south shore yacht club freeport ny

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Freeport Nautical Mile

  Home  »  Towns   »  Freeport  »  Nautical Mile

The Freeport Nautical Mile, operated by the Village of Freeport , is a pitcuresque waterfront main street running along the Woodcleft Canal. Waterside dining and an active nightlife draw tourists and locals alike to enjoy this excellent representation of seaside living on Long Island. The Freeport Nautical Mile gives residents and tourists of the South Shore of Long Island in Nassau County the opportunity to escape the urban and suburban drawl and to travel back to Long Island's maritime past.

Antique lighting shines over omenade style sidewalks wide enough to accomodate the hundreds of people who come out in the summer to enjoy the night scene and the beautiful warm weather of spring and summer. Party boats line up along Woodcleft Canal and set sail in the evening, providing breathtaking views of the South Shore from the East Bay and the Atlantic.

The Nautical Mile is one of the South Shore's best family friendly attractions. The Crow's Nest Mini Golf course provides 18-holes of friendly competition along the canal's edge. A four-acre waterfront park and marina, called Sea Breeze is one of the most recent additions to the Nautical Mile, and visitors to the Mile enjoy the many benches along the boardwalk under antique-style lighting, looking out onto the water.  Additionally, visitors can enjoy eating at the many restaurants  in the area, or shopping at the stores and boutiques that line the canal.

Dining Seafood lovers are sure to love the collection of clam shacks, oyster bars, and other restaurants that can be found on the Nautical Mile. From mussels and clams to blue crabs and lobsters , there’s a whole slew of fresh seafood to pick from when you’re located right outside one of the busiest docks in the area! Of course if you’re not in the mood for fish, Freeport’s premier restaurants have plenty of other delicacies and local favorites to dine on as well.

Ice Cream Walking from shop to shop and eating lunch on an outdoor patio is a fantastic way to spend a summer afternoon, but sometimes the cool breeze coming off the water just isn’t enough keep the heat off. On a day like that, the perfect solution is to stop by one of the Nautical Mile’s ice cream parlors to cool down with a sweet frozen concoction. Of course, ice cream is just as tasty in the spring and autumn too!

Ralph’s Italian Ices 147 WoodCleft Avenue, Freeport, NY 11520 516-771-2805 Ralph’s serves a wide variety of ice cream and both water and cream-based Italian ices.

Pip’s Ice Cream Parlour 250 Woodcleft Avenue, Freeport NY 11520 516-868-7139 Pip’s is the perfect place to host a unique children’s birthday party where kids will get to create their own sundaes!

Fish Markets One of the best parts of visiting a busy port or dock is that if you go at the right time you’re almost bound to encounter fishing boats returning with a full day’s haul, and that means the local fish markets can get their hands on the freshest seafood possible. Whether you’re looking shellfish, whitefish, or anything else from the nearby waters you’re sure to find it at one of these markets.

Fiore Brothers 405 Woodcleft Avenue, Freeport NY, 11520 516-378-5426 Fiore Brothers has specialized in fresh wholesale, retail, cooked, and fried seafood since 1946.

Cruises There’s nothing quite like a night on the water to really take in the beauty of a port town. While many people might think of extended trips to tropical islands when they hear the word “cruise,” you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy the open seas. Local cruises right here on Long Island will allow you to host an unforgettable party, enjoy a dinner on the water, or wow clients with an amazing corporate event on the ocean!

Freeport Princess   85 Woodcleft Avenue, Freeport, NY 11520 516-378-0555 The Freeport Princess is Long Island’s premier luxury yacht. Measuring in at 106’ long, it’s sure to accommodate even the largest of parties! 

Nearby in Freeport With a plethora of fantastic local businesses packed into a stretch of waterfront properties, the Nautical Mile is the perfect place to spend an afternoon or an evening, but it isn’t the only part of Freeport worth visiting. These nearby hot spots are just a short distance from the Nautical Mile and are every bit as entertaining!

The Patio at Freeport Inn 445 South Main Street, Freeport, NY 11520 516-623-2980 This 3,000 square foot indoor/outdoor patio and lounge serves delicious food and perfectly blended cocktails right next to the Inn’s marina.

The Freeport Yacht Club   553 Guy Lombardo Avenue, Freeport, NY 11520 516-378-8850 Located on the scenic Hudson Canal, The Freeport Yacht Club is the perfect spot to host a wedding, party, corporate meeting, bridal shower, or other major event. 

Freeport Kayak Rentals   957 South Long Beach Avenue, Freeport, NY 11520 855-935-2925 Being on a large yacht can be great fun, but if you prefer a more secluded experience then renting a kayak is a great way to get out on the water by yourself or with a small group of friends. You can even row by the Nautical Mile!

If you're looking for fun things to do in other great places on Long Island, check out our other Guides for Sag Harbor , The Hamptons , Ocean Beach , Fire Island , Northport , Greenport , Port Jefferson , Montauk and North Fork !

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Freeport Yacht Club:Catering by Rachel's Freeport, New York

Enjoy restaurant quality food at your next catered event at the Freeport Yacht Club. As one of the top waterside wedding venues in the area, this premier party venue is available to rent out for all types of events, including private parties, business meetings, sweet sixteens, family reunions, charity events, Quinceavieras, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, bridal/baby showers, and more. In order to provide you with the highest quality food, the Freeport Yacht Club has partnered with Rachel’s Waterside Grill, named Long Island's Best Seafood Restaurant 4 years in a row. It continues to prove to be the perfect party venue for any event and every budget.

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Contact Info

533 Guy Lombardo Ave • Freeport, NY • 11520

Visit our website

Venue Details

Capacity (Seated / Cocktail): 225 / 200

We accommodate events ranging from 60 to 225 guests

Max Number of Simultaneous Events: 1

Outside Catering Permitted (BYO): No

Venue Type/Style: Banquet Hall, Waterfront, Boat/Yacht, Country Club, Ballroom, Atrium, Conference Hall, Bar/Lounge, Raw Space, Clubhouse

On-Site Cuisine Options: American, Continental, Kosher, Russian, Italian, Asian, Mediterranean, Spanish / Latin, Vegetarian, French, Child Menu, International / Other, Sunday Brunch, Indian, Catering on site

Budget Tier: $$

Event packages based on party size built for any budget. Restaurant quality food for your next catered event.

Venue Features

• A/V Equipped
• Accept Credit Cards
• Buffet Menu Available
• Group Rates
• Imported Beer
• Internet Access
• Onsite Ceremony
• Open Sunday
• Outdoor Ceremony
• Outdoor Reception
• Parking Lot
• Premium Liquor
• Tables and Chairs
• Valet Parking
• WiFi Access

Harbor of Hospitality

Welcome to the biggest, friendliest and most inclusive yacht club on Lake Michigan, bringing together folks from all walks of life. While we have our blue-blazer traditions, no one ever called us stuffy. What you'll find is a more laid-back vibe that invites people to just be themselves, away from the pressures of life in general. We're a busy gathering place year round, unlike typical yacht clubs that go into winter hibernation.

Dues and slip fees are surprisingly affordable, in part because our passionate members help maintain the place. Being a major Great Lakes yacht club, we host an exciting sailing and power boating scene. Yet, a growing segment of members don't even own boats. For them, SSYC is all about fellowship, in the most romantic spot on Milwaukee's lakefront. Smack in the heart of the city's most happening neighborhood.

The Best Experience at a Reasonable Price

What's it like to be a member? It's different for everyone. You can carve out your own experience and pick your context. But we believe one thing is true across the board. Among private clubs in metropolitan Milwaukee, South Shore Yacht Club gives you one of the best experiences for the money.

Upcoming Events

For potential members, by appointment, click here for details, social activities.

The Entertainment Committee hosts various parties, including:

• Kentucky Derby
• Review of the Fleet
• Oktoberfest
• New Year's Eve

and many other, less formal, events throughout the year.

Sailing and Racing

You can learn more about the various racing fleets by clicking here.   And the racing schedule (for all fleets) is available here.

Powerboating

In addition, our power boaters host a number of events, usually on Thursdays as well as many weekends.

Click here for additional information.

Click here to learn more about the Junior program, and here to find out more about the Kaszube Cup regatta.

South Shore Yacht Club

2300 e nock street, milwaukee, wi 53207, (414) 481-2331.

[email protected]

Join the Club with the BEST VIEW and MOST ACCESS to our GREAT LAKE!

