Skip to main content

The Pantigo Windmill, Thrice Moved

Thu, 01/14/2021 - 10:26

Item of the Week From the East Hampton Library

This photo, taken by Harvey A. Weber (1917-1991), is part of a collection of architectural images of structures throughout the Town of East Hampton compiled as part of the activities related to establishing historic districts here. It shows the inner workings on the second story of the Pantigo Windmill.

Directly in front is the east burrstone, and beyond that is the shaft of the internal winding mechanism. These highly complex gears and mechanisms, primarily made of timber, display an impressive level of craftsmanship achieved by Long Island millwrights.

In 1804, Samuel Schellinger (1765-1848), an Amagansett craftsman, began constructing the Pantigo Windmill for Huntting Miller (1753-1832). When Miller died he left the mill to his grandson William Hedges (1803-1865). Hedges hired Nathaniel Dominy V (1770-1852) to work on the mill's machinery in 1834.

In 1845, the mill was sold to David A. Hedges, who moved it to his residence on Pantigo Road. There he installed cast iron to secure the sail stocks, which in 1879 would be damaged in a storm. Hiram Sandford bought the mill and had it moved slightly to the corner of Pantigo Road and Egypt Lane. The mill was named for its 72-year reign on Pantigo Road.

Gustav Buek (1850-1927) bought the windmill in 1917 and relocated it to the rear of his residence, which is now known as the Home, Sweet Home Museum on James Lane. Upon his death, the Village of East Hampton obtained both the house and the mill. The village started restoration work on the mill in 1978.

While the mill ceased operations in the late 19th century, it is included in historical tours and remains behind Home, Sweet Home, overlooking the grassy common area adjacent to the South End Burying Ground and Town Pond. 

Villages

Bruce and Jane Collins Celebrate Their 75th

Bruce and Jane Collins, both 95 years old, will celebrate their 75th wedding anniversary on March 14. 

Mar 13, 2025

Item of the Week: The Artist’s Odyssey of Sheila Isham

It’s all about the light, they say. From Thomas Moran to Jackson Pollock, countless creatives have called the East End home. Included in that number is Sheila Eaton Isham (1924-2024), a globe-trotting painter, poet, and printmaker. 

Mar 13, 2025

White and Halbur Wed in Denver

Edward Francis White and Breanna Dawn Halbur of Arvada, Colo., were married on Sunday afternoon on the steps of the Denver City and County Building overlooking Civic Center Park, with the Hon. Renee A. Goble officiating.

Mar 13, 2025

 

Your support for The East Hampton Star helps us deliver the news, arts, and community information you need. Whether you are an online subscriber, get the paper in the mail, delivered to your door in Manhattan, or are just passing through, every reader counts. We value you for being part of The Star family.

Your subscription to The Star does more than get you great arts, news, sports, and outdoors stories. It makes everything we do possible.