Southold Historical Society

12/29/2020

Like Victorian architecture? Some people say the style reminds them of a dollhouse! The Victorian ideal dictated that everything -architecture, fashion, and furnishings- should be beautiful rather than just functional! Mere practicality was not the only purpose! The 1900 Ann Currie-Bell house expresses all the passion, exuberance and creativity characterized by the Late Victorian movement! More at: https://bit.ly/2VN2K74 #Southold #NorthFork #OldHouse #OldHouseLove #Architecture #Historic #VictorianHouse #InstaArchitecture #HistoricPreservation

12/23/2020

12/22/2020

Need a last minute gift? The Museum Gift Shop has a large selection of local history and art books as well as puzzles, stationery, and other unique gifts. Call 631.765.5500 to schedule a time to drop in today or tomorrow.

12/21/2020

This is a program from a 1916 play “Esmeralda” that was performed at Belmont Hall in Southold. Belmont Hall, which was the twin of the building that currently houses Academy Printing, stood on the plot of land across from today’s Southold Free Library. Currently, the space is occupied by a town parking lot. At the turn of the century, Belmont Hall was Southold’s Lyceum, a place where people could come to hear lectures as well as to see plays and musicals. The Lyceum movement ended around the Great Depression.

It is fascinating to examine the businesses that supported the program. How many do you recognize? In 1916, the Bank of Southold stood across the street from Belmont Hall and the Southold Hotel stood on the northwest corner of Youngs and the Main Road. #southold #northfork #southoldhistoricalsociety #esmeralda #belmonthall #southoldhotel #academyprinting #southoldfreelibrary #lyceum

12/15/2020

Did you know that before toilet paper rural Americans might’ve drilled a hole in the corner of the Farmer’s Almanac or Sears Catalog to hang in the outhouse for reading material and, well, to take care of other business! In later years the Farmer’s Almanac came with a pre-drilled hole for hanging! Nothing like understanding how a customer is really using your product! Today, the “Privy” at Southold Historical Society Maple Lane Complex has been converted with modern plumbing and conveniences– thank goodness! More at: https://bit.ly/2VN2K74 #Southold #SoutholdHistory #NorthFork #HistoricPreservation #Historic #Outhouse #HistoryLover #Historygram #InstaHistory #LongIslandHistory

12/15/2020

DON'T MISS OUT ON THE OPPORTUNITY TO OWN A ONE OF A KIND PIECE OF ART BY A LOCAL ARTIST!
THE SALE ENDS TODAY
https://www.southoldhistoricalsociety.org/blank

12/08/2020

Want to learn more about Southold history? Southold Historical Society is on YouTube! Take a look and hit "SUBSCRIBE" to stay connected! https://bit.ly/2VOxViz

12/07/2020

This stylish 1910 ladies coat has a specialized purpose - it’s a duster. Dusters were developed for use in cars, in the days before roads were paved and before cars were enclosed! The coat, which is very light-weight, was created to keep the dust off of ladies clothes as they rode in the newest transportation technology. This particular duster belonged to Anna Billard Wells. #Duster #DusterCoat #NineteenHundreds #Transportation #Car #LadiesCoat #Southold #NorthFork #NoFo #SoutholdHistoricalSociety

12/02/2020

Thinking back to simpler times, when going to school meant multiple grade levels taking lessons in a one room classroom heated only by a small stove! The Bay View Schoolhouse at the Southold Historical Society Maple Lane complex was built in 1822 and used up until 1925! More at: https://bit.ly/3lZm3Wi #Southold #history #preservation #SoutholdHistoricalSociety #NorthFork #OldTime #SchoolDays #SimplerTimes #SoutholdHistory #SchoolHouse

12/01/2020

Contributions | SHS

Today is #GivingTuesday. With your help, we plan to continue to promote interest in the history of Southold in the coming year. Can you help make a difference? Click the link below to contribute.
https://www.southoldhistoricalsociety.org/contributions

Your contributions go directly to support the Society's mission to preserve Southold's rich history.

11/27/2020

Be sure to stop in to the Museum Gift Shop while you are shopping tomorrow for Shop Small Southold Saturday! We have an extensive selection of local history and art books plus many more unique gift items. Open 11am to 3pm.

11/26/2020

Wishing you a happy and healthy Thanksgiving!

11/24/2020

Can you imagine what it must’ve been like to prepare Thanksgiving dinner on an open hearth! Back in the 18th century, some type of wild fowl would likely have been skewered and slow roasted on a spit, while being turned consistently for even cooking! This hearth at the Southold Historical Society’s Maple Lane complex gives a glimpse of what life was like before modern conveniences! More at: https://bit.ly/3l5Ooci #SoutholdHistory #NorthFork #LongIslandHistory #Thanksgiving #historic #preservation #SoutholdHistoricalSociety #history #SimpleLiving #CountryKitchen

11/23/2020

New York began requiring dog owners to get a yearly permit in 1894. Dog licenses came in a variety of shapes, from butterflies (as pictured here) to circles, crosses, or hearts. This dog license from Southold was issued in 1908. #Southold #SoutholdHistoricalSociety #History #Dog #DogLicense #Dogs #DogsOfInstagram #DogsOfInsta #DogLife #DogLovers #Nofo #NorthFork

11/20/2020

10 Squared Art Sale | SHS

Doing some holiday shopping? There are still many interesting works to chose from in our 10 Squared Art Exhibition and Sale? Check out the link below.
Plus, the exhibition itself is a feast for the eyes. Such talented local artists live here.

