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A Beacon of Light

The essence of the East End of Long Island: the Montauk Lighthouse, an area treasure for more than two centuries. (Newsday Photo / Bill Davis)

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Mills ¦ Lighthouses ¦ Worship ¦ Cemeteries ¦ Libraries

EARLY AMERICAN technology can still be glimpsed around the East End in lighthouses and mills that survive from colonial times and the earliest days of the nation. Settlers built mills powered by the wind, streams or even the tides to grind corn and other grains into meal or trim logs into lumber.

Storms and fog contributed to shipwrecks from the earliest voyages to the New World and ship owners began lobbying for warning beacons as shipping increased in the colonial period. At first these beacons were bonfires, but later permanent lighthouses were erected.

MILLS

Corwith Windmill, Village Green, Montauk Highway, Water Mill. Built in 1800 in Sag Harbor and relocated in 1813 and operated until 1887. Tours open year-round by appointment. Fee: donation. Call 726-5984.

Old Hook Windmill, North Main Street, East Hampton. Built in 1806 by Nathaniel Dominy, the windmill that once ground corn and wheat is a fine example of wooden technology. Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on varying days July-August. $2, $1 ages 4-10; 324-0713.

Water Mill Museum, Old Mill Road, Water Mill. Long Island's first water-powered gristmill (1644), has been restored and displays early tools and colonial crafts and has hands-on exhibits. In June, open on Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.. From July through September, open Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Fees: $2 for adults, $1.50 for seniors and children under 12 are free.

LIGHTHOUSES

Montauk Lighthouse, Montauk State Park, Montauk. Lighthouse was commissioned by George Washington and finished in 1796. The museum in its base, run by the Montauk Historical Society, features early photos and displays, with guides on hand. Visitors can climb to the top for sweeping vistas. Open weekends from March 14 to May 17 and November (hours vary, call ahead); daily 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. May 23-25 (then to 5:30 p.m. daily) and June 22-Sept. 7; daily to 5 p.m. Sept. 8-Oct. 12. Call for other times and special holiday hours. Fee: Adults, $4; seniors, $3.50 and children to 12 years old or 41 inches tall, $2.50; 668-2544.

Horton Point Lighthouse, end of Lighthouse Road, Southold. The beacon was authorized by Washington in 1790 but not built until 1856. The working lighthouse houses a marine museum that offers escorted tower tours. Open seasonally; for hours, call 765-5500. Suggested donation of $2 requested.

WORSHIP

Some of the historic houses of worship on the East End, which date from the time before the nation's founding.

1600s

First Presbyterian Church of Southampton, South Main Street. Puritan yeomen from Massachusetts founded the church in 1640. Current Gothic Revival building dates from 1843.

First Presbyterian Church of Southold, Route 25, Main Road. Founded in 1640 by Puritans from Connecticut, originally from Southwold, England. Present 1803 church has a stained-glass window made from windows of St. Edmunds, Southwold, which were shattered in World War II bombing.

Bridgehampton Presbyterian Church, 2429 Montauk Highway. Established in Sagaponack in 1670, present Greek Revival church dates from 1842.

1700s

United Church of Christ/Orient Congregational Church, Main Road, Orient. Founded in 1700, oldest in that denomination in New York State. The 1717 meeting house was replaced in 1817, additions in 1843.

Caroline Church, Dyke Road, Setauket. Oldest Episcopal church building in continuous use in New York State and second oldest in the country, established 1723 and built in 1730. Musket ball possibly embedded in a church beam during the Battle of Setauket in 1777 is on display.