmnrp lya V 1U vJcVUUillUl c Walfpr Tjarlincr vv ctiici xvciiiiiiti Albert AT Smith / XX UC 1 L ^\ _L . vJllllLll \\ ashmp'ton Darlincr VV cl. J 1111. LW1 1 1 s CI 1 Hilt Hpnrv Smith Edmund B. Gardiner John H. Smith Piatt L. Gildersleeve Urban Smith Wm. Hamilton Cornelius Suydam Adam A. Hartt Ebenezer I. V elsor Joel S. Hartt Ji hn L. Yelsor Orman Wheeler Darling B. Whitney The membership list, the degree certificate of Past Grand Henry S. Lewis issued Feb. 16, 1852 and entitling him to membership in the Grand Lodge of the I. O. 0. F. of Southern New York, and a withdrawal certificate issued to Past Grand Henry S. Lewis Sept. 18, 1854 are now in the possession of Northport Lodge No. 523 I. O. O. F. which was instituted February 19, 1885. It seems that dues and assessments became heavier than the members thought they could stand and having divided up the lodge funds which was directly contrary to the laws of the Grand Lodge, that body in Grand Lodge Session HIST< >RY OF THIi ORIGINAL June 7, 1855 declared all the members expelled from the order. The following beautiful poem was published in the Suffolk Democrat, Huntington, Friday, April 26, 1850. Address to the Members of Northport Lodge No. 270 I. O. O. F. by P>ro. Edmund B. Gardiner. Brothers! the time has come, The door is closed, the word is passed The opening ode is sung. All, all are here me thinks, and when Within this Lodge I last did meet with thee For mutual council, and assistance. Since then, the widow lone ofttimes Upon her knees has thanked us in God's name, for aid and sustenance. The Orphan, too, has felt our timely care And been preserved, from vice and infamy. The Sailor, wrecked in distant climes Perhaps in great distress If he a true Odd Fellow there Has found, has had relief. Thousands throughout the universal world Have been recipients of our kindly aid When needed most. Humanity to man, has been our aim ; Binding together all who joined with us In the marmonious and triple chain Of "Friendship, Love and Truth." "Reason is man's chief attribute" Base must he be indeed whose soul Feels no vibrations to the gentle sounds Of unity and peace. TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON 131 "For, should the Goddess, Harmony descend From her high throne where she attunes the spheres Would her celestial music aught avail To melt his rugged and unfeeling heart." None such we trust has ever yet Ventured within these walls. Brothers ! let us remember well our charge, Our duty to our country, and our God. And may we cherish with our hearts sincere That Fellowship, which like a charm has spread Its influence through the nations of our earth. Leases having to do with Eaton's Neck Beach. Trustees Town of Huntington to Israel Carll, Feb. 7, 1854. Lease :- "All that part of Eaton's Neck Beach belonging to the Town of Huntington for the purpose of selling sand for his own benefit. To have and to hold the aforesaid part of Eaton's Neck Beach belonging to the Town of Huntington for the aforesaid purpose and no other unto him the said party of the second part, his heirs executors, administrators or assigns for and during the full term of six years from the date of these presents." Rental, eighty dollars yearly. Trustees reserve right of re-entry in event of non-pay- ment of rent. Richard M. Conklin, Pres. Witnessed & acknowledged Geo. H. Shepard, witness. At a meeting of the Trustees held at the house of Francis Olmstead, Northport, on November 19th, 1859. Resolved, That the privilege of selling sand from Eaton's Neck Beach be sold at auction for the term of five years, and that payments be made half yearly to the Pres- HISTORY OF THK ORIGINAL ident, security given for the payment if required. The purchaser to take possession on the seventh of February. i860. The beach was sold to David Carll for three hundred dollars per year. Gilbert Carll, President. Recorded by Israel Carll, Clerk. Boats ran in and out of Northport as follows : 1842 "The Sun" and "The Flushing" 1852 "The Croton" 1855 "The George Law" 1856 "The Island Belle" i860 "The Mayflower" 1 865- 1 866 "The Pilot Boy" 1866 "The Matamro" 1866 D. R. Martin which lost money and discon- tinued for some years. 1888 "The Jessie B" 1889 "The Portchester" 1890 'The Aeronaut" 1890 "The Northport" The following school report was rendered by Joseph H. Ray, Town Superintendent of Schools, May 14, 1850. Number of children over five and under sixteen years of age attending District School No. 4 — Northport, 96. Amount of Teachers wages $62.10. Account Library money $15 53. In District No. 27 Eaton's Neck it was reported that a district school had not been kept for several years. Total wages paid for teachers in entire town $1201.96. This brings us down to 1850 or 75 years ago, those good old days when there were no drug stores, no shoe stores, no TOWNSHIP OF HfUNTINGTON ice cream parlors, no clothing stores, no beauty shops, no automobiles, no trolley, no movies but just a general store that was supposed to keep everything from paregoric and paints, to dry goods, needles and ship supplies. Beautifully situated among the foot hills of Long Island on the North Shore, Northport 75 years ago, was about the same as far as topography is concerned as it is today, it merely having enlarged and expanded as it grew in popula- tion. It was then and is today pierced by three leading streets, Main Street, Bayview Avenue and Woodbine Avenue. Main Street running east and west crosses or separates near the harbor, Bayview and Woodbine Avenues which might be said to be one and the same street, merely bearing different names from their intersection with Main Street. Let us in imagination take our limousine and make an afternoon call on our friends and neighbors of 75 years ago, going through the sandy, dusty and narrow roads to the toot of Bayview Avenue and taking in first the west or harbor side of the Avenue. What marvelous changes have taken place here since 1850, there being very few buildings of those former days for us to gaze upon and some that were there rebuilt or remodeled. First there is the Selah Bunce residence and property, later known and still referred to as the James property, as beautiful a location as heart could desire. Directly to the south and having a shore frontage as set out in the lease heretofore referred to of 495 feet was the shipyard of Moses Hart. Here among other vessels were built the schooner, the "J- M. Kissam" and a sea going vessel the "Wm. L. Coggs- well." Then came the residence of Moses Hart, who was the HISTORY OF THE ORIGINAL grandfather of Mrs. Geo. S. Hendrickson. It was in this house that later Capt. H. F. Smith's father died. The next residence to the south, was that of Capt. Beebe. an old Sandy Hook pilot, and directly south of that the famous Octagon House built by Capt. James Beebe and which is still there today. Mr. Zenas Ivins, a ship carpenter, resided in the next house to the south and next to him Mr. George Tillott, who was also a ship carpenter and Foreman Carll's shipyard for many years. Then came the residence of A. M. Brewster at the foot of Stanton Street and just about where the Northport Yacht Club now stands. Directly to the south was the house of Epenetus Smith, later the property of the late Sidney F. Smith and the next residence near the shipyard was that of Bunce Smith who kept a store. Carll's shipyard must have been natural shore front in 1850 as they did not start their yard until 1852. Standing near the side-walk in Carll's shipyard is the old Joseph C. Lewis house where Joseph S. Lewis was born and presumably his son the late Herbert Lewis. This house has been estimated as being 150 years old. Prior Hart's shipyard joined Carll's shipyard and extended as far south as the Northport House. The Northport House originally an old store, stood where it does today, with a mammoth weeping willow tree in front of it. To the west of the Northport House and south of Prior Hart's shipyard was the old Steamboat Dock, where it is today, though in 1850 in much better condition. The small dwelling house now in the rear of Roulston's store, stood on the steamboat dock in 1850 and was a general store conducted by Capt. Jonas Higby and Bunce Smith. Main Street as it does today extended down to the water, and in later years a small barber shop stood on that property. TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON The reader will observe that in 1850 there were the fol- lowing houses that are still standing today. The Selah Bunce or James house, the Octagon house, the Joseph C. Lewis house in the shipyard and the North- port house. BAY VIEW EAST SIDE There were no residences on the east side of Bay View Avenue from the James property to the residence of Nathaniel Higby about opposite the Octagon House. The next residence was that of Henry Sammis, father of Chas. T. Sammis and where Mrs. Hattie Kirby now lives. Jesse Carll, the 2nd, lived where Jesse 3rd and 4th now reside, and David Carll, brother of Jesse 2nd lived where Mr. Benjamin Carll now resides. Erastus Hart a ship-builder, nephew of Moses Hart and son of Samuel Prior Hart lived where Mrs. Erastus Hart now resides. Then came the mould loft for Prior Hart's shipyard and then the residence of Prior Hart where Capt. James Ott now resides. So that on the east side of Bay View the residences there in 1850 and still occupied as residences today are the Sam- mis-Kirby house, the Jesse Carll and David Carll residences, Erastus Hart and Prior Hart-Ott dwellings. WOODBINE AVENUE— WEST SIDE The old Sail Loft of tender memories to the early fathers was about opposite the Northport House and where the present Post Office stands. Alongside the "Creek" and about where the present bakery establishment of Fred Blox- som stands was the blacksmith shop of A. M. Brewster. 