Longwood Public Library
Longwood local history collection of photographs, ephemera, and other material
Finding aid authored by intern Christine Parker and approved by Melanie Cardone-Leathers December 7, 2012
Table of Contents
Summary Information
- Repository
- Longwood Public Library
- Creator
- Longwood Public Library
- Title
- Longwood local history collection of photographs, ephemera, and other material
- ID
- LPL.2012.001
- Dates [inclusive]
- undated, 1854-2011
- Extent
- 2.2 Cubic feet
- Language
- English
- Abstract
- The Longwood local history collection of photographs, ephemera, and other material is an intentional collection aggregated over several decades, dealing with the Longwood community and the greater Long Island area. It primarily contains photographic prints and photographic negatives, along with some ephemera and artwork.
Preferred Citation note
Item, date (if known), folder, Longwood local history collection of photographs, ephemera, and other material, Thomas R. Bayles Local History Room, Longwood Public Library
Historical note
Prior to colonization the local area was populated by Shinnecock, Corchaug, Montauk, and Unkechaug Native American groups. In 1655 the Town of Brookhaven was founded and European colonists increasingly began to settle in the region. By the mid-1700s new communities were established in areas such as Coram, Middle Island, and Yaphank (first called Millville). Families such as the Davises, Randalls, Smiths, and Swezeys built homes, especially along the Middle Country Road leading from New York City to Greenport.
During the U.S. Revolutionary War (1775-1783) the Manor St. George in Mastic was occupied by British forces. American Colonel Benjamin Tallmadge was ordered by General George Washington to march his forces from Mount Sinai to Mastic to conduct a raid, on a route now known as the Tallmadge Trail. After the war Coram became the seat of government for the Town of Brookhaven from 1790 to 1884. The estate known as Longwood was then established in 1790 by the Smith family.
The Long Island Railroad was an important development in the 1800s for transportation. Historic persons associated with the area in the late 19th and early 20th century include the author Richard M. Bayles (1846-1930). Richard’s son Thomas R. Bayles (1895-1977) was a local historian who bequeathed much of his materials to the Longwood Public Library. Camp Upton was later built in the Longwood area for use during both World War I and World War II. Following this in the late 1920s, the community of Gordon Heights began to be developed as a community for African Americans relocating from New York City to Long Island.
Sources
- Bayles, T. R. (1989). The early years in Middle Island Coram Yaphank and Ridge. Middle Island, NY: Longwood Public Library.
- Johnson, S. (2006). Longwood long ago: The story of Coram, Gordon Heights, Middle Island, Yaphank, Ridge and Lake Panamoka. Middle Island, NY: Longwood Public Library.
- Lauer, J. C. (1980). Longwood: A History. Brookhaven, NY: Brookhaven Town Historical Advisory Committee.
| Timeline | |
|---|---|
| 1655 | Town of Brookhaven established |
| 1730-1750 | Colonial settlers from Setauket (north) and Mastic (south) move inland |
| 1750 | Davis House built in Coram Swezey House built in Middle Island |
| 1762 | Homan House built in Yaphank |
| 1766 | Middle Island Presbyterian Church and Union Cemetery built |
| 1780 | Col. Benjamin Tallmadge marches from Mount Sinai to Mastic |
| 1790 | Smith estate built at Longwood |
| 1794 | First post office established in Coram |
| 1811 | First school opened in Coram |
| 1844 | Long Island Railroad station established in Yaphank |
| 1852 | Octagon school built in Yaphank |
| 1869-1887 | Artist Alonzo Chappel resides at Artist Lake |
| 1910 | Ralph Johnstone's historic flight from Belmont Park to Middle Island |
| 1917 | Camp Upton training camp built for World War I |
| 1927 | Louis Fife begins selling plots of land to develop Gordon Heights |
| 1940 | Camp Upton rebuilt (World War II) |
| 1946 | Brookhaven National Laboratory built on the site of Camp Upton |
Scope and Contents note
The Longwood local history collection of photographs, ephemera, and other material is an intentional collection aggregated over several decades, dealing with the Longwood community and the greater Long Island area. The collection is composed of numerous separate collections and primarily contains photographic prints (black and white, sepia, color) and photographic negatives, along with some ephemera and artwork. Several photographic prints were produced from the Bayles Collection of Glass Plate Negatives which was donated to Longwood Public Library in March 2000 by Donald Bayles. There are also photographic images marked as originating from the Thomas R. Bayles Collection taken by David Keller. Individual donors are noted in the subseries description if known.
