Backstory: Water Mill’s Villa Maria Mansion & Religious Retreat

Villa Maria 51 Halsey Lane, Water Mill, NY, Long Island
Dan’s Papers

In 1883, industrialist Josiah Lombard built a 20,000 square foot mansion on the headwaters of Mecox Bay on the south side of the Montauk Highway in Water Mill. A serene spot at that time, he had a historic windmill brought over from Sag Harbor and placed on his front lawn. The house, named “Grey…

Backstory: Moving the Montauk Coast Guard Station at Sea

Towing the Coast Guard station, March, 1955
Dan’s Papers

The Montauk Coast Guard Station, a big four-square three-story clapboard building, sits on the shore of Star Island facing out to the boats in Montauk Harbor. It hasn’t always been there, however. Originally, 100 years ago, it was built 10 miles from Star Island, on the ocean beach at Napeague halfway between Montauk and…