USA > New York > Suffolk County > Bridgehampton > Sketches from local history > Part 3
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If you look to the east you may see some of the houses in East Hampton and Amagansett. Now
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TOW OF COAL BARGES OFF MECOX
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PANORAMIC VIEW FROM TOWER ON JOHN L. GARDINER HOUSE
let us turn about and look to the north, here you be- hold a fine forest extending away to the north shore. beyond, you may see Gardiner's Bay, Shelter Island Sound, Noyack Bay. Little and Great Peconic Bays. then the north fork of Long Island, Shelter Island, Gardiner's Island, and beyond these Long Island Sound, and if the air is very clear you may see the Connecticut shore. All of the above named bodies of water afford wonderful privileges for yachting and fishing. no better to be found anywhere on the Atlantic seaboard, with sufficient depth of water for all classes of boats, and fine harbors for protection in bad weather.
This wonderful landscape as well as seascape made a very deep impression upon Doctor John Lyon Gardiner, so much so, that he determined if ever he retired from active practice, if possible, he would build a home on these hills. This actually took place in the year 1891. The basement and first story of his new house. and the basement of his barn was built of native stone, and 475 tons of local rock was used in its construction. The foundation of this house is just 200 feet above sea level, it has a forty foot tower and the view from this tower is very fine. The Doctor took great pride and extreme satisfac- tion in entertaining his friends in this home which he decided to name "Dulce Domum." On one occa- sion Miss Hannah Elliston after a delightful visit wrote a poem descriptive not only of this beautiful home but mentions particularly the kind hospitality of both the Doctor and Mrs. Gardiner. It gives me great pleasure to insert this poem.
DULCE DOMUM
Upon a sun-kissed hill fair 'Dulce Domum' stands, In form like ancient castle seen in other lands. Here, crowned with years of honored. useful life, Lives Dr. Gardiner and his loving wife.
Here let us enter, for we'll always find A gracious hostess, and a welcome kind. We'll chat awhile on subjects old and new, Then "go aloft," for you'll enjoy the view.
Far to the south stretch farms all clothed in green : A quiet little village nestles in between.
Whose church spires gleaming in the evening sun, Point man to Heaven, when earth's life's done.
While farther on, Atlantic's billows rise Till dark blue waters seem to reach the skies. Or circle eastward, past East-Hampton town To where Montauk's high cliffs are looking down.
Montauk's tall lighthouse, though so far away, Seems a near neighbor, on this calm, clear day. And Gardiner's Island-this our genial host, Of all these scenes must surely love the most.
For there his English ancestors held undivided sway. Owned the whole Iste, and even at this day
Though near three hundred years since brave young Lion came,
Its lovely acres still are in the Gardiner name.
Strange tales its ancient manor house could tell Of things that in those early days befell. Of pirate raids and goklen treasure hid And roasted pig devoured by hungry Kidd.
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Of feast and revel, beauty, wealth and pride. In days when Tyler came to seek a bride, Or days when England's queen had deemed it right The Gardiner title should be "Lord of Wight."
But, we must "go below" ere daylight flies. And while descending, friend, just use your eyes, For time would fail me ere I'd half begun To tell the heirlooms, given from sire to son.
The Gardiner coat of arms, the tattered battle flag, The flintlock musket, and the saddle-bag; The spurs, and powder flasks of quaint design, Used by brave huntsmen of the Gardiner line.
The ancient spinning wheel. and warming pan of old ; The samplers worked by dainty hands long cold. There's scarce a niche, as we go down the stair, But holds some relic, kept with loving care.
We're down again-And now we turn aside To view the chimney, Mrs. Gardiner's pride. "T'is built of rough-hewn stone found on this land, And set with treasures, by her own fair hand.
Here's coral, from the distant ocean's brine. And shining ore from Colorado's mine.
. Some relics from a far-famed battle field. And shells, that strange, sweet music yield.
Now, here's a treat : The grand chance of your life. To take a taste of Lot's old salty wife;
A little taste, for she's dissolving fast So prize it highly, this may be your last.
You think while looking in that fireplace neat "Some one in the next room has homely feet." A mirror deftly bedded in the stone, Reflects this floor-the feet, alas ; your own.
Pride needs some falls. 'Twere well, at times, to pass Unprejudiced, before a neighbor's glass. A lesson in humility, perchance 'twill be To see our darling self, as other people see.
