First of all, apologies for the delay in delivering Volume 24-1 of the Long Island History Journal. Administrative reorganization and technical issues conspired to delay this issue but with the work of our editors, especially Joshua Ruff, and the very kind assistance of Paul St. Denis of Stony Brook’s Teaching, Learning and Technology Center, the issue is finally at hand. Also, thanks to Gary Marker, Chair of the History Department at Stony Brook University, for his support and encouragement.
The Long Island History Journal began in 2009 when Wolf Schafer, Professor of History at Stony Brook University and the Director of Stony Brook’s Center for Globality Studies, worked to absorb the Long Island Historical Journal, which ceased print publication in 2008, reinventing it as an on-line publication. In 2014, Professor Schafer accepted a multi-year appointment as Dean of Fellows of The American Academy in Berlin and has thereby relinquished his role as Publisher of the LIHJ. The editors join me in thanking Wolf for all of his work in launching and sustaining our publication.
This issue marks the addition of Dr. Tara Rider to our editorial staff. Tara holds a Ph.D. in History from Stony Brook University where she teaches Long Island history as well as serves as a lecturer in the Sustainability Studies Program and the School of Marine and Atmospheric Studies. A particular research interest of Tara’s involves how maritime environments have shaped societies around the world, with an emphasis on the Atlantic world. Please welcome Tara as an editor.
In this issue of the LIHJ, Kevin Olsen of Montclair State University contributes an article analyzing New York City’s attention to waste management during the late 19th and early 20th century period of reform in the United States. John Strong, a frequent contributor to our publication, returns with co-author Mary Laura Lamont, as they explore a ledger book from Brookhaven Town’s early days highlighting interactions between the Unkechaug Indians and the town’s settlers.
The book review section of the LIHJ plays catch up with a number of recent publications. Joel Rosenthal reviews two histories of area colleges: Frank Cavaioli’s history of Farmingdale State College, an institution celebrating its centennial, and John Strong’s story of the rise and fall of Southampton College of Long Island University.
Suzanne Johnson reviews two recent additions to the Arcadia Series of Long Island histories, namely those of Port Jefferson (by Robert Maggio and Earlene O’Hare) and of Yaphank (by Tricia Foley and Karen Mouzakes). Ann Becker contributes a review of Mac Griswold’s study of life on a slave plantation on Long Island, and Christopher Capozzola shares his assessment of Charlene Mires’ history of the early years of the United Nations when it was located on Long Island in Lake Success.
Finally, we add to the LIHJ audio visual collection as we visit with professional musician Chris Tedesco and take a fresh look at the music of 19th century Long Island artist, William Sidney Mount. Our associate editor Joshua Ruff provides the introductory context as Chris examines some of Mount’s fiddles and plays part of a song on a one hundred fifty seven year old instrument made by the artist.
As always, we welcome reader comments for our Letters section. Those seeking to submit an article are asked to click on the “Authors” tab on the homepage and view the drop-down “Guidelines for Authors.” LIHJ readers are encouraged to visit the “subscribe” link on our home page to enter a free subscription to our publication.
Charles Backfish,
Editor in Chief