Barnes Landing, East Hampton and Bay Point, Sag Harbor: A Historic Connection
Dec 4, 2023
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Historians Esperanza and Irwin delve into the intriguing histories of Barnes Landing and Bay Point, discussing the grand plans that never materialized, the impact of land inheritance by Helen Codling Halstead, and the significant figures shaping the coastal neighborhoods. They also explore the development of properties for the middle class and the post-war era lifestyle shifts in the communities.
Helen Halstead's visionary but unrealized plans for utility shops in Barnes Landing reflect concerns over extensive land development.
The historical development of Barnes Landing and Bay Point was significantly influenced by women, particularly Helen Halstead, leaving a lasting legacy in the communities.
Deep dives
Historical Insights on Barnes Landing and Bay Point
Barnes Landing and Bay Point communities in Eastern Long Island have deep historical roots dating back to post-war USA. Barnes Landing, initially developed by Helen Halstead in the 1950s, saw its transformation from land owned by the Coddling family to formal development by Halstead with a keen eye on maximizing lots with minimal zoning guidelines. Bay Point, located outside Sag Harbor, was also shaped by Halstead simultaneously, mirroring the development vision with small lots and planned seaside community building. These endeavors aimed to cater to the middle-class population post-war, offering natural beauty, water access, and rich amenities.
Ancestral Origins and Property Ownership
Bay Point's origins date back to Native American times, termed Aganak, later transitioning to property ownership by Jeremiah Eldridge in the 1800s before being wholly possessed by William Bates Coddling. Helen Halstead inherited the acreage, christening it Bay Point in the 1950s, marking the initiation of formal development by Home Guardian, splitting 40 acres into 501 lots with a bustling association and 228 single-family homes.
Halstead's Development Vision and Rejected Amenities
Helen Halstead's progressive community vision for Barnes Landing included utility shops, an ice cream parlor, a daycare center, and a lawn care store. However, the proposed vision did not materialize, highlighting concerns over extensive land development and environmental impact. The Bay Point association reflects a similar development trajectory enabled by Halstead, aiming to provide a planned seaside environment for the middle class post-war population.
Female Influence and Mark Left on the Communities
Notably, the historical development of Barnes Landing and Bay Point was significantly influenced by women, particularly Helen Halstead, who took charge of the planning and development, creating a lasting legacy in the communities. The parallel with Maude Terry Meredith's involvement in Sands resonates with the trend of women spearheading community planning and establishment, leaving a lasting mark on the landscape of Eastern Long Island.
Esperanza and Irwin discuss the parallel histories of two of the East End's most beautiful waterfront communities: Barnes Landing and Bay Point. Helen Codling Halstead developed both, inheriting the land after the untimely death of her father. Helen had grand plans for both: rows of shops on Quality Row in Barnes Landing, and a waterfront dock and marina at Bay Point, neither of which ever happened.
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