In contrast to and predating Long Island's famous Gold Coast (the North Shore), communities along the Great South Bay were home to hundreds of less publicized, yet equally impressive, mansions and historic houses These homes were once owned by prominent captains of industry, popular entertainment figures, and movers and shakers of the day, such as the Bourne, Cutting, Gardiner, Gulden, Gustivino, Guggenheim, Hollins, and Vanderbilt families. Long Island: Historic Houses of the South Shore explores the South Shore's famous resident personalities, including Schuyler Parsons, Fred Astaire, Anita Stewart, and Robert Pinkerton. The lifestyle of the South Shore is also portrayed, including activities like hunting and fishing as well as the famous beaches that served as tourist attractions.
Christopher M. Collora is an award-winning broadcast and print journalist. His interest in historic homes was sparked by his work on the LI News Tonight television series and special report on historic Gold Coast mansions of Long Island's North Shore. Born and raised on the South Shore of Long Island, he is a contributor to Historic Long Island, which promotes historical preservation across Long Island.