This photograph, which probably dates from the early 1960s, was taken by Margaret (Peg) Joyce, a teacher at the Montauk School. The fabulous headgear designed by her students utilized paper cups, cardboard, and other paper throwaways. The extremes of these innovative headpieces distantly recall traditional or “folk” headwear, discoverable on historic-costume sites that make us… Read more »
On September 15, 1998, Teddy Roosevelt’s Rough Riders were officially disbanded, or “mustered out.” Many had recuperated from the ills of the Spanish-American war at Camp Wikoff in Montauk, or were still recovering there when the news came through. No doubt this unit’s trek away from Camp Wikoff was filled with emotion. The Rough Riders… Read more »
The Ford Times was a publication produced between 1943 and 1993 by the Ford Motor Company of Dearborn, Michigan. An entertaining potpourri of travel articles, automotive tips, and gadget news (plus recipes from America’s great inns on the road), the Ford Times was also noteworthy for its illustrations. Artwork commissioned by art director… Read more »
Sportsman’s Shows were attended by Montauk fishermen on a regular basis throughout the heyday period of trophy fishing, from the 1930s to the 1960s. These trade shows took place in New York City, often in the armory in the Bronx. In this image from 1947 we see Frank Tuma (1899-1961) in the Montauk booth, and… Read more »
Chip Duryea’s compiled writings have recently been published in a book entitled Full Circle. Perry III is the official name, but Chip, as he is called, was instrumental in bringing the Lobster Deck restaurant into successful fruition alongside his father, Perry II. “He was the visionary and I was the implementer,”… Read more »
There has been a resurgence of interest in the two auto races that took place in Montauk during the summers of 1939 and 1940. Sponsored by the American Road Racing Club, this event filled Montauk with excited spectators who set up chairs at strategic positions to experience the action firsthand. This… Read more »
From the collection of Celina McDonald Seitz we get this picture taken right after her 8th-grade graduation from the Montauk School, standing alongside her schoolmates Maria Grimes Short and Joyce Miller Talley. It’s an important day. The girls are dressed up, holding their diplomas tied with ribbons. When an archives receives… Read more »
A thank-you card sent to volunteers in 1972 who had made the Montauk Village Association’s Greenery Scenery event so memorable was designed by local artist Frank Borth. It was donated to the Montauk Library by Phyllis Clemenz, onetime MVA President, whose daughter Annie, shaking her head and smiling, said, “Oh, the stories my… Read more »
It has always been assumed that the motel structure in this photograph taken by Dave Edwardes was the victim of a hurricane. However, we learned recently that the damage was actually wrought by a Nor’easter on November 6, 1953. Although we aren’t sure of this motel’s identity, we can take a guess, thanks… Read more »
Postcard of The Panoramic View, Inc., Old Montauk Highway The archives at the Montauk Library holds a rich collection of postcards, many of which represent now-defunct Montauk motels from days gone by. It makes sense that motel owners would have created their own postcards; it was a cheap but ingenious form of advertising…. Read more »