Name: Long Island Oddities
Brand: John Leita
SKU: 9781609499204
Price: 19.99 USD
Availability: InStock

Long Island Oddities

9781609499204

$19.99

John and Laura Leita delve in to the oddities that make Long Island unique and it may be more odd than you thought possible!

Long Island's history is well known, but often overlooked are the island's unique and bizarre stories and treasures--the most interesting locations and darkest legends. From hidden haunts and legends like the Indian Princess of Lake Ronkonkoma to well-known events like the Amityville Horror House murders, this collection chronicles the tales of restless spirits, unrequited loves and otherworldly visits that riddle the island. There is much to be seen along the roadside, too, including the beloved Big Duck, the Riverhead Indian and even the grave site of Nixon's dog, Checkers. Through history, pictures and the personal experiences of a ten-year endeavor, authors John and Laura Leita brings to life Long Island's abandoned structures, including psychiatric hospitals and other ruins waiting to be rediscovered. Join the Leitas as they go in search of the delightfully quirky side of Long Island.

Ontario

9780738550343

$24.99

Nestled in the northwest corner of Wayne County, Ontario takes its name from the lake on its northern border. Through some 200 compelling photographs, Ontario traces the historical influences that helped shape this town from apples to atoms--from the distant
glacial past, the land developers Phelps and Gorham, the Iroquois Nation, and the early settlers to the major industries of iron ore mining and nuclear power. It focuses on the people, places, businesses,
industries, and agriculture that earned the town its motto: the Community of Good Neighbors.

Brocton and Portland

9780738549835

$24.99

Portland and its main village, Brocton, lie along the shore of Lake Erie, about 45 miles southwest of Buffalo. Here the Concord grape was planted and harvested, railroad sleeping car inventor George
Pullman was born (1831), and the famous double arch for the town's centennial was erected (1913). Brocton and Portland portrays the early life, farming industry, trolley and trains, and important events that have shaped the history of this western New York State community.

Local Baby Hudson Valley

9781467197090

$11.99

Bursting with delightful colors and bright illustrations, Local Baby: Hudson Valley engages babies' attention and encourages families to explore what makes their region so great. Cross the Bear Mountain Bridge, get spooked in Sleepy Hollow, see art at Storm King, pick apples, go sledding, and so much more! Explore the beautiful Hudson Valley with this joyfully grabbable and wonderfully local board book that is sure to bring generations together.

John Apperson's Lake George

9781467124768

$24.99

In 1900, John Apperson, a young man from Virginia, began working for General Electric in Schenectady, New York. An avid hiker and outdoor enthusiast, Apperson soon found others interested in Adirondack sports such as ice-fishing and skate-sailing, and they started taking camping trips into the north country. He discovered Lake George one summer while attending a boat race, and thus began his lifelong love affair with the magnificent scenery. Apperson devoted his energy and resources to saving the land from various threats, including commercial development, logging, illegal squatters, and erosion. Apperson launched a two-pronged strategy, promoting Lake George for its recreational potential while recruiting people to help repair the shores of islands. He earned the respect of leading politicians, philanthropists, and journalists, including George Foster Peabody, New York governor Al Smith, and Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt. His actions brought him into open conflict with powerful adversaries, too.

Peekskill's African American History

9781596294844

$21.99

The first African Americans of Peekskill had no choice in making the Hudson Valley their home. What they did choose was what kind of home to make of it--choices that were to shape both their community and the course of American history. Meet the African American sharpshooter who helped swing the balance of the American Revolution, revisit a stop on the underground railroad and catch a glimpse of Paul Robeson through the tumult of the 1949 concert riots. Then follow John J. Curran beyond the headlines and behind the scenes as he seeks out the people whose quiet, consistent contributions were no less dynamic in bringing about social change.

The Patriot War Along the New York-Canada Border

9781609494650

$23.99

During the Patriot War, fought between 1837-1842, hundreds of men on both sides of the New York-Canadian border took up arms to free Canada from supposed British tyranny. Infused with the Spirit of '76 and inspired by the recent Texas revolution, they fought bravely in battles, skirmishes and attacks, including November's Battle of the Windmill. Many sacrificed their lives, while others became slave laborers of the British in Tasmania. Among their leaders was Bill Johnston, a Thousand Islands smuggler, river pirate and War-of-1812 privateer, whose cunning was so feared by the British that they called out their military whenever his name made the newspapers. This book recalls the stories, triumphs and sacrifices of the brave on both sides of the border.

