USA > New York > Nassau County > Long Island; a history of two great counties, Nassau and Suffolk, Volume I > Part 37
USA > New York > Suffolk County > Long Island; a history of two great counties, Nassau and Suffolk, Volume I > Part 37
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Commercial enterprises in the nineteenth century proved profit- able to the people of Smithtown. Shipping thrived between Smith- town and Connecticut and several docks were constructed along the Nissequogue River. In 1806, Blydenburgh's Landing, actually owned by the Town, could accommodate scows of twenty to thirty tons. Cordwood, merchandise and fertilizer were the principal materials shipped. From earliest times, the fishing industry has played an important role in the life and development of Smithtown. Its history contains an abundance of legal wrangling over water rights, par- ticularly ownership of land under water. As early as 1804, non- residents were required to register for shellfishing privileges in town waters. An Oyster Commission was empowered in 1848 to enforce this ordinance. The year 1881 witnessed the greatest excitement in the fishing history of Smithtown; rich beds of large oysters were discovered. Word spread rapidly and the harbor was frequented by out-of-town boats. By virtue of the Nicolls Patent of 1665 and the Andros Patent of 1677, Smithtown owns its local waters. Many families settled in the Town in order to participate in resident privileges.
Despite the fluctuating progress of manufacturing, commerce and fishing, farming continued during the nineteenth century to remain
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the chief industry. Each year, as more of the trees fell before the farmer's biting axe, more and more acres were cultivated. While potatoes were always extensively farmed, other staple crops received attention, notably corn and wheat. Apple orchards were carefully cultivated and cider was manufactured. In 1872, the Town Records indicate that the cider production was $275,000. Farming was facili- tated by the construction of roads and highways. Transportation was further assisted by bridging the Nissequogue River. The main characteristic of local farms was extensiveness. The large estates
(Photo Courtesy of The Historic American Building Survey, Library of Congress) Moses Mills House, Smithtown
were not usually subdivided, rather the owners cultivated the farms personally with the assistance of slaves and hired hands who lived on the property. Large tracts of land thus passed from one genera- tion to the next yet generally remaining intact. The productive wealth of such a system was enormous.
The financial security derived from successful industrial, com- mercial and agrarian exploits formed a logical backdrop for the cultural advancement of Smithtown. In earlier times the residents depended on transient clergymen to administer to their spiritual needs. In 1806, however, the Methodists of Hauppauge founded the Methodist Church Society. They constructed an imposing edifice in 1812. William Blydenburgh, in 1835, generously donated the funds to build a Presbyterian Church. The Rev. Daniel Taylor officiated as its first Pastor. In 1845, the Catholic residents erected a Church and secured the services of the Rev. John O'Donnell. James Clinch
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donated the funds for the Episcopal Church of St. James. It was erected in 1853 with the Rev. Carlton Maples as clergyman. The Rev. J. S. Brundage was appointed in 1873 to the new Methodist Church in St. James. The same year Samuel Smith donated an acre of ground and $1000 towards a Catholic school and a suitable resi- dence for the Priest. This summary of the religious foundations in Smithtown is necessarily limited. It is intended merely to illustrate the cultural trends of the Town.
However, religious edifices were not the only mark of culture in nineteenth century Smithtown. Educational facilities were improved. Before 1816, only those children whose parents could finance their schooling procured an education. On November 6, 1816, however, the Town organized its first free public school. In 1867, Jonas Smith bequeathed $8000 for the building of a new school. It was com- pleted in 1868. The advantages accruing from the local educational system have been admirably attested. The cultural aspect of Smith- town was enhanced, when, in 1824, a library was erected in Smith- town Branch. It was supported by private donations and bond pur- chases. It contained extensive material regarding the Town's found- ing fathers. In 1828, Joseph R. Huntting founded a Debating Society here. For a time Walt Whitman acted as secretary of the organiza- tion while teaching school here. His handwritten notes of the pro- ceedings are in the Smithtown Library.