• Prime slip locations available
• Members-only access to our spectacular venue for private events with stellar staff
• Host to many regional and national regattas
• Junior and adult sailing lessons
• Camaraderie with sailors, powerboats, and non-boaters, with year-round events, socializing, and entertainment

Become a full member at one of the coolest places in Milwaukee!  We make fun affordable. Our members enjoy low cost slips and affordable dues.  We require a $100 nonrefundable application fee, which is credited to your account at the time of your formal induction as a new member.

Click here to submit an Application

  Have  a Question About Joining?

Contact Amelia Bifano

South Shore Yacht Club

2300 e nock street, milwaukee, wi 53207, (414) 481-2331.

[email protected]

Plan Your Event

• 516-623-2022

THE BAYVIEW

We are located on the beautiful Nautical Mile on the South Shore of Freeport, Long Island. Our brand-new venue can accommodate up to 300 guests comfortably for formal affairs with dancing, and up to 400 for cocktail receptions.

The Bayview has 3 levels of panoramic open bay views that creates a stunning atmosphere for any occasion, including an exquisite rooftop. We cater to all occasions; however, we are proud to specialize in Wedding receptions. As part of our commitment to making your day special, we cater only one wedding at a time. You will be the shining star and the main attraction.

Our innovative cuisine prepared with great care by our talented, trained chefs, assures superb dining of the utmost quality. We have skillfully prepared ideal catered menus, and welcome special dish requests for any occasion.

Private Events

Social Events

Awesome venue! Practically brand new! Food was great. Definitely recommend this venue for your wedding or any private event.

We had a late afternoon wedding and offered our guests a wide variety of hors d'oeuvres instead of a full dinner. Bayview Catering was fantastic! They worked with us to completely customize our menu. The servers went above and beyond on the day of our wedding and even offered to help hand out favors to our guests! Did I mention how incredible the food was? They even packed to-go boxes for my husband and I to take to our hotel as a late-night snack. I would definitely recommend The Bayview !

We are going to have our wedding at the Bayview in mid-April 2021 and we are blown away by this magnificent venue. The venue itself is exactly what we were looking for in terms of food, atmosphere, scenery, and overall experience.Debbie has been very helpful and her suggesting so many different ideas to make our day a very special one. This venue is my dream come true!

The Most Beautiful Location For Any Event

Corporate Events

Sweet Sixteens

Charities & Fundraisers

Graduation Parties

Bat & Bar Mitzvahs

Special Events

The Bayview Caterers is the perfect location for all private event's that demands a touch of sophistication and elegance. Our luxurious Grand Ballroom can host up to 400 guests and comes fully equipped with built-in screens, projectors and state-of-the-art audio/visual equipment. Be it weddings, corporate events or any special celebrations, The Bayview is the perfect venue for any occasion.

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About South Shore Yacht Club

We are known to be the “friendliest” Yacht Club in town! SSYC is one of the oldest yacht clubs in Newport Harbor, founded in 1957 and is a full accredited organization with membership in US Sailing, Association of the Orange Coast Yacht Clubs and Southern California Yachting Association, where it is a senior member with special voting rights. With thousands of former members, SSYC members have held and currently hold, key position in Southern California yachting organizations. Historically and today, yacht clubs oversee sailboat races, cruises and boating related education programs. Any organization whose members are associate members of SSYC enjoy the benefits of being a part of a great historical yacht club, a yacht club which maintains senior status among yacht clubs, and a club that enjoys a stellar reputation as one of the State’s premier yacht clubs.

SSYC offers a fantastic children’s Sailing and Boating program through the Newport Sea Base which is located at 1931 West Coast Hwy, just down the street from the club. Since 1937 this non-profit organization relies on the generosity of charitable donations to its ongoing operations. Newport Sea Base has provided fun and valuable education maritime-based programs to all youth. Year-round, girls and boys learn oceanography, marine biology, environmental science, boating safety, dinghy and keelboat sailing, canoeing, kayaking, motor boating and other aquatic-related subjects.

South Shore Yacht Club

Our Yacht Club offers a full list of benefits that can be seen in the 'How to Join' section. Our calendar is full of social, racing and cruising activities...

Upcoming Events

If you have any questions about South Shore Yacht Club please email us and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

  Call Us: (949) 646-3102

   [email protected]

   1099 Bayside Dr          Newport Beach, CA 92660

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We Buy and Sell Boats

Our qualified sales team has sold a record-breaking volume of new and pre-owned boats, making us the premier destination for boating families on Long Island, NY. In addition to offering the highest quality new and used boats for sale, our boat brokers can help you get a great price for your boat.

Incredible Selection of New and Pre-Owned Boats & Yachts from Long Island’s Premier Boat Dealer

Strong’s Marine offers a broad selection of new and pre-owned boats and yachts for sale on Long Island, NY from the best premium manufacturers. Whether you’re searching for powerboats for sale, fishing boats, yachts, cruisers, cabin boats, or another type, we can help you choose the best vessel.

Browse Our Selection Today!

When you’re ready to find the best boat for sale near you, check out the extensive inventory of pre-owned and new boats. With locations across Long Island, including Mattituck, Southampton, East Hampton, Port Washington, Freeport, and Fire Island, we have you covered.

FEATURED PRE-OWNED LISTINGS

Cruisers yachts 38 gls ob 2023.

Experience Unparalleled Luxury. Whether you're seeking adventure on the open water or simply unwinding in style, this exquisite yacht promises an unparalleled journey. 

INDOOR STORED, One Owner 2023 Cruisers Yachts 38 GLS Outboard has barely been broken in!

• Powered By Triple Black Mercury 300s w under 50 hours!
• Warranty until 5/2028!
• Skyhook High Speed Joystick
• SeaKeeper 3 With Remaining Warranty until 5/18/2025!
• Custom Enclosure
• Beach Door for Expanded Cockpit Space
• 6KW Diesel Generator w Sound Sheild and 45.5 hours
• Simrad electronics including Radar
• Black Aft Retractable Sureshade
• Grey Cockpit Seadeck
• Conductive Phone Charging Pad at Helm
• Two Mid-Ship L-Shaped Dinettes and an Aft Facing Bench that Swivels to Face Beach Door
• Galley Features a Fiberglass Inlay Sink, Fridge, Bottle Storage along 
• Cockpit Optional Grill
• Swivel Bar Stools at Wet Bar
• Lower Salon Galley is complete with a Microwave, Fridge, and an optional 24” TV
• Aft Stateroom Features a Custom Sized Berth, Reading Lights and Shelf Storage
• Lower Salon Features a U-shaped dinette that converts into a berth
• Fully Enclosed Electric Head w Sink, Toilet, and Standing Shower.
• Deep Seating in the Bow with Multiple Cupholders

Located at our Strongs Yacht Center Marina in Mattituck. Please Contact Drew Lanzetta to see today! 

SEA RAY 310 SLX 2022

Elevate your boating experience with the epitome of luxury and performance, this 2022 Sea Ray 310 SLX.

Crafted with precision, this vessel seamlessly merges cutting-edge technology with timeless elegance.

 Whether you seek exhilarating adventures or serene moments on the water, this Sea Ray 310 SLX delivers unmatched comfort and style.

This boat has just been commissioned and is ready for you this season!

• Powered By Twin Mercruiser 6.2l MPI B3S W under 50 hours!
• Axius Joystick
• BPPC Premier Coverage w/ wear package and 20K liability for  engine coverage through 3/21/2028!
• Dual Simrad 12” Screens
• Premium Stereo Upgrade: Fusion Stereo Apollo 770 12V AM/FM w/ Bluetooth Wi-Fi Audio Streaming
• Subwoofer & 1600W Amplifier
• Seadek on Swim Platform
• Windlass w Rope, Chain and Galvanized Stainless Steel Anchor
• Infinity Woven Vinyl Carpeting in Cockpit
• Battery Charger
• RGBW LED Lighting Package w Thu Hull Lights
• Side Entry Step
• Cockpit Teak Table
• 12V Refrigerator
• Extended Sunshade for Hard Top
• Fresh Bottom Paint and Zincs as of 3/2024

Located at our Strongs Waterclub Marina in Mattituck. Please Contact Listing Broker Rachel Duell to schedule a viewing today!

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Showrooms and marinas across Long Island.

Windamere offers farm-to-table fare and waterfront dining on Mattituck Inlet.

In-water and valet slips along the Peconic Bay, Shinnecock Bay and the Long Island Sound.

SUPER SERVICE

Service for your valued investment.

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Fairline, Cruisers Yachts and expertly curated brokerage.

STRONG FAMILY BUSINESS

For four generations, we have gone to great lengths to fulfill the needs of the most discerning mariners. Many longtime team members have guided and grown along with us. Supported by a team of more than 200 employees at our locations across Long Island, we see a future more memorable than our past. We welcome you to join us on our journey.

