ANNUAL EXHIBITION 2022
YEAR ROUND: A CELEBRATION OF COMMUNITY
VITAL SERVICES
THREE CHURCHES
Three Fishers Island churches, circa 1914.
Photograph by Brown and Dawson. Museum Collection
The original Union Chapel is featured at left, Our Lady of Grace Church at center, and St. John’s Episcopal Church at right. Beyond meeting the religious needs of their respective congregations, all three churches intertwine with the wider Fishers Island community in ways both serious and whimsical.
Exterior view of St. John’s Episcopal Church, June 6, 2022.
Photograph courtesy of Jane T. Ahrens.
After its original side-mounted steeple toppled in the Hurricane of 1938, St. John’s semi-gothic architecture was remodeled along more traditional colonial lines.
Rev. Michael Spencer awarding a Fishers Island Community Scholarship to a graduating Fishers Island School student, June 25, 2017.
Photograph courtesy of Jane T. Ahrens.
This scholarship is given annually to all Fishers Island School graduates, and to all graduating high school students who are children of year-round residents. It extends for up to six years of further education.
Rev. Michael Spencer of St. John’s expanding his flock during the Annual Blessing of the Pets, Village Green, July 23, 2017.
Photograph courtesy of Jane T. Ahrens
“All furry, feathered and scaled creatures welcome.”
Exterior view of Union Chapel, Nov. 14, 2001.
Photograph by Pierce Rafferty. Museum Collection
The original Union Chapel (1898), seen above, was destroyed by a fire on September 28, 1965. A new Union Chapel opened in 1967.
Annual holiday Senior Lunch at Union Chapel, December 2004.
Photograph by Patty Faulkner. Museum Collection
Seniors over 60 attend these monthly gatherings (October to May) that bring together friends who enjoy great meals and good conversations.
3rd Annual Cabaret Night at Union Chapel, January 26, 2008.
Photograph courtesy of Melie Spofford.
Skits, songs, and many surprises characterize this comedic Union Chapel “happening.”
Exterior view of Our Lady of Grace Church, June 6, 2022.
Photograph courtesy of Jane T. Ahrens
This Catholic church first opened its doors for services in 1905.
Group portrait of the “Hit or Miss” Rummage Ladies on the steps of Our Lady of Grace (OLOG), August 26, 2020.
Photograph courtesy of Jane T. Ahrens
This dynamic group manages all aspects of OLOG’s “thrift,” one of Fishers Island’s most popular venues.
Peggy Elliott and Mary Ski at “Rum-Quot,” Catwalk and Raffle fashion show held at the Pequot, August 2, 2021.
Photograph courtesy of Jane T. Ahrens
With donated clothes from OLOG’s “Hit and Miss.” this fashion show raised funds for “Islanders for Islanders.” Maestro Mary Ski, seen at right, masterfully conducted the OLOG Rummage for 20 years before recently stepping down.
THREE SCHOOLS
The first Fishers Island School, founded 1888.
Date unknown. Photograph courtesy of Jeff and Catherine Edwards
Although some teaching was organized for children of Brick Yard workers as early as 1798, the Island’s first grade school wasn’t built until 1888. It was a one-room structure that could accommodate 60 students. A second room was added in 1904.
Looking up St. John’s Hill past the Christian Hansen house and Episcopal Church to first Fishers Island School, circa 1890.
Photographer unknown. Museum Collection
St. John’s Episcopal Church and Fishers Island School with second room added, circa 1910.
Museum Collection
The second room that was added in 1904 today serves as the Fishers Island Library’s Reading room.
Group portrait of Fishers Island School grade school students with two teachers in window, circa 1913.
Photograph by G.L. Thompson. Museum Collection
Children in classroom of first Fishers Island School, circa 1913.
Photograph by Charles E. Pratt, Expert School Photographer, New London, Conn. Museum Collection
Public School, Fisher’s Island, N.Y. Postcard published by J. Solomon, New London, Conn.
Circa 1920. Museum Collection
A more modern school facility, greatly enlarged with four standard classrooms, opened its doors to Fishers Island’s students in 1916. It was located on Montauk Ave. overlooking West Harbor on the site of today’s Mrs. Robert Coleman property. This second school expanded to include a high school in the mid-1920s holding its first commencement for five students in June 1929.
