New historic panels to highlight Theodore Roosevelt’s life in Oyster Bay

In the heart of Oyster Bay, a transformation is underway — a project that promises to transport residents and visitors back in time, immersing them in the rich history of the hamlet. The initiative involves the installation of historic panels that weave the tale of President Theodore Roosevelt’s connection to various buildings and sites in Oyster Bay.

The project is a collaboration between the Town of Oyster Bay and the National Park Service, which operates and maintains Roosevelt’s family home at Sagamore Hill National Historic Site.
Jonathan Parker, Sagamore Hill’s superintendent, could not be reached for comment as the Herald went to press.

“I’m very excited about history, and very excited about creating historical tourism destinations in our town,” Joseph Saladino, Town of Oyster Bay supervisor, said. “And where better to do that than in Oyster Bay, a place steeped in history connected to the Civil War, the Revolutionary War, and the impactful tenure of Governor and President Roosevelt.”

The first panel, already installed next to the iconic Derby-Hall Bandstand, serves as a testament to Roosevelt’s historical ties to the site. Roosevelt, known for delivering speeches from the bandstand, played a significant role in the town’s history. This tangible connection, Saladino said, provides visitors with a deeper understanding of the significance of the structures they see.

In total, there will be four panels scattered throughout the hamlet, which will not only spotlight Sagamore Hill but also show the president’s connections to lesser-known buildings. For instance, the Moore Building, which now houses the restaurant Wild Honey, was once a hub for key members of Roosevelt’s administration, including his secretary of the Navy.

Snouder’s Drug Store, on South Street, was the first building to have a telephone pole installed so that the president could be reached while vacationing at the so-called Summer White House. These stories, brought to life by the panels, weave a captivating narrative of Roosevelt’s impact on Oyster Bay.

“On June 25, 1903, on the steps of the Oyster Bay Town Clerk’s Office, President Theodore Roosevelt dedicated a parrot gun cannon from the USS R.R. Cuyler,” the panel by the bandstand reads. “The cannon stood by the town hall for several years before the hamlet moved it next to the bandstand.”

The National Park Service paid for the panels, which cost $5,310, but the town contributed labor and covered incidental expenses. Saladino said he sees this as an investment in the local economy, aligning with the town’s commitment to supporting small businesses. In addition to the panels, initiatives like renaming parts of Oyster Bay after Roosevelt and rechristening part of Audrey Avenue Theodore Roosevelt Way contribute to the broader vision of boosting tourism.

Saladino noted the expert installation of the first panel by town employees, and emphasized how the project will promote historical tourism and the walkability of the hamlet.

“The residents benefit, the stores benefit, the restaurants benefit, the community benefits,” he said. “All of the history comes alive, and it’s something you can touch and read and see by simply visiting downtown Oyster Bay.”

Saladino also hinted at future plans, including digital and traditional tourism guides, to further enhance visitors’ experiences. The collaborative efforts aim not only to preserve history, but also to make it accessible and engaging for residents and tourists alike.

As the next panels, highlighting locations such as the Moore Building and the former Oyster Bay Bank, await delivery from the National Park Service, the town anticipates a surge in tourism. The project will be an important part of the process of transforming the downtown into a hub of historical significance, inviting families, students, and history enthusiasts to embark on a journey through time without leaving Long Island.