Towd Point, Southampton and the Tupper Family Legacy
Oct 23, 2023
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In a captivating conversation with Charlie Tupper, member of the storied Tupper family, listeners are transported to Towd Point's rich past. Charlie recounts his grandfather's journey from Nova Scotia to Southampton, purchasing the summer home in the early 1900s. He shares anecdotes about the charming 'Ramblers Cottage', its unique features, and the development of the area. Stories of childhood summers and heartfelt reflections on family legacy illuminate the emotional ties to this historic land, making it clear why Towd Point holds such significance in the community.
The preservation of Towd Point's history is crucial for maintaining its unique identity and community sense of place.
Charlie Tupper's family legacy illustrates the deep connections between personal history and the evolution of the local community in Southampton.
Deep dives
The Importance of Historic Preservation
Maintaining the history of Eastern Long Island, particularly Towd Point, is emphasized as essential to preserving its unique sense of place. The podcast highlights the urgency of keeping these stories alive, as they risk fading away without diligent efforts. A special guest, Charlie Tupper, shares his family's deep-rooted connection to the area, stressing that the legacy of his family and others contributes significantly to the local history. This preservation work not only honors the past but also shapes the future identity of the community.
Charlie Tupper's Family Legacy
Charlie Tupper recounts the history of his grandfather, who purchased land in Southampton in the early 20th century. He shares how his grandfather, a successful businessman, was drawn to the area due to its resemblance to his Nova Scotia roots. The investment in property, including a significant investment at the time for $7,500, laid the groundwork for a lasting family legacy. This legacy is reflected through various cottages built by his grandfather and the shared memories that continue to resonate within the family.
Childhood Memories and Community
Tupper reminisces about his idyllic childhood spent at Towd Point, filled with adventures like roaming freely on bikes and exploring the beaches. He notes the contrast between his summer experiences in this secluded paradise and the more structured life at a pool club in Montclair, New Jersey. The sense of freedom and connection to nature left a profound impact on his upbringing, leading to stories about potato harvesting and communal living that highlight the close-knit character of the area. Such experiences crafted a unique childhood that he considers incomparable to typical suburban life.
Cultural Connections and Historical Significance
The episode underscores the cultural connections that arise from historical places, with Tupper describing the beauty and tranquility of Towd Point. Through his family's stories, listeners gain insights into the significance of the region for families like the Tuppers and others who sought solace in nature. Mention of notable tenants, such as Norman Vincent Peale, adds a layer of prestige to the area's history, reflecting its draw to influential figures. The eventual subdivision of the family property after significant losses leads to discussions on how history intertwines with modern community development.
Esperanza and Irwin have a special visit with Charlie Tupper. The Tupper's presence at Towd Point started in the early 1920's. Charlie's grandfather (Frank Edwin Tupper) bought the property on Davis Creek in about 1917 or 1918. The land reminded him of his native Nova Scotia. When he bought it, the property cost $7500. The house, initially called "Ramblers Cottage" for the rambling roses growing along side, was built in about 1907, along with several other large "cottages" along the bluff on Davis Creek overlooking Little Peconic Bay. The house had a large master bedroom on the first floor off the living room and seven bedrooms on the second floor. It was a summer home so it wasn't heated or insulated. There was a huge fireplace in the living room. Electrics were from a battery-system (no idea how they charged the batteries, probably with a gas-driven generator), there was a small "battery house" behind the barn that was about 200 feet behind the main house, there was also a small 2 bedroom quarters for "servant staff". Some very early photos have the small servant house just behind the main house, but at some point it was moved back and attached to the barn and a 2 car garage with a small storage room was put behind the main house. The barn itself had 2 stables and an area to store a carriage or two and a large workbench, an upstairs with one finished off room and a big open area. Somewhere along the way (1930s or early 1940s), he built 3 cottages for rentals to the west of the main house on Davis Creek. Each cottage had a name. "Love in a Mist", then "Marshitern" and last "Flower House". Love in a Mist and Flower house were prefabs with Flower House being a present he bought for my grandmother from the NY Flower Show. Marshitern was a typical summer cottage assembled on cedar pilings right on Davis Creek. The houses were typically rented, like all summer houses, Memorial Day to Labor Day ... I seem to recall they went for about $1500 a season. A lot of the renters were repeat renters. Love in a Mist was rented in the late 50s by Southampton Insurance man Maurice Cunningham, his office was on Main Street. These 3 houses still exist and are extensively renovated and modernized. The main house was eventually called just "The Ramblers" but as kids, we called it "The Big House". Charlie regaled us with stories of growing up here, too numerous for this space. A not to be missed podcast. Special thanks to Artist and Friend Casey Chalem Anderson, whose series of paintings of Towd Point were a source of inspiration for this episode.
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