TBT - There’s something about summers on Shelter Island that is undeniably enchanting. Though I’ve never spent a night, we’ve cruised around it by boat and on it by bike, enough time to take in its alluring serenity and charm. There are less than 2,500 full-time residents on Shelter, many with native bloodlines dating back to the American Revolution.
Shelter Island, aka “The Rock” by locals, has long been a haven for the affluent. The Prospect House, a swanky hotel built in 1872, served as a retreat for the leisure class during turn-of-the-century summers. From the Shelter Island Historical Society: “The hotel was incredibly grand and had a full orchestra, formal dining, a beach club, tea service on the veranda, tennis, fishing, dances, and much more. In 1920 some renovations were completed and it got a new name "The Poggatticut." Several years later, in 1923 there was the first fire which caused extensive damage. One year later it was re-opened, again with a new name "The New Prospect Hotel." In 1942 there was another fire which was sadly the end to the great hotel.”
Prospect House Brochure, 1882 [SIHS 2015.50]
"The hotel is a large and commodious building, finely furnished, and equipped with all modern improvements, and has accommodations for two hundred and fifty persons. The piazzas command a grand view of the bay and surrounding country."
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