North Fork in Southold in Suffolk County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Einstein Square
Photographed By Alexander Erwin, June 14, 2021
1. Einstein Square Marker
This bust is to commemorate Einstein Square and the unique friendship of Albert Einstein and David Rothman. It was in this store and at this house where they met in July 1939. The two became friends and spent time together discussing topics of the day and playing chamber music. It was on August 2nd 1939 that the famous letter was sent by Albert Einstein to Franklin D. Roosevelt and mailed from Southold. It is believed this letter led to the development of the Atomic Bomb. Albert Einstein later wrote letters to David Rothman professing that his summer in Southold in 1939 was "the happiest summer ever".
Erected 2019.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Science & Medicine. A significant historical date for this entry is August 2, 1939.
Location. 41° 3.87′ N, 72° 25.637′ W. Marker is in Southold, New York, in Suffolk County. It is in North Fork. Marker is on Main Road, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 54180 Main Rd, Southold NY 11971, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Capt. John Underhill Home Site / Historic Peck's Inn (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Ann Hallock Currie-Bell House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Bay View Schoolhouse
this page online
Also see . . .
1. Einstein Square at former Rothman’s Department Store unveiled. Suffolk Times website entry:
Story behind the building and it's renovation, along with insigh about Einstein & Rothman's relationship. Excerpt:
A new community hub was dedicated to theoretical physicist Albert Einstein, who 80 years ago spent “his happiest summer ever” in Southold.(Submitted on June 15, 2021, by Alexander Erwin of East Patchogue, New York.)
2. Einstein Square in Southold pays tribute to physicist, his happy days on the North Fork. Newsday entry:
Story behind the square and the mural within. Excerpt:
A new public mural depicts Albert Einstein on the North Fork in the summer of 1939 sporting a curious choice of footwear. On his feet are women’s open-toed sandals, size 11, according to local lore, purchased at Rothman’s Department Store in Southold.(Submitted on June 15, 2021, by Alexander Erwin of East Patchogue, New York.)
Photographed By Alexander Erwin, June 14, 2021
2. Einstein Square
The former Rothman's Department Store can be seen in the background, newly renovated and restored.
3. Einstein–Szilárd letter. Wikipedia entry:
Information regarding Einstein's letter to Roosevelt, along with a copy of the letter. Excerpt:
The Einstein–Szilárd letter was a letter written by Leó Szilárd and signed by Albert Einstein that was sent to the United States President Franklin D. Roosevelt on August 2, 1939. Written by Szilárd in consultation with fellow Hungarian physicists Edward Teller and Eugene Wigner, the letter warned that Germany might develop atomic bombs and suggested that the United States should start its own nuclear program.(Submitted on June 15, 2021, by Alexander Erwin of East Patchogue, New York.)
Photographed By Alexander Erwin, June 14, 2021
3. Einstein Square
A mural of Einstein & Rothman can be seen on the neighboring building. This mural was commissioned by Michael H. Fusco.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 10, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 15, 2021, by Alexander Erwin of East Patchogue, New York. This page has been viewed 533 times since then and 237 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 15, 2021, by Alexander Erwin of East Patchogue, New York. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
