| New Rochelle's
earliest residents were the Siwanoys, living on the southern
end of Davenport Neck -- the area known as Titus Mill
farm. They sustained themselves by gathering food from
the abundant fish, clams and oysters found along the shore
of Long Island Sound.
The Huguenots followed in
1688. Also settling along the water's edge, they used
the water routes into New York City to transport their
locally grown produce by sloop. In later years a steamboat
provided daily service from New Rochelle to the City.
For almost 300 years, New
Rochelle's waterfront has continued to play an important
role in the life of the community. In the nineteenth century
it became a popular place for summer fun. Numerous parks
were built as play lands for pleasure-seekers, including
Starin's "Island Grand Cafe and Amusement Park."
In the early part of the
twentieth century, the County's famous Glen Island Casino
on Long Island Sound continued to draw such celebrities
as Glenn Miller, the Dorsey Brothers and Ozzie Nelson.
Others came to the waterfront seeking the peace, tranquility
and scenic beauty along this splendid shore.
As the crow flies, the
shoreline within the City of New Rochelle measures 2.7
miles. But with its many irregularities and off-shore
islands, the actual length of the waterfront is 9.3 miles.
The unusual features of this splendid coast have over
the years earned it the nickname, "the Queen City of the
Sound."
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