And, now be wiser, and be on your guard, The Doctor loves his joke, don't take it hard If he should gravely ask you. "Do you know This house is rocky when the high winds blow?"
I'm loth to go, but this long call my friend, Like all good times on earth, must end. We say good-bye to both, and chatting still, We leave them in their castle on the hill.
And there may joy and peace abide, Till sets their sun at life's fair eventide. Until their God in love shall bid them come From Dulce Domum to a fairer home.
Hannah Elliston,
Bridgehampton, Sept. 24th, 1901.
AN OLD RESIDENT DIES
In the "Old Cemetery" in Bridgehampton is a tombstone on which is the following inscription. "Doctor David Gardiner, son of David Gardiner, of Flushing, N. Y., and grandson of David, sixth Pro- prietor of Gardiner's Island. Born Jan. 1, 1799. Died Feb. 25, 1880."
This David Gardiner was the eighth generation from Lion Gardiner (I) the founder of the family in America, who came from England in 1635.
He was educated at Columbia College, New York. and taught school in Clinton Academy, in East Hampton, for many years. For considerable time he practiced medicine in Chester, Ohio, after which he came to New York City, and for 26 years held an important position in the Custom House. He afterward came to Bridgehampton, but lived prac- tically a retired life. He was always scholarly and studious, a great reader and lover of nature.
When his son, Dr. John Lyon Gardiner bought the property formerly owned by Aaron Drake, and on which he in late life built "Dulce-Domum," David Gardiner, then quite an old man, walked up the hill to look over the property his son John had just bought. I at that time was but a lad, and the old gentleman stopped and spoke to me. and this was the first recollection I have of this man; he said. "My boy, I have been to see my son John's recent purchase, you know that the Good Book says, 'a city that is set on a hill cannot be hid'." This made quite an impression on me.
The particular incident in his life which I wish to relate was told by his son, Doctor John Lyon Gard- iner, who attended him in his last sickness, though he was not really sick, the clock had simply run down and then stopped. His body was weak, while his mind remained strong to the very last.
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He became very weak, and told Dr. John that he thought he would not stay much longer, and that he wished the whole family to gather about his bed, which they did. He then pronounced in good voice. the Apostolic Benediction, from Hebrews 13, 20-21 : "Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
"Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen."
Then he requested that they all retire to the other room, "for" said he, "I am going to die in just a few minutes, and I wish to be alone when I go."
Dr. John said they all left the room as father re- quested, but in a very few minutes he went back, and father had gone.
This story concerning one of our old residents. especially the matter-of-fact way or manner in which he met the inevitable, to my mind was rather unique and unusual, and yet very sensible.
AN ODE TO OUR FOREFATHERS
May we within our stately homes, Where once their cabins stood ; Recall with reverence and pride, Their labors for our good.
They sought this sea-girt Island, And built upon its sod ; That free from persecution. They might worship with their God.
Their sacrifice, their noble deeds, Their aims and purpose true ; Should linger in our heart of hearts, A tribute justly due.
When generations yet unborn. · Their history shall read; Thrilled by the spirit of their sires, May emulate their deeds:
Written by Stephen Hedges Bridgehampton, January 7th, 1923.
ROADS AND BRIDGES
The first trails through the woods are called in the Town Records "cart paths" or "cart ways." This is truly what they were, and not what we would call roads. The first time the term "highway" is used in the Records was at a Town meeting held August 21st, 1654, when "It was ordered that Thomas Cooper shall have power to call forth those that are behind hand to work at the highway & to mend the bridge" etc.
Probably the first cart path that could really be called a road, was the one leading from North Sea to Old Town for it was over this road that all of the merchandise had to be carted.
Without doubt the road to the Water Mill was the next in importance, and would of necessity have been in use when the mill was built in the year 1644 or 1645.
East Hampton was settled in 1649. Communica- tion between these colonies was a necessity. At first this was carried on by the way of the Ocean beach, but when Mecox Bay and the various ponds were out. the people were forced to travel on the land- ward side of these waters, and at such times the creeks and streams would be shallow and easy to ford. At Water Mill they crossed the Wading Place (see 1670 map) to Bay Lane in Mecox. We know that this was used as early as 1650, as was also Mecox Road. Those who did not care to cross the Wading Place could go as far as Hay Ground and then take the Mecox Road.