The Patriot War Along the New York-Canada Border

LaGrange

9780738564524

$24.99

Founded in 1821, LaGrange was originally known as the town of Freedom. The town grew slowly at first, but the good soil, along with many streams, led to successful farms and mills. Quakers made their homes in the hamlets of Moore's Mills and Arthursburg and petitioned for the end of slavery, while the local men marched with Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman in the 150th Regiment, New York Infantry. Later LaGrange was home to Dr. George Huntington, who had been hailed for his research on the disease named after him. With the arrival of the trains, businesses prospered and the population grew, as both New England and city residents discovered its charms. Composer T. Carl Whitmer shared his talents in local performances and the legacy of James Baird, builder of the Lincoln Memorial, lives on in the park that bears his name. Thanks to its scenic beauty and central location to the Taconic State Parkway, LaGrange continues to attract visitors today.

New York Aces:

9780738537849

$24.99

It was in the New York City area in the mid-nineteenth century that various pitching styles were invented, developments that changed baseball history. In 1883, the Giants became a powerhouse, hiring the finest pitchers in the country. In the twentieth century, the talent pool kept changing, but the quality did not. Christy Mathewson, "Iron Man" McGinnity, and Rube Marquard all won more than two hundred games in the majors, and each played a part in many pennant victories for John McGraw's Giants. In 1921, the Yankees won their first championship, and their domination of the American League that followed was unprecedented. Pitching was both effective and exciting for New York fans, whether in Yankee Stadium or the Polo Grounds. New York Aces: The First 75 Years covers the history of pitching in the Big Apple, with equal attention to the American League and National League franchises.

Hurley

9780738554952

$24.99

Hurley explores the historical area southwest of Kingston that is bounded by the Hudson River and the Catskill Mountains. It depicts the town of Hurley--a national historic district--and its individual hamlets of Hurley, West Hurley, Glenford, Morgan Hill, Ashton, and Eagles Nest. It shows stone houses dating back to the late 1700s, famed bluestone quarries of the 1800s, and reservoir construction that swallowed four of the hamlets in the early 1900s.

Colorful Characters of Northern New York

9781596298217

$21.99

Anyone who hails from New York's North Country, especially St. Lawrence and Jefferson Counties, knows that the region is full of fun, fascinating people. But who were the most famous, the most influential or the most intriguing of this motley crew? Perhaps it was President Eisenhower's secretary of state; the man who fought for his life during a dangerous balloon ride; the football coach who continually led his team to victory; or the family of seven brothers who defended the United States in World War II. You be the judge, as the Watertown Daily Times's Dave Shampine brings to life the stories of these and many other captivating, colorful characters.

Colorful Characters of Northern New York

Curiosities of the Finger Lakes

9781626190924

$21.99

The Finger Lakes region is known for its beauty, but look carefully and you will discover some of New York's other abundant--and unusual--treasures. The cliffs of Excelsior Glen are scattered with ancient Indian pictographs, and Bluff Point conceals the ruins of an unknown civilization. The wine industry has its own strange stories; discover why one wine producer was banned from using his own name. Among the oddities of the Finger Lakes region are the world's largest pancake, a slice of Susan B. Anthony's seventy-eighth birthday cake and the anecdote of the boy who accidentally caught an eight-pound trout with his nose. Join author Melanie Zimmer and uncover these and other curiosities and strange tales of the Finger Lakes.

Syosset People and Places

9780738557922

$24.99

The hamlet of Syosset, located on Long Island's North Shore, was settled by the Dutch and English in 1648 and was known as Eastwoods. It was not until 1854, when the Long Island Rail Road named its new stop, that the hamlet was given the name Syosset. The presence of the railroad led to a continued population expansion as local farmers prospered and newcomers discovered and joined the desirable community. By the last half of the 20th century, the excellence of Syosset's schools drew new residents eager to raise their children around a solid education. Through rare photographs and postcards, Syosset People and Places presents the residents, homes, businesses, and schools that have shaped this historic community.

