Port Jefferson Explored in New Book

MT. PLEASANT, S.C. - April 3, 2013 - PRLog -- The newest addition to Arcadia Publishing’s popular Images of America series is Port Jefferson from local authors Robert Maggio, Port Jefferson Free Library and Port Jefferson Village. The book boasts more than 200 vintage images of this unique village.

The history of Port Jefferson, a village on Long Island's North Shore, is rich with the lore of ships and the sea. Once called Drowned Meadow because of flooding at high tide, the town was renamed Port Jefferson in 1836. Those same harbor waters, which overran their banks, would become the natural resource that made Port Jefferson's first industry--shipbuilding--possible.

By the mid-19th century, the village had become one of the principal shipbuilding centers on Long Island and a major port of entry. The names of many prominent shipbuilding families are preserved in the village's streets and institutions, including Mather, Jones, Bayles and Hawkins. When the shipbuilding industry declined in the late 1800s, Port Jefferson used its seaside location to reinvent itself as a recreation destination, attracting notables such as Franklin Roosevelt.

The community's heritage is evidenced today in the numerous well-kept historic homes and buildings that stand along the hilly, tree-lined streets overlooking the harbor. Images of America: Port Jefferson looks to keep the history of Port Jefferson alive for residents and visitors alike.

Highlights of Port Jefferson include:
•   Rare photographs of all the past ferries spanning 130 years of service between Port Jefferson and Bridgeport.
•   A look inside Port Jefferson’s role in carriage and automobile manufacturing as well as shipbuilding.
•   Includes photos of notable visitors to the area, such as Franklin Roosevelt and comedian, Ed Wynn.

*The authors are donating their proceeds to the Port Jefferson Harbor Education & Arts Conservancy, a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing knowledge and appreciation of local history, marine life, cultural arts, recreational sports and educational experiences.*

Available at area bookstores, independent retailers, and online retailers, or through Arcadia Publishing at (888)-313-2665 or online.  

Arcadia Publishing is the leading publisher of local and regional history in the United States.  Our mission is to make history accessible and meaningful through the publication of books on the heritage of America’s people and places.  Have we done a book on your town?  Visit www.arcadiapublishing.com.