Citizen's Committee for a
Fire Island National Seashore Collection

Caption: Letterhead of the Citizens' Committee for a Fire Island National Seashore, April 1965.

 

ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION    

Title
Citizen’s Committee for a Fire Island National Seashore Collection

Collection Number
SC 493

OCLC Number
1481531662

Creator
Various; Citizen’s Committee for a Fire Island National Seashore

Provenance
Donated by the Barbash family (Cathy, Susan, and Shephard) on September 3, 2024, the meeting minutes were given to Cathy Barbash by Matthew Sherman. Sherman's maternal grandfather, Thorburn Cleaver, served as the recording secretary for the Citizens Committee for Fire Island National Seashore. Cleaver's daughter, Kiki Sherman, who is Matthew Sherman's mother, had saved the documents.

Extent, Scope, and Content Note
Extent: 5 linear inches
Dates: 1962-1966 

Summary: This collection chronicles the efforts of the Citizen’s Committee for a Fire Island National Seashore to stop the construction of a highway on Fire Island while fighting successfully to create the Fire Island National Seashore (FINS), New York. It documents the efforts of the grassroots community campaign that prevented Robert Moses’ plan in the 1960s. The collection has historical importance in the establishment of the Fire Island National Seashore (FINS) and includes committee meeting minutes, press releases, and correspondence with New York State Governor Nelson Rockefeller and Stuart Udall, Secretary of the Interior.

Note: the organization used the various spellings Citizen’s, Citizens, and Citizens’ in its name. The finding aid uses Citizen’s for the title of the collection, which is the spelling used in the earliest document. The spellings used in the inventory reflect how the word appears on the document.  

Arrangement and Processing Note
Finding aid by Kristen J. Nyitray, Lynn Toscano, and Olivia Nissen (intern), December 2024. 

Language
English

Restrictions on Access
The collection is open to researchers without restriction.

Rights and Permissions
Stony Brook University Libraries' consent to access as the physical owner of the collection does not address copyright issues that may affect publication rights. It is the sole responsibility of the user of Special Collections and University Archives materials to investigate the copyright status of any given work and to seek and obtain permission where needed prior to publication.  

Citation
Box [ ], Item [ ], Citizens Committee for a Fire Island National Seashore Collection, Special Collections and University Archives, Stony Brook University Libraries.

Historical Note
On September 3, 2024, Stony Brook University Libraries received a significant donation of historic documents that shine a light on a pivotal moment in environmental and community activism. This collection outlines the grassroots campaign that successfully stopped the construction of a highway on Fire Island and contributed to the creation of the Fire Island National Seashore (FINS) in New York. These documents reveal the efforts of the Citizen's Committee for a Fire Island National Seashore, a group formed in the 1960s to protect the island’s unique ecosystem from a controversial development plan spearheaded by Robert Moses. The committee’s successful campaign not only halted the highway project but also helped secure the land for national preservation.

The donation, given by the Barbash family, includes critical historical materials such as committee meeting minutes, press releases, and correspondence with influential figures like New York State Governor Nelson Rockefeller and Stuart Udall, the U.S. Secretary of the Interior. These records reflect the tenacity and strategic organization of the committee, led by Maurice Barbash and his brother-in-law Irving Like, the father of Cathy, Susan, and Shepard Barbash. Their leadership was instrumental in uniting local citizens in opposition to Moses' highway plan and advocating for the creation of a national seashore that would protect the fragile barrier island environment.

The timing of this donation is particularly poignant as it coincided with the 60th anniversary of the legislation that established FINS as a unit of the National Park Service on September 11, 1964. This legislation, signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson, marked a major victory for conservationists and local activists who fought to preserve Fire Island's natural beauty for future generations. By preventing the construction of a highway that would have extended from Robert Moses State Park to the east, the law ensured that Fire Island remained a protected and pristine natural area, safeguarded for public enjoyment and ecological preservation.

The historical importance of this collection cannot be overstated. It highlights the power of community activism and the role that local citizens played in shaping national environmental policy. The documents not only offer insights into the specific efforts that led to the creation of FINS but also serve as a testament to the broader movement for environmental conservation and the protection of public lands.

