"Historical Pageant on the Reservation"

Shinnecock Indians c1939

Southampton Press

Friday, June 23, 1939

Members of the Shinnecock Tribe Will Present History in Six Episodes

On Saturday, July 1^st at 3:30 p.m. a pageant, written and directed by Miss Abigail F. Halsey will be presented on Shinnecock Reservation, near Southampton. In this manner the descendents of the Shinnecocks of 1640 will tell the story of the ancient days and ways of their ancestors, the coming of the first white man, and their treaty with hi “Never sworn to and never broken;” the coming the Christian missionaries and Christian teachers, Azariah Horton and Sarrison Occom being the first; the first June meeting under the great Cuffee; the lament of the Indian women whose news reaches them that so many of the men had lost their lives in the Circassian disaster in 1876; and a finale in which they will express their hope for the future—the days that are yet to be.

This pageant is being presented in connection with the building of a new church and parish house on the Reservation. Their church, erected near Canoe Place almost two centuries ago. . . was so badly damaged by the hurricane that it could no longer be used by them. It is significant that all this should be done in 1939—one year before the white people of Southampton Town and Southold Town will celebrate the three hundredth anniversary of the coming of the first white people.

On Sunday, July 2^nd, “Shinnecock Day” will be observed widely in the churches of the county. Pastors will preach historical sermons and an opportunity will be given to everyone to contribute to the building fund of the new church. The official board of a church in Utica made a contribution to the fund, stating they wanted to have a part in paying the white man’s debt of honor.

Dr. J. Percival Huget, president of the County Council of Churches, is chairman of the building committee. The Reverend Herbert E. Moyer is treasurer. The architect is Arthur New man of Bridgehampton, and the builder is Lester Raynor of Southampton.

The people of the Reservation are working hard under Miss Halsey’s direction to prepare a pageant true to the life of their people. They gather almost every night to practice. Mrs. Edward Foster and Leon Terry are helping with the singing. Mrs. Corey of the Y.M.C.A. is helping with the games, Miss Zella de Milhau with the costumes, and Miss Rachel Hartley with the publicity.

The Presbytery of Long Island is backing the project and the participants hope to make a good deal of money for their new church. Tickets will be on sale at Corwith’s Drug Store and the Shinnecock children will sell them.

A good cause, a good Saturday show, an inspiring Sunday vesper service.

Photo courtesy Abigail Fithian Halsey Files | Southampton Historical Museum Archives and Research Center