Grady-White Chart Your Course Sales Event

March 31 ,2024, yamaha sales event, strong's at grover's spring boat show, april 06 ,2024 to april 07 ,2024, strong's water club yacht & brokerage showcase - april, april 12 ,2024 to april 14 ,2024, nys boating safety course - april 13, april 13 ,2024, women on the water: boating basics, april 20 ,2024, women on the water: navigation, april 27 ,2024, yacht & brokerage showcase at strong's water club - may, may 03 ,2024 to may 05 ,2024, women on the water: troubleshooting, may 04 ,2024, unlock the shinnecock, may 05 ,2024, women on the water: docking, may 11 ,2024, nys boating safety course - may 18, may 18 ,2024, strong's at grover's spring boat show - may, may 18 ,2024 to may 19 ,2024, atlantique meet & greet bbq, june 01 ,2024.

Freeport History Encyclopedia: E

E. a. stock & company.

E. A. Stock & Company was a dry goods store in Freeport in 1928.  Located at 82 South Main Street, it was formerly known as H. Schloss.

Schloss, Hyman

Voyageur,  1928 (Freeport High School Yearbook).

Researched by Regina G. Feeney, December 27, 2016.

Earon, Agnes

Agnes Earon   (nee Forbes) (1882-1971) was a supporter of women's suffrage and was the first woman elected to the Freeport School Board in 1918.* After women were granted the right to vote in New York, Earon served as chairwoman of a meeting at the     Freeport Club to educate women about politics; she also helped women register to vote in their first village election in 1918.

Born in Scotland in 1882, Earon's family moved to Brooklyn when she was five years old.  In 1912, she married Robert "Harry" Earon and they made their home in Freeport. Almost immediately, Eaton became civically active in the Freeport community. Reportedly, during her first Thanksgiving and Christmas in Freeport, she worked with the Elks making and distributing baskets for needy families. Earon also became involved with the Boy and Girl Scouts, and hosted dinners in her own home to raise money for these organizations.

Earon was active in the Mothers' Club, which was the precursor of the Parent Teacher Association.  She helped organized the P.T.A.'s Central Council. During her tenure on the Freeport School board, Earon founded the Orchestra Mothers Club.  In the 1920s, along with principal Martin M. Mansperger and others, Eaton helped to create the Freeport High School marching band.

During World War I, Earon was the home service chairman of the Nassau County Red Cross.  She organized the Women's Auxiliary of the American Legion in 1923. In gratitude for her contribution to the Legion, she was granted a life membership and carried a gold membership card. During World War II, Earon was also active during the years of World War II; this time around she was the manager of the War Savings Stamps Committee of Freeport. 

Eaton established the Freeport Garden Club with the help of Ethel Whitlock, Mrs. Worden Winnie, and Mrs. Babe Cochran.  Earon also organized the Freeport Auxiliary to South Nassau Hospital, as well as served as its president three times. Earon was also very involved in local politics. She and Mrs. William Gardner started the Freeport Women's Republican Club. She organized the women's division of the Economy Party and later worked with the Unity Party and the Community Party.

She was twice given the honor being a life member of the Order of the Eastern Star. 

In 1965, Village officials honored Earon by designating an art room at the original Recreation Center on Pine Street as the "Agnes Earon Room." A 1967 Leader article about Earon described her as "Mrs. Freeport."

After briefly moving out of Freeport, Earon moved back in 1970 to 76 South Bergen Place. She described her departure from Freeport as "ill advised" and, upon her return, she said she was happy to be back home with her friends.

Earon died at the age of 89 and is buried in Greenfield Cemetery, Uniondale, NY.

* Note: A second woman, Isabel I. Elterich also ran for school board that same year, but lost to David Sutherland, Jr. and Agnes Earon.  

"Agnes Earon Dies." The Leader.   February 11, 1971, 3.

"Announces Candidacy for School Trustee of Freeport." The Nassau Post . April 12, 1918, 5. Accessed August 7, 2017. http://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/lccn/sn95071434/1918-04-12/ed-1/seq-5/ .

"Few Women Register." The Nassau Post . March 15, 1918, 1. Accessed August 8, 2017. http://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/lccn/sn95071434/1918-03-15/ed-1/seq-1/.

"Freeport Ladies to Hear of Politics." The Nassau Post. March 8, 1918, 1. Accessed August 8, 2017. http://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/lccn/sn95071434/1918-03-08/ed-1/seq-1/.

"Mrs. Harry 'Agnes' Earon, 'Mrs. Freeport.'" The Leader. April 27, 1967, 15.  Accessed August 8, 2017. http://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/lccn/sn95071064/1967-04-27/ed-1/seq-15/.

"Sutherland and Earon On School Board." Nassau County Review . May 10, 1918, 1. Accessed August 8, 2017. http://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/lccn/sn95071433/1918-05-10/ed-1/seq-1/.

"Welcome Back." The Leader . April 2, 1970, 1.

Researched by Regina G. Feeney, August 8, 2017.

Earthquake - 1884

An earthquake shook Freeport on August 10, 1884, shortly after 2 p.m.  Scientists would later pinpoint the epicenter of the earthquake to be in Brooklyn.  It was estimated that the earthquake was about 5.5 on the Richter Scale .  It was reported that that the earthquake lasted 50 seconds in Freeport.  The only reported damage locally was toppled chimneys.

"The Shock on Long Island."  The Brooklyn Union , August 11, 1884, ND. Accessed August 24, 2017. fultonhistory.com.

Researched by Regina G. Feeney, August 24, 2017.

Earthquake - 1895

An earthquake was felt in Freeport on September 1, 1895.  A New York newspaper reported that in Freeport the earthquake "seemed to start in the southwest and travel toward the northeast.  Dishes were broken and bricks thrown from chimneys by the shock which followed."

"Freeport, L. I. Excited." The Press . September 2, 1895, 2. Accessed August 24, 2017. fultonhistory.com.

East Bayview Avenue

East Bayview Avenue was renamed Branch Avenue in 1924.

Village of Freeport Board Minutes, 1924.

Researched by Regina G. Feeney, December 16, 2018.

East Dean Street

East Dean Street was known as Green Avenue prior to 1926.

Village of Freeport Board Minutes, December 12, 1926.

Zimmerman, Charles. "Strolling the Archives." The Northwester [newsletter of the Northwest Civic Association]. January 1991.

Researched by Regina G. Feeney, July 19, 2017.

East Lena Avenue

East Lena Avenue was renamed Washburn Avenue in 1926.

East Lincoln Place

East Lincoln Place was renamed Harris Avenue by the Village of Freeport Board of Trustees in 1926.

East Meadow Brook

East Meadow Brook  was a fresh water stream that flowed from north of the railroad tracks to the Freeport River.  It was one of two feeder streams that fed into the Freeport River; the other stream was the Freeport Brook.  This book began to dry up in the late 1890s when the Brooklyn Water Works began pumping fresh water from local ponds and streams to Brooklyn.   However, this waterway appears on  maps as late as 1914 .  In 1896, Francis Pearsall sued the the City of Brooklyn for diverting water from the East Meadow Brook, which damaged his oyster crop.

Canals, Ponds, and Waterways

"Personal."  Nassau County Review . August 11, 1899, 3.  Accessed June 19, 2020.  http://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/lccn/sn95071433/1899-08-11/ed-1/seq-3/ .

"Wants to Restrain the City from Further Interference with a Valuable Water Course.  The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . Feburary 26. 1896, 1. Accessed June 19, 2020.  https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/50336774/?terms=wants%2Bto%2Brestrain%2Bthe%2Bcity .

Researched by Regina G. Feeney, June 19, 2020.

• Freeport Waterfront, 1888 Locations of the Freeport River, East Meadow Brook, and Freeport Brook

East Milton Avenue

East Milton Avenue was known as Meserole Avenue prior to 1926.

East Point was an area of Freeport located at the south end of South Grove Street (now Guy Lombardo Avenue) between Woodcleft Canal and Hudson Canal. Though homeowners leased the property, they lived in homes that they built.  In 1940, this 57 acre property along with 36 acres of Freeport Point (the southern section of Woodcleft below Manhattan Avenue) was the subject of a court case involving land ownership. According to the Town of Hempstead, these lands were leased to the John J. Randall Company between 1898 and 1907. In 1925, the lessees stopped paying rent but the Town of Hempstead took no legal action to collect the rents or dispossess the tenants until 1940. Not only did the township attempt to reclaim these lands but also sought to collect 14 years' worth of back rent from three waterfront restaurants, two large boatyards, and more than 100 homes.