The path to East Hampton or Maidstone was in use in 1653. The first two Sagaponack Divisions were laid out in 1653; unquestionably there were roads leading to these lots soon after they were laid out. The date assigned to Daniel's Lane on the maps is 1670, which I think is too late a date - it should be as early as 1655 for I believe this road was really an extension of Mecox Road.
Here is a question : When and why was Bridge Lane opened? . As early as 1670, Anthony Ludlam. Ellis Cook and Arthur Howell were living in Mecox. and several others owned land there but as yet had not established homes. Josiah Stanborough in 1658 and perhaps 1656 was living in his home on the northerly side of Bridge Lane in Sagaponack. Jo- siah's son, Peregrine, and John Topping soon after this were established in their homes on the south
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side of the same lane, and they were followed by at least four others, not to mention a goodly number who had acquired land but had not as yet built their homes.
The first church was built on the north side of Bridge Lane 14 rods west of Sagg Pond about the year 1671. At this early date the church was the community center. Now, was Bridge Lane laid out and opened with two dead ends? Sagg Pond could not be forded at this place, neither were there ferry boats. Why did they build the church where they did, and why did they locate their homes where they did, unless there was a means of crossing the pond at this place? "Bridge Lane" was opened as early as June 20th, 1669. T. R. Vol. 2, p. 246.
It has generally been accepted that the Sandford bridge was the first across Sagg Pond, but I have always claimed it was not. Ezekiel Sandford con- tracted to build a bridge across this pond in accord- ance with a vote taken at a town meeting held April Ist, 1686. The church was built and the men men- tioned above had homes here long years before that date; and they had means of crossing the pond be- fore they settled there or built their church.
I believe it to have been a narrow causeway. too narrow for carts or vehicles, but sufficient for horses to cross single file, for most of the traveling was done horseback in those days, and if sufficient for horses, then ample for people.
In contracting for the Sandford bridge, they were particular to specify that it should be "sufficient for either men, horses or cartes to pass over," implying that the former bridge had not been hence their de- mand in making this contract.
When Mr. Baldwin Cook was past 91 years of age, he told me that his grandfather. Stephen Cook. said, that when a boy he heard the old men say that there was a bridge across this pond before the Sand- ford one, but that it was about the same location ; he thought it was originally built by the Indians, and was made of logs drawn together endwise and filled with some material that would pack so as to make a solid path: at any rate it bridged the pond.
This formed part of the trail used by the Indians on their periodical pilgrimages from eastern Long Island to Poosepatuck to attend their religious or tribal ceremonial celebrations, of which "June Meeting" ( familiar to the older generations) is bnt a faint shadow of the past and almost forgotten cus-
tom. This was unquestionably the first bridge across Sagg Pond.
This to my mind is the reason that the Sagaponack Divisions were laid out and settled and the church built at such an early date. The significance of this is illustrated by the fact that it gave this locality its name. "Bridge Hampton."
On the 1670 map, the road marked "path into the woods" probably did not extend north of Bridge Lane, except as it may have been a mere path or trail into the forest. I think Sagg Street extended from Bridge Lane on the south, to East Hampton Path on the north at an early date. There was also a ford where Channel Pond unites with Mecox Bay (see map for 1670).
Thomas Stephens was one of the first settlers in Water-Mill and lived just east of the road leading to Cobb. (see 1670 Map) where the bridge is today. Just south of the Morse property was a ford until about the year 1872, which was known as "Stephen's Water."
The road from Arthur Howell's to the beach (1670) map) was a private road until about 1870. when it was changed to run west of the Howell house, and where this road began were placed bars which had to be taken out when going to the beach. These are known in the Town Records as "Mecox Bars" or "Gate."
The road leading from Hayground southeast and uniting with what was later Paul's Lane was laid out about 1677.
What is Highland Terrace at this time, was known as Narrow Lane on the 1700 Map. This old road was probably closed for at least 125 years, and was about where the present road is located.
