Remember Winters Past?

Looking forward to spring, but we dug some fierce winter pictures from the archive for you to enjoy.

Frank O'Sullivan's car on Crossbay Blvd. during the blizzard of December 26, 1947

Blizzard of December 26, 1947. Note Frank O'Sullivan's car on Crossbay Blvd. Photo from Russell Bradley.

The Bourke family ice-boating at the end of 18th Road Canal, circa 1930s; Photo courtesy of Jerry Bourke

Boat stuck in the ice of 13th Road Canal in the winter of 1933; photo courtesy of Eva Hausman

Ice buildup on Jamaica Bay at Shad Creek Road, winter 1950s. Photo from Russel Bradley.

Mary Mundy pulling daughter Donna on sled on 16th Road Canal in 1965.

Ice sailing on rightside image; snowy still-life on the leftside; Date unknown

Left image: Frost Fishing in Broad Channel: Camillo (Snooky) Rossi catching eels. Photo courtesy of his daughter Bernadette.

Two winter activities, on the left: frost Fishing in Broad Channel—Camillo "Snooky" Rossi—catching eels. Photo courtesy of his daughter Bernadette. On the right: Berry speed skating.

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A Brief History

The Broad Channel Historical Society was founded in 1994. Our mission is to document and preserve the history of Broad Channel, often referred to as the “Venice” of New York. The committee was initiated by then President of the Civic Association Danny Mundy, who came up with the idea from reading the “Glimpse of the Past” column in the town newsletter, “Channel News.” With seed money from then New York State Senator Ada Smith, we purchased loose-leaf notebooks and plastic sleeves to begin documenting the colorful history of “The Channel.” After one year of articles, written memories, and videotaped interviews, we held our first Bi-Annual Historical Day in June of 1995. This event brings out the townspeople and folks from the surrounding area to enjoy our collection, usually housed in the Broad Channel Public Library. Our collection always grows after Historical Day as more residents bring interesting memorabilia to light.

Tide Information

In addition to the daily tide button above, we added links to tide information at the bottom of the page; there is a printable pdf file and a link to the NOAA site. They both provide tide information at the Beach Channel Bridge.

The 2026 Historical Calendar is for Sale!

The calendar costs $10 and is being sold at All American Bagel on 20th Road and All American Channel Market on 10th Road.
The Broad Channel Historical Society calendar is filled with many people and/or scenes from Broad Channel. Again included is tidal information linked to the moon phases. It makes a great holiday gift for present and especially former residents of the town. If you are unable to pick up a calendar locally, please see the options below.

Contact any historical committee member; see our contact page
Margaret Wagner accepts Venmo or Zelle
Payment can also be made by check:

Cost for mailing each calendar is $3.90. Please include this with your payment, as well as your address, if you are requesting a calendar be mailed to you or someone else. Please make your check out to the Broad Channel Civic Association and put Historical Calendar in your memo line.

Checks can be mailed to or dropped off to:

Margaret Wagner
79 West 18 Road
Broad Channel NY 11693