West Islip

    On September 19, 1692, the area now known as West Islip was purchased by Richard and Thomas Willets from Wamsea, the Sachem (chief) of the Secatogue Indians. The Indians called the land Secatogue, which translated, means black or dark lands. Although it is not a confirmed fact, many local historians believe that the Sachem received eel spears and other metal tools as payment for the land, since these implements were highly prized by the Indians. In a patent granted on October 10, 1695, by Colonial Governor Fletcher, the sale of the land between the Willet Brothers and the Indians was confirmed and documented.

    In the early 1700's, Richard Willets sold all of his rights from the land purchase to Thomas Willets, his brother, for 300 pounds sterling. In 1710, Thomas Willets gave some of the land to his son, also known as Thomas.

    On November 25, 1710, the Colonial Government recognized Islip Town as a precinct in which to create a taxing authority and appoint a constable and town supervisor. The western boundry of Islip Town was the Willets' property. Therefore, the area became known as West Islip. Islip is the town of William Nicoll's birthplace in Islip, Nottinghampshire, England. William Nicoll was another patentee living in the area.

    During the 1800's the area's main occupations were farming, fishing (for varions fish, clams and oysters) and lumbering. Boats ran from West Islip to New York City, where the lumber was used as fuel.

    By the late 1800's, much of th land in West Islip was comprised of large estates. Many of these estates bordered Montauk Highway and consisted of mansions, servants quarters, riding stables and expansive areas of land. Over the years, many of these mansions have been torn down and the land has been subdivided to develop modern-day housing, however, the names of the founding families remain. This is evidenced in many of the street names such as Udall Road, Higbie Lane, and Hawley Avenue.

    Although many of the estates are gone, West Islip residents today understand why such lavish estates were once built. The area's proximity to the Great South Bay and Fire Island (via the Captree Bridge) are the same elements that make West Islip a wonderful area in which to reside today.

    To get there: Take the Long Island Expressway (495) to Exit 51 South (Rt 231/Deer Park Ave.). Head south on Rt.231. Bear to the left onto Bay Shore Road. Head southeast on Bay Shore Road and make a right onto Udall Road. Head south on Udall Road to the intersection of Udall and Higbie Lane (a traffic circle). This is the center of West Islip.