Checking Into An Old Hotel

No longer a mystery, it's the old Mineola water tower. (Hicks Nurseries Photo)

SEVERAL readers were quick to identify the water tower pictured in these pages a few weeks ago as the old Village of Mineola water tower, which was built between 1909 and 1910.

"This was the first tank we had, and it was replaced by the present tank in 1940, located at the same site on Elm Place," says village water superintendent Frederick Booher. "The building shown still exists, although it has been added on to over the years. I think the view is looking west from the present intersection of Roslyn Road and Westbury Avenue. We have a similar photo in our office."

The old water tank held about 75,000 gallons, Booher says. Its replacement holds half a million gallons. Meanwhile, readers may be able to provide information about another mystery photograph, this one from the regional Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation archives.

The photo is labeled "Sportsmens Hotel, High Hill Beach, R.T. Willmarth, Proprietor." No other information about the hotel is provided.