In 1926, the East Point property was developed as the Cleft Bay Estates by the Randall Company under Frank Willetts.  For many years, the Randall Company leased land to individuals who built homes on the property.  In 1941, the courts ruled that the Freeport Point property was not owned by the Town of Hempstead because the township raised no objections when the sale of land was offered "free and clear" by the Randall Company at a public auction.  However, the judgement did find in favor of the Town of Hempstead in case involving the East Point land.  Thus began a multi-decade fight between Town officials and East Point leaseholders. Though Supreme Court Justice Charles Lockwood attempted to assure residents in his May 1941 ruling, that this would only mean "a change in landlords," the Town of Hempstead began to lay the groundwork to remove the residents and their homes from the property.  Fearing future evictions, residents formed the East Point Association. In 1942, the Town of Hempstead attempted to cancel all individual fire insurance polices.  A new lease gave residents the right to move their homes from the land at the termination of the lease.  A 1953 lease gave the town the right to all buildings on the property at the expiration of the lease in 1958. Around this time, the Town of Hempstead proposed the construction of a marina and park that included three swimming pools on the site.  After much community opposition to the project, the marina plan was abandoned in 1959.

In 1970, Guy Lombardo's East Point House restaurant was destroyed by fire.  The following year, the remaining 27 homes of East Point were destroyed and a marina was ultimately constructed on the property.

Click here for material related to East Point.

Freeport Point

Guy Lombardo's East Point House

Randall, John J.

Woodcleft Canal

Brooks, Stan. "Charge Town Plans to Grab 46 Homes." Newsday . August 18, 1953, 23.

Town of Hempstead Archives (site visit May 24, 2021).

Wallach, Allan. "East Pointers Map Campaign Against Ouster." Newsday . March 12, 1958, 21.

Researched by Regina G. Feeney, August 12, 2021.   

• East Point, 1941 Source: Memorandum Decision by Justice Lockwood, Supreme Court, Nassau County, May 2, 1941 [from the Town of Hempstead Archives].

East Randall Park

East Randall Park was developed in the 1900s by John J. Randall.  Later, lots were sold by Charles A. Sigmond.  The homes in this area were connected to gas service in 1910. This section of Freeport includes Grand Avenue.

Researched by Cynthia J. Krieg and Regina G. Feeney, May 31, 2016.

• 1906 Map that includes East Randall Park
• 1914 Map of East Randall Park

East Smith Street

East Smith Street  was renamed Lee Place in 1924.   It was located in a section of Freeport once known as Rhodesia.

East Woodbine Drive

Woodbine Drive (East and West)

Ebbets, Harry S.

Harry S. Ebbets (1908-1978) was a professional boxer and liquor store owner.  Ebbets was born Harry Ebbert to Mary and Chauncey Ebbert in Queens.  Born the same year his parents celebrated their 25 wedding anniversary, they gave Harry the middle name Silver.  The Ebbert family eventually moved to 295 Roosevelt Avenue.  Harry changed his name to Ebbets (after Ebbets Field in Brooklyn) when he became a professional boxer.

Ebbets was a professional light-heavyweight contender in the late 1920s and into the 1930s. His first amateur fight took place at the Freeport Auditorium in 1924 . He won by a decision.  Ebbets left boxing shortly thereafter to pursue a singing career.  However, two years later, Ebbets was convinced to return to boxing by his friend, top-ranking featherweight boxer Pepper Martin.  During the next 10 years, Ebbets fought 189 professional matches, lost 14, and won 89 by knockout.  His prowess in the ring led to the nickname "The Blonde Thunderbolt."

Ebbets was one of the  Freeporters to receive a license f rom the Nassau County Alcoholic Beverage Control Board after the repeal of Prohibition in 1933.  His store was located at 10 West Merrick Road . Two years later Ebbets retired from boxing and became a boxing referee.

In 1965, during a robbery of his liquor store, Ebbets was shot in the stomach.  He survived the attack.

Ebbets daughter, Harriet, became a well known professional bowler.  She was named Metropolitan Bowler of the Year by sportswriters in 1962.

Ebbets died at the age of 70.

"80 Permits Given to Sell In Nassau."  The Nassau Daily Review . December 6, 1933, 1.  Accessed August 21,  2019.  http://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/lccn/sn95071428/1933-12-06/ed-1/seq-1/.

"Ex-Boxer Shot by Holdupman."  Newsday.  April 28, 1965, 31.

Harry Ebbets [advertisement].  The Nassau Daily Review.  December 28, 1933, 13. Accessed August 22, 2019.  http://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/lccn/sn95071428/1933-12-28/ed-1/seq-13/ .

Harry S. Ebbets obituary.  Newsday . November 1, 1978, 45.

Researched by Regina G. Feeney, August 22, 2019.

Ed Buckley's West End Boat Yard

Ed Buckley's West End Boat Yard  (also known as Ed Buckley's Marina, West End Boat Yard, and Ed Buckley's Boat Basin) was located at West End Avenue and Anchor Street on the West End Canal . One of the buildings on the property was originally the Wesley B. Smith Oyster House that was built circa 1890.

In 1934, the West End Boat Yard put 57 boats into commission. 

In the late 1980s, the boat yard property became part of the Anchors Edge and Waters Edge Cooperative apartments.

Click here for images related to Ed Buckley's West End Boat Yard .

Anchors Edge [advertisement]. The Leader . October 21, 1987, 7. Accessed December 26, 2018.  http://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/lccn/sn83008745/1987-10-21/ed-1/seq-7/ . (Note: advertisement spells "Wesley" incorrectly).

Ed Buckley's West End Boat Yard [advertisement]. The Leader . October 30, 1958, 3.  Accessed December 26, 2018.  http://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/lccn/sn95071064/1958-10-30/ed-1/seq-3/ .

Edwin S. Buckley [obituary]. The Leader. January 9, 1969, 7.  Accessed December 27, 2018. http://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/lccn/sn95071064/1969-01-09/ed-1/seq-7/ .

Metz, Clinton E. "Freeport of Yester-Year. The Leader.  May 12, 1966, 15. Accessed December 27, 2018.  http://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/lccn/sn95071064/1966-05-12/ed-1/seq-15/ .

"38-Foot Cruiser Sold." The New York Times . May 27, 1934, S10.

Researched by Regina G. Feeney, January 10, 2019.

Updated by Regina G. Feeney, June 5, 2019.

Eddie's Fish Market

Eddie's Fish Market was located at the dock at the foot of Woodcleft Avenue. They also had a location at 282 Front Street in Hempstead.  The store's motto was "If it swims, clings, or crawls, we have it." 

Eddie's Fish Market [advertisement]. Nassau Daily Review-Star . June 27, 1946, 6. Accessed August 26, 2019.  http://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/lccn/sn83031113/1946-06-27/ed-1/seq-6/ .

Researched by Regina G. Feeney, August 26, 2019.

Eddy, Mary Baker

Church of Christ, Scientist

Edison Hall Apartments

Edison Hall Apartments was the original name of a three story apartment building located at 56 Broadway.  This building was constructed in 1931, the year of Thomas Edison's death.  Apartments were configured to include one to four rooms and had a superintendent living on the premises. 

Apartment Buildings

"Freeport to Douse Lights for Edison."  The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . October 20, 1931, 27. Accessed April 17, 2018.  https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/59856095/?terms=freeport%2Bedison .

Edison Hall Apartments [classified advertisement]. The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . June 8, 1933, 30. Accessed April 18, 2018.  https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/59979974/?terms=%22Edison%2BHall%22% 2Bfreeport .

Researched by Regina G. Feeney, April 18, 2018.

Edwards, Charles (Rev.)

Reverend Charles Edwards was the pastor of the Freeport Baptist Church in the early 1890s. During his tenure, he authored the book, The New York Hooroarer: A Visit to the Infernal Regions and Return .  This book was sold locally for ten cents. Edwards resigned his position with the Baptist congregation in 1893 after five years of service.

Click here for a digital copy of Edwards' book.

"Wrote a Book and Resigned: A Freeport Clergyman Creates a Sensation." The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . August 26, 1893, 8. Accessed September 30, 2016. https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/50391222/?terms=%22wrote%2Ba%2Bbook%2Band%2Bresigned%22.

Researched by Regina G. Feeney, September 30, 2016.

Edwards, Clarence

Clarence Edwards was the fifteenth president (mayor) of Freeport (1920 to 1921).

Edwards was preceded by Robert G. Anderson and succeeded by Robert L. Christie.

