Celebrating 250 Years of Sayville History

Marking the 250th anniversary of Sayville, visitors to last weekend's celebration were able to step back in time to 1761.

The Sayville Historical Society commemorated the arrival of the first settlers, , at an event held at . 

Members of the 3rd New York Provincial Regiment, a not-for-profit historical organization committed to the recreation of the daily lives of the Long Island soldier and his family during the American Revolution, were on hand. A mini-encampment was staged, and the mock militia marched on the grounds, through town and back again.

The Village String Band and caller, Annette Kirk, held a dance for all ages, where many residents were introduced to contra dancing.

"It's done in lines. It's Old English or American dancing. Some is close to square dancing," said Linda Conron, Historical Society administrator, and organizer of the event. Conron was dressed in authentic colonial garb, as were most presenters that day, so as to truly get into the spirit of the past.  "We wanted people to come out to sample a bunch of these activities and have a good time," she added.

Conron's favorite part of the day was "seeing little ones with muskets on their shoulders trying to march."

Anthropologist Robert Vetter and Jamie Reason, who is of Eastern Cherokee ancestry, came from Journeys Into American Indian Territory. Reason wore the full dress typical of Eastern Woodlands Indians in the late eighteenth century. The pair set up children's activities such as a traditional hunting game, hoop and stick, which was designed to train one to more adeptly throw a spear.

"As an anthropologist I think it's great to have an opportunity to celebrate other cultures, and bring them together in a way that they didn't start out together," Vetter said. "It's nice to have a day where people can come to experience a world different from the everyday."

After being tuckered out from partaking in quaint colonial games and sack racing, children sat on bales of hay, intently listening, as Historical Society president Connie Currie read stories aloud of early Sayville's settlers.

Other attractions included: Diane Fish doing a demonstration of colonial cooking, preparing dishes such as "to force cucumbers" over a fire pit.  A quilting bee held with Carolyn Leyboldt, while weaver, Hope Schweikert and blacksmith Alan Vogel created period items. 

Mark and Laura Smith's extensive pottery and bottle collection could also be seen. Guests got to watch Robert Barrett woodwork, and then were able to take a swing at sawing a log and pounding trunnels or pegs with Jim Connell. 

Roy Fedlem and Jackie Pausewang, of Pausewang's Peacock Farm in Sayville, explained farming through the years.  Fascinating artifacts and boats were showcased courtesy of the , as were costumes and commodities of Sagtikos Manor Historical Society.  Rosemary Haigh from Long Island Dowsers demonstrated how to find water utilizing the mysterious art of dowsing employed in colonial times to find a source.

"This is wonderful. There is no better way for Sayville to celebrate its birthday than to look back at its heritage," said Legislator William J. Lindsay. "It just brings us back to a simpler time."

The Old Bethpage Brass Band, featured in Ken Burn's Civil War special, gave an uplifting concert which ended the birthday bash with a bang.