136 1 1 1 STORY OF THE ORIGINAL Mr. Brewster bought his iron and fashioned it into horse shoes, horse shoe nails, braces, wagon tires, etc. The Creek was subject to the ebb and flow of the tides up as far as where the Episcopal Church now stands, and when there was an extra full tide would overflow into Main Street up as far as where Dr. Donahue now resides, while the district where the Rowley building now stands to Scud 1 der Avenue would be one big swamp. Between the sail loft and Brewster's blacksmith shop was Jesse Jarvis's shipyard. This shipyard contained a Mechanics Bell, which kept mechanics time, which was then 10 hours a day. It rang at 7.00 A. M., 12:00 o'clock, 1:00 o'clock and 6:00 o'clock and could easily be heard as far as Centerport. It was all natural shore south of the creek, quite flat and not a building on it, and Capt. Smith has dug clams where the present electric light plant stands. There were no houses on the west side of Woodbine Avenue until you came to Uncle Harvey's Beach where Harvey Bishop, Sr. lived. South of Harvey Bishop's was the house of Frederick Bunce. Samuel Bishop resided where the Israel Carll house now stands. There were no more houses from that of Samuel Bishop to Washington Street. On the corner of Woodbine Avenue and Washington Street there was a small Methodist Church, which was later moved to Centerport and can be seen any time near Wards Hotel in that village. A Mr. Jas. Wood lived in what is now the home of Eugene Sammis. The old Trough Mill at the turn of Washington St. was a regular grist mill, grinding all kinds of grain, and was supplied with power from water from the pond, near the present water works building, which ran over an overshot wheel. The owner, Lafayette Chichester, was also the builder of the mill. Then came the Henry Scudder prop- TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON 137 erty, the same house still standing there today, though pre- sumably remodeled since that time. WOODBINE AVENUE— EAST SIDE The building now occupied by Mahoney's Drug Store, corner of Main Street and Woodbine Avenue was then a saloon conducted by Nathaniel Kelsey. A very large weep- ing willow stood in front of this store. Next south of Kelsey's was the wheelwright shop conducted by Chas. S. Sanford. The next building was where Mr. Sanford lived and where he ran a store fof many years. The store is now a restaurant, "The Northport Rest." Then came the residence of Lyman Sammis, the house standing up on top of the hill, about opposite the Mitchell House. Mr. Sammis followed the water for a living. The next house to the south was that of Richard Scudder, where the residence of Mr. George Babcock now stands. It was in the Scudder house that Capt. Smith's eldest daughter, Mrs. Lulu Partridge was born. The Scudder house was moved farther up on 5th Avenue and is now occupied as a residence by John Daniels. Next came the home of Jesse Jarvis where Dr. L. H. Overton now resides. Then the Capt. James Mott house, where Capt. Jonas H. Mott now lives. Then the Capt. Jonas Higby residence. Then the Lyman Beebe residence, since torn down. Then the Wm. Hamilton residence where Mr. John Watson now resides. Then the Henry Ketcham house where Mr. Ketcham recently died. Then the David Murray residence on what was later known as the Dumont property. Mr. Murray was a New York business man. HISTORY OF THK ORIGINAL Then came the residence of Epenetus Conklin. who con- ducted a (1 ravage business. Then came the old Bonner residence. Mr. Bonner, lather of Clinton Bonner, was a harness maker. This house became the residence of the elder Lowndes who came from Staten Island and was the first to introduce the planting and cultivation of oysters here about 1850. He hired a sloop called the Paragon and later built two or three vessels, one of them being the Cornelia A. Lowndes. There were four of the Lowndes brothers, Wm., Charles, John and Theodore and it is reported that they were always full of fun and unlike brothers usually are, never quarrelled among themselves. John Lowndes was the father of the late Stanley F. Lowndes. The next residence was that of Washington Sills, a i-hoeniaker by trade, and who had his shop in his house. Then came the Nicholas Dixon residence. Mr. Dixon was a sailor and later was steward for Andrew Ackerly. Mr. Philip Stark now resides in the Dixon house. Then came the general store and dwelling of Harry Ketcham, corner of Woodbine Avenue and Washington Streeet. This store was later conducted by Capt. Smith's father and the Captain assisted as clerk in the store for a short time. Across the street from this store there was a gate and roadway leading up to the residence of Capt. Selah Bunce. MAIN STREET— NORTH SIDE Seventy-five years ago there was a frame building where the brick building, now occupied by Roulston's, stands and in that building Jos. S. Lewis conducted a general store. TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON 139 The Post-office was located in this store and Mr. Lewis was the Postmaster. The residence of Hughes Conklin stood a short distance to the east of this store. Then came the tailor shop of Samuel Spafford Brown. Directly to the east came the livery stable conducted by George Wheeler and later by Edw. White, now a garage and auto supply store. The next building was the residence of Francis Olm- stead recently torn down to make way for the beautiful building of the Northport Trust Company. Mr. Olmstead was Justice of the Peace. The next residence was that of Samuel Bryant which still stands in the rear of the electrical shop of P. O. Carr. Next came the Eliphalet Skidmore house where Mrs. Mary Crozier now resides. Capt. Skidmore ran Coasters as well as Sea boats. Used to operate in the West Indies trade in a schooner called "The Kate." The Samuel Bunce property where the library now stands was next. Mr. Bunce ran a lumber yard and handled building material of all kinds. He resided in a house in the rear, part way up the hill and which has long since been torn down. The next building to the east was the residence of N. R. White where Mr. David Bryant now resides. Samuel Spafford Brown resided there about 1842 to 1844 an d it was there his eldest daughter, Mrs. Helen A. Robbins now in her 82nd year was born. Mr. N. R. White was a ship carpenter and boss of the shipyard of Jesse Jarvis. The next house stood directly east of the building now occupied by Louis Kass as an auto supply store and was the residence of Franklyn Brown. Within the past few years this house has been entirely remodeled. Mr. Brown was a HISTORY OF THE ORIGINAL tanner and owned large tracts of land in the Crab Meadow section. The next house was that of Richard Gildersleeve where Capt. Henry Frank Smith built a new house in 1890, now owned and occupied by Dr. Frank Quackenbush. It is a matter of interest that Capt. Smith made the first application to the Northport Water' Works Company for the installation of the village water. The Samuel Spafford Brown residence was directly east. Mr. Harris Henschel until recently occupied this house. Mr. Brown was a tailor by trade, having his shop, as previously stated, west of the old livery stable. Then came Fred Kellogg's store and dwelling about where Mrs. H. G. Simpson now resides. Mr. Kellogg kept a general store and ran a peddler's wagon, disposing of his goods in that manner. The Methodist Parsonage was next and just where it is located today. Capt. David Skidmore lived in the next house, being that now occupied by Vincent Hart. Next was Capt. James Bishop, corner Main and Ocean Avenue. This house has since been entirely remodeled. Across Ocean Avenue was the old house of Nathaniel Bunce long since torn down and nearby to the eastward Rutledge Pidgeon has erected a beautiful residence. A Mr. King occupied what was later known as the Edw. A. Matthias residence now occupied by Mr. Straub. Then came the Bryant Skidmore residence. Bryant Skidmore was father of Nathaniel Skidmore. This house is now occupied by Miss Clara Borland. There were no more houses until the large double house at the corner of Main Street and Vernon Valley Road known as the Jos. Scudder property. TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON 141 Across the Vernon Valley road to the east was the dwelling house of John Bryant, who was a farmer. SOUTH SIDE— MAIN STREET The first building to the eastward from that now oc- cupied by Mahoney's Drug Store was a legal office but de- tails regarding it are now lacking. Then came the house of Harry White, a tanner by trade This house stood back from Main Street on the south side of the pond that was created by the tide. Next was what was known as the Aunt Phoebe Gilder- sleeve house, near Andrew Taylor's present residence, but on the Main Street side, and well back from the street. Then came the Andrew Scudder residence which stood in back of the present Henry Daniels' house. Directly to the eastward was the residence of Capt. Septimus Brown where the Masonic Temple now stands. Then came the Bunce Smith house which stood on Main Street, but which was later moved back in Union Place and was occupied as a dwelling for years by the late Ernest Alexander. The next building was the Melancthon Bryan house now occupied as a residence and office by Dr. D. C. MacClymont. Mr. Bryan was a farmer and owned about half of the Crab Meadow section. Marcelle Smith's house and wheelwright shop stood about where the village hall now stands. There were no more buildings until Capt. Joel Hartt's house in which Mr. James Cross now resides. The M. E. Church was not built until 1852 and com- pleted in 1853. Directly to the eastward was a School House which later was burned. It stood about where Doctor Dexter's residence now stands. 