On the 1700 Map. the roads marked Sag Harbor. Turnpike, and the Sagg Road to Sag Harbor in 1850, are marked "Cart Path to Great Meadows." The "Sag Harbor and Bull's Head Turnpike" was established under a legislative charter granted about the year 1840. It was a stock company with a capital of $5.600. or 224 shares of $25. each. The contract for building this road was taken by a Mr. Andrews. and a large portion of the grading was done with a sand scraper 6 feet wide drawn by two yokes of oxen. I own the steel shoe that belonged to that scraper. In 1906 this road was taken over by the Town, and the toll gate removed. In 1909 the toll
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house was burned. In 1700 there was no Sag Har- bor. The first record of that place was in 1707.
"Merchants Path", still known by the same name. was a path cut through the woods from Poxabogue to North West, by the merchants of that day, Ed- ward Howell and John Wick, both being contem- porary merchants of this locality.
All of their merchandise was landed at North West, and had to be carted from there, for the most part with teams of oxen.
It will be noted that in 1700 there was no Job's Lane, nor Horse Mill Lane. The road running east
Toll House on Sag Harbor-Bridgehampton Turnpike
from Ephraim Jones', in Water Mill, (now the home of Charles B. Corwith) was a highway in those days and for many years later, but it was closed more than 100 years ago, and few, if any, traces of it can be seen at this time.
The Brick Kilns Road was opened in 1690. This road was a trail through the forests to Great Meadows, also to the Brick Kilns, where good clay for brick could be found on or near the surface. This road also led to Novack. where fish, and shell- fish were to be found in abundance.
Mitchel's Lane was opened in 1679, as was also the Scuttle Role Road and Huntington Path. This was the date of the laying out of the 40 acre Divi- sion. At this time Mitchel's Lane did not extend to Butter Lane. for the latter at this time had not been opened, but it went through Snake Hollow. ( 1700 map).
The land lying to the north of Bridgehampton was at the date of this map a forest known as "Brushy Plain" and had not as yet been laid out or
surveyed, so that there is no Lumber Lane nor But- ter Lane on this map. ( 1700).
There was, however, a road spoken of in the Town Records Vol. 2, page 307: "The path that comes from Sagaponack" that has been the cause of considerable controversy and discussion.
The southeast corner of Lot 14 of the 40 acre Division "is marked upon a white oak tree standing on the right hand of the path that comes from Saga- ponack". Lot 14 was what was later the Budd and Stuart Lots, lying north of Huntington Path, and now owned by the heirs of John Joblinski and the heirs of Samuel F. Edwards.
When William S. Pelletreau was compiling the Town Records this was a problem that confused him much, and only that I had discussed this matter with Charles H. Hildreth, who had given this par- ticular matter much thought and attention, and real- ly solved this problem, I fear it never would have been known.
How Sagaponack Path could have any bearing on Lot 14 was a mystery, for it was generally conceded that Sagaponack Path was the road leading from Sagg to Sag Harbor, and Lot 14 was some miles * to the northwest.
The playground for School District No. 18 was on the north side of the road opposite the old School House. Across this playground from north to south was a depression or valley perhaps three feet deep and 15 feet wide. This was really the key to the whole problem, and starting from this. Mr. Hildreth traced this road its entire length.
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Toll House on Sag Harbor-East Hampton Turnpike
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This depression I have just referred to was a portion of the old sunken road, made by erosion that had been going on for many years. I might say that after much discussion and correspondence with Mr. Pelletreau, he was convinced that this was the true and only answer to this question, and that Mr. Hil- dreth was right.
This road branched to the north from Sagaponack Road just west of the present home of Charles T. Ludlow, went to the west of the swamp, and then northwesterly and crossed East Hampton Path near Uriah Sayre's home, then northwesterly through the forest on Brushy Plain and crossed Huntington Path near what was later the north end of Butter Lane, or, as in the Records the southeast corner of Lot 14, of the 40 acre Division.
This road continued northwesterly until it came into the Mill Stone Road. This road at this time was the direct course of travel from Sagaponack to Novac, or to Northampton, later North Sea.
The road to Towd, the Deerfield Road, Noyack Path, and the Mill Stone Road. were all opened and in use in 1700. The road to Fairfield Pond was opened at an early date. probably 1670.
TIedges Lane in Sagaponack was opened in 1677, and Parsonage Lane in 1694. Job's Lane in Mecox was opened in 1726. Lumber Lane and Butter Lane were both laid out and opened at the laying out of the 30 acre Division in 1712.
