Dominy Revival

It has long bothered those fascinated by East Hampton’s past that the small workshops of the Dominy family craftsmen, as well as nearly all of their contents, were no longer easily accessible. That they survived at all is remarkable, even for a community that likes its history. But even as the buildings were slated for demolition in the 1940s, only a few knew they remained of value. Federal historians measured and put details of the construction down on paper, and the Winterthur Museum in Delaware took most of the remaining tools.

Now, East Hampton Village is preparing to return the Dominy clock and woodworking shops to their original location on North Main Street. A replica of the Dominyhouse will be built there as well, as a museum and tribute to early American craftsmanship. East Hampton has long venerated its ancient vine-wrapped houses and windmills. Now it will begin to fully honor the hands that made them.