Subjects
Barbash, Maurice, 1924-2013.
Cleaver, Thoburn G.
Citizen's Committee for a Fire Island National Seashore (N.Y.).
Citizen's Committee for a Fire Island National Seashore (N.Y.) -- Archives.
Community activists -- New York (State) -- Long Island.
National parks and reserves -- New York (State) -- Fire Island National Seashore.
Fire Island National Seashore (N.Y.).
Citizens' associations -- New York (State) -- Long Island.
Roads -- Social aspects -- New York (State) -- Fire Island (Island).
Roads -- Environmental aspects -- New York (State) -- Fire Island (Island).

INVENTORY
Note 1: The organization used spelling variations of Citizen’s, Citizens’ and Citizens. The spellings below match how they appear on the item. 
Note 2: This collection has been digitized. Image/page numbers corresponding to the PDF are provided in each folder entry.

Folder 1: PDF page 1
Date: June 1962
Extent: 1p.
Description: Statement by President Carl W. Buchheister of the National Audubon Society to the Temporary State Commission for the Protection and Preservation of the Atlantic Shore Front.

Folder 2: PDF pages 2-3
Date: June 20, 1962
Extent: 2pp.
Description: Copy of letter from Stuart L. Udall, Secretary of the Interior, in the answer to Arthur R. Silsdorf, President, Fire Island Voters Association, Inc.

Folder 3: PDF page 4
Date: September 4, 1962
Extent: 1p.
Description: Reprint by Fire Island Voters Association, Inc. of Long Island Commercial Review by Paul B. Townsend, Editor and Publisher, September 4, 1962 article, “Will Fire Island Be Paved…Or Saved?”

Folder 4: PDF page 5
Date: September 10, 1962
Extent: 1p.
Description: Letter from William J. Ronan, Secretary to the Governor, State of New York, Executive Chamber in answer to a letter from Mrs. Charlotte Cleaver to New York State Governor Nelson Rockefeller.

Folder 5: PDF page 6
Date: September 12, 1962
Extent: 1p.
Description: News bulletin from Fire Island Voters Association Inc. encouraging people to write letters and speak at public meetings of community groups.

Folder 6: PDF pages 7-8
Date: September 12, 1962
Extent: 2pp.
Description: Minutes of the Citizen’s Committee for a Fire Island National Seashore. (Very first meeting).

Folder 7: PDF page 9
Date: [September 12, 1962]
Extent: 1p.
Description: Updated memo from Citizen’s Committee for a Fire Island National Seashore regarding importance of engagement with local elected officials and candidates.

Folder 8: PDF page 10
Date: September 26, 1962
Extent: 1p.
Description: Fire Island Voters Association Director’s News Bulletin

Folder 9: PDF pages 11-12
Date: September 1962
Extent: 2pp.
Description: Proposed Partial Agenda for Citizens Committee for a Fire Island National Seashore Meeting of September 26.

Folder 10: PDF pages 13-15
Date: Undated, 1962
Extent: 3pp.
Description: Citizens Committee for a Fire Island National Seashore press release, “L.I. Business and Civic Leaders See National Officials on Fire Island Seashore Proposal.”

Folder 11: PDF page 16
Date: October 1, 1962
Extent: 1p.
Description: Suffolk County Fish and Game Association, Inc. Statement, “Fire Island National Seashore Area” supporting creation of National Seashore as opposed to a road. Appears to be a statement copied onto their letterhead.

Folder 12: PDF page 17
Date: October 9, 1962
Extent: 1p.
Description: Letter from N.Y. State Senator Elisha T. Barrett in response to an October 7, 1962 letter from Thoburn G. Cleaver, President, Davis Park Association.

Folder 13: PDF page 18
Date: October 12, 1962
Extent: 1p.
Description: Document with no letterhead reporting that the New York State Conservation Council endorsed resolution calling for preservation of Fire Island as National Seashore Area at their October 12, 1962 annual meeting.

Folder 14: PDF pages 19-21
Date: October 12, 1962
Extent: 3pp.
Description: Citizens Committee for a Fire Island National Seashore press release, “L.I. Citizens Committee Head Asks National Resources Council to Help Block Road and Save Fire Island for a National Seashore Park.”

Folder 15: PDF page 22
Date: October 1962
Extent: 1p.
Description: Long Island Visitors Bureau, Inc. press release “Fire Island National Seashore Supported by the Long Island Visitors Bureau.”