1 4 J HISTORY OF THE ORIGINAL Then came the Jesse Carll property now owned by Mr. R. W. Hawkins. This was Jesse Carll the ist, who owned all the property up on the level, had numerous barns and outbuildings and kept a large herd of cows. There were no more houses on the south side of Main Street until you came to the foot of Vernon Valley hill where Dr. Brown resided. This house still stands there. Right across the street to the south was the site of the Presbyterian Church, the district at that time being known as Red Hook. To the eastward and directly across the street from the Jos. Scudder double house was the Kelsey house, later the David Bryant house. Across the Vernon Valley road was the residence of C. V. Scudder, who was a farmer. We have thus listed 65 dwellings on these three principal street as being here in 1850 and 35 of those are still stand- ing, though part of them rebuilt or remodeled. There were in 1853 five stores, two wheelwrights, two churches, two blacksmith shops and one hotel, but no doctors or drug stores. Doctors then carried their medicine with them. There were about fifty men employed in the four ship yards and wages did not exceed $2.00 to $2.50 per day. There were two Packets running here and farmers sent all their produce to New York by boat. In 1850 there were probably from 15 to 20 vessels of all kinds running out of Northport. About the year 1845 tne w ^ e °f Lawyer Chas. A. Floyd gave to Capt. Smith's grandmother, Mrs. Frances Cutting, some ice-cream she had made. It was the first ice-cream the Capt., then about ten years of age, had ever seen and TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON 143 his grandmother thinking it too cold to eat, put it on top of the stove to soften it. At the town meeting held in the Spring of the year the voters of the Township of Huntington, including Hunting- ton, Northport and Commack, had to go to Ezra Smith's at Long Swamp about five miles west of Commack. There was a race course on his property and several of those in Commack interested in horse racing would gather there Saturdays during the summer to race their horses and on returning to Commack there was a toll gate about where the new school house now stands and kept by Samuel Brown, father of Samuel Spafford Brown. On a couple of occasions after collecting from the first one and opening the gate for him to pass through, the others would dash through without paying any toll. Thereafter, however, he collected all the tolls before opening the gate. Late in the month of January, 1869 Capt. Smith shipped with Capt. Benjamin Tyler of Smithtown in the schooner Anna E. Carll of 400 tons, built in Carll's yard in 1868 and bound for Lisbon, Portugal. She carried 11,500 bushels of wheat and 5000 barrel staves and made the trip in 35 days. The price realized for the wheat was at 35c per bushel in gold. While in Lisbon he attended a bull fight which was a great society event at which the King and Queen were in attendance. On the return trip the Anna E. Carll was loaded with cork and salt. When about four days out from Montauk encoutnered a very severe storm which broke her main boom so she was only carrying reef sail, and sprang a leak in the after hatch, lower hold, necessitating working double break pump for five days. While laboring under such difficulties she met the dis- abled Liverpool Packet, the "Harpswell" ; loaded with mill 144 HISTORY OF THE ORIGINAL stone and lead and in high seas and in great danger rescued the remaining crew of 13, several having been previously drowned. One life boat manned by the Harpsvvell swung around and the ship came down on her, smashing the life boat to pieces. There were two carpenters aboard, one was saved, the other drowned. Two of the crew managed to reach the Carll in a small boat that was also smashed and the other eleven were rescued by a boat from the Carll. This return trip of the Carll required 47 days, there being only 18 hours of fair wind on the entire trip and she only landed 150 bushels of salt out of the 1800 bushels taken aboard. The following is as complete a list of vessels built in Northport as is obtainable. Wave 1853 — Schooner John H. Abeel 1862 — Sloop, became the Huntington Packet Eclipse 1863 — Schooner Fenella 1872 — Sloop Win. H. Middleton — Smack Nettie — Yacht Three Sisters — Sloop David Nelson — Schooner Built many others, but list not available. Yard of Samuel Prior Hart. Erastus Hart, son of Samuel Prior Hart. Helen A. Brown S. S. Brown Samuel P. Billar Cozy No 1 1866 Schooner 1869 Schooner 1873 Sloop j 897 Schooner TOW X SHIP OF HUNTINGTON 145 Cozy No. 2 Schooner Edna Chase IQOI St. Tosephine 1894 Sloop vacht Mr J Lena S. 1898 St. Sarah Lucinda 1861 Pell 1873 Sloop 1 874 St John Roach Smack Jntime Propeller Pastime Propeller Ripple Side wheel Tourist Side wheel Yard of American Eagle George Edwin Eva H. Lewis A. J. Miller Wm. W. Wood Lily A. Wilson Louis Manette Emma L. Brush Edwin Lefferts. 1899 Schooner 1871 St. 1868 Schooner 1878 Schooner 1869 Schooner 1873 " Huntington P. U Sloop Nokomis i860 Eliza Rogers i860 Ids Viola i860 Harriet E. Lowndes 1861 Mary Anna 1865 Stanley Howard 1865 Elsie May 1864 Phil Sheridan 1866 Racer 1868 Yard of Jesse Jarvis. Schooner yacht CI Sloop HISTORY OF THE ORIGINAL Charlotte J. Kingsland Ella Lena Becar Bride James Kirby Contest Lizzie E. Woodend Louisa H. vSneak Henry J. Scudder Flying Fish Cornelia Lowndes Cupid Edna C. 1868 Schooner 1869 1869 Sloop Smithtown P. 1873 18/5 1882 1883 St. 1880 1886 Sloop tt — Schooner — Sloop Hellgate Pilot Boat Jesse Carll and Carll Brothers. Tons George Heiiry 1854 Sloop 80 Storm Bird 1856 Bark 650 Storm Claud 1858 Schooner 280 Joseph E. Nickerson 1858 tt 35o Helen Burten 1859 (( 150 Oravetta i860 (( 230 Wm. Mazeak i860 <( 140 Lancetta 1864 a 230 Moses 1865 Brig 600 Goddess 1865 Schooner 250 Jesse Carll 1867 tt 300 Anna E. Carll 1868 (t 400 Garland 1868 (( 90 Francis E. Halleck 1869 (t 350 Florence Rogers 1868 Sloop 250 Ben 1864 Sloop 80 TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON 147 Osseo 1870 Brig. 700 Farmer 1870 Sloop /O Florence 1871 Schooner 160 Mary & Martha 1872 Sloop 100 Joseph Rudd 1873 Schooner 45° Sloop for S. R. Robbins 1873 Sloop 75 Carrie L. Tyler 1874 Bark 75° Herbert E. 1874 Schooner 600 Addie Voorhes 1875 Sloop-yacht Clyo 1875 Schooner Ariel 1875 Annie E. Webb 1876 (( 200 Fredericka Schepp 1877 Brig. 400 formerly Emma Francis 1878 Schooner 600 Mary A. Greenwood 1880 Bark 1200 Fanny Brown 1881 Schooner 800 Alley R. Chester 1882- 3 " 800 Lizzie Godfrey 1890 150 Ivanhoe 1894 -yacht Supervisor 1906 St. Jesse Carll Pilot Boat The Jesse Carll built in 1867 had the reputation of being the fastest sailing boat for her size and class to cross the Atlantic Ocean, making the trip from Baltimore through the Straits of Gibraltar to a French port in 14 days, the sailing record up to that time. On one occasion she landed a cargo of lemons in New York two weeks ahead of sche- dule. Alcyone Lodge No. 695 F. & A. M. was instituted in March, 1869. None of the Charter Members are living, but one member, Capt. David E. Scudder, joined the lodge April 9, 1869. i . I S HISTORY OF THE ORIGINAL Wor. Wm. H. Sainniis was the first Master for 1869, 70 and 71 and served also as Master in 1873, 1876 and from 1881 to 1886 and again in 1897. As indisputable evidence that Northport is included in the healthiest zone in the United States in proportion to population a list is given of persons now over the good old Bible age of three score years and ten and is included in the closing section of this history. A Note For Music Lovers. When Capt. Henry Frank Smith's grandmother, Mary Collins Cutting was married in 1804, ner mother shortly thereafter presented to her a piano given her when she was a girl, and it is related that people came to Commack from miles around to hear her play. It may perhaps have been due to the puritanical teach- ings of the time, but at any rate she came to the conclusion she was making an idol of this piano and with the determi- nation characteristic of that day and age she had the piano stored away in the attic and never played on it again so far as known. When she died in 1879 tms piano came into the pos- session of Capt. Smith and is now in the home of his daugh- ter, Mrs. Charles B. Partridge. It is believed the piano is one of the very oldest, if not the oldest, on Long Island. It was made in London, England but bears no date. Efforts have been made to trace it back to the makers but without success. It would look as if it probably antedates 1760 any- way. TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON 149 NORTHPORT IN 1930. Northport Harbor is unsurpassed on Long Island Sound on or the Eastern sea-board for that matter for its beauty, its location, its capacity and depth of water and complete shelter from storms, and yet how little do we, the residents of this beautiful village, appreciate or enjoy that great quartet of virtues, and that condition exists wholly and solely because as a people we have no access to the harbor so that its marvelous beauty is withheld from the very ones that should be able to appreciate it and enjoy it every day of their lives, and if we permit such conditions to continue indefinitely, it is not only probable but very likely will be true that we will lose practically all our desire and taste for, and our ability to appreciate the artistic and the beautiful as revealed in the handiwork of nature. Wonderful progress has been made in the last few years particularly in the line of invention and discovery, such as the wireless and the radio, and yet the necessary requisites have been in the air since the foundation of the world, merely awaiting man's mastery of them and making them subservient to his will and so in the beginning nature en- dowed Northport with matchless beauty and charm and scenery unsurpassed and with a harbor that from all stand- points has no rival on the eastern coast, but the early settlers here (and all praise and honor to them for their prowess, their discretion and their ability to tell a good thing when they saw it, or at least a goodly place in which to live) were compelled by force of circumstances and the limitation imposed upon them by their day and generation to largely earn their livelihood from or on the water and hence there I 5 o HISTORY OF THE ORIGINAL sprang up along the harbor shore those unsightly buildings that have steadily accumulated through the years, and that have converted a masterpiece of the natural world into an unsightly picture that daily meets our vision and is an eye sore to the transient or the sojourner in our midst and a positive detriment to the prospective home seeker that would otherwise gladly become one of us. The harbor is still with us in all its pristine and prismatic beauty, in fact the west shore has been made more beautiful than ever, and since our forefathers have handed down to us as a priceless heritage all the latent instincts and desires for the artistic and the beautiful and the noble that they had not the time or the finances to develop, it is up to us, and is our bounden duty to ourselves and our posterity to not only restore the natural beauty, that in years gone by, even the native American Indian never defaced, but to go a great way beyond nature herself and make the east side of the harbor harmonize with the present day conceptions of charm and allurement, and at the same time make it serve as a great benefactor of the public weal, and constitute one of the great attractions that should induce the motorist and the tourist to visit the great Sunrise County of the Empire State, for without the least bit of exaggeration of any kind, one could not find a more delightful ride from the moment he enters