Arrangement note
The collection is organized in 3 series
Series
- Hamlets, Villages, and Census-Designated Places
- Greater Long Island Area
- Negatives and Contact Sheets
Administrative Information
Publication Information
Longwood Public Library
800 Middle Country RoadMiddle Island, NY, 11953
(631) 924-6400
askus@longwoodlibrary.org
Conditions Governing Access note
Collection is open for research. Staff may restrict access at its discretion on the basis of physical condition.
Copyright Notice
The contents of the Longwood local history collection of photographs, ephemera, and other material are the property of Longwood Public Library. All intellectual rights, including copyright, belong to the authors or their legal heirs and assignees. Longwood Public Library assumes no responsibility for the infringement of copyrights held by the original authors, creators, or producers of materials.
Related Materials
Related Collections
- Bayles collection of glass plate negatives
- Longwood Public Library
- Eugene L. Armbruster collection of Long Island photographs
- New York Public Library
- Postcards collection
- Longwood Public Library
- Ron Ziel LIRR collection
- Archives at Queens Library
Controlled Access Headings
Family Name(s)
- Bayles
- Davis
- Overton
- Randall
- Smith
- Swezey
Geographic Name(s)
- Brookhaven (N.Y.)
- Long Island (N.Y.)
- Longwood (N.Y.)
Personal Name(s)
- Bayles, Donald
- Bayles, Thomas R.
- Carter, Nate
- Keller, David
- Smith, Alvin R. L.
- Teuber, Ethel
- Wilson, Ruth
Collection Inventory
Series I Hamlets, villages, and census-designated places (undated, 1854-2011)This series is organized alphabetically into sixteen subseries: Baiting Hollow, Coram, Gordon Heights, Medford, Middle Island, Miller Place, Mount Sinai, New Village, Patchogue, Port Jefferson, Ridge, Rocky Point, Shoreham, South Haven, Wading River, and Yaphank. Each subseries contains materials identified as originating within each specific hamlet, village, or census-designated place. |
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Subseries 1 Baiting Hollow (undated) 1 FolderThis subseries contains materials covering the census-designated place of Baiting Hollow. The folder contains 1 black and white photograph of a church.
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Subseries 2 Coram 8 FoldersThis suberies contains materials covering the hamlet of Coram.
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| Folder | ||||
General (undated)This folder contains 1 printed engraving of Captain Thomas Coram and 2 black and white photographs of the area. Includes images from the Thomas R. Bayles Collection taken by David Keller. |
1 | |||
Davis Family (undated)This folder contains 18 photographs in both black and white and sepia relating to the Davis Family. See alsoRidge - From Davis Erhardt (Series I, Subseries 11, Folder 2)
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2 | |||
Davis House - Historical (undated, 1914-1957)This folder contains images of the oldest building in Coram, which dates from about 1750. This folder contains 37 black and white photographs, 1 paper photocopy, and 3 sections of negative film related to Coram Farms (housed in paper envelopes). Includes black and white prints from the Albert Bayles glass plate negatives collection.
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3 | |||
Davis House - Current (1989-2008)These folders contain 124 photographs in both black and white and color arranged chronologically. Folder 1 of 2 contains 41 photographs dating from 1989 to 1994 and includes a photo of Alvin R. L. Smith. Folder 2 of 2 contains 83 photographs dating from 1995 to 2008.
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4-5 | |||
Davis House - Celebration (October 3, 2000)This folder contains 25 color photographs and 4 paper sheets with printed copies. All photographs date from an event at the Davis House held on October 3, 2000. See alsoDavis House – Town Meeting (Series I, Subseries 2, Folder 7)
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6 | |||
Davis House - Town Meeting (1880)This folder contains 12 photographs in both black and white and sepia relating to when the Davis House was used as the seat of government for Brookhaven Town from about 1790 until 1884 . All photographs taken by Howard S. Conklin and copyright 1901.
