———————————————— The Peconic Bay Shopper • Preserving Local History • December 2009 ———————————————— �

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Ray Gramazio (631) 765-4666 POB 1345 Main Rd., Feather Hill Southoldraygramazio@allstate.com

Chris W. Manfredi (631) 765-4666 POB 1345, Main Rd., Feather Hill SoutholdCmanfredi@allstate.com

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———————————————— The Peconic Bay Shopper • Preserving Local History • December 2009 ———————————————— �

Victor Brown of Greenport wrote me a note last July in response to the �75th Anniversary of the

Long Island Railroad article appearing in the June 2009 Peconic Bay Shopper: “Why not write about Mile-A-Minute Murphy”, he suggested? “Well why not”, I mused? I googled the cyclist on the in-ternet and after a quick scroll my musing switched to – “Why of course” - knowing full well I would enjoy the challenge. In the May 2000 issue of the Antiques Journal an article Antique Cycles states that “About two million bicycles were built in �897 by some 400 US man-ufacturers and there were �00 bicycle racing tracks scattered across the coun-try.” Indeed, the machines had evolved since their first sightings in drawings on Egyptian tombs and the �5th century sketches by Leonardo DaVinci with the greatest improvement taking place in the century leading up to the �9th century date. Elsie Corwin relates, in her book The Diary of a Country Newspaper that the following appeared in the (Suffolk) Times in �894 “Greenport is bicycle mad. It is estimated that there are at least one thousand wheels ridden through the streets every day. At night the principal thoroughfares swarm with the many col-ored bicycle lights. Bells ring continu-

Hal Fullerton testing section of runway used by Mile a Minute Murphy, June �899.Photo from the Fullerton Collection, Suffolk County Historical Society, Riverhead, New York.

Continued from page 11...

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ously as the jolly boys and girls meet. Little tots boldly join on smaller wheels and women as well as the sterner sex are enthusiasts in the sport. Gray-haired men, too, are in the wheeling procession and they seem to enjoy the sport as much as the younger fry. Altogether for the number of inhabitants no other place on the Island, can boast of as many bicycle

riders as Greenport.” She also asserted that the bicycle explosion brought about many changes in both Greenport and most parts of the country including: better streets and highways paving the way for the automobile and suburban living; changes in the style of women’s clothing; and that at the time a good suit of clothes cost $�0.75 a bicycle cost from $�00 to $200. When, in �886 after a peddling a mile in 79 seconds on a stationary train-ing bike, the sixteen year old cyclist Charles Murphy bragged to reporters that “If I can be protected from the wind, there’s no limit to how fast I can ride. Why I can keep up with the fastest train! There’s no locomo-tive built that can get away from me!” he foreshadowed his success thirteen years later when he, near the end of his cycling career, reversed the derision from his boasting in front of the Pennsylvania reporters to praise and set a long enduring cycling record. When Hal Fullerton and Charles Murphy met and fused their energies they staged an event that was emblematic of the growing Long Island, rocketing along with the Long Island Rail Road – the railroad that was to become the largest commuter system in the United States – leading the

charge. A feat with a plethora of sites on the internet; noted in many jour-nals from Scientific American to The New Yorker to Sports Illustrated; celebrated many commemorations by local historical societies that include wide-rang-ing celebrations and postal first day covers; and a favorite topic of local citizenry, train enthusiasts and cyclists alike. In the preface to The Blessed Isle – the biography of Hal Fullerton - author Charles L. Sachs state’s “Anyone who is interested in exploring the visual landscape or iconography of Long Island’s past will find the photo-graphs of Hal B. Fullerton (�857 – �9�5) and the Suffolk County Historical Society’s collection of his negatives immensely valuable. Fullerton’s work was so extensive, inclusive, and pervasive that it is difficult to imagine the Island’s appearance at the turn of the twentieth century without subcon-sciously conjuring up his pictures.” In researching for this article I became fascinated by the man who contracted and staged the Mile-A-Minute race on June �0, �899 because he not only made a major contribution by observ-ing and recording the topography, culture and change of Long Island; he was also a major participant in the process. Charles M. Murphy stated in his account of the famous bicycle event: “For ten years I had petitioned almost every railroad in the United States to prove to the world the disadvantage of wind resistance. My endeavors, however, were almost in vain. By chance I met Hal Fullerton, special agent

Maywood Plank Tracks, South Farmingdale for Mile a Minute Murphy run. Photo from the Fullerton Collection, Suffolk County Historical Society, Riverhead, New York.