Huntington and leaves by way of the historic old cemetery and the beautiful Town Hall, past that lovely and enchanting spot, Heckscher Park, that historic edifice of Revolutionary days, the First Presby- terian Church, the noble and imposing school house across the way, and then on over a concrete roadway pursues his way up hill and down dale, with its shady nooks, its irregular but attractive contour, its miniature mountains and deep ravines, its lagoons and picturesque and inviting looking homes and then Centerport Harbor T0WXSH1P OF HjUNTINGTON bursts upon his enraptured view, a picture so common to some of us it has lost much of its charm, but I doubt not that those that behold that vision of loveliness for the first time, carry the impression upon their memory for years afterward and if our sister village of Centerport would only rise to the occasion and move the fire hall and the hotel either on the east or west side of the harbor and then do a little dredging so there would be water there even at low tide it would immeasurably enhance the beauty and attrac- tiveness of Centerport. It is truly a beautiful spot now, but those alterations could be easily made and probably at a nominal cost. Continuing eastward as you round the turn near the Scudder property, the magnificent view presented is one never to be forgotten and for beauty and setting and out- line and charm is probably not excelled anywhere on earth. Truly here is one of nature's masterpieces right at our very door and the view presented is one worth traveling many miles to behold. From that point into Northport Village the beautiful scenery is obscured except for a very short distance on Woodbine Avenue and that street is so narrow that motor- ists cannot stop their cars and behold the natural beauty that can still be seen despite the barriers erected by the age of commercialism that has existed in former years and is still with us today. I know there are a lot of people that think because cer- tain things were apparently good enough for our forefathers that we should likewise therewith be content, and I am free to admit that living in the past or living over the past may be pleasant contemplation, and will revive many cherished memories and recollections, but we should not forget that we are living in the ever present, pulsating now and that we must face present day duties and responsibilities in such HISTORY OF THE ORIGINAL a way as to build tor the future from the standpoint of morality, usefulness and helpfulness as well as from the standpoint of beauty and spirituality and we must not therefore let the marvelous American spirit of commercial- ism stunt or destroy our finer sensibilities and attributes and love and regard for the things that are ennobling, uplifting and beautiful and that tend to elevate the race in general and to raise the standard of our thoughts, motives and ideals to higher planes than we have ever occupied before. If we will each and every one sign the petitions for a new depot and for electrifying the North Shore Road to Xorthport and the same is granted there will be a bigger boom and a more substantial one than Florida has had in the last year or so, and if the Long Island R. R. don't awaken to its opportunity and responsibility let us arrange to install bus service to the city to compete with the rail- road and at less cost and the railroad will be compelled to electrify or go out of business. W ith a new r depot we would have an ideal approach to our village whether you come from Kings Park, Commack, Huntington, Asharoken Beach or by boat on Long Island Sound. We have already expended thousands upon thousands on our roads and school house and I would vote to concrete every lane and street in the incorporated village and gladly pay the increase in taxes resulting therefrom without a murmur, and yet at the same time concrete roads, render it so easy for our people to go away from Northport and go to places where they can see and be near the water, so that it is up to us to build the park referred to in the poem that closes this history and by so doing make Northport such an attractive place and so accessible to all our people, and at the same time more beautiful than any other village on Long Island, that it will hold their affection and admir- TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON ation and build up in them a genuine desire to think for, act for and live for the betterment of Northport. What a beautiful and magnificent park can be built along the harbor shore with a large, artistic and beautiful open air theatre in front of the Carll and Alexander homes and at a moderate cost. This theatre could surround a large lagoon or lake and here the band could render concerts two or three times a week, the community chorus could hold their re- hearsals and render their concerts and the theatrical talent that unquestionably now slumbers in some of our younger people, yes, and older ones too for that matter, could find expression occasionally in staging a first class play. But over and above and beyond all, if we will all get in behind this boulevard as outlined in the poem and make it a reality, Northport will become the best known town in the world and a celebrated summer and winter resort, for where in the world can the motorist find such unrivalled scenery winter or summer as he can behold by taking a ride on this superb and matchless concourse. Of course you can't have such vast projects carried through without a lot of money, but it would all come back and pay immense dividends besides and we ought to adopt a slogan such as Chicago did, namely: — "Make no little plans, for they have no magic to stir men's blood," and under that slogan Chicago raised three billions for civic betterment. The future of Northport will be exactly what we, the present citizens, and our children of tomorrow, make it, and if we do absolutely nothing to create a strong desire and taste on their part for a beautiful Northport, why should we expect our children to spend their lives here or devote their talents and energies toward beautifying the village, when they fully realize their parents displayed no talent or energy along that line. '54 HISTORY OF THE ORIGINAL We must either advance or retrograde, beat against and overcome the tides of contrary public opinion or be carried by those tides into the great beyond, realizing that as mem- bers of this community we have failed to live up to the magnificent heritage of one of the most beautiful spots on earth, the great Creator has placed at our disposal to enrich, to enlarge, to beautify and to enjoy, and in so doing to praise and honor Him through our descendants as long as the earth stands. Arise Northport and proceed to garb yourself in match- less splendor that shall crown you queen of all the villages on this terrestial sphere. Let every citizen living in Northport, East Northport, Commack, Ft. Salonga and Asharoken Beach sign the peti- tion for the new depot at East Northport and at the same time sign the petition for the electrification of the North Shore Road. One person can sign the names of his entire family provided of course they are in favor of these great improvements. The petitions for electrifying the railroad will be presented to the executive officers of the Long Island Railroad Company by Supervisor Field. The petitions for a new depot by the Northport Civic Association or our new Board of Trade. Here is an opportunity for you to exert your influence in bringing to pass great civic improvements and it won't cost you a cent. The only requirement is that you register your name or names promptly so that the lists can be handed in without delay. I am aware of the fact that the Brooklyn Eagle in its TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON 155 issue of April 19th, 1926 stated that the erection of a new depot at Northport is included in the 1926 building program of the Long Island Railroad Company, but at the same time I am also aware of the fact that a very prominent man in this community, now deceased, but whose integrity and truthfulness were universally recognized, told me that he had been assured by a high official (and mentioned the name and office held by that official) of the Long Island that just as soon as the construction crew had finished the two new depots at Mineola they were going to begin the East North- port depot, so no harm can be done by assuring the road that we must in the name of justice have the depot this year without fail, as it seems plans have been in readiness for more than two years, but no signs of the depot at the present writing. Author's Note : It was stated in the beginning of this history that a list would be compiled of all those in the Township of Huntington who were 70 years of age or over, in order to substantiate the claim that the territory from Horton's Point to Sands' Point is the healthiest section in the United States. Every opportunity was given and every effort made to obtain a complete list, but the response was so feeble outside of Northport that it seems wise to omit the list entirely. Evidently the shyness and natural antipathy of maidens who are edging along toward thirty to reveal their age, seems to be inculcated in even more marked degree in both sexes after reaching 70, though one would naturally sup- pose they would be proud and glad to make known the fact they had exceeded the time honored age alloted to man. As this history comes off the press it seems pretty cer- tain we will have the new depot at East Northport within HISTORY OF THE ORIGINAL the next tew months and so petitions will not he circulated for that purpose. HKAUTIFUL NORTH PORT (Of the immediate future) With apologies to Nobody. - I - Oftentimes one's thoughts seem to mingle, Mine, now find expression in this jingle, And the statements, I trust, none will doubt, For this is the way, it seems, they came about. Just one evening only, I was out very late, Returning, strolled through my gateless gate, Up the steps and then into the house, With nary a thought, being sly as a mouse, And about 4 :oo A. M. sought my downy pillow, But soon seemed afloat on the bounding billow. You may say it was what I had eaten or drank, And possibly it is both I shall have to thank For the beautiful dream, that o'er me wove its spell And which to you now, I shall endeavor to tell. 1 know not just how or whence it began, But apparently this is