Cook's Lane in Poxabogue was named from AAbraham Cook, who lived on the East Hampton Path, and whose farm extended north as far as this Lane.
The road to the beach at Peter's Pond, named for Peter Hildreth, was opened at a date not much later than 1660. Loper's Road in the north district took its name from the Loper family, who lived just south of, and near it.
Wooley's Lane in Scuttle Hole took its name from a man by that name who lived on the south side of that road abont 1750, and west of Samuel Cook. (See 1800 map).
Horse Mill Lane was opened in 1763 and took its name from a mill built near there, operated by horses. The road to "North Side" north of Hunt- ington Path and west of Sag Harbor Turnpike on 1800 map was discontinued about the year 1900.
Halsey's Lane was a private road in 1700 and led to the house of Jeremiah Halsey. It was extended
through to Paul's Lane in 1885, and on to Mecox Road in the year 1890. Wheaton's Lane was also a private road, and led to Wheaton's house. (Sce 1800 map). The same place as is marked .Alva Halsey in the 1850 map. This road was probably closed after that property was bought by the Halsey family. It is mentioned in the Town Records, Vol. III, page 213.
The road connecting Butter Lane with Mitchel's Lane running northwest from the Long Island Rail- road Station, at Bridgehampton, was laid out and opened in 1763.
Norris Lane running north from the Main Street. and east of Bridgehampton village, took its name from Nathan Norris, who lived on the corner on the east side of that lane.
What is now known as Church Street, was opened in 1763. The road in Scuttle Hole leading to the David Rogers house in the hollow (see 1800 map) was at that time the main road, and was an exten- sion of the Mill Stone road, and ran past the house of Silas Woodruff, down to the pond, then around the east side of that pond, and so up to the present road. The old road was originally where the gully is at this time.
Corwith Avenue in Bridgehampton was laid out and opened in the year 1893. and runs from Main Street to Railroad Avenue.
Railroad Avenue was laid out and opened in 1874 and runs from Lumber Lane, west to the Railroad property, but not to Butter Lane, as the Railroad owns all of the land in front of the Station and Freight House.
There were two bridges that I might mention. that did not affect the public, as they were both pri- vate enterprises. One was built by Jeremiah O. Hedges across Sagg Pond at Deacon's Island, and served to connect his two farms. This stood but a few years, when it was wrecked by ice.
The other was built by Capt. William Denison across the gully in front of his house in Scuttle Hole, and nearly opposite the northerly end of Mitchel's Lane. This was washed away by a freshet. during the summer season in the 1850's.
Both of these bridges are shown on the map for 1850. No one knows how long the Sandford bridge lasted. It was built of oak timber, and was probably good for at least a century. Then came a long lapse
SKETCHES FROM LOCAL HISTORY
of years, perhaps another century, when there was no bridge across Sagg Pond.
In 1873. Silas Tuthill, of Westhampton, having bought land on the east side of Sagg Pond, wished to have another bridge built, and sought to get the other adjoining land owners about the pond to unite with him in building it. It appeared at first as if he would succeed in his efforts, but when it came to an actual outlay of time, labor and money, they failed him, and he had to build it alone.
After the completion of this bridge. Mr. Tuthill went before the Annual Town Meeting, and sought to get a resolution passed, whereby the Town would take it over and reimburse him for the expense of building it, but he failed in getting this bill passed. One of these landowners was an elder in the local Presbyterian Church and after all of his efforts with him had failed, in commenting on this matter he said: "There are some portions of Sagg that will produce good farin crops, and good men as well. but this is not true of all. I know of some that will grow nothing but elders, (alder) and my observa- tion has been, that it is very poor timber for any- thing. It is absolutely worthless for bridge timber. and I am convinced it is no better for church timber".
Judge Henry P. Hedges was a large land owner on the west side of the pond at this time. At first he favored the bridge project, but after some of the land near the beach had been sold to city buyers, and the price of this land advanced the Judge changed his mind, for he thought the bridge would obstruct the sailing of boats from the northerly part of the pond to the beach, and for this reason, not only op- posed the building of this bridge, but worked against it, thinking it would affect the price of his land.
After Mr. Tuthill had completed his bridge, and presented a Resolution to the Annual Town Meet- ing. the Judge led the opposition in the discussion before that body. After a heated debate, Mr. Tut- hill at last got the floor, and said :
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