| The East Deck Motel, has quite an interesting history of which few are aware. In fact, even the
most seasoned veterans who've been patronizing the East Deck for years would
be shocked to learn how we came about. It began in the late 1940's. Sam
Cox, the original owner and operator, had
visited Montauk for many years and realized the necessity for accommodations
so that others could discover the beauty of Montauk for themselves. So in
1955, he teamed up with Fred
Houseknecht, his son-in-law and local builder,
to construct a number of self sufficient, one bedroom apartments. These
structures were originally intended to line the northern coast of Montauk
facing Connecticut. So the two craftsman went to work and completed the
job by the summer of 1956. These apartments thrived for one summer, however
their existence was short-lived. In 1957, a severe storm swept the eastern
coast of Long Island and literally blew these little houses down. Surprisingly
enough however, many of the structures were still in tact, but not where
they used to be. So, determined to salvage his business, Sam rented a flat
bed semi, loaded all the existing buildings up, and transported them to
the present location where you see the East Deck today, in an area called
Ditch Plains. But by the time the 1960's rolled around the popularity of
Montauk was catching on and it was time to expand. So Sam made one phone
call to his son-in-law and they were back at it again. This time to connect
each of the structures into the "L" shape that you see today.
Since then, the East Deck has been handed down through the family and improved.
But every time you stare out of one of the large picture windows toward
the Atlantic, just think what it would have been like a half century ago. |
