A Life Well Lived: The Story of Benjamin Gutowitz

 

A Life Well Lived: The Story of Benjamin Gutowitz

There’s an old saying, “Once you smell printer’s ink, you can’t work at any other trade.” But Benjamin Gutowitz, who, along with his brother Louis D., ran an optometry and jewelry store in 1942 at 276 Fulton Avenue in Hempstead, proving that this isn’t always true.

Born in New York City, Ben moved with his family to Amityville when he was just two years old. He grew up there, attending local elementary and high schools. At age 13, Ben pressed his nose against the window of the Amityville Record office (pictured), and not long after, began working there.

Like many young boys starting out in newspapers, Ben’s first job was as a “printer’s devil”—handling dirty work and being the butt of the shop’s jokes. But he quickly advanced. While still in high school, he learned to operate the linotype machines and even took on reporting and editing duties when the boss was away.

After graduating, Ben attended City College of New York, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree. He passed the competitive exams for a teaching position in New York City’s public schools with high marks and began teaching sixth, seventh, and eighth grades, also instructing English to immigrants at evening school.

Interestingly, before starting his teaching career, Ben had briefly enrolled in dental school, but left when he received his teaching appointment. After four years in the classroom, he was drafted into the Army in 1918 and sent to Camp Upton. During his service, he was promoted to sergeant and put in charge of English classes for a regiment made up of men from 28 different nationalities, none of whom spoke English.

When the war ended, Ben returned to teaching but stayed only about a year before accepting a friend’s offer to manage a hat factory in Amityville. Though he knew little about factories—or hats—he succeeded in the role. Still, the “printer’s ink curse” nearly reclaimed him when he briefly returned to work at the Amityville Record, but this time he broke free for good.

Around this time, Ben decided to pursue optometry. He completed a two-year course in just one year. His brother Louis D. also trained as an optometrist, and in 1928, they opened their store on Fulton Avenue. They rented space in a brand-new building and have been at the same location ever since, becoming pioneers among Fulton Avenue merchants.

Two years later, following a long family tradition, the Gutowitz brothers expanded their business to include jewelry. Their father had operated a jewelry store in Amityville for more than 50 years, and their grandfather was a jeweler in Russia. Ben continued this legacy proudly.

Though Ben skillfully advertised his optometry work by always wearing the latest eyewear styles, he was more understated when it came to jewelry—wearing only a modest tie pin and a snake-coiled ring on his left hand.

Ben was married to the former Florence Bessell of Glen Cove, and they lived on Parsons Drive with their two children, Alan, and Maurice.

Despite his busy work life, Ben found time to maintain the grounds of their home and personally oversaw all the interior decorating. Reflecting on his life, Ben said in a 1942 interview, “It’s been an interesting journey. I graduated college in 1914—that’s a long time ago—but looking back, I’ve enjoyed it all. I believe there are plenty of good years ahead, and I hope they’re just as wonderful as the ones that have passed.”

And unlike many stories that end with someone returning to their first love, there was no going back to the newspaper business for Ben. The “printer’s ink curse” was finally broken. He was happy serving the community through optometry and jewelry.

A Whale Hunt off Long Island Sparks Excitement

 

“Thar She Blows!” – A Whale Hunt off Long Island Sparks Excitement

It had been nearly a decade since the old cry of “Thar she blows!” echoed along the shores of Southampton, Long Island. But on December 21, 1921, that legendary call broke the quiet of the South Shore, jolting the sleepy towns out of their winter routines and sending seasoned whalers back to the sea with harpoons, bombs, and dreams of the chase.

Just a quarter-mile offshore, a massive bull whale—estimated at no less than 75 feet long—was spotted spouting and rolling between the outer and inner sandbars. Though somewhat trapped, he had more than enough deep water to show off his strength and confound any would-be hunters.

The Call Goes Out

It was the local Coast Guards stationed at Southampton who first spotted the giant. Word traveled swiftly along the beach. Soon, the dunes were dotted with veteran whalers waving their coats and shouting “Whale off!”—a tradition known as “wafting,” passed down through generations.

Despite the bitter cold, people from Southampton and nearby villages flocked to the shoreline, young and old alike, eager to glimpse the spectacle. Through binoculars and spyglasses, they watched the enormous creature, many convinced it was at least 75 feet long, even if everyone agreed that might “shrink a bit once he’s larded.”

Enter the Old Hands of Amagansett

Though Southampton was abuzz, the town didn’t actually have a proper whaleboat anymore. For that, everyone turned to Amagansett, about fifteen miles away—a community of retired whalers and their descendants who still held fast to the old traditions and skills.

By instinct and local gossip, the folks of Amagansett already knew there was something worth chasing. It was no surprise when the famous Edwards family sprang into action. Captains Everett (house pictured) and Sam Edwards, sons of the legendary Cap’n Josh and Cap’n Cube, quickly gathered a crew, readied the old whaleboat, and pushed off into the surf around 11:30 AM.

