PATCHOGUE
ADVANCE|
1877-
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Patchogue Advance
December 15, 1877
John Rogers, the blacksmith, moves to
Southampton today. Clark his partner, will continue at
the old stand. The $10 purse rumored to be given at the
Alms House "trotting track" was drawn.
The dwelling house and furniture of one Mr. Miller, a new
resident of West Yaphank, was totally destroyed by fire
on Friday evening of last week.
Feb. 16, 1878
The literary and Philharmonic Society is fast becoming a
fixed institution. It has hired Mill's spacious hall and
will labor for its extension and influence in the
village.
Collector Rose was again in this village on Tuesday. He
has been obliged to get a renewal of time, but reports
generally prompt payments.
Enjoyment in a genuine sense, was typified at the party
given by the family of Mr. Alfred Reid on Tuesday evening
of this week. As a solid respectable pleasure gathering,
it was the success of our winter pastimes. Music was
furnished by Profs. Hammond and Homan.
Feb. 23, 1878
The monthly concert at the Presbyterian Church drew a
large congregation.
A Sheriff's sale of liquor and cigars is announced at
Mill's store, Sat. Feb. 23d.
Prof. Homan's singing school gives a concert about April
1st. The scholars will be assisted by the best talent in
the county.
A closely contested game of baseball was played between
the Patchogue nine and the Young Athletes, of this place,
on the grounds of the latter. In all points it was a most
interesting game. The final score was Liberals 11,
Athletes 8. Mr. Seley, of Patchogue, officiated as
umpire, and as he always does gave entire satisfaction.
Honest and impartial, he gives a tone and pleasantness to
the game.
March 2nd, 1878
Rosewell Davis has been appointed notary public of this
place.
Yaphank is suffering with a relapse of ball fever. No
less than three nines have been organized.
James Smith is said to be failing slowly. For a long time
he has breathed through a silver tube inserted in his
windpipe.
The following officers were elected at the first
quarterly meeting of the Athletics ball club. President
L.B. Homan, secretary, R.E. Hammond, Treasurer, A.W.
Train, Captain, R. Nolan Trustees F. McCreary and Smith
Thompson. The club is improving as a union and the
national game increases in interest.
March 9, 1878
Will Hawkins has purchased a fine roadster, and believes
in enjoying life while it lasts.
Alfred Davis, carpenter, has gone to Southampton to erect
a blacksmith shop for Mr. Rogers.
The first and second nines played a match game on
Saturday, resulting in a victory for the former, by a
score of 54 to 13.
The village school began a new term last Monday, under
the charge of Miss Mary Augusta Randall, Miss Russell
resigning.
March 16, 1878
It is rumored that Wm. Phillips, Jr. has purchased a team
of horses, and intends on farming next season.
The "Young Athletes" played the
"Atlantics" of Coram, on their grounds last
Friday. The Coram team had a number of substitutes from
other clubs. The "Athletes" won the game easily
by a score of 21 to 7.
April 13, 1878
Yaphank has got the measles.
Horace G. Randall, a prominent farmer of Middle Island,
died at his residence Tuesday night, of this week.
Mr. Phillips, Jr., and Miss Martha Hallock, both of this
place, were married last week.
April 20, 1878
The question now is "Have you had the measles?"
Deacon Norton is erecting a new barn and carriage house.
The "Lazy man's club," croquet has bloomed
here. A shameful defeat for Yaphank's champion team, is
the first item of the spring opening.
April 27, 1878
J.E. Weeks is a first rate house, sign and decorative
painter, and excelled by none. He can also do a job on
wagons and carriages second to very few.
Rev. G.R. Harding preached in the Presbyterian Church
last Sabbath, to a large and intelligent audience... All
ought to hear this lecture and witness the exhibition of
the "Life and Death of the Drunkard," in twelve
scenes. To conclude with "Rock of Ages," or
"Simply to thy Cross I Cling"
May 11, 1878
A gay party left Yaphank Monday evening and boarded the
yacht "Pvche" Capt. Wilson Higgins, at
Bellport, bound for New York.
Last Saturday evening, Nelson Monsell's trotting horse
ran away smashing the wagon. Mr. Monsell was thrown
against a tree and quite badly bruised about the head.
