101 Glimpses of the South Fork

Book excerpt: Long Islands South Forkfamous for the Hamptonsis now one of the hottest summer destinations for the wealthiest and most famous Americans. But it wasnt always so. When European explorers arrived on Long Islands southeastern-most shores in the seventeenth century, they shared the land with the Montauket and Shinnecock Indians. The South Fork remained relatively rural until the railroad arrived in the 1870s. In this pictorial history, Richard Panchyk surveys how dramatically the landscape has changed, from the famous Montauk Lighthouse and iconic windmills to the sprawling mansions and opulent hotels, and highlights some of the notable figures who graced these shores, including New York politicians and a plethora of artists and celebrities. Showcasing the South Forks famous faces and places, Panchyk reveals this coastal communitys bygone era.