We are very glad to see that with the arrival of the Townsend Slave Bible, there will be more research done into black history in Oyster Bay.

One of the exhibits of interest at Raynham Hall is a discovery of Oyster Bay Town Historian John Hammond. Looking at records of the members of the Oyster Bay Baptist Church he discovered the names of members of the Townsend family on the list.

Along with their names, were names of people listed as "a black man or a black woman." While those racial comments would not exist in a current list of members, Exhibit Curator Claire Bellerjeau sees something positive in them. She believes that it indicates that both black and white Americans worshiped together in Oyster Bay. We hope that was so.

Recently, to celebrate the 300th anniversary of Christ Church, there were lectures given on both the history of Christ Church and the history of Oyster Bay. John Hammond, using material from the late Dr. John Gable, said Oyster Bay has a uniquely independent character.

When the County of Queens and the Town of Huntington were formed, Oyster Bay was located on the map in between the two and was given to neither municipality and was therefore, a free port. It was a unique area which may account for the independence expressed by longtime residents we have known over the years: residents with roots reaching back to Colonial days.

We are truly excited with the new research that is taking place in Oyster Bay. We are looking forward to hearing more and yet more about the beginnings of this very special place.

And, at this moment in time we are especially grateful for the Save the Jewel By the Bay movement. While the story of the history of Oyster Bay is being unfolded, we are happy there is a group concerned with preserving the architectural history of the hamlet.

Somehow or other, things seem to work together in mysterious ways. We are happy to be here to report on that history.

- DFK