Information, News, and features from Montauk Library’s local history collection.
The man clamming in the foreground of this photograph was known as Augustus Petitpas in his native Nova Scotia, and as Ben Pitts in the United States. The beached boat listing behind him in Lake Montauk was known as the “Pelican,” an open party boat that Long Island Rail Road passengers would eagerly jump… Read more »
On that day, August 25, they wandered from one isolated dwelling to another, frightening most residents but managing to purchase two dogs, a bottle of gin, and some sweet potatoes with the Spanish gold doubloons they had found aboard the ‘Amistad.’ — Mutiny on the Amistad In August of 1839, nine Africans came ashore at… Read more »
If you don’t know what a cow shoe is, you may want to get educated at “How Dry We Weren’t,” a hands-on exhibit presented by the Montauk Historical Society at the Carl Fisher House. The answer is concealed behind a little door – with a crystal pull, of course, this being the decadent 1920s –… Read more »
‘Tis the season to keep a sharp eye for those big, beautiful, brave but vulnerable butterflies – the monarchs. Monarchs are important pollinators as well as indicators of the overall health of other species and their habitats, migrating thousands of miles each year over several generations and as many as 100 miles in one… Read more »
Given the price of land today, a waterfront building is more likely to be replaced with something grander than moved from one spot to another. Back in the day, though, homes and even restaurants (like Trail’s End) in the old fishing village on Fort Pond Bay were moved to other places like Shepherd’s Neck and… Read more »
Montauk’s past and present history is painted with verdant parks and preservations, a blend of historical and modern architectural styles, shorelines glittering with seaglass, plentiful marine life, vivid sunsets, and colorful characters that make our community so unique. Aligning with our Summer Reading Program’s theme, “Color Our World,” we used AI software to transform black-and-white photographs… Read more »
Built in 1929 and designed by Walker and Gillette, the Montauk Tennis Auditorium boasted tennis courts, a boxing ring, a stage, and seating for thousands of Montauk Manor guests and their friends. It was — like the manor, the Protestant and Catholic churches, the school, the golf club, surf club, yacht club, polo fields, and… Read more »
Do you have a drawer or shoebox that has become a catchall for collecting nostalgic items (think postcards, flyers, brochures, ticket stubs, newspaper clippings, menus, etc.) that have significant personal meaning? Maybe you have them on view, stuck to your fridge, a daily reminder of a memorable moment in your life. Without our community of… Read more »
Forty-six years ago, New York State took ownership of the privately owned Montauk Golf and Racquet Club and named it “Montauk Downs State Park.” The state was well into planning a public golf course at Hither Hills State Park, but an option to buy the existing 171-acre Montauk Golf tract for $1.325 million… Read more »
Barbara Metzger (1944-2023) was an award-winning novelist, editor, writer of greeting card verses, artist, and longtime volunteer with the Friends of the Montauk Library. It was in that last capacity that Bob-E, as she was known, was instrumental in organizing book fairs on the Montauk Green on July Fourth weekends from 1980 to 2014. In… Read more »