Some idea of
life in Patchogue in the years gone by is shown by the following
items from the Patchogue Advance for May 3, 1884.
“Those driving
fast horses on our public thoroughfares should be careful in
turning the corners, as out village being fairly represented
with juveniles, accidents are likely to happen at any moment.”
“Thursday, the
various crews in the Life Saving Services on the Long Island
coast, went off duty. The boys in this section encountered but
few wrecks, and beyond the hardships of the patrol, spent a fair
winter in their quarters.
“John Jones’
pavilion is being improved and additional conveniences put up
for dancing.
“C.W. Baker
has a neat cat boat just completed for Sam Dayton, to be used by
Mrs. Gilbert during the summer.
“Straw hats, 5
cents to $1.50 at Overtons, also derby and soft hats, $1.00.
“Jerry Mulford
has the catboat ‘Jumbo’ all painted up and expects to have her
launched in time for the next annual regatta.
“The West Mill
is now in running order, and under the management of Partington
& McFall is turning out large quantities of dyed stuffs used in
the lining of ladies dresses. At present there are 14 hands
employed, and as soon as another 50 feet can be added,
additional hands will be employed. Carlaw, Henderson & Co., of
Glasgow, Scotland, have control of the mills, which are running
daily and far into the night.”
“Do you want a
raw, fry or stew of the best Blue Point oysters? If so call at
Thompson’s Saloon.
“Mr. O. P.
Smith, last year raised 140 bushels of potatoes on a patch of
ground six rods by eight rods. He has replanted this piece with
potatoes again this year, and some he has covered with sea weed
instead of soil.
“Our talking
for a telephone seems to meet with favor by our villagers and a
line will soon be established in out village.
“Tuesday,
Wednesday and Thursday teams were out and men working to improve
our village streets, while loam and oyster shells were spread
unsparingly wherever needed, and we believe roadmaster Smith’s
determination to have good roads at any coast, meets with the
hearty endorsement of our people.
“Martenus
Smith is building a 28 foot catboat for himself. On his ways
the yacht “Gally Ho” is out for repairs, preparatory to starting
out on a cruise. Mr. James Bulger, who has taken O.P. Smith’s
mansion for the summer, has also hired the combination yacht
“Game Cock” for the season.
“Boss Gilbert
Smith’s ways show business. Capt. Washington Wicks has the
sloop yacht “Coon” overhauling. Mr. Smith is building a new 28
foot boat for Mr. Spaulding of New York, and another 20 foot one
for Mr. Parsons, of Orange, N.J., and a sharpie for Williams
Kreamer of Bellport.
“A. Mathieu
will pay the highest cash price for fresh laid eggs, in trade or
cash; try our extra fine tea at 40cts. We will fill orders of
hotels and boarding houses at wholesale at lower prices than in
New York. Just received a first class lot of rolled corned
beef, corned hams and pork at bottom prices.
“E.G. Terrell
is building a new house near East Main Street and Medford Avenue
for Mr. Wilson of Coram. Mr. Sanford Weeks is having a number
of out-houses erected near his hotel.
“Boss Saxton
is doing a rushing business in the boat building line. He is
building a 27 foot one for Bartlett Horton, and a 30 foot one
for Ira Beebe.
“Call and
examine the cheapest parlor set of furniture ever offered in
Patchogue. Solid black walnut frames, upholstered in raw silk
and plush, seven pieces, and only $45.
“The Ackerly
cottage on Amity Street, when completed, will be a picture of
artistic beauty. To the west of it a new road is being laid
out, running to the residence of Mrs. Gilbert.
“Joseph Dare
is going to run three establishments this summer, one at Terry’s
Pond, one at the foot of Ocean Avenue, and his present candy
store.”