Click here for images related to Clarence Edwards.

Researched by Cynthia J. Krieg, May 29, 2016.

Edwards, Elvin N.

Elvin N. Edwards  (c. 1881- 1946) served as Village justice from 1911-1912. Born in Brooklyn, he was the son of the Reverend and Mrs. Charles Edwards. The family moved to Freeport when Edwards was two years old. He attended the Freeport public schools and graduated from New York Law School in 1905. He began his private practice in Freeport; his law office was located in the Ross and Randall Building on Railroad Avenue. His first case over which he presided as Village judge was for petit larceny. He ran for the State Assembly on the Bull Moose ticket in 1912. He spent 19 years in the District Attorney’s office, which included three terms as District Attorney.  During his tenure with this office, Edwards prosecuted, Francis "Two Gun" Crowley for the murder of Nassau County Patrolman Fred S Hirsch, Jr.   Edwards returned to private practice in 1934 at the Mineola firm of Edwards, Froelich and MacDonough.

Edwards was a president of the Nassau County Bar Association, a member of the Junior Order of American Mechanics, and vice-president and counsel for the Freeport Board of Trade. He was captain of Vigilant Hose Company No. 2 from 1911 to 1913.

Aylward, Jerry. Francis "Two Gun" Crowley's Killings in New York City and Long Island . Charleston, SC: History Press, 2020 .

Bermudez, Miguel and Donald Giordano. An Illustrated History of the Freeport Fire Department , 1893-2008 . Freeport, NY, Freeport Fire Department, 2008.

Researched by Cynthia J. Krieg, June 20, 2016.

Ehrhart, Phil (Father)

Captain Philip Ehrhart (1884-1946) was a Freeport restaurateur and fishing guide.  Before moving to Freeport, Ehrhart was well known in Brooklyn restaurant and fishing circles.  Ehrhart lived in Freeport for 20 years.  He was the skipper of the Lydia R, an open party boat. Before World War II, Ehrhart purchased a business owned by Ben Eldred and renamed it "Capt. Phil Ehrhart."  There was a tavern on the lower level with living quarters above, and was located at 245 Woodcleft Avenue  The establishment also maintained a dock.  Ehrhart had owned the Tulip Hill Tavern in Floral Park.

Ehrhart was a member of the Freeport Elks Club .  He died of a heart attack. Ehrhart's wife, Florence, and son Phil took over the business.

Click here for images related to Captain Phil Ehrhart.

"Services Held for Capt. Phil Ehrhart." Newsday . September 24, 1946, 6. 

Vasil, Eddie. News & Views. The Leader . August 25, 1966, 1. Accessed October 18, 2018.  http://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/lccn/sn95071064/1966-08-25/ed-1/seq-1/ .

Researched by Regina G. Feeney, October 18, 2018.

Ehrhart, Phil (Son)

Captain Philip Ehrhart (1933-1981) was the proprietor of the Capt. Phil Ehrhart and Ehrhart's Clam House on Woodcleft Avenue. The former was started by his father in the 1930s.  Ehrhart added a clam house in the 1970s.

Ehrhart attended Freeport schools before entering into the army.

For 70 years, fishing vessels had reported that their  nets were getting caught on a mysterious object off the coast of Jones Beach.  After his friend reported the same problem, Ehrhart hired two divers who discovered a 5,100 pound German-made anchor that had been cut loose from its chain. It took Ehrhart's team 15 hours to pull the anchor out of 45 feet of water. The anchor was brought back to Freeport and displayed in front of the Capt. Phil Ehrhart restaurant .  Ehrhart claimed that the anchor belonged to an old four-masted schooner and that it was approximately 100 years old.  

Ehrhart was a past president of the Freeport Tuna Club and ran its journal for several years.  He participated in the annual canoe races, was a member of the Freeport Rotary, the Freeport Elks Club .  , and the American Legion, William Clinton Story Post No. 342.

Ehrhart died at the age of 47.  After his death, his wife Doris, ran the business with his mother, Florence.  After Florence retired, Doris ran the bar and became co-owner of the clam house.

Click here for images related to Captain Phil  Ehrhart.

Braun, Bill. The Leader. November 6, 1997, 6. Accessed October 18, 2018.  http://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/lccn/sn95071065/1997-11-06/ed-1/seq-6/ .

"Fishermen Weigh Anchor: 5,100 Pounds." Newsday . August 26, 1966, 41.

Phi Ehrhart [obituary]. Newsday. April 5, 1981, 29.

"Phil Ehrhart Dead at 47." The Leader. April 9, 1981, 1. Accessed October 18, 2018.  http://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/lccn/sn95071064/1981-04-09/ed-1/seq-1/ .

"The Anchor--Where's the Ship?" Daily News . September 3, 1966, 282. Accessed October 18, 2018. newspapers.com.

Elar, Peter

Peter Elar  (circa 1895*-1986) was the chief of the Freeport Police Department for a span of 25 years, from 1940 to 1965.  Before joining the Freeport Police Department in 1917, Elar worked as a detective for the Erie-Lackawanna Railroad.

Elar was born in Freeport on July 29, 1895 on the southeast corner of Henry Street and Sunrise Highway.  While attending Freeport High School, Elar played football.  He and his wife, Elizabeth, (nee Sarro) had three sons: Anthony, John, and Peter Jr. Anthony would later join the Freeport police force and rise to the rank of the police chief in 1969.

Elar lived in several homes in Freeport including 85 Buffalo Avenue, 165 East Merrick Road, and 544 Southside Avenue.  Elar was one of the last residents to keep livestock in the Village of Freeport.  It was reported that Elar raised horses, chickens, turkeys, bees, ducks, pheasants, and pigeons on his properties.  In 1956, his neighbors on Southside Avenue demanded a ban on the ownership of farm animals in Freeport.

Elar was suspended with pay in September of 1958 on 18 charges of misconduct.  The immediate cause of the suspension was Elar's ownership and rental of three substandard properties in the Bennington Park section of Freeport, which included 63 Buffalo Avenue, 118 Albany Avenue, and 103 Mill Road.  Other charges included accepting PBA money for a police chiefs' convention which he did not attend, and opening and failing to forward a personal letter to  Sgt. Claude Raynor .  In 1959, he was found innocent of all charges and returned to his job.

Elar was a skilled fisherman and hunter.  While a policeman,  Elar won several marksmanship contests.  He also bought and sold real estate.  Elar was a member of the  Spartan Lodge  of Masons, the  Freeport Elks Club ,  Freeport Exempt Firemen's Association , and the International Police Chiefs’ Association.  He was a past director of the New York State Police Chiefs’ Association and belonged to the Nassau County Police Conference.

After his wife died, Elar married Beatrice (nee Green) of Wantagh.  Elar is buried in Greenfield Cemetery, Uniondale, NY.

*There are various dates given for Peter Elar's birth in Ancestry.com.  His World War I draft card gave his birth as July 29, 1895.  His World War II draft card gave Elar a July 29,1894 birth date. The 1900 census said he was born in 1893.  Elar's obituary claims Elar was 96 years old when he died.  If the age given is correct, he would have been born in 1890. 

Click here for material related to Peter Elar.

Bennington Park

Elar's Hotel

Freeport Elks

"Eddie Vasil Introduces Police Chief Peter Elar."  The Leader . March 17, 1949, 1. Accessed December 27, 2017. 

"End of an Era for Freeport Police."  Newsday . September 22, 1986, 21.

"Former Police Chief Peter Elar Dies at 96."  The Leader .  August 25, 1986, 1. Accessed December 27, 2017.  http:// nyshistoricnewspapers.org/ lccn/sn95071064/1986-08-25/ed- 1/seq-1/ .

"Freeport Moves to Control Sheep."  The Leader.  August 16, 1956, 1. Accessed December 27, 2017.  http:// nyshistoricnewspapers.org/ lccn/sn95071064/1956-08-16/ed- 1/seq-1/.

"Freeport Ousts 'Slumlord' Police Chief."  Newsday.   September 23, 1958, 3. 

"It Happened ... Years Ago."  The Leader . June 20, 1985, 16. Accessed December 27, 2017.  http:// nyshistoricnewspapers.org/ lccn/sn95071064/1985-06-20/ed- 1/seq-16/ .

Researched by Regina G. Feeney, December 27, 2017.

Elar's Hotel

Elar's Hotel was located at 159 East Merrick Road.  It was established by Antonio (Tony) Elar as a tavern and hotel.  The original wooden building was destroyed by a fire in 1907 and was replaced by a brick building.

