File:A Colored Colony in The New York Times of Manhattan New York City on 9 September 1889.jpg

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A Colored Colony. Peculiar Distinction Enjoyed By Bellport On Long Island. Bellport, over on the ocean side of Long Island, seems to be a place with a destiny. Toward it just now are turned the eyes of colored families who expect to make their homes there or have already done so, and the eyes also of scores of colored investors are on it. A colored settlement is growing up there with remarkable rapidity, and before long it will be a snug little city with a preponderant population of black people. Prominent members of the Mount Olivet Baptist Church, in West Fifty-third street, one of the largest churches in the United States owned by a colored congregation, were instrumental in bringing Bellport to prominence as a fine place for a colored colony. The Rev. Daniel W. Wisher, pastor or the church, has for many years been zealous in his desire to better the worldly condition of his people. The idea of selecting some place where property could be acquired cheaply and colored people in moderate, or even less than moderate circumstances could build their homes, has always seemed a feasible one to him. Brothers Crager, Thomas Wooddly, and W. G. Carter, all Trustees of Mount Olivet Church, were also much interested in the plan. They heard that at Bellport there was much good property that could be had at reasonable rates, and the agent of the property was asked what he would do if the colored men interested would take a large number of lots down there. A meeting of the company controlling the land was held and the people of Mount Olivet Church were told that if they would place 100 lots or thereabout they would be given a large tract of land upon which to build a house for the colored aged and orphans. The offer was accepted and the Trustees went to work at once to develop the scheme. This was four months ago, and since then the colored migration to Bellport has been steadily increasing. W. G. Carter, one of the Trustees, said yesterday that not only had the 100 lots been sold and the ground for the Home for the Aged and Orphans secured free of all cost. but that between 600 and 700 lots had been disposed of to colored people, and 300 colored families had either settled there already or had decided to do so. "Eighty-seven acres or land," he said, "have been set aside for this purpose. The tract lies between the sea beach and what is known as South Beach. About fifty acres of it is cleared land, and the remainder is woodland. It is very good property. The houses that are being put up there are all neat and tasteful, and there is a great future in store for Bellport. The lots are large ones, and they sell from $45 upward, according to location. We expect that before very many years Bellport will be a great watering place, and many colored people are buying lots there simply to hold them as investments. So many people are building their homes down there that property must necessarily advance. We gave an excursion to Bellport last week to raise money, wherewith to lay the foundation of the Aged and Orphans' Home. A good amount was realized, and we shall probably begin work there next week. To start with, we shall build a structure only two stories high and from thirty-four to forty-six feet front. Such an institution is badly needed. and we are getting much encouragement from white as well as colored people." The people who are going to live in Bellport will do farm gardening to a great extent, and, besides, many men who work in Brooklyn and New-York will have their permanent homes there. Their families will have the benefits of good air and roomy quarters all the while, and railroad trains run frequently. Bellport is but an hour and a half from Hunter's Point on the Montauk Division of the Long Island Railroad. Friends of the enterprise are enthusiastic over the prospects. They point out that it will encourage thrift on the part of the colored people and that it is likely to lead to other things that will materially better their condition. The establishment of the Home for the Aged and the Orphans at Bellport is looked upon as a very Important step by its protectors. It bespeaks an advancement or the race, and gives promise of developing a system or charities among colored people. There is already a colored church at Bellport. As a Summer resort Bellport has unique possibilities. There is no special resort for colored people hereabout; and Bellport will fill the aching void.

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