The Sagamore
History
The Sagamore opened in 1883 with luxurious and spacious accommodations that attracted a select, international clientele. Twice damaged by fire, in 1893 and 1914, the Sagamore was fully reconstructed in 1930 through the efforts of Dr. William G. Beckers of New York City, one of the hotel’s early stockholders, and William H. Bixby, a St. Louis industrialist. Together they financed the cost in spite of the bleak economic climate of the period.
Throughout its history, the Sagamore has been a social center for the wealthy residents of Green Island and Millionaires Row, the stately mansions along the island’s western shore. In 1954, the hotel hosted the National Governor’s Conference, presided over by Vice President Richard M. Nixon and hosted by Governor Thomas E. Dewey.
The hotel eventually fell into disrepair before closing its doors in 1981. In 1983, one hundred years after construction of the first Sagamore, builder and real estate developer Norman Wolgin of Philadelphia purchased the hotel and restored it to its former grandeur. With Kennington Ltd., Inc. of Los Angeles, Wolgin formed a partnership under the name Green Island Associates to bring about this splendid restoration. The Sagamore is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