The conservatism of the era centered to a large extent on eulogiz- ing the past. The average resident possessed a pertinent knowledge of Smithtown's history. This did much to inspire a strong, pro- vincial attitude in local government and a pride in the maintenance of Town Records. Thus, from time to time, there appear in the Town Records instructions to the Town Clerk to transcribe particu- lar records, lest they should deteriorate. In 1874, the Town voted the purchase of a fireproof safe for the preservation of valuable records. As a result of such local pride, Smithtown developed one of the most complete sets of Town Records in New York State. In 1865, Doctor Muhlenburg contributed to the further cultural develop- ment of Smithtown by purchasing some five hundred acres of land and erecting in his community a school and an Episcopalian Seminary. Cornelius Vanderbilt donated $14,000 to the foundation.
Such a sound economic structure encouraged social life. Carll S. Burr, in 1879, built an excellent race track in Commack. Rifle teams were organized and, in 1877, C. Blydenburgh was acclaimed the "best shot in America." Owning and maintaining beautiful yachts supplied diversion and activity for those who could afford them. Yacht races to distant points were common and aroused keen interest. Select stockbreeding proved of social interest during this era.
The town has always supported its destitute cases. In more recent years this function was administered by a Supervisor of the Poor. A common fund was maintained by taxes and donations. Rec- ords of these subscriptions to the poor are well preserved and rather complete. In 1890, the Town purchased burial grounds for those who died impoverished.
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The idea of constructing the Kings Park State Hospital in Smith- town was opposed locally and in 1884, the Town delegated a com- mission to fight the plan in Albany, but to no avail. In 1886 formal objections were withdrawn and the Hospital was erected.
The Civil War was supported in typical mid-nineteenth century fashion. The Town voted large sums of money to subsidize and encourage enlistments in the Union Army, lest a conscription should be leveled and thus disturb local complacency. The roll of those local men who served in the army and maritime units is preserved in the Town Clerk's Office.
Local government during this era was inevitably conservative. Local officials were elected at the Town Meeting and on the expira- tion of their tenure of office would answer orally any questions that might be posed. That there was ever any serious questioning or accounting is not indicated in the Town Records. Conservatism dominated the local political institutions.
This brief summary of nineteenth century Smithtown has illus- trated, however, succinctly, that the inherited wealth and sound, secure financial status of the Town brought about a cultural development and contained within its very structure the germs of conservative government and living.
MODERN SMITHTOWN
Modern Smithtown (1900-1946) threw off the reactionary shackles of nineteenth century life. The Town proceeded with gusto into a new, transitional era. The world-wide mechanical age did not by-pass Smithtown but rather left an indelible imprint on every phase of local activity. It stimulated various enterprises, encouraged com- mercial initiative and created a strong economic bond with New York City.
The popular reaction to such a complete rejuvenation of Smith- town was one of unreserved acclamation. The residents were thrilled at the new and rapid development of the Town. They welcomed the new era of prosperity. They learned to accept a new dependency on New York City. Smithtown was content to be a satellite suburb of a great metropolis, pulsating as it pulsates.
The entire dynamic program was to a large extent the result of the railroad whose birth was not tranquil. The most effective single link with New York City was forged amid severe trial and turmoil. Because the railroad developed into more of a twentieth century influence in the history of Smithtown, its story, though begun in the late nineteenth century, has been reserved to this section of the article. Previously to 1872 no railroad provided direct service between New York City and Smithtown. The Long Island Railroad, however, did have a north shore branch from Hicksville which terminated in Northport. The company refused to further extend the line because of the serious economic risk involved. It suggested, instead, that an independent company be formed and that it should operate from Northport to Port Jefferson. Such a plan was ultimately consum- mated. It was achieved principally through the staunch efforts of
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such men as J. Lawrence Smith, Nathaniel Smith, Charles Hallock, Shepard S. Jones, Thomas S. Seabury, William H. Smith, William Taylor, Edward H. Smith, H. C. Webb, T. C. Smith, E. Gould, L. B. Smith and the Rev. Dr. W. A. Muhlenburg.
These men were commissioned by Smithtown to study all aspects of the railroad question as it would potentially affect the welfare of the Town. After serious deliberation, they proposed that Smithtown purchase $50,000 of railroad bonds, at seven per cent, to mature in thirty years, and thus be in a financial position to construct and operate an independent line. This program was finally accepted. The Smithtown-Port Jefferson Railroad Company was formed in 1871 and began operations in July, 1872. In 1891, the capital stock of the Smithtown and Port Jefferson Railroad had a par value of $50,000. In 1892, a committee representing the Town of Smithtown and con- sisting of C. A. Miller, W. H. Mills, R. W. Smith, H. T. Smith and E. N. Rowley, sold the stock of the local line to the Long Island Railroad for $5000. Ultimately the railroad bonds of the Town were liquidated, 1922, by the County Treasurer.
