An email distributed recently by Manorhaven Action Committee referencing a meeting the Cow Neck Peninsula Historical Society had last month with a representative of the Village of Manorhaven and members of the Manorhaven Action Committee was misleading.
The email may have given the impression that the Historical Society was in favor of landmarking the Thypin property on Manhasset Isle, which has never been our position. However, we are in the process of launching a program to offer historic distinction plaques to houses, buildings, and areas that have had tremendous historic importance during the growth of the Port Washington peninsula.
This newly launched initiative hopes to post attractive signage on or near such properties, with the full cooperation of the owners and/or local government entities and will carry no legal restrictions whatsoever.
In the 1920s, the Thypin property was site of the American Aeronautical factory, then Pan Am hangars in 1930.
During World War II, plane parts were manufactured there.
Certainly, that important part of Port Washington’s extensive history warrants a historical marker, as do many buildings on Lower Main Street, the LIRR station, and a great many other localities.
The rich local history of Port Washington includes aviation, sand mining, boat building, shellfishing, and much, much more, as well as a great many colorful characters.
History is all around us!
More information on this new historic distinction program will be distributed in the coming months via email, newspaper articles and our website: www.cowneck.org.
Chris Bain
President, Cow Neck Peninsula Historical Society