Click here for images related to Elar's Hotel.

​ "Freeport News." Nassau County Review . August 30, 1901, 1. Accessed September 30, 2016. http://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/lccn/sn95071433/1907-08-30/ed-1/seq-1/.

Krieg, Cynthia J. and Regina G. Feeney. Freeport . Charleston, SC: Arcadia, 2012.

The Montauk Business Directory of Long Island: Queens, Nassau and Suffolk Counties . New York: Mort F. Levy Publishing Co., Inc., 1913.

Researched by Regina G. Feeney, October 1, 2016.

The ELCO Auto Laundry was a car wash located 123 East Merrick Road.  The business was owned by John Elar and Vanderlee Colter.  Car washes cost $1.50 Monday through Thursday and $2 on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.  According to the ELCO's advertisements, this was the first car wash in Freeport.

The ELCO Auto Laundry [advertisement]. The Leader . March 12, 1953, 6. Accessed February 9, 2019.  http://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/lccn/sn95071064/1953-03-05/ed-1/seq-12/ .

Researched by Regina G. Feeney, February 15, 2018.

Eldridge, John K.

John K. Eldridge (1859-1936) was the president of the First National Bank and Trust Company . Born in New York City, he worked most of his career with the Sickels Loader Company, a wholesale hardware business in Manhattan.  He started with Sickels as an errand boy and eventually became president of the firm.  

He moved to Freeport around 1896.  He was a member of the Freeport Methodist Church where he served a chairman of the church board.  He was a charter member of the Freeport Club  and an original organizer of the First National Bank  in 1905.  After the death of Ernest Randall , he assumed the chairmanship of the bank's board.  Eldridge also served as a Village of Freeport trustee, was a member of the Freeport school board, and was captain of Truck Company No. 2 of the Freeport Fire Department.  According to police chief John N. Hartmann , Eldridge was instrumental in capturing a burglar that had robbed the home of Eldridge's son-in-law Harry W. Beebe and colleague Edward B. Thompson.

Eldridge and his wife, Julia (nee Hollaway), lived at 119 West Merrick Road .  The couple had two daughters.  Eldridge died of a stroke at the age of 77 and is buried in Greenfield Cemetery, Uniondale, NY.

First National Bank

Freeport Club

Freeport Methodist

Randall, Ernest S.

Sources: 

Ancestry.com.

"Funeral Sunday for J.K. Eldridge, Freeport Banker." The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . September 26, 1936, 11. Accessed September 15, 2023. Newspapers.com.

"J.K. Eldridge Dies in Freeport." Brooklyn Times Union. September 25, 1936, 20. Accessed September 15, 2023. Newspapers.com.

Researched by Regina G. Feeney, September 15, 2023.

Eleanor K (Ship)

Eleanor K was a 31-foot boat constructed at the Combs boatyard in Freeport in 1906. The Eleanor K was built for J. Maynard Kissam of Queens and was equipped with an 11 horse-power engine.  She was described as fast and comfortable boat.

The Eleanor K was christened by Kissam's wife, Lina, on May 9, 1906.  Following the ceremony, the Kissams and their friends sailed to Nassau-by-the-Sea for a bay dinner.  The boat was named for the Kissam's daughter, Eleanor.

See Also: 

Daniel Combs' Boatyard

Click here for images related to the Eleanor K.

"Eleanor K. Launched." Brooklyn Times Union . May 11, 1906, 5. Accessed May 4, 2021. Newspapers.com.

Researched by Regina G. Feeney, May 4, 2021.

Electricar Manufacturing Company

Electricar Manufacturing Co. was located 393 South Main Street.  The company introduced the "Nassau" model in 1959. This Freeport factory also produced electric golf carts. The "Envoy" golf cart had four wheels and was made of fiberglass.

Electricar [classified advertisement]. Newsday . April 11, 1959, 60.  Accessed February 17, 2024. Newspapers.com.

"Freeport's Electricar Co. Introduces "Nassau' Model."  The Leader . April 23, 1959, 1.  Accessed February 9, 2024.  https://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=tl19590423-01.1.1.

Phonebook, 1959.  Accessed February 9, 2024.  https://greatneck.advantage-preservation.com/viewer/?k=electricar&i=f&d=01011913-12311975&m=between&ord=k1&fn=new_york_city_telephone_directories_usa_new_york_great_neck_19590101_english_332&df=1&dt=5 .

"Rambler Researching New Type Electric Car." Newsday. April 3, 1959, 83. Accessed February 17, 2024. Newspapers.com.

Researched by Regina G. Feeney, February 17, 2024.

Elinor Place

Elinor Place was named for local aviatrix, Elinor Smith.

Smith, Elinor

Researched by Cynthia J. Krieg, May 23, 2016.

Elizabeth Building

Elizabeth Building is located at 22 Pine Street (at the corner of Pine Street and Church Street).  It was built in 1926 by Frank Willets and named for his daughter Elizabeth.  Willets' real estate business was headquartered in the Elizabeth Building.

In 1977, the Elizabeth Building was damaged as the result of a fire.

Click here for material related to the Elizabeth Building.

"Frank Willets Harkens Back to His Horse Trading Days." Nassau Daily Review-Star. April 10, 1947, 5. Accessed March 5, 2018. fultonhistory.com.

Frank Willets Realtor [advertisement]. The Student . November 1929, 62.  Accessed March 5, 2018. https://cdm16694.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p15281coll12/id/17666/rec/1.

"Willets Elected Bank Director." Nassau Daily Review. May 20, 1931, 16. Accessed March 5, 2018. fultonhistory.com.

Researched by Regina G. Feeney, March 5, 2018.

Elks Club, Freeport

Freeport Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE) Lodge 1253 (also known as the Freeport Elks Club) was established on August 26, 1911 at Mechanics Hall, during a meeting of interested Freeporters and a representative for the District of New York Elks .  In attendance were J. Huyler Ellison, James Hanse, George Morton Levy, Stephen P. Pettit, Franklin C. Hill, and Archer B. Wallace.  It was reported that Freeport's Lodge was the first Elks Lodge to be instituted on Long Island.

Charter membership cards were distributed in the following order:   Stephen P. Pettit , Willet C. Ellison, J. Huyler Ellison, Smith Cox , James Hanse, Leo Fishel, George Morton Levy , Ernest S. Randall , George Fyfe, George G. Florenzie, Whitney Van Wicklen, Charles C. Moore, Jacob Post, Frank L. Hack, Walter Raynor, Chester A. Fulton , Thomas W. Murray, John E. Nolan, Edward A. Olsen, Edward P. Trayer, John B. Cartwright, Andrew J. Murley, George G. Kelly, Frederick Westphal, Edward A. Rice, George C. Jeffrey, Jr., Eddie DeNoyer, Robert P. Welden, and Charles B. Milbank.

By October 1911, the Freeport Elks had 144 members.  That same month, the organization purchased the   home of Charles L. Wallace at Grove Street (now Guy Lombardo Avenue) and Merrick Road for $11,000.  An elks head with electric lights in its antlers was added to the front of the clubhouse in May 1912.The Elks paid off their mortgage in less than two years.  The new clubhouse was formally opened June 22, 1912. The original clubhouse was arranged as follows: first floor included a piano, leather chairs, two dining rooms, a kitchen and cafe, and a spacious reception hall that featured a one of the largest elk's heads in the United States, which was a gift from an Atlantic City Elk; second floor included two spare bedrooms with birdseye maple furniture and brass beds, two card rooms, and two bathrooms; the third floor housed a billiards room.

On July 17, 1913, ground was broken for a $22,000 addition to the clubhouse. The expanded lodge was dedicated on February 21, 1924.

During World War I, the Freeport Elks participated in war bond drives and entertained 7,000 soldiers.  In March 1921, a year after Prohibition went into effect, the Freeport Elks staged a "John Barleycorn funeral."  An effigy of John Barleycorn was paraded throughout Freeport by the Elks lodges of Freeport and Brooklyn in a 112-year old hearse decorated with electric lights.  In 1920, General John J. Pershing, commander of the American Expeditionary Forces during World War I, attended a Elks Memorial Service in Freeport.

The Elks' third building was dedicated on Washington's birthday in 1926.  The building was located on the property once owned by the Bergen family .  The largest of the three clubhouses, the building featured two-story columns.  The first floor contained a bar, dining room, and kitchen.  The basement featured bowling alleys.

The Freeport Elks participated in many charitable endeavors.   A "Good Health Clinic"  was established at the lodge in 1925 by Dr. William H. Runcie, Dr. Leo Haplin, and Dr. Milton Kaye In 1937, Elk members created the Toy Shop to repair toys that were then distributed to needy children. During the Christmas season, the Elks distributed gift baskets to local families. The Elks also participated in a variety of programs for youth in the community.

