Embedded Files
The shift from a commercial fishing-based economy to one based on tourism and real estate was already under way, but locals and visitors still managed to find a good time.
A teen couple at the beach, circa late 1970s. Ray Smith Collection.
Donkey Basketball, often played as Donkey Baseball games (in which players ride a donkey to the bases), was popular; fire departments from Montauk and Amagansett competed and games were also played as fundraisers. Stayton, Cahill, and Eurell Family Collection.
"Bike race starts at Gosman's," circa late 1970s. Al Holden Collection.
Loretta DeRose water skiing over a jump in Lake Montauk in 1976, before "Kalikow Cove"off the Star Island Causeway was closed to the public. Color photograph, Al Holden Collection.
Michael Potts catches a wave at Surf & Sand, 1970s. Photo by Mike Liford, Michael Potts Surfing Collection.
Fun and more fun in 1970. Montauk Guide, Montauk Improvement Co.
Local Montauk girls pose for photographs circa late 1970s. Ray Smith Collection.
Nightlife certainly looked different in the 1970s. For many young people, late-night bar crawls were followed by a dusting of sleep, then a service job, then surfing, then going out.; for others, entertainment consisted of an "excellent dinner" followed by a moonlight walk (Gurney's Inn) or "an after-theatre drink" (the Blue Marlin). Musical offerings ranged from "adult discotheque" (Pirate's Den) to the Virginia Reel (Hither Hills State Park).
"At last! Elegance is back!" Neil's Up at the Downs Lodge. Flyer promoting the Bill & Lisa Manning Group, 1980.
Jimmy Dean, and Bill and Lisa Manning, posing for a photograph circa 1970s. Ray Smith Collection.
Where to go out on the town (in a dress or suit jacket, of course). Montauk Guide, Montauk Improvement Co.
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