In a
special edition of the Patchogue Argus published in 1898 are
some interesting descriptions of Patchogue in that day.
Patchogue is a pleasantly laid out with good wide and shady
streets, and ocean avenue has been recently paved with vitrified
brick and is a subject of a favorable comment. The streets are
lighted with electricity and an efficient police and fire
department is maintained. Patchogue has been termed a "City of
Homes" and rents are fair and real estate cheap. Admirable
railroad facilities connect it with the city, surroundings are
delightful and climate cannot be excelled. The tone of the
society is healthy and the moral of the community will compare
favorably with other communities.
The
original site of Patchogue proper, between Patchogue river on
the west and Swan river on the east, containing about 300 acres
was lot no. 3 in a lottery sale made by Humphrey Avery in 1758
and purchased by Leoford Leoffords for a nominal sum. The name
Patchogue is supposed to be an Indian origin meaning "patches of
water," which the many lakes surrounding the village would
indicate.
"Across the Great South bay nestle among the beach hills on the
ocean, little resorts where a feast for a king, a paddle in
still waters or a combat with foaming breakers may be indulged
in. Packet yachts make the trip to the ocean twice daily and
charge only 25 cents a round trip.
"The
south side of Long Island and Patchogue in particular is the
wheelman's paradise. All of our streets are in excellent
condition and paths lead in all directions. Last year a
across-island cycle was completed. Long Island's fine roads
leading from Brooklyn to Patchogue make it Mecca for century
runs.
"The
Clinton House is a summer hotel unsurpassed on Long Island and
it has recently been enlarged to accommodate 300 guests. The
piazzas are broad and offer a grand promenade; the grounds are
laid out for lawn tennis, croquet, archery, and other outdoor
amusements. The cuisine is under the supervision of an
experienced chef and the table is furnished with the best eggs,
butter, milk, cream and vegetables. Fish and clams direct from
the salt water. Good service by tidy waitresses. An elegant
large and cool dining room overlooks the water. In connection
with the hotel are bathing houses and row boats also yachts
commanded by experienced captains ready to take parties out
sailing. A livery and boarding stable is connected with the
house. Terms are $2.50 to $4 per day.
"The
popular Ocean avenue Pharmacist is Eugene P. Smith who is
thoroughly educated in his business for such an important
position as dispenser of drugs and medicines cannot know too
much about them, therefore the popularity of Smith's pharmacy
cannot be wondered at. The compounding of physicians
prescriptions is given the most prompt attention and only the
purest of drugs are used. A full line of toilet articles,
cigars, and druggist's sundries is also carried.