the way it ran. - 2 - In this, my dream, I seemed to have a dear friend, Who, for things beautiful, has a decided trend, And w r ho always wears a most genial smile, As he continually searches for things worth while; TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON 157 And the first searching question he asked of me Was, "Has Northport anything worth going to see? Any particular thing that would impress the mind, Or perhaps may be the only one of its kind, Some graceful or beautiful or outstanding feature So created or built, as to please every creature ?" Having couched his questions in language so beautiful, Like any one would, I certainly felt most dutiful To answer, and quick as a flash made reply, "Yes sir, Northport Harbor all other harbors defy, As a haven of safety, on the entire eastern coast, And it ever has been, and still is, our pride and boast." -3- My friend replied, "You are, no doubt, quite right. But how and when can we view this great sight ? Is it one enjoyed only by the privileged classes, Or easily accessible to all of the masses? I certainly hope and trust it is not a monstrosity, For your statements have excited my utmost curiosity, And I am anxiously waiting to accompany you down To view this superlative virtue of Northport Town." It was now well along toward the close of day, So I hailed a taxi and we whisked away; For I knew too well the scene his eyes would greet, If we went, first of all, to the foot of Main Street. To the chauffeur, accustomed to handling auto rudders, I merely whispered, "Via Greenlawn to Lawyer Scudder's." For, I remember as well as if it were but yesterday The first time I had the privilege of coming that way. -4- We finally arrived, you know chauffeurs sometimes will, And I had him stop the car at the top of the hill. HISTORY OF THK ORIG1XAL We clambered out, the day was cloudless and bright; Our eyes at once beheld a most wondrous sight, For, before us and extending far in the distance lay That vision of extreme loveliness, Xorthport Bay; And, for many moments, we both stood enraptured, I realizing well his heart we had captured. The tide was high, the bay looked like a mighty river Adorned and beautified by its sheen of silver, While, through the emerald green on every side The sunset shades and shadows tried to hide, Making thereby every conceivable color mixture, Ariel, at the same time, a never to be forgotten picture. As my friend exclaimed. "I must indeed be fair And admit this is truly a scene most rare." -5- Assuredly this was, "The end of a perfect day," As we gazed in rapture, o'er Northport Bay, \Yhen my friend remarked, "You may think it strange, But I must inspect this beauty at closer range And see if the residents are doing all they can To make this lovely harbor a blessing to man; For Xorthport people should feel highly elated, Because of the wondrous beauty for them created, And their elation be manifested in a permanent way, That will surely continue till the judgment day." W'e had now arrived at a point in the conversation Where I personally felt not a little consternation, And was thinking of numerous schemes I might try To avoid that personal inspection, with his critical eye; So I finally suggested, as it was getting quite late, That we wait until to-morrow our inspection to make. TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON 159 -6- I knew on the morrow some things he would find Might have a direct influence in changing his mind. So I wanted this view, like the billows that roll, To be indelibly and forever impressed on his soul; And, no matter what the conditions to which he might refer, This vision of loveliness ever to his mind would recur, So that in his daily life, be it sleeping, riding or walking, Northport Bay to his artistic nature would forever be talking. After one long farewell look, we did then mutually agree To continue our inspection journey at half past three Of the following day, and we then again entered the car To ride to the R. R. station which, of course, was quite far, And to take one to such a shanty is indeed a great pity, Particularly as my friend was staying at Atlantic City, Which boasts of doing almost anything while you wait, And in all things modern is right up to date. -7- I cannot forget his remark made while we had to wait, (For, like many railroad trains, this one was late). "During my life-time I have traveled in many a nation, But I must confess that this is the poorest station Of any that I have seen, either East or West, Whereas, it would seem, you are entitled to the best; And to an outsider like me it seems extremely funny That the Long Island Railroad would take all your money These many, many years, without expending a cent Of your thousands of dollars they have otherwise spent, And, if at last, for their tardiness they do atone, For beauty and completeness may it stand forth alone. And, instead of repelling, like this one, of course, May it be, in reality, an irresistible force i6o HISTORY OF THE ORIGINAL Showing city people that they need no farther roam When they are looking for a place to build them a home." -8- My repose that night seemed frequently disturbed. For you can imagine my thoughts were somewhat perturbed. And, if I sank into slumber and had any dreams, They seemed to be inoculated with all kinds of schemes, As, how best to avert those cunning, satirical glances And those biting witticisms that cut like lances; But, finally, wisely decided I would do my best To shield our lovely harbor when it came to the test. So, after hours of dozing and sleeping and tossing about, i awoke in the morning still confused and in doubt. It makes no difference whatever how much you contrive, The hour set for an engagement is bound to arrive. So, to the station again in the taxi I hurried, Tho somehow felt that I looked considerably worried, Rut, my friend was so genial and smiling and kind, That my worries, like a mist, seemed to fade from my mind. -9- On the way down I thought it would be quite well That a few casual statements to him I should tell, So I said, "Our harbor has three direct ways of approach. For on private property, of course, we dare not encroach. The first is by boat, as you come in from the Sound, And the sight is magnificent as you gaze all around. The second method is very trying, at first, on the brain, For you descend, very rapidly, in a passenger hydro-plane. While the third is the one that we have elected to take, And our way to the foot of Main Street we now have to make. TOWNSHIP OF HUXTIXGTOX 161 From there we descend a flight of steps to a float, Then our journey continue by using a boat, Until we think we are about the right distance from land, When the scene, I am sure, you will pronounce very grand." But just then the taxi pulled up at the walk And getting out, of course, interrupted our talk. - 10 - My friend said, ''The sight, from here, is not very grand, Unless you peer from the top of this shaky band stand. And, you can't see a blessed thing down the bay For a thousand and one things stand in your way." Truth, though stranger than fiction, cannot be denied, So, taking exception to his statements I never even tried, For had I done so, the things he saw at a glance He would start enumerating, if given half a chance, And, while he was just as genial and ever so kind, Those thousand and one things would all come to his mind, And statements he could make in such a convincing way Would unquestionably consume the balance of the day. So, like the owl on the oak, who was a wise old bird, I listened to his statements but said never a word. For dealing with experts, if you've nothing worth while to say Then you better postpone saying it until some other day. - 1 1 - 1 started for the float, but my friend said, "Stay! Don't be in such a hurry to hasten away, I want to take time to look all around And thoroughly inspect every inch of ground Between the lighting plant and Seymour's dwelling, For, then I will know the statements I am telling 162 HIST( >RY OF THE ORIGINAL Are the facts only, and to be implicitly believed. And, by the truth, no one can feel aggrieved. So let us walk down first to Seymour's place. Then back this way onr footsteps trace; And each of ns will try to carry in mind The assortment of things we'll surely find; For I am convinced, while we are standing here, That this harbor shore, which you hold so dear, Has, in the course of time, been clogged with junk Until, at the present writing, it looks quite punk. - 12 - "It certainly seems like a downright shame, Yet a condition for which no one person is to blame; Each year has added constantly to the mixture And, apparently, each contribution became a fixture ; Adding, day by day, seemed a part of the play And against the rules to carry anything away. So, each one making his contribution, in imagination, No doubt, thought he was adding to the decoration, And that on the harbor shore he had made his mark, Though not especially suitable, for a public park. So contributions became fixtures and grew and grew, Soon completely shutting out the harbor view Until, without the least bit of exaggeration, It seems you have the greatest conglomeration Of all things under the sun, great or small, That can be found anywhere on this terrestial ball." - 13- We turned around and to the eastward faced, And toward Bay View Avenue, our footsteps traced. The Avenue you know has a nice concrete walk, So that as you travel thereon, you can freely talk. TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON 163 Down that narrow but beautiful street we strolled While numberless autos o'er the concrete rolled. The ship yard is marked by a six foot fence of wire, That be it intentional, or not, your eyes will tire, As you try to catch even a glimpse of the bay, When with visiting friends you journey that way, And o'er part of this fence in very graceful lines, Are the Ivy green and other well known vines, That seem to ever whisper to those not dense, We are trying to hide this unsightly old fence. So here's to the vines, and as gentle breezes blow, May they in their beauty, thicker and greener grow. - 14- I said to my friend, in a casual sort of way, "In Eighteen Hundred Fifty-three or about that day When real shipbuilding was indeed a master's art, And machines played a very unimportant part, Then from Maine's rock bound coast to fair Key West, The boats turned out here were accounted the best, That could be found anywhere on the eastern coast, And this yard was then Northport's pride and boast; For the high quality of product that was turned out here, Brought prospective customers from far and near, And old timers testify, it was a real enjoyment, If in Carll's shipyard you could find employment." But the best equipped business can't always last, And now that sloops and schooners are things of the past. Let us cherish this old yard with great veneration, Beautifying it in a park for the present generation. -15- Across the North end of the yard the sheds still stand In which there was moulded, many a vessel grand. 