Windmill Re-Opens As Testament Of Sustainability Through The Ages

By Kelly Carroll | 7 Comments

The SUNY Stony Brook Southampton windmill re-opened Sunday, to the delight of many in the Southampton College circle. Photos by Kelly Carroll

Southampton - Though it no longer grinds grain as it once did, and its blades were braced into the ground to prohibit motion, the sight of the newly restored windmill on the campus of SUNY Stony Brook Southampton was a special one on Sunday, June 14, as flocks of former Southampton College alumni and friends gathered for the windmill's reopening.

Former Southampton College Provost Tim Bishop and Southampton College grad Fred Thiele attended the festivities.

"This windmill remains a treasure to be enjoyed by the entire Southampton community," Stony Brook University President Shirley Strum Kenny asserted to the crowd gathered at the windmill's base.

The original windmill was constructed in the early 1700s in Southampton village. It was moved to its location atop a hill on the campus when the property was known as the Clafin estate in the late 1890s. The building itself features floors of rooms, winding staircases and a top view room looking over the campus unfolding below.

The windmill's central room was dedicated as the Glanz-Marmion Room, in honor of the windmill's two greatest supporters - the late Edward Glanz who was the founding provost of Long Island University-Southampton, and the late Harry Marmion, a former president of Long Island University-Southampton. The building itself will now be used as a meeting place, and will also hold special events.

"This is a lasting monument," Rep. Tim Bishop (D-1st) asserted as he addressed the crowd. Before becoming a congressman, Bishop was once the provost of Southampton College. "They [Glanz and Marmion] both did a great deal to shape a place. Their legacy through this gift will live on for a long time."

The windmill itself has a marked history, not only as a symbol of the early days of the East End, but also acting as a host to the famed Tennessee Williams, and gracing the cover of "Haunted Long Island." Now, the windmill still incorporates all of these associations, but gains another, as a sign of sustainability matching SUNY Stony Brook Southampton's mission.

Shirley Glanz and Patricia Marmion cut the official ribbon re-opening the SUNY Stony Brook Southampton Windmill.

"I thought my favorite thing this week was seeing the State Capitol in my review mirror," State Assembly Fred Thiele (R-Sag Harbor), a 1976 Southampton College graduate, joked, "but this sight is better. We are honoring the commitment to our future. This is just another step in the direction forward for Southampton College."

Comments

Les Powers from Weston, Florida says:
It's great to see this happening. Southampton will always be a apecial time in my life. Only those who were there will know how I feel in my heart.

Judy Whittington from Southold,ny says:
Wonderful !!!

Kenny Haar from Southwick MA says:
As a 1970 graduate and frequent visitor to the campus, it is wonderful to see it spring back to life after years of neglect by LIU. A big thanks to President Shirly Strum Kenny for her vision for the campus and thoughtfulness about those of us who went there when it was Southampton College of LIU. The windmill looks great, and I too remember the receptions and dinners held there in the late 60's.

Peter & Willa Philip from Danbury,CT says:
Willa and I first met in the Windmill at a dinner hosted by John and Marie Luongo who lived there for two years. We are thrilled of the restoring of this historic windmill and the re-awakening of the Southampton Campus. All the best - to all of you. Peter W. Philip 67

Sylvia Hiers from Springfield SC says:
I remember touring the Windmill when it was a residence for Dr. and Mrs. Willoughby. I thought it was the most romantic dwelling I had ever seen. Go Windmill!

Joan Brill from East Hampton says:
I was invited to the event, the re-opening of the Windmill. It was a memorable occasion! I have degrees from both Southampon College and SUNY Stony Brook, and taught piano in both institutions. I also gave piano recitals at both institutions. The re-opening of the Windmill was a day remember!

Kris Matteson Charlton from Coral Gables, Florida says:
I am so grateful, as a graduate of Southampton College '68, to see the restoration of this special landmark and memory of my four wonderful years as a college student at S.C. Kris Matteson Charlton '68 Coral Gables, Florida