New York State Assembly Fred W. Thiele said nominating South Ferry, and the Clark Family for the state’s new Historic Business Registry was one of the easiest decisions he’s ever made.
Thiele delivered the official designation at a gathering outside the South Ferry office on Thursday, noting the business goes back to the 1700s and has been in the family all those years.
But the selection process wasn’t just about longevity, Thiele said.
“It isn’t just about time or the number of years and being in the same family; it’s what you’ve meant to Shelter Island that really makes it historic,” he said.
“What the Clark family has contributed, not just in the form of transportation — in getting people back and forth from Shelter Island to North Haven — it’s the contributions that all of you have made to the community, to Shelter Island, and to all of us on eastern Long Island.”
South Ferry President Cliff Clark accepted the registry designation on behalf of the company and family. He’s the fifth generation of Clarks to operate the service that carries passengers between the Island and the South Fork.
“Thank you for the honor,” said Clark, giving credit to the generations who came before him.
In addition to Cliff Clark, those gathered included Alice Clark, Amelia Clark, Bill Clark II, Bill Clark III, Briton Clark, Dale Cark, and Tish Clark. Town Supervisor Gerry Siller attended on behalf of the Town Board.
About the Historic Business Registry
Administered by the Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation (OPRHP), the registry is for businesses that have been in operation for at least 50 years and have contributed to their communities’ history.
“Local businesses are the backbone of villages, towns, and cities across the state and have helped to shape the history, heritage, and identity of the communities they serve,” the OPRHP says. The state legislature enacted the program in 2020 “when many businesses face new and unique challenges.”
The registry recognizes and honors historic businesses while providing educational and promotional assistance to ensure their continued viability and success. Thiele said the list would eventually grow to 100 firms, and he was glad to play a role in making sure South Ferry was among the first group of nominees.
Under the criteria:
- A business shall have operated in the state for 50 or more years with no break in operations exceeding two years (it may have served in more than one location but shall have operated in the same municipality for a minimum of 50 years)
- Demonstrate a contribution to the municipality’s history and/or the identity of the municipality
- The business is committed to maintaining the physical features and traditions that define such business, including but not limited to craft, culinary, or art forms