During Smithtown's long and arduous railroad litigation popular interest remained constant. Businessmen, recognizing the favorable permanent influence the railroad represented, hastened to invest capital in local real estate. Some owners of large estates, not able to resist the tempting offers, parcelled their cherished acres to invad- ing speculators.
The railroad, with three stations within the Township, Kings Park, Smithtown and St. James, assisted in developing each section in accordance with its relative potentialities. Frequent trains sup- plied an inducement for businessmen to live here and yet journey daily to their city offices. Close economic relationship with Connecti- cut was completely severed by the influence of the railroad. The complete educational, cultural, and recreational facilities of New York City were, by virtue of the railroad, at the very doorsteps of local residents.
At the same time, however, the railroad presented a whole new set of problems and brought some unique misgivings. Principally, it became a perennial threat to the local woodlands. Scarcely a year passed that sparks from fast-moving locomotives did not ignite a conflagration. Moreover, extensive local manufacturing was eliminated as competitive materials from New York became readily available. The railroad furthermore tended to break down the basic, whole- some provincialism previously so evident. Any problems the railroad has created, however, have been far overshadowed by the innumer- able advantages.
Simultaneously with considering the railroad as a basic and fundamental factor in the twentieth century rejuvenation of Smith- town, one almost necessarily thinks of the gasoline engine. The advent of the auotomobile, the truck, and the tractor completed whatever the railroad left undone in revitalizing local life. The automobile, both before and since the completion of the Jericho Turnpike (1929), has greatly influenced the staid life of this town. It provided a rapid means of transportation to all sections of the Town and other Town-
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ships and thus fostered a wide interest in local and county problems. It provided a new type of recreation, the Sunday drive, and per- ceptably improved the cultural standards of many since the schools, libraries, and theatres might be more conveniently reached. At the same time the automobile brought many transients here. Smithtown Branch, being the largest village on the turnpike between Mineola and River- head, soon became the "hub" of its section. Many came to visit and stayed to live. As real estate values continued to rise more large estates were subdivided and many small home owners moved in. The automobile, furthermore, contributed incalculably to popularize Smithtown as a summer resort.
If the automobile influenced the social life of Smithtown, it remained for the tractor to exert an economic influence. Plowing, planting and harvesting, to mention only the very basic tasks of farming, were greatly facilitated. Production expenses were curtailed. The value of time saved by the tractor is verily incalculable.
However, the most important aspect of the gasoline engine in the life of Smithtown was the truck. The truck revolutionized all previous concepts of local life. Most noticeable was the fact that New York City became the main market for the farmers. With a minimum of expense, they were able to truck their own products to market. On the other hand, trucks greatly influenced the daily life of the town resident. All common home supplies, food, clothing, fur- niture, were soon regularly delivered by truck. The era of Smith- town's isolation was closed by the truck.
The government of Smithtown was accordingly reorganized. Town and county government became more closely integrated. Convenient transportation made such coordination, with all its advantages, pos- sible. On the other hand, particular sections of the Township received definite status as villages. The rapid increase in population demanded that the number of local officials be increased and that their duties be more clearly specified. Besides an increase in officials, the juris- diction of each office was greatly enhanced.
The erection of a modern Town Hall was a further indication of the local rejuvenative process. The Town voted on February 4, 1909, to expend $16,000 on the project. It was constructed in 1911, and has since been well managed and carefully maintained. It reflects honor on all the citizens of the Township in general and in par- ticular on those principally responsible for its realization. Only through the industry and untiring efforts of Lawrence S. Butler, Supervisor J. Evans Crane, and Town Clerk Frank Brush, was its completion possible.
Today the Town Hall contains the offices of the Supervisor, Town Clerk, Police, Assessor, Public Health Nurse, Tax Receiver, Building Inspector and Justices of the Peace. In addition the Town Hall contains a spacious court room, which is also used for Town Board meetings and public hearings.
