If you learned how to ski on Long Island in the 1970s, there’s a pretty good chance it was at the Bald Hill Ski Bowl. Granted, it wasn’t exactly Aspen, Colorado. but for many families, it was a convenient local place to slap skis on the kids and have a great day in the snow. … read more
Throughout the 70s, a small hospital sat at the intersection of Smithtown Bypass and Route 111. Serving the community for almost 40 years, Smithtown General lives on only in the memories of patients, former employees, and those that passed it on the way to work. … read more
Nestled in the center of the island, Islip MacArthur Airport has long-served local commuters and travelers alike, who prefer this less hectic alternative to its two big brothers to the East. It’s come a long way from its humble beginnings, growing exponentially over the years, but it still retains its small town charm. … read more
Five miles south from Long Island, NY, across the Great South Bay, sits a small, unassuming paradise of sorts. A vacation spot to some, a residence to others, and host to numerous class field trips throughout the years, Fire Island remains one of those natural treasures that, once experienced, lingers in the memory like the face of a long lost friend. … read more
They might not have agreed upon the name of the place, but for two decades, families on Long Island frequented a little amusement park in Bethpage officially called Happyland. You might know it as Nunley’s, Smiley’s, or by the name of the restaurant next door, Jolly Roger. One thing we can agree on is that it sure was a fun place for a 70s kid to visit. … read more
There are countless legends and mysteries woven within Long Island’s rich history. One of the oldest and most enduring concerns Lake Ronkonkoma and the tragedy that befell a Native-American princess. If you grew up in the surrounding area in the 1970s, you are undoubtedly aware of this ominous Lady of the Lake. … read more
There are countless urban legends associated with Long Island, but none more pervasive nor frightening as the place called Mary’s Grave. Every 1970s kid has heard the gruesome stories from friends and siblings, and many a brave teenager has even paid a visit to Mary’s supposed final resting place, wherever that may be. … read more
It’s hard to find a Long Islander from decades past who doesn’t remember shopping at Korvette’s. One of the first discount department stores to emerge from the 1950s, they are best remembered for their low prices and, perhaps surprisingly, their outstanding music departments. Once plentiful on the Island, they sadly never made it out of the 1970s. … read more
With so many historical places having disappeared on Long Island over the years, it’s always nice to report when one is still there. Such is the case with the Smithtown Theater. Now known as the Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, this little theater has been entertaining locals for an astounding eighty years and counting. … read more
For over fifty years, Long Island locals have enjoyed a luxury nonexistent in the rest of the country, a little drive-in convenience store called Dairy Barn. Once in abundance throughout the island, they are sadly growing more scarce with each passing year and their extinction would appear immenent. But they can’t take the memories away. … read more
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