1902 - George L. Taylor opens the Eventide Bed & Breakfast in North Fork, Long Island.

George Lincoln Taylor was an African American man born in Rochester, New York on August 19th, 1881. When he was sixteen years old, he hitched a ride to New York City in the hopes of finding better employment opportunities. It was there that he met his wife, Louise Brown.

While planning their honeymoon, the couple have difficulty finding lodgings in Eastern Long Island that serve Black patrons. After weeks of frustration, George decides that the most reasonable thing to do is to buy a parcel of land and build the perfect getaway house for his wife. These plans quickly transform into the Eventide Bed & Breakfast. On May 9th, 1902, the Eventide Bed & Breakfast opens its doors to its first guests--George and Louise.

The original B&B receives middling patronage, and is noted for its hospitality, proximity to local scenic vistas, and being welcoming to guests of all racial backgrounds.

1915 - Ruby Rose Taylor, the Taylors' first and only child, is born on December 3rd, 1915.

1919 - Following the end of World War I, the automobile industry takes off in America. With a greater influx in patronage, George makes plans to expand the B&B into a hotel. Initial construction begins.

1920 - After experiencing medical complications, Louise Brown Taylor dies of tuberculosis. Grieving deeply, George decides to dedicate the new hotel to his wife. He decides to expand upon his original ideas for the hotel--making it bigger, grander, and more lavish. He takes the time to study his competitors in the hospitality industry, taking notes from various concierge hotels at the time.

1922 - The Eventide Hotel is officially open for business. George supports the expensive upkeep of the hotel by manufacturing bootleg alcohol and selling it wholesale to speakeasies in the city.

1929 - During the onset of the Great Depression, George is able to keep the hotel in business thanks to the income made from bootlegging. Limited discount rates are also offered for those who seek a respite from their economic troubles.

1935 - In the later half of the Depression, famous musicians and performers of the era become a frequent sight as both entertainers and guests, reigniting interest the hotel. Notable individuals include Cab Calloway, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Fats Waller, and Charlie Parker.

Following the end of Prohibition, George goes public with his alcohol production and establishes The Eventide Wine & Spirits Company.


Postcard for The Eventide Hotel, 1945.
1945 - Business booms after the end of World War II, and the Hotel enters its golden era. The parties and events held at the hotel are of legendary status.

1951 - George steps back from managing the hotel. His daughter, Ruby, steps in as his successor, with her husband, Arthur Jones, assisting in the day-to-day operations. The two continue to oversee the hotel under the same principles that George had established. In his farewell speech, George states the following:

"This hotel was built on blood, sweat, and tears. Over the years, I've poured so much love into taking care of it--nurturing it into a place that my late wife, Louise, would be proud of. We've always dreamed of a space where everyone can feel at home--and I mean everyone. Young or old, colored or white, male or female--you're safe here, forever and always.

It's thanks to you that we've been able to keep this place alive for nearly thirty years. Standing here, seeing all of the faces in this crowd...well, I feel that love flowing back to me, a hundred times stronger than it started. Your happiness is what has made this whole hospitality business worthwhile. Here's to another thirty years of your patronage!"

1952 - George L. Taylor dies from a heart attack.

1981 - A explosion kills 32 people and injures 24. The victims include staff members and guests alike. The subsequent fire from the explosion causes massive propety damage. The explosion is suspected to have been caused by a gas leak. The hotel is closed indefinitely for structural repairs.

1984 - Ruby Taylor and Arthur Jones die in a boating accident. Repairs are paused as the management company determines the hotel's state of ownership.

1986 - The Taylor family donates the land to the Suffolk County government with plans to preserve it as a historical site. Additional restoration efforts are made.

1997 - The North Fork Historical Society acquires the hotel and becomes responsible for its management, repair, and upkeep.

2006 - The North Fork Historical Society creates the website you're reading right now!