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Jump ‘n’ jive at The Jazz Loft to the music of Louis Jordan

by TBR Staff - November 9, 2024

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By John Broven

The Jazz Loft at Stony Brook will be presenting an illuminating doubleheader on Friday, Nov. 15.

The main event will be the “Louis Jordan Tribute” starting at 7 p.m. Danny Bacher, also a soprano saxophonist, will be singing many of Jordan’s hits of the 1940s including “Caledonia,” “Choo Choo Ch’Boogie,” “G.I. Jive” and “Let The Good Times Roll,” accompanied by an all-star group of musicians.

In effect, Jordan introduced the small swing combos which took over from the big bands, popularized the saxophone as a lead instrument and made music fun.

Initially, at 6 p.m., music author John Broven of East Setauket will give a presentation entitled “Who Is Louis Jordan?” Included will be a video outlining Jordan’s impactful history, featuring film clips and excerpts from the artist’s key recordings, prepared by Debbi Scott of Stony Brook.

The evening will bring into focus the influential music of Louis Jordan, an all-time American great and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer.

Tickets to the 6 p.m. event are $10 per person. Tickets to the 7 p.m. event are $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, and $15 children ages 6 and up at www.thejazzloft.org.

The Jazz Loft, which features a Louis Jordan exhibit in its museum, is located at 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook. For more information, call 631-751-1895.

Cinema Arts Centre to screen ‘The Girl Who Wore Freedom’

by Press Release - November 8, 2024

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Join the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington for a special screening of The Girl Who Wore Freedom on Wednesday, Nov. 13 at 7:30 p.m. The documentary explores the untold stories of the men, women, and children of Normandy, France, who lived through German occupation, the D-Day invasion, and the liberation by Allied forces.

Long forgotten by the world, twenty thousand French civilians were killed during the Battle of Normandy. But those still living in Normandy haven’t forgotten, and continue to celebrate and embrace Americans for their liberation and the ultimate gift of freedom. Exploring D-Day through the personal stories of French survivors and American veterans, The Girl Who Wore Freedom captures the journey from war to forgiveness, and gratitude, honoring the legacy of those who fought for freedom.

Trailer

80 Years After Witnessing the D-Day Invasion, Their Memories of Liberation Come Alive in NormandyTuic

Tickets are $16, $10 members. To purchase in advance, visit www.cinemaartscentre.org or click here.

History Close at Hand: Postmaster Ralph Sammis and the Great Post Office Robbery

by Beverly C. Tyler - November 7, 2024

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Circa 1900 Stony Brook Post Office (1) — The first building in Stony Brook built for exclusive use as a post office. Before then the post office was usually located in a local general store. It was moved to Cedar Street when Ward Melville reorganized the Stony Brook village area. Courtesy Emma S. Clark Library

By Beverly C. Tyler

The first postmaster in Stony Brook in the 20th century was Ralph M. Sammis, appointed on April 16, 1900. He served for 12 years. That same year, Sammis built a home at 77 Hollow Road. According to research by Barbara and Greg Allard, while the house was being built, Sammis and his family rented what is now the Country House Restaurant.

Ralph and Julia Sammis had three children: Anna, Morton, and Mildred. Morton and Mildred were born in the northeast bedroom of the new house on Hollow Road. According to family stories from Anna Sammis, when Morton was born, the family cat gave birth to a litter of kittens under the same bed.

The family’s privy was accessed by a path from the back door, covered by a grape arbor pruned by Julia Sammis each year on Washington’s Birthday. They also maintained a garden with raspberries, blackberries, and grapes, with Ralph planting and Julia tending to the plants. Julia Sammis was known locally for her pickles and preserves.

The Sammis house also played a role in the “Great Stony Brook Post Office Robbery of 1911,” as described in an article by R. Morton Sammis, editor of The Independent Press of Stony Brook, in the Aug. 15, 1952, issue. The post office, then located on Main Street near the current Reboli Center, was situated next to Dr. James A. Squire’s home.

In his article, R. Morton Sammis wrote about his father’s observations during this period, describing how “there was a brick-and-concrete post near the post office windows, and Father noticed someone leaning against it, watching the back room of the post office. From this vantage point, a man could see Father wrapping the money and stamps in a large package we called ‘the bundle.’”

Morton continued, explaining that his father “started home, and the man followed him at a distance… Two days later, a man appeared at our house, wanting to demonstrate furniture polish. He insisted on entering, but once inside, he seemed more interested in observing the layout of the house than his product.”

“That night,” Morton recalled, “Father took ‘the bundle’ home and left it on the table with his coat and vest over it… Later, he took ‘the bundle’ upstairs with him. In the middle of the night, Mother woke him, saying, ‘There is someone in the house!’ Then, we heard the sideboard door squeak, and a flashlight lit the upper hall. Hearing us awake, a loud ‘meow’ came from outside—a signal to the man inside.”

Although the robbers didn’t get “the bundle,” they did steal Dr. Squire’s horse and buggy, later abandoning them in the Islip Cemetery. Following the attempted robbery, Post Office officials issued a stern warning that all money and stamps must remain on post office premises, and Sammis would be held accountable if they were stolen while in his possession. Morton noted that his father, aware of both the rule and the thieves’ interest in “the bundle,” made sure to leave it at the post office.

But that wasn’t the end of the robbers’ attempts. Morton continued in his article, writing, “One morning about a month later, Father arrived to find the safe blown open and its contents gone. Horse blankets belonging to Dr. Squire were wrapped around the safe and soaked, likely at the creek, as one blanket was found too heavy to carry.”

This time, Morton noted, the robbers attempted to escape using Dr. Squire’s early Model T Ford Roadster. However, Dr. F. Duane Squire had turned off the gas line that night due to a leak. “Once again, the robbers resorted to ‘Old Doc’s’ horses, escaping with all the money and stamps,” Morton wrote. “They later abandoned the team on the south side, and Howard E. Dickerson drove Dr. Squire to retrieve it. Later, Post Office officials notified Father that they had captured the culprits.”

Beverly Tyler is a historian with the Three Village Historical Society and author of books available from the society, located at 93 North Country Road, Setauket, N.Y. For more information, visit www.tvhs.org.

Winner of Lefferts Tide Mill Design Contest announced

by Press Release - November 3, 2024

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This summer, the Lefferts Tide Mill & Preserve hosted a design contest for its custom brew label, created in collaboration with Six Harbors Brewing Company in Huntington.

Artists and photographers were challenged to capture the 18th-century Lefferts Tide Mill and Dam in Lloyd Harbor in its prime. To spark creativity, participants were invited to join a tour presented through the Huntington Historical Society, paddle to the end of Puppy Cove in their kayaks, or visit their website for inspiration.

Over the summer, a barge was filled with restoration tools in front of the mill. Participants were tasked with portraying the essence of the Tide Mill—whether including the barge docked for the restoration work or not—in their artwork.

The organization received twelve unique entries, each offering a different perspective on this iconic landmark. A panel of three judges from the Board reviewed the submissions and ultimately selected a stunning aerial photograph.

“It was a beautiful setting, with the Lefferts Tide Mill looking majestic as the subject of the photo,” commented judge Toby Kissam.

The winning entry was submitted by Peter Stango, who joined the group at a fundraiser on Aug. 16 to see his artwork featured on the Lefferts Tide Mill Lager label. He explained, “It was a drone shot, with a few Photoshop adjustments to remove the work equipment and complete the walkway.”

The Lefferts Tide Mill & Preserve is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2013, dedicated to preserving and protecting an 18th-century tide mill in the Village of Lloyd Harbor. This mill is considered the best-preserved tidal grist mill in the United States. Its design is based on U.S. Patent No. 3 for an “automatic mill,” signed by President George Washington. The surrounding mill pond has become a thriving habitat for native and migratory waterfowl, playing an important role in supporting the region’s biodiversity. For more information, www.leffertstidemill.org.

Brookhaven Councilwoman Bonner attends 26th annual Rocky Point Historical Society Tea

by Press Release - October 29, 2024

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On October 27, Councilwoman Jane Bonner (right) was a guest at the Rocky Point Historical Society’s 26^th Annual Tea at the North Shore Beach Clubhouse in Rocky Point.

The fundraiser featured a presentation by Debra Scala Giokas, author of the new book about Claire McCaredll (1905-1958), an American fashion designer of ready-to-wear clothing in the 20^th Century. The annual event also featured food, homemade cookies baked by members and raffle baskets.

Pictured with Councilwoman Bonner is Rocky Point Historical Society president Suzanne Johnson (right).

