This Spring promises more than just sunshine and flowers. The Cow Neck Peninsula Historical Society (CNPHS) has a spectacular lineup of tours, open houses, and an exciting new (yet old) event.
For the first time ever, the CNPHS has teamed up with the Vintage Flathead Timing Association to create “Wheels Through Time,” an antique car hill climb and classic car show. The event takes place June 24 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
In the morning is the antique car hill climb, an event popular in the 1920s, ’30s and ’40s. Classic (pre-1940) cars assemble at Hempstead Harbor Beach Park and are timed racing up the hill. At noon, a parade of antique cars will head over to the Sands-Willets House, joining some ‘newer’ antiques (through the 1970s) for a classic car show. While you’re there, enjoy live music by the CNPHS’s house band The Front Porch Players, take a tour of the Sands-Willets house, and more. Free admission to the general public.
Got an antique car to enter in the Hill Climb or a classic car you’d like to show? Visit our website www.cowneck.org to learn more about the requirements.
The annual Dodge Homestead Spring Fling will be held on June 10 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The Thomas Dodge Homestead (c. 1721) is one of the oldest houses in Port Washington and a favorite local landmark. The Spring Fling gives visitors the opportunity to tour the house and grounds, learn about the Dodge honeybees from the beekeeper, check out our newly planted colonial vegetable garden, sing along with The Front Porch Players, and more. There will be our own honey, baked goods, jewelry, and attic treasures for sale, rain or shine.
With the start of May came the resumption of the Magical History Walking Tours of Manhasset Bay. Tours meet the first weekend of every month from May to October. The one-mile tour begins at the Town Dock and ends at the Port North Dock. Tours start at 11 a.m. The cost is $8 for adults, $5 for seniors and $1 for children under 12. No reservations necessary.
You will walk the shoreline with one of our knowledgeable guides who will explain the history of Port Washington, including its rich history of sand mining, shellfishing, aviation, and tourism. The tour lasts about an hour and a half with bench stops along the way. Bring a bagged lunch and enjoy it at the North Dock at the end of the tour.
Also resuming this month were the Sands-Willets house tours. These take place on the first and third Sunday of the month from May to October, starting at 2 p.m. Tours are led by docents who have a deep understanding of the history and architecture of the house and the collections on display.
The Thomas Dodge Homestead also offers house tours on the fourth Sunday from May through September. Tours begin at 2 p.m. and include viewings of the house, grounds, and the unique three-seater outhouse.
The CNPHS is more energetic and vital than ever before, and always happily welcomes volunteers. For more information about any and all of these upcoming programs, or to contact us to volunteer or learn more, please visit www.cowneck.org.