Intermediate Grades, Fishers Island N.Y., 1916.
Photograph by Edward Quimby. Museum Collection.
Teacher Mrs. Mabel S. Woodworth (second row on left) poses with intermediate grade students on the steps of the nearby Elliott House (today’s Pequot). The Island’s student population has varied greatly over the years, reaching a peak of 132 during World War II, corresponding with an increased population of soldiers with families at Fort Wright.
Group portrait in auditorium of Fishers Island’s second school, circa 1949.
Museum Collection
Fishers Island School Newspaper Beach Party, 1946.
Photographer unknown. Museum Collection
Back row, L to R: David Edwards, Daniel Kowalczyk, Bill Maynard, Clarence “Buddy” Edwards, Adelord Cantin, Yolande “Pat” Wagner (Teacher), Louise Genereux (Teacher), Evelyn Lamb. 2nd row, L to R: Dorothy Abbondanza, Lloyd Olsen, Jimmy Butler, Marion Burnett (Teacher). Front row, L to R: Alfred Bruneau, Jackie Butler, Raymond Lamb, and Robert Waddington.
Mr. Edwin Horning’s 5th and 6th Grade Class, Fishers Island School, 1966-67.
Photographer unknown. Museum Collection
Back row, L to R: Wayne Griffin, Dickie Oliveri, John Peishoff, Luis Horn, Eddie Scroxton, Scott Witt, Rusty Erpenbeck, Gary Griffin. Front row, L to R: Richie Erpenbeck, Craig Sinclair, Daniel Waddington, Ann Kowalcyzk, Cathy Peishoff, Thelma Hedge, Dana Hartsfield, Darleen Akley, Mindy Perkins, Lynn Jenssen. (Note: One name is missing.)
Demolition of second school building, circa 1972.
Museum Collection
Another view of demolition of second school building, circa 1972.
Museum Collection
This building ably served the Fishers Island Community from 1916 through the 1972 school year.
Exterior view of Fishers Island School, May 1974.
Photograph by Charlie Morgan. Museum Collection
The Dedication Ceremony for the third school was held on August 19, 1972. The total building area was 25,733 Sq. Ft.located on a 7.1 acre parcel. With 24 teaching spaces, the interior design was structured on an “open plan” that enabled flexible, multi-purpose use and offered more personalized learning for students from nursery through grade 12.
Louisa Evans walking with her four children to school on the first day, Fall 2000.
Fishers Island Gazette photo. Issue 14. No. 3.
Magnet students walking from ferry to school on the first day, September 3, 2014.
Photograph courtesy of Jane T. Ahrens
Of the 60 students who attend Fishers Island School for the 2021/22 school year, 32 commute from the mainland and 28 live on island.
Teachers Meg Atkin and Deb Walters fully engaged with elementary school students on the first day, September 3, 2014.
Photograph courtesy of Jane T. Ahrens
Fishers Island School Science & Technology students constructing “Bio-Rock” dome, September 3, 2014.
Photograph courtesy of Jane T. Ahrens
The dome will be part of a living reef for offshore marine research and science experimentation.
Students in teacher Adam Murray’s conservation class, September 29, 2020.
Photograph Courtesy of Jane T. Ahrens
Group portrait of F.I. School “Lady Vikings” basketball team and coaches, February 15, 2022.
Photograph courtesy of Marlin Bloethe
The team won the scrimmage against St. Bernard’s varsity team (Eastern Conn. Conference IV Champions) by a score of 48-32.
Class of 2017 graduates on Commencement Day, June 23, 2017.
Photograph courtesy of Jane T. Ahrens
Fishers Island School Class of 2022, June 24, 2022.
Courtesy of Jane T. Ahrens
From left to right: Lydia Doucette, Jackson Eastman, Constance Toldo, Micaiah Rutherford, and Lane Wilson. Congratulations to all!
LIBRARY
Fishers Island Library, July 28, 2014.
Photograph courtesy of Mary P. Murphy
When the Fishers Island School moved to its second location on Montauk Avenue in 1916, the former school building was converted for use as the new Fishers Island Library.
“The Library, Fishers Island, N.Y.” Postcard published by W.G. Wilbur, circa 1910.