AThe mysterious disappearance of Eugene Coombs last
Monday has occasioned considerable sensation, and of
course, Miss Grundy has taken the case in hand, and the
gossips will roll a nine day's sweet under their tongues.
May 18, 1878
Mr. train is running a grocery wagon through middle
Island and Coram.
May 25, 1878
Miss "Allie" Weeks who is earning quite a
reputation as a taxidermist, has completed the stuffing
of a fine specimen of the Great Northern Diver for Mr.
Wm. Smith of Smiths Point.
Probably it is known to but few residents here that that
great expounder of the Constitution. Daniel Webster once
honored Yaphank by a visit and fished along its lower
streams. On one occasion Mr. W. J. Weeks met the great
orator while paddling down the river, the two saluting
each other as they passed. Both Webster and Martin Van
Buren were frequent guests of Samuel Carman at South
haven.
June 1, 1878
John Dayton is rebuilding his house.
A junior baseball club has been organized with Berny
Homan as Captain.
June 1, 1878 Yaphank
John Dayton is rebuilding his house.
A junior baseball club has been organized, with Berny
Homan captain.
Mrs. Ira Davis, the milliner, is erecting fences and out
buildings on her property.
It is everywhere evident that the harvest of croquet will
be unusually large. Philetus Phillips takes the medal for
the finest ground.
Mr. William Walling, the popular clerk of E. W. Mills'
store, has resigned his position on account of ill
health. He will probably reopen his shoe shop at Middle
Island. Mr. Walling has many friends, and if there be a
premium for honesty, he deserves it.
Capt. Higgins is getting his yacht in sailing trim at
Port Jefferson. James Weeks, the knight of the brush, is
doing the artistic.
Elbert Brewster, who is now in an European port, has sent
home peculiar specimen of bird. Bill Robbins says it is a
cross between Ben, Butler, and William Lloyd Garrison.
The "Young Athletes" challenge any amateur club
in Brookhaven or Riverhead town to play a match July 4th,
on grounds to be mutually agreed on. Address R.E Hammond,
secretary. Here is a chance for Patchouge ash-Moriches
and Bellport included.
June 8, 1878 Yaphank
Someone suggests that we should have been surnamed
Yank-yankers.
Capt. Richard Homan made a visit home Tuesday, and left
for his vessel at Philadelphia Wednesday morning.
Mr. James Ashton, now a member of the Brooklyn police
force, has been visiting with his family and some friends
here. Mr. A., is an old ex detective and policeman.
From the best authority it is announced that Mr. Alfred
Reid has traded his farm with a Mr. Styles for Brooklyn
property. We regret to learn that Mr. Reid contemplates
moving from the place.
June 22, 1878 Yaphank
The Presbyterian festival has come and gone. The
attendance was large, although only about $50 was netted.
The supper, under the direction of Mrs. Horton, was
excellent; and the floral stands presided over by Misses
Ella Hawkins and Ada Homan added a snug sum to the church
coffers.
H. W. Train has returned from his agency venture….
Lloyd Higgins will retire from behind the counter at
Mills', and accept another position…. Wm. Walling
has opened his shoe shop at Middle Island…. Capt. R.
Homan has accepted the mateship of the yacht
Rambler…. Dr. Baker has a new joy in the handsomest
roadster that travels our streets…. Noah F. Swezey
of New York, visited his friends here over Sunday….
James E. Weeks< has completed an artistic sign for
Reid, the furniture dealer of Sayville…. Messrs.
Sidney and Daniel Phillips hold the croquet championship
against all comers…. Will "Wick" Mills
kill that Peacock?
Miss Mary Booth, editress of Harpers Bazar, is a relative
of Mr. Nelson Monsell, of this place.
June 29, 1878 Yaphank
Wm. Homan, late of this place, has accepted a position in
the Brooklyn Post Office. He was in town on Saturday, to
procure board for his wife and family during the
"heated term."
Evening sailing on the flower pond, is becoming
fashionable.
In the death of Hawkins Gerard, Yaphank has lost one of
her noblest and truest men. L.B Homan, in his illustrated
history, truly says of Mr. Gerard:
"There will always be a niche in the history of
Yaphank's
benovelent, christian men for Hawkins Gerard Surely
his was the white rose of a blameless life.
