By Ellyn Okvist, B.Sc.
Gathering at the Newton Homestead at Wolf Pond was an annual event in the late 1800’s early 1900’s and was held for over fifty years.
Local neighbors, families, and friends would look forward to the weekend before Thanksgiving to gather, while working together and enjoying the days before the holiday to give thanks. It was a time to slow down and appreciate everyone in your life.
Wild cranberries have grown at Wolf Pond for over one-hundred years.
The people would bring dinner and drink, and baskets to fill as they picked the cranberries. Most had their own cranberry combs and used them once a year for this event. Partaking in this get-together must have been phenomenal. After the gathering was completed, people would eat their dinner that they brought from home, and the entertainment would begin. Music and singing could be heard for some distance. But the spotlight was on the huge barn fire prepared by the Newton family. It offered warmth and enjoyment to the community as they spent this time together.
This tradition was followed for years, as each family would bake their cranberry selections at home, including Cranberry Sauce, Cranberry Meringue Pie, Cranberry Pie, Mock Cherry Pie, Baked Cranberry Pudding, and Cranberry Jelly, among others. They would then once again meet a day or two before Thanksgiving Day and exchange their baked goods, allowing more than one specialty at their individual dinners.
Wolf Pond has its own history, and it is full of environmental promise and nature conservation. The pond has been there for ages and has an ecological distinction fitting our area. A small island-like center makes the pond even more appealing, and the grounds have a pleasing atmosphere.
A longtime occupant of Wolf Pond was the “Wolf Pond Monster.” It was identified as a Great Snapping Turtle of America, known as a “Torup.” Judged to be over one hundred years old, and weighing in at thirty-five pounds, its legs were covered with scales as would a prehistoric monster, and with barbs on its tail. When it left the pond, it is said a huge amount of water would drain off its body and was indeed an ugly sight. Its scale-covered head was set with vicious jaws capable of snapping a man’s arm and it could move surprisingly well on land. It was discovered during a drought year, and could be watched snapping up ducks, geese and any other animal that had the unfortunate fate of crossing his path. Eventually, the authorities decided the Wolf Pond Monster (illustrated above) had to be destroyed.
Wild Geese, raccoons, turtles, frogs, birds and small wildlife have established their ecosystems at the site. Wolf Pond Sanctuary was established in 1951 as a memorial for Sumner Newton, a direct descendant of the original Newton landowner, by The Finlay sisters, Miss Helen and Miss Roberta. It is one of the few beautiful sites kept in a natural state at Lake Ronkonkoma to serve the special needs of birds and small wildlife (illustrated above).
What is Thanksgiving without a Parade? The community was fortunate to have the Chamber of Commerce organize and present the annual Thanksgiving Day Parade (pictured above). Watching the Parade was a way of getting a lot of enjoyment while supporting a well-planned, considerably detailed presentation by the community’s business colony. The Parades ran in the 1950-1960s, with the largest Thanksgiving Day Parade held in 1961. Beautiful themes were used, and the costumes, floats and community participation were monumental. The 1961 Parade drew thousands on the sides of the streets watching the festivities. Competitions included were Best Costumes, Best Floats, Best Marching Bands, and winners received small worthwhile cash prizes. The Parade ended at our WWII Memorial Tree, still standing proud and tall, dressed in thousands of multi-colored Christmas lights.
Recently I went to investigate the cranberries crop with another Historian, Robert Von Bernewitz and Robert Kentner. We did discover remnants of wild cranberries. We appreciated walking through the paths and park-like setting, then we were off to Goulds Pond.
Best wishes for a wonderful Thanksgiving.
The Lake Ronkonkoma Heritage Association
4 Cherry Street, Lake Ronkonkoma
631-456-7891