Monthly historic programs are free and open to the public. The Rocky Point Historical Society meets at 7:00 p.m. on the 2nd Thursday of each month at the VFW Hall, 109 King Road in Rocky Point. For more information, call 631-744-1776 or go to rockypointhistoricalsociety.org.

History Close at Hand: The seafaring women of Setauket

by Beverly C. Tyler - October 28, 2024

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ModestaModel-2 — A model of the bark Modesta, Capt. Rowland’s last command. Mary sailed on the 'Modesta' to exotic ports in Africa, the Mediterranean and South America. Photo courtesy of Bev Tyler

By Beverly C. Tyler

“I manage to go on shore more or less in every port and learn the different manners and customs of different nations and the works of God and man, both nature and art. I find much to amuse, edify and interest us, and see what so many travelers pay large sums for, while Henry makes a living and the brig is our hotel and even what is much better, our home.” — Mary Rowland, January 1873

In the graveyard of Setauket Presbyterian Church, near the center rear, lie the graves of Captain Henry L. Rowland (1827-1876) and his wife, Mary Satterly Rowland (1832-1908). The couple’s farm was situated south of their final resting place, between Main Street and Setauket Harbor. Today, Setauket School faces what was once the Rowland farm.

Children of Capt. Henry and Mary Satterly Rowland – Woodhull, Mary Emma and Henrietta.

Mary is one of the women featured in the Three Village Historical Society’s Spirits cemetery tour. Her life, like that of many women who lived in the area and traveled the world, remains largely unknown. A portion of Mary’s tumultueous sea adventures is documented in the book “Hen Frigates” by New Zealander Joan Druett.

“At 4 a.m., tacking on shore,” Mary Rowland wrote in 1856, “the vessel was rolling and pitching badly.” Everything below was “upside down, and there is no rest or peace to be had. Worst of all, one could hardly keep in bed, especially on one tack; when I sit down, I must of necessity take the floor for a sofa.”

Despite the hardships, Henry and Mary spent over 20 years living aboard three different sailing ships that traveled the world, carrying cargo from port to port. The couple’s children grew up on these ships, built in East Setauket, and one of them, Woodhull, was born on board.

“The captain’s wife gave birth to a child,” reads the logbook entry of the brig Thomas W. Rowland for October 21, 1857, near the island of Abaco. Mary Rowland’s two daughters, Henrietta and Mary Emma, were sent between decks with their dolls to play while Henry delivered the baby boy, christened Woodhull.

During the American Civil War, Captain Henry Rowland’s bark Glenwood sailed under sealed orders, with its destination (Pensacola, to deliver supplies to the troops) unknown until the orders were opened. The voyage south was traumatic; the vessel was struck twice by lightning, resulting in the death of one crew member. Mary’s youngest child, Willie, fell ill with yellow fever as they neared Pensacola Bay. All night, as they lay hove to near Santa Rosa Island, she fought for her son’s life while cannonballs from Confederate and Union gunships screamed overhead. When the battle was over, the Glenwood had survived unscathed but the little boy was dead.

The diaries, journals, letters and artifacts of Setauket wives Mary Satterly Rowland, Mary Swift Jones and Ellen Elizabeth Jones, along with the logbooks of their captain husbands, are part of the collection at the Three Village Historical Society. These materials, donated by local residents and relatives, provide valuable insight into the lives of women at sea aboard wooden commercial ships. These women, along with their children in many cases, traveled the world with their husbands and fathers. Their experiences are part of the many stories told in the Society’s exhibition, “The Sailing Circle: 19th Century Seafaring Women from New York.”

The two Marys are featured in Hen Frigates along with many other women and children whose adventures make for fascinating reading. They are also included in the exhibit catalog The Sailing Circle, available in the society gift shop.

“Hen Frigates” by Joan Druett, available at the Emma S. Clark Library, is a seafaring book packed with intriguing details about shipboard life during the 19th century, when wooden ships and their crews journeyed along the North American coast and around the world. More than just a book about families at sea, Hen Frigates covers in dramatic detail the growth of American maritime commerce in the 19th century.

One of the most interesting aspects of local history is its connections to larger realms of people and events. Our community is linked in many ways to our region, nation and the world—a reality that has persisted throughout our history. The Three Village community is wonderfully rich in both natural and man-made resources that illustrate and exemplify these connections.

