Myron "Mike" and Helen Van Essendelft
Long Island Traditions
Folklorist Nancy Solomon has documented the maritime culture of Long Island through these interviews spanning the years 1987 – 2016. The collection includes baymen, fishermen, boat builders and other maritime tradition bearers.
On February 4 & 5, 2004, Nancy Solomon interviewed Mike and Helen Van Essendelft as part of the Long Island Traditions Oral History Collection. Mike and Helen are long-time members of the West Sayville community, and both participated in the local clamming and oystering industry. Mike discusses the history of the Dutch community in West Sayville, including stories of prominent figures and the creation of Bluepoints Oyster Company, where he worked for 12 years. He and Helen recall major moments of change for the West Sayville fishing industry, including the 1938 hurricane and its lasting environmental impacts, the increased availability of cars, and expansion of paved roads and highways.
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