1 () 4 HISTORY OF THE ORIGINAL These sheds were built not later than fifty live, And there's only one man I believe still alive That really remembers when they were erected. Tho' on the screen of vision they are still projected. And while they still serve as an ancient land-mark Let us make there an entrance to our public park. As one stands at the sheds and southward gazes, The scene presented is one of varying phases; For one sees at a glance, boards, planks, trucks and spars, Row-boats, dilapidated ways and twisted bars; While in the center of the picture, and of massive bulk That looks like the Ark, is an old derelict hulk. Which is not only unsightly, but lacks both beauty and grace, But it seems to have found here a final resting place. - 16- The soil here, it appears, all indigenous plants will nourish, So that weeds, orchard grass and the - beautiful ailanthus flourish In great profusion, till the axman makes his annual call, When they are allowed to remain just as they happen to fall, In order they may be added to the yearly collection, Which the high wire fence affords a sure protection. Next' to the side-walk is a house that is exceedingly old, Xot less than one hundred and fifty years, I am told, And because it seems to be a relic of an ancient day, We must await its final dissolution like "The One Hoss Shay." On your right is what may be termed an ancient dock, That, as you tread upon, some of the planks will rock; While to the piles, sea moss in beautiful waving festoons Millions of tiny barnacles in its meshes maroons, And if ever a hulk is once hauled out on the ways, It is perfectly safe to assume, there forever it stays. TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON 165 - 17- Continuing our southward trip o'er hill and vale Must necessarily mean, prolonging this tale, For my friend stated, though not wishing to be quoted, "That absolutely no improvement in conditions could be noted" ; Which statement, I personally was very sorry to hear, And am under the impression, I shed a stray tear, For a tour of inspection like this one only serves To be exceedingly jarring and raspy on nerves. The old Murray Brown office stands near the street, Further south, a laundry, where your wash they will greet; Then comes the photo gallery, on the corner the hotel, And, I'm informed, none of these parties would openly rebel, Or believe that the people were trying to raise Cain, If they moved their place of business eastward on Main, And conditions with them then would improve day by day, While the park, with such a start, could get well under way. - 18- This tour of inspection seemed to go from bad to worse, And, I verily believe, it would make a preacher curse; For I doubt if any one in Northport would really believe, Or if the human mind can fully conceive, The pile on pile of apparently useless junk That finds here an eternal place to bunk. There are old kettles and innumerable old tin cans, Wheels, brick-bats, stones and old frying pans, Remains of cabins and many old steam boilers That, in their hey-day, had required many toilers; And parts of yachts and pieces of rails That, could they speak, would weave wondrous tales; 1 66 HISTORY OF THE ORIGINAL There are ropes of wire and twisted iron bars Scaled in by-gone days by jolly old tars; While some old cherry trees and some Sickel pear Add beauty in their season to this collection rare. - 19- In taking this journey one should forget his pride, And, for safety first, secure an experienced guide; For since the day when some one first had them carted These stone piles and iron mountains have never been charted ; So, for your own sake, you should be very wary, And in this proposed public park not linger or tarry; For in continuing southward, your toe you might stub, And plunge head long into an old ice cream tub, Or fall over a huge pile of cement blocks, Thereby slightly disarranging your hoary locks, Or some old shed upon you might chance to fall, Burying you completely under its unfriendly pall. Stores, shanties, lobster traps and rotting boards, Add to the collection this harbor sector affords, While the entire lot. I am sure we will all agree, Should long ago have been classed as merely debris. - 20 - Is it any wonder cold shivers o'er me did roll As my friend so freely unburdened his soul? But, as for me, I was weary and faint at heart, For his stinging statements cut me right smart. And, I was glad when he said, let us now take ship For your proposed, "middle of the harbor," trip. So out into the harbor the boat I rowed, W hile in the rear seat my friend was stowed. TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON 167 There was one particular spot in the harbor I sought, But I noticed my friend seemed lost in thought, Tho' he gazed first to the left and then to the right, But, for once in his life, had his lips sealed tight, And, thus we sat, as the moments quickly past, Until finally the silence was broken at last, And I wish I had both the ability and time To properly put the things he said into rhyme. - 21 - "It certainly seems like a downright shame For all you have here is a harbor in name, Accessible only to boats from the sea, As any sane person will surely agree ; And yet, in gazing intently at the harbor shore, Seeing circumstances and conditions one must deplore, By eliminating everything from yard to lighting plant, And then viewing the landscape from the proper slant Convinces me, that, while by man it has been badly tainted, The Creator, in his wisdom, a masterpiece here has painted ; And it's up to you people to bring back its beauty again." Which statement I would heartily second by saying "Amen." "Don't think what your fathers in their wisdom arranged Should in this day and generation never be changed; For, by their mistakes, we should profit as days come and go, And in the history of this old world it has ever been so." - 22 - "And these property owners, I really feel, Have enough regard for the public weal To view such matters in the proper light, And accept for their property what seems right; Turning no reasonable proposition or offer down, For such a park system would help the whole town, [68 HISTORY OF THE ORIGINAL And such willingness would be a sure manifestation Of a desire, on the part of all. for full co-operation; For, by such a spirit only, can we hope to stand And accomplish things that are truly grand. So let us, each one. respond to this call, \s it is by our public spirit we rise or fall. And, in this age of progress, let none be a knocker Or to proposed improvements be a constant blocker, And, with such a spirit manifest, we are very conservative W hen we prophesy rising to heights superlative." -23 - He then stated, "Please forget the hateful things I've said, And not place them in print where they can be read; But from this point on, you can print what you choose, For I am now going to express fully my views, And not keep you a moment longer in the dark As to what should be done with this harbor park. You say, that Northport should at once start growing, That with other Suffolk towns, to make a proper showing; But I say, if you really desire to have Northport grow, To prospective home-seekers you will first have to show, Besides first class schools, other distinguishing marks, -Among which are numbered one or more public parks From which vantage point their sons and daughters Can have access to your invigorating saline waters; And, the increased population you may have contemplated Will naturally follow, as improvements are consummated. -24- "The first work to be done, as you look around, Is to appoint a commission to purchase the ground From all those owning any property there, And, in dealing with them, be just and fair. TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON 169 It would certainly then be extremely fine To clean up the property in record time. Then, to your attention next, I will have to call The necessity of building a high sea wall ; Then plenty of filling in, shaping and grading to do The general design of which will be up to you ; While a large part of the North end I'd take, And a beautiful lagoon I there would make, In the center of which a large pergola would stand, Primarily for the use of Allie Willetts band; Yet, so beautifully proportioned in every way That our young folks could stage any kind of play. -25- " Around this lagoon an open amphitheater could be made That would put 'Rosemary of Huntington' in the shade, And here, our young people, in numerous ways Could display theatrical talent in all sorts of plays, Making us happy because of their talents galore, That, in the mad rush of business, we ne'er dreamed of before. There should be many benches and some shady nooks, Where the people could enjoy reading their books; And, of course, you should always be able to find Trees, plants and shrubbery of every kind; While, it seems, as if green grass really talks When it borders well kept winding walks. While this park might be but one in a million, I certainly would have a large dance pavilion Where, both the young and old, may shake their feet In gladsome and perfect rhythm to the music sweet. I JO HISTORY OF THE ORIGINAL -26- "There should, of course, be plants of every kind and hue Shedding forth beauty and fragrance like the morning dew; And, it certainly seems it would be well worth while To depress this entire park 'Italian garden' style. So that, from Seaview and Woodbine, there can be procured A grand full length view of harbor and bay unobscured ; W hile, about 100 feet West of our noble cops' stand, On each side of the street, build a large fountain grand, In whose clear crystal waters, that continually flow, The elusive but beautiful gold fish can swim to and fro. Main Street to the sea wall boulevard must be connected, So that