10” x 10” Online Art Exhibition and Sale entitled: Ten Squared: North Fork in Winter at Southold Historical Society

11/15/2020

10 Squared Art Sale | SHS

OUR ART SALE IS LIVE! Don't miss out on these incredible pieces by local artists!!
https://www.southoldhistoricalsociety.org/blank

10” x 10” Online Art Exhibition and Sale entitled: Ten Squared: North Fork in Winter at Southold Historical Society

11/13/2020

Collections Corner: Potato Baler, Art Sale this Weekend & More!

Click through to see if you know what this gadget is!! We have tentatively named it a "Potato Baler"....Do you know what the proper name is?

Visit our website COLLECTIONS CORNER When this first came into the historical society we said - what in the world is it? Turns out this was used to sew closed bags of potatoes on the Jenning’s farm in

11/12/2020

Have you previewed our Ten Squared Art Exhibition and Sale yet? You won't want to miss this terrific variety of works by local artists. They make great gifts!
https://www.southoldhistoricalsociety.org/fall-art-sale-preview

11/11/2020

11/10/2020

Before 1862, the US government was not the only organization printing currency! Any organization could print money and circulate it. Prior to the Civil War, local banks and even hometown businesses would print and distribute their own money. Citizens regularly checked their local newspapers to find out the current “value” of the bills before using them. This five dollar bill was printed in 1853 by the Cochituate Bank of Boston, MA. The bank was incorporated in 1849, but failed in 1854. It was used locally. This bill possibly survived because the bank went out of business a year after it was printed and could no longer be redeemed. The last owner of the bill, who lived in Southold, had no way to pass it along or redeem it and probably tucked it away in hopes that it would someday be of use. #currency #southoldhistoricalsociety #cochituate #massachusetts #fivedollarbill #boston #cochituatebank #bank #bills #southold #nofo

11/03/2020

Art Sale Preview Fall 2020 | SHS

Our Online Art Exhibition and Sale entitled: North Fork in Winter is almost here! Enjoy this sneak peek of available artwork by LOCAL artists!! https://www.southoldhistoricalsociety.org/fall-art-sale-preview

10” x 10” Online Art Exhibition and Sale entitled: Ten Squared: North Fork in Winter at Southold Historical Society

11/02/2020

Upcoming Events | SHS

https://www.southoldhistoricalsociety.org/upcoming
Our "Ten Squared: North Fork in Winter" online exhibition and sale is coming soon. Check back for the preview of works by local artists that pair with the North Fork in Winter theme. All works are 10" x 10" and sell for $100. 50% of the proceeds benefit Southold Historical Society.

Upcoming Events at Southold Historical Society

11/02/2020

Late last year, two cardboard fruit baskets were donated to the Historical Society for the collection. The baskets are wonderful local representations of the farming aspects of Southold. Before we sent our our eblast last week we had been unable to find any information on D & B Fruit Farms of Southold. We have received two emails and we believe we know the identity behind the D & B on the baskets. If you know anything about this farm, give us a call or email us at [email protected]. #fruitfarm #southold #southoldhistoricalsociety #mystery #longisland #nofo #history #newyork

10/30/2020

Check out this awesome carving....another jack-o-lantern has arrived at the pumpkin patch! Bring yours to share too so we can have an awesome display in the middle of town.

10/29/2020

Southold Historical Society pumpkin patch returns | RiverheadLOCAL

Thanks for promoting the Pumpkin Patch, RiverheadLOCAL!

The pumpkin patch at Southold Historical Society will return from Thursday, Oct. 29 through Saturday, Oct. 31 from 3 to 5 p.m. Community members are invited to drop off their carved pumpkins at the museum. After 5 p.m. the museum will have all displayed pumpkins lighted with battery-operated tea lig...

10/29/2020

The first two jack-o-lanterns have arrived!

10/29/2020

It's rainy out there, but not to worry - we are using battery-operated tea lights in the jack-o-lanterns of the Pumpkin Patch! And we will be checking them regularly so that they won't float away. Stop by between 3-5 today, tomorrow, or Saturday!

10/27/2020

Have you picked out a pumpkin to carve into a Jack-o-lantern? We are looking forward to seeing your creations at the Pumpkin Patch on the Museum Complex.