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of the Long Island Railroad at Howes Roadhouse. We jested about my ride behind the train. I pointed out that an exhibition of that kind would prove to the world that the Long Is-land Railroad had just as good rolling stock, roadbeds and employees as any other road in the world. I believe that this talk hurried along the agreement as forty-eight hours after the conver-sation a contract was signed.” Fullerton was a tenacious, exuberant, creative man with broad interests who had traveled extensively in his various occupations before he discovered Long Island in his middle age and declared it to be “the most richly and beautifully Nature - en-dowed region of the whole United States, Canada, Mexico, and the West Indies.” The former merchant seaman, machinery salesman, civil engineer and soldier of fortune was hired in �897 as a special agent for the Passenger Department of the LIRR and was assigned to do publicity by the president, William H. Baldwin Jr. According to Sachs, “Fullerton seems to have been recruited … specifically to help coordinate and enhance the railroad’s efforts to encourage local roads and highway improvements and to capitalize on the exploding mass market of recreational cycling.” According to a September �4, �98� article in Sports Illustrated by Jerry H. Simpson, Jr. one of his first thrusts was to equip a baggage car to carry bicycles and cyclists in an effort to lure city cyclists out to tour the rural Long Island roads. To meet the cyclists in April �899 he attended the awards banquet of a Brooklyn bike club, the Kings County Wheelman, and met Murphy. “Murphy wasn’t yet 29 and Fullerton was 4�. The brash athlete and the sophisticated publicist immediately hit it off. Moreover, Fullerton saw in Murphy the chance to promote an especially appealing publicity stunt – a race between a frail bicycle and a rider and a massive, thundering locomotive. He told Murphy to get ready, and then set about the difficult task of convincing Baldwin and his board of directors that the publicity the stunt would generate would be worth the money for expenses - $�2,000. Board members raised reasonable objections: Suppose Mur-phy, now old for a racer, proved incapable of keeping up with the train? Suppose the he was injured or killed in the effort? And even if it was suc-cessful, how would that attract business to Long Island? But Fullerton’s enthusiasm for the project was so contagious that Baldwin brushed aside the board’s objections.” The next three months were lived in overdrive – Fullerton planned

South Farmingdale – Murphy and Train at start of mile race. Maywood, June �0, �899.Photo from the Fullerton Collection, Suffolk County Historical Society, Riverhead, New York.

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Expires 12/31/09

Mile a Minute Murphy June �0th �899 – Newsmen at work. Photo from the Fullerton Collection, Suffolk County Historical Society, Riverhead, New York.

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and publicized and Murphy embarked on an intense, well noted and pho-tographed physical training program with a physical trainer. The 5’ 7” tall, �54 pound cyclist’s Tribune Blue Streak, weighed 20.5 pounds, had 28” wheels and had 6.5-inch cranks. Ultimately, after several trials he geared it to �20. According to Steel Rails to the Sunrise “A level section of track on the Central branch between Farmingdale, (the Maywood siding) and Babylon was selected for the run and a smooth plankway was installed between the rails.” This track was chosen because it was straight and level. Sam Booth, who had run Theodore Roosevelt’s train when he was campaigning for the New York State governorship, was chosen to run the train that would pace Murphy. His first engine choice to pull the coal tender and passenger car with the observation platform was Engine No. �9, but that proved too slow, next he tried a similar engine. Finally Booth, after six trials with three different engines, had the lines most powerful engine, No. 74 pulled out of service for the event. After a test run revealed that the cyclist could not stop by back pedaling after reaching the targeted speed without crashing – perhaps fatally – into the rear of the train, the track was extended to 2.5 miles to allow time for both the engine and cy-clist to slow and for Murphy to be quickly snatched with his bike and lifted to the observation platform at the race end. A wooden hood was built on the rear of the train to shield Murphy from the wind. At 5:�0 p.m., June �0, �899, as crowds - including Murphy’s wife, son and daughter viewing atop a tally-ho stationed at the ½ mile mark -eagerly watched along the track; and the eyes of the five experienced timers fastened on the cyclist and his Blue Streak from the last five open windows of the passenger car; Sam Booth gave three blasts of the trains whistle and Murphy was off to achieve his goal and his moniker. In his words: “I mounted my bicycle, took hold of the special rod that was placed on the back of the car to prevent my front wheel from striking the cartruck. Had this not been there at the finish I would have collided with the rear of the car-truck and would have been thrown to the ground and probably killed. As soon as I got into motion I let go of the bar on back of the train and took a firm grip up on the handlebars of my bicycle. Hall Fullerton asked me if I was alright and I replied, ‘Yes’. The signal was passed on to Sam Booth in the engine cab and I was off for the famous ride. I began to pedal fast. The blood tingled through my veins. I soon settled down to business. I was determined to win. I bent over and gripped the handlebars as I never did before. The train gained impetus surprisingly fast. Sam Booth pulled