Folder 16: PDF pages 23-24
Date: October 22, 1962
Extent: 2pp.
Description: Statement by Maurice Barbash, Chairman of Citizens Committee for a Fire Island National Seashore, at a press luncheon at Friede’s Riverside Inn.

Folder 17: PDF page 25
Date: October 24, 1962
Extent: 1pp. (2 copies)
Description: Minutes of the Citizens Committee for a Fire Island National Seashore.

Folder 18: PDF pages 26-32
Date: November 14, 1962
Extent: 7pp.
Description: Letter from Long Island Congressman William F. Ryan (D-22) in response to October 24, 1962 letter from Mrs. Thoburn G. Cleaver. Includes his attached bill H.R. 13028 and remarks made on the Floor of the House on August 30.

Folder 19: PDF pages 33-34 
Date: November 1962
Extent: 2pp.
Description: Small edition of Special Bulletin (No. 52), Conservationists United for Long Island, “New Ideas Spread Slowly.”

Folder 20: PDF pages 35-36 
Date: November 29, 1962
Extent: 2pp.
Description: Minutes of Citizens Committee for a Fire Island National Seashore.

Folder 21: PDF pages 37-38
Date: January 1963
Extent: 2pp.
Description: Standard printed acknowledgement from William J. Ronan, Secretary to New York State Governor Nelson Rockefeller, of receipt of January 6, 1963 letter from Thoburn G. Cleaver.

Folder 22: PDF pages 39-40
Date: January 9, 1963
Extent: 2pp.
Description: Minutes of the Citizens Committee for a Fire Island National Seashore.

Folder 23: PDF pages 41-42
Date: January 31, 1963
Extent: 2pp.
Description: Minutes of the Citizens Committee for a Fire Island National Seashore.

Folder 24: PDF page 43
Date: February 3, 1963
Extent: 1p.
Description: Copy of letter from Thoburn G. Cleaver to New York State Governor Nelson Rockefeller.

Folder 25: PDF page 44
Date: February 3, 1963
Extent: 1p.
Description: Copy of letter from Thoburn G. Cleaver to New York Congressman Otis G. Pike (D-1).

Folder 26: PDF page 45
Date: February 25, 1963
Extent: 1p.
Description: Copy of letter from Major General R.G. MacDonnell, Director of Civil Works, Headquarters, Department of the Army, Office of the Chief of Engineers, to Senator Kenneth B. Keating (R-NY).

Folder 27: PDF page 46
Date: February 28, 1963
Extent: 1p.
Description: Letter from Arthur R. Silsdorf, Chairman, Fire Island Voters Association, Inc. to “Friends of Fire Island”, re: “Temporary Victory, BUT...”

Folder 28: PDF page 47
Date: 1963
Extent: 1p.
Description: “Draft of Proposed Letter to New York State Assembly and Senatorial Candidates” in opposition to the proposed road on Fire Island for use by civic organizations. 

Folder 29: PDF page 48
Date: March 5, 1963
Extent: 1p.
Description: Letter from Congressman Otis G. Pike in response to a February 3, 1963 letter from Thoburn G. Cleaver.

Folder 30: PDF page 49
Date: March 13, 1963
Extent: 1p.
Description: Minutes of the Citizens Committee for a Fire Island National Seashore.

Folder 31: PDF pages 50-54
Date: August 13, 1963
Extent: 5pp.
Description: Fire Island Voters Association, Inc. Special Information Bulletin including August 9, 1963 letter by George Biderman, Information Committee Chair, expressing his personal opinions to the Fire Island News.

Folder 32: PDF page 55
Date: December 5, 1963
Extent: 1p.
Description: Articles from The Long Island Advance, “High Winds, Tides Batter Local Areas”; “No Serious Damage to F.I. Dunes.”

Folder 33: PDF page 56
Date: April 11, 1965
Extent: 1p.
Description: Letter to Citizens’ Committee for a Fire Island National Seashore from Chairman Maurice Barbash.

Folder 34: PDF pages 57-66
Date: February 23, 1966
Extent: 10pp.
Description: Minutes of the Citizens Committee for a Fire Island National Seashore; Progress Report from the Advisory Commission to the National Seashore: Great South Bay Conservation Commission.