Hamptons Natives Use New Facebook Group To Share Childhood Memories

icon 11 Photos
Vrana Bros.

Vrana Bros.

 the old Ford car dealership that Ken Vrana's father

the old Ford car dealership that Ken Vrana's father

 Clarence

Clarence

 owned with his brother

owned with his brother

 Fred

Fred

 in 1949. They operated it at 16 Hill Street in Southampton Village until selling it in 1961. COURTESY KEN VRANA

in 1949. They operated it at 16 Hill Street in Southampton Village until selling it in 1961. COURTESY KEN VRANA

16 Hill Street in Southampton Village

16 Hill Street in Southampton Village

 where Ken Vrana's old apartment and family business were located before the building was demolished about a decade ago. COURTESY KEN VRANA

where Ken Vrana's old apartment and family business were located before the building was demolished about a decade ago. COURTESY KEN VRANA

The cover photo to the Home Sweet Hamptons Facebook group

The cover photo to the Home Sweet Hamptons Facebook group

 a 1910 postcard showing the soldier's and sailor's monument in Southampton Village.

a 1910 postcard showing the soldier's and sailor's monument in Southampton Village.

Carolyn Erland Bustinza in front of Tuckahoe Elementary School in 1954 on her first day of first grade. COURTESY CAROLYN ERLAND BUSTINZA

Carolyn Erland Bustinza in front of Tuckahoe Elementary School in 1954 on her first day of first grade. COURTESY CAROLYN ERLAND BUSTINZA

authorAnisah Abdullah on May 20, 2019
Ken Vrana grew up in Southampton Village in the 1950s, living in an apartment above the old Ford car dealership that his father co-owned at 16 Hill Street—a building that... more

You May Also Like:

White House Confidential

There has been some consternation expressed about changes that the Trump administration is making to the White House, including the East Wing demolition, paving over the Rose Garden, and plans for a grand ballroom. Let’s put some historical perspective on this: The first president to occupy the White House, John Adams, did so 225 years ago last month, and the building and grounds have been undergoing change ever since. Construction of the White House had begun during George Washington’s first term — specifically, at noon on October 13, 1792, with the laying of the cornerstone. The main residence and foundations ... 4 Dec 2025 by Tom Clavin

The Nitrogen Threat

“Restore Our Waters” was the title of the invitation. Its subtitle: “Learn How To Switch Out Your Septic To Remove The No. 1 Threat to Groundwater, Nitrogen, From Our Septic Systems With Tax-Free Grant Funds.” Some 100 people packed into the auditorium of the Southampton Cultural Center two weeks ago for a “public education event” to learn about an issue that has deeply impacted Suffolk County: the migration of nitrogen from cesspools into groundwater, the sole source of potable water in Suffolk. The nitrogen also goes into surface waters, including lakes, ponds and bays. Spotlighted at the event was the ... by Karl Grossman

Vigor and Decay

Brown is the color of the days. We, at such an angle to the sun, give up our growing season and must tilt toward the melancholy color of mud. While finger-painting, brown might be the first color you make by mistake. In your enthusiasm, you blended all the colors on the pallet and ended up with nothing remarkable. In fact, it looks like excrement. Brown may not be a vibrant color, but it is generally a warm one. All living things are, at some point, brown. The goldfinch, as if reduced to rags, just dingy fluff where brightness had been. ... by Marilee Foster

Community News, December 4

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS Santa on the Farm Weekend The Long Island Game Farm invites families to ... by Staff Writer

Santa Coming to Westhampton Beach

The Village of Westhampton Beach will host its annual Christmas Tree and Menorah Lighting Celebration on the Village Green on Saturday, December 6, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. At 6 p.m., the Westhampton Beach Fire Department will escort Santa to the Green, joining decorated fire trucks from neighboring departments in a festive parade of lights down Main Street. The trucks will leave the Westhampton Beach firehouse at 5:45 p.m., travel south on Sunset Avenue to Hansen Place and then left onto Potunk Lane before proceeding to Main Street toward the Village Green, where Santa will greet children of all ages. 1 Dec 2025 by Staff Writer

Garden Club Makes Holiday Baskets for Hospice Patients

The Southampton Garden Club recently designed and decorated holiday baskets for hospice patients and their ... by Staff Writer

Fire Chiefs Council Supports Camp Good Grief

The Southampton Town Fire Chiefs Council presented a $3,000 donation to East End Hospice’s Camp ... by Staff Writer

New Coordinator of Special Education Named at Southampton School District

The Southampton School District Board of Education has appointed Matthew Prahl as the district’s new ... by Staff Writer

ARF Expanding Its Outreach to Food Pantries

The Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons is expanding its community outreach through new partnerships with local food pantries to ensure families across the East End have access to pet food, collars, toys, and other essential supplies for their cats and dogs. The initiative is supported by the generosity of Wally Zeins and Andy Sabin, along with a developing partnership with PetSmart, all helping advance ARF’s mission to keep pets healthy and at home. For families facing financial uncertainty, even basic pet care can become a challenge. “We know how hard this time of year can be,” said Kim Nichols, ... by Staff Writer

CMEE Awarded $40,000 State Grant

The Children’s Museum of the East End (CMEE) has been awarded a $40,000 grant from the New York State Council on the Arts to support its ongoing programs and community initiatives. “New York’s arts and culture sector is a cornerstone of the state’s identity, and we’re making bold investments to ensure it remains strong,” Governor Kathy Hochul said in announcing the awards. “These grants will lift up artists and organizations in every region, fueling local economies and expanding access to the arts. Congratulations to all the grantees — your talent and dedication help power New York’s future.” Erika Mallin, executive ... by Staff Writer