traffic, either right or left, may be deflected; W hile, at the extreme south end, there could be nicely arranged For every person's convenience, a sort of auto exchange Where you could safely park your car by the hour or day, And thus, the problem of a congested Main Street get out of the way." -27- I said to my friend, "Hold up! I am completely lost, And the people will first want to know the cost Of this project of yours, which sounds very fine, And which will, no doubt, be done in course of time; But. if all stores on Woodbine you are going to tear down. Pray what's to become of the merchants in that part of town?" He looked at me in a sort of contemptible way, And this is exactly what he then had to say : "What's half a million in taxes, more or less, If all future generations you can thereby bless? TOWNSHIP OF HjUNTINGTON 171 And, in doing that, also bless the world at large, So what-e'er the ultimate cost, it can't be an excessive charge. But, in addition, no one should be like an old drone And feel he can afford to live for himself alone." To which statements, after a moment's due reflection, No one, I am sure, could seriously take exception. - 28 - "Your point is well taken, as to what Woodbine merchants can do, But, I hasten to assure you, I have that figured out, too. And old shack on East Woodbine, standing in plain sight. For years now T on Northport's beauty has been a great blight, From there to the corner drug store it is just a few doors But ample space to erect half a dozen nice stores; And it certainly would enhance greatly the beauty of youi town, If buildings from Henschell's to Brush's were all torn down, And brick or concrete buildings installed in their place, Wherein the balance of your merchants could find ample space. I ask, is there in Northport a person with sense of beauty so blunted Or whose views of right and duty to the future so com- pletely stunted, As to fail to realize these changes for which I have pleaded Are not only for present betterment but are absolutely needed ? And, I believe, their consummation affords the only op- portunity Whereby you can expect any material growth of your community. [72 HISTORY OF THE ORIGINAL -29- "When this park is completed it will be the talk of the state, And every autoist in the country to his friends will relate That, for beauty of location and for its artistic design, There is nothing can compare with it in any other clime. \s tourists approach from the east and the scene bursts on their sight, It will do your heart good to hear their expressions of delight, Such as, isn't it beautiful, lovely wonderful, simply mag- nificent ! And there are not in the dictionary descriptive adjectives sufficient To describe to the mind, or picture, paint or try to portray The harmonious beauties reflected by park, harbor and bay ; And while we have travelled practically the whole world round, There is no place in creation where its equal can be found. And words simply fail us its virtues and beauties to recite. We can only say, our inmost being is stirred with rapture and delight, That has so captivated mind and spirit that we cannot refrain From purchasing a home in Northport and with you remain. - 30 - "Some day one of these purchasers, you never can tell, Maybe a multi-millionaire will come here to dwell. A man of nobility, whose moral fibre and texture, And public welfare spirit is like that of August Heckscher, Who will purchase the property from shipyard to James Street, Making this beautiful public park northward thereby com- plete. TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON While some, of course, may feel constrained to knock, At the foot of James Street build your public dock. However, don't wait for the millionaire to move here, But start developing this park during this present year; For the longer you wait, certainly, the more it will cost, Besides, by delay much precious time will be lost, While, if it is started now, you can in fullest measure In its progress and development derive greatest pleasure; Then, too, I want to get this park completed and out of the way, For I have other important things I now want to say. -31- "Now that this park is completed with its beauties untold, I have a still greater vision I wish to unfold. And you may call me a loafer, or only a dreamer, Or perhaps worse still, a consummate schemer, And that such a plan as mine is not only not feasible, But lacks even a suggestion of being at all reasonable. Remembering how government surveyors, with well laid plans, Reported that where the business section of Chicago now stands Was the only spot on Lake Michigan's entire shore Where it would be impossible to erect any kind of a store, I not only take courage, but believe it would pay To get this great undertaking at once under way; And when it is completed, I am sure all will declare There is nothing on earth can with it compare. AVhich statements, if true, calls for immediate measures To give us these greatest of all sight seeing pleasures. HISTORY OF THE ORIGINAL "That great sea wall of which I previously made mention, Is the great undertaking to which I now direct your at- tention, And is that sea wall broadened into a great imperial way That has no counterpart anywhere in the world today. While some might desire this long name to distort, Let us christen it, at present, 'Boulevard DeLuxe, Xorth- port.' This great avenue shall be four and twenty feet wide, So that three automobiles can travel side by side. While on the water side there shall be a four foot promenade, The people amply protected by a strong balustrade. Every fifty feet on so the specifications shall call For observation niches or stations along the harbor wall, Where the people at ease and with mind serene, Can in comfort enjoy the most magnificent scene That is on every side, north, east, south and west, Until it is difficult to decide which view is the best. -33- ''This imperial highway shall to the northward extend, Until into Asharoken Beach road it shall gently blend; While that road should be widened, and, by all that is right, Be continued onward up to Eaton's Xeck Light, Where another wonderful view at once greets the eye, Either by land or water, or by the blue decked sky. Retracing our route and back to Xorthport once more, We find ourselves traveling along the Woodbine shore, Which should be filled in to the sea wall mark, And, if properly graded, would make another fine park. The Lighting plant lease in about ten years will expire. They should then have made enough to want to retire, TOWXSHIP OF HUXTIXGTOX *75 Or, at least, be willing to move across the street, That an unobstructed park and harbor view may then be complete. So that from James Street northward, this great park would reach More than a mile to the southward to Harvey's Beach. -34- "From Harvey's Beach westward this avenue must swerve. And, in doing so, it will be done in a very graceful curve Which, of course, will bring us out on the western shore Where the problem of construction won't bother any more. I have no doubt now, it is perfectly plain to you. That this road continues around Little X T eck, too, Following the water just as closely as it can, Until finally we arrive at the Centerport dam, From which point, in a couple of moments at least, You reach the main road and can go west or east Over concrete roads absolutely free from jar, If you are riding in any decent sort of a car. But, to return to terra firma. I see by your smile You probably think I'm crazy most of the while, But to me. I assure you, it is as plain as day, We should plan to start at once this great highway. -35- ''What's the use of always first counting the cost, For, by delay, a vast project like this may be lost, And, I perceive my thoughts have been so blended, That the purpose of this avenue you have not comprehended ; But, w r hen fully explained, you will have perceived, It is the greatest auto avenue ever conceived ; For from Cold Spring hill, through that village pretty, And on into Huntington, now a large, beautiful city, 176 HISTORY OF THE ORIGINAL With mansions grand and artistic town hall, The historic First Church, with its steeple tall, Of Revolutionary days it is a well known mark, While, near by, is the beautiful Heckscher park. Onward you go through wooded hill and dale, As o'er concrete roads leads the Sunrise Trail . Tnto Centerport Village, whose harbor fair, Set in silver and emerald, makes a picture rare. - 3 6- "Rounding Centerport Harbor, your speed you retard At the entrance to 'Northport DeLuxe Boulevard,' As, for the present at least, it will cost each one bone, To Eaton's Neck Light and return back home; But you can then proceed merrily on your way, From Centerport Harbor to Huntington Bay, And, in rounding Little Neck, every one thrills At the sight of Northport nestling in the hills, Robed in her mantle of silver and green, For beauty of location she is easily queen; And no longer to Switzerland need any one roam, As we have prettier scenery right here at home. Down the west side of the harbor you ride, But your eyes are still gazing at the other side, And unconsciously, perhaps, that beautiful picture On your mind has become a permanent fixture. -37- "I have been told that government officials say, That the healthiest section in the good old U. S. A. Is the North shore of Long Island, as the figures attest, From Horton's Point on the East, to Sands Point on the West ; TOWXSHIP OF HUNTINGTON 177 So that if Northport, as a health center, is noised around, The people by thousands will flock to your town, No longer looking in vain for cooling fountains In the Adirondacks or famous Catskill mountains. Ordinarily, to house these thousands would be a puzzle, And a very difficult problem with which to juggle, But back of where the sea wall the harbor crosses Are hundreds of acres of meadows and mosses, That, when filled in and graded, would be as good as gold, And at very substantial figures, could then be sold; While for beauty of location, no other place excels For the erection of one or more first class hotels. -38- "These hotels would add to the glorious landscape fair, And the views from their verandas be one of beauty rare, While their grounds would provide golf links and tennis courts, As well as ample play ground for all kinds of sports; And if the Long Island Railroad displays no inclination To give the traveling public and commuters some