1926 Nash Sedan. Image Courtesy of the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation.
SAG HARBOR 100 YEARS AGO THIS WEEK
August 30 – September 5, 1926
The new Nash Special Six Series with 7-bearing crankshaft motor was on display in Sag Harbor. The first Nash car, a new sedan, to be sold in Sag Harbor, was bought by the Reverend F.V. Waters of St. Andrew's Church through the local agency of F.S. Schaefer's Sag Harbor Garage. Continued increase in the number of automobiles was causing traffic congestion on Washington Street. It was so serious that all parking on the street was ordered discontinued by the village trustees at their Tuesday night meeting.
Talk about a whirlwind game – that was the kind of baseball the fans saw at the park on Sunday afternoon, when Sag Harbor trimmed Cohen’s Van Guards of Patchogue, 4 to 1. The famous battery of Ed Wagner, pitcher, and Whitle Pulver, catcher, were in Harbor line-up, and the support they had was great to behold. Fair-sized crowds were being seen at the games, but there were among the spectators so many tinhorns and cheapskates who failed to contribute towards the expenses of those providing the sport that receipts were not anywhere near $100 in any of the last seven or eight games. The home boys were nevertheless faithful and stuck at their posts regardless of the gate.
The Hampton Bays Fire Department's Engine One truck, East Hampton Star Photo Archive. Image Courtesy of the East Hampton Library, Long Island Collection.
SAG HARBOR 100 YEARS AGO THIS WEEK
August 23 – August 29, 1926
150 active and honorary members of the fire department had a clambake at Tindall’s grove on the afternoon of Sunday, August 22. An added attraction was a horseshoe throwing contest between Hoinie Becker and Ed Zelner, the Connecticut champion. The latter won. Zelner issued a challenge to all comers. There was also a baseball game between the Freaks and the Frights. The former won, 17 to 2. At a meeting held on Monday, August 23 at the Jermain Memorial Library an exhibition of paintings was planned to open for the week beginning September 6. The paintings would be the work of local artists, the first exhibition of its kind. The place the exhibition was to be held would be announced later. Fire razed the one-story schoolhouse on North Haven on Thursday night. Apparatus from Sag Harbor responded but could not save the structure. It is said that a party of young folks were having a party earlier in the evening in the vestibule and it is supposed that embers from a dropped match or cigarette caused the blaze. The school had not been in use for four or five years. North Haven pupils, who numbered about 30, were instead conveyed by bus to and from Pierson High School.
Dancing woman with backup dancers, circa 1900-1909. Image Courtesy of University of Arizona Libraries Special Collections.
SAG HARBOR
100 YEARS AGO THIS WEEK
August 16 – August 22, 1926
Two nights of vaudeville were announced for the following Tuesday and Wednesday at the Elite Theater beside the feature picture, "The Girl from Montmartre." Alice Rector, the famous buck and wing dancer of B.F. Keith's circuit was one of the numbers. Miss Rector was summering near Sag Harbor; otherwise, it would have been impossible to engage her. She was to resume her work with the Greenwich Follies in September. The Annual Exhibition of the Lyme Art Association at Lyme, Connecticut was of special interest to Sag Harbor because of the prizes awarded by William S. Eaton of this village. For five years, Mr. Eaton awarded $500, but in 1926 his offerings totaled $1000. The principal Eaton prize was awarded to Ivan G. Olinsky for “Tosca in White,” a portrait of the latter’s younger daughter. John D. Liehr of Sag Harbor resigned as member of the Suffolk County Democratic committee from the second Southampton district. Mr. Liehr was a party leader and worker for 27 years and thought it was about time that someone else be given his "thankless" job.
Board of Education and Speakers of the Day at Pierson High School, June 12, 1907, Sag Harbor, LI, NY, Image Courtesy of the Sag Harbor Community Archive, John Jermain Memorial Library.
SAG HARBOR 100 YEARS AGO THIS WEEK
August 9 – August 15, 1926
The Board of Education reelected William R. Reimann president, G. Augustine Kiernan secretary, and John M. Woodward treasurer. The annual faculty meeting was scheduled to take place September 8 at 2:30pm and Pierson high and grade school would reopen the next day, September 9. Pine Neck Kennels of Police Dogs, owned by R. Graham of Noyack, carried off supreme honors at the Southampton A.K.C. Dog Show on Saturday, August 7, with 3 dogs entered, 2 of which were bred by the owner. They captured 12 ribbons (4 firsts). A young black dog, Black Von Boll, took 8 of the firsts, reserve winner, and 3 specials. At the close of the judging, Mr. Graham was highly complimented by the judge, R. L. Patterson of Madison, New Jersey. Four young men deserted from the Napeague coast guard station at Napeague on Wednesday, August 4. The Sag Harbor Yacht Club planned to hold its annual water carnival at McNally’s Noyac Pavilion on Saturday, August 21. The committee in charge completed plans for a very delightful afternoon's entertainment and a cordial invitation was extended to all. Afternoon events would include boys' swim, girls' swim, men's fancy diving, ladies' vegetable race, ladies' swim, men's swim, ladies' fancy diving, canoe race, greased pole, and canoe tilting. All amateurs were welcome.
The wooden whaleship Charles W. Morgan. Image courtesy of Mystic Seaport Museum.
