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Looking Back
Blizzard of 1947
The GCHA hopes everyone remained safe and warm following this weekend's storm! In that spirit, please enjoy this look back at the historic Blizzard of 1947.
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On December 25th and 26th, 1947, the northeastern portion of the United States experienced record-breaking snowfall, resulting in "The Great Blizzard of 1947." It was described as being the worst snowstorm to hit the region since 1888.
New York City had accumulated 26.4 inches of snow, causing vehicles to be buried and trains to be delayed upwards of 12 hours.
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1947 Blizzard in New York City
Al Fenn
The LIFE Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Click for full gallery!
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The snow accumulated to that extent because of a lack of high winds, unlike our latest storm. This was combined with the fact that NY was not equipped with adequate mechanical equipment and an inaccurate meteorological advisory.
To dispose of the snow, it was dumped into bodies of water or stacked into piles, which could compete against even the highest drifts. Unmanaged, the drifts could exceed 10 feet, with some beyond 12 feet! According to the January 31, 1949, edition of the Brooklyn Eagle, Heffernan said:
"Last year we had to get what labor was available, and a good deal of the 'work' done consisted of leaning on shovels."
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In Centerport, the fire department got to work clearing roads, uncovering hydrants, and managing drifts before they got too large.
According to Centerport resident Natalie Suydam, everyone had to help shovel the roads as there were not enough plows to handle such heavy snow. From her home, Natalie had to struggle up Prospect Road to take the photos of the Suydam house.
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Centerport Fire Department
New firehouse was built in 1940 (picture taken sometime later)
| | The record from the 1947 blizzard held up until 2006, when 26.9 inches fell on February 11th and 12th. Yet, even that record was surpassed with the January 23rd, 2016, blizzard, which topped out at 27.5 inches of snow. This past storm was only 11.4 inches, so imagine more than double that amount! | | |
Suydam House - 1947 Blizzard
January 1948
Photographed and donated by Natalie Suydam
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Centerport Road, Outside Suydam House - 1947 Blizzard
January 1948
Photographed and donated by Natalie Suydam
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Centerport News by Lesley B. Rosesch
Northport Journal
January 2, 1948
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Bill Wamp Gives Centerport Version of Snow Storm
Northport Journal
January 2, 1948
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100 Years Ago
January 1926 News Articles
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Radiola Four Tube Radio
The Long-Islander
January 1, 1926
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Centerport News & Honor Roll
The Long-Islander
January 1, 1926
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Centerport Two-Room School
1861 - 1933
c. 1862
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Otto Schmidt Auction
The Long-Islander
January 1, 1926
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Columbia Hotel - Owned by Otto Schmidt
c. 1908
Burned in 1909
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Centerport Will Collect Fines If Lights Burn Out
Brooklyn Eagle
January 3, 1926
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Be Careful Where You Sing
The Long-Islander
January 8, 1926
*$10 would be about $183 today
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70 Acres in Centerport
Brooklyn Eagle
January 10, 1926
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Best Sugar Beet Crop
The County Review
January 14, 1926
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Hall's Inn Ad
The Long-Islander
January 22, 1926
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Gillen's Executors' Sale
The Long-Islander
January 29, 1926
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Ethel Suydam Kindergarten Course
The Long-Islander
January 29, 1926
Photo:
Ethel Suydam Witting (1902-1990) &
Her Father Francis (Frank) Suydam (1870-1940)
c. 1925
At home on the corner of Little Neck Road & Harbor Heights
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Greenlawn News - Red Fox
The Long-Islander
January 29, 1926
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Farewell to Golf "Pro"
Brooklyn Daily Times
January 30, 1926
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GCHA Membership
Looking to Become a Member or Renew?
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Consider renewing your membership or joining! Your annual dues allows us to continue maintaining our two historic properties, the John Gardiner Farmhouse, and the Suydam Homestead, alongside the preservation of paintings, photographs, documents, and ephemera at the Russell B. Brush Research Center.
An annual membership entitles you to a subscription to our quarterly newsletter and monthly e-newsletter, in addition to discounts on programs. You will also get early access to our digitized collection, and virtual exhibits/tours.
Senior/Student - $20
Individual - $25
Family - $40
Sponsor - $75
Patron - $125
Click a tier & pay online via Square
or
Mail a check to:
GCHA
31 Broadway, Greenlawn, NY 11740
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Gift Options
To Support Our Association
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Greenlawn-Centerport Historical Association Mug
$12.00
Click here!
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(Images of America)
Greenlawn: A Long Island Hamlet
From the archives of the Greenlawn-Centerport Historical Association comes this striking visual history of the north shore Long Island hamlet of Greenlawn.
Originally known as Oldfields, the area was settled in the early 1800s by farmers. The extension of the Long Island Railroad through the farmlands in 1867-1868 provided the impetus for the development of a profitable pickle and cabbage industry, the growth of the community, and the arrival of vacationers, many of whom soon became year-round residents. Greenlawn includes stories of the Halloween eve conflagration, the Adirondack-style vacation retreat, the opera house, the farmhouse murders, the vaudevillians, and the Pickle King, among others. Today, houses cover the old farmlands; yet Greenlawn with: one main street of small shops, a railroad crossing that halts traffic throughout the day, and many historical buildings-still retains its small-town charm.
$20.00
Click here!
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(Images of America)
Centerport
Discover the Deco estates, summer camp spots, and stunning landscapes that Long Island's North Shore coastal community of Centerport has to offer.
Once known as Little Cow Harbor, the coastal community of Centerport on Long Island's north shore is rich in natural resources, including a beautiful harbor with several freshwater streams surrounded by wooded hills. Centerport was originally the site of several important mills, but in the late 19th century, it became a summer retreat for both the rich and the not so rich. Youth camps, most notably the Franciscan Brothers' Camp Alvernia; guesthouses; and resorts as well as popular restaurants dotted the shoreline. In the early 20th century, large estates were established by the Vanderbilt, Van Iderstine, Burling, Morse, DeBrabant, Whitney, and Corbin families on the Little Neck peninsula. As the 20th century progressed, modest and generously sized houses replaced the small farms and many of the large estates. The unspoiled natural beauty and rich history has for centuries drawn residents whose love of Centerport continue to make our village a great place to live.
$20.00
Click here!
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Harvey A. Weber's Centerport
In 1990, Harvey Weber wrote, edited, designed and published Centerport, a written and photographic account of his adopted home. The book was well received and was reprinted in 1991. Upon his death in September 1991, the rights to his book about Centerport became the property of his widow, Madeline Weber. In 2001, as the book was about to go out of print, Mrs. Weber generously gave the rights to the Centerport book to the GCHA in loving memory of her husband. The Association has now re-issued Harvey Weber's book as a tribute to the great contribution he has made to preserve the history of Centerport through his own beautiful photographs and through the historic photographs that he assembled. The Association also acknowledges with heartfelt gratitude the generosity of Madeline Weber. Her gift has made it possible for our community to enjoy her husband's work for years to come.
Harvey Weber was born in Brooklyn, NY in 1917. He died in Centerport in 1991. During his lifetime he received many prestigious awards and honors, including the Joseph Costa Award from the National Press Photographers Association. He exhibited his work in six one-man shows. His photographs are included in museum, university, and private collections.
$5.00
Click here!
(Available only through the GCHA)
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