There is still time to see the exhibit on recreation in Oyster Bay at the Oyster Bay Historical Society's home, the Earle-Wightman House at 20 Summit St. The exhibit, which runs through February is entitled "From Doing to Viewing in Oyster Bay in the 20th Century." It looks at recreation in a world where the automobile, the airplane and television have changed the way people recreated themselves over the past 100 years. The exhibit opened on an otherwise dark, dismal and rainy Sunday, which was brightened up considerably by the opening lecture held at the Oyster Bay Community Center and the reception at the Earle-Wightman House.

Exhibit co-Chairperson Dr. Maureen Monck, thanked the individuals who helped make the event a success beginning with Marie Claire Pittis who graciously hosted a cocktail party at her waterfront Cove Neck home. She thanked OBHS Treasurer Linda Morgan, Trustee Adelaide Beatty and the many others for generously lending artifacts and thanked those who gave interviews for the exhibit journal, and helped in creating the displays. That included her co-chair, Thomas Kuehhas, OBHS director for the hours, days and weeks he toiled in interviewing people, collecting items and assembling all into a coherent presentation. Accomplishing all while under the pressure of editing a special exhibit journal edition of the Freeholder containing almost three times as many pages as the normal 24-page edition.

Mr. Kuehhas was the moderator and guide for the subsequent round-table discussion with panelists Elizabeth Roosevelt, a life-long Cove Neck resident, photographer and sailor, who spoke of boating and the Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club and John Hammond, author of the book, Oyster Bay Remembered, the Guardian's column Village Views and whose family had lived in the Oyster Bay area for many generations. His topic was recreational activities in the village. Last was Sports Parade writer, Cove Neck's Rick Robinson, who spoke on sporting activities in Oyster Bay.

Ms. Roosevelt talked of the history of the Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club, the design of the club's burgee and the races that were held in the early days of the group. The parachute spinnaker was developed by one club member while another captained the yacht sailing the East River in the 1930s comedy Nothing Sacred starring Frederic March and Carol Lombard. The evolution of the various racing crafts and the contests in which they sailed were nicely covered.

Mr. Hammond discussed the many and varied sporting activities that were available at the dawn of the 20th century. There was bowling at the Seawanhaka Hotel on West Main Street and several pool halls were available for indoor sport. Other indoor pastimes included attending lectures, playing cards and board games. Three golf courses were in the local area. Other outdoor activities were baseball and track and field events for those partaking in competitive team events.

Fishing, bicycling, horseback riding and races of teams of horses pulling carriages were individual activities although the last was beginning to face competition from the "new-fangled" motor cars. Wintertime had its own sports such as ice skating, bobsledding and skiing. The bobsleds were huge affairs - some capable of carrying as many as 24 men. These were just some of the highlights of the vast variety of sports available to the local public.

Mr. Robinson was then introduced to discuss the profound effect that television has had on our lives. Invented by Philo Farnsworth, during the 1920s, the development of television was delayed by World War II as both the manufacture of receivers and the broadcasting of programs were put on hiatus. In 1946 RCA began selling the first mass-produced TV receivers and, at least for a portion of each day, broadcasting was resumed.

He mentioned an item on display at the Earle-Wightman House, a 1948 RCA 10" diagonal TV set. The cabinet holding the set is enormous in relation to the size of the picture viewed. It was also crafted from fine wood, as a piece of furniture would be, and not the metal or plastic units seen today. A set of this type would cost between $300 and $400 which, in those days, amounted to many weeks' wages for the average worker.

After the presentations the floor was thrown open for questions and discussion. A lively exchange ensued that seemed to end too soon. At this point Mr. Kuehhas ended the round-table discussion and invited all to adjourn to the Earle-Wightman House for the opening of the exhibit and to enjoy the refreshments.

Many of the displays appear in the accompanying photographs and the exhibit will remain on view through February. The location is 20 Summit Street, Oyster Bay.

The hours are Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Call (516) 922-5032 for directions and further information.