Beverly Tyler is an author and the historian for the Three Village Historical Society, located at 93 North Country Road, Setauket. Visit www.tvhs.org for more information.

Three Village Historical Society’s Spirits Tour is a spooky hit

by TBR Staff - October 25, 2024

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By Kimberly Phyfe

The Three Village Historical Society (TVHS) celebrated its 30th Annual Spirits Graveyard Tour on Oct. 19. The sold out event, titled Revolutionary Women: Living History/ Sharing Her Story, honored local women from as far back as 300 years ago who were revolutionary in their time.

TVHS Director Mari Irizarry commented on the staying power of three decades of this event. “We are so proud that the Spirits Tour has been running for thirty years, and grateful that the community continues to come out to enjoy this event! There is no shortage of incredible stories to tell of the people who lived, worked, died, and are buried here. With over three hundred years of history, there is something new to discover every time we put on a show!”

All eight scenes of the humorous, honest, and often heart-breaking women and men portrayed on the Spirits Tour were real people who lived in Setauket at one point in their lives. The majority of them are buried at Setauket Presbyterian Church or Caroline Episcopal Church, where the walking tour takes place every year.

As you wander Three Village and explore the historic sites, inspiration is everywhere. The theme for Revolutionary Women came up as traditionally, a woman’s place in history was in relation to the men around her. The Society wanted to give these women a chance to tell their own stories, many of them in their own words.

Rebecca Kassay was a first time actor in this year’s tour who wishes that everyone knew “that the spirits being portrayed were real people whose dynamic lives shaped the community we know and love today, and the Spirits Tour is a rare opportunity to hear their stories.”

When asked why she chose to get involved for the first time, Kassay stated “I’m grateful to be a part of the TVHS’s innovative efforts to bring history to life for audiences of all ages, connecting our past to our present, which helps to build a stronger future for our community.”

Elizabeth Marra is another first time actor on the Spirits Tour who noted that “our area is renowned for the contributions of local men in our revolutionary and seafaring history, but there were such beautiful, poignant, and inspiring women that history has forgotten. I enjoyed getting to know all of their stories.”

Marra spoke about her character that “the young woman I got to play, Mary Swift Jones — she was one of the first Americans (not just women) to see China and Japan. It was fascinating to think of the scale of the experience she must have had and how that must have sat with locals, especially for her time and being such a young woman.”

Mary Swift Jones and her husband, Captain Benjamin Jones, are both laid to rest at Setauket Presbyterian Church. Rob Von Bernewitz, long time tour guide and chair of the Cemetery Committee at TVHS, cleaned Mary’s headstone with permission for the special occasion.

While there were fresh faces joining the Tour this year, there were several long standing actors and guides who have been around for all three decades! Morton Rosen “has been performing in the tour ever since it was started 30 years ago! I have portrayed men who lived in our community in the 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Each time I learn something new that makes me proud to live in Setauket and it is a pleasure to share that pride with those who visit our spirits. It is so important for everyone to know that what we call history was generated by the people who lived here and created the stories we celebrate today.” Rosen portrayed Captain Gilbert Floyd in a scene with his granddaughter, Blanche Dominick played by Suzanne Velazquez.

George Overin has been part of the Spirits Tour since 2017. This year, he was Thomas Hodgkins, uncle of Emma S. Clark. “So many people came up to talk to me after the tour who love the library, but didn’t know anything about Emma, her uncle who founded it in her honor, or Emma’s revolutionary generosity in helping others! The Three Village Historical Society seeks to answer questions we maybe haven’t even thought to ask — and they do it all with knowledge, compassion, and by creating wonderfully memorable experiences!”

An incredibly special touch this year was the inclusion of the four female lighthouse keepers at Old Field Point Lighthouse. The Society worked with Old Field Point in 2023 to assist Trustee Rebecca Van Der Bogart on getting the lighthouse on the National Register of Historic Places. In the Spirits Tour, Van Der Bogart herself portrayed Elizabeth Shoemaker — the first female lighthouse keeper not only at Old Field Point, but in New York State history! Haley Ogle portrayed the longest serving female lighthouse keeper, Betsy Smith, along with Caterina Vacchi Suzzi as Mary Foster, and Karen Wexler as Amelia Jayne.