the locomotive and car up to the mile-a-minute speed. The acceleration was wonderfully rapid. With eyes glued upon the vertical strip of white on the back of the car, with each push of the pedal I was putting every ounce of energy into the ride. I experienced an entirely different feeling compared with my previous ride. It was a hold, then shove sensation: riding was becoming more uncomfortable as I progressed. The officials knew something was wrong, that I was laboring under great difficulties. I could tell from an occasional glance at them that they were on the verge of despair and disappointment. Although I was riding perfectly, still on dead air and going strong, I could not understand the violent vibration on the track, as though the boards were rapping the bottom of my wheel, the ef-fect being as though I was riding over an undulation instead of level track; feeling hot missiles striking my face and body. I learned afterwards it was burning rubber from under the car. For the first time I realized that the eyes and minds of the people thought my ride was impossible. Within five seconds the rate of speed was terrific; I was riding in a maelstrom of swirl-ing dust, hot cinders, paper and other particles of matter. The whipsaw feeling through a vertical storm of fire became harder every second; I heard the cheers from the officials and spectators as I road and they had a fine ef-fect on me. I was riding against hope; I expected the worst. The first quar-ter mile was reached in �5 �/5th seconds. I then observed that the hearty cheers of the officials had given place to appeals to ‘Come on, don’t give up.’ They realized that something was wrong because I was losing ground. Fred Burns asked through the megaphone what the matter was. I raised my head from the bent position on the handlebars to reply to Burns. Quick as a flash I fell back fifty feet. With all the energy and power at my com-mand I tried to gain lost ground. It was no use, I was doomed to failure. I could feel myself getting weaker every second. I was closely following into the maelstrom of dust, which whirled, eddied and rushed in a shrieking, roaring turmoil and pandemonium about me. The suspense became mad-dening. All kinds of unpleasant things passed through my mind. I saw ridicule, contempt, disgrace and a lifetime dream gone up in smoke. As I looked up I saw the agonized faces, yelling, holding out stretched hands as if they would like to get hold or assist me somehow. This sent the thrill of determination through me. I raised my thought to God to help me. My prayer was answered and an indescribable feeling came upon me. It was the hand of God. New vigor and energy with each push of the pedal. I felt better and stronger. I could see myself gaining the lost ground. Oh! How I suffered. It was a hot, fast, serious, life or death contract on my hands, the half was passed in 29 2/5th seconds. I could see the judges watching me. You could see that their earlier feeling of despair and disappointment had

r

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Cyclist in fancy dress in front of the former Greenport School House, Third Street, Greenport, New York. Late �9th Century.

Photo from the collection of Dave and Gail Horton, Greenport, New York.

Out of the Attic —

From Bob White, Greenport: re: November 2009 issue, “They Made It Work”:

The YMS-456 had the keel laid on October 4, �94�, launched December ��, �94� (Mrs M.E. Wuest was the sponsor), and completed on August 2�, �944. The ship was transfered to USSR on May �6, �945. There is no record of the ships ultimate fate.

