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Press Releases | |
May 18, 2001
Survey of East End Lifesaving Stations Reveals Beach ErosionContact:
Jane Finalborgo
(631) 287 8313
Fax: (631) 283 4081Southampton, NY - A survey of eastern Long Island's 12 original lifesaving stations built along the Hamptons south shore to aid shipwreck victims was unveiled today by the Long Island Coastal Conservation Alliance (E.L.I.C.C.A).
The study, entitled "The Hamptons Lifesaving Stations: Historical Landmarks as Shore Change Indicators," reveals vital clues about the scope and nature of beach erosion along the south shore of Long Island. Authored by Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, the report also contains old photographs and fascinating historical vignettes that depict an era when the beaches along the Atlantic Ocean had few residents and rescues at sea were often made by fishermen in their dories.
The survey is the second-year report in a multi-year study of beach erosion in the Hamptons that is being conducted by E.L.I.C.C.A. in conjunction with Southampton College.
"What is amply clear is that we cannot foresee the future if we do not study the past," said Dr. Leatherman, director of the Laboratory for Coastal Research and International Hurricane Center at Florida International University in Miami. "The lifesaving stations stood as monuments to man's compassion and concern for humankind; their remains serve as historical landmarks and shore change indicators."
Long Island's lifesaving stations - wood-frame structures with lookout towers -- were built by the U.S. Lifesaving Service, the forerunner to the U.S. Coast Guard. They were sited about four miles apart and as far back from the water as possible. Of the original 12 built along the Hamptons' south shore, three were destroyed by the Hurricane of 1938, and only one still stands in its original location. All the others or their architectural remains -- including one that is now the St. Andrew's Dune Church in Southampton Village -- show varying rates of long-term erosion. Dr. Leatherman and Southampton College marine science student Carolyn Walker conducted the field surveys of the lifesaving stations over the past year.
Among the findings are: · The Tiana lifesaving station, now the Neptune Beach Club, is located in an erosion "hot spot." Historic maps show that the station was once located 250 feet behind the dune. In 1992 it was moved back 190 feet when a nor'easter threatened to wash it away. · Of all the stations, the Moriches station, which was totally destroyed by the '38 hurricane, has the dubious honor of having experienced the most shipwrecks. · The Ditch Plains station is in another erosion hot spot. A 1936 map shows the main station some 418 feet landward of the shoreline. Today the remains of the station's back foundation wall sit on the beach, indicating an erosion rate of over 6 feet per year. In 1908 the steamer Chippewa grounded offshore near the station, and an unusual cargo of 39,000 watermelons and some alligators washed shore. · The four wooden posts of the Mecox lookout tower now stand in the ocean's swash zone.
The survey was unveiled at an ELICCA reception at the Meadow Club in Southampton today. ELICCA is a not-for-profit organization formed by citizens concerned with the quality of life in the Hamptons. The partnership with Southampton College began in November 1998. In 1999 ELICCA published its first-year report, entitled "The Hamptons' South Shore: A History of Beach Changes and Storm Impacts," followed by "Beach Basics: A Reference Guide to Coastal Terminology." Dr. Leatherman, known internationally as "Dr. Beach," is recognized as the nation's foremost authority on beach quality and coastal erosion. For further information, and to get a copy of the new survey, or any of ELICCA's other publications, contact ELICCA at P.O. Box 1307, Southampton, New York 11969 or call 631-204-1245.