July 21, 1878
Miss Augusta Jenkins is now visiting her father,
Sylvester Homan, is reported very low with cancer in the
stomach. Hr recovery is despaired of.
The draining of the upper pond creates a stench, which we
hope will not be prolonged.
A tub and rowing race is proposed by the ladies.
Yaphank, July 27, 1878
Eugene Coombs has established a grocery route through
Coram, Middle Island and adjoining country. Our friends
of the middle section are highly favored in number of
venders
The draining of the lower pond and repair of a defective
flue, was a picnic for the small boys this week. The
number of stumps and logs exposed proves that the ponds
were once large swamps, through which a small stream
probably meandered its way to the ocean.
Van Ransellar Swezey, one of the old landmarks of the
place, and a citizen long connected with the church and
moral society of Yaphank died at his residence here on
Monday.
August 10, 1878
Overton the butcher, has evidently struck a beef bonanza.
The Bailey family now occupy their country seat near
Artist Lake.
Beach parties are now an epidemic here. A number will
take place this week and next. Sun sea and sand form
peculiar attractions, when fashionable to patronize them.
Mr. McCreery is at his home sick with malarial fever. He
is filling a profitable position in Hunter's Point, and
attributes his sickness to the recent filling in of low
land near his business.
Personal-Frank McCreery is the coming curve ball
pitcher…. Newton at the station is handling some
promising roadsters. ..Why does not our worthy neighbor,
Wm. Phillips complete his half finished trotting track.
August 17, 1878
A regatta on the lower lake is a probability.
Rosewell Davis, the "Prince Hal" of the upper
store, is enjoying a relaxation from his mercantile cares
in a town of sightseeing.
Eddy Hawkins is now a fact behind Mill's counter. He is
one of our most honest young men and will prove an
acquisition to Mr. Mill's establishment.
The farmers are busily engaged on the South meadows, and
they report the harvest of mosquitoes unusually large.
Keeping time with a forkful of hay and a wagon full of
mosquitoes is a sight Yaphankers have learned to
appreciate.
September 7, 1878
Gerard the lumberman, received six car loads of lumber
and building materials. A good evidence of his success.
Dr. Lampman the Brooklyn artist has rented Mrs. Frazier's
cottage near the parsonage for the coming season.
Sept. 21, 1878
Mr. J. Weeks is picking his cranberries. Years ago he
conceived the idea of turning low, swampy land to
account, and while the wise-acres declared it nonsense
and whispered together, Mr. Weeks pushed his enterprise,
and today produces the best cranberries in the county.
Elbert Brewster, who left a Spanish port in August, is
expected home in a few days, after an absence of over a
year.
Farmers are busy cutting their corn. Philetius Phillips,
Frank McCreery and John Randall will harvest large crops.
W.H. Train leaves for the West next month
October 10, 1878
Alonzo Homan, the market man is enjoying the novelty of a
new horse.
A handsome monument has been erected in the cemetery, by
Mr. David Jenkins, to the memory of his wife, a daughter
of Sylvester Homan of this place.
E.L. Gerard is erecting another large lumber shed on his
property south of the lake. Mr. Gerard is doing a large
lumber trade.
E.R. Nolan, Captain of the Young Athletes B.B.C. is home
at present.
October 16, 1878
Yapank
Wm. Ashton, the blacksmith, shipped a finely finished
road wagon on Tuesday to his son, who runs a flourishing
bakery in Brooklyn.
H.W Train, like the star of our empire, is western going.
He left on Tuesday for Illinois, where he will engage in
business with a brother. Henry was a festive bird, and
merry circles will miss him.
Probably the oldest citizens among us who retain the use
of all their faculties are Mrs. Lydia Turner and Wm.
Dayton, she latter more familiarly known as "Uncle
Billy". "Uncle Billy" is 86 years old, and
Mrs. Turner 85. Both are active and healthy. Few men
among us do more hard work in a day then "Uncle
Billy", while "Aunt Lydia" can lead any of
truly modern specimens of females in the kitchen and
household. Truly the true elixir of longevity lies in the
plain, simple life of our fathers. "Eureka"
will be the verdict of those who practice it.
Gerard's Lumber Yard will be 110x30. Mr. Gerard gives
employment to a number of mechanics nearly all the
season, thereby benefiting the place.
December 7,1878
Yaphank
The young men of Yap. Are soon to organize a dramatic
club.
