Can you hear the seagulls calling? Their cries mingle with the gentle lapping of waves against the shore here in Princes Bay. Princes Bay is a neighborhood nestled on Staten Island’s South Shore. It boasts a history as rich and flavorful as the oysters that once made it famous. Princes Bay wasn’t always called that. An old map from 1776 labels it as “Princess Bay”. The reason for the name change remains a mystery. Today, the post office stands firm, officially recognizing it as “Princes Bay Station.”
Princes Bay’s transformation from a quiet fishing village began in 1860. The Staten Island Railway extended its reach, placing its southern terminus in nearby Tottenville. This spurred development and connected Princes Bay to the wider world. The railway still crosses under Seguine Avenue, a street once known as Prince’s Bay Road. The oysters harvested here were a delicacy. “Prince’s Bay Oysters” graced the menus of upscale restaurants in Manhattan and even London. Imagine savoring these briny treasures in a bustling London eatery, a taste of Staten Island transported across the ocean.
The S.S. White Dental Manufacturing Company once dominated Princes Bay’s shoreline. Their large factory at the foot of Seguine Avenue was Staten Island’s largest employer. It closed its doors in 1972, leaving a void in the community. A short-lived shopping center, the Prince’s Bay Trade Mart, attempted to fill the space. But its remote location couldn’t compete with the Staten Island Mall. The complex was eventually destroyed by fire, the land now vacant due to ground contamination. Princes Bay’s history isn’t without its darker moments. Wolfe’s Pond Park, at the northeast corner of the neighborhood, was the site of a tragic homicide in 1979. Lemon Creek, which flows into the pond, meanders westward. It passes through land once home to thriving dairy and poultry farms, a reminder of Princes Bay’s agricultural past.
The South Shore, including Princes Bay, was once a haven for summer homes. Many belonged to Manhattan residents seeking respite from the city. However, increasing pollution in the mid-20th century dampened this trend. Small hotels, like the Christmas Tree Inn on Wilbur Street, once dotted the landscape, catering to these summer visitors. Today, Staten Island University Hospital’s South Campus stands nearby. This former Richmond Memorial Hospital holds the distinction of being the southernmost acute-care facility in New York City and New York State. In recent decades, Princes Bay’s waterfront has seen a resurgence. Upscale single-family homes now line the shore, transforming it into one of Staten Island’s most affluent areas. The revitalization of Princes Bay speaks to its enduring appeal, a blend of history, natural beauty, and a resilient community spirit.