Less than two hours later, they were off Southampton, scanning for signs of the elusive whale. Around 3:30 PM, they finally spotted him—a quarter mile away, spouting as if to mock their efforts.

Photo: Captain Joshua Edwards House, Amagansett (source: Long Island Collection, East Hampton Library) The home was inherited by Captain Everett Edwards and he lived in the house until 1938. When the Edwards family sold the house, it still contained old whaling gear. 

The Whale Plays Its Tricks

The pursuit was on. A power boat towed the whaleboat loaded with the captains and their bomb lance gun—a modern tool that fires a three-inch explosive projectile to replace the old hand-thrown harpoons.

But this whale was clever. Normally, whales surface and spout four times before diving deep. This one mixed things up, sometimes blowing only three times, making it impossible for the hunters to predict where he’d appear next.

Time and again, the boats sped toward a fresh spout, only for the whale to vanish, reappearing half a mile away. At one point, the creature even surfaced within 500 yards—almost close enough to strike—just as the boats happened to be facing the wrong direction. By the time they circled around, he was gone again.

Captain Everett Edwards, shaking his head, grumbled that it was downright indecent for a whale to come up and not give them the customary four blows. Still, he was undeterred. “We’ll keep after him and get him yet,” he vowed.

The Hunt Paused by Weather

Eventually, with a dangerous squall rolling in, the hunters were forced to give up the chase and head back to Amagansett for the night.

Meanwhile, along the beaches, the only sour faces belonged to the owners of local hotels and boarding houses. One lamented that he’d have gladly paid a million dollars if only that whale had shown up in August instead—knowing full well that a whale offshore in the summer is a tourist goldmine.

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✅ Enjoyed this story?
If you love tales of Long Island’s colorful past, stay tuned—there are plenty more to come. Share your thoughts or your own family’s whaling stories in the comments below!

24 Gotham Street

 

24 Gotham Street, Valley Stream NY (Source: Zillow)

The home at 24 Gotham Street in Valley Stream, NY is a charming Starter Cape built in 1950. The address was part of Enumeration District 30-253 in 1950. At that time of the 1950 Census the following families were living on Gotham (note there is no House #24): 

 

House No. 29 - John & Katie Fell

House No. 22 - William & Constance Fellinger

House No. 21 - Adolph & Elizabeth Schoder

House No. 19 - James & Elsie Ferril

House No. 26 - Mrs. Mae Moors

House No. 30 - Joseph & Genevieve Grady

Based on the above household names, this area was primarily occupied by German families. I am unsure if the McNeils built the home at No. 24, however they are the earliest family I found at the address. Further deed research would be required to learn more and this home and property.

Owner/Resident History:

1969 - Mrs. M. McNeil

1988 - Anthony J. & Mary Bencivenga

1994 - James J. & Victoria Langdon 

1998 - Paul A. Damato

2017 - Salvatore S. Modica 

Prior to 1950 this land was uncleared and mostly Forest. The blue dot below shows you where house would later be built in a newly constructed neighborhood.

1926 Aerial View of 24 Gotham St. before the home was built between Gotham and Mill Rd. After World War II, this land was developed and some of the original homes on Gotham St. date back to 1936. By 1950 the population of Valley Stream was around 25,000. Today it is over 39,000.

Remembering Asa Partridge’s Young Lady’s School in Sag Harbor

Long gone are the days of ladies’ schools—dedicated institutions where women and girls were taught everything from etiquette and elocution to secretarial skills and domestic management. These schools served as vital stepping stones for women seeking refinement, education, and social opportunity in eras when formal schooling options for females were scarce.

In 1791, one of Sag Harbor’s earliest newspapers, Frothingham’s Long Island Journal, featured an advertisement for a “young lady’s school” opened by Asa Partridge in what was then spelled “Sagg-Harbour.” This marked the founding of the first private school in Sag Harbor—a significant milestone in the village’s educational history.

Among the skills taught was elocution, the art of clear and expressive speech, a valuable skill for young women of the time, often tied to social mobility and personal poise.

I often wonder where the hall that housed Asa Partridge’s school once stood. If you have any insight into its location—or better yet, a current photo of the property—I’d love to know!

By 1805, the school had come under the direction of a Mr. Moody, though Asa Partridge continued to serve as a trustee alongside four other men, suggesting he maintained an active role in its operations.

Records indicate that Asa owned land in what was referred to as the "Common" area of Sag Harbor. In 1818, he expanded his lot—located north of the property of Pelletiah Fordham and along what was then known simply as the “highway,” possibly Main Street—by purchasing 14 additional feet of frontage for $29.51.

It’s believed that this site later became home to the Meyer & Sons store, which stood on the property as of 1924. This connection offers a fascinating glimpse into the layered history of Sag Harbor’s built environment.

