Bay Shore Introduction

Bay Shore was founded in 1708 by John Mowbray when he purchased the land from the Secatogue Indians. This original plot of land that became Bay Shore also included the area that has become the modern village of Brightwaters. Originally called Panothicut, Bay Shore has also been called Sodom, Mechanicsville and finally Bay Shore in 1868.

John Mowbray, a man of influence, means and education, came from Scotland in the 1600's and first settled in New England. He later went on to live in Southampton and worked as a teacher and tailor there. John Mowbray was granted a patent which was signed by Queen Anne of England on October 19th, 1708, which gave him the rights to the land that has now become Bay Shore and Brightwaters. This document, as well as two Indian deeds, are in the vaults of the Islip Town Hall. The patent granted by the Queen gave him rights to the land under British law while the Indian documents formalized his agreement to purchase the land from them. Later, he went on to purchase the land for a number of eel spears.

In it's day, Bay Shore was a popular summer resort. Not only did the wealthy vacation in Bay Shore but, so did the famous. Bay Shore was a thriving summer resort from the 1880's to the 1940's. The hotels that once lined the streets that ran down towards the bay have long since gone but, today's residents can still appreciate the cooling breezes that made Bay Shore a popular attraction.

Bay Shore had a successful movie industry prior to the development of Hollywood, as well as a boating industry, tourism and shopping. Today, Bay Shore has a downtown area as well as a number of shopping centers and a thriving mall.

To get there: From the Long Island Expressway, take Exit 54 South (Wicks Road). Continue heading south. The road becomes Fifth Avenue. You will cross over Southern State Parkway and Sunrise Highway. Approximately 1/2 mile after you pass the Howell's Road intersection, Fifth Avenue will split at Reil Place. Continue heading south (you will now be on Clinton Avenue). Cross over Union Boulevard. Go to the next light. This will bring you to the intersection of Clinton Avenue and Main Street and into the center of Bay Shore.