SAG HARBOR 100 YEARS AGO THIS WEEK
August 2 – August 8, 1926
A motor car owned by Henry G. Ham left parked on a public street for a short time Monday night was stolen and not found until three days later. A general alarm had been sent throughout the county by the sheriff. Chief of Police Harold Morouney located the car undamaged in a clump of bushes at Hogonack. A traveling bag, order book, and clothing had been taken from the car. Nothing else was missing, not even a spare tire. The bag and wearing apparel were worth about $35. When Frank C. Havens built a summer home at Bluff Point, Sag Harbor, he desired to anchor a whale ship off his premises. Capt. Fred Youngs was sent to New Bedford to procure a ship. He was unsuccessful. Mr. Havens' father had been a whaling master in years when Sag Harbor ranked second to New Bedford as a prosperous whaling port. At New Bedford in July, Col. E.H.R. Green and 81 other donors gave the old whale ship Charles W. Morgan as a museum ship. The vessel was embedded in a foundation of concrete to be preserved as a relic of whaling times. A record crowd witnessed the defeat of Thayer’s Cake Eaters by Ed Wagner’s and Old Man Chandler’s Freaks, score being 17 to 5. The large gathering cheered when Thayer headed his team to the field all decorated with red sash and red ties, but much unlike the Cake Eaters, they played good ball as could be seen by the score and not until the last man was out would they give up. Considering the small amount of baseball material the Cake Eaters had to pick from to get a team they did exceptionally well.
Main Street in Sag Harbor, undated. Image Courtesy of the Sag Harbor Community Archive, John Jermain Memorial Library.
SAG HARBOR 100 YEARS AGO THIS WEEK
July 26 – August 4, 1926
A disturbance was caused on Main Street last Monday afternoon when August Gunther and his wife Rose of Nyack Road each sought a warrant for the arrest of the other. Justice Corwin refused both warrants on the grounds that the case was no more than a family squabble. Before a crowd as large as had witnessed a Sunday game for the season, George Dipple's Pirates swamped Heinie Becker's Bearcats to the score of 14 to 2 on Friday night. Twilight baseball was going over big according to attendance at the games. It was hoped fans would continue to attend as the boys promised to play better ball as the season went on. The village trustees at their meeting Tuesday evening adopted a resolution protesting against the plan of holding a special election on August 17 to vote on a road bond proposition. All taxpayers who wished to vote were required to travel to Southampton. This disenfranchised virtually all of Sag Harbor's taxpayers who could not afford to take the necessary time from their work. The trustees ordered the circulation of a petition, asking the town board to either hold the voting by districts or postpone the election until the general election in November.
The North Haven Bridge, Sag Harbor, L.I., NY, Image Courtesy of the Sag Harbor Community Archive, John Jermain Memorial Library.
SAG HARBOR 100 YEARS AGO THIS WEEK
July 12 – July 18, 1926
North Haven Bridge was showing signs of wear and was so weakened in parts that heavy trucks were being permitted to pass only at great caution on the part of drivers. Since the bridge was a county charge, the repair was expected to fall upon the county instead of the town of Southampton.
Sag Harbor’s baseball club defeated the Montauk A. C. on Sunday on the Park grounds by 19 to 4 in seven innings. Southold was scheduled to be the Harbor’s upcoming opponents on the park grounds on Saturday.
An advertised auction sale at Hampton Heights was expected to be of particular interest to Sag Harbor people, for aside from the sale of Montauk property the proprietors were offering amusements galore with the Sag Harbor Brass Band and several local boxers. The Sag Harbor Brass Band was scheduled to provide plenty of music on Saturday, playing throughout Long Island in the morning and returning to the auction sale in the afternoon to play a tune between sales. The boxing exhibition was to include Bill Gilbride, Jerry Casper, Charlie Homer of East Hampton, and Joe Wilson of Harlem.
Fire truck and firemen in uniform in parade, undated. Image courtesy of the Sag Harbor Community Archive, John Jermain Memorial Library.
SAG HARBOR 100 YEARS AGO THIS WEEK
July 5 – July 11, 1926
Sag Harbor’s Old Home Week celebration was a success throughout. The weather was ideal from start to finish and each day’s program was carried out without a hitch. All had a good time, even the various members of the committee who almost "worked their heads off" to put the events across properly. Firemen's stunts by Chief William Kiselyak amused a large crowd on lower Main Street on Wednesday. The old Agawam hand pumper, captained by Peter Hart and Harry Wade Jr., comically costumed, quenched two box fires. Almost as much water was poured on the men as on the fire!
A.W. Basile & Sons on Washington Street was advertising a $10,000 stock of men's, women's, and children's shoes being sold at reduced prices- plus many other bargains in men's wear and ladies' hosiery. In addition to clothing, the store was also offering sewing machines, automobile tires, and radio tubes for sale.
Gratifying progress for the first half of 1926 was shown in the 182nd semi-annual report of the Sag Harbor Savings Bank. Amount due depositors, including interest, increased by $147,201. Resources increased by $159,896 and surplus achieved a gain of $20,868. Thus, once more the cry of the non-advertisers that Sag Harbor is poor has been shown to be NOT founded on facts.
Main Street in Sag Harbor decorated for "Old Home Week", 1912. Image Courtesy of the Sag Harbor Community Archive, John Jermain Memorial Library.
SAG HARBOR 100 YEARS AGO THIS WEEK
June 28 – July 4, 1926
In another red-hot game of baseball, the Sag Harbor Nine won its third straight game by trimming the Bridgehampton All Stars 8-5. The locals held a lead of 2-0 until the sixth inning, when Bridgehampton scored five runs. These five runs were due to some bad baseball by the home infielders and a timely hit by George Maher.
Sag Harbor’s combined celebrations of Old Home Week, 150th Anniversary of American Independence, and Thomas Jefferson anniversary were reported to be a great success. The week was ushered in on Monday by the ringing of municipal bells and the blowing of whistles by 11:11am. The factory joined in at noon with continued blasts of its siren. A concert by the Sag Harbor Band in the evening attracted large crowds. Other events throughout the week included a mammoth food sale, masquerade block party, and stunts by firemen, with additional events to follow until July 5- including a Charleston contest.