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7 | |||
Schools (undated, 1895-1952)This folder contains 19 photographs (black and white, sepia, paper photocopies), 16 sheets of paper, and 1 paper pamphlet. Includes black and white prints from the Albert Bayles glass plate negatives collection.
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8 | |||
Subseries 3 Gordon Heights (undated, 1913-1965) 1 FolderThis subseries contains materials covering the hamlet of Gordon Heights. The folder contains 93 photographs (black and white, paper photocopy) copied in 1984 from photo albums borrowed from Ruth Wilson. Images include the Gordon Heights Fire Department and clippings from the Gordon Heights Bulletin.
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Subseries 4 Medford (undated, 1940) 1 FolderThis subseries contains materials covering the hamlet of Medford. This folder contains 13 black and white photographs. One print is of the White house. The remaining twelve prints are included in an envelope with a letter from Donald Bayles to Suzanne Johnson on December 17, 2000. The letter identifies the photographs as taken by Albert Bayles on April 19, 1940 at the Medford railroad crossing.
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Subseries 5 Middle Island 21 FoldersThis subseries contains materials covering the hamlet of Middle Island.
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| Folder | ||||
General (undated, 1895-2007)These folders contain 62 photographs (black and white, sepia, color), 1 paper photocopy, and 1 contact sheet. Folder 1 of 2 contains 26 photographs, including black and white prints from the Albert Bayles glass plate negatives collection and images from the Thomas R. Bayles Collection taken by David Keller. Images include Middle Country Road and Prosser’s Cathedral Pines. Folder 2 of 2 contains 36 photographs, including images from the Thomas R. Bayles Collection taken by David Keller. Images include The Long Island Pet Memorial Park and Congressman Tim Bishop at the Longwood World War II memorial dedication in 2007. See alsoArmbruster Collection NYPL (Series II, Subseries 1)
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1-2 | |||
Alonzo Chappel (undated, 1854-1992)This folder contains 9 photographs in both black and white and color, 1 paper photocopy, 5 associated papers, and 1 paper event program related to the artist Alonzo Chappel (1828-1887) and his artwork. Includes images from the Thomas R. Bayles Collection taken by David Keller.
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3 | |||
Artist Lake (undated, 1900-1906)This folder contains 5 photographs in both black and white and sepia, and 1 paper photocopy related to the Artist Lake. See also
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4 | |||
Bayles Family (undated, 1908-2000)This folder contains 44 photographs (black and white, sepia, color), 1 drawing, 1 business card, and 2 portrait paintings relating to the Bayles family. Includes black and white prints from the Albert Bayles glass plate negatives collection and images from the Thomas R. Bayles Collection taken by David Keller.
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5 | |||
Churches (undated, 1905-1915)This folder contains 26 photographs in both black and white and sepia and 2 paper photocopies. Includes black and white prints from the Albert Bayles glass plate negatives collection and images from the Thomas R. Bayles Collection taken by David Keller. Images include the Middle Island Presbyterian Church.
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6 | |||
Fairy Town (undated, circa 1960)These folders contain 34 photographs of the Fairy Town USA amusement park which was located on Middle Country Road from 1955 to the early 1960s. Folder 1 of 2 contains 7 black and white photographs copied from Ethel Teuber and 1 associated paper. Folder 2 of 2 contains 27 photographs in both black and white and color. |
7-8 | |||
Historical Buildings (undated, 1914-2000)This folder contains 24 photographs (black and white, sepia, color) and 5 paper photocopies. Includes black and white prints from the Albert Bayles glass plate negatives collection and images from the Thomas R. Bayles Collection taken by David Keller. Images include the houses of: Ashton, Bartlett, Corwin, Fry, Hawkins, Hurtins, Randall, Todd, and Topping. |
9 | |||
Hudson House (Parsonage) (undated, 1895-1994)This folder contains 17 photographs (black and white, sepia, color) of the former Presbyterian parsonage. Includes black and white prints from the Albert Bayles glass plate negatives collection. |
10 | |||
Hurricane of 1938 (1938)This folder contains 15 black and white photographs depicting the aftermath of the category 3 hurricane known as “The Long Island Express” which hit Long Island on September 21, 1938. Includes images from the Thomas R. Bayles Collection taken by David Keller. Images include the Bianci residence, the Edwards house, the Ernest Randall farm, Mastic Beach, and the Presbyterian church.
