Historic Oyster Bay

11/06/2024

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On this day in Oyster Bay,

On November 6, 1848 a disastrous fire destroyed the one-story frame building, erected by James M. Ludlam in 1836, on the corner of Spring Street and West Main Street (known as Broadway at the time of the incident). The fire started in a neighboring building and spread, destroying Ludlam's dry goods business.

As would become a recurring theme in the downtown, the threat of loss by fire inspired Ludlam to build a two-story brick building on a new plot of land he had acquired - on the corner of West Main and South Street.

The two-story building, pictured, was completed in 1849 and still stands today. The photograph, which is courtesy of the Oyster Bay Historical Society, depicts the new building after James M. Ludlam's sons James Henry and Frederick took it over in 1876.

11/05/2024

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TR completed his civic duty - make sure you take the time to do yours!

On this Day in Oyster Bay...

November 5, 1901, newly elected President Theodore Roosevelt came back to Oyster Bay to vote on election day. Roosevelt arrived on the LIRR and took a carriage to the polling place located at Fisher's Hall on East Main Street. By 10:55, only an hour after his arrival, TR was headed back to Washington.

Article courtesy of the November 5, 1901 edition of The Evening World.

10/22/2024

Celebrate Theodore Roosevelt's birthday with an arrat of events this upcoming weekend

09/13/2024

On this day in Oyster Bay...

On September 3, 1993, a date dubbed "Mortal Monday," Acclaim Entertainment released Mortal Kombat for four home consoles (Super Nintendo, Genesis, Gameboy, and Game Gear), making it one of the largest video game releases of the time.

Mortal Kombat is considered by critics to be one of the greatest video games ever made, spurring several sequels, spinoffs, and movies since its release.

Why is this significant to Oyster Bay? Acclaim Entertainment, Inc., who published the game, was formed by Greg Fischbach, Robert Holmes and Jim Scoroposki out of an Oyster Bay storefront in 1987.

09/12/2024

There's still time to check out the most recent exhibit at Planting Fields Foundation! It will be open until the end of the month.

Last chance to catch the Decisive Moments exhibition at Planting Fields before it closes at the end of the month! See original photography of the estate in the 1920s, learn more about the members of the Coe family, and see how Planting Fields Foundation uses these historical records to preserve and restore the landscape.

Book your tour now: https://plantingfields.org/happenings/category/estate-and-exhibition-tours/

09/11/2024

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On this Day in Oyster Bay...

In 1984 the private residence known as "Crickett Cottage" was designated a Town of Oyster Bay Landmark. Information on the house is scarce.

09/11/2024

This evening at the Western Waterfront

09/11/2024

On this day in ...

On this day in Oyster Bay...

September 11, 1936 the Oyster Bay Guardian published an article regarding the work that was underway on East Main Street to widen the street and lower the sidewalk on the south side of the street, namely in front the First Presbyterian Church. This work resulted in the large retaining wall we see along the property today.

Through the efforts of Town Supervisor Harry Tappen, the project was funded as part of a Works Progress Administration venture.

09/10/2024

What a great way to see and learn about Oyster Bay!
Register for the 9/28 Kayak Conservation Cruise hosted by Friends of the Bay and The WaterFront Center by clicking the link in the photo's caption!

DATE CHANGE! The Kayak Conservation Cruise is being postponed to Saturday, September 28.

Register at Thewaterfrontcenter.org/kcc

Kayakers will meet at The WaterFront Center located at 1 West End Ave. to launch for a guided tour of Oyster Bay lasting approximately an hour and a half. Staff from the WaterFront Center and Friends of the Bay, will point out areas of natural and historical interest along the way.

09/09/2024

On this day in Oyster Bay...

On This Day in Oyster Bay History...

In 1891, the worst boiler explosion in the history of the Long Island Railroad occurred at the Oyster Bay Station just a couple of years after the line was extended. Engine No. 113 began service in 1888 and was one of the larger and faster engines in use on the LIRR. At 7:07 am the town was awakened by the terrible explosions whose reverberations were felt even in East Norwich.

Sadly, the explosion killed three men: engineer James Donaldson, brakeman Michael Mahoney and the fireman of 113 Townsend Dickenson. The reason for the explosion has never been determined and left many confused seeing as the engine was only a few years old, had undergone a complete overhaul 6 months prior and had just been washed and cleaned the day before.

Photo courtesy of John Hammond.

09/03/2024

On this day in Oyster Bay...

On this day in Oyster Bay...

September 3, 1906 A Labor Day Naval Review took place in Oyster Bay.