The Masonic Club of Sag Harbor's 4th annual Fair and Carnival was scheduled to be held on the Temple Grounds on Saturday evening, July 3, and continue for one week, ending July 10. The organization was known for putting on clean shows and entertainments. Their Fairs and Carnivals were uniformly successful. The outstanding feature in 1926 was to be a thirteen-piece Cornet band, furnishing music every evening.
Pierson High School, Sag Harbor, L. I. undated. Image Courtesy of the Sag Harbor Community Archive, John Jermain Memorial Library.
SAG HARBOR 100 YEARS AGO THIS WEEK
June 21 – June 28, 1926
After an anonymous letter was read by Clerk Moylan at the Tuesday night meeting of the village trustees, it was decided that the only consideration that would be given to unsigned complaints would be to throw them into the waste basket. The Board felt that persons afraid to sign their names, especially users of an Oliver typewriter with defective "m," deserved scant attention.
Thirteen seniors of Pierson High School were graduated at commencement exercises at the school Monday evening. President William R. Reimann of the board of education presented to diplomas to: Mary Elizabeth Onisko, president of the class; Harriett Alberta Howell, vice president; Marguerite Louise Reimann, secretary; Joseph Francis Bauman, treasurer; Helen Buel Beebee, Benjamin Bernard Brown, Joseph Brown, Audrey Graham Pulver, Edward Alexander Sauer, Angelo Joseph Schiavoni, Donald Cartwright Simms, Anna Palmer Woodward, and Mariella Smith Woodward. The valedictory speech was given by Helen Buel Beebee.
Preparations were completed for what promised to be the most picturesque and enjoyable social occasion in years, a caberet dance at the Community House, Bridgehampton, for the benefit of a monument in honor of Sag Harbor boys who served in the World War. Program participants would be in costume and novel and attractive effects were assured.
Entrance to Mashashimuet Park, Sag Harbor, L.I., NY, Image Courtesy of the Sag Harbor Community Archive, John Jermain Memorial Library.
SAG HARBOR 100 YEARS AGO THIS WEEK
June 7 – June 13, 1926
A Carnival to benefit Chelberg and Battle Post # 388 of the American Legion was being planned to take place over the course of six nights from June 21-26, 1926, at the Park at Sag Harbor. The event would feature Prudent’s Amusement Shows, rides, and concessions.
The Pierson class of '26 was making plans to hold Class Day exercises in the Pierson auditorium. Only members of the senior and junior classes and their friends would be invited to attend. Graduation exercises planned for Tuesday, June 21 would be open to the entire public and held in the Pierson auditorium. Musical numbers would include singing by the Glee Club under the direction of Miss Gladys Sharpe, musical instructor at Pierson.
Captain Robert Ebbitts, 82, former keeper of Cedar Island Lighthouse and well known in Sag Harbor, died in Southold on June 7. Capt. "Bob" was a veteran of the Civil War, Co. H., 127th Regiment, N.Y. Volunteers. He served for 30 years in the Lighthouse Department; one year as keeper of Plum Island light, six years at Cedar Island, and 23 years as keeper of Horton's Point light in the Town of Southold.
Steamship Shinnecock coming into Sag Harbor, undated. Image Courtesy of the Sag Harbor Community Archive, John Jermain Memorial Library.
SAG HARBOR 100 YEARS AGO THIS WEEK
May 31 – June 6, 1926
The maiden Sunday trip of the Steamship Shinnecock from Sag Harbor to the Connecticut shore was scheduled to take place on June 20th, marking the realization of a dream which hotel men and residents of eastern Long Island had waited for many years. Ever since the boat line between Sag Harbor, Greenport, and New London, Connecticut commenced operation every interest on the Easterly end of the Island had been hoping that someday Sunday service would be operated. Motorists would no longer be obliged to take the long and cumbersome route back to New York through heavy city traffic to reach the same destinations and could opt instead for this short and delightful thirty-mile sail across Long Island Sound.
It was good news for sports fans that baseball was being revived in Sag Harbor! The opening game with Southampton was scheduled for Sunday afternoon at 3 o’clock at the park. The players were eager to get going in a real effort to put the village back on the map in the way of summer sports at home. A fire in the woods the week prior burned a large acreage at Chatfield Hill, jumped the East Hampton Sag Harbor state highway, and burned over part of the woods on the east side of the village between Rattlesnake Brook and Hempstead Street and the bay.
The Academy of the Sacred Heart of Mary, co. 1900, Sag Harbor, L.I., NY, Image Courtesy of the Sag Harbor Community Archive, John Jermain Memorial Library.
SAG HARBOR 100 YEARS AGO THIS WEEK
June 14 – June 20, 1926
Main Street from the Liberty Pole to the Civil War monument was a blaze of color with a profession of flags, banners, and streamers strung across the thoroughfare, and electric light poles decorated with national colors. Merchants were also decorating their shop windows in preparation for Old Home Week, to celebrate the Sesquicentennial of American Independence and commemorate the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Old Home Week was scheduled to begin on Monday, June 28 and continue until July 5.
The students of the Academy of the Sacred Heart of Mary had an enjoyable afternoon at commencement exercises at the academy hall on Sunday, June 20. The Reverend Father Waters of St. Andrew’s Church delivered the address to the graduates. His remarks were brief, to the point, packed with common sense and eloquent in their simplicity. He also bestowed diplomas and gold medals to the grammar school and high school graduates. The Masonic Club gave a dinner to the members of the cast of the Barbary Pirates at Lily Pond House on Thursday, June 17. Covers were laid for 90 guests. It was a cosmopolitan crowd, with members of high school and college mixing with the younger married set. The dining room was decorated with June flowers with roses at each table. The dinner was most daintily served, and each dish was the height of perfection.
