A Thank You from the Society to Those Who Have Served

New York troops in Corbie, France, celebrate the signing of the Armistice Treaty, November 11,1918 (AP Photo)

A Salute to Veterans

November 11^thwas set as the date for commemorating the end of WWI, and the armistice which took effect on the "eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month" of 1918. Originally known as Armistice Day, it became a national holiday in the United States in 1938.
In 1954, at the urging of veterans' organizations, Congress amended the 1938 act by striking out the word ‘Armistice’ and replacing it with ‘Veterans,’ thereby shifting the focus from the truce signing to the soldiers.

From the GAR to the American Legion

The Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) was the first national veterans’ organization in the country. Chartered on November 17, 1883, the Samuel Ackerly Post No. 426 of Northport was named for the brother of founding member Nathaniel S. Ackerly. Both Samuel and Nathaniel served in the Civil War.
Founding members of Northport's GAR also include Charles C. Fox: 127^th Infantry, Jonas S. Higbee: US Navy, and Alfred Tillotson: 127^th Infantry.

A meeting of Northport's GAR circa 1885
A.C.Tillotson: front row, first on left, Samuel Balton: second row, first on right in profile

Nathaniel Ackerly joined the 48^th NYS Volunteers, Co. K. He lost his left arm in the Assault on Fort Wagner. After the war he earned a law degree and opened a practice in Northport.
His brother Samuel joined the 90^th NYS Volunteers and lost his life on October 2, 1862 to yellow fever while stationed at Fort Jefferson in Key West.

Civil War Veterans including Nathaniel Ackerly, 2nd on left (with beard)

The Northport GAR was housed in various locations on Main Street until it was replaced by the American Legion after WWI. The American Legion Post No. 694 stands today on Woodside Avenue.

Northport’s Veterans Administration Medical Center

Shortly after WWI, it became apparent to Congress that the returning veterans were not able to obtain the proper medical and psychological treatment they needed and deserved. To rectify this situation, President Harding established the US Veterans Bureau in 1921, which assigned Public Health Service hospitals to the new agency’s control.
Under the supervision of Brigadier General Frank T. Hines, a committee was formed to choose a site in the New York area for a modern and specialized health care facility. In 1925, the committee, after scouting hundreds of locations in the tri-state area chose the small, picturesque village of Northport.
522 acres of farmland was purchased in the Middleville area from Inez Todd Hodges, who had just bought the property from Rinaldo Sammis (hence Rinaldo Road). Construction began in August of 1926. The plan of the Medical Center is based on the standard set plan developed by the Veterans Bureau in Washington DC for all such facilities in the United States.

Northport's VA Medical Center circa 1928

The original medical center was built for $3,386,518. The 956-bed facility offered a campus-like setting with beautiful landscaping, outdoor recreational facilities and paved roadways. The exterior design was approved at the highest level of the VA in Washington but reflected the historical nature of Northport Village. Thus, the style selected, Georgian Colonial home, is unique in the VA system.
The first patients were admitted on April 16, 1928 with Doctor George F. Brewster acting as the Medical Officer in Charge and the center soon became a great source of pride for Northport.

The Museum Shop is Opening! Just in time for holiday shopping, our Museum Shop will be opening its doors on Saturdays from 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm, starting on November 14^th and running through December 19^th

Come on in and shop for antique and vintage items such as jewelry, china, and glassware.

Northport Historical Society sweatshirts, books, maps, and posters are also available and make great gifts!

How about the gift of membership?
Ready-to-go gift wrapped totes which include a membership to the Northport Historical Society and other goodies are available and make the perfect gift for your history buff!

*All safety protocols will be observed*

Now is a great time to become a member!
Click below to join and support the Society's mission:
http://www.northporthistorical.org/membership

Looking for the perfect gift? Remind friends and family of where they came from with "Images of America, Northport."
All book sales support the Northport Historical Society's mission of preserving our shared history. $24 plus tax.

To order, text 631 796-2316.

While the Society navigates through these uncertain times, your online contributions have never been more vital to sustaining our preservation efforts. If at all possible, we would appreciate any contribution you may be able to make at this time.

Thank you for considering this request and please stay safe!

Click Here To Donate

215 Main Street, Northport, NY 11768
Phone: (631)757-9859
Email: info@northporthistorical.org
Copyright © 2020 Northport Historical Society.
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Our mailing address is:
Northport Historical Society
PO Box 545
Northport, NY 11768

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Northport HIstorical Society · 215 Main Street · PO Box 545 · Northport, NY 11768 · USA