con- sideration, And has curtly turned a deaf eai, whenever they have applied To have the matter given attention and the North Shore electrified, Then establish your own auto service, free from dust and cinders, And the Long Island, if it chooses, can then go to flinders, For you know in auto seeing busses you can now enjoy the day Traveling from New York to Philadelphia and up Boston way, i 7 8 HISTORY OF THE ORIGINAL And through auto busses to the city would indeed be very fine. Making the trip, undoubtedly, in about the usual time; So it it still refuses what you ask for, with auto busses then contend And on the Long Island Railroad no longer you'll depend. -39" "But if the Railroad will electrify the North Shore within a year, And Northport will at once start these vast improvements here, Then, I am sure, that fair Miami with its great boom in land Would be as nothing in comparison with the one right here at hand, And the wonderful growth you longed for no one could checkmate For from Commack to Centerport there wouldn't be enough real-estate To meet the vast demands upon you, it is perfectly clear, Of the thousands of commuters who would wish to locate here. In a year or two, no doubt, you would say Northport far outranks Every town in Suffolk with its department stores arid banks, And that unquestionably she alone occupies the berth As the most wonderful and beautiful of all the towns of earth. Isn't such a visionary town as that worth your striving for? And, as years come and go, you will realize more and more That striving and working has helped you attain such a lofty mark, Yet your success really dates from when you started North- port Park. TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON' 179 -40- "In our auto, as I recall, we were on the way to Eaton's Neck When we stopped temporarily two large hotels to erect; So we will continue the journey now along the Northport side, And, I am free to confess, I never had such a beautiful ride. The park from Harvey's Beach northward was truly in its glory, But if I attempted to describe it, you would say, 'exag- gerated story!' So I have about concluded the best thing for me to do, Is to say, take the ride, then you'll agree with me, too. Along toward famous Asharoken Beach we rolled, Each moment the scenery new beauties did unfold, While the trip across the beach was indeed a great pleasure And one, that as long as I live, I shall always treasure. The view from the light house, too, I shall ever hold dear, For the weather this day was exceptionally clear, And, on the literal truth, I am casting no reflection When I say, you could see for miles in every direction. -41 - "If at Eaton's Xeck Light you build a dock substantial Ir would unquestionably pay from a standpoint, financial, To keep two large auto ferries, running throughout the day. From Eaton's Neck to Connecticut via Rhoton Point way And to me at least, it seems perfectly clear, These ferries should run from May to November each year, So that many thousands of New England people, I ween On the Grand Concourse in season, may daily be seen, While New York City hosts that are New England bound . Would pay any old price, in order Little Neck to round, So when concourse and ferry are completed none need fear, The whole outfit would be paid for inside the third year. 180 HISTORY OF THE ORIGINAL If then for a paying investment you are looking around. You can rest assured, none better than this can be found. Let us not waver then, saying, it might have been so, But let us at once get together, and make it a go. -42- "No one should deem it strange, and least of all as funny, When I say this vast project will cost huge sums of money, But the boulevard will soon follow and everything be fine, If Northport will contrive to build this park in record time. Everyone in the Town of Huntington should be interested most vitally And, by hearty co-operation, could assist you most mightily, While for the fame and glory that would come to Suffolk County, She should be extremely liberal and bestow on you her bounty. While your good Supervisor should not only get permission But the most hearty support of the Long Island Park Com- mission, And Worthy George L. the State Highway Department's aid could secure, While this backing by the state the success of the project would insure. And when the Rivers and Harbors Appropriation Bill is in the makin', Y'our Congressman Robert L. should include this boulevard in the Bacon, So that with this array of talent and financial assistance, It would be foolhardy for any one to offer up resistance. -43- "The cost of this wonderful auto drive would not entail As much as the Storm King Highway or the Mohawk Trail, TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON 181 While both those beautiful thoroughfares would not be in it In comparison with this grand boulevard, for a single minute; And every year thousands will come from near and far, That can possibly afford to own any kind of a car; And, it seems as if, it would be entirely within reason To expect half a million people during the first season, And half a million dollars, I fully believe, by heck Would pay for the entire boulevard around Little Neck, And putting the entire cost at two million, as a conservative guess, Then, at most, five years admissions, and possibly less Would pay for the entire outfit, and it could then be made free, Except a mere nominal charge, as a maintenance fee, And the present generation, as well as all the ages to come Would shower their blessings upon you for the noble work done." -44- "So make this positive statement, for it is not an idle dream, That this vast project will be a big money making scheme To any one who is capable of seeing and thinking clearly, As I can guarantee an income of half a million yearly. So what Huntington and Northport should now desire In fact it seems to me that you absolutely require Large men, having a due regard for their civic duty, Men of high honor and who have an eye for beauty ! Men of great vision and of sterling and financial worth Who by completing this work will enrich the people of earth. Men of great hearts, much faith and with courage strong, And who can always distinguish between right and wrong. Men who are lovers and proud of village, state and nation W T ho heartily appreciate all the works of creation, HISTORY OF THE ORIGINAL And who are willing to spend and be spent in fullest measure That all future generations may derive the greatest pleasure." -45- What's the use of dreaming unless your dreams come true, And what particular object is there in telling my dream to you, Unless through our dreaming and our scheming we help the world along, Lightening the burdens of the weary with our cheerful song ? While thus musing, I awoke from this beautiful dream, And a year and a half had elapsed, it would seem, So that it was nineteen twenty-seven, October the ioth day, And my friend in our parlor wishes to see me they say. "Good morning," he said, "Today I gave business the slip. To come out here and with you, take the same old trip;" But this time there was nothing to be kept in the dark, Se we went immediately to the entrance to the park, And truly here was the beginning of another perfect day, As, Marvelous! beautiful! magnificent! was all he could say, Until finally, emerging from his enchantment, he then did ask "How and when did the people perform this seemingly impossible task?" - 4 6- "The credit is yours, for you recall, on another similar day You outlined to me in a very definite and beautiful way, How Northport should grow and become the most beautiful town That could be found anywhere, the entire world around. I spread broadcast your vision and we did then all consult, And you see here before you this truly marvelous result. TOWNSHIP OF HUNTINGTON It was really in nineteen twenty six, month of May; The people first came together in a constructive way And each person to his neighbor did then confess, That of natural beauties we do certainly possess A bountiful and almost inexhaustible store, As one's enraptured vision scans the harbor shore, So let us start this great work at once, for we know we can Make these God given beauties a blessing to man; So for your vision please accept our profound esteem and regard, And let us now take a spin on this DeTuxe Boulevard." - 47 - I knew, for the first view he had received, his heart still yearned, So as we entered the Grand Concourse we southward turned, And I directed the chauffeur to stop at the Hotel "Harbor Grand," Which, when it was constructed, was so beautifully planned, That on every side and for every floor, there is an esplanade, Where the hotel patrons to their hearts content can promenade, Either winter or summer, north, east, south or west, Which-ever direction may suit their fancy best. Taking the elevator to the roof garden, above the tenth floor, Brings you to a place of beauty, one cannot help but adore. In extent five hundred feet long by two hundred wide, To harmonize with the landscrape, the owners have tried By installing palms, shrubs, plants, ferns and greenery, That any one would designate as beautiful scenery, Being steam heated and glass enclosed in fall and winter time, There is no longer necessity of seeking a southern clime. I 84 HISTORY OF THE ORIGINAL -48- h was in such beautiful surroundings on this October day, My friend again became enraptured with Northport Bay And exclaimed, "There is no other place in this great land W here one can view such magnificent scenery on every hand. And nowhere, me thinks, can its counterpart be found, Though you carefully search the whole world around; This glorious autumn sun, with her warm caress, Has arrayed all nature in a most gorgeous dress, That in conjunction with landscape, water and azure blue, Simply baffles description, it is certainly true, And everything appears to be so beautiful and grand, That it almost seems like living in a fairy land, And I have decided that I shall no longer roam . When I can enjoy such scenery right here at home. And I have therefore concluded in Northport to dwell, By permanently residing at this Harbor Grand Hotel." -49- This beautiful vision of Northport, will it come true? The question can only be answered by you and you At once getting together and making a united start For this glorious beauty of beauties, "Northport Park." FINIS. 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