Reflections of a Maritime Community

Reflections of a Maritime Community. . , New York City is one of the great seaports of the world, and its heritage has been shaped by its relationship to the water. Located on the southernmost point of the city, Tottenville's coastal environment was at the center of its rich maritime history. The surrounding waterways provided economic and social benefits, and were a natural location for the bustling shipbuilding and repair yards that became an important component of Tottenville's economy., The Rutan-Becket House stands as a testament to this industry., Tottenville , the Town the Oyster Built , The Raritan Bay and nearby tributaries were known for abundant, high-quality shellfish, especially oysters. But by the early 19th century, the industry was threatened with extinction. To meet the demand, local fishermen began importing 'seed' oysters from the Chesapeake Bay area, and planting them in the bay. The oyster planting industry, beginning around 1825, was a turning point in Staten Island history, and Tottenville soon came into being., As the oyster industry flourished, Tottenville became home to more than a half-dozen shipyards. The Butler and Sleight yard was established at Ward's Point (Conference House Park) circa 1855. A.C. Brown and Sons Shipyard was established in 1875 at the foot of Amboy Road. They built vessels for commerce and pleasure, from tugboats to yachts. Brown's yard was Tottenville's most prolific, have built more than 320 boats before the depressed economy of the 1930s. Shipyards operated well into the 20th century. Today, Garpo Marine Services, Ellis St, continues the tradition of ship repair., The Rutan-Becket House and Shipyard , The Rutan-Becket House, 6 Shore Road, was built circa 1850 for William H. Rutan, ship carpenter, and his family, on property purchased from Henry Hogg Biddle. William and his brother, James established the Rutan Shipyard on the waterfront below where they also established a ship chandlery , a store for selling supplies and provisions. James lived nearby, at 97 Satterlee Street., In 1854, they built or repaired 50 schooners and 25 sloops, including the first three-masted schooner to sail out of Tottenville. William served as town supervisor and a member of the New York State Assembly. After his death in 1869, James sold one-half of the business to his brother-in-law, William H.R. Felch. The Felch and Rutan Shipyard was sold in 1880., In 1955, Walter and Kathrine Becket completely remodeled the house. Today, the interior and furnishings remain in 1950s décor., Transportation , Ferry service between Tottenville and Perth Amboy, NJ, began as early as the 17th century, with the Raritan Indians transporting goods and people from the roof of what is now Amboy Road. Later, Christopher Billopp and Henry Hogg Biddle operated regular service from here, one of the narrowest points along the Arthur Kill waterway. With the expansion of the Staten Island Railroad to Tottenville in 1860, steam vessels carried passengers and freight to the foot of Main Street. Tottenville became and important link for those traveling between New York City and Philadelphia. In 1896, when the railroad was extended to Bentley Street, ferries plied the Arthur Kill to Perth Amboy until service discontinued in 1963., Recreation , Beginning in the early 19th century Staten Island was regarded by city dwellers as a retreat from the overcrowded city. Not long after Henry Hogg Biddle built this house (circa 1848) on the bluff, he developed a portion of his property just north of Amboy Road called "Biddle's Grove." Religious groups arrived by chartered steamboat to enjoy a day of musical entertainment, Bible reading, and discussion., By 1900 Tottenville, with its beautiful beaches and water views, had become a destination for tourists from New Jersey and New York. Ferry service at St. George and Tottenville, along with the railroad, enabled travel for families. Around 1905, Raritan Bay Park began to develop as a summer beach resort south of Hylan Blvd, first as a tent colony, then replaced by summer cottages. Later, boating clubs, marinas, and children's summer camps dotted the waterfront., Today, Tottenvile's waterfront offers two marinas, a boating club, and a boat repair yard. Residents and visitors can enjoy an open-air pavilion, as well as fishing and kayaking activities.