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11 | |||
Hutchinson House (undated, 1906-1915)This folder contains 13 black and white photographs of the home of Benjamin Hutchinson which served as the post office from 1811-1834. One of the photographs is matted. Includes black and white prints from the Albert Bayles glass plate negatives collection and images from the Thomas R. Bayles Collection taken by David Keller. Images include Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Hutchinson. |
12 | |||
Johnstone, Ralph (1910-1990)This folder contains 13 black and white photographs related to the plane flown October 27, 1910 by Ralph Johnstone from Belmont Park to Dr. Van Horn’s field. Includes images from the Thomas R. Bayles Collection taken by David Keller. Some images given by Nate Carter from the Van Horn house in 1996.
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13 | |||
Kogel Lumber Fire (1980)This folder contains 35 color photographs of the fire which broke out at the Kogel Lumber Yard in December of 1980. This site was formerly the location of the historic Hutchinson House. See alsoMiddle Island – Hutchinson House (Series I, Subseries 5, Folder 12) |
14 | |||
Lewis Ritch (undated, 1913-1988)This folder contains 20 photographs in both black and white and color related to Lewis E. Ritch (1869-1966), who was a wood cutter and the oldest resident of Middle Island when he died . One of the photographs is matted. Includes images from the Thomas R. Bayles Collection taken by David Keller. See alsoArmbruster Collection NYPL (Series II, Subseries 1) |
15 | |||
Pfeiffer's Store (undated, 1890-1925)This folder contains 19 photographs in both black and white and sepia of Pfeiffer’s General Store. Includes images from the Thomas R. Bayles Collection taken by David Keller. See alsoArmbruster Collection NYPL (Series II, Subseries 1) |
16 | |||
Pine Lake/Davis Pond/Half-mile Pond (1900-2004)This folder contains 7 photographs in both black and white and color. Includes black and white prints from the Albert Bayles glass plate negatives collection. |
17 | |||
Schools (undated, 1930-2000)This folder contains 15 photographs in both black and white and color. See alsoArmbruster Collection NYPL (Series II, Subseries 1)
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18 | |||
Swezey House (undated, 1987-1994)This folder contains 33 photographs (black and white, sepia, color) of the old Swezey house on Middle Country road and associated Emil’s Curio Museum. See alsoArmbruster Collection NYPL (Series II, Subseries 1)
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19 | |||
Swezey Town (undated, 1915-1994)This folder contains 21 photographs (black and white, sepia, color), 3 paper photocopies, and 3 associated papers related to the Swezey family and land which they historically owned. Also includes images of the old lopped tree on Oakcrest Avenue. Includes black and white prints from the Albert Bayles glass plate negatives collection. See alsoArmbruster Collection NYPL (Series II, Subseries 1)
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20 | |||
Van Horn Farm undated, 1914This folder contains 2 black and white photographs and 1 drawing from Nate Carter depicting the historic Van Horn farm near Artist’s Lake. Includes black and white prints from the Albert Bayles glass plate negatives collection.
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21 | |||
Subseries 6 Miller Place (undated) 1 FolderThis subseries contains materials covering the hamlet of Miller Place. This folder contains 5 photographs in both black and white and sepia. Includes black and white prints from the Albert Bayles glass plate negatives collection. Images include Miller Place pond.
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Subseries 7 Mount Sinai 2 FoldersThis subseries contains materials covering the hamlet of Mount Sinai.
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Cedar Beach (2011)This folder contains 7 color photographs from a Tallmadge Trail hike that took place in October 2011. This trail marks the route travelled by soldiers under Col. Benjamin Tallmadge at the order of General George Washington. |
1 | |||
Schools (undated, 1906)This folder contains 3 sepia photographs by A.S. Greene.
