Canoe point, ca. 1898,v1974.1.986; Eugene L. Armbruster photographs and scrapbooks, v1974.001; Brooklyn Historical Society.

This photograph of canoers and sailors was taken off the coast of Orient Point in Long Island.  Taken by Eugene Armbruster at the turn of the century, it shows various people in the almost full body bathing suits of the time preparing their boats for a day of sailing or canoeing amongst many.  Orient point comprises the very end of the North Fork of Long Island  The closest town is Greenport – the last stop on the Long Island Rail Road, about a 2 hour train ride from New York City.  Too bad summer is unofficially over everyone.  In case you didn’t make it out for a sail this past weekend, let this snapshot represent something to look forward to next summer.

Eugene L. Armbruster is one of Brooklyn Historical Society’s favorite photographers.  In our collection are over 4,000 photographs taken by him mostly between 1920 and 1930 covering most of Kings County, with special attention in the Eastern District.  Our friends at New-York Historical Society also have photographs by Armbruster of the other boroughs and nearby states.

Interested in seeing more photographs from BHS’s collection? Visit our online image gallery which includes a selection of  our images.  To search our entire collection of images, visit BHS Othmer Library Wed-Fri 1:00-5:00 p.m.