Choosing which spirits to include every year is a daunting task. First the Society creates a theme, then researches which people would best fit the narrative. Irizarry joked that “if we honored all the women we wanted to, the tour would have been several days long! Choosing which stories to include is a grueling process, and we end up saving many of the spirits for future years.”

The scripts were written and edited by Kimberly Phyfe and researched by TVHS Archives Fellow Kayleigh Smith. The Society invited two professional guest writers for the monologues: Camile Arnone wrote for Amelia Shepard Jones Clay and Stephanie Drewisis wrote for Thomas Hodgkins.

Mary Satterly Rowland’s script was comprised entirely in her own words, from journal entries in the society’s archives. The witch trials of Mary and Ralph Hall and Goody Garlick were shaped by Scott Ferrara’s book, Accused of Witchcraft in New York.

The scene for Mary Swift Jones was heavily influenced by Bev Tyler’s new book Love and Letters from Japan which included many of Mary’s letters. Tyler will be presenting his book at the Society’s free monthly lecture series on Nov. 18 at 7 p.m. at the Setauket Neighborhood House.

The 30th Annual Spirits Graveyard Tour was sponsored by Annmarie’s Farm Stand, Luigi’s Pizzeria, Starbucks, Apple Bank and Stop & Shop in East Setauket. Chamber music was provided by students in the Ward Melville High School orchestra, and traffic assistance was given by the History Honor Society at WMHS. Special contributions were made by the Education Committee: Bev Tyler, Donna Smith, Lindsey Steward-Goldberg, Town of Brookhaven Historian Barbara Russell, and Spirits Tour Committee Chair Janet McCauley.

Three Village Historical Society would especially like to thank Setauket Presbyterian Church and Caroline Episcopal Church for their unwavering support of this sold-out event year after year!

Author Kimberly Phyfe is the Community Engagement Manager at the Three Village Historical Society.

Huntington Historical Society hosts annual Apple Festival

by Jennifer Donatelli - October 24, 2024

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By Jennifer Donatelli

The aroma of fresh-baked pies, hot apple cider and hand-cut flowers filled the autumn air last weekend as families flocked to the Huntington Historical Society’s Apple Festival at the Daniel W. Kissam House Museum.

This free event has grown from a small community gathering 20 years ago into a vibrant celebration of fall that attracts over 1,000 visitors from all over Long Island. The festival featured a variety of activities and hands-on demonstrations designed to educate the community about life during Colonial America.

Heather and Rob of Kings Park brought their children to the festival to celebrate their daughter’s birthday.

“We wanted to do something fun outside for her and this is the perfect place,” Heather said.

The smell of fresh-cut flowers was abundant throughout the day. Jess Seilheimer, owner of Dahlias and Dreams, grows the flowers in her Centerport backyard, and transforms them into beautiful bouquets.

“I love bringing flowers into people’s homes because it makes them joyful and relaxed,” Seilheimer said. “This makes me happy and makes other people happy and that’s exactly what I want to do.”

In addition to the relaxing, music-filled ambiance of the event, attendees dove into American history with tours of the 18th-century Kissam House. The house, built in 1795 by Timothy Jarvis and first occupied by Dr. Daniel Whitehead Kissam and his family, is one of four national register historic properties, maintained by the Huntington Historical Society.

Attendees experienced firsthand what it was like to live in colonial America. Demonstrations throughout the day included traditional folk artisans woodworking, weaving and quilting.

Additionally, activities for the children included a magic show, face painting and pumpkin decorating, among a host of other activities.

One of the most popular demonstrations of the day was rug hooking — an art form where rugs are made by pulling loops of wool through stiff, woven fabric, such as burlap.

Mary, a member of the Rug Hooking Club of Long Island, explained that in colonial times, rug hooking was a craft of necessity. Poor women used scraps from their bags to create homemade floor coverings while girls from wealthy families were sent to school to learn embroidery or quilting. Today, rug hooking is regarded as a fine art.

Donna Waldenburg, a member of the Huntington Historical Society board, said the Apple Festival is a great way to engage younger families and showcase the society’s programs and events.

“We want to educate the community about colonial life… in a way that [engages] everyone,” Waldenburg explained.

Stephanie Gotard, executive director of the Huntington Historical Society, reiterated the uniqueness of this annual event.