Washington's Headquarters in Newburgh

9780738557724

$24.99

In April 1782, Gen. George Washington rode into Newburgh and found a sprawling town. At the end of what is now Liberty Street was the fieldstone house of the late Col. Jonathan Hasbrouck. From April 1782 to August 1783, Hasbrouck's house became Washington's home and his longest-occupied military headquarters. At the end of the American Revolution, Washington left "headquarters," as it came to be known, and the Hasbrouck family reclaimed the house. A period of extended decline followed, until the Hasbrouck family could no longer maintain the property, and it was ultimately purchased by the State of New York. On July 4, 1850, Washington's Headquarters was named a state historic site and became the first of its kind in the nation.

Dance in Saratoga Springs

9781609491673

$21.99

Known to aspiring dancers and ballet enthusiasts worldwide, Saratoga Springs is much more than the home of the National Museum of Dance. The arts have always been nurtured in the Spa City, and in 1964, the world-famous founder of the New York City Ballet, George Balanchine, decided to make the new Saratoga Performing Arts Center his company's summer home. The company has brought some of the world's most famous dancers and choreographers to Saratoga ever since. Skidmore College offered one of the best dance programs in the nation, and several prestigious academies and summer programs have made Saratoga their home, helping young people from Lake Avenue and around the world achieve that illustrious dream of dancing professionally. Skidmore dance professor Denise Warner Limoli narrates this beautiful history, from turn-of-the-century floral fetes" to today's vibrant dance community."

Manhattan Beach Police Department

9780738520896

$24.99

The small community of Manhattan Beach, located in the county of Los Angeles, is situated on the shore of the Santa Monica Bay. Late in the 1800s, there was little need for law enforcement: this unspoiled terrain along the ocean coastline with its shifting sands, scrub brush, and native wildflowers had yet to be cultivated. By 1912, the sparsely populated area had been incorporated and the city fathers appointed the first peace officer, Fred W. Petway, who was one of three marshals to serve the new town. In 1924, the position of police chief was created with the appointment of Fred Garvin. However, it would be many years before a first-class police department would oversee the safety and security of the growing community. This volume tracks a century of social change and dramatic episodes that challenged a long line of dedicated men and women in law enforcement. Each of these professionals raised the bar on the high standard of police department service that operates in this seaside municipality today.

Curiosities of Central New York

9781609496661

$21.99

The people of Central New York know there's something different--perhaps strange--in the air. Across this vast and often wild region, history and lore are remarkably and markedly unusual. Ancient Iroquois mystical traditions still infuse the landscape with a sense of the otherworldly, and for some, witchcraft was a constant fear throughout the nineteenth century. Monsters and even fairies roam the region, frightening or delighting those who say they have encountered them. Visit the world's smallest church in Oneida and North America's only Tibetan monastery, Namgyal, in Ithaca. Join local folklorist Melanie Zimmer as she explores the curiosities of Central New York.

Culinary History of the Finger Lakes:

9781626195455

$21.99

A bounty of crisp apples, heirloom produce, artisan cheeses and grass-fed meats complement the heady libations of the Finger Lakes wine country. Culinary luminaries and home cooks alike use these regional ingredients to craft classic and unique dishes, like Moosewood's apple spice cake. Finger Lakes foodie and vinophile Laura Winter Falk, PhD, explores the Finger Lakes' gustatory legacy and evolution, from the Iroquois' Three Sisters--corn, squash and beans--to the farm-to-table restaurants that celebrate the harvest of their neighbors. With recipes from regional chefs paired perfectly with an array of local wines, savor the delectable culinary history of New York's Finger Lakes region.

Long Island Rail Road

9781467102537

$24.99

The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), the oldest railroad in the country still operating under its original name, was chartered in 1834 for the purpose of running trains from the Brooklyn waterfront to the eastern terminal at Greenport. The east end of the LIRR main line consists of a 70-mile stretch of track from Hicksville to Greenport. At one time, there were 29 passenger stations along this east end route, 14 of which are active today. A decommissioned signal tower and obsolete turntable are located on this route. Two stations, Riverhead and Greenport, are locations of the Railroad Museum of Long Island. The 23 miles of track between Hicksville and Ronkonkoma is electrified by third rail current, the electrification having been completed in 1987. Single-track territory since 1844, the line is currently being double-tracked as far east as Ronkonkoma.

