Nestled on the southern shores of Long Island, West Sayville stands as a living testament to the rich history and enduring spirit of the Town of Islip. With its tree-lined streets, marshy waterways, and vibrant sense of community, this neighborhood offers residents and visitors alike a delightful window into what makes Islip special. If you stroll down Montauk Highway or meander through the leafy avenues near Cherry Avenue and West Avenue, you’ll find a place where the past and present harmoniously coexist.
Origins: From Coastal Backwater to Bustling Hamlet
West Sayville’s roots can be traced back to the 17th century, when it was part of a larger area purchased from the Secatogue Indians. European settlers were drawn to its pristine natural resources, particularly the sprawling salt marshes along the Great South Bay, which proved ideal for clamming, fishing, and salt hay farming.
By the mid-1800s, Sayville had developed as a popular summer destination, with its western portion—West Sayville—emerging as a distinct community. The hamlet got its name in 1868 when residents voted to adopt the name Sayville for the area; comparatively, West Sayville, which sits to the west of the Sayville hamlet, gained its own identity as a local postal stop and shipping hub. The “West” was added to distinguish it from its neighbor as the area grew in both size and reputation.
Key Historical Milestones
The Dutch Reformed Influence
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, West Sayville attracted a vibrant Dutch-American community, many of whom worked in the oyster and shipbuilding industries that flourished along the bay. The small but mighty Dutch Reformed Church, founded in 1867 and rebuilt in 1909 on West Sayville’s Main Street (now Montauk Highway), quickly became the heart of spiritual and civic life. The church’s iconic yellow brick and traditional belfry continue to be a cherished landmark for residents.
A Maritime Legacy
West Sayville was once the oyster capital of Long Island. By the 1880s, the bay’s waters teemed with boats owned by local families such as the Suydams and Browns, shipping their catch directly to New York City. Oystering, boat-building, and fishing defined daily life, with generations learning the trade from their elders. West Avenue, leading down to the waterfront, still echoes with the history of this salty industry.
In recognition of this heritage, the Long Island Maritime Museum—housed in the restored West Sayville Oyster Company buildings on West Avenue—preserves boats, gear, and oral histories from this boom era. The museum’s historic site, with its boat barns and stately Meadowedge mansion, offers a direct link to West Sayville’s seafaring past.
Parks and Natural Beauty
The 20th century brought new recreational opportunities as transportation improved. Wetlands along the bay were preserved when the West Sayville Golf Course was established in 1927 on Montauk Highway, transforming former farmland into a public green oasis. The 200-acre course, bordered by the quiet serenity of the Great South Bay, has hosted countless tournaments and is a favorite for locals eager to enjoy open skies and salty breezes.
Cherry Avenue County Dog Park and Sayville Marina Park, with its stunning sunsets over the bay, remain beloved neighborhood gems. The marinas and docks at the foot of West Avenue are still busy with fishermen, pleasure boaters, and visitors reveling in the natural splendor that first brought settlers here centuries ago.
Landmarks: Echoes of Yesterday
- Long Island Maritime Museum (West Avenue) – Once home to the dominant West Sayville Oyster Company, the museum brings local maritime history to life with exhibits, classic wooden boats, and annual festivals like the Seafood Festival.
- Meadowedge Mansion (on the museum grounds) – Built in 1909 as a summer estate for businessman Richard Floyd, this Dutch Colonial Revival home is a beautiful example of local architecture and is open for tours.
- West Sayville Reformed Bible Church (Montauk Highway) – A century-old hub of worship and community events.
- West Sayville Country Club and Golf Course (Montauk Highway) – An iconic public golf course that doubles as a wildlife refuge and social center.
- Sayville Marina Park – Perfect for picnicking, bird watching, or launching kayaks.
Neighborhood Evolution: A Living Community
Over the decades, West Sayville has evolved from a quiet fishing outpost to a lively residential suburb with a strong sense of identity. Post-World War II growth brought new homes, schools, and businesses along key streets such as Greene Avenue, Rollstone Avenue, and Lakeland Avenue. Brick ranches, cozy capes, and classic Victorians stand side by side with more modern builds, their front yards lush with hydrangeas in the spring.
Educational institutions such as Bayport-Blue Point High School and Greene Avenue Elementary provide neighborhood kids with lifelong connections, while places like The Fish Store on Montauk Highway keep the spirit of bay-to-table dining alive.
Locals can often be found at Lombardi’s on the Bay, a popular restaurant and event venue perched beside the water, or enjoying homemade ices from classic shops on Main Street. Generations of families continue rituals started hundreds of years ago: clamming in the shallow bay, marching in the summer parades, and cheering at youth soccer games at the county parks.
Preserving the Past, Building the Future
West Sayville’s charm endures because its residents embrace both its history and promise. Historic societies, local activists, and everyday families ensure that marshlands, historic homes, and public spaces are cared for, blending old and new in perfect melody.
Whether you are exploring the trails behind the West Sayville Golf Course, enjoying maritime lore at the museum, or just swapping stories with neighbors on a front porch along Handsome Avenue, West Sayville welcomes you with open arms—and an open heart. For those lucky enough to call it home, or those who simply visit for a day, the heritage of this waterfront neighborhood is never far from view.