Information, News, and features from Montauk Library’s local history collection.
IYKYK. JK about “If you know you know.” We know which local girls are in this photo and are more than happy to share that information. But first consider identifying them on your own. Two clues: The young ladies were wearing flapper costumes for a production of the “Baker’s Roaring ‘20s Scrapbook” at the Montauk… Read more »
There was a surprisingly glamorous whiff to fish on Montauk Harbor in the 1970s and early 1980s. The commercial dock, Gosman’s retail and wholesale seafood operation next door, the new Dock restaurant next door to that – for many, work was hard and physical, and opportunities to kick back were most welcome. These photos come… Read more »
Although cyclists ride year-round, springtime is the season associated with outdoor athletics. This photograph from the collection of Al Holden was donated with the information, “Bike race start at Gosman’s.” Although undated, most likely this photograph was taken in the late 1970s. George Watson, owner of the Dock, began launching annual athletic events from his… Read more »
Celebrate National Library Week with us by listening to stories from our oral history collection about the library’s history and the people involved over the years. This year’s National Library Week theme is “Find Your Joy.” We find joy in our community––in our founders, patrons, and dedicated volunteers who have helped our library grow from… Read more »
“I love Montauk and don’t want to see it ruined,” said an advertisement in the July 16, 1970, issue of the East Hampton Star. The ad included a mail-in coupon for donations to the Concerned Citizens of Montauk, a group that had recently formed to resist a proposed 1,500- home development of Indian Field. April… Read more »
In the 1910s and 1920s, tea rooms and tea houses dotted America’s new motorways, providing tea and light refreshments to traveling tourists. On the eastern end of Long Island, motorists driving through Montauk could find refuge at the Weeweecho Tea House situated on the southern bluffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. At that time when Montauk… Read more »
Vanished, it would seem, are the days when admission to any event cost less than ten dollars, as it did when Frank Borth designed this $1.75 ticket to tour the Montauk Lighthouse. A professional illustrator, he was a true friend to the Montauk Historical Society as well as other community organizations, including the fire department,… Read more »
Montauk is known for its cheerful community events and celebrations. Even in the off-season, events like the St. Patrick’s Day parade sponsored by the Montauk Friends of Erin and the annual Turkey Trot draw crowds from across Long Island and New England. At last week’s East Hampton Town Board work session held at the Montauk… Read more »
According to the Society for the Preservation of Irish Soda Bread – yes, there is such a thing! – Irish soda bread was born of necessity during the potato famine. Ireland was importing a soft type of wheat from America, and yeast was difficult to obtain. Adding baking soda (also called bread soda) to… Read more »
Head outside and rejoice in the melting snow like these youths photographed sloshing about in the slush on the grounds of the Montauk School. Equipped with calf-high boots and peacoats, these Montauk students took to the playground to seesaw, slide, and horse around as teacher Mrs. Joyce chaperoned and captured their playfulness on black-and-white film. … Read more »