Fishermen and baymen, duck hunters and decoy carvers, clamshell artists and lifeguards are just some of the tradition bearers featured here. Through oral histories, Long Island Traditions has documented dozens of those committed to preserving a life on the water. Most are participants in our maritime education programs or festivals and museum programs. If you […]
Ethnic Artists Long Island is home to many different ethnic groups, including both recent immigrants and established communities. Through ongoing fieldwork and oral interviews, Long Island Traditions documents musicians and craftspeople who continue to serve important functions within their communities. Working with these master artists, Long Island Traditions develops educational programs for school and general […]
Occupational Folk Artists There are many occupations that stretch back in time. Farmers and fishermen, instrument makers, and railroad workers. Long Island Traditions has documented some of these as part of its ongoing occupational research. Visit these artists to learn more about their time-honored professions. Some of these artists are available for public programs. If […]
Edward (Lowell) Ockers: Poundtrap fisherman Lowell was born in West Sayville and has lived in the area his entire life. Lowell started working full time in the bay after returning from the Navy in 1957. He started fishing and catching eels with traps purchased from his father, who was also a bayman. Lowell, who enjoyed […]
By Nancy Solomon and Cris Muia Oakdale began as part of a royal land grant given to William Nicoll, who founded Islip Town in 1687. The name Oakdale is said to have come from a Nicoll Descendant in the mid 1800’s. As Betty Kuss of the William K. Vanderbilt Historical Society wrote, “any history of […]
Building Address: 302 Middle Road Section / Block / Lot: Surveyor’s Name: Jackie Peu-Duvallon Survey Date: January 2004 Building Type: House Owner’s Name: Unknown. Telephone number is (631) 363-0596 Building Name: N/A Date of Construction: ca. 1920 Architect: N/A Building Dimensions: No. of Floors: 1 Decorative Features: Siding Material(s):Aluminum Roof Style: Flat Roofing Material(s): Asphalt roll Foundation: Concrete Window Style(s): None No. of Entrances and Placement: One employee entrance […]
By Jayme Breschard Blue Point is part of the Brookhaven Patent from King Charles II, first settled by people in Setauket in 1655. Bayport in Islip is separated from Blue Point in Brookhaven Town by Namkee Creek. The southwest part of Brookhaven where Blue Point is located was not settled by the early colonists, and […]
Bellport is a well preserved historic south shore village that is one of the stars of the south shore estuary. Settled in the 16th century by English settlers, it was best known for its salt hay that grew on the nearby marshlands. The small village was isolated until the Long Island Railroad brought residents from […]
Islip, Oakdale, West Sayville, Sayville, Bellport, Bayport, Patchogue and Brookhaven Hamlet Please visit the survey for tips and suggestions on how to document your house and community. Islip Islip and Great River are two of the oldest communities in the estuary, originally inhabited by the Secatogues, Pentaquit and Connetquot Native American tribes. In the 1600s William […]
Listen to George Combs Jr. tell how they treated new hunters LI Traditions · George Combs on Duck Hunting