Southold 1850-1950:  A Photo Retrospective

SOUTHOLD, NY.  The Southold Historical Society and Southold Free Library are pleased to announce the re-opening of the special photographic exhibition entitled “Southold 1850-1950:  A Photo Retrospective.”  This exhibition, featuring over 75 images from the villages past, will be on display from July 3rd through August 29th, 2004.

Southold is the oldest English settlement in New York State, having been founded in 1640.  This show will include some of the earliest images of this historic village and includes images not only from the Society’s collection, but also from the Southold Free Library’s Whitaker Collection, as well as images from private sources.

The 75 + images chosen for this show detail the hamlets rural quality, but also reveals the coming of the modern age in Southold.  Businesses, industries, clubs, and vacationers are just a few topics that are touched upon in the show.

Not only does this exhibition provide information on the subjects depicted, but also on the photographers when known.  In particular, the works of noted Eastern Long Island photographer Charles H. Meredith (1889-1966), are featured. 

Meredith was born in Canada and later moved to Cutchogue, Long Island where he established his photographic business around 1929.  From that point until his death in 1966, Meredith traveled Long Island taking photographs, though he especially focused on photographing the North Fork of Long Island.  He took over 5,000 photographs during his career, most of which are preserved through the Meredith Collection at the Southold Historical Society.

“Southold 1850-1950:  A Photo Retrospective” will be on display at the Mayne Gallery of the Southold Historical Society, located in the Anne Currie-Bell house at the corner of Maple Lane and Main Road, Southold, on Saturday, Sunday, and Wednesday from 1-4pm.  A donation of $2.00 is suggested.

For further information please contact the Southold Historical Society at (631) 765-5500 or shsdirec@optonline.net.