Hog butchering is at hand again; if all the hogs in
Yaphank were to be killed, there would be some with two
legs amongst the slaith.
A.P Homan, our energetic market man, has sent away in the
last month over 1800 rabbits, and still the woods are
full of them.
Why don't our road masters see that the roads are put in
good condition or are they waiting until some has his
wagon broken or worse, his horses legs.
December 28,1878
Yaphank
The exhibition and Christmas tree was held in the school
house last Saturday night. Although the night was stormy
the house was well filled. With the dialogues, singing,
speaking, etc., the exhibition was superior to the usual
run in this place. The Christmas tree was loaded with
presents, and among them we noticed that Miss. M.A
Randall the teacher, was presented with a handsome napkin
ring by here pupils.
The boss surprise party of the season was given at Mr.
Augustus Edwards, at his residents at Swezeytown, Wednesday
night last by a party from Yaphank. Dancing was indulged
in until the weesma' hours. Prof. R.E Hammonds String
Band, furnished the music.
Good skating on W.J Weeks Pond, and our young sports are
enjoying it.
Jan.11, 1879
Our blacksmiths are reaping their harvest over horse
shoeing now.
The ice crop is fine this season, and most of our
citizens have secured a supply.
William Homan of the Brooklyn Post Office Department, was
in town this week visiting friends,
Jan. 18, 1879
E.W. Mills store and two buildings adjoining, both owned
by him, one being used as a blacksmith shop, were
entirely destroyed by fire on Monday morning.
January 25, 1879
Yaphank
Yaphank's District school has an average attendance of
about thirty pupils. Its trustees are Capt. W. Coombs,
Robert F. Hawkins and James G. Miller. Miss Augusta
Randall is teacher, and the children under her, are
progressing rapidly in their studies.
Henry W. Train paid us a flying visit this week, and
exercised his fast horses.
Sleighing is splendid, and all are enjoying it.
February 15,1879
Yaphank
Charles E. Howell has purchased the stage route between
Yaphank and the Middle Island from Charles W. Train ad
notifies the public that he transports no dead heads.
Mrs. Matilda Davis sold off her millinery and fancy goods
at auction, Wednesday; E. W. Mills, auctioneer.
May 17, 1879
Yaphank
-Gerard's mills are busy this season and the amount of
lumber sold and flour disposed of testify to the fact
that mills are profitable institutions in our village.
-There is not a single saloon in Yaphank,
nor a place where liquors can be purchased. Surely we are
a temperate people.
-Coombs' store is the center of attraction, and from it
the caravan rolls three times a week in a westerly
direction as far as Lakeland, and the people along the
route are saved many weary steps by this recently
inaugurated system
-S. C. Hallock is an ingenious man with a
mind that runs on inventions. In 1862 he projected the
original snowplow, for the right of which there has been
long and expensive contest. His latest, while another
snowplow, is entirely different form the original and has
been named "Eureka Snowplow," a patent for
which is bow pending. It is intended to run on an
ordinary car truck, and while it is but thirty feet long,
it feet long, it has in the rear what is intended to be a
comfortable room for employees or others. Two thirds of
the car is drawn and but one-third driven, although the
engine is to be attached to the rear. It has three
shovels, which through a slanting centerpiece cuts the
snow into eight pieces and as the slope widens and rises
as it goes back, the snow is thrown out at an elevation
of from 4 to 14 feet, according to the amount of snow
laying on the track. Old railroad men who have seen the
model and examined its working testify to the fact that
the invention supercedes by far anything in the shape of
the snow plows yet invented. It is strong, practical and
useful, and will be a very great saving to the railroad
companies during the snowy seasons. We learn that as soon
as the patent is secured, which will be by the end of
May, Mr. Hallock intends to presents one of the plows to
the Long Island Railroad Company.
Capt. S.W. Higgins has secured the
captaincy of the yacht "Bertha"
E.W. Mills has sold to Mr. E.L. Gerard the lot on which
his store which was burned down, once stood, on Railroad
ave.
September 27, 1879
The athletic sports that took place on
the county grounds last Saturday drew a large crowd of
spectators who were well pleased with the programme.
