We Are Pretty Black And White Here
By Jeannie Blue
22 Sep 2008
What city do you live in? What neighborhood?
I'm from the absolute unknown locale of Shoreham, New York, a small town of only a few hundred inhabitants on the North Shore of Long Island, approximately 30 miles west of the infamous celebrity-infected Hamptons. Shoreham is a pass-through town for those traveling to the Hamptons' resorts in summer, or any City Slickers seeking fresh fruit and veggie harvests- and pumpkins, of course- in fall. We're known for nothing except maybe- to a select, intellectually elite few- Nikola Tesla's Wardenclyffe Project and a non-operational nuclear power plant. Shoreham is home to one strip mall; several sod farms; an abandoned stone bridge; and multiple beaches. Oh yes, and most famously of all: I come from Shoreham.
What are some adjectives that describe your neighborhood?
Small, suburban, standard.
How long have you lived there, and what brought you there?
To quote my friend John Mellencamp: "I was born in a small town,
and I live in a small town. Probably die in a small town."
What is your favorite thing about this place? Your least favorite?
I know all of my neighbors, their children, and their pets by name, can you say the same?
Do you feel that you belong there?
I've never belonged here, but frankly, I don't know where I belong.
And somehow I soldier on . . .
What is the most common misconception about where you live?
Fellow Long Islanders might say that Shoreham-ites are nothing but a batch of spoiled North Shore snobs, as the area is known for its $500,000+ homes and private beach clubs. Those outside of the immediate area might wonder if, due to the nuclear power plant, we glow green. I assure that while we do not glow green, only 95% of our population are obnoxiously wealthy.
What is a special fact about your city that you have to live there to know?
There is reportedly a system of underground tunnels that run nearly the full length of town. Whether this is simply urban legend or fact has never been proven; but the idea originates from aspects of Nikola Tesla's Wardenclyffe Project which was the most historical thing to ever happen here.
What aspect of your city do you secretly love?
I secretly cherish the hundreds of gorgeous locations in town for photo opportunities; whether it's any of the many beaches, the old stone bridge, or a simple, yet beautiful wooded location. Shoreham is one of the few places remaining in the U.S. where overpopulation has yet to completely overtake and destroy nature.
Anything else you'd like to add?
Mary Pitkin Path + Briarcliff Road = Home.
