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Community Corner

Taylor's Island Clambake Raises Restoration Funds

Proceeds raised by the clambake will aid in the restoration of the cabin on Taylor's Island.

Patrons who were shuttled from the Shelter Island Town dock or by kayak enjoyed a delicious kettle clambake including lobster, clams, chicken, potatoes, corn on the cob, watermelon and fresh homemade lemonade.

The clambake's proceeds will benefit Taylor's Island (formerly known as Cedar Island), which sits in Coecles Harbor. The island and cabin were bequeathed to Shelter Island Town by S. Gregory Taylor for the public's use. The town took possession in 1998.The cabin is on the New York State and National Registers of Historic Places.

The historic cabin was almost demolished years ago, but was saved with the help of P.A.T. Hunt and others who formed the Taylor’s Island Preservation and Management Committee.

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The committee submitted three applications for grants, one per year from 2008 to 2010, to the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. The applications were finally approved for a $110,600 matching grant in Nov. 2010. 

Although it has been used occasionally for supervised day trips and small private affairs, the circa 1900 cabin needs repair and restoration for its use to continue. All that is necessary now are the matching funds, which is the goal of events such as the annual kettle clambake and auction.

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Work is scheduled to begin in the fall. Once restoration makes it possible, future plans for the public use of the cabin include overnight stays, meetings, workshops, retreats and weddings.

Updates and donation information can be found by visiting their website.  The committee also has a Facebook page. More information is available by contacting Hunt directly at  631-749-1603 or via email pat@taylorsisland.org.

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