Huntington Bay

Prominent Citizens Hung Out at the Chateau

Beginnings: Originally known as East Neck, the area was settled in the early 1670s when a trail - now Cove Road - connected Huntington Harbor with Fleets Cove to the east. Several large farms occupied the area, including those operated by the Conklin and Chichester families.

Revolution: American spy Nathan Hale is believed to have come ashore from Connecticut somewhere in the community before being captured by the British, probably in Manhattan or western Long Island, and hanged. His famous last words were said to be: ``I only regret I have but one life to lose for my country.''

Turning Point: In the second half of the 19th Century, East Neck was discovered by wealthy city residents who converted farmland into small summer estates. Among the most prominent was philanthropist August Heckscher, who made his fortune in steel, coal and real estate Dr. Farquahar Ferguson, founder of Armour Meat Co., built a castle overlooking Huntington Harbor; it has since been demolished, though the estate wall and some smaller buildings remain.

Casino Royale: The most interesting architectural creation in this era was the Chateau des Beaux Arts, a hotel and dining casino constructed in 1906 on a site overlooking Northport Bay. Famed French restaurateurs Louis, Andre and Jacques Bustanoby hired the New York architect Stanford White to design their casino, modeled after one in Monte Carlo. It had a lounge that could accommodate more than 1,000 guests and a golf course. The casino was maintained by the Huntington Bay Club until it was demolished in 1957. Only after World War II, when many of the estates began to be broken up for the development of smaller homes, did Huntington Bay gain a sizable year-round population. The name of the community gradually shifted from East Neck to Huntington Bay, so that name was used when the Village of Huntington Bay was incorporated in 1924.

Claims to Fame: Singer Harry Chapin was a resident and his family continues to live in the village. George Cortelyou, postmaster general and treasury secretary during President Theodore Roosevelt's administration, had a summer house in the village.

Where to Find More: Village Historian Ann Rausch at Village Hall, 516-427-2843.