Soldiers in front of the Municipal Building on Main Street in Sag Harbor after World War I, circa 1918. Image courtesy of the East Hampton Star Photo Archive, Long Island Collection, East Hampton Library.
SAG HARBOR 100 YEARS AGO THIS WEEK
May 10 – May 16, 1926
Capt. J. H. McCourt M. R. C. of Chelberg and Battle Post, American Legion of Sag Harbor was notified of a shipment of two German Maxim Machine Guns with bipods captured from the enemy during the World War. They were expected to arrive in Sag Harbor before Memorial Day and were being shipped in the same condition received from the firing line. Through the courtesy of H. W. Dimon, local telephone representative in Southampton, the students and the faculty of Pierson High School, listened Thursday afternoon to an interesting lecture by A.P. Nielson of the lecture bureau of the New York telephone company. The subject was “Telephone Courtesy of a Business Assistant.” Mr. Nielson emphasized the value of preparation and showed how indispensable courtesy is to success of young men and women who are about to begin business careers. Business so greatly increased with the firm of Thompson and Osborne Inc., in their furniture and household furnishing department, that an addition to their new building was needed immediately. When the old store was modernized and enlarged after the death of Mr. Thompson, it was thought ample floor space had been provided to meet speed of growth for almost a decade. Now a one-story addition was required. Frank Havens of Bridgehampton was contracted to do the mason work, and the carpentry work would be done by Garypie Bros. of Sag Harbor.
The Academy of the Sacred Heart of Mary, co. 1900, Sag Harbor, L.I., NY, Image Courtesy of the Sag Harbor Community Archive, John Jermain Memorial Library.
SAG HARBOR 100 YEARS AGO THIS WEEK
June 14 – June 20, 1926
Main Street from the Liberty Pole to the Civil War monument was a blaze of color with a profession of flags, banners, and streamers strung across the thoroughfare, and electric light poles decorated with national colors. Merchants were also decorating their shop windows in preparation for Old Home Week, to celebrate the Sesquicentennial of American Independence and commemorate the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Old Home Week was scheduled to begin on Monday, June 28 and continue until July 5.
The students of the Academy of the Sacred Heart of Mary had an enjoyable afternoon at commencement exercises at the academy hall on Sunday, June 20. The Reverend Father Waters of St. Andrew’s Church delivered the address to the graduates. His remarks were brief, to the point, packed with common sense and eloquent in their simplicity. He also bestowed diplomas and gold medals to the grammar school and high school graduates. The Masonic Club gave a dinner to the members of the cast of the Barbary Pirates at Lily Pond House on Thursday, June 17. Covers were laid for 90 guests. It was a cosmopolitan crowd, with members of high school and college mixing with the younger married set. The dining room was decorated with June flowers with roses at each table. The dinner was most daintily served, and each dish was the height of perfection.
Building Long Island Railroad (LIRR), freight shed on Long Wharf, Sag Harbor, undated. Image Courtesy of the Sag Harbor Community Archive, John Jermain Memorial Library.
SAG HARBOR 100 YEARS AGO THIS WEEK
May 17 – May 23, 1926
The spring and summer timetable of the Long Island Railroad, daylight saving time, went into effect. The new table was published in the Express. As final revision of proofs was still being made, it was suggested that readers intending to travel consult the local railroad agent before making arrangements. Daylight Saving Time (DST) was first implemented in the United States in 1918 during World War I as a way to conserve fuel by reducing the need for artificial lighting.
The Lily-Pond House at Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor improved highway, just south of the village, was leased for the season by John H. Lund, proprietor of the Lundhurst of Sag Harbor. Mr. Lund established the 22 room Lundhurst House a few years prior and it was a success from the start. Expansion to accommodate a growing patronage occasioned the lease. The Lily-Pond House was formerly the summer home of Dr. James Smith and when built was the largest country home of the Hamptons.
Student Walter Renkens suffered an abrasion of the head while playing baseball at Pierson High School. A baseball bat accidentally slipped from the hands of Wallace Stafford as he swung at a ball and struck young Renkens in the forehead. Renkens was taken to the school nurse, Mrs. Helene Gusman, who administered first aid. He was then taken to the office of Dr. M. B. Lewis by Seward Wood in Principal Wood's car. Dr. Lewis put several stitches in the cut
Baseball field, Mashashimuet Park,1913. Image Courtesy of the Sag Harbor Community Archive, John Jermain Memorial Library.
SAG HARBOR 100 YEARS AGO THIS WEEK
April 19 – April 25, 1926
The basketball season officially ended, with the Harbor retaining its championship honors. It won 14 out of 19 games. Having done that much to boost Sag Harbor, the boys enthusiastically began the baseball season, pointing to the fine records made some years ago. Starting things off with the people rooting behind them, they were ready to keep Sag Harbor on the map in summer as they did in winter!
A special town meeting was being planned in Southampton town to vote upon a proposition to appropriate $200,000 for the purpose of paying half the cost of construction of a shore front boulevard from Quogue to Southampton along the Shinnecock Bay Beach. The Phipps Estate offered to pay the other half. Petitions were in circulation asking the town board to act.
A joint observation of Memorial Day was being planned by Chelberg & Battle Post of the American Legion, Edwin Rose Post of the G. A. R., and merchants of the village. This was decided during the week of April 12th at a meeting of a committee that would be enlarged as details developed. Parade and patriotic exercises would be held in the morning, and another interesting program was being devised for the afternoon.
