Long Island Oddities: Curious Locales, Unusual Occurrences and Unlikely Urban Adventures

by Arcadia Publishing

Overview

John and Laura Leita delve in to the oddities that make Long Island unique and it may be more odd than you thought possible!

Long Island's history is well known, but often overlooked are the island's unique and bizarre stories and treasures—the most interesting locations and darkest legends. From hidden haunts and legends like the Indian Princess of Lake Ronkonkoma to well-known events like the Amityville Horror House murders, this collection chronicles the tales of restless spirits, unrequited loves and otherworldly visits that riddle the island. There is much to be seen along the roadside, too, including the beloved Big Duck, the Riverhead Indian and even the grave site of Nixon's dog, Checkers. Through history, pictures and the personal experiences of a ten-year endeavor, authors John and Laura Leita brings to life Long Island's abandoned structures, including psychiatric hospitals and other ruins waiting to be rediscovered. Join the Leitas as they go in search of the delightfully quirky side of Long Island.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781609499204
Publisher:	Arcadia Publishing SC
Publication date:	05/14/2013
Series:	American Legends
Pages:	144
Sales rank:	1,022,712
Product dimensions:	5.80(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

John Leita is a the co-author of the popular Long Island Oddities blog, and speaker on Long Island. The popularity of the site has led John, and his wife Laura, to speak at libraries and historical societies. John has published 5 DVDs regarding Long Island's history and folklore. Leita has also written columns for Long Island Pulse magazine. Laura Leita co-authors the Long Island Oddities blog and co-runs Long Island Oddities Paranormal Society. She has given presentations on Long Island history and folklore at many locations. Her photographs have also been utilized by newspapers and the Long Island Pulse.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements 7

Introductions 9

1 Roadside Oddities

The Barrel House 13

Big Duck 14

The Pirate House 15

Riverhead Indian 17

Smithtown Bull 18

Satan House 20

Stargazer 21

Stony Brook Hercules 22

Pine World 23

Yaphank Gas Station 25

"Mr. Millenium" 25

Sphinx 26

Paradise 27

Mansion McDonald's 27

Witch's Hat 29

2 Oddly Abandoned

Bulova Watchcase Factory 30

Cedar Point Lighthouse 33

Sanitariums 34

Republic Aircraft Factory 37

Patchogue Duck Farm 39

Great Gull Island 42

Asylums 47

Edgewood 48

Kings Park Psychiatric Center 50

Central Islip State Hospital 57

Pilgrim State Hospital 61

3 Ghosts Among Us

Haunted Asylums 64

Amityville Horror House 68

The Stony Brook Country House 70

East Marion Lifesaving Station 72

Haunted Lighthouses 74

Islip Fire Department 79

Montauk Manor 79

Murph's Tavern 82

Katie's Pub 84

Old Bethpage Village Restoration 86

Pirate Jones 91

Popper the Poltergeist 93

Raynham Hall 95

Sagtikos Manor 98

Reid Ice Cream 101

Whitney Tower 102

Fire Island Land Pirate: Jeremiah Smith 104

4 Close Encounters of the Odd Kind

The UFO Crash at Southaven 107

The Camp Hero Project 111

5 Phantastic Legends

Heather's Wall 118

Lake Ronkonkoma 119

Mary Hatchet 123

Mary's Grave 124

Mount Misery/Sweet Hollow Road 127

Jason's Rock 131

Hermitage of the Red Owl 132

6 A Grave Difference

Green Bunn and Brewster Burial Grounds 134

Home Depot Cemetery 136

Lakeview Cemetery 137

Nixon's Dog 139

Indian Field Burial Ground 140

Union Cemetery 141

About the Authors 143