The Freeport Elks Lodge was often referred to as the "mother lodge of Long Island" since its members helped form lodges in Patchogue, Glen Cove, Hempstead, and Lynbrook.

Due to dwindling membership, the Freeport Elks put their clubhouse up for sale in December 1979.  The building was sold to developers George   Bellesis and Morris Susman.  In February 17, 1980, the Freeport board voted to allow the   demolition of the lodge.   The four-acre property was re-developed into a strip mall named "Elks Plaza. "

Click here for images related to the Freeport Elks Lodge No. 1253.

A Souvenir Commemorating the Opening of the New Home of No. 1253 P .B. O. Elks Freeport, Long Island , [Booklet, 1926]. 

"Elks House Open." South Side Messenger. June 7, 1912, 5.  Accessed July 5, 2017. http://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/lccn/sn96083504/1912-06-07/ed-1/seq-5/.

"Elks Lodge, A Landmark, for Sale." Newsday . December 15, 1979, 11.

"Freeport Board OKs Plan to Demolish Elks Lodge." Newsday . February 17, 1980, 18.

Golden Anniversary, Freeport Elks Lodge No. 1253, Souvenir Journal, February, 22nd 1962 . Freeport, NY: Freeport Elks, 1962.

"John Barleycorn to Ride in Hearse in Freeport Tonight." The Daily Review . March 10, 1921, 1. Accessed June 22, 1921. http://www.nyshistoricnewspapers.org/lccn/sn95071431/1921-03-10/ed-1/seq-1/.

Krieg , Cynthia J. and Regina G. Feeney . Freeport . Charleston, SC: Arcadia Publishing, 2012.

"Memorial Services of Freeport Elks." The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . December 6, 1920, 12. Accessed July 19, 2017. https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/55552920/?terms=%22Pershing%22%2Bfreeport.

"New Elks Lodge. Nassau County Review . August 25, 1911, 1. Accessed June 21, 2017. http://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/lccn/sn95071433/1911-08-25/ed-1/seq-1/.

Raynor, Robert. "Landmarks - A Linkage with the Future." The Leader . April 24, 1980, 3. Accessed July 6, 2017. http://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/lccn/sn95071064/1980-04-24/ed-1/seq-3/.

• Elks' Club Newsletter, November 24th, 1934 Source: Freeport Historical Society
• Elks' Newsletter, April 1965 Source: Freeport Historical Society
• Flag Day 1917 Source: Freeport Historical Society
• History of the Freeport Elks Club Source: Golden Anniversary, Freeport Elks Lodge No. 1253, Souvenir Journal, February 22, 1962. Freeport History Collection LI R 366.5 F

Elliott Place

Elliott Place was named for Gilbert Elliott, president of the Onslow-Moore Development Company of Freeport.

Researched by Cynthia J. Krieg, May 24, 2016.

Elliott Street

Elliott Street, from Seaman Avenue to Forrest Avenue, was renamed Union Street.

Researched by Regina G. Feeney, May 28, 2016.

Ellison Avenue

Ellison Avenue was named for the Ellison family, original settlers and baymen in Freeport

Ellison, Willett C.

Willett C. Ellison (1893-1939) (aka Captain Ellison) was known as the "Father of Freeport Point," a section of Freeport located near Woodcleft Canal.  He was a charter member of the Freeport Elks ; a member of the Freeport Council, Junior Order of United American Mechanics; and a former member of the South Shore Yacht Club.

Ellison and his brother Austin owned a  hotel in Point Lookout .  He also owned Captain Ellison's Bay Side House restaurant .  It is said that Ellison built the first dock and fishing station on Woodcleft Avenue .

Ellison and his wife, Mary, lived at 222 East Dean Street.  They had three daughters.  He is buried in Greenfield Cemetery, Uniondale, NY.

Junior Order of United American Mechanics

South Shore Yacht Club

"The Captain W.C. Ell Legacy: New Views of Freeport's Waterfront Past." Leader . March 11, 1993, 34. Accessed by June 21, 2018.  http://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/lccn/sn95071065/1993-03-11/ed-1/seq-34/ .

"Ellison, 'Father of Freeport Point.'" The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . August 15, 1939, 9. Accessed by June 21, 2018.  https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52798998/?terms=%22freeport%2Bpoint%22 .

Researched by Regina G. Feeney, June 21, 2018.

Elm Place  was known as Roosevelt Place prior to 1917.

Village of Freeport Board Minutes, 1917.

Researched by Regina G. Feeney, December 7, 2018.

Emma, George F.

George F. Emma, Jr. (circa 1938-1983) was a teacher, coach, and athletic director of Freeport High School.  Emma was an outstanding athlete when he attended Freeport High School in the 1950s.  Though Emma lived in Wantagh, he attended Freeport High School because Wantagh did not have a high school at the time. 

The Freeport Exchange Club honored Emma in 1954 for his athletic ability.  In 1955, he was Nassau County's leading basketball scorer, one of Nassau's best cross-country runners, and all-Nassau baseball player.  His single-game basketball scoring record of 50 points stood unsurpassed for 28 years. Emma attended Villanova University on an athletic scholarship.  After graduation, he was signed by the New York Yankees and played with Joe Pepitone on their rookie league team in Auburn.  He led his team in home runs.  The following year, Emma played for the Fargo-Moorhead Twins.   His  minor league career lasted only two years.

Emma began his teaching career at Freeport High School in 1963.  He taught social studies and worked as a coach.  In 1965, he became the head varsity coach of the men's basketball team.  Over the next 18 years, Freeport won 235 games and 14 league championships under Emma's leadership. In 1978, his team was the first to win the Nassau Class A title.  Emma became the athletic director for the Freeport School District in 1972.

Emma died of cancer at the age of 45.  The athletic field at Freeport High School was named in his honor in 1988.

Grissom, Pauline West

Benza, A. J. "Keeping a Coach's Memory Alive." Newsday. January 3, 1988, 27.

Candel, Mike. "Longtime Coach George Emma Dies." Newsday . May 16, 1983, 72.

"Freeport Exchange Club Honors George Emma." Newsday . December 21, 1954, S6. 

"George Emma Dies; Students and Adults Mourn." The Leader . May 19, 1983, 3. Accessed October 26, 2018.  http://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/lccn/sn95071064/1983-05-19/ed-1/seq-3/ .

Voyageur,  1955 (Freeport High School Yearbook).

Researched by Regina G. Feeney, October 26, 2018.

Emories Channel / Emories Basin

Emories Channel  (also known as Emory’s Creek, Emory Creek, Emories Creek, Emories Brook) is a waterway located between Arthur Street and Garfield Street. Emories Creek is one of the three natural waterways in Freeport, besides the Freeport River and Milburn Creek, that existed prior to the 1890s.  Early maps of Freeport show this waterway to be connected to the Crystal Lake.

This waterway was possibly named for Moses Emory, an early settler of the Town of Hempstead.

One of the earliest articles mentioning "Emory Creek" occurred in 1890 when the Town of Hempstead officials discussed constructing a bridge over the waterway.  The creek was mentioned again in an 1895 newspaper article when it was reported that a "band of gypsies" had for two weeks set up camp on the banks of the creek.  In another newspaper article from the 1940s, Captain Alanson (Lan) Ellison reminisced about crossing a "one plank bridge" over the creek as a young boy in the 1860s.

Today,  Emories Channel empties into Emories Basin, which runs parallel to Ray Street.  In 1922, Emories Channel and Emories Basin were part of the Sportman's Harbor development created by John J. Randall.  Several waterways, including Emories Channel and Emories Basin, were given to the Village of Freeport by the John J. Randall Company in 1930.

Milburn Creek

Freeport River

Sportsman's Harbor

"Gypsies on the Island." The Brooklyn Daily Eagle . August 14, 1895, 1. Accessed May 5, 2021.  https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/50412291/?terms=gypsies%20on%20the%20island%20emory%20freeport&match=1.

"Portraits of Pioneers." Nassau Daily Review-Star . September 5, 1941, 13. Accessed May 5, 2021.  http://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/lccn/sn83031113/1941-09-05/ed-1/seq-15/ .

Sportsman's Harbor [advertisement].   The New York Herald.   August 6, 1922, 5. Accessed January 2, 2018.  http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83045774/1922-08-06/ed-1/seq-69/ .

"Toward Bridge Construction." The Sentinel . March 13, 1889, np. Accessed May 4, 2021. fultonhistory.com.