To fill in the blanks on some of the names on the photo: L to R.: Albert E.Turton, Joseph P. Payne, George R. Hawkins, Edna Ryder, Miriam Hartley, Lt. Comdr. A.N. Chapman(Asst. Supervisor of Shipbuilding), Chester L. Ketcham, Agnes Latham, Harry H. Bush, Ernest W. Wilsberg, Pat Jannuzzi, William A. Richmond and David B. Gedney.

(Thank You, Bob!)

Readers Respond —

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This �9�6 photo is courtesy of John Montgomery, who happens to be the baby in the bus, held by his mother Anne Montgomery.Joining them are his sisters Peggy Montgomery (Krukowski) and Ann Montgomery (Lundgren)

Help Needed —

Can anyone identify the men in this photo, and the location of this machine shop? (Possibly in Mattituck?) Please give us a call: 631-765-3346, or email: rita@academyprintingservices.com Photo courtesy of Bruce Lehr, Southold.

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Mattituck-LaureL Library • 631-298-4134• LIBRARY PROGRAM CALENDAR:thursdays, Dec. 10 & 17, Jan. 7 – 28, 4-4:45 — Reading Buddies — For Grades 7 – �2. Read a book with a younger child or help them practice their reading skills. Register at Teen Services desk.Friday, December 11, �:�0 p.m. — FILM: “The Bishop’s Wife” (not rated). This �948 Christmas classic about an earnest young clergyman, his loving wife, and an angel, stars Oscar winners, Cary Grant, Loretta Young and David Niven. Free.Friday, December 18, �:�0 p.m. — FILM: “A Christmas Carol” (not rated). Alastair Sim’s �95� tour-de-force performance as the ultimate miser, Ebenezer Scrooge, has made this beloved version of Charles Dickens’ story into one of the best-loved Christmas films of all time. Free of charge.• UPCOMING PROGRAMS & EVENTS:Monday, January 4, �0 a.m. — Sign Up Begins for Winter Children’s Programs. Register in person or call 298-4��4, ext. 4.thursday, January 7, 7-9 p.m. — Introduction to Photoshop — Become an instant graphic artist by working with images and pictures in Adobe Photoshop. Learn how to alter images including sizing, shaping and coloring. $�0 fee. Register in advance at Circulation Desk.Sunday, January 10, �-4 p.m. — Infant/Child CPR and AED — presented by Certi-fied health and physical education Teacher, Kerry Ward. Completion of this �-ses-sion class earns an American Heart Association Certification in CPR and AED for � year. Register with payment immediately in children’s room. $40 for Mattituck-Laurel patrons and $55 for out-of-district patrons.Monday, January 11, 6-7 p.m. — Teen Bake-Off — Open to all North Fork Teens

hoLiDay open houSe DeceMber 19Stop shopping and drop in to savor the sounds of Jazz Alive as they lead us toward a blessed and happy holiday season, as the Friends of the Cutchogue-New Suffolk Library host their annual hospitality day. This wonderful vocal group will enter-tain from 2 to �pm. Homemade cookies and mulled cider will be served from ��am to 4pm.

the peconic ruggerS MeetingS The Peconic Rug Hookers Guild of Long Island - meet 7 p.m. �rd Tuesday of ev-ery month at Hallockville Museum Farm, Sound Ave., Riverhead. New members are always welcome. Next meeting: Dec. �5 (Holiday Party).

cuSter inStitute anD obServatory6��-765-2626 • www.CusterObservatory.org • Main Bayview Road, Southold

Thurs., Dec. 31 New Year’s Eve Under the Stars w/music by Ahmad Ali and Friends

First Fridays Open Mic Night with Liza Coppola

Last Fridays Members’ Night

January Class: Introduction to Astronomyongoing: Custer Observatory is open every Saturday evening from dusk until midnight for guided tours of the night sky through the Institute’s powerful tele-scopes (weather permitting). Suggested Donation: $5 Adults; $� Children

caSt FunDraiSer SaturDay DeceMber 12Community Action Southold Town (CAST) fund raising event, Holiday Happen-ings, will take place from ��am to 4pm at the Southold Town Recreation Center on Peconic Lane, Peconic. The event will include a wide variety of vendors, bake sale, a big train display provided by Greenport’s LIRR Museum, face painting, and a raffle. Santa will be there for photos from ��am until 2pm. Admission is free. For info: 765-�598. (Vendors are welcome — call 765-�598.)

