Remsenburg, New York facts for kids
Remsenburg is a quiet village located in Suffolk County, Long Island, New York. It's part of the larger Town of Southampton. Remsenburg is known for being a peaceful place with no traffic lights and very few shops.
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A Look Back in Time: Remsenburg's History
The area around Remsenburg has a long history. As far back as 1712, people used the meadows in a nearby place called Speonk to raise cattle. Many of the first settlers came to Speonk in the 1740s from other towns like Southampton and Bridgehampton. They cleared the forests and built farms. Later, in the 1880s, duck farms became very popular in Speonk, but most of them didn't last past the early 1900s.
How Remsenburg Got Its Name
The name "Speonk" comes from a Native American word that means "high place." In 1897, a train company even joked that the name sounded like a frog's croak! Some people living there wanted to change the name. They chose "Remsenburg" to honor a well-known resident named Charles Remsen. He had generously donated money for a new Presbyterian Church.
Today, both names are still used. The area closer to the bay is called Remsenburg, while the more rural, inland area is still known as Speonk.
Famous People Who Lived Here
Over the years, many famous people have called Remsenburg home. One of the most well-known was the English writer P.G. Wodehouse. He wrote many of his funny stories about Bertie Wooster and his clever butler, Jeeves, from his home in Remsenburg.
Other notable residents include:
- The songwriter Frank Loesser, who wrote music for Broadway shows like Guys and Dolls.
- The playwright Guy Bolton, who worked with P.G. Wodehouse on the musical Anything Goes.
- Marvel Comics editor Stan Lee, who helped create many famous superheroes.
- Sandy Becker, a popular children's TV host in New York.
- Dave Garroway, the first host of NBC's Today Show, which started in 1952.
- Leo-Arthur Kelmenson, an advertising executive known for his work with Lee Iacocca and the Chrysler car company.
Remsenburg is known as an exclusive area, and many actors, playwrights, and directors have chosen to live in this part of Southampton.
Where is Remsenburg?
Remsenburg is located at 40° 48' 28" North, 72° 42' 32" West. Because it's within the Town of Southampton and sits near the Atlantic Ocean and the bay, it's considered part of the famous Hamptons area. The Hamptons are known for their beautiful beaches and charming towns.