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2 | |||
Subseries 8 New Village (undated, 1900) 1 FolderThis subseries contains 2 black and white photographs of the New Village Congregational Church.
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Subseries 9 Patchogue (undated, 1900-1911) 1 FolderThis subseries contains materials covering the village of Patchogue. This folder contains 9 black and white photographs. Images include the Old Grist Mill, town hall, high school, and trolley.
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Subseries 10 Port Jefferson (undated, 1873-1917) 1 FolderThis subseries contains materials covering the village of Port Jefferson. This folder contains 5 photographs in both black and white and sepia, and one black and white 3-piece panoramic photograph of the Port Jefferson Harbor and Shipyard in 1917.
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Subseries 11 Ridge 2 FoldersThis subseries contains materials covering the census-designated place of Miller Place.
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General (undated, 1900-1994)This folder contains 16 photographs in both black and white and color and 3 paper photocopies. |
1 | |||
From Davis Erhardt (undated, 1900)This folder contains 19 photographs on both black and white and sepia. Includes paperwork on the Overton Family and Ridge. See alsoCoram – Davis Family (Series I, Subseries 2, Folder 2)
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2 | |||
Subseries 12 Rocky Point (undated) 1 FolderThis subseries contains materials covering the hamlet of Rocky Point. This folder contains 1 black and white photograph by Albert Bayles.
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Subseries 13 Shoreham (undated, 1902-1913) 1 FolderThis subseries contains materials covering the village of Shoreham. This folder contains 13 photographs including black and white and color. Includes images of the Tesla Tower and images from the Thomas R. Bayles Collection taken by David Keller. Image views from the Tesla Tower by Tom Bayles.
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Subseries 14 South Haven (undated) 1 FolderThis subseries contains materials covering the hamlet of South Haven. This folder contains 6 photographs in both black and white and sepia. Includes black and white prints from the Albert Bayles glass plate negatives collection and images from the Thomas R. Bayles Collection taken by David Keller. Images include the mill and the South Haven Presbyterian church.
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Subseries 15 Wading River (undated, 1898-1900) 1 FolderThis subseries contains materials covering the hamlet of Wading River. This folder contains 6 black and white photographs. Includes black and white prints from the Albert Bayles glass plate negatives collection and images from the Thomas R. Bayles Collection taken by David Keller. Images include the Miller Homestead, Old Milk House, and Wading River Congregational church.
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Subseries 16 Yaphank 7 FoldersThis subseries contains materials covering the hamlet of Yaphank.
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General (undated, 1900-1998)This folder contains 71 photographs (black and white, sepia, color). Includes images from the Thomas R. Bayles Collection taken by David Keller. See alsoArmbruster Collection NYPL (Series II, Subseries 1) Separated materials2 stamped and sealed envelopes |
1 | |||
Almshouse (undated)This folder contains 4 photographs (black and white, sepia, color) and 7 paper photocopies of the Suffolk County Poor House (Suffolk County Home circa 1929-). |
2 | |||
Camp Siegfried (undated, 1937-1938)This folder contains 4 photo postcards, 1 paper photocopy, and 23 photographs in both black and white and sepia. Includes images from a German-American bund summer resort. Some images by John Jett. See alsoKu Klux Klan (Series II, Subseries 4)
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3 | |||
Historic Houses (undated, 1925-1998)This folder contains 56 photographs (black and white, sepia, color) and 4 paper photocopies. Some images by John Jett. Images from 1991 and 1992 by Alan Haeberle. Includes images of the houses of: Mary Louise Booth, Hammond, Homan-Gerard, C.E. Howell, Villa la Marca, G.H. Swezey, and Weeks. See alsoArmbruster Collection NYPL (Series II, Subseries 1) |
4 | |||
Mills (undated)This folder contains 17 photographs in both black and white and sepia. Includes images from the Thomas R. Bayles Collection taken by David Keller.
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5 | |||
Schools (undated, 1891-1920)This folder contains 14 black and white photographs, 1 paper photocopy, and 2 associated papers. Includes images of the octagon school.