10/19/2020

A Famous Family Visits…

Sometimes people contact the Historical Society to let us know they have something related to our history but are not yet ready to donate. Last year, we were contacted by a former camper at Pinecrest Dunes. He sent the picture that you see above… It took a couple of months, but happily he decided to send us the notecard the image was on! For those too young to recognize the family, the Munsters were a popular TV sitcom about a wholesome family of “monsters” that while unusual in appearance, were in behavior the typical American family. The show ran from 1964-1966. The show starred Fred Gwynne, Yvonne De Carlo, Al Lewis, Butch Patrick, and Pat Priest.

Apparently, Pinecrest Dunes in the 1960s had a “visit” from the famous family. The camp vehicle was pressed into service. Camp counselors and Dave Struber, our donor, who was selected to be Eddie Munster, were put into costume and then the “family” hopped into the car and not only visited the camp but also toured Southold! #southoldhistoricalsociety #southold #pinecrest #themunsters #themunstersfamily #munsters #peconic #longisland #celebrity #sitcom #eddiemunster #camp #summercamp

10/14/2020

Participants are welcomed to pick their jack-o-lanterns up at any time thereafter, or the Society will make arrangements for removal.

10/13/2020

Although the door has been moved and there have been some changes to the façade, this building is fairly recognizable. It is the current North Fork Table and Inn. After its time as the Sunrise Hotel, this second empire building became the Southold Inn. The owner Dom Zito sold it in 1975 to Robert and Christine Hascoat who turned it into La Gazelle. It then became Coeur Des Vignes owned by George, Donna Marie and Arie Pavlou. In most recent years, the building has been owned by and operated as the popular North Fork Table and Inn. #southoldhistoricalsociety #nofo #southold #northfortableandinn #sunrisehotel #lagazelle #history #southoldrestaurants

10/05/2020

Wendy Prellwitz (1950--)

More than a century separates the painter Wendy Prellwitz from her great-grandparents, artists Henry and Edith Mitchill Prellwitz, who were key among the founders of the “Peconic School.” Wendy works in their studios in Peconic and lives in High House, the home they once shared, high on a bluff overlooking Peconic Bay. One can easily sense that she feels informed and inspired by them both. Like her forbearers, Peconic is the place where she continues to evolve as an artist. Thanks to a careful typescript written by her grandfather, Edwin Prellwitz, we today know of the comings and goings of many of the original artists who settled on the North Fork.

Growing up in Pittsburgh, Wendy painted and drew constantly. She attended Rhode Island School of Design and went on to become an architect in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Yet somehow the art of her great-grandparents and the lure of Peconic were always in her mind. She and her father, retired engineer Sam Prellwitz, realized that the studios housed an unknown treasure-trove of paintings by Henry and Edith. Wendy promoted the “discovery,” resulting in exhibits of these previously hidden works, at The Museums at Stony Brook and the Spanierman Gallery in NYC.

Wendy Prellwitz paints outdoors and in Henry’s studio, inspired by her great-grandparents’ palettes and visions. Not content to record just what she sees, Wendy is constantly thinking about the qualities of light and hue, of movement and of stillness. Inevitably, many of Henry and Edith’s subjects — docks, boats, fields, and the area’s unique light — are echoed in her work. Yet Wendy is a thoroughly modern artist, creating strong and expressive landscapes that reach toward abstraction. Water is a preoccupation. She reveres “its impermanence yet endurance ... the sea’s cyclical certainty of rise and fall, and the vast, boundless quality of an infinite beyond.”
#prellwitz #southstreetgallerygreenport #wendyprellwitz #rhodeislandschoolofdesign #peconic #peconicbay
#nofoartist #southoldhistoricalsociety #southold #painting🎨

10/02/2020

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/X3BP639
Southold Historical Society needs your opinion! We are considering creating a fun, family-oriented scavenger hunt all about Southold. We are planning an exhilarating and engaging event with the scavenger hunt app Goose Chase! Goose Chase is an app that you can download on your smartphone. The scavenger hunt will be a twist on the classic...think riddles, puzzles, questions, creative check-ins and games....perhaps even a selfie or two. It will be an exciting way to get your friends and family outdoors and moving all while learning about the history of Southold.
We would love to know what you think! The survey will take less than two minutes to complete. We appreciate your input! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/X3BP639

10/02/2020

Horton Point Lighthouse

Check out the featured location on I Love NY's Path Through History website. Isn't Horton Point Lighthouse such a terrific motif? Our virtual exhibits are featured as well.

https://www.iloveny.com/things-to-do/path-through-history/path-through-history-weekend/?skip=0®ionids=8055&startDate=10%2F02%2F2020&endDate=10%2F2%2F2021&sort=date

Check out the featured location on I Love NY's Path Through History website. Isn't Horton Point Lighthouse such a terrific motif? Our virtual exhibits are featured as well.

09/30/2020

We are completely sold out for the "Dinner for Two by Maroni Southold" takeout dinner on October 8.. We are pleasantly surprised by the overwhelming response from the community.
We are sorry to those who did not get to participate. Please keep an eye out for one of our future dinners.
Thank you for all the support of this take-out dinner opportunity. We are "feeling the love" (and are willing to admit that some of the love might be directed to Maroni's meatballs.)