Patchogue News Items in 1884
By Thomas R. Bayles
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.”