Long Island's Hidden Past: Protecting and preserving historic Long Island locations

Every two years, Preservation Long Island puts together a list of historic Long Island structures that are in danger of disappearing.

News 12 Staff

Apr 4, 2019, 8:30 AM

Updated 1,861 days ago

Share:

Every two years, Preservation Long Island puts together a list of historic Long Island structures that are in danger of disappearing.
One place in danger is the Summer Club Clubhouse on Fire Island. It was one of the original lifesaving stations along the Great South Bay. The Blue Point lifesaving station was moved to Fire Island and has been part of the Summer Club community since the 1940s.
In this companion podcast for News 12 Talks Long Island, Danielle and Sarah discuss the structures in danger:
"It's a vibrant place where everyone gathers for the summer," says Sarah Kautz, of Preservation Long Island.
However, because of rising tides, the beloved community hot spot needs to be saved.
Local historians are also keeping a close eye on a South Shore community that became a movie star mecca and rumored to be named after a famous resident, Clark Gable.
"Merrick Gables is a 1922 planned community and it was designed by, among others, Mr. Fox of 20th Century Fox," says Kautz.
The homes were built in typical California style. They were made to attract the Hollywood elite who worked on the East Coast.
"Unfortunately, some of them have fallen into disrepair and that makes them really prime for someone to buy and demo the property and rebuild," Kautz says.
Residents who live in the Merrick Gables and members of the Summer Club Clubhouse hope the endangered list will bring attention to their part of the Long Island story and keep it from being bulldozed or swept away.
"That's what preservation is all about," Kautz says. "Finding ways to keep these places alive and relevant."


More from News 12
0:30
‘We are heartbroken.’ Loved ones search for answers in case of missing New Paltz woman

‘We are heartbroken.’ Loved ones search for answers in case of missing New Paltz woman

2:18
Summerlike afternoon with highs in 80, rain and big cool down coming

Summerlike afternoon with highs in 80, rain and big cool down coming

0:20
Parents, NYCLU rally in Albany to demand changes in E. Ramapo schools

Parents, NYCLU rally in Albany to demand changes in E. Ramapo schools

0:48
Rockland community unites to commemorate Holocaust Remembrance Day

Rockland community unites to commemorate Holocaust Remembrance Day

0:28
Trial of Wallkill man suspected of hiring someone to kill his neighbor begins today

Trial of Wallkill man suspected of hiring someone to kill his neighbor begins today

0:27
Rye police: Car burglary highlights need to lock vehicles

Rye police: Car burglary highlights need to lock vehicles

1:46
Fire officials: Fatal Ossining fire doesn't appear to be suspicious

Fire officials: Fatal Ossining fire doesn't appear to be suspicious

1:14
Headlines: Woman stabbed in White Plains, fatal crash on I-84, body of missing guardsman found

Headlines: Woman stabbed in White Plains, fatal crash on I-84, body of missing guardsman found

0:31
Orange County school districts poised to implement wards for school board elections

Orange County school districts poised to implement wards for school board elections

0:32
SUNY Purchase agrees to suspend disciplinary consequences for protester arrested during campus demonstrations

SUNY Purchase agrees to suspend disciplinary consequences for protester arrested during campus demonstrations

0:19
Rabies alert issued in Sullivan County after fox tests positive

Rabies alert issued in Sullivan County after fox tests positive

0:38
Local thrift store hits $4 million in charitable giving to Northern Westchester hospital

Local thrift store hits $4 million in charitable giving to Northern Westchester hospital

0:40
New York honors fallen police officers with memorial wall dedication

New York honors fallen police officers with memorial wall dedication

0:30
New Rochelle maintains current elementary school start times despite cost concerns

New Rochelle maintains current elementary school start times despite cost concerns

0:21
Small business owners recognized for contributions during Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

Small business owners recognized for contributions during Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

1:08
Sleepy Hollow music festival to debut with indie rock band Cold War Kids headlining

Sleepy Hollow music festival to debut with indie rock band Cold War Kids headlining

0:22
Trocheck's power-play goal lifts Rangers to 4-3 win over Hurricanes in 2OT for 2-0 series lead

Trocheck's power-play goal lifts Rangers to 4-3 win over Hurricanes in 2OT for 2-0 series lead

1:43
Garden Guide: These plants repel weeds and are a natural fertilizer!

Garden Guide: These plants repel weeds and are a natural fertilizer!

2:46
8 tips for children walking or bicycling to school

8 tips for children walking or bicycling to school