Embedded Files
"There is a general feeling of excitement and optimism as well as controversy as Montauk tangibly enters a new phase despite a slow start in business this season because of the general down trend of the nation's economy and poor weather," reported the New York Times on July 9, 1970.
The article went on to cite the ongoing redevelopment of the Montauk Manor, the opening of the New York State Ocean Science Laboratory, rising real estate values and a quickened interest in development as a whole, and a growing recreation-based economy as harbingers of good times.
"Today sports fishing has taken precedence over commercial fishing and tourism is the new major industry," it said. "The first motel opened in 1953 and there are now about 100."
Take a look below at a few of Montauk's workplaces at the time.
New York Ocean Science Laboratory
Affiliated with eight academic institutions and headed by Dr. John C. Baiardi, the New York Ocean Science Laboratory – known as NYOSL — opened in Montauk in 1970. Within a few years it had about 140 employees doing research and filling support jobs.
Ocean Science Laboratory postcard (an inscription with publicity information is on reverse side), Montauk Postcard Collection.
Gosman's Restaurant
Mary and Robert Gosman had started the waterfront establishment as a small chowder stand in 1943, originally serving fishermen, but by 1975 it was a sprawling, highly popular seafood restaurant serving tourists and offering free jazz concerts by musicians of national renown. As a whole, the Gosman's complex employed hundreds of locals and seasonal immigrants.
Click on the arrows above to take a look behind the scenes.
Montauk Air Force Station (now Camp Hero State Park)
The Montauk Air Force Station operated from 1951 to 1981. Previously, the property had been used as a World War II coastal defense station disguised as a coastal fishing village. In addition to radar equipment and perhaps 100 officers and support staff, the Air Force Station had a barracks, mess hall, recreation hall and gymnasium, an officers club, a commissary where items like stamps and toiletries could be purchased, and a number of other structures and buildings.
The Montauk Library’s set of Ed Crasky Montauk Air Force Station Photographs consists of 37 photographs taken at the Air Force base in 1980, the year before the government closed it down.
In the 1980s, part of the land was deeded to New York State, with 30 acres designated to East Hampton Town to use for moderate-income housing. In 1984, the National Parks Service transferred the remaining 278 acres to the state, which opened Camp Hero State Park in 2002.
Edwin “Ed” Crasky photographed in front of the United States Air Force, 773rd Radar Squadron, sign in 1980. | Ed Crasky Montauk Air Force Station Photographs.
Montauk Air Force recreational hall and radar tower and radome, 1980. | Ed Crasky Montauk Air Force Station Photographs.
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