Cover image for Long Island Rail Road, isbn: 9781467102537

Cradle of the American Circus:

9781609496371

$19.99

America's circus--a spectacle of flying trapeze artists, colorful clowns and trained animal acts under the big top--grew out of the traveling menagerie phenomenon in Somers, New York, in the 1800s. To commemorate this proud local heritage, award-winning poet and Somers native Jo Pitkin presents a collection of poems inspired by the people, events and fantastic ephemera of the glory days of the Somers showmen. Complementing her dazzling lines are essays by regional historians that explain Somers's unique role as the Cradle of the American Circus. Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages, step up, step up! The show is
about to begin.

Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center

9780738576398

$24.99

The first hospital in St. Lawrence County, Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center opened in 1885 as the Ogdensburg City Hospital and Orphan Asylum. Although always a community-owned organization, it was managed by the Grey Nuns, Sisters of Charity, until 1976. The hospital's name changed twice: first in 1918 to A. Barton Hepburn Hospital to honor the local banker and donor, and again in 2000 to Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center in recognition of an exceptional gift from its own Dr. E. Garfield Claxton. The hospital was the home of a nursing school, with its first graduating class in 1905 and its last in 1968. With an innovative group of caregivers and community members, Claxton-Hepburn was the first to bring many new services to the region, including an artificial kidney machine in the late 1960s, long before many urban hospitals had one. In the 1990s and 2000s, the county's first dialysis center and comprehensive cancer center were constructed. Today, Claxton-Hepburn serves as a regional referral center for dialysis, radiation and medical oncology, psychiatry, and wound healing.

Nestlé in Fulton, New York

9781467141765

$24.99

Devour this delectable, surprising history of one of America's most beloved confectioners with first-hand accounts and stories.

In 1898, Switzerland's Nestlé Company was searching for a location to build its first milk processing plant in the United States. Upstate New York's bountiful dairy farms sealed the deal for a factory in Fulton. Soon another Swiss company requested space at the factory to produce a confection that had taken Europe by storm: the milk chocolate bar. Over the next century, factory technicians invented classic treats including the Nestlé Crunch Bar, Toll House Morsels and Nestlé Quik. With 1,500 workers churning out 1 million pounds of candy per day, Fulton became known as the city that smelled like chocolate. Author Jim Farfaglia recounts the delectable history of Nestlé in Fulton.

West Seneca

9780738574493

$24.99

West Seneca's history as a working community can be seen in its humble Native American cabins, sturdy Ebenezer Society buildings, simple farms, hardscrabble shops, and blue-collar housing tracts. In the 1700s, the Seneca Indians became the most dominant tribe when the town was part of the Buffalo Creek Reservation. In the 1840s, the arrival of the Ebenezer religious community from Germany continued the area's mostly agricultural development, and they formally incorporated the town in 1851. Their departure in the 1860s led to the arrival of more immigrants, primarily farmers, laborers, and shopkeepers. The next 100 years in West Seneca saw its development continue. In the 1950s, a further influx of new residents looking for affordable homes in a suburban setting led to the town's rapid growth as a mecca for working people.

Beekman

9780738574226

$24.99

In the latter half of the 19th century, the town of Beekman experienced an industrial boom. Iron ore beds were discovered in the hamlets of Sylvan Lake, Beekman, and Clove Valley. Mining boomed until the 1890s, and many of the small ponds scattered about town today were originally open ore pits. The mining industry brought the railroad and a second influx of immigrants, mostly from Ireland. The arrival of these immigrant families created an entirely new culture in the town. In 1911, an 839-acre site in the hamlet of Green Haven was acquired by the state. Camp Whitman opened there in 1915 and was used for training soldiers in preparation for the invasion of Mexico and pursuit of Pancho Villa.

