The Civil War monument at the corner of Church and Main Streets, looking toward Ocean Avenue, 1884.

Northport's Main Street is home to several monuments in memory of those who lost their lives serving our country. The oldest memorial is the granite obelisk standing at the corner of Main and Church Streets. Erected on July 4th, 1880, it honors the sixteen Civil War soldiers and sailors from Northport who perished.

This Memorial Day weekend, let's take a closer look at the obelisk and the "Monuments Men" it honors.

The Northport Historical Society, as part of its mission, interprets and teaches about many different aspects of life throughout Northport's history. One big aspect of life in a community... is death. 
Benjamin Franklin is quoted as saying: "Show me your cemeteries and I will show you what kind of people you have." With this sentiment, he is referencing both the dead and the living. You can find art, history and genealogy on gravestones that tell all about the people who came before, but the condition of the cemetery says a lot about the living. Has the graveyard succumbed to vandalism, neglect, or apathy? What does that say about us? 

Jonas Higbee, a ship master, and Maria Smith from Little Cow Harbor (now Centerport) were married in 1817 by the renowned “Marrying Minister” Reverend Joshua Hartt. They had 7 children- 2 sons; twins Jonas and Shepard, and 5 daughters; Phebe, Irene, Elizabeth, Frances, and Susan. Here are the stories from the remarkable lives of sisters Irene and Susan.

Standing, left to right: Phebe Higbee Denton, Irene Higbee Jarvis, Elizabeth Higbee Johnson Bishop.  Seated, left to right: Frances Higbee Lewis, Susan Higbee Udell Bunce.