Fall Exhibit and Events to Focus on 20th Century Recreation

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The Oyster Bay Historical Society's Fall exhibition Recreation During the 20th Century in Oyster Bay: From Doing to Viewing, will document the variety of recreational experiences available in Oyster Bay to generations of its residents during the course of the century.

In choosing the title of From Doing to Viewing it was possible to chronicle the spectacular changes in science and technology during this period which changed peoples' perceptions of recreational activities. Man went from horse and buggy days to the lunar landing in less than a century. This evolution is documented in the Society's exhibition; from bobsledding, yacht-racing, and bowling to Super Bowl parties, and most recently, a cybercafe on East Main Street.

The following educational and cultural offerings have been designed to provide an educational and interactive experience for all participants. We hope that you can join us for these events.

Cocktail Party
A cocktail party featuring traditional lawn games will be held on Sunday, October 6, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Cove Neck Home of Mrs. Robert E. Pittis.

Sit and watch the boats go by from the front lawn of this beautiful Cove Neck home. Join in the fun of period lawn games, such as croquet, badminton, golf and bocce. Enjoy a selection of fine wines and hors d'oeuvres. Meet old friends and make some new ones! The party will be held rain or shine; lawn games, weather permitting. Sports Dress recommended!

Treasure Hunt
On Sunday, October 27, at 3 p.m., the Society will host a Hunt for History in Downtown Oyster Bay. Come alone or come as a team of up to five persons. The starting point will be the Society's Earle-Wightman House headquarters, 20 Summit Street, Oyster Bay.

The task will be to solve a series of historical riddles that will lead participants to various historic sites in Oyster Bay. Some sites may require a short drive. Once the site is identified, participants must go there to collect a token. The team who collects the most tokens and returns to the Earle-Wightman House by 4:30 will be declared the winners and receive prizes! Cocktails and buffet supper will follow. Those who are unable to participate in the hunt are invited to attend the dinner.

Exhibit Opens with Roundtable Discussion
The event series will wrap up on Sunday, November 17, at 2 p.m. with a Roundtable Discussion and the opening of the Society's Fall Exhibition.

The roundtable will be held at the Oyster Bay Community Center on Church Street. A panel composed of local historians, authors, and persons familiar with recreational activities popular in Oyster Bay during the twentieth century will give short presentations on various types of recreation, ranging from activities on the great estates and private clubs to the wider variety of activities available to all town residents.

Following these short presentations, audience participation and reminiscing is encouraged!

The roundtable discussion will be followed by a reception at the Earle-Wightman House and the opening of the exhibition entitled Recreation During the 20th Century in Oyster Bay: From Doing to Viewing.

If you have some memories, photographs, and/or artifacts or clothing associated with these leisure pursuits which you would be willing to share with us, please contact Director Tom Kuehhas at (516) 922-5032.

Society Seeks Donations of Early 20th Century Scrapbooks

Director Tom Kuehhas seeks the assistance of the local community in locating and preserving scrapbooks depicting life in Oyster Bay during the early part of the 20th century. Such scrapbooks, which usually include newspaper articles and photos, are an invaluable aid in recreating the lifestyle of that period. If you come across anything like this in the course of cleaning out your attic, please contact Director Kuehhas at 922-5032.