Village of Freeport Board Minutes, 1930.

Researched by Regina G. Feeney, November 16, 2018.

Updated by Regina G. Feeney, May 4, 2021.

Epworth League, Methodist Episcopal Church

Epworth League of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Freeport was organized in 1885.  In 1928, it had 60 members and Elfrieda Wilhelm served as president.

The Long Island Almanac and Year Book, 1928 . New York: The Brooklyn Daily Eagle, 1928.

Researched by Regina G. Feeney, September 1, 2017.

Equal Franchise Club

See Suffrage

Enslaved People (Formerly)

McLean, Henderson

Myers, Sarah A.

Epidemics / Pandemics

Influenza Pandemic, 1918-1919

Polio Epidemic of 1916

Eric's Sweet Shoppe

Eric's Sweet Shoppe was originally located at 6 South Grove Street (now Guy Lombardo Avenue) in the 1950s.   In 1958, Eric's was relocated to 22 South Grove Street. That same year, Freeport High School students presented the proprietor of Eric's Sweet Shoppe, Eric William Kutzing (?-1969) with a two-foot tall trophy.  The trophy's inscription read, "In appreciation for all the fun" and included the names of 28 students who donated money for the gift.

Click here for images related to Eric's Sweet Shoppe.

"Customers Unveil Trophy at Eric's Sweet Shoppe." The Leader . June 19, 1958, 6. Accessed January 13, 2018.  http://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/lccn/sn95071064/1958-06-19/ed-1/seq-6/.

"Eric's to Open Monday in Larger Sweet Shoppe." The Leader . May 29, 1958 9. Accessed January 13, 2018.  http://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/lccn/sn95071064/1958-05-29/ed-1/seq-9/ .

Eric's Sweet Shoppe [advertisement]. The Leader . May 29, 1958, 16. Accessed January 13, 2018.  http://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/lccn/sn95071064/1958-05-29/ed-1/seq-16/ .

Researched by Regina G. Feeney, January 13, 2018.

Ernest Street

Ernest Street was changed to North Long Beach Avenue.  The street was named for John J. Randall's son, Ernest R. Randall, who served as mayor of Freeport from 1916 to 1917.

Randall, Ernest R.

Zimmerman, Charles J. "What Ever Happened To Randolph, Claude and Jerome?" The Leader . October 15, 1992, 24

Researched by Regina G. Feeney, May 29, 2016

Esplanade (Woodcleft Avenue)

The Esplanade, dedicated in 2001, offers dock space and historic displays along Woodcleft Canal. It was constructed on the site of Maresca's Boat Yard.

A three-tiered dolphin sculpture is dedicated to SPLASH in honor of its 10th anniversary.  The Esplanade also includes several displays that include a memorial to Freeport's Lifesaving Volunteers, an information plaque about the history of Freeport waterfront, and Al Grover's boat, Spirit of Freeport , which was the first outboard vessel to cross the Atlantic Ocean .   The United States Naval Academy midshipmen and women dock their boats at the Esplanade during their annual summer training voyage. 

In 2015, the Freeport Landmarks Preservation Committee applied for and received a roadside marker commemorating Woodcleft Canal from the William G. Pomeroy Foundation.

"Freeport Dedicates Esplanade on the Nautical Mile." The Leader.   October 18, 2001, 2. Accessed May 13, 2021.  http://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/lccn/sn95071065/2001-10-18/ed-1/seq-2/ .

"Roundabout Freeport." The Leader. September 6, 2001, 4. Accessed May 13, 2021.  http://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/lccn/sn95071065/2001-09-06/ed-1/seq-4/ .

Researched by Regina G. Feeney, May 13, 2021.

Euterpean Hall

Euterpean Hall  was a public hall established sometime after 1872.  Though it was said that the hall was located on the upper floor of the Freeport Hotel, the hall pre-dates the establishment of the hotel, which is believed to have occurred in 1881. 

Many meetings and entertainments were held in this hall and i t was reported that the hall could seat 500 comfortably.  

Euterpean Hall closed around 1891.

Freeport Hotel

"Freeport." South Side Messenger . October 27, 1911, 1. Accessed August 6, 2019.  http://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/lccn/sn96083504/1911-10-27/ed-1/seq-1/.

"Freeport." South Side Observer . October 17, 1879, 3. Accessed August 6, 2019.  http://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/lccn/sn84031784/1879-10-17/ed-2/seq-4/ .

"Freeport News 28 Years Ago."  Nassau County Review . June 27, 1919, 1. Accessed August 6, 2019.  http://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/lccn/sn95071433/1919-06-27/ed-1/seq-1/ .

Researched by Regina G. Feeney, August 6, 2019.

Evans, Edith Gertrude Selene

Edith Gertrude Selene Evans (1878-1948) was a noted Egyptologist, archeologist, and artist.  Born in England, Evans bought a house in Freeport at 350 South Main Street .  In 1907, she married Dr. Thomas Horace Evans.

The renovations to 350 South Main Street caused the couple problems with their neighbors. The remodeling included multiple windows that overlooked adjoining properties. Mrs. Evans claimed that she needed natural light for painting but her neighbors saw the windows as an invasion of their privacy. The neighbor to the north was dentist and Village Trustee Dr. F. A. Myrick.  He did not appreciate Mrs. Evans’s ability to look down onto his property, so he erected a 16-foot fence between their two houses.

In 1923, Mrs. Evans engaged in field excavations of a burial site at Malba (today, part of Whitestone, NY).  She later presented her findings at a conference. Mrs. Evans was a member of the Society of American Archaeology, American Association of Biology Teachers, American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Anthropological Association, the Egypt Exploration Fund, the Metropolitan Art Museum, the Women's Chess Club of New York, the Nassau Historical Genealogical Society, and the Garden City Community Club.  She died on November 3, 1948.

Evans, Thomas Horace

Click here for image related to Dr. and Mrs. Evans.

Browman, David L. Cultural Negotiations: The Role of Women in the Founding of American Archaeology . Lincoln, NE: University of Nebraska Press. 2013.

"Doctor and Artist Wife Targets for Village Boycott: Firebrand Thrown on Cottage, Motor Boat Stove In, and Trouble Generally for Dr. and Mrs. Evans at Freeport, L. I." The New York Times . August 21, 1910, SM3.

Obituary of Edith Evans. The New York Times . November 5, 1948, 25.

Researched by Regina G. Feeney, June 8, 2016.

• Dr. and Mrs. Evans Read at the Village of Freeport Board Hearing to Landmark the Freeport Historical Society Museum (350 S. Main Street), 2012

Evan, Thomas Horace (Dr.)

Dr. Thomas Horace Evans  (1878-1961) lived with his wife Edith Gertrude Selene Evans at 350 South Main Street.  He was a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, a medical doctor, professor of anatomy, author, poet, and musician.  He also spoke six languages. Dr. Evans was affiliated with Flower Fifth Avenue Hospital in Manhattan.  After his wife's death in 1948, he lived in the house until his own death in 1961.  In 1962, the house was purchased by the Freeport Historical Society for their museum.

Evans, Edith Gertrude Selene.

Obituary of Dr. Thomas Evans. The Leader . February 2, 1961, 9 .

• Obituary of Dr. Thomas Horace Evans The Leader. February 2, 1961, 9.
• A Recollection of Dr. Evans This is a transcribed copy of a letter, found at the Freeport Historical Society, that recounts a meeting with Dr. Thomas H. Evans

Ever Ready Hose Company No. 1

Ever Ready Hose Company No. 1 was organized on January 2, 1894.  The firehouse, located on Bedell Street south of Smith Street, was dedicated on February 12, 1895.  George Wallace was elected as the company's first foreman.  He was also the mayor of Freeport.  In 1903, the firehouse was outfitted with a telephone for firefighting purposes.

Village of Freeport Board Minutes. November 23, 1894, 104.

Researched by Regina G. Feeney, May 20, 2016

Excelsior Hall

Excelsior Hall was a building located on Merrick Road, west of Church Street.  The building had retail space on the first floor and a meeting room above.  In 1874, a meeting to organize the Freeport Fire Department occurred in Excelsior Hall.

Golden Jubilee Anniversary Firemen's Association of the State of New York Held in Freeport .

"It Happened... Years Ago."  The Leader . September 5, 1985, 9. Accessed January 17, 2018.  http://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/lccn/sn95071064/1985-09-05/ed-1/seq-9/ .

Researched by Regina G Feeney, January 17, 2018.

Employment Agencies

Anderson, Joseph P. M.

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