New Book Releases

The Hudson River bridges, iconic structures of the New York State Bridge Authority, are the cornerstone of the Mid-Hudson Valley.

Opened in 1924, the Bear Mountain Bridge was the first vehicular crossing of the Hudson River, south of Albany. Twentieth-century growth in the Hudson Valley can be traced to each bridge opening, the result of grassroot efforts by local residents. The Mid-Hudson Bridge, named for the region these bridges span, was designated an “Engineering Epic” following the tipping of the east caisson that delayed construction for a year while engineers and laborers struggled to right that caisson in the waters of the Hudson River. The plan for the Rip Van Winkle Bridge required the creation of the New York State Bridge Authority, when funding was otherwise impossible during the Great Depression. Three more bridges were built connecting remaining areas of the Mid-Hudson region.The last crossing became the “twin spans” of the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge, the New York State Bridge Authority’s most traveled span. In 2010, the New York State Bridge Authority gained ownership of the bridge structure of the Walkway Over the Hudson, a pedestrian walkway built on the old Poughkeepsie Bridge, which opened for trains in 1889.

Kathryn W. Burke, educator, author, and director of Historic Bridges of the Hudson Valley, shares her appreciation and knowledge of these bridges through photograph archives of the New York State Bridge Authority; the Modjeski & Masters, Inc., engineering firm; and the Smithsonian Museum of American History. This is Burke’s second book on the Hudson River bridges.

The waters of Manhasset Bay have long been an incubator for innovation and prosperity. While early baymen sought their livelihood through clam digging and fishing, a new industry by way of sand mining forever changed the bucolic hilltops that overlooked the bay. While the sand mining industry brought prosperity and notoriety, the industry's use of heavy machinery and hydraulic pumps leveled the peninsula, once known for its lush grazing pastures. During the early 1900s, areas such as Port Washington, Manhasset, and Great Neck flourished into commuter, suburban towns. Shifting from a farming to a suburban community, homes began to develop along Manhasset Bay. Urbanization brought new housing and businesses such as hotels and lavish restaurants. As an epicenter for aviation, the bay launched historic flights through a then-fledgling Pan American Airway Corporation on Manhasset Isle. Elite yacht clubs and grand estates dotted the shoreline, all catering to a growing population looking to the bay for its leisure and livelihood. The once-tranquil waters are now a hub for city vacationers, bustling commuters, and entrepreneurs.

Following World War II, East Meadow developed into a suburban paradise some 20 miles east of New York City. The hamlet's name was derived from its proximity to the colonial settlement at Hempstead and the topography of the Hempstead Plains that covered much of present-day Nassau County. East Meadow was once known for herding sheep, raising cattle, and growing potatoes--livestock frequently outnumbered the human population. Large farming estates of the Barnum, Carman-Lowden, and Fish families drove the local economy and existed alongside smaller farms and businesses that dotted the colonial-era roads. East Meadow was also home to high-society Gilded Age mansions, dangerous automobile races, stylish polo and golf clubs, and famous residents such as Eleanor Roosevelt, Joseph J. Lannin, and Alva Vanderbilt Belmont. Proximity to Mitchel Air Force Base and Roosevelt Field placed East Meadow directly under the path of important airplane firsts, such as Charles A. Lindbergh's 1927 transatlantic flight.

Symphoria, known as the Orchestra of Central New York, is one of only two musician-governed orchestras in the United States. Founded in 2012, Symphoria was created by the musicians who were disbanded when the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra went bankrupt just as it was celebrating its 50th anniversary. Over 100 years after the founding of the very first symphony orchestra in Central New York in 1921, Symphoria celebrates a new model, more modest in scope but equally ambitious in purpose: to contribute to a diverse, vibrant, equitable, and culturally rich Central New York community through the power of great music.

For over 100 years, the Palisades Interstate Park has provided a haven for citizens of the New York metropolitan area. The park system was originally formed to prevent quarries from desecrating the majestic lower Palisades cliffs. Few of the founders could have envisioned the growth of the parks, as land purchases multiplied northward up the Hudson River Valley. Now with over 100,000 unspoiled acres, the parks offer myriad outdoor recreational activities and historic sites that attract more visitors than many major national parks.

