East Rockaway in Nassau County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Dave Push
| | Legends & Lore | |
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, October 4, 2025
1. Dave Push Marker
Spirit of local boatman haunts former mill after his body was found floating nearby in 1910. Mill relocated to Memorial Park in 1963.
New York Folklore
William G. Pomeroy Foundation
Erected 2023 by William G. Pomeroy Foundation. (Marker Number 160.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Events. In addition, it is included in the William G. Pomeroy Foundation Legends & Lore Series series list. A significant historical date for this entry is March 3, 1910.
Location. 40° 38.387′ N, 73° 39.607′ W. Marker is in East Rockaway, New York, in Nassau County. It is at the intersection of Main Street and Althouse Avenue, on the right when traveling east on Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3 Main Street, East Rockaway NY 11518, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the New York City Metropolitan Area and on Long Island. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Site of Oven (a few steps from this marker); Historic Waterfront (a few steps from this marker); Mayor Joseph F. Carrigan Point (within shouting distance of this marker); Alexander Davison Home (within shouting distance of this marker); Vigilant Engine Co. and Protector H.L. & Hose Co. World War II Memorial (within shouting distance
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Also see . . .
1. Dave Push.
Born in 1842, David Terrell was an important member of the Near Rockaway (East Rockaway) maritime scene. As a reputable shipping captain, Terrell navigated the turbulent oceans and amassed not only a small fortune but also the affections of a handsome city gal. When this relationship fell apart, however, Terrells life veered into a series of misadventures. Rechristening himself as Dave Pusha playful nod to the PUSH signage on doorshe frequented local bars and pool halls, regaling patrons with tales from the high seas, all while living a life of near-vagrancy.(Submitted on October 10, 2025, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York.)
2. Captain Dave Push Terrell.
The life of Captain Push came to end at some point after 10pm on Thursday March 3rd, 1910. His body was found floating off the pier of the old Davison mill that next morning by the gentlemen who lived in the apartment(Submitted on October 10, 2025, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York.)above Rhames general store.Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, October 4, 20252. Dave Push MarkerThis marker is located within the Talfor Boat Basin, near the entrance.
Additional keywords. ghosts
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, October 4, 2025
3. Haviland Grist Mill
According to local folklore, David "Dave Push" Terrell's spirit is claimed to haunt the Haviland Grist Mill, which was moved nearby.
Historical Society of East Rockaway & Lynbrook
4. David "Dave Push" Terrell
A historic photo of Captain Dave Push, progenitor of a local legend.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 10, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 10, 2025, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 75 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 10, 2025, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
