The town is honoring Fred Stone, the vaudeville star who turned a slice of Massapequa into a stage of his own.
The Town of Oyster Bay just gave a nod to one of Massapequa’s most fascinating chapters — and to the Hollywood-style ranch that once stood there.
Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilman Tom Hand joined members of the Historical Society of the Massapequas this week to dedicate a new historical marker at 460 Clocks Boulevard, about a quarter-mile south of Merrick Road.
The marker commemorates the site of the original Chin Chin Ranch, once home to early 20th-century entertainer Fred Stone.
“This historical marker highlights a fascinating chapter of Massapequa’s history,” said Saladino. “Fred Stone’s Chin Chin Ranch reminds us of a time when our town’s South Shore was an open landscape filled with creativity, promise, and possibility.
“Though the ranch is gone, the stories it holds continue to inspire pride in our community.”
The event brought together town officials, Charles Mackie, the historical society’s president, vice president and senior historian William Colfer, and Lisa Bryson — daughter of the late Lillian Bryson, a trustee emeritus of the society.
Lillian Bryson had conducted much of the original research and even wrote the inscription for the new marker before her passing.
Fred Stone was one of America’s most celebrated stage performers — an acrobat, vaudeville star and Broadway actor best known for playing the Scarecrow in the 1902 stage version of The Wizard of Oz.
In 1913, he purchased property on what is now Clocks Boulevard, where he built cottages, stables, a polo field and a riding track.
He called it Chin Chin Ranch, named after one of his hit Broadway shows.
Before long, the ranch became a cultural hub. Guests included big names like Will Rogers, Douglas Fairbanks, Annie Oakley, Leo Carillo, Tom Mix, Rex Beach and even the Duke of Windsor.
Although Stone sold the ranch in 1925 and the original buildings are long gone, one of the cottages was saved and relocated nearby.
The new historical marker ensures that the performer’s legacy, those gathered said.
“Today, we honor Fred Stone’s legacy and the enduring spirit of creativity that helped shape Massapequa,” said Hand. “This marker not only commemorates a legendary performer but also celebrates the history that continues to make the Town of Oyster Bay a special place to live.”
Top: Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilman Tom Hand, joined by local officials and members of the Historical Society of the Massapequas, dedicated a new historical marker at 460 Clocks Boulevard to commemorate the site of the original Chin Chin Ranch — once home to famed early 20th-Century entertainer Fred Stone. (Credit: Town of Oyster Bay)