email listings to: ritaNFP@optonline.net

open houSe anD MeMber’S ShoW SaturDay DeceMber 12The Studio East Gallery’s Open House Holiday party and member’s show recep-tion will be held from 6 to 9 pm at �20 Front Street, Suite # 9 in Greenport. This mixed media show will be open through January 2. All are welcome to join us for our holiday reception, where members and open call recipients will gather, mingle and network with holiday cheer and to celebrate a successful first year. Refresh-ments and food served. For info call 6��-697-07�5 or e-mail terry@studioeastgal-lery.com.

nFct open auDitionS DeceMber 13 anD 14Open Auditions for The North Fork Community Theatre’s Production of Cole Porter’s Musical ANYTHING GOES will take place at North Fork Community Theatre, �2700 Old Sound Avenue, Mattituck Sunday at 2:00 PM & Monday at 7:00. There is something for every talent. Tap dancing not required but a plus. Come prepared to sing sixteen measures of a song. Readings will be from the script provided. For info please contact Director David Markel at 6��-765-8��� or Producer Carol Kirby at 6�� 298-8�45 WWW.NFCT.COM

cutchogue-neW SuFFoLk Library27550 Main Road, Cutchogue • (631) 734-6360 • www.cutchoguelibrary.org

aDuLt prograMSHOLIDAY BLOOD DRIVE, Tuesday, December 29 ~ �:00 – 6:�0 pm. Help save lives with the Long Island Blood Services. This community effort will help to keep supply levels needed over the holiday season. Your support and contribution will be greatly appreciated. No appointment necessary. PILATES with Michelle Ricciardi, Mondays, Jan 4-March 22 ~ 6:�0-7:�0 p.m. (No class Jan �8, Feb �8) Fee: $60.00 for �0-week session. Advanced registration and payment required. This unique exercise involves controlled movements which focus on strengthening your abdominal core and increase body alignment. Bring mat and water to each class. BACK TO BASICS, Thursdays, Jan 7-Feb �� ~ 4:00-5:00 p.m. Fee $�0 for 6-week session. Advanced registration and payment required. This is a basic exercise class for beginners. Bring water to class. All ages welcome. THE POSITIVE MIND with Monica Bennett, Tuesday, Jan �0, 6:�0-7:�0 p.m. Registration requested. Start the New Year out with a positive outlook! This work-shop discusses how to transform your life and change the way you view your world. YOGA with Rosemary Martilotta, Thursdays, Jan �4-March 25 ~ 6:00-7:�0 p.m. (No class Feb. �8) Fee: $60 for �0-week session. Advanced registration and pay-ment required. Learn relaxing techniques for the body and soul in a non-competi-tive environment. Bring mat and water to class.SPORTS FISHING with Larry Welcome, Tuesday, Jan �9 ~ 6:�0-7:�0 p.m. Reg-istration requested. Local sports fishing expert, Larry Welcome, will discuss suc-cessful fishing techniques. This program will include a demonstration on tying a Buck tail lure. CHILDREN’S PROGRAMSSTORYTIME FOR 2s & �s, Mondays ~ �0:00-�0:�0 a.m. Ages 2-� years. Jan. 4: Snow Party, A story, songs, fingerplays, and a craft.STORYTIME FOR 4s & 5s Mondays ~ 4:00-4:45 p.m. Ages 4-5 years. Jan. 4: We Love FroggyStories, songs, fingerplays, and a craft.TOTS, TOYS & TALES, Tuesdays, Jan. 5 – Mar. 2 ~ 9:�0-�0:�0 a.m.Children up to age �6 months with caregiver. Registration requested.Enjoy an informal playtime ending with singing and a story.STORYTIME FOR 6s & 7s, Thursdays ~ 4:00-4:45 p.m. Ages 6-7 years. Jan. 7: Penguins with pizzazz. Stories and a craft. IN THE ART MEZZANINEGroup Show, Autumn into Winter~ Robert Maggio: Paintings, Pastels, Pen & Inks