The neighborhoods of Douglaston and Little Neck are located on the northeastern frontier of Queens County. The gateway to the north shore of Long Island, both towns are linked not only geographically but through an illustrious history that dates back to the time of the Algonquin, who called the area Matinecock or "Place of the Hill Country." In 1906, the Rickert-Finlay Realty Company helped develop Douglaston and Little Neck, featuring an architectural tapestry of Colonial and Tudor Revivals, English cottages, and Arts and Crafts-style homes. Douglaston quickly became a destination for artists and yachting enthusiasts while Little Neck quickly saw its conversion from farmland and quaint yet rustic country stores to a newly developed area of communities and hamlets that exemplified the American dream. Today an historic district, Douglaston includes homes designed by Josephine Wright Chapman, one of the nation's earliest women architects, as well as the childhood home of pro tennis legend John McEnroe.

Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant provides a rare glimpse inside an incredible machine built and operated by extraordinary people, most from surrounding local communities. What began life in 1923 as a pleasure park in Buchanan, New York, Indian Point transformed into a three-reactor electric generating facility that provided up to 25 percent of the power required by Westchester County and New York City for 59 years. From the start of construction in 1956, thousands left a legacy through their hard work and dedication and developed Indian Point into a world record holder for continuous power operation by a nuclear generating unit. Indian Point forever changed this small village on the banks of the Hudson River and the livelihoods of thousands living in the Hudson Valley.

The Babies Hospital, now known as Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital, was founded in 1887 by Drs. Sarah and Julia McNutt in a brownstone on Fifty-Fifth Street and Lexington Avenue.

The hospital is the first freestanding children's hospital in New York City and the fourth oldest in the United States. However, the hospital traces its roots to the establishment of the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, then King's College, more than 250 years ago. In 1929, the hospital relocated to a new 204-bed facility as part of the Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center. The New York Times referred to the new Babies Hospital as "the last word in hospital design and equipment." Under the leadership of Rustin Mcintosh from 1931 to 1960, the hospital became a beacon for discovery and innovation, assembled a department of noted subspecialists, and was one of the first children's hospitals to develop programs in neonatology, surgery, radiology, neurology, hematology-oncology, and psychiatry.

Michael Weiner, MD, Hettinger professor of pediatrics at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, is a vice chair of pediatrics, former director of the Division of Pediatric Oncology, and an author of Living Cancer: Stories of an Oncologist, Father, Survivor and a Philanthropist. Stephen E. Novak has been the head of Archives & Special Collections at Columbia's Augustus C. Long Health Sciences Library since 1997. The images in the book come from the rich photographic resources of the library.

The first Masonic lodge in what is today Nassau and Suffolk Counties was constituted in 1793. For over 200 years, more than 70 lodges were founded and flourished in various locations from Amagansett to Great Neck. For the first time, some of the secrets of the Masonic fraternity are revealed in this book. Recovered from dusty lodge attics and closets, this selection of long-forgotten photographs and artifacts gives the readers a brief glimpse of what was taking place behind the closed doors of their local lodge. Long Island was the Masonic home of Theodore Roosevelt of Oyster Bay and, 30 years later, was honored by a visit to the Huntington Masonic lodge by his fifth cousin and fellow Mason Franklin D. Roosevelt. Masons continue to support the community through charitable endeavors, including the Masonic Medical Research Institute, Masonic Safety Identification Programs, Shriners Hospitals, and many more.

In the fall of 1885, the City of New York transferred 55 men and women living at the Kings County Asylum to the new St. Johnland farm colony "to promote rational outdoor living, exercise, and occupation." In 1887, just a few miles away at Central Islip, another City of New York farm colony was established for the chronically mentally ill. Founded on the principles of moral therapy, the farm colonies provided treatment, recreation, religious services, and hope towards integration back into society for patients. In 1931, Pilgrim State was constructed as a final solution to address the growing needs of Long Island's state hospital system. By 1955, more than 32,000 individuals were receiving board and care at the three facilities. This publication illustrates the legacy of humility, beneficence, and devotion to the mentally ill for over 111 years of the Long Island State Hospitals' joint operations through photographs appearing courtesy of a private collection.

From baymen and oysters to thespians and the LIGHT club, journey through over 300 years of Freeport's history in this photographic tale.

