Was Travers Island always an island? No. That’s the surprising truth about this beautiful spot. Once a small island in Long Island Sound connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway Travers Island has a rich and layered history. Today it stands as the summer home of the prestigious New York Athletic Club. But its story began long before the club’s arrival.
For years before the New York Athletic Club purchased Travers Island in 1888 it had a different name. It was known by several names actually. Hogg Island Sheffield Island Mills Island Emmet Island and Sedgemere. These names reflect the island’s evolving ownership and the families who lived there. The Potter House a cottage on the island was leased to several families including the Emmets.
The New York Athletic Club’s purchase transformed Travers Island forever. The club’s vision was to create a country home for its members a place for athletic activities and leisure. The purchase price was a significant $58500. A New York Herald article from 1888 vividly describes the scene. It painted a picture of bustling activity men and horses transforming the island into an athletic paradise. A track a baseball field and tennis courts were quickly constructed. Electric lights would illuminate the tennis courts.
The early years weren’t without their challenges. In 1889 a fire destroyed the Hunter House. This historic building located on what is now part of the clubhouse is a sad reminder of what was lost. Nevertheless the club persevered. The island hosted the USA Cross Country Championships in 1903 1905 and 1906. Today Travers Island remains a testament to its past. It still serves as a vibrant athletic retreat a quiet place of beauty and recreation. The island’s transformation from a quiet island with a history of various names into the thriving summer home of the New York Athletic Club is a story of transition vision and perseverance. Its past is a vital part of its present. What a place this is.