Long Island-grown apples were sold by the bag along with other fall favorites like candy apples, apple donuts, apple cider and an assortment of homemade pies and breads from the Jericho Cider Mill and local bakeries.

The Kissam House is open for tours during the week. Visitors can also stop by the Museum Store to shop for collectibles and antiques.

For more information on tours, workshops, programs and events, visit www.huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org.

Three Village Community Trust to feature two ‘rock stars’ at Fall Gala

by Press Release - October 24, 2024

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Stony Brook, NY; Stony Brook University: Science on Stage member Heather Lynch

It’s time to support a great cause. The Three Village Community Trust (TVCT) will host its 20th Annual Fall Gala Fundraiser on Wednesday, November 13th at the Old Field Club in East Setauket, an event that brings together many of the area’s most prominent leaders from government, business, cultural organizations, educational institutions, and civic groups for one special evening.

This year’s Gala features two “rock stars” — the internationally renowned scientist and honored guest Heather Lynch, and the celebrated classical and jazz guitarist Steve Salerno. Attendees of the Gala will have the opportunity to hear and see both luminaries in one place.

Dr. Lynch is an acclaimed author, researcher and lecturer, who was recently named the Inaugural Director of the Collaboration for the Earth at Stony Brook University. A recipient of many academic honors, she is a well-known captivating speaker, and a leading voice in climate science.

Music by Steve Salerno will feature jazz and classical tunes.

Steve Salerno is a world recognized classical and jazz guitarist. His wide ranging musical talents are a special feature of this year’s Gala. The Trust feels fortunate to have Steve take time off from his busy performance schedule to provide “tunes” for the evening!

The Fall Fundraising Gala is the Trust’s most important source of funding to “Protect the Places You Love.” As an all-volunteer, not-for-profit, the Trust depends on the Gala to support its projects throughout the upcoming year.

Every Trust site benefits by this event — Patriots Rock Historic Site, The Immigrant Factory Houses, The Hawkins Homestead, the Smith/deZafra House, the Tyler House, the Setauket to Port Jefferson Station Greenway, the Steven D. Matthews Preserve and the Bruce House. Additionally, this event helps fund the Dr. Robert and Julia deZafra Acquisition Fund which helps the Trust purchase historical properties in the future.

Like in the past, the Gala offers attendees amazing lite bites, wine, spectacular raffle baskets and great company and is a festive way to kick off the holiday season. The winner of this year’s art raffle, a Gamecock Heirloom Chest created by Master Craftsman William Solan in his Stony Brook workshop, will also be announced. Available on the Trust’s website, the raffle tickets are $50 each and only 100 raffle tickets will be sold. The winner does not need to be present at the gala.

This unique chest at 30”long, 18”wide and 16”high was designed and built by Solan using repurposed wood from the iconic Gamecock Cottage at Shipman’s Point in Stony Brook. During the first restoration of the Gamecock cottage more than thirty years ago, Bill was the lead carpenter. Today, Bill is helping with the current renovations of the cottage by handcrafting the detailed moldings for installation on the building’s Swiss-chalet exterior.

The chest is made from quarter-sawn Douglas fir that weathered the elements at Shipman’s Point for more than half a century. Douglas fir is known for its strength and stability, and was likely sourced in Canada, and shipped to Stony Brook from the west coast. The classic box joinery is ‘fitting’ for this remarkable chest. Antique handles complete the overall design.

“This is always a fun event that brings the community together to help ‘Protect the Places We Love!’ A wonderful time for all!!” said Herb Mones, President of the TVCT.

Tickets to the event, which are $75 per person, can be purchased on the Trust’s website, www.threevillagecommunitytrust.org. For more information, call 631-942-4558, or email [email protected].

Families travel back in time at Huntington’s Fall Muster Day

by Jennifer Donatelli - October 24, 2024

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By Jennifer Donatelli

The year is 1775 and there’s been turmoil in all of the colonies. At least, that’s what it felt like for visitors at the Huntington Militia Group’s annual Fall Muster Day last Sunday, Oct. 20, at The Arsenal, part of the Sammis House, at The Village Green in Huntington.

The Militia Group recreated life in the 18th century with live, hands-on demonstrations through the day of civilian and military life in the 1700s.

