“Mirrors of the Past” is a important photographic exhibit which traces some of the recent history of Lake Ronkonkoma with 120 enlarged photos. The images have been enhanced, printed and catalogued at the Port Jefferson Digital Archive at Harborfront Park by Kenneth Brady, who is spearheading a photo preservation project through his work as Port Jefferson village historian.
Not everyone is aware, but in the 1920′s & 1930′s Lake Ronkonkoma was a popular water vacation destination. The entire lake was ringed by beach pavilions, restaurants and clubs. Thousands would come to enjoy the lake front and the attractions like bathing, water slides, boating, dance clubs and nightlife. The photos are from the collections of the Lake Ronkonkoma Historical Society, Helen Hethy Mulvihill, Dolores Holzapfel, Marty Slater, Richard Crucet, Ralph Hilbert and Kenneth Brady.
The photos bring to life the people and places of a not to distant past. “Mirrors of the Past” may suprise you with feelings of how different and in some ways how little things have changed. The thriving beach life that existed at the lake is gone. But with a litlle imagination one can realize why Lake Ronkonkoma was a special, magical destination. There is a reason why the Vanderbilt’s parkway was built and ended at the lake and why there is a Ronkonkoma line on the Long Island Railroad. The answers are all in the pictures!
“Mirrors of the Past” will be at the Port Jeff Village Center till 2/12/2012. The Port Jefferson Village Center is located at 101A East Broadway and is open seven days a week, except holidays, from 9 am to 9 pm. Admission is free.
" Mirrors of the Past" Orignal home of Agnew and Taylor in Lake Ronkonkoma
The Hollywood Beach Pavilion was destination in Lake Ronkonkoma
More Information: Lake Ronkonkoma Historical Society