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6 | |||
S.S. Yaphank (undated)This folder contains 1 sepia photograph and 4 associated papers with information about the ship. |
7 | |||
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Series II Greater Long Island area (undated, 1866-2009)This series is organized alphabetically into eight subseries: Armbruster Collection NYPL, Buildings in Long Island, Camp Upton, Ku Klux Klan, Longwood, Pine Barrens, Transportation, and Unidentified Photographs. Each subseries contains materials identified as originating within the broad geographical region of Long Island and is grouped by either topic or source. |
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Subseries 1 Armbruster Collection NYPL (1995) 1 FolderThis subseries contains 26 paper photocopies of photographs from the Eugene L. Armbruster Collection at New York Public Library. Copies were ordered by David Clemens of Longwood Public Library on June 20, 1995. Includes images of historical buildings in Coram, Longwood, Middle Island, and Yaphank, in addition to the invoice, order form, and index for the copies. |
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Subseries 2 Buildings in Long Island (undated, 1910) 1 FolderThis subseries contains 6 photographs in both black and white and sepia. Includes images of buildings in Deer Park, East Setauket, Manorville, Old Field, and Terryville. |
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Subseries 3 Camp Upton (undated, 1917-1942) 1 FolderThis subseries contains 52 photographs in both black and white and sepia and 4 associated papers relating to Camp Upton as it existed in the Longwood area during World War I and World War II. Includes images from the Thomas R. Bayles Collection taken by David Keller.
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Subseries 4 Ku Klux Klan (undated, 1925) 1 FolderThis subseries contains 13 black and white photographs. Some are from Mr. and Mrs. Alvin R.L. Smith of Yaphank. Other images are by John Jett. Includes images from parade events in Patchogue. See alsoYaphank - Camp Siegfried (Series I, Subseries 16, Folder 3)
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Subseries 5 Longwood 2 FoldersThis subseries contains materials covering the historic district of Longwood. This region was the northern section of St. George’s Manor, which included all lands extending from the ocean north of Middle Country Road, bounded on the west by the Connecticut (Carman’s) River and on the east by the Southampton town line.
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Longwood Public Library (1966)This folder contains 3 black and white photographs taken by John C. Walker on June 12, 1966. Images include library office space and stacks. |
1 | |||
Longwood (Smith Estate) (undated, 1906-2009)This folder contains 40 photographs in both black and white and color related to the estate of the Smith family, and a paper flyer with information on the estate's history. Includes images from the Thomas R. Bayles Collection taken by David Keller and photographic copies from the Longwood Photo Album at the Brookhaven Town Historian’s office.
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2 | |||
Subseries 6 Pine Barrens (1995) 1 FolderThis subseries contains 3 color photographs related to the Long Island Central Pine Barrens. Includes images of the “Sunrise Wildfire” in 1995.
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Subseries 7 Transportation 2 FoldersThis subseries contains images related to forms and methods of transportation. |
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General (1866-1915)This folder contains 8 photographs in both black and white and sepia. Images include Harry Atwood’s first flight in Riverhead at the Suffolk County Fair of 1911. See also
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1 | |||
Long Island Railroad (undated, 1888-1973)This folder contains 1 ticket stub, 44 photographs in both black and white and sepia, and 1 associated paper. Includes black and white prints from the Albert Bayles glass plate negatives collection, images from the Thomas R. Bayles Collection taken by David Keller, images from the David Keller Collection, and 1 image from Ron Ziel’s LIRR Collection. See alsoMedford (Series I, Subseries 4)
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2 | |||
Subseries 8 Unidentified Photographs (undated) 1 FolderThis subseries contains 8 photographs in both black and white and sepia, and 2 associated papers. Includes a photograph of a football player known to have been taken by Paul Infranco. |
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Series III Negatives and contact sheets (undated, 1987-1998)This series contains photographic negatives and contact sheets related to the larger photographic print collection described in Series I and II. The materials are arranged as found in 32 folders containing 42 sleeves of photographic negatives and 31 contact sheets. All contact sheets are kept with associated negatives when possible. Some materials given by David Erhardt are housed in a separate black binder which contains an additional 24 sleeves of photographic negatives and 17 contact sheets. Index to Series III Folders:
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