The Roycroft Campus

9780738537269

$24.99

Elbert Hubbard and his Roycrofters were one of the most influential aspects of the American Arts & Crafts Movement. Hubbard founded the Roycroft Press in 1895, and by the turn of the century, the varied and eclectic group of artisans and celebrities who flocked here had transformed the small town of East Aurora, New York, into a world-renowned utopian crafts community. In this volume of over 200 images, you will experience the Roycroft campus as never before, viewing rare images of the people who made the Roycroft dream a reality. Discover their many contributions to the area's progress and see examples of their creations, from handmade books to intricate metal works and rare furniture. All of the 14 buildings that now comprise the National Historic Landmark Roycroft Campus have been documented in
original photographs and from postcards, promotions, and their own publications; many appear within these pages for the first time in book form. The Roycroft continues to be one of the most prominent areas of international Arts & Crafts Revival. After an extensive restoration following the community's centennial in 1995, the Roycroft Inn has reopened, and the area has once again become an artistic and, now, historic mecca for visitors from all over the world.

Disaster on Lake Erie:

9781609490980

$21.99

On August 9, 1841, the steamship Erie, one of the most elegant and fastest sailing between Buffalo and Chicago, departed carrying 340 passengers. Many were Swiss and German immigrants, planning to start new lives in America's heartland most never made it. The Erie erupted in flames during the night, and despite the heroic efforts of the crew of the Dewitt Clinton, 254 lives were lost. As news of this disaster spread, internationally renowned artists and writers, including Charles Dickens, were inspired to reflect on the lives lost. Historian Alvin F. Oickle's minute-by-minute account weaves together the tragic journey of the passengers, the legend that developed in the aftermath and the fury of a fire on an ocean-like lake.

Pomfret

9780738555478

$24.99

When shipbuilder Zattu Cushing passed through western New York State at the beginning of the 19th century, he saw a beautiful area that had great potential for settlement. He vowed to come back and settle with his family as soon as possible. In 1805, Cushing came back and became the first permanent settler in what was to become the town of Pomfret. Pomfret quickly grew, attracting people of great talent to the small settlement situated on Canadaway Creek near Lake Erie. Soon the village of Fredonia was chartered within the town, leading to even more fantastic growth. Pomfret became a town of many firsts, as well as the home of countless noteworthy families. Today Pomfret is a vibrant community that is proud of its past and excited about its future.

Discovering Staten Island:

9781609491703

$23.99

As one of the five boroughs of New York City, Staten Island has a rich and colorful past, and it is full of places where people have shaped the city, state and nation. To commemorate its 350th anniversary, local community leaders and educators have gathered together this unprecedented collection. Walk in the footsteps of Benjamin Franklin, Susan B. Anthony, Langston Hughes, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and the Dalai Lama; visit Revolutionary War sites; relive the entrepreneurial drive and inventiveness of business and medical pioneers; and imagine the lives of Irish, Norwegian, Italian, Sri Lankan and Liberian immigrants. Its shores are awash in history, from Lenape trails to Dutch and French farms, from the Atlantic Terra Cotta Company to legendary sports figures and quaint historic districts. Their struggles, hardships, triumphs and achievements, in spectacular and everyday Staten Island locations, are brought to life.

Esopus

9780738511887

$24.99

Located on the western shore of the Hudson River, the town of Esopus is known as "place of the small river, wellspring of creation." Here, Amerindians made wampum belts and forged treaties with rogue ambassador and pioneer Kit Davits; former slave Sojourner Truth began her freedom trail; Judge Parker wrote speeches for his presidential campaign; and on nearby riverbanks, John Burroughs pondered nature and composed his essays. Esopus, with its collection of more than two hundred images, tells not only of these historic figures but also of the immigrants who plied their trades among the ice, boats, and barns; built walls of stone and farmed the land; or sought their riches in the salted gold mine on Hussey's Hill.

Gardiner and Lake Minnewaska

9780738511856

$24.99

Located halfway between New York City and Albany, the Gardiner and Minnewaska region is a bucolic mountain community, rich in dairy and fruit.Located halfway between New York City and Albany, the Gardiner and Minnewaska region is a bucolic mountain community, rich in dairy and fruit.

