Manhasset Bay Shipyard has probably been used as a marine facility as far back as the post-Civil War period. In 1887, Elbert Stannard, a local resident and retired clipper ship captain, started a business converting wooden warships — made obsolete by steam engines and iron cladding — into freight and passenger vessels. Stannard’s business likely included the current shipyard property. In 1889, six wooden warships and two coastal schooners owned by Stannard burned in a spectacular fire of unknown origin off Plum Point. Today, the small creek that runs along the southern side of the shipyard is known as Stannard’s Creek.
Some history of the Purdy Yard can be found in Wikipedia. ENGAGE! Write us some comment! Send us some historical picture!
