Road Bar Scored As Farmers Seek Water For Stock
Way Fight at Middle Island Reopens
July 5, 1929
Yaphank, L.I., July 4—After peace and non-interference of a year, following an armistice a year ago today, the battle of Bartlett’s Pond at Middle Island has again broken out this week. Official steps are being sought to end permanently the rancor over the night of way leading to the pond adjoining the property of Charles Dieffenbach. This time the situation is an acute one, due to the long dry spell and the need for water on the part of the farmers of this section.
The pond is an old one, often mentioned in the record of the town of Brookhaven, but last year a real battle was staked when Frederick Brenner Jr., charged Charles Dieffenbach with striking him with a shotgun and chasing him from the shores of the pond and prohibiting others in the section from using the pond, which is the local “old swimming hole.”
Assistant District Attorney Alexander G. Blue started prosecution of the case, but by mutual consent the case was dropped when Dieffenbech relented and allowed use of the pond on July 4.
This week the fight loomed up again when Dieffenbach is alleged to have blocked off the entrance to the pond on July 4.
This week the fight loomed up again when Dieffenbach is alleged to have blocked off the entrance to the pond. With their cisterns dry many farmers in this section have been going to the pond at night and filling tanks with water for farm use, but they face a difficult problem with the road closed.
According to Justice Frederick P. Marchant, there is a three rod public right of way to the pond and also a right of way around the pond. In the meantime Town Counsel Ralph Hawkins and the trustees are being appealed to for a final order that will keep the entrance to the water open.
Newspaper stories
Southside Signal
July 15, 1871
The “Fourth” was celebrated here in a more than usually liberal manner. Mr. Bartlett gave at his residence, a brilliant display of fire works in the evening; also refreshments and music in profuse variety were placed at the disposal of the two or three hundred natives and others who were present.. A good time was the verdict of all present. At the same time another display of like festivities was in progress at Artist Lake under the auspices of Mr. Carpenter, whose residence adjoins the lake.
Port Jeff Echo
November 13, 1915
Friend of Judge Bartlett was at his country place over Sunday enjoying the autumnal beauty of that enchanting retreat.
Port Jeff Echo
November 9, 1918
Howard Swezey is cutting and carting to the railroad quite a number of spiels for government work at Greenport. Besides timber from his won farm, he is working a considerable tract and Judge Bartlett’s extensive property.
PJE
January 14, 1922
Judge Willard Bartlett, and his family spent New Year’s Day at his farm in this place. Sixty years ago he was a prominent figure among the boys who gathered on this pond to enjoy the skating when it was good on holiday occasions.
PJE
January 25, 1925
Willard Bartlett former Chief justice of the Court of Appeals and law partner of Elihu Root died at his home in Brooklyn last Saturday. He was 78 years of age.
In 1858 Bartlett came with his father and the family and settled at Bartlett, which is between Coram and Middle Island.