1910 Spofford Bird's-Eye View Map of Central Islip, Long Island, New York

This is a c. 1910 Spofford bird's-eye view of part of Central Islip and southern Long Island. The view promotes Long Islands's newly developed communities to jaded Manhattanites looking for an escape.

A Closer Look

The view illustrates part of the southern coast of central Long Island from Brentwood and Bayshore on the right to Oakdale and Sayville on the left. The focus is on the Ferndale Park development, now part of Central Islip. The development was built between Wilson Boulevard and Islip Avenue (still streets in the neighborhood) and between the Long Island Rail Road Main Line and Montauk Division to the north and south. Nearly every street here labeled within the Ferndale Park development still exists. There are a few exceptions: Maple and Ash Streets were destroyed by the Southern State Parkway and its spur drives, and Hickory Street was destroyed by the Sunrise Highway. Several other real estate developments are labeled, along with the Sisters of St. Joseph Academy, the Manhattan State Hospital, and Dr. Ross' Sanitarium.  The Great South Bay appears in the background, with Fire Island barely visible near the horizon.

The William H. Moffitt Realty Company

The William H. Moffitt Realty Company was a real estate company active in the Greater New York area and Long Island. It was founded c. 1890 by William H. Moffitt. Moffitt proved to be an extremely successful real estate developer who gained wealth and a reputation. Then, in 1920, he was arrested on charges of felony grand larceny and, in 1921, found guilty. We have been unable to find any trace of Moffitt after the trial.

Publication History and Census

This view was drawn by Spofford and published by the William H. Moffitt Realty Company c. 1910, likely before Moffitt moved offices in February 1911 to 34th Street and Madison Avenue. We have located only one other example of the view, and it is in private hands.