Attendees witnessed live musket and cannon drills throughout the day, as well as witnessing them being fired from The Arsenal. This was all part of living history that the Militia Group uses to educate the community of what life was like in Colonial America in Huntington. All volunteers were dressed in period clothing they sewed themselves.

Patrick Mantle, commander of the Huntington Militia, said the event promotes family participation with the live demonstrations and provides a wide range of educational activities. He explained, “It’s like American history textbooks coming alive.”

In addition to a variety of colonial crafts, visitors learned about silversmithing, paper making, sewing, cooking, embroidery, weaving and even how to load and shoot a musket.

One of the highlights of the day for kids was the Children’s Musket Drill where kids — and adults — were taught to march, drill and fire “practice muskets.” Noah, age 8, from Huntington thought it was “so cool.” His older sister Elyse agreed, saying, “It made me really want to learn more about the history of the colonists.”

Papermaking, silver jewelry, embroidery and muskets

Patricia Roos, one of the volunteers and a former teacher, talked about the importance of papermaking while she demonstrated the process. She explained that paper was too expensive to buy because it was being imported from England and was heavily taxed by the British. Paper was an important commodity because it was used for writing letters, as cartridges for guns and writing books.

The colonists wound up teaching themselves how to make paper from natural materials like linen or cotton from their clothes. Roos said, “The colonists would wear out their clothing until it became rags and then sell it to a ragman.” She added, “The ragman would turn around and sell the clothing rags to a factory where they would chop up the fabric into little tiny pieces, put it in a barrel with water to make a pulp.” Using a screen and pressing out the water, the soon-to-be paper would hang to dry for 24 hours.

Volunteer and silversmith, Michael Goudket, makes silver jewelry from coins — a trade he said the colonists carried out during the early 1700s. He added that Native Americans would trade beaver pellets for silver jewelry. The Native Americans would use the silver crosses as decorative and shiny pieces on their clothing.

Goudket explained, “Silversmiths were an intricate part of the community because in colonial times, when you brought your money to the bank they charged you to have a man stand with a gun and guard it.” He added, “People would bring their coins to the silversmith who would turn them into plates and tankards writing the owner’s initials on them so they couldn’t be stolen.”

Goudket said he learned silversmithing while a student at Syracuse University. “It was part of my fine arts curriculum,” he said. “I have been silversmithing ever since.” He explained that a silversmith would take silver coins and hammer them out to make sheets of silver that would be used to trade for beaver pellets, which were needed to make fur hats.”

Robert and Merrell, a husband-and-wife team who did not wish to disclose their last name, have been volunteering for years with the Huntington Militia Group. Merrell explained the importance of embroidery, while showing visitors how to use the embroidery needles to make dining room chair covers from the 1700s. She said, “Ladies did all the embroidery because it was a luxury that required leisure time and a lot of money.

Robert demonstrated how cord would be used in colonial times in lacing a corset or for a woman to use cord to tie her apron. He said, “It may have been done by the ladies, children or older people in the house to give them something to do.”

Robert said he learned the art of lucet when he went to visit the Jamestown settlement in Virginia. He observed a woman making cord and said, “When I got home I went to the library and found a book on an 18th-century lucet and began from there.” He has written a reference pamphlet on the subject so the tradition can carry on.

Attendees got to see first-hand how Revolutionary War soldiers were able to load and shoot a .75 caliber rifle. Artillery volunteer, Vinny DeNardo, explained that a regular rifle only had the capability to shoot 65 to 75 yards but a gun-powdered musket can load in 20 seconds and could shoot across three football fields, instantly killing a British officer with only one shot.

Huntington Militia

The Ancient and Honorable Huntington Militia is one of the oldest organizations in the United States. It was formed in 1653 by the Town of Huntington to provide an effective defense against the hostile Dutch settlements of New Netherlands and to keep the local Native Americans in awe by holding regular, public training exercises on the Town Common. Huntington was made part of the Colony of New York in 1664 and the Huntington Militia became part of the New York Provincial forces in 1666.

The Huntington Militia was reactivated by The Town of Huntington in 1974, to serve in a ceremonial capacity as its official Colonial Guard and to continue as a permanent, living link with the town’s proud heritage. The militia became a Revolutionary War reenactment unit in 1976 and continues to this day to preserve its heritage and recreate life as it was on Long Island in Colonial America.

For more information on upcoming events, or to volunteer, visit the website www.huntingtonmilitia.com.

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