FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Councilwoman Bridget Fleming
(631) 287-5745 
bfleming@southamptontownny.gov
stlhdb@optonline.net

Lyzon Hat Shop Recognized as Town Landmark

The historic Lyzon Hat Shop in Hampton Bays has officially been designated as a Town Landmark by the Southampton Town Board. The Hampton Bays Historical Society, the current owners of the building, submitted an application to the Landmarks & Historic Districts Board this past January who determined that the shop fit the criteria to be recommended for landmark status.

“Protection of the hat shop, once an icon in the Hampton Bays community, is crucial to maintaining the character of downtown Hampton Bays, and underscores the Town Board’s commitment to preserving our invaluable historic resources,” said Councilwoman Bridget Fleming, sponsor of the landmarking resolution.

Located on West Montauk Highway, the current structure was built in 1915, and is coupled with a history that precedes it by 60 or more years. The building embodies the reconstruction of a general store that existed in Hampton Bays, then known as Good Ground, since before 1854, owned by the King family. Prosper King, whose home is another Town landmark, was one of the earliest residents of Hampton Bays. His great-grandson, Walter H. King, a gifted designer who studied art at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, and his wife, Helen, a talented milliner, owned and operated the very successful Lyzon Hat Shop during Hampton Bays’ heyday the first half of the 20th century and until Walter’s death in 1968. Advertisements in vintage newspapers proclaim the shop as “Society’s Emotional Hat Designer,” with clientele consisting of the DuPonts, Mellons and Fords.

Future plans for the building include interior renovations, and a roof restoration that will be funded with grant monies received through the Suffolk County Downtown Revitalization Grant Program. “This designation furthers the mission of the Landmarks & Historic Districts Board and inspires others to follow suit,” said Chair, Sally Spanburgh. The Windmill at Water Mill (Corwith Windmill) is currently in the process of being considered for designation by the Town. A resolution to consider setting a public hearing is scheduled for the May 22 Town Board meeting. If adopted a public hearing will take place on June 26 at 6:00 p.m.

PHOTO ATTACHED: Lyzon Hat Shop, Present Day, Montauk Highway, Hampton Bays

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