Museum Collection
Before 1916, Fishers Island’s Library operated out of the Second Floor of the E. M. & W. Ferguson Administration Building, today’s Fishers Island Utility Co. Building. In 1903-04 there were 908 volumes at that location.
“Public Library, Fisher’s Island, N.Y.” Postcard published by W.G. Wilbur, circa 1918.
Museum Collection
The Fishers Island Library’s first library card.
Photograph courtesy of Fishers Island Library
This card was issued in 1918 to Lizzie Elliott Chapman, the owner of the Elliott House, today’s Pequot.
Fishers Island Library,circa 1980.
Photograph by Charlie Morgan. Museum Collection
Before renovation, August 16, 2016.
Photograph courtesy of Jane T. Ahrens
Because we forget so quickly, it’s worth reviewing the Fishers Island Library’s interior that existed before its recent total refurbishing.
After renovation, May 30, 2017.
Courtesy of Jane T. Ahrens
A nine-month long reworking of the front room by Kinlin/Rutherfurd Architects dramatically improved its working space and light. Very inviting!
Librarian Ann Banks at her desk, Fishers Island Library, July 7, 1996.
Photograph courtesy of Fishers Island Library
Ann has served as the Fishers Island Library’s dedicated librarian for more than 25 years!
Young children enthralled by Fishers Island Library Trustee Cindy Dwyer’s Story Hour reading, August 24, 2015.
Photograph courtesy of Jane T. Ahrens
Library Bingo, October 30, 2016.
Photograph courtesy of Amy Harris
Throughout the year, the Fishers Island Library presents a full range of activities, programs, speakers, and special events for both children and adults.
Library Crafts & Coffee group, March 2, 2020.
Photograph courtesy of Jane T. Ahrens
On display are hand-stitched nests and pouches for animal victims of Australian fires.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Group portrait at FIFD Installation Dinner, January 25, 2020.
Photograph courtesy of Jane T. Ahrens
In January 2020, there were 51 active volunteers in the FIFD. Fishers Island owes a great debt of gratitude to each and every one of them.
FIFD members sitting in front of fire truck parked at new Fire Station, circa 1928.
Photograph by G.L. Thompson. Museum Collection
In April 1927, the Fishers Island Fire Dept. was first organized and a structure that had been originally used as a Meat Market and a Lunch Parlor was transformed into the Fire House for the new department. The first floor was for equipment, the second floor was used as a meeting room, and the third floor served as bachelor quarters for single members.
FIFD Color Guard and members preparing to march from American Legion, Memorial Day, circa 1980s.
Photograph by Charlie Morgan. Museum Collection
FIFD members resting after training in Parade Ground gun emplacement, circa 1980s.
Photographer unknown. Courtesy of FIFD
FIFD training in Parade Ground’s 6-inch gun emplacement (Battery Marcy), circa 1973.
Photograph by Charlie Morgan. Courtesy of FIFD
Maysles’ house aflame, Fishers Island, NY, April 6, 1996.
Photographer unknown. Courtesy of FIFD
Watering down the Maysles house after fire, Fishers Island, NY, April 6, 1996.
Photographer unknown. Courtesy of FIFD
The FIFD saved this historic house that is located adjacent to the Hay Harbor Club.
Group portrait of EMTs, Sea Stretcher crew and Dr. Chris Ingram, April 21, 2015.
Photograph courtesy of Jane T. Ahrens
Fishers Island Fire Dept.’s EMTs are island residents who immediately drop or stop everything they are doing, from working to sleeping, to respond to the emergency calls over their pagers or radios. At this time there is great need for new volunteers. Several EMTs in this photo no longer live here, and others are planning to move to off-island locations in the near future.
First certified EMT class on Fishers Island, February 4 to June 6, 1976.
Photograph by Charlie Morgan. Courtesy of FIFD
Beginning in February 1976, JoAnn Barrows, supervisor of ambulatory care at Lawrence Memorial, taught the Island’s first certified EMT training course. There were 29 graduates.
List of Certified EMT graduates, First Training Program on Fishers Island, NY, June 1976.
Courtesy of FIFD
Joint drill with Sea Stretcher crew and EMTs, September 17, 2019.
Photograph courtesy of Jane T. Ahrens
Annual exhibition sponsored by ALTUS Partners & CHUBB
