Seaside Social Club
HOUGHS NECK ILLUMINATIONS
Presented by Patti Williams
Tuesday, May 12, 2026 ~ 7:00 PM
In 1887, the cottagers in the seaside community of Houghs Neck illuminated their cottages with Japanese lanterns, flags, and red, white and blue streamers at the end of the season as a way of remembering the wonderful summer by the sea. These illuminations went on for 17 years and the term “illumination” came to be associated with Houghs Neck. It was applied to the ships that were burned at Nut Island as they illuminated the shore. In 1908 it was used to describe the turning on of the gas street lamps which illuminated the previously dark streets. This talk will discuss each of these illumination events. The program is free and open to the public.
Prior to the program the club will have their installation of officers at 6:15 and a business meeting at 6:30.
HOUGHS NECK ILLUMINATIONS
Presented by Patti Williams
Tuesday, May 12, 2026 ~ 7:00 PM
In 1887, the cottagers in the seaside community of Houghs Neck illuminated their cottages with Japanese lanterns, flags, and red, white and blue streamers at the end of the season as a way of remembering the wonderful summer by the sea. These illuminations went on for 17 years and the term “illumination” came to be associated with Houghs Neck. It was applied to the ships that were burned at Nut Island as they illuminated the shore. In 1908 it was used to describe the turning on of the gas street lamps which illuminated the previously dark streets. This talk will discuss each of these illumination events. The program is free and open to the public.
Prior to the program the club will have their installation of officers at 6:15 and a business meeting at 6:30.