Politics & Government

TOBAY Notebook: Helping Raynham Hall

Historic homestead was scene of romance and intrigue.

The has agreed to ask for a state grant that would provide emergency repairs and restoration efforts to historic Raynham Hall, the site of famous intrigue and romance during the American Revolution.

The town will apply for the grant for the "Friends of Raynham Hall, which operates the 18th Century saltbox homestead of the Townsend family that was occupied by British forces after the Battle of New York. The magnificently restored Continental-era home (with a grand Victorian second floor) is located on West Main Street in the hamlet of Oyster Bay.

But that story get better: The Townsend family was involved in the "Culper Ring" that served as valued spies to General George Washington. Members of the Townsend family reported on the day-to-day movements of British troops in and around New York during the Revolution.

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The Culper Ring ultimately developed information that lead to the arrest of Major John Andre, the flamboyant British officer who was a frequent visitor to Raynam Hall. Legend has it that a conversation overheard by Sally Townsend ultimately led to Andre's hanging as a spy near Tarrytown in 1780. Andre was carrying information about none other than the Yankee turncoat general, Benedict Arnold.

And, then, there's the romance of the place: Sally Townsend may have been the recipient of the first Valentine ever written on the continent. Some have suggested that she was the object of the affections of Col. John Graves Simcoe, who commanded the British garrison encamped on the hillsides of old Oyster Bay and penned the flowery poem.

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The conversation she overheard may have been between Simcoe and Andre, historians have suggested.

Much like history, and the true nature of the relationship between Sally and Simcoe, it is not yet clear what specific repairs are needed on the old building or whether a temporary closing of the museum will be necessary. Patch will update the story this week. The requested grant is for up to $400,000.

Brochure Available to Seniors on Tax Exemptions

The town is offering a brochure to assist senior citizens in applying for the Senior Citizen Real Property Tax Exemption program. 

Individuals over the age of 65, whose income is less than $37,400.00, are eligible to participate in the Senior Citizen Tax Exemption Program. The brochure's are available at the various town halls and major facilities. You can also call (516) 624-6380, or find a copy on the Town’s Web site, www.oysterbaytown.com.

Phone discounts for eligible residents

Town residents who qualify may be able to save money on their telephone bills through the Lifeline and Link-up Telephone Service Programs. 

“Lifeline and Link-Up are two government assistance programs that help income-eligible customers save money on their phone bills and stay connected to vital emergency and community services, family and friends,” said Supervisor John  Venditto said.

Phone customers receive a waiver of the federal subscriber line charge, as well as a discount on their basic local service charge. The total discount varies depending on their local telephone service provider, Venditto said. The services are available to those who receive, or are eligible for, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), Food Stamps, Medicaid, Veteran’s Disability or Surviving Spouse Pension, Family Assistance, and Safety Net Assistance.

For details go to www.AskPSC.com. An application, as well as a list of participating phone companies, are available on the same Web site. You can also call the PSC at 1-888-Ask-PSC1 or your local telephone company for additional information.

“A telephone is a necessity is today’s world,” Venditto said. Web site.


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