According to Shaw's History (1933): "Tar-men's Neck derives its name from the fact that tar was made from the pine trees of the vicinity and the tar-men had a house in the Neck, some time prior to 1678. According to tradition, the house or shack stood a little east of the centre of the neck, probably in the immediate neighborhood (sic) of Mrs. Amy d' Arcas' place [I'm not exactly sure what house he was referring to]. The manufacture of tar and turpentine was carried on quite extensively in the Town at a very early date. By 1715, it had grown to such an extent that the trustees put a duty of "a bit" for every barrel of tar and ten shillings for each barrel of turpentine made in the Town. That they had difficulty in collecting the duty, is evident from that fact that on 2 Dec. 1717, they met for the expressed purpose of calling those men to account that had made or 'run tar' upon Town lands, to pay the money they were owing."

Research reported by Alison Wallner suggests that the "tar-men" included William Fancy, Jr., son of William Fancy, one of the original proprietors of Brookhaven/Setauket and a purchaser of one of the original meadow lots in Fire Place. (see Brookhaven Town Record:  1664 Meadow Lots Drawers). "Around the mid 1680's he mortgaged his property, including some tar making tools. So it would appear that he was involved in that business. In this same record he is called a weaver, and he also mortaged his loom."

History of Brookhaven Village: A paper written by Mr. Osborn Shaw of Bellport for the Fireplace Literary Club, and read by him at the Brookhaven Free Library, October 5th, 1933

[If an original form, the source map images were not reproducible.]

12a- 7 1/2 Minute Quad. Name:

12b- 15 Minute Quad. Name:

12c- U.S.G.S Coordinates:

12d- D.O.T. Coordinates: (if known):

Other Maps: See Other Documents for Map Showing Dayton's and Tar Men's Necks

John Deitz