South Shore Estuary Historic Survey

In 2004, Long Island Traditions completed an extensive survey of maritime cultural resources between Oakdale and Brookhaven Hamlet, funded by grants by the Preservation League of New York, the South Shore Estuary Reserve Council, former Suffolk County legislator Brian Foley and currently Brookhaven Town Supervisor, Assemblywoman Ginny Fields and the Village of Patchogue. This area is rich in cultural history and architecture sites, including the maritime centers of West Sayville, Sayville, and Patchogue, as well as the historic community of Bellport and Brookhaven hamlet. These communities have their roots in maritime commercial and recreational activities including oystering, clamming, scalloping, crabbing, sailing, and duck hunting.

The survey documented historic buildings in the villages, ranging from bungalows, boat yards, shellfishing areas, yacht clubs, and summer homes. The South Shore Estuary Reserve is a region in transition, with a critical need to preserve many vulnerable cultural resources. Historic waterfront communities are undergoing dramatic changes, as new condominiums and houses eradicate waterfront access, as farms are subdivided for new homes, and historic boat building centers are torn down for new development. At the same time, many historic houses are being sold by retired or unemployed baymen and fishermen to help supplement their household income. Since 1985, when the brown tide first appeared in the estuary, baymen’s and fishermen’s livelihood has drastically decreased.

Protection of the cultural resources is considered integral to the successful implementation of the South Shore Estuary Management Plan. We hope that the survey will set the standard for future surveys in other parts of the Reserve and provide the necessary documentation and recommendations to set forth necessary protection actions and interpretive programs. Outcomes of the survey included an in-depth cultural resource report, recommendations for future actions, and suggestions for education programs, including the development of a bayway which includes a maritime cultural heritage theme.

The report includes photographs, oral history, and historical research information on the sites documented, with available historic background information on the communities surveyed. If you would like a copy of the survey, please contact us at litrad@i-2000.com. You can also listen to an interview about the survey by going to http://www.dowling.edu/library/newsblog/podcasts.asp?id=37.

Currently Long Island Traditions is expanding its web site to include this survey and maritime portraits of the communities throughout the estuary. This expansion will be launched in summer 2008. Stay tuned for more details.

For more information about the South Shore Estuary Reserve go to http://www.estuary.cog.ny.us.

The historic Bluepoint Company of West Sayville was world famous for its clam and oyster harvesting activities. Photograph by Jacqueline Peu Duvallon.

© 2008, 2007-2004 Long Island Traditions