|
|
|
Mariner’s Walk is proud to be a part of the community of Oyster Bay, a timeless village rich in both heritage and tradition. In fact, the history of this legendary village reads like a who’s who of early America. It has been said that a fair amount of the history of a young America happened on the quiet streets and serene shores of Oyster Bay. And when you walk around this town today, it’s not hard to imagine why.
Whether you are an avid history buff, or simply have a casual interest, the history of this small Long Island community is fascinating.
Here is a brief history of this legendary place.
|
|
Dutch navigator David Devries, is credited with first giving this quiet north shore village the name, "Oyster Bay." There are two schools of thought regarding why he chose this name. The first (and more obvious of the two) is that Devries was in awe of the sheer number of oysters found in the town’s waters during his expedition here. The second theory is somewhat less literal in nature. It suggests that Devries was inspired by the shape of the village harbor as depicted in 17th century maps of the territory. Whichever theory one chooses to believe, the name "Oyster Bay" is certain to conjure up thoughts of a bucolic hamlet, with a brilliant history.
While it is said with some degree of certainty that the oysters found today in our community are likely smaller than the ones found by settlers in the early 17th century, our waters have largely remained the same. In fact, despite the passing of more than 350 years since Devries’ expedition, and the urbanization of much of Long Island and the country, the dunes and wetlands of Oyster Bay and its surrounding communities are primarily unchanged in shape and in condition.
While Devries can take credit for coming up with the name, “Oyster Bay,” Peter Wright is widely considered by historians to be “The Father of Oyster Bay.” After all, it is Wright who in 1653 led a group of pioneers from Massachusetts in settling down in what would later be known as the Town of Oyster Bay. Wright and this group purchased land known as the "Town Spot" - where Oyster Bay village stands today - from the Matinecock tribe.
While few people would lump Oyster Bay in with Corona, Forest Hills or Flushing, believe it or not, back in 1665 Oyster Bay was designated as part of New York City’s Queens County. It remained part of Queens until the end of the 19th century, when Nassau County was founded and Oyster Bay was designated to this new county.
One of the most colorful characters in the history of Oyster Bay is Captain John Underhill. Unhappy with his neighbors up in New England, Captain Underhill initially fled that area in favor of Long Island because the Dutch in New Amsterdam were far more tolerant than the Puritans. Later, Underhill returned to New England, only to take part in the British conquest of Long Island. For his part, he was rewarded with 250 acres of land at Matinecock, a section of Long Island thas is known today as Locust Valley. Underhill is honored by the village with a monument in Mill Neck.
Most people know that President Theodore Roosevelt was an Oyster Bay resident whose home, Sagamore Hill, served as the “summer White House” from 1902 to 1908. Few people, however, know that his splendid Victorian mansion was dedicated as a national shrine during the administration of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. As Roosevelt would say - Bully!
Favoring the easy commute between Manhattan and the Oyster Bay train station, Teddy Roosevelt first moved to Oyster Bay when he served as New York City police commissioner from 1895 to 1897. Years later, he became Governor of the State of New York. And since initially, there was no was no phone installed at Sagamore Hill, Roosevelt’s phone calls came into Snouder’s Drug Store. For convenience sake, Roosevelt finally had a phone installed in Sagamore Hill by the start of his two-term presidency, which began in 1901. His staff was initially housed in the Oysters Bay Bank building on Audrey Avenue, and two years later he moved them into the Moore Building. This building still stands today in the village on the corner of South and East Main Streets.
While Oyster Bay is practically synonymous with Teddy Roosevelt, our nation’s very first president spent time here as well. And just as he slept in various places throughout the Northeast, George Washington spent many days and nights in Oyster Bay. In fact, he was a guest of the Young family during his 1790 tour of Long Island.
Like so many thriving towns in America, Oyster Bay saw its population increase in the postwar boom: from 40,000 in 1950 to more than 250,000 three decades later. The population has leveled off in recent years, while today Oyster Bay remains one of the most attractive places to live in all of the United States. It will certainly stay that way for generations to come.
(Photographs courtesy of the Oyster Bay Historical Society)
|
Our sales models are located at
2 Mariner’s Walk (formerly 286 South Street) in Oyster Bay (across from HSBC).
Prices for our Homes are subject to change from time to time as the Home nears completion or more features are added. The price listed in our sales materials is therefore for informational and estimating purposes only The final price will be set when we sign a Purchase Agreement with you. Please make sure to consult your sales person for our most current pricing information. Square footage values are approximate and may vary as the Home nears completion. Photos, videos and panoramic tours shown may differ from the actual Home offered.
Any offers, incentives, or contributions that we make from time to time may be subject to terms, conditions, and restrictions. Again, please make sure to consult with your sales person about these. We reserve the right to change or withdraw any such offer, incentive or contribution at any time.
The complete offering terms for the homeowners association are in an Offering Plan available from the Sponsor. H05-0022.
|
|
|
|
 |