By 1850, Asa Partridge—then retired—owned property valued at $10,000, equivalent to roughly $400,000 today. Between 1849 and 1851, his land was gradually sold off to Sheriff David R. Rose, Charles Douglas, and E.M. Cooper.

Asa and Betsy on the 1850 Census in [Sag Harbor] Southampton, NY

Asa Partridge was born around 1762 and lived to the age of 92, passing away in Sag Harbor and being laid to rest in the Old Burying Ground. His wife, Betsey Conklin, died just a year before him. One can’t help but wonder—did Betsey help manage the school alongside him?

Old Burying Ground, Sag Harbor - Source: Nancy Remkus

Diners

 What comes to mind when you think about a diner? Eggs? Waffles? A 1950's malt milkshake shared by two? I associate diner history with the latter, however I recently learned that the diner concept actually dates back to 1872 when a man in Providence, Rhode Island decided to bring coffee and breakfast treats (and pie!) to workers via his horse and wagon.

So what was the first diner on Long Island? Rumor has it that it is the Colonial Diner in East Meadow. The earliest reference I found on the diner only dated back to 1968, however it is possible they didn't advertise in the papers. The Oceanside Diner (my hometown!) apparently opened about 1940 and the National Diner in Hempstead was opened by 1941. I really thought I would find a diner older than the 1940's though. Perhaps I am romanticizing the idea as I now am craving a chocolate egg cream. mmmmm.

The National Diner was located next to the fire department and stood at the corner of Jackson and Main St. These buildings no longer exist and definitely were part of a much more charming Hempstead. As you drive through Hempstead today it can be difficult to imagine this town and village as a much more green tapestry with a quaint town square surrounded by farmed land. Hempstead actually dates back to the mid 17th century. Many of its original proprietors left soon after due to the English and Dutch conflict of 1653.

National Diner, Hempstead NY

Do you have a picture to share of an old diner in your town? I would love to see what you have!

The Hoy Family of Brooklyn

The Hoy Family of Brooklyn

I walked into the Long Island Studies Institute at Hofstra University not too long ago to conduct research and you know what they asked me? Is the person famous? Well.... if I was researching someone famous I don't think I had to drive an hour and walk a mile on the Hofstra campus to research in their library, do you? I DO research kind of famous people sometimes. For example, I recently did forensic work for the estate of Sam Pearlman. And let's not forget Theresa Caputo! My 5 minutes of fame. That was pretty cool! But you see, the reason why I love my job as a genealogist is that I get those hard to find, lesser-known families out of the dark and this brings me to the Hoy family of Brooklyn. I also love how each family connects to their own community or neighborhood. This brings me to the Hoy family of Sunset Park.

June Evelyn Hoy

June Evelyn Hoy, daughter of New York native Christian M. Hoy of 74 68th St in Brooklyn, married in 1948, William Christian Drewes Jr. They had 3 children, one of whom would be William Christian Drewes III.

June's father Christian Hoy was born a few days after Christmas in 1894 in Brooklyn to Germany immigrants. Christian was a successful furniture salesman. However, before he married  Evelyn Manns, daughter of Charles and Rose Manns of 75th Street in Brooklyn, he was a very active member of the Bay Ridge Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd where he took up theatre including the church production of "Bargain Day at Bloomstein's" in 1931. Christian and Evelyn raised their children Raymond and June at their home on 68th St.

Christian's parents were Christian C. N. Hoy and Maria Agnes Tiehlke.  Christian Jr was one of at least 4 children born to the couple including Maria, Willie and Agnes (1898). Christian, born in 1848, was a stonecutter who immigrated to New York in 1894 and settled into a German community in Sunset Park. He became very involved with the St. Jacobi Lutheran Church of Sunset Park (then only 5 years old!) at 54th street and it was there that he lead the church orchestra. I would love to hear a recording. My church growing up only had a choir so the thought of an entire orchestra sounds fascinating! Christian and Agnes enjoyed sharing their German cooking with the church and I'm sure the church members loved it too since at its inception, the church was very German and in fact, was organized by German Immigrants. To that point, in the early years, worship was conducted solely in the German language. St. Jacobi today has members that typically speak Cantonese, Mandarin, and English and is another example of how the immigrant neighborhoods of the New York melting pot have changed through the decades. Sunset Park saw much change post World War II.

Flushing Begins

The origins of Flushing, Queens, New York dates back to October 10, 1645 when a company of English immigrants were patented land through letters issued by the Dutch Governor Kaift. This grant was later confirmed by Govenor Nicoll in February, 1666 and again by Govenor Dungan, March 23, 1685. It wasn't until March 7, 1788 that the town was recognized under the State Government.

In 1860, Flushing was described as having its leading farming consisting of gardening, growing fruit and nursery. The town at that time supported its own poor through housing and farming accommodations.

Main St., Flushing c. 1920

Gazetteer of the State of New York, 1860; Page 546.