First on the programme was a half mile run for boys under
the age of 14. Jimmie Nelly, francis Weeks and Nat
Monsell entered in the race. Nelly won; next came a mile
dash between Wallie Coombes and C.E. Howell, the latter
won
Yaphank has an artistic sign and
landscape painter and those who desire a figure from a
good sized bull frog to a half starved nag can have their
wish gratified.
Our school house has been painted and
looks somewhat better.
A.L. Davis, who recently purchased of
S.F. Norton, his tenant house, will rebuild it this
winter.
Oct. 4, 1879
The part of Yaphank near the upper mill,
shows signs of improving lately.
The parsonage after being closed for several months, is
thrown open, and men and women are busy from garret to
cellar getting it ready for its new occupants.
Oct. 11, 1879
A.S. Ackley has purchased the store up
town and will move it along side of his residence and
enlarge it.
Capt. R.S. Homan, of the Yacht
"Dreadnaught" is stopping home, as the yacht is
laid up at Northport, for the season.
The rag mat made and exhibited at the
Suffolk County Fair, by Mrs. Wheelock Coombs, of this
village took first premium.
January 10, 1880
C.W. Train is road master to the upper
district, and we expect better roads.
March 27, 1880
Samuel Randall's colored boy that he had
bound out to him, gave him the slip.
July 3, 1880
C.W. Train intends to run a stage line
from Yaphank station to Brookhaven and Bellport this
summer.
Army worms have come and gone.
William Homan of the Brooklyn post office
has come to town to pay a visit to friends.
August 28, 1880
The Grist Mill and Saw Mill, Clover seed mill, with the
pond, Stream of water to its source, and all land
belonging to the same, with all the machinery and
appliances belonging to the Mills which are in good
working order, offering a rare chance to any person
wanting to purchase the property. Also the farm of the
late D. D. Swezey, excepting the house and lot containing
about one hundred acres.
Sept. 18, 1880
The marriage of Miss Josie F. Hume and
Mr. Rosewell Davis was celebrated on Thursday Sept. 9, at
the residence of Dr. James Baker.
Sept. 20th, at Artist Lake the effects of James Crawford
will be disposed of at public auction.
December 25, 1880
Nearly all our ice harvesters have filled
their ice houses.
Skating has been good on our beautiful
lakes, and but one baptism has been reported there from.
As hog killing time has arrived, that
swine squeel is heard in all directions.
Feb. 19, 1881
On Monday morning about daybreak, the
dwelling house on the Buckingham farm near Middle island,
owned and occupied by the well known W.O. Bartlett,
Counselor at Law, was discovered to be on fire, and
burned to the ground. It caught fire in a room on the
second floor, used for birds and flowers and heated with
a wood stove.
Our day school will close for two weeks.
March 12, 1881
Our school opened last Monday, under the direction of
Miss Clark, who is admitted by all to be an able teacher.
Yaphank-April 16, 1881:
-Mr. C.W. Train, has taken the Mail route from Charles
Howell which he sold him about two years ago. The people
are very indignant over the affair.
-Our new Post Master, Mr. Roswell Davis will take his
position on Monday next. He will also conduct the
business formerly owned by E.W, Mills. We hope he will
keep a stock.
Yaphank-April 30, 1881:
-Prof. Homan will occupy Mr. Charles Train's house from
May 1st. We congratulate Mr. Train in securing so
desirable a tenant.
-Mrs. Hewlett Hawkins is making great improvements on her
place, by moving her barn and other buildings back near
the pond.
-A new clerk now treads the Coombs Store. Archie is
quick, courteous and pleasant, and that with the interior
improvement of the store, render it an attractive place.
-Sickness reigns here at present. Nehimah Overton is
quite ill. Two daughters of W.J. Weeks and one of Mrs.
George Hulse are suffering.
Once more, Charly Howell conducts the mail, the other
Train having gone on a different track.
Yaphank-May 14, 1881:
-Horse racing seems to prove pleasant exercise to some of
our village youth on Sunday evenings.
-The old Swezey mill, In accordance with the terms of
sale is being, removed to the other side of the stream.
July 6, 1881
Johnny Whitbeck has an ice cream stand in R. Davis'
store. The ice cream is delicious and would be better
patronized by the ladies if there weren't so many setters
around.
It is reported that E.W.Mills has sold his well known
trotting horse to parties in New York.
Bertie Hulse, who was hurt by Elbert Homan's runaway team
is around again, lively as ever.