The economic status of modern Smithtown has greatly improved. While the Town has never had large manufacturing industries, private enterprise has always succeeded. The many stores, gasoline stations, taverns and restaurants attest to this. The Kings Park State Hos-
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pital developed into the most important single factor in the local economic picture. It employs 1100 people. While some of these employees reside in the Hospital, the greater number live in their own private homes and contribute of their time and ability to local projects.
The banks of the Township have served to coordinate local wealth. The National Bank of Smithtown Branch opened July 27, 1910, with total resources of $134,857.71. On May 7, 1923, the insti- tution changed its name to the Bank of Smithtown and in Decem-
(Photo Courtesy of The Historic American Building Survey, Library of Congress) Caleb Smith House, Commack
ber, 1925, moved into the new building. Throughout its existence Mr. J. S. Huntting has been its President. In 1945, its total resources were $4,561,203.88. The Kings Park Bank, established in 1924, became a National Bank in 1934. It had, in 1946, 1708 accounts. Mr. Albert Gehres is the President.
Every phase of the social life of Smithtown reflects the impor- tance of the industrial revolution on the Town. The local beaches naturally form the nucleus of all summer activities. The Town pur- chased Short Beach in September, 1907. On August 11, 1911, it extended the bathing facilities by purchasing six acres of land com- prising Long Branch. These recreational areas are principally enjoyed by the residents of Smithtown Branch and St. James. The residents of the Kings Park section frequent Sunken Meadow State Park. This area, opened in 1929, includes thirty acres of land, 1500 feet of protected beach and a thousand-foot boardwalk.
Various active clubs contribute to the social life. To mention a few will indicate the wide variety of social activity. The Smith-
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town Parent-Teachers Association was founded in 1935 with Mrs. Florence Deutzman as President. It has functioned regularly and in 1946 had eighty members under the leadership of Mrs. Alice Imrie. In 1932, Mrs. Ernest McMurray was elected first President of the Kings Park Parent-Teachers Association. Under the direction of Mrs. J. O'Connell, President in 1946, it continues its activities with sixty members.
Kings Park Council, No. 821 of the Knights of Columbus, was organized June 24, 1902, with sixty members. The first Grand Knight was Michael J. Hogan. In 1926, a modern club house was erected. In 1946, with a membership of 115, Mr. James M. Shay was Grand Knight.
Veterans of the Spanish-American War, World War I, and World War II, have their own clubs. Within Smithtown there are four such organizations: Sherwood Post, Ely Miller Post, Donald Monroe Post, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
In addition to these groups Smithtown has a Lions Club, Country Club, several Garden Clubs and many Ladies' Auxiliaries associated with churches and veterans' groups.
A new Library was opened in Smithtown Branch in 1912, under the direction of Miss Cornelia Peek. It has continually maintained an excellent collection of books and takes particular pride in the Handley Collection. The latter's 2100 volumes of books, pamphlets and manu- scripts deal with the history of Long Island. They were donated by Mrs. Richard Handley in 1922. The number of volumes in the Library during its first year was only 1602; the circulation during the same period was 5521. That the Library has developed. into an important link in the local cultural chain is well attested by the 1945 figures : volumes 19,000, circulation 36,000. Miss Sadie Hallock became head librarian in 1944.
Educational facilities have kept pace with the general develop- ment of the Town. Two Central Schools have been erected. The Smithtown Branch School was built in 1924. It opened with a regis- tration of 400 students; Mr. A. M. Jones was the first principal. The registration has now reached 544 with Mr. Ralph Floody as Principal. Kings Park Central School opened in 1929 with a student body of 300 and Mr. Frank Gallup as Principal. Today the institu- tion's registration totals 429 and Mr. Ralph Osgood holds the post of Principal.
In 1929, the Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn opened the St. Francis Normal School in Smithtown under the direction of the Rev. Brother Fidelis, O.S.F. In 1936, the Rev. Brother Capistran, O.S.F., became the Dean; he still maintained that position in 1946. The Franciscan Brothers, in 1934, expanded their facilities by estab- lishing a High School, St. Anthony's Juniorate, for students seeking admission to the Franciscan Order. The Rev. Brother Celestine, O.S.F., was appointed Principal and was in the same capacity in 1946.
In the separate Grammar Schools of the Township, St. Joseph's of Kings Park maintained the largest register, 182 students, with Sister M. Charlotte, O.P., Principal. The school was erected in 1931 and had a student body of 55 under the direction of Sister M.
