That comment "What a town!" should be said by a Bette Davis impersonator with a wiggle of her hand holding a cigarette and a wave with the one holding a champagne glass.

For a small town there are always wonderful things going on in Oyster Bay. On Thursday, June 21 there are two worthy events. The Oyster Bay Railroad Museum is holding a fundraiser at the Sagamore Yacht Club from 6 to 10 p.m.; and the Oyster Bay Historical Society (OBHS) is holding its annual meeting at 7:30 p.m. at the Doubleday Babcock Senior Center on East Main Street.

Interestingly, the OBHS is the group that originally facilitated the entrance of the railroad group to come to town and to its first Oyster Festival, is holding its annual meeting. The OBHS is featuring Alex Rose who is the author of the recently published Washington's Spies: The Story of America's First Spy Ring, a book that has ties to Raynham Hall Museum and the Townsend family it represents.

We heard Mr. Rose speak about his book on the C-SPAN book channel. It was fascinating to hear more of the story of the Culper Spy ring, which delivered vital intelligence to Washington during the Revolution, and was centered in Setauket. The family of "Culper Jr" (Robert Townsend) lived in Raynham Hall and Major Benjamin Tallmadge of Setauket was chief of Washington's intelligence service.

It will be fascinating to hear the inner workings of this clandestine network which worked in the shadows to secure America's independence.

Well, we plan to put on our racing shoes to be sure to make both events. While our family loves railroads, we also love spy stories. Mr. Rose has a great tale to tell. We are very glad he is coming to Oyster Bay!

In fact, since the Oyster Bay Railroad Museum event goes on to 10 p.m. we may very well be able to end our night there, watching the sunset. There are great choices that evening. Be sure to take in whatever you can fit into your schedule.

This really is a great little town!

- DFK