All are welcome to attend the Fifth Annual Windmill Cocktail Party at Sylvester Manor. Proceeds from the event support the restoration and preservation of the 1810 Dominy Windmill.
Festivities occur on Saturday, August 13, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at the base of the restored structure in Windmill Field. Proceeds from previous fundraisers covered the costs of new sheathing for the building, a new main
“It will be a wonderful evening on the lawn surrounding the windmill, including an open bar with the fun Rolling in Dough Bar Truck,” the Manor says. Among the other features are specialty drinks made with Sylvester Manor herbs, and a delectable array of passed hors d’oeuvres by Wishbone Farms.
“You will also have a special opportunity to peek inside the windmill itself.”
Purchase tickets, $175 per person, on the manor website, sylvestermanor.org/windmillcocktails2022.
About the windmill restoration
In the summer of 2018, Sylvester Manor took steps to stabilize the windmill’s foundation. Since then, the exterior phase was completed, which included re-shingling the mill and replacing the doors and windows.
Most recently, a new wind shaft was installed to hold the weight of the new blades (also known as sails — cloth will be attached once the mill is in operation). But during the restoration, additional problems were revealed that require attention (and more funds).
For nearly 70 years, the 1810 Nathaniel Dominy Windmill stood in the field at Sylvester Manor without its sails.
“This mill is not only one of the oldest and best examples of American craftsmanship, but is now a true landmark for the entire Shelter Island community to enjoy.”
To learn more about the windmill, listen to our interview, recorded inside the structure, with Sylvester Manor’s co-founder Bennett Konesni.
You can also view the companion photo essay at shelterislandgazette.com/shelter-island-windmill-photo-tour/.
