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The weekends go faster as we get older, or at least it feels that way. As I write this article, I'm looking out my window at another gorgeous Sunday sunset. The days are getting longer, and the sky looks like sherbet. Another weekend gone too soon.
The modern weekend was a deliberate endeavor and is etched in American history. Guided along by organized labor, with President Roosevelt signing off, the Fair Labor Standards Acts of 1938 enshrined the modern weekend: Americans were now promised the eight-hour day, and the forty-hour workweek. The weekend skipped across the globe over the next several decades. Before this, the labor force was subject to long hours, poor working conditions, and child labor. We've come a long way.
The weekend can be a time to explore historic places on Long Island. One of my favorites is Sagtikos Manor in West Bay Shore that was built in 1697. I took a stroll through there recently, and it brings back such happy childhood memories. When I was growing up just north of its grounds, we would travel by foot across an abandoned farm to get to the big white house that was etched in mystique. It was like stepping back in time, and I can still smell the old upholstery. In 1790, George Washington left Manhattan for a brief tour of Long Island. He went west along the Great South Bay and was mesmerized by the sea as noted in his diary of the trip. He ended the day at "Squire Thompson's," which is Sagtikos Manor, owned by The Thompson Family. During the Revolutionary War, the Sagtikos estate served as headquarters for the British army on Long Island.
There are many other historic places to visit on Long Island. Southampton is another favorite founded in 1640, when settlers from Lynn, Massachusetts established residence on lands obtained from the local Shinnecock Indian Nation. The famous Shinnecock Inlet is expansive as it cuts across the South Fork at Hampton Bays, connecting the Great Peconic Bay and the Shinnecock Bay to the Atlantic Ocean. It remains a favorite destination for surfers, nature enthusiasts, fisherman, and boaters.
I hope you enjoyed reading about historic Long Island. There's more to explore.
Happy President's Day!
Peace and Love,
Skylark
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I am a columnist and write short, poetic articles about human interest, nature, general observations, inspiration, and daily life in and around Bay Shore for Skylark Live Town News. Be sure to subscribe to my free SLTN newsletter that will be delivered directly to your email. If you wish, you can make a one-time donation in the amount you desire or a recurring monthly donation as a Friend ($5) or Advocate ($15) to help support Skylark Live Town News. You can also advertise your business or event on SLTN as well. It's easy and convenient to do. Take a look around my feed.
I am also an advocate for people 60 and beyond under my brand, Skylark Live, and have a first Monday-of-the-month vlog, "60 and Beyond with Skylark", that is motivational to inspire people to thrive as they age through knowledge and self-awareness. Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel and follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Linkedin. Thank you for your support. Peace and Love to you always.
