Montauk Pioneer - August 29, 2008

Just three miles east of Montauk Village along route 27 lies one of America's great love stories; Deep Hollow Ranch. With a vibrant history dating back to the 1600s, this surprising oasis, nestled in the picturesque landscape of Long Island's easternmost tip, is the setting of a classic romance. One could argue that the beginning of this story starts with the Montauk Indians leasing their beautiful land to cattlemen in the early 1600's for summer grazing. For nearly 250 years, anywhere from 2000 to 6000 head of cattle, horses and sheep could be found amidst the lush, green pastures of Montauk each summer. The natural boundaries nature created with the ocean on one side and the Block Island Sound to the north, created a perfect scenario for a summer cattle range. Ranchers would tag their livestock, register them with the Town of East Hampton, and at roundup each fall used these earmarks to claim their stock. This system went on without hitch until 1885, with the arrival of the Long Island Railroad. The railroad now brought visitors en mass to enjoy the bounty of Montauk's great fishing, hunting and gorgeous beaches. In the early 1900s most ranchers gave up the lifestyle and Montauk became better known for its sport fishing and farming.

I think the true love story begins in 1936 when a young Phineas Dickinson, at the tender age of 15, rented acreage from Arthur Benson. In 1879, Arthur Benson had purchased a chunk of land for polo ponies, hoping to create a resort area for the rich. Dickinson, filled with a love of the land, wanted to use it for ranching! With help from his father and grandfather (serious cowboys from way back), Phin brought 150 head of cattle in to graze. At a time when most people were coming to view Long Island as a beachfront getaway; Dickinson kept the spirit of early America alive. Bringing in white faced cattle from Texas; Phin would buy them skinny, fatten them up on the rich grasses of Montauk and sell them to New York slaughterhouses. It was a family affair with brothers Shank and Jack assisting in the ranching business through the 1960s.

In 1971, a man named Rusty Leaver decided to leave New York City and move to Montauk. As a child, his family made summer horseback riding trips at the ranch. When he was older he worked as a summer ranch hand for Phin; the beginning of his love story with the ranching lifestyle. When the ranch was put up for sale; Rusty feared the area would be eaten up in development. At only 19, he knew he needed to save the East's last tribute to the "old West." He found a partner and bought the ranch. Rusty didn't just fall in love with Deep Hallow Ranch, three years later Rusty married Diane Dickinson (Shank Dickinson's daughter). Together they have created an American treasure in Deep Hollow Ranch. Refurbishing the old barns and fencing; creating a rustic, old time feel for the visitors that frequent the ranch. A person can enjoy trail rides, wagon rides, "Back to the Ranch" summer concert series, living history tours, and Great American Ranch BBQ & Dinner Theatre. It is an atmosphere built on family values with activities geared for little ones with pony rides, live historical performances, and school field trip experiences.

Claiming the title of Oldest Cattle Ranch in America, this is a location of breathtaking beauty, educational fun, family entertainment, historical relevance, and a timeless romance. It is a place where the spirit of early American cattle ranching is embraced by family legacy and the timeless love story of man, horse, and the open range.