Main Street in Sag Harbor, undated. Image Courtesy of the Sag Harbor Community Archive, John Jermain Memorial Library.
SAG HARBOR 100 YEARS AGO THIS WEEK
May 3 – May 9, 1926
The Bohack Company, a chain of grocery stores originating in New York City in 1887, leased the Peter Pappas Store on the West Side of Main Street. Possession was scheduled to be taken on July 1,1926. Never before had Long Islanders been as aroused as they were over the movement of the Long Island Association to "Tell the World About Long Island." The unprecedented enthusiasm was due largely to the belief residents had in the communities in which they made their homes. The Long Island Association promoted that it was time that the world should be told about Long Island, not by word of mouth alone, but by vigorous advertising that would carry information of the splendid features of the island to every nook and corner of the earth. Several thousand dollars was subscribed in an initial fund to carry on the work of the association in inaugurating the movement. Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Murphy of Bay Street were agreeably surprised Sunday evening when several of their friends and relatives called to spend the evening with them, the occasion being the birthday anniversary of Mrs. Murphy. Refreshments were served and a program including recitations and impersonations was rendered in a most pleasant manner.
Upper Main Street in Sag Harbor, undated. Image Courtesy of the Sag Harbor Community Archive, John Jermain Memorial Library.
SAG HARBOR 100 YEARS AGO THIS WEEK
April 26 – May 2, 1926
About 40 merchants and businessmen of the village, invited to discuss the nuisance caused by littering on Main Street with papers and debris of various kinds, attended the regular meeting of the village trustees in the Municipal building. Village President Kiernan declared that at the present time, when thousands of dollars were being spent to advertise Long Island to the world, it was necessary that the village present its best appearance to the myriad of tourists who would visit Long Island. First appearances go far, he said.
An occasion of more than ordinary interest was scheduled to take place at Pierson auditorium. Part one of the entertainment presented by the primary classes would comprise of songs by grades one, two, and three under the direction of the teachers. Part two would consist of selections by the High School Girls’ Glee Club. Part three would be a playlet by pupils in grades four, five, six, seven, and eight entitled “Emily’s Dream.” A delightful card party was held at the home of Mrs. J. D. Kelly for the benefit of the degree of Pocahontas. There were fifty-seven present. Miss Mary Battle made high score in pinochle, Mrs. George McFarland second, Mrs. J. D. Kelly third, and Mrs. George Cary fourth.
"Barbarossa of Barbary" program, 1926. Image Courtesy of the Sag Harbor Community Archive, John Jermain Memorial Library.
SAG HARBOR 100 YEARS AGO THIS WEEK
April 12 – April 18, 1926
As smooth as silk was the presentation of “Barbarossa of Barbary,” a two-act musical comedy at the Elite Theatre on the night of April 12. It was probably the best amateur offering ever seen in Sag Harbor. The plot moved easily, without a hitch, and its mirth provoking qualities were evidenced by almost continuous laughter and applause throughout the evening.
Annual reports of the Ladies’ Village Improvement Society were read at the last meeting, concluding Mrs. W. W. Bennett’s three years’ presidency. The society under Mrs. Bennett’s efficient leadership gained many new members and raised the large sum of money necessary to carry on the work. Mrs. Margaret Leary was elected president for the ensuing year.
Acceptance by congress of the plan and design for the memorial to Theodore Roosevelt submitted by the Roosevelt Memorial Association was urged in a resolution in the house by the Representative Robert L. Bacon from New York. A similar resolution was introduced in the senate by Senator Pepper of Pennsylvania. Plans for the memorial provided for its setting in a great circular basin of water on a line south of the Washington Monument and the White House Mansion.
Sag Harbor Railroad train depot with freight house in foreground and Long Wharf in background, undated. Image Courtesy of the Sag Harbor Community Archive, John Jermain Memorial Library.
SAG HARBOR 100 YEARS AGO THIS WEEK
April 5 – April 11, 1926
The expenditure of $20,000,000 on Long Island in 1926 by the Long Island Railroad and the Carl G. Fisher interests aroused a lively discussion as to the future development of the island. The announcement that the sum was to be expended in the development of Long Island was made at a luncheon sponsored by the Long Island Association at the hotel Pennsylvania last week. It was pointed out at the luncheon that Mr. Fisher, who developed Miami Beach, hoped to develop a recreation center at the end of Long Island that would be second to none in the world.
The Southampton Town Board unanimously passed a resolution presented by Thomas L. Jacques of Hampton Bays, a member of the executive committee of the Anti-Mosquito Association of Long Island, urging the board of supervisors to take action toward eliminating mosquitoes in Suffolk County.
It was announced there would be no more public dances at the East Hampton Settlement House due to more and more people not appreciating or caring to live up to the high standards the Settlement House was trying hard to maintain. Recent dance attendees were found to be causing great annoyance, so it was determined admission to all future dances would be by card of invitation only.
Ferry to Shelter Island, New Haven, L.I., Image Courtesy of the Sag Harbor Community Archive, John Jermain Memorial Library.
SAG HARBOR 100 YEARS AGO THIS WEEK
March 29 – April 4, 1926
Despite adverse vote by Sag Harbor property owners on a proposition to appropriate money for concrete surfacing a part of Madison Street, advocates for the improvement were determined to press for the betterment. A planned bridge from New Haven to Shelter Island was projected to bring increased motor traffic to the area. Sag Harbor once led in introducing improved roads. Supporters of the paving plan insisted the cost of road betterment would be repaid tenfold in time and that it was shortsighted to oppose earlier policy and retard development.
The season for taking scallops from bay waters closed on April 1st. Few scallops were caught in March, as the bottom had been scraped clear of the bivalves in places not in use by oyster "farmers." Prices were quite high throughout the season, ranging from $3.50 to $7.50 a gallon for prime stock. Baymen reported the outlook for scallops for next season was poor.
The music at Mass at St. Andrew’s church Easter morning was scheduled to be rendered by the girls’ choir, consisting of Mrs. Genevieve Moylan, May Aylward, Elizabeth Sykes, Ethel Logan, Florence Logan, Helen Sleight, Elizabeth Moylan, and Mrs. William Gerlach. The choir of mixed voices would sing Wolgan’s Mass in honor of the Immaculate Conception. The singers were scheduled to be Mrs. Floyd Mott, Mrs. Joseph King, Misses Rosalyn and Geraldine O’Halloran, Miss Freda Lund, John Moylan, Michael Moylan, Peter Hughes, William McClain, Joseph Engeneri, Charles Moylan, and Carl Shoen with Mary Moylan organist, and Joseh Moylan violinist.
St. Andrew’s Church, Sag Harbor, L.I., Image Courtesy of the Sag Harbor Community Archive, John Jermain Memorial Library.
SAG HARBOR 100 YEARS AGO THIS WEEK
March 22 – March 28, 1926
Twin daughters were born at Southampton Hospital to Mr. and Mrs. Robert McGuire. Mr. McGuire is a son of Alex McGuire of East Hampton, formerly of Genesee Street, Sag Harbor, and one of twenty-one children, of whom twenty are living.
Elite Theatre was filled to capacity at the St. Patrick’s night entertainment for the benefit of St. Andrew’s Church. Little Miss Lillian Feurhahn sang and danced in the second part, and a short sketch, “The Little Red School House,” was then enacted by Vincent Early, John A. Moylan, Cyrus Hart, and Gurden S. Harris. The entertainment was a great success dramatically, financially, and socially!
Contractors' material arrived on Monday, March 22 for erection of a large reinforced concrete fireproof garage building for Standard Oil Company of New York at a site located at Bay and Burke Streets. Four or five additional gasoline and kerosene tanks would be built by the Standard Oil working crew later in the season. Gasoline and kerosene were to be shipped to Sag Harbor by water and pumped into the shore tanks. The station was planned to be the principal distributing depot for the south fluke of Long Island east of Westhampton.
Long Island Boy Scouts, Nathan Hale Council Boy Scouts of America,1917. Courtesy of Huntington Historical Society.
SAG HARBOR 100 YEARS AGO THIS WEEK
March 15 – March 21, 1926
About thirty Boy Scouts of Troops 2 and 3, and persons interested in the Boy Scout Movement, enjoyed an event planned for their benefit in the Presbyterian Chapel on Tuesday evening, March 16. The occasion was the presentation of membership certificates and officers’ appointments by A.R. Wolfe, Scout Executive for Suffolk County.
Cohen’s Van Guards were scheduled to be the Harbor Basketball Club’s opponents on March 19 at Pierson High School Auditorium in their third exhibition game. The Sag Harbor basketball team won the first game of the crucial series with Bayshore on Friday night, March 12, by the score of 27-22. It was a great game, close and hard fought all the way through!
Also on Thursday evening, on March 19, the girls’ team of Pierson High School went to Bridgehampton to play the East Hampton girls' team to decide the championship for the East End League. It was played in the Bridgehampton Community House, and 300 people viewed the game. Pierson won, 33-17. The game began with a snap which promised the spectators an interesting and exciting time before the final whistle.
Sag Harbor Fire Department, Phoenix Hook and Ladder Co. #1, Gazelle Hose #1. Image Courtesy of the Sag Harbor Community Archive, John Jermain Memorial Library.
SAG HARBOR 100 YEARS AGO THIS WEEK
March 8 – March 14, 1926
Phone users were urged to curb their curiosity during fires at Sag Harbor. So many calls were made by local subscribers to inquire about the location of recent fires that regular service was seriously interfered with, as people apparently forgot that the operators did not know anything more about the location of the fires than the inquirers. The village trustees and fire department joined with the Telephone Company in urging that the practice of making curiosity calls be eliminated.
All members of the Ladies' Village Improvement Society were asked to earn a dollar and in prose or poetry tell how they earned it and bring it to the trustees' room in the Municipal building Friday afternoon, March 26, where the following would serve afternoon tea: Mrs. Alexander W. Napier, Mrs. Burton D. Corwin, Mrs. Sidney H. Barrett, Mrs. Annette Gleason, and Mrs. Warren S. Gardner.
The Lightning Sports Club was organized by a group of Sag Harbor boys. The club was expected to specialize in boxing and wrestling. Championship material was expected to be developed.
The Methodist Church, Sag Harbor, L.I., Image Courtesy of the Sag Harbor Community Archive, John Jermain Memorial Library.
SAG HARBOR 100 YEARS AGO THIS WEEK
March 1 – March 7, 1926
On the first Monday of March, thirty-five persons enjoyed a veal supper at Old Timers’ Night at the Murray Hill Hose house at the corner of Division and Elizabeth Streets. Several old timers made brief addresses, including County Clerk Fred S. Pulver, Fire Chief Ray Heinrichs, Assistant William Chance, Joseph Finekenor, Charles W. Hand, Oren Converse, and John Y. Corwin.
The members of the Thursday Night Sewing Club, accompanied by their husbands, motored to Water Mill on the evening of Sunday, February 28, and partook of a duck dinner at the Seven Ponds Inn. Among those present were Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Gibbons, Mr. and Mrs. Emory De Castro and son Sayre, Mr. and Mrs. George D. McFarland and daughter Helen, Mr. and Mrs. William Emery, and Mr. and Mrs. Harry Moylan.
