South Side Sportsmen's Club facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Southside Sportsmens Club District
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The main clubhouse
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 Location in New York
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| Nearest city | Great River, New York |
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| Built | 1830 |
| Architect | Bradford Gilbert; Ashby & Breckenridge |
| Architectural style | Colonial Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 73001272 |
| Added to NRHP | July 23, 1973 |
The South Side Sportsmen's Club was a special club for wealthy business people on Long Island. It was active from the 1870s to the 1960s, during a time known as the "Gold Coast era." This was when many rich families built large estates on Long Island's North Shore.
The club's main building and other parts were recognized as important historical places in 1973. They were added to the National Register of Historic Places as the Southside Sportsmens Club District. Today, these historic buildings are part of the beautiful Connetquot River State Park Preserve.
Contents
The Club's Story
In 1886, a group officially started the "The South Side Sportsmen's Club of Long Island." Their main goal was to protect game birds and fish. They also wanted to help members get to know each other better.
Famous Members and Guests
By 1907, the club had 100 members. Some well-known people included William Bayard Cutting and W.K. Vanderbilt. Even famous guests like Ulysses S. Grant, who was once a president, visited the club.
The Club's Land
In 1908, the club owned a huge area of land, about 2,324 acres (9.4 square kilometers). They also rented another 1,147 acres (4.6 square kilometers) nearby. The Connetquot River flowed through their property for about 4 miles (6.4 kilometers). This river eventually flows into the Great South Bay.
A Special Train Stop
The Long Island Railroad even had a special train stop just for the club! It was called "Clubhouse" and was located between Great River and Oakdale. This stop was closed down in the early 1900s.
Protecting Wildlife
The South Side Sportsmen's Club played a big part in creating laws to protect wildlife. These laws helped protect game animals and fish not just on Long Island, but all over New York State. The club no longer exists today. Its land and buildings are now part of the Connetquot River State Park Preserve. This park is managed by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
Club Buildings and What They Are Now
The club had several buildings that are still standing today within the Connetquot River State Park Preserve. These included the main clubhouse, a smaller house, and an old mill. The mill was built around 1750 and used to grind wheat and corn until 1878.
The Main Clubhouse
Part of the main clubhouse was built in 1820. It was first known as Snedecor's Tavern, a popular stop on the old stagecoach road. The clubhouse was designed by architect Bradford Gilbert. It was used by club members and their guests from 1866 to 1973. They would visit for fishing, clay target shooting, and other outdoor activities.
Inside the main clubhouse, there was a fancy library, a billiard room, a dining hall, and many bedrooms. Today, this historic building is used for environmental education. It houses the New York State Regional Environmental Education Office and an Interpretive Center. It also has historic exhibits and an Outdoor Learning Laboratory for BOCES Scope.
The South Side Sportsmen's Club was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. It is now a meeting place for groups like the Vanderbilt Historical Society.