neW york boating courSeMattituck-Laurel Library in conjunction with Peconic Bay Power Squadron will be hosting a New York Boating course. This course is for youngsters �0-�8 who plan to operate a boat or jet ski on New York State waters. Registration will be held at the library from �0-�2 noon on Saturday, Jan. 2, 20�0. All students registering must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at time of registration. The course will start on Saturday, January 9th and end on Saturday, Feb. 6th 20�0. It will run from �0-�2 noon. The library is located on the Main Road. There will be a small charge for materials. For more information contact the library at 298-4��4. The course is limited to �0 students. Continued...

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• buSineSS Directory •Mattituck-LaureL Library continued...

ages �2 and up. Enter you favorite recipe for cookies and/or brownies and join us for the 2nd EEYA Teen Bake-Off. Register at Teen Services Desk.• ONGOING PROGRAMS:career and resume counseling – One-on-one professional assistance with re-sume writing, job searches, career changes, educational and training opportunities for those entering or re-entering the job market. This service will be available on the �rd Monday of each month from 5-7 p.m., and on the �rd Wednesday of each month from �� a.m.-� p.m. Free. Make appointments at the Circulation Desk.chair aerobics – Wednesday mornings from 9:�0 to �0:�0 a.m. through January 6th. This non-impact class combines aerobic movement patterns while seated in a chair. Fee is prorated for remaining classes. Register at the circulation desk.english conversation group – Tuesday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m. Led by Literacy Volunteers, this group meets weekly for those who want to practice speaking Eng-lish in an informal, relaxed atmosphere. Call the Library Reference Desk at 298-4��4, ext. 5 or just stop by on Tuesday evenings. This program is free of charge.health insurance counseling – for Seniors and other Medicare eligible persons will be held the �rd Tuesday of each month from �:�0-� p.m. Free individual, confidential, accurate information, counseling and assistance with the maze of our increasingly complex healthcare systems. This program is administered by the Suffolk County Office for the Aging. Appointments made by calling 298-4��4.hearing testing – Audiologist, Dr. Barbara Prestano from Peconic ENT will be at the library on the �st Monday of each month from �-� p.m.to test hearing. For all ages. Free of charge, no pre-registration required.Low impact Dance aerobics – Monday mornings from 9:�0 to �0:�0 a.m. through Jan. ��th (no class Dec. 28th). Improve heart-lung function, balance and coordina-tion through choreographed aerobic movement to the music of the �0’s, 40’s and 50’s. Bring a mat, pair of dumbbells (� to 5 lbs.) and water bottle to class. Fee is prorated for remaining classes. Register at the circulation desk.t’ai chi practice – Tuesday mornings at 9:�0 a.m. (through Jan. �2th). A relaxing, practical workshop designed to help you enjoy good health, flexibility, strength, confidence, longevity and peace of mind. Fee is prorated for remaining classes. Register at the circulation desk.yoga instruction – Tuesday evenings at 5 p.m. or 6:�0 p.m. through December 29th. Gain strength, flexibility and balance. Bring yoga mat or towel. Fee is pro-rated for remaining classes. Pay at session. DECEMBER IN THE ART GALLERY “Remembering Summer” – Paintings by Diane Alec SmithLargely self-taught, this Cutchogue artist and teacher believes that “anyone can paint”. Ms. Smith enjoys working in acrylics and her subject matter ranges from historic landmarks to landscapes, seascapes, florals and portraits.TAKE A CHANCE — Raffle to be drawn Dec. ��st for “Red, White and Blue”, a giclée print donated to the Library by Diane Alec Smith, on display at the Circula-tion Desk beginning Dec. �st. Raffle tickets are $� each. IN THE DISPLAY CASES: “Crèches from Around the World” — from the collec-tion of Patricia Cassin. This is a beautiful display of lovingly collected crèches, of various sizes, styles and materials from around the globe.

Come and see the Children’s Room Gin-gerbread House, constructed by a library patron and decorated by staff. Children sit on a bean bag chair or rocking chair inside and read - parents are loving it and taking (Christmas) photos of their kids.

Check our website for additional program information:www.mattlibrary.org

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