Lazy Point is unique. It is not typical “Hamptons.” The first time I was sent there to interview a baymen about some new town ordinance, I wrote: “Lazy Point is like a piece of Nova Scotia tucked in a back corner of Napeague, a section of Amagansett mostly known through the years for The Clam Shack, Cyril’s and the Lobster Box.”
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Lazy Point. (Photo: TJ Clemente) |
If you turn north off 27E-W, just west of the Clam Shack, you will fin Napeague Meadow Road, a road with osprey nests and open marsh land vistas. At the end of Napeague Meadow Road is the intersection of Lazy Point Road and turning north leads you to this community know as Lazy Point.
The story most told about the area is that at the end of the nineteenth century, a Smith Meal Factory opened and the very small cottages were built to house the employees. After decades of decline in the amount of locally caught “menhaden” fish harvested, the plant ceased operation totally in 1969. Over time, the cottages were owned by baymen, fishermen, and some other local tradesmen. The cottages were usually in town code violation, some without heat or electricity.
Nowadays, these historical gems are owned by a combination old local families, baymen, fishermen, and others who found inexpensive second homes there in the 1970’s. Sadly the trend now is one of buying up the land and building “McMansions.” Not an unusual trend all over the Hamptons and the East End of Long Island.
The first Hamptons art work I ever purchased was back in 2010, when I purchased a Michael McDowell painting titled, Lazy Point. In 2006 I had done an article on an Michael McDowell art show at Ashawagh Hall in Springs. One painting I loved was the one of Lazy Point and I told Michael and his wife Judy Lynn McDowell at the time, “If I ever come into some money, I am going to purchase this painting.” I am sure they thought I was being sweet. In 2010 they were surprised when I showed up at their home with a check. They sold me the painting. It hangs high on the cathedral ceiling wall in the kitchen.
I used to walk my beagle all around Lazy Point. He would wander freely down the very quiet roads sniffing everything everywhere, as beagles do. The water views of the narrow stretch between Gardiner’s Island and Napeague were always arresting and most unique. I still find them spectacular. For example, I love seeing Hicks Island and Goff Point. I cannot go there and not take at least 30-40 photos.
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Lazy Point. (Photo: TJ Clemente) |
I returned there last week, and although it is still winter with many homes boarded up, it was a wonderful beach walk. Gardiner’s Bay was tame, as was Napeague Harbor, due to the slight if any wind. It was like being in an outdoor church long after the Sunday service. While breathing in such wonderful salt water, I could feel God reaching out to touch me. I don’t go to church to pray, but I swear every time I go to Lazy Point off season, it is almost like going to a place you cannot help but to pray to God and say thank-you for such beauty and peacefulness.
