Ready to explore a rare marine ecosystem? Twin Island awaits us with its unique charm. This 19-acre island is more than just land. It is a haven for diverse wildlife.
Twin Island features salt marsh. Swans, ducks, and egrets flourish here. Osprey hunt in the waters. Fish, clams, and crabs thrive in the intertidal zone. This zone is so special it is listed as rare in New York State.
Keep an eye out for hawks and woodpeckers. They often grace the island with their presence. As winter ends Twin Island offers a prime viewing spot. Harbor Seals bask on Middle Reef. This series of rocks lies just east in Long Island Sound.
Twin Island also has diverse landscapes. You will find a small woodland. An abundance of flowers and grasses adds color. The rocky coast is made of Hartland Schist. This bedrock formation is similar to New England’s coastline.
Look for the unusually shaped Sphinx Rock. It sits perched upon the rocky shore. The view is especially striking in winter.
Twin Island’s story extends beyond its natural beauty. This area also has a rather sad history to tell. Three men drowned in November 1895. They were trying to reach Murray Hill Park from Clayton. Their skiff capsized. The last body was found near Twin Island the following July.
The island also has some celebrity history. The house you see now was built in 1922. In the 1920s the famous comedian Ken Murray owned this island. He was part of the Keith-Albee comedy circuit.
Murray often entertained guests at his summer home. He stayed here from mid-July to early September. Murray was best known for “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance”. He also hosted the Ken Murray Show.
Another near tragedy struck in March 1934. Two men broke through the ice in a touring car. The incident happened near Twin Island. The car sank in 30 feet of water. Both men swam to safety. They suffered from exhaustion and exposure.
In 1951 Twin Island was sold at a tax sale. The new owners were Willard J. Thornton and Ralph Scarabino. The previous owner was Mortimer J. “Jack” Norton. Norton was another Hollywood star. He was known for playing drunkards. But he abstained from alcohol in real life.
Intriguingly a photo surfaced showing Lottie Pierce as a possible owner. The photo included Rita Chalk Lady Mountbatten and Harry Chalk. Lady Mountbatten was a socialite and vicereine of India.
There is another Twin Island on the St. Lawrence River. It caused confusion. In 1967 it was officially renamed Galop Island. This change helped distinguish the two islands.
Twin Island stands as a testament to nature’s resilience. It is a place where wildlife thrives. So take a moment to appreciate the beauty and history. Twin Island is a true gem of New York.