Founded in the mid-1650s, Freeport was originally a hamlet of farmers and baymen and was famous for its oysters. In the late 1880s, developers John J. Randall and his partner, William G. Miller, increased their real estate acreage by filling the lowlands from canals, such as Woodcleft and Randall's Bay. Hotels sprung up, and Freeport became a popular destination, drawing the rich and famous to the area's beautiful beaches and seaside activities. Entertainers found Freeport a perfect place to relax, so in the early 20th century they formed the Long Island Good Hearted Thespian Society (LIGHTS) Club and erected a world-famous clubhouse. Along with a rich entertainment history, boating and fishing (both sport and commercial) abound here. The Nautical Mile is a working port with docks for commercial fishing boats, boat dealers, boutiques, and fabulous restaurants.

Porter depicts the history of a town that has been shaped by the strategic military position of Fort Niagara. Like other towns, Porter has often confronted the challenge of preserving its identity. Yet, gradual changes over the centuries have not altered, for the most part, the quality of life in its villages of Youngstown and Ramsomville and across the rest of its 19,870 acres. This northwest Niagara County community still cherishes its heritage, lush farmlands, classic mix of suburban and rural settings, and unique role in Niagara frontier history.

The venerable Wonder Wheel, Coney Island's oldest and greatest attraction, has dominated the Coney Island skyline for more than a century. Towering over an ephemeral amusement zone long plagued by fires, floods, and ill-conceived urban renewal schemes, the magnificent steel machine has proved to be the ultimate survivor. The ride boasts impressive statistics. A combination of roller coaster and Ferris wheel, the 150-foot-tall structure weighs 200 tons, has 16 swinging cars and 8 stationary cars, and can carry 144 riders. More than 40 million passengers have taken a ride on the wheel since it was built in 1920, and during that time, it has maintained a perfect safety record. The ride is also a monument to immigrant initiative. Charles Hermann, the ride's designer, was Romanian; the original owner, Herman Garms, was German; and Denos Vourderis, who purchased and lovingly restored the aging landmark in 1983, was Greek. An official New York City landmark, the Wonder Wheel is now owned and operated by three generations of the Vourderis family as the centerpiece of their Deno's Wonder Wheel Park. The enduring saga of this iconic ride, and the family that saved it, provide a captivating chapter of Coney Island's history.

In the early days, Huntington, New York, was known as part of the Gold Coast of Long Island. It was a busy area boasting summer hotels and docking facilities. Steamboats brought crowds to Huntington from New York City for outdoor fun. Mariners took advantage of landmarks to guide their craft into channels until 1857, when the Lloyd Harbor Light Station was built on a sandspit to guard the entrance of both Lloyd and Huntington Harbors. In 1907, the US Congress appropriated $40,000 for the construction of a new lighthouse to replace the Lloyd Harbor Light Station, which proved to be ineffective for the navigation of vessels entering Huntington Harbor. The Venetian Renaissance-style structure was completed in 1912 and had the distinctive appearance of a small castle. Thanks to the enormous efforts of the Huntington Lighthouse Preservation Society, Inc., the beauty and uniqueness of the Huntington Harbor Lighthouse has been preserved.

Beginning in the late 19th century, Chinese immigrants arrived in New York City with hopes of more opportunity for better lives. Once confined to a few streets in downtown Manhattan, the Chinese people gradually moved throughout the city. Their rich cultural traditions contribute to New York's vibrant multicultural community. New York City's Chinese Community captures the people, culture, history, businesses, events, and neighborhoods that have defined this community from the early days to more recent times. Historic photographs highlight details from the life and experiences of the Chinese population in New York, including their deep-rooted heritage and their new American ways of life.

The Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm were founded in New York just days before the stock market crash of 1929. Sister Angeline de Ste Agathe (later renamed Mother M. Angeline Teresa) and six other Sisters (Alexis, Alodie, Teresa, Louise, Leonie, and Colette) had all professed vows with the Little Sisters of the Poor and were ministering in the Bronx, New York. Wanting to devote themselves to the care of elderly Americans and encouraged by Cardinal Patrick Hayes of the Archdiocese of New York, all seven requested a dispensation from their vows as Little Sisters. Thanks to the efforts of Cardinal Hayes, they moved into the former St. Elizabeth's rectory, and by Christmas 1929, they had taken in their first seven residents. When they were officially given permission to adopt the name of the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm in 1931, they became the first US congregation founded exclusively to care for elderly Americans and became pioneers in the field of geriatrics. Today, the Sisters serve the elderly in 22 nursing homes, assisted-living homes, or independent-living entities in eight different states as well as one in Ireland.