Stony Brook (NY) (Images of America)($24.99Value)

Description

Stony Brook is remarkable for the abundance of eighteenth- and nineteenth-century buildings still in use. Much of the old hamlet remains in the streets leading up to and out of its center; few twentieth-century structures interrupt the progression of homes of the farmers, craftsmen, and seamen who were the backbone of the community. The center itself dates from 1940 and is an interpretation of Federal architecture. Using photographs, documents, and oral histories from the archives of the Three Village Historical Society and from generous residents, Stony Brook reveals the old center, portrays buildings that no longer exist, and follows other structures to their new location. The book also shows many familiar buildings in much earlier but still recognizable form, revisits aspects of village life prior to World War II, and documents the transformations of 1940 to 1946. Title: Give the gift of local history this year: History close at hand Author: Beverly C. Tyler Publisher: Times Beacon Record Date: 12/10/2008 Holiday shopping at local stores that help give our historic communities a sense of place just makes good sense. Why not visit a few local not-for-profit shops that deserve our special support. The St. James General Store, 516 Moriches Road in St. James, not technically a nonprofit, is run for the benefit of Suffolk County residents through the County Parks Department as a part of Historical Services. There are two floors of 19th and 20th century goods, and lots of homemade goodies. They have an extensive collection of old-style candies and molasses paddles. On the second floor are books on Long Island covering many local communities, as well as many wonderful children's books. The back room has an extensive collection of ornaments, some of which are reproductions of antique decorations. There is a large selection of toys, dolls and games for children that also harken back to the 19th century. The St. James General Store is open every day 10 am to 5 pm. In January and February it will be closed on Mondays. For information call 854-3740. The Long Island Museum of American Art, History and Carriages Gift Shop, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook, in the cheery yellow building is a treasure trove of books, trinkets, toys and museum quality gifts. The antique jewelry, ornaments and other reproductions are beautiful and make wonderful accent pieces. This year, with 323 Norman Rockwell Saturday Evening Post covers in the art museum through Jan. 27, there is a treasure trove of Norman Rockwell books and puzzles. Not to beoverlooked are the books on carriages and art, especially the paintings of William Sidney Mount. An exhibit of his work titled "Country Scenes for City Patrons: Works by William Sidney Mount," is in the art museum now through Jan. 4. The gift shop also has a large number of books on our local area and its history. The LIM Gift Shop is open Monday through Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday, noon to 5 pm. For information call 751-0066. The entire Gallery North, 90 North Country Road, Setauket, is a gift shop with many wonderful paintings and gift pieces by local artists for sale. The current exhibit is "Holiday Art." An annual exhibition of special gifts by selected artists and craftspeople will be on display through Dec. 30. The gift shop has many items by craftspeople who exhibited at the Gallery North Outdoor Art Show, including award-winning craft and jewelry. The gifts for children are very appealing and handmade in many cases. Gallery North is open Tuesday though Saturday 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday noon to 5 pm. For information call 751-2676. The Three Village Historical Society History Center at 93 North Country Road, Setauket, is across the street from Gallery North. The Society Gift Shop has a nice selection of gifts and toys, especially reproductions of colonial toys and Victorian gifts. Here you will also find many books, booklets and pamphlets on local history including the books detailed here. While there, visit the world-class maritime exhibit, "The Sailing Circle." The History Center is open Monday through Friday 10 am to 3 pm. Books available above that you should consider for holiday giving include: "Then & Now - The Three Villages," by ThreeVillage Historical Society, is a beautifully illustrated 96-page book that includes historic and current photographs on every page with a description of each location. This is a special book that you will look at again and again. It provides a sense of wonder at how some things have changed in Setauket, Stony Brook, Old Field and Poquott and how others have remained the same. "By the Sword, A Young Man Meets War," by Selene Castrovilla and illustrated by Bill Farnsworth, is a wonderfully illustrated children's book that tells the story of 22-year-old Major Benjamin Tallmadge of Setauket and the part he played in the August 1776 Battle of Long Island. "Hen Frigates" by Joan Druett is a seafaring book full of interesting details abo