Word was received of the death of William F. Kilgore, U. S. Coast Guard, retired of Sag Harbor, at San Diego, California, where he had been passing the winter. The body of Commander Kilgore arrived in Sag Harbor accompanied by his sons, Major Fred Kilgore and Edward Kilgore. The funeral, which was military, took place on March 4. Delegations from destroyer Burroughs and coast patrol 137 arrived from the New London station and attended the funeral. A memorial service was also scheduled to be held at the Methodist Church.
The Peconic Bank, Sag Harbor, L.I., Image Courtesy of the Sag Harbor Community Archive, John Jermain Memorial Library.
SAG HARBOR 100 YEARS AGO THIS WEEK
February 22 – February 28, 1926
The question of how best to use $5,000 bequeathed by the late Mrs. James H. Aldrich to the village for the benefit of the Fire Department was discussed at the most recent meeting of the village trustees. The check for that amount arrived Tuesday and was deposited in the Peconic Bank.
A persistent rumor was circulating that several wealthy men who made large purchases of land at Shelter Island were seeking to obtain from the legislature a charter to construct a bridge from North Haven to Shelter Island (spanning the South Ferry, connecting with the Sag Harbor-North Haven state highway). Private funds would be used to build the structure, but approval of the war department would be required.
Residents were being warned that while dogs were permitted to run loose in Sag Harbor, rabies was becoming a menace on Long Island. Thirteen rabid dogs were discovered in Nassau County, while during the previous nine months there was an equal number of cases of dog rabies in the same territory. Several people took the "Pasteur treatment" because of having been bitten or slobbered over by dogs known to be rabid. This treatment, which was preventative only, while subjecting the individual to considerable inconvenience was more than justified by the fact that once rabies develops in the human, there is but one outlook – the disease was practically one hundred percent fatal.
Main Street, Showing Bank & Post Office, Sag Harbor, L.I., 1910, Image Courtesy of the Sag Harbor Community Archive, John Jermain Memorial Library.
SAG HARBOR 100 YEARS AGO THIS WEEK
February 15 – February 21, 1926
On Monday evening, February 15, Mrs. Gussman, Miss Cartwright, Miss Roberts, and Miss Davis entertained the members of the Pierson faculty at “Bridge” at the home of Herbert Overton. The party was a Valentine party, and everything was decorated and in keeping with Valentine’s Day. The first prize was won by Miss Helen T. Slate and the second prize by Miss Gladys Sharpe.
Following the announcement that the Sag Harbor post office required more room, inquiry was made concerning likelihood of local landlords bidding for the contract. However, there was no rush to provide new office quarters. The department wanted at least 150 more square feet of space. A general impression began to prevail in Sag Harbor that certain changes could instead be made to the current office quarters in the Brown block on Washington Street to meet requirements in part.
Announcement was made by the Long Island Railroad management that the Pullman Company would inaugurate regular Pullman chair car service on Long Island, similar to what was operated on the Pennsylvania and other trunk lines. Details of this innovation were promised to be announced later.
Pierson High School, Sag Harbor, NY. Image courtesy of East Hampton Star Photo Archive, East Hampton Library Digital Long Island Collection.
SAG HARBOR 100 YEARS AGO THIS WEEK
February 8 – February 14, 1926
The Sag Harbor Post Office was actively searching for a new location, as business had grown so much at its headquarters in the Brown block on Washington Street that additional floor space was immediately required. A federal post office was first established at Sag Harbor on January 1, 1795. Before this, Sag Harbor had a federal postmaster, Henry P. Derring, who was appointed under Washington's first administration.
On Saturday, February 13, the Pierson basketball teams traveled to Bridgehampton to play the high school teams of that village. In the first game of the evening, the Pierson girls defeated the Bridgehampton girls with a score of 45-28. A very good game was played by both teams. It was very close during the first half, but by half time the Pierson girls were in the lead, 20-16. In the second half, the Pierson girls showed an unusual burst of speed and finished off the game in such a snappy manner that their opponents were unable to follow the play.
Miss Bruce Putman and Mr. E. V. Howe were married at the Presbyterian church on Wednesday, February 10 by the Rev. Sidney II. Barrett. The wedding was to have taken place at noon time, but owing to the severe snowstorm the bridal party was delayed in reaching the church. They reached the church at 5 o’clock, Dr. Barrett having been waiting for them since one. It was a jolly wedding party, notwithstanding the difficulties encountered. The bridal party left on the 6 o’clock train for New York.
Edward Bros.' weighing machine on the west side of Main Street in the snow, Sag Harbor, New York. Image courtesy of John Jermain Memorial Library Local History & Special Collections.
SAG HARBOR 100 YEARS AGO THIS WEEK
January 31 – February 6, 1926
Wednesday and Thursday of last week brought the first heavy snowstorm of winter. The snow fell to a depth of 10 inches and drifted much deeper in exposed places. The storm froze the snow’s surface, making travel difficult both for motor driven vehicles and slippery and dangerous for pedestrians. The roads were blocked Friday for 10 to 12 hours until the big town snowplows went over them. The village tractor, guided by Street Commissioner Joseph Morouney, more than proved its worth dragging a snowplow. Trains for the most part were on time and there was very little delay in mails. There was much more snow in the city and at the west end of the island than in Sag Harbor. Except in spots not reached by the sun, the snow had virtually disappeared when Tuesday night another snowstorm arrived blowing and drifting all night and part of the following day. It is estimated that 11 inches on the level fell.
