Sailing into the Future

Long Island Maritime Museum (LIMM) founder, Hervey Garrett Smith, was not only an author, pilot and historian, but also an artist. He was commissioned by the Security National Bank of West Sayville in 1966 to produce a painting and, after providing them with a sketch of his ideas, he completed a larger work which was then hung in the bank for many years.

Active LIMM board and staff members and community organization leaders unveiled this local masterpiece at an event late last Monday afternoon to a bevy of well-known guests including County Legislator and Presiding Officer Bill Lindsay (D- Holbrook); Legislator for the seventh district, Jack Eddington; Islip Town Councilman, Chris Bodkin and Commissioner of Suffolk County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation, John Pavacic.

Ron Beattie, President of the Oakdale Chamber of Commerce, was the one whose hand actually unveiled the painting, but others stood by for a brief photo op. Refreshments were served while the crowd mingled and discussed the Smith's fascinating history.

Smith was born in Bayport at the end of the 19th century and is known for his maritime paintings that were featured in such publications as National Geographic and Yachting. He was a long-time sailor who used his first-hand knowledge of the oysterman culture on the Great South Bay to create such works as the one unveiled. It is believed the painting was completed in 1968 and was on display at the bank for many years before Bodkin spotted it as it was left for the garbage, employees told him.

Currently, the frame for the painting is being restored and LIMM staff is rearranging the museum in order to find a prominent spot in which to showcase Smith's painting, it is scheduled for display next month.