One of the Town's oldest public parks, the island was purchased by the Lauder Family and given to the town in 1918 as a memorial to George Lauder, Jr. A remnant of terminal moraine formed by the last glacier about 12,000 years ago, the island lies about 3,500 feet due east of the larger Great Captain's Island, and is connected by a 600-foot long tombolo, or intertidal sand bar, to Wee Captain's Island, a privately-owned half-acre island off its easterly side. Other natural features include spartina marshes on the south side, and some mud flats at low tide, which can be used for nature study. Wildlife is somewhat limited, with Herring Gulls predominating and occasional migratory shore birds visiting.
The island boasts almost 1,000 feet of fine sandy beach on its northern and eastern perimeters. There are designated swimming and boating areas and a lifeguard. On the island itself are picnic tables, grills, snack bar, covered shelters, (one formerly a carousel), dressing rooms and restrooms. With refreshing breezes to be captured from all directions, Island Beach offers an ideal retreat from summer�s heat. It is one of the Town�s most treasured facilities.
Writing on the back of this photo says "old pumphouse in the wilderness". My mother is the one who frequented the Island Club and she says she doesn't believe this pumphouse was meant for the Island Club. She remembers taking a walk as a child with a group of people who discovered it. It may be a bit of history that nobody knows about. Was there a residence on the Island before 1929?
1929 The Island Club on Sheffield Island. Contained a golf course, tennis courts, landing strip for small planes, and stables. Investor paid over $100,000 for the building alone. Failed in 1937 due to lack of fresh water. Only partial remains of the building still stand today.