It was announced that "The Algerian Pirates" was the title of the comedy to be presented by the Masome Club at the Elite theatre during Easter week. “Barbarossa of Barbary” was given as another name for this side-splitting entertainment. The Masome Club was very fortunate in securing the best local talent for the cast of the play and the show was expected to go off with a "big zip." An adorable mixture of Spanish senoritas and American jackies promised to keep the audience guessing from start to finish. Those interested in attending were encouraged to save the date on their calendars!
George Sterling. Image Courtesy of the Sag Harbor Community Archive, John Jermain Memorial Library.
SAG HARBOR 100 YEARS AGO THIS WEEK
September 6 – September 12, 1926
George Sterling, native of Sag Harbor, and world-renowned poet, was gaining high praise for his latest poetic drama, "Lilith." Theodore Dreiser ranked Mr. Sterling with Euripides, Aeschylus, Shakespeare, and Shelley. A Metropolitan reviewer also stated, "in truth 'Lilith' is nobly conceived and executed, for the most part with rare poetic ingenuity. Not to read it will be to miss quite the finest thing in poetic drama yet done in America and one of the finest poetic dramas yet written in English."
Eight pieces of jewelry valued at $23,000, stolen by a sneak thief from the James T. Lee cottage at East Hampton on July 23, were recovered from proprietors of a New York jewelry store, where detectives and police seized what they claimed to be $100,000 worth of stolen jewelry.
Henry H. Rogers, the oil magnate, who had recently bought all of Cow Neck, was reportedly negotiating to purchase North Sea bathing pavilion.
Following the close of the Joseph Fahys & Co. Twilight Baseball League season, the Terrors celebrated their victory as champions of the league by attending a spaghetti supper at the home of Paul Ranalli, the hard-hitting right fielder. If gossip can be depended upon, as well as being champion ball players the team could more than hold their own bending spaghetti around a fork. The invited guests included the managing officials of Joseph Fahys & Co. as well as the captains of the various unsuccessful teams.
Pierson High School faculty, undated. Image courtesy of the Sag Harbor Community Archive, John Jermain Memorial Library.
SAG HARBOR 100 YEARS AGO THIS WEEK
September 13 – September 19, 1926
School was back in session at Pierson High. Under supervision of Principal William M. Wood, the school was running on a thoroughly organized system. During the summer, a number of notable improvements had been made. The exterior was redecorated, 8 new typewriters were placed in the library, and a new rooming system was established. There were 17 members in the senior class for the 1926-1927 academic year.
A cordial invitation was extended to all women in the county to visit the maternity and infancy exhibit at the County Fair in Riverhead, which was to be held by a State Department of Health nurse. The nurse would be demonstrating the latest ideas in outfits for new babies and how mothers' health clubs could be organized in the vicinity.
The Long Island and Pennsylvania railroads jointly planned to operate an excursion train on Saturday, September 18. The railroad management arranged to make September 18 "Long Island Day" as part of the sesquicentennial international exposition in Philadelphia. A placard advertising the excursion was posted in all passenger stations including Patchogue, Ronkonkoma, Port Jefferson, and west thereof. It was anticipated that large delegations from schools, local civic associations, fraternal societies, clubs, and churches would decide to take the opportunity to visit the world's fair in a body.
Old Yacht Club Pier, Sag Harbor, LI, NY. Image Courtesy of the Sag Harbor Community Archive, John Jermain Memorial Library
SAG HARBOR 100 YEARS AGO THIS WEEK
September 20 – September 26, 1926
The yachting season was just about over and the fleets of boats anchored all summer off Yacht Club pier were thinning out. Three schooners were still at moorings: the Mary Rose, the Rival, and the Golden Dawn. Most of the large steam and power yachts were seeking winter quarters or preparing to go on southern cruise. The Yacht Club house was scheduled to remain open until October 1.
A very pleasant affair was held on Saturday afternoon, September 19, at the home of Mrs. William Brok on High Street when the “Pencil and Brush Club of Sag Harbor” presented an exhibition featuring ten artists. About sixty-five people enjoyed the pictures and hospitality of the hostess. It was hoped that Sag Harbor's art students would take advantage of the opportunity to affiliate themselves with the club, so that it might grow and become a mutual benefit and pleasure.
Despite the fact that the Pierson Board of Education vetoed football in connection with Pierson High School, the Pierson boys, having a love for the game and being encouraged by Harold Taylor (formerly of Colgate, who has consented to coach them), organized a team independent of the school. After several weeks of ardent preliminary training under the supervision of Coach Taylor, the squad was developing into a promising team.
Civil War Monument, Sag Harbor, N.Y. Image courtesy of the John Jermain Memorial Library Local Community Archives Center, Sag Harbor, N.Y.
SAG HARBOR 100 YEARS AGO THIS WEEK
September 27 – October 3, 1926
It was reported that earlier in the month, George C. Morris, accompanied by Frederick Benedict of Watermill, attended the reunion of the sixteenth Connecticut Volunteer regiment at Robert O. Tyler Post, G.A.R. (Grand Army of the Republic), in Hartford. Only 36 of the regiment were still living. The youngest veteran present was age 81.
Pierson High School was awarded first prize for having the best exhibit of general work in its class at the Riverhead County Fair. Pierson, being one of the first-class schools, competed against the schools of Southhampton, East Hampton, Greenport, Riverhead, and Port Jefferson. Port Jefferson won second prize. The work included, besides drawings, a sample of most every subject taught in the grades, including English and arithmetic.
Village trustees ordered tree surgery after a representative of Davey Tree Co., from Kent, Ohio, spoke about the condition of the trees in the village of Sag Harbor. He gave leaky gas mains as the cause of so many trees dying. A motion was passed instructing Davey Tree Co. to inspect the trees of Sag Harbor, prune them where necessary, and brace such trees as needed.