The picturesque area also includes the Wallkill Valley lowlands, Lake Minnewaska, and the wonders of the surrounding mountains. Settled some 300 years ago by French Huguenots and Dutch immigrants, the region has supported itself with dairy and fruit farming in the valley, and with millstone cutting and berry picking in the mountains, since its inception. In stunning photographs, Gardiner and Lake Minnewaskaportrays the history of this region: the Tuthilltown gristmill, in operation for more than 200 years; the Gardiner boarding houses and Minnewaska mountain hotels; the state park that offers a vast network of hiking trails; and the rise of rock climbing and skydiving in the area.

Bethpage

9781467122771

$24.99

Located on New York's Long Island in Nassau County, the quaint,
tight-knit town of Bethpage was established as a settlement for the Thomas Powell family in 1687. In the early years, it consisted of a few small villages of farmers. In 1884, the Long Island Rail Road extended through Bethpage, which was renamed Central Park. Many businesses opened up around the station, bringing the town to the attention of land buyers, which had an enormous impact on the growth of the community. It was here that the ground-breaking ceremony for William Vanderbilt's Motor Parkway opened in 1906 for the Vanderbilt Cup Races. This notoriety brought people to the town, as well as businesses, restaurants, and hotels, most notably the world-renowned Beau Sejour, which catered to aristocrats, socialites, and movie stars. The name Central Park was eventually changed back to Bethpage in 1936. Long Island State Parks commissioner Robert Moses soon opened the Bethpage State Park, with its five golf courses. Bethpage gained recognition for being the longtime home of the Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation, producers of Navy fighter aircraft and the Apollo lunar module, which landed men on the moon. Bethpage retains its sense of pride in its rich and historic heritage.

Baseball in Rochester

9780738511696

$24.99

Few cities can boast of a longer or richer baseball tradition than Rochester, New York. The game's roots in the Flower City can be traced to the early nineteenth century, when a primitive form of baseball was being played on Mumford's Meadow near the Genesee River. Since that time, some of the greatest names in baseball history, including Stan Musial and Cal Ripken Jr., have honed their skills in Rochester. Their exploits, along with those of numerous others, are documented with rare photographs in Baseball in Rochester. Through the years, nineteen people with local ties have been inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. The Red Wings have won ten Governors' Cups-more than any other International League team-and Rochester has been designated Baseball City, U.S.A., by Baseball America magazine. Baseball in Rochester chronicles not only the superstars but also the quirky characters and moments that make the minor leagues so appealing.

Kinderhook

9781467103602

$24.99

First inhabited by the Mohicans and settled before 1651, Kinderhook, New York, has an intriguing historical past. Today, Kinderhook's celebrated art galleries and restaurants attract visitors and locals alike.

While the town has ties to the American Revolution and was home to America's eighth president, Martin Van Buren, Kinderhook is most known for being the origin of America's first ghost story, "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow." The story's main character, Ichabod Crane, was based on Washington Irving's close friend Jesse Merwin, a teacher who moved to Kinderhook in 1808. Due to the story's success and its terrifying icon, the Headless Horseman, Kinderhook and the Hudson Valley have evolved from farmland and sleepy folklore to an area full of cultural interest.

Oceanside

9780738536828

$24.99

A close look at the Oceanside community whose history begins with the history of Long Island.

Captured in these images and words written by author and Oceanside native Richard Woods is the south shore town that was once one of the largest oyster-producing communities in the world. It is a place that, over the years, has attracted farmers, baymen, middle-class families, and millionaires. It has also drawn more than its share of visitors to St. Anthony's underground church, Beall's Zoo, the Roadside Rest, and Nathan's Famous Restaurant.

Oswego County and the Civil War:

9781626192089

$21.99

Although far from the fighting, the residents of Oswego County were forever changed by the Civil War. One of the few regions that never forced a draft, thousands of men volunteered, motivated by patriotism, abolitionism or a yearning for adventure. Neither they nor their families were ever the same, and local author Natalie Joy Woodall relates their diverse experiences. William Adriance enlisted twice, despite suffering from rheumatism, marrying and starting a family during the war. Otis Mason Miner and his brother enlisted shortly after Fort Sumter surrendered, and in later years, Otis and his wife became pillars of their community. Many others made the ultimate sacrifice or suffered from wounds--seen and unseen--for the rest of their lives. Discover the fascinating stories of survival and sacrifice from Oswego County and the Civil War.