Bryant, William Cullen (1794-1878)  

Noted poet and long-time Editor in Chief of the New York Evening Post, Bryant purchased a country house in Roslyn in 1843. "Cedarmere" as it was called, remained in the family until the 1970's, when it was willed to Nassau County.

Although Bryant continued to commute to New York City, he was also active in Roslyn affairs. In the early 1870s he purchased land and built a Reading Room for the people of Roslyn. At his death in 1878, the Bryant Library Association was formed, and the building and land were turned over to the Association by his daughter, Julia.

Books by and about Bryant, as well as letters, photographs and clippings about Bryant, the library and Cedarmere can be found in the library's Local History Collection.

Mackay, Clarence H. (1874-1938)

Son of "Silver King" John W. Mackay, industrialist Clarence H. Mackay inherited his father's business interests and fortune. In 1898 he and his newlywed wife, Katherine Duer, obtained property in what is now the East Hills area of Roslyn, Long Island. Here, on the highest point in Nassau County, they erected a mansion called, "Harbor Hill." Designed by architect Stanford White, this elaborate mansion was torn down in the early 1950's to make way for a housing development.

The Mackay's and their estate had lasting impact on the Roslyn area. Photographs, news clippings, papers and documents are available for research in the library's Local History Collection.

Morley, Christopher D. (1890 - 1957)

Rhodes Scholar and author, Christopher Morley moved to his home "Green Escape" in Roslyn Estates in 1920. He later built a one room writing studio on this property, which he called "The Knothole."

Well known as a columnist, poet and playwright, Morley produced some of his plays in Roslyn at the Millpond Playhouse. This building, built as the War Memorial Building, is today home of the Bryant Library.

After his death in 1957, friends and neighbors joined together to save "The Knothole" and had it moved into the newly named Christopher Morley Park, where it still stands.

Books, photographs, new clippings and articles by and about Morley are available in the Library's Local History Collection.

Look for more information on Christopher Morley at Newsday's LI History site.