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Archangela, O.P. The St. James public school, erected in 1939, opened with 176 pupils under the direction of Mr. Harold Henzu. In 1946, the registration was 150 and Mr. Bell Knutson, the Prin- cipal. Sts. Philip and James Catholic school in St. James had a registration of 91 students in 1946; Sister Imelda was the Principal.
Miss Rosemary Cleary maintains a school for the deaf in Smith- town. The student body has always been necessarily small. A private grammar school, affiliated with the St. Johnland Institution, was opened in 1867 by the progressive Dr. Muhlenburg. In 1946, there were 90 students in attendance with Mrs. Margaret Jennings as Principal. In addition to these schools there are the Nissequogue School, with 30 pupils, under the direction of Mrs. Warner and the Nesconsett School with Mr. Hawkins, Principal, and 110 students registered.
This brief summary of educational facilities indicates quite definitely that the residents of Smithtown have afforded their children adequate opportunities.
In 1887, the Smithtown Messenger was founded by Joseph R. Robbins and its files form an invaluable record of local activities dur- ing the first half of the dynamic twentieth century. Its present pub- lisher is Lawrence F. Deutzman. In 1930, the Suffolk Consolidated Press Company founded the Smithtown Star.
Public utilities, gas, electric, and the telephone, have greatly influenced local development. On June 1, 1911, the Town granted the Long Island Lighting Company an electric franchise. Service was first furnished in January, 1912, and the use of electricity quickly expanded. In 1945 local patrons paid $279,411.42 for this commodity. A gas franchise was granted the same Company on October 26, 1928, for a period of fifty years. The first meter was set on April 17, 1929. The residents of Smithtown now spend approximately $44,654.98 per year for gas. Telephone service in Smithtown has steadily increased and in 1930 a modern building was constructed. Today there are over 800 telephones in Smithtown at an annual cost of about $70,000.
Twentieth century Smithtown further extended its development by organizing in 1908 the Smithtown Fire Department with Frank Smith as Chief. It consisted principally of a Hook and Ladder, sup- plemented when necessary with bucket brigades. Chief E. Scott now has 150 members in the Department with eight pieces of modern equipment. Modern departments are also maintained in Nesconsett, Kings Park, St. James and Hauppauge.
In 1938, a town Police Department evolved from the previous Constable system. Cyril Donnelly, the Chief of Police, was prin- cipally responsible for procuring the security of civil service status for the men in the Department who now number fourteen. They maintain three thoroughly equipped cars, each with a three-way radio, spotlights, tear gas, and machine gun.
All the temporal prosperity of Smithtown has not, however, hampered religious activities. Churches, Parochial schools, and religious organizations have continually developed. As the popula- tion increased and the means of transportation became more ade-
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quate, religious institutions kept pace with the increased demand. In 1900, with a population of 6500 there were ten active churches in the town. Today, with a population of 14,000, the active religious edifices number twenty. The present Churches and their Pastors are: Smithtown Branch Presbyterian Church, Rev. R. Case; St. James Episcopal Church, Rev. Joseph Mills; Smithtown Branch Methodist Church, Rev. Robert Wright; Christian Science Society; Commack Methodist Church, Rev. Wallace Viets; St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church, Rev. August Herbert; St. James Methodist Church, Rev. John Simpson; St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Rev. William Zisch; Hauppauge Methodist Church, Rev. William Davis; Kings Park Synagogue, Rabbi H. Cohen; the St. John's Chapel, Rev. Gerald Gardner; The Lucien Memorial Methodist Church, Rev. Lauren York; Baptist Church, Rev. Albert Siebert; The First Church of Christ; Lake Ronkonkoma Methodist Church, Rev. William Davis; St. Joseph's R. C. Church (Ronkonkoma), Rev. Francis J. Liller ; St. Patrick's R. C. Church, Rev. Clarence Murphy; Sts. Philip and James R. C. Church, Rev. Clarence Murphy; St. Joseph's R. C. Church (Kings Park), Rev. Joseph D. Ryan.
This section of the history of Smithtown has indicated the general influence of the industrial revolution on the Township of Smithtown. At the same time, some idea of the development of the Town politically, economically, socially, culturally and religiously, has been traced.
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