August 6, 1881
The ladies of the Presbyterian Church will hold a fair
and festival, in the basement, all are cordially invited.
Yaphank-September 17, 1881:
-Yaphank's institution of elementary instruction, is
under fall blast again. Ms. Annie E. Clark " holds
the reins."
-Mr. Blacksmith Clark has resumed business after
vacation.
Yaphank-October 18, 1881:
-We have always held the opinion that in our village
school might be found some of the brightest and best of
our juvenile scholars in Suffolk; and by the award to Ms.
Collyer, that opinion has been fully endorsed. As a
reader, this young lady ranks far above the average at
her years, while she is fully up in other studies.
-At the school meeting held in the schoolhouse on Tuesday
evening, it was voted to have a new floor, new desks,
&c. Window shades have just been put up through the
efforts of the teacher and scholars, which adds much to
the attraction of the room. The following officers were
elected at the meeting-For Trustee, Robert F. Hawkins.
-Collector, R.A. Miller. - Librarian, Charles Howell. -
Clerk, Roswell Davis. The Trustees now are-Robert F.
Hawkins, Alonzo P. Homan,, and E. Wickham Mills.
Dec. 31, 1881
The bones of John Buckingham, interred 29 years ago were
removed from this place, to the Middle Island Cemetery on
Friday.
4-1-82
There seems to be a lack of interest taken in the union
socials, of late. It should not be so, let every one made
it a point of duty, to be present next Wednesday evening,
at Mrs. Wickham Mills, and make things lively.
Boss Hallock, the noted checker player, claims that he
can beat any Auburn wiskered man in the place, or
"Noxon" Sports out of Bellport either.
A new line of Spring Millinery Goods next week, at
Elkons.
` Yaphank 4-15-82
Tommy Miller, thinking wood butchering a more lucrative
and healthful vocation than collegiate duties, has gone
into the former with J. J. Randall of Green Point.
Charles Marvin has made noted improvements in the public
roads.
There was an exhibition held in the school house on
Monday evening, by the children of District School No.
18, for the purpose of raising money to purchase maps.
The house was full, although it was dark and stormy.
There could be no individual compliments, for they all
did nobly and well, and were a credit to their teacher
and trainer.
6-10-82
Yaphankers observed Decoration Day by staying at home,
there being no warriors' graves to decorate the only sign
of a holiday was the stars and stripes waving in the
breeze.
There should be a petition sent to Congress, before they
make a complete census return, to have our district
enumerated again as there certainly would be a material
difference now. There are bright prospects of having a
city some day.
July 29, 1882
The crops hereabouts are in an excellent condition and
hay and wheat is gathered in great quantities.
Sept. 9, 1882
Parties living near the river are losing their fowl, by
some small animals supposed to be coons.
Charles Marvin has broken ground for a new residence on
Main Street. Wm. G. miller has the contract.
Oct. 14, 1882
The people here are not a little troubled by the
nomination of our fellow citizen Holmes W. Swezey, for
the office of County clerk lest his election should be
the means of our losing his presence in our little
village.
Nov. 11, 1882
Mr. Wm. Robbins has suffered a severe lesion of his arm
by the kick of a horse.
The election called out all the men to Coram and all
voted for Holmes Swezey for County Clerk. Yaphank went
for him to a man.
Mr. John Ferguson is doing a good work in beautifying and
fencing the long neglected cemetery in the rear of Capt.
Coombs store.
11-25-82
The stores of Capt. Coombs and Roswell Davis are justly
enjoying a rushing business. It would make a Patchogue
merchant's eyes glisten to see the crowds of country
wagons clustering around these popular places of trade.
The ladies Social and Benevolent Union meets at the
spacious residence and hospitable home of E. W. Mills,
Esq. This excellent organization is doing a grand work,
both for the church and for all the village, in the way
of social advantages, and of public improvement, and of
public improvement, and of the high art of doing good.
Mr. Daniel Oveton, who has been preparing for College
under the tuition of Rev. W. B. Lee, and who had taken
charge of the public school at West Yaphank, has gone to
the Academy, at Southold, to assist in teaching, and to
continue his studies in the languages, and higher
mathematics.
12-2-82
Scarlet fever is so prevalent that the public school has
had to be given up for a couple of weeks.
A throat-disease has also attacked many of the swine, so
that great loss is feared, and some of the owners are
beginning to butcher the animals, which have not yet been
affected by the scourge.
Sleighing has begun- as Genie Coombs always gives the
first jingling of the merry bells when forty flakes have
fallen. It is hard work, however for the horses, as the
runners cut through the snow, so that not many care to
try the sleighs.
12-9-82
Clarence Garfield Whitbeck, infant son, (aged 2 years and
7 months) of Tsunis Whitbeck, Esq., died of scarlet
fever, Dec. 1, and was buried in the village are sick
with the same disease, b it these all seem to be
recovering, and the disease is not spreading.
Thanksgiving day passed quietly, not many being at
church, though the Presbyterian pastor gave the people a
rousing sermon on "Christ's present and coming reign
among the Nations of the earth;" He preached an hour
to an attentive, though a small congregation, who express
themselves as happy that were there. After these public
services Mr. Lee went to the County House where he gave a
few words of cheer to the inmates , and invoked the
divine blessing, as they were gathered around the
well-loaded tables. Some good friend had sent to them
apples and candies, roast turkey and pumpkin pie, with
all the "trimmings," furnished them a dinner
fit for a king. The successor of Mr. Holmes W. Swezey
will have his hands, bead and heart full to keep up the
present comfort of these poor ones, and the prosperity of
the institution. We hear that Mr. Dickinson is the right
man in the right, place and as such he will be welcomed
to his responsible position, and to a residence in the
village. The little orphans in the Children's Home also
had a good dinner, and such gentle and benevolent care as
Mrs. Wheeler and Miss Carson are fully capable of
bestowing, and as their warm hearts always prompt them to
give.
Where can you find a better place for skating than on
these twin lakes-Willow Lake and Lily Lake? Children,
large and small, have fun enough in the healthy and
exhilarating exercise and sport.
The public school still remains closed on account of the
fear of scarlet fever. Our District Committee are
watchful for the interests of the children; and our
excellent physician, Dr. Barber, will not countenance the
running of any risk. Our brains are the future men and
women to give character to this place, and to regions far
beyond.
1-13-83
E.D. Carpenter, of Artist Lake, died last
week, and was buried on Saturday. In the Art World Mr.
Carpenter was long and favorably known among
professionals of New York City.
Saturday morning Mrs. William J Weeks
died, she and her husband had not been living together
for some time prior to her death.
1-27-83
The large store and dwelling house
combined, owned by Capt. Wheelock Coombs, together with a
number of out buildings, and the shoemaker shop of John
Hammond, were burned to the ground last Saturday.
March 3, 1883
Mr. William G. Miller, one of our best, most honored and
useful citizens, has gone from us to live in Brooklyn,
where his business prospects as a carpenter are so much
better than here.
Mr. John Randall and family are also
planning to remove from the village in the Spring.
April 14, 1883
Mr. S Dickenson is making marked
improvements on the County Farm by clearing up and
painting fences, grading roads, etc. He is a man that
believes exercise better than doctor's medicine, and puts
that belief in practice by keeping able inmates to work.
Miss Annie Clark, teacher in Dist. 18, finished her
winter term on Thursday last, and school is closed for
the present. We hope it will only be temporary.
June 9, 1883
Isaac Robbin"s cow was killed by a stroke of
lightning.
Dr. Swezey and L. Beecher Homan, Esq. are making the
farming and gardening "hum". They evidently
mean business and show the excellence of their early
agricultural training in the years of their boyhood in
this, their native place.
July 27, 1883
No intoxicating liquors are sold here unless it is on the
sly. One man paid for a license, but the whole village
was aroused by Postmaster Davis and Charles W. Train, and
all the best citizens signed a remonstrance which was
presented to the Excise Commission, so that they refused
a license. Now, if liquors are sold here, both buyer and
seller will know that they are outlaws.
August 11, 1883
Our excellent merchant, Rosewell Davis postmaster and
notary public, is doing a rushing business, as the only
storekeeper in the village since the fire burned out
Capt. Coombs.
Mr. Godry who was buried last week from the Alms House,
was in the battle of Waterloo, and one of Napoleon's
guard.
September 29, 1883
The recent rains have done much good to cabbages,
cauliflowers, and turnips, and fall pastures, and now
ground is being made for sowing winter wheat.
Willow Lake is still in a shallow condition in order to
make repairs to the mill, and there is fear that sickness
will thus be caused.
October 6, 1883
L. Beecher Homan, has harvested his corn and potatoes,
and sent to market his watermelons and cucumbers for
pickling, and looks as he is the very picture of good
cheer and general impulses.
February 2, 1884
It is said that William Homan, late of the Brooklyn post
office, who left for Dakota last fall was badly frozen in
a blizzard there, and his recovery is doubtful.
Fox hunting is a daily pastime here.
March 1, 1884
We are now going to have a new store. Robert Hawkins has
secured the old Conner site that was occupied by W.
Coombs.
March 11, 1884
Albert Davis boss builder, began on the frame of the new
store.
Elbert Randall is building a new house, in West Yaphank.
July 11, 1885
Foxes are said to be so bold as to carry off poultry in
broad daylight, in the upper part of the village.
We are glad to say that the trustees have engaged Miss
Ross as teacher for another year.
July 25, 1885
An immense piggery has been established in the woods
between this place and Manor upon land leased by Mr.
Weeks to Mr. Slas of Brooklyn. Side tracts have been laid
connecting it with the railroad. It will probably be in a
short time the largest pig farm in the Union. The pigs
will be fattened on the garbage from Coney Island Hotels
and the city of Brooklyn.
Yaphank:August 8, 1885:
-Charles King the enterprising miller in the upper mills,
has made a purchase of a horse. Charlie is a fine young
man and he deserves much credit for the business he has
built up at the mills.
-A beach party of nearly thirty, young and old, paid
water island a visit last Friday, and a very enjoyable
time was had.
Yaphank:September 12, 1885:
-School commenced on Monday with Miss Ross at the helm.
-The peach crop is good and the growers are finding good
sales at one collar per basket.
-E.L. Gerard reports that the lumber business is picking
up. Mr. Gerard has the largest and finest stock of lumber
this side of Brooklyn.
-We don't wonder that oats have gone down in price since
Roswell Davis, the enterprising merchant, has received
the finest and largest stock of horse whips ever put in
this county before. The whips came right from the
manufactories and are of good material.
-A short time ago a stranger visited our village and in
conversation with Charlie the stage-man complained of the
depots on the Island being at a distance from the various
villages and he thinks it is a "put up job"
between the Railroad Company and stage drivers. Well, I
think he is right. How are the stage-drivers going to
live with a station within a stone's through of the
village!
Yaphank:September 19, 1885:
-Yaphank seems to be a thriving village. It has two
well-stocked stores, both the buildings being new and
fine. It has one church (Presbyterian) and a good school.
The Gerard saw mills and lumberyards are known far and
near. There is the residence of Wm.J. Weeks, a familiar
name in the county; also of Mrs. J.S.C.Abbott, the widow
of the historian. With her live son and his wife, both of
whom are deaf mutes, but congenial and intelligent. In a
pleasant drive through Long Wood (the large landed estate
of Sindey Smith, dec'd for thirty-six years treasurer of
Suff. Co.) and Middle Island, we passed the beautiful
Artist Lake and the large estate of the late lawyer
Bartlett, now controlled by Judge Willard Bartlett of the
Supreme Court-Traveler.
-Philetus Phillips had the misfortune to lose a valuable
horse with the lockjaw this week.
-A grandchild of Captain Brown, who died in Brooklyn, was
interred in the cemetery at Yaphank this week.
-Mr. James Nicoll, who for several years managed the
railroad business so satisfactorily to the company and
the people at our depot, but who now holds a much better
position in the Grand Central Depot at 42nd street, was
in town calling on his many friends and old acquaintances
one day last week.
-A few days ago we were shown by Mulford Homan a mammoth
squash which he had grown. It measured 2 ½ feet long and
1 ½ feet across. Who can show one as large?
-The apple crop has not been as large for many years as
it is as present through the middle of the Island. We
notice a number of trees so heavily loaded as to cause
large limbs to break under the heavy burden of fruit.
-If you wish to make a purchase of a good set of harness,
single or double, light or heavy, at astonishing low
prices, you will do well and save money by writing or
calling on C.E. Howell, Yaphank.
Last updated March 3, 2001