This account is based on George Latham’s introduction in the Historical Review published by Oysterponds Historical Society (1959):

During the late summer of 1943, a small group of citizens met in Orient to discuss the possibility of forming an historical society in the village. The historical significance of Orient and East Marion lay in the fact that they were largely populated by direct descendants of the original settlers of three centuries ago – a phenomenon fast disappearing in American life. Throughout their history, these settlements have played their part in the maritime, agricultural, cultural, and religious life of our country. Furthermore, many relics of prehistoric Indian life have been found in Orient, both of historical and anthropological interest. Concern was felt over the gradual but constant disappearance from Southold Town of Indian artifacts, documents, family records, implements, and other antiquities of the early settlers. As a result of the discussion, an organization was formed during the following year, and the minutes of the first meeting disclose that the following business was transacted:

A Village Meeting was held on July 1, 1944, at the Orient Fire Hall to consider and discuss the proposition of incorporating a Historical and Genealogical Society and Museum. There were about one hundred persons present. The idea was presented and it was announced that the Vail homestead on Village Lane was for sale for the sum of $4,500. The house was once a tavern and had been owned by Augustus Griffin, author of Griffin’s Journal. Slips were passed around with the request that each person so inclined indicate the amount they would be willing to contribute toward the project. The total subscribed was $2474.
It was voted to proceed with the formation of a Membership Corporation to be known as the Oysterponds Historical Society and the following were elected to serve for one year as Charter Officers and Directors:

 

Charter Trustees Mrs. Douglas Knox Mrs. Henry F. J. Knobloch George R. Latham Charter Officers A. Nelson Chapman, President George R. Latham, Treasurer Mrs. Walter E. Prince, Secretary
Charter Directors L. Vinton Richard Mrs. Henry F. J. Knobloch Harry Shaw Newman Elliott A. Brooks Mrs. S. Wentworth Horton Mrs. Walter F. Kluge

Yearly dues of $1.00 were suggested in order to attract as many members as
possible. Mrs. Douglas Knox, Mrs. Henry F.J. Knoblock, Mrs. Allan Heath and Mrs. Spencer Terry offered to canvas the community for members. A Committee was authorized to negotiate with the heirs of the Vail estate and enter into a contract when sufficient funds were raised to purchase the property.
On August 12, 1944, the first formal meeting of the Society was held and the Committee reported 322 adults and 62 junior members and total contributions of $4,907.75. With this fund available, the Village House was subsequently purchased and a museum established. Almost immediately a vast quantity of material was contributed and placed on display under the direction of the Society’s first president, A. Nelson Chapman. His classification and arrangement of articles, and his continuing help and advice on historical data has been invaluable to the society. From the beginning in 1944 and continuing until the end of both of their lives, Herbert M. Hale and Elliott A. Brooks contributed much to the society; Hale as cartographer, historian and Chairman of Building and Grounds and Brooks as artist, amateur archaeologist and lifelong collector of Indian artifacts.