The Bronx Journal-Local
A Seafaring Town
Cheryl Hill
Bronx Journal Staff Reporter
Hungry
New Yorkers might not know it, but City Island - a part of the city that
is well-known for its delectable cuisine and seafood in particular - is
a place with a history. Still,
while many people visit the island during the year, few take time to
look into community's rich past, full of nautical tales and intrigue.
"I've been to the restaurants on the
island many times but I never went to the museum," says Wanda
Hernandez, 37, who lives on DeKalb Avenue in the Bronx.
Hernandez is referring to The City Island Museum which houses a
collection of historical photographs and maritime memorabilia.
That’s not to say that City Island doesn’t hold a certain
attraction for Hernandez, a representative for U.S. Trust in Manhattan
and mother of one. “To be
honest, I just go for the food. It's the best!" exclaims the petite
Hernandez with a youthful grin. "Between
running after my daughter and doing overtime at work, I really don't
have time to stay and visit the museums.
It's not on my 'to do' list right now."
Hernandez is not the only Bronx native that
has little time to learn about City Island's past.
"I have a very busy schedule.
I work and I go to school," says Jason Wells, 20.
Wells, who lives on East 194th Street, is
majoring in Psychology at Herbert H. Lehman College.
"I haven't been to City
Island in such a long time."
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Originally occupied by
the Siwanoy Indians, City Island was first established as
an English settlement in 1685. City Island has been called Mullberry, Minnifers and Minnewits which are believed to be names of
former Native American inhabitants. During
the Revolutionary War U.S. General Heath used the name "New City
Island" in his memoirs. Benjamin
Palmer, who owned the island in 1761, divided it into 4,500 lots and sold
them in an attempt to make a new city of the port
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If Wells or Hernandez took the time,
however, they’d find out that City Island’s history as a seafaring
community is still very visible. Here
and there reminders of the place’s nautical side are evident –
whether fishing boats or sailing schools, seafood restaurants or
glorious views of the water and the mainland.
Originally occupied by the Siwanoy Indians,
City Island was first established as an English settlement in 1685. City Island has been called Mullberry, Minnifers and Minnewits which are believed to be names of
former Native American inhabitants.
During the Revolutionary War, U.S. General Heath used the name
"New City Island" in his memoirs.
Benjamin Palmer, who owned the island in 1761, divided it into
4,500 lots and sold them in an attempt to make a new city of the port.
Quickly, it became home to local fishermen. City Island was ideally the area where ships and boats
received their supplies as they traveled between Manhattan and northern
points, such as Eastchester Bay. However,
during the 18th and 19th centuries it became an essential ship building
and yacht center.
In this century, yacht building took a back
seat to the construction of submarine chasers, tugs and other vessels
during the two world wars. During
those two conflicts, City Island became the site of a quarantine
station, as well as the Hell's Gate pilot station.
Over time, as the island became an important maritime center,
resort spot and oyster farm, the adopted name, New City Island, was
shortened to City Island.
Today, oyster farms have turned into
restaurants and resort spots have turned some of the island’s largest
homes into hotels. Sammy's
Fish Box, Tito Puente's and Cafe Rio are some of the restaurants
recommended by visitors. However, feasting is not all there is to do on City Island.
The City Island Museum, The Nautical Room and The Walsh Room, are
just a few sights to behold along with the wide-open space and
breathtaking view of the water.
The City Island Museum is located in a
historic building, the old Public School 17 that was built in 1897 on a
former Indian burial ground. The
Nautical Room contains photographs and memorabilia that showcase the
legacy of City Island's nautical community.
The Walsh Room, dedicated to professor Harold Vendervoort Walsh
in 1976, displays over 50
of his paintings made during the 1930s of City Island and the
surrounding areas.
Still, it seems that a hunger for something
other than history keeps locals coming back to City Island. "Most people just come to eat,"
observes Fernando Vasquez, 53, a business owner in the Bronx.
"They may look at the pictures, or stop to enjoy the view
but it doesn't last long,"
he notes. His wife Sandra,
56, agrees, and adds that people come to City Island, get what they want
and leave. "It's how
life is," she says. Not
may people appreciate the history that surrounds them on City Island.
However, there are those that are willing to push themselves away
from the table to take a good look at the historical site.
"My wife and I come as often as we can. I love it here," Vasquez adds. Vasquez expertly points
out the former Indian burial ground and the lighthouses that have
"been up for ages.”
"There are not many places like this
anywhere,” says Vasquez. “We are lucky to have it right here in the
Bronx!" |
