Celebrating 150 Years!

1869-2019

The ‘Treasure of Wainscott’ at 150 years, East Hampton Star, 27 Nov 2019

Wainscott Sewing Society

FOUNDED IN 1869

“The what?,“ is usually the first thing people say when hearing about the Wainscott Sewing Society. Founded by Mrs. Jane Payne Osborn and Mrs. Andrew Strong in 1869, the Wainscott Sewing Society, was an organization of local women who would meet and sew for the benefit of those in need. They stitched, crocheted and knitted handiwork that was sold at their summer fair. The proceeds benefiting the needy, as well as projects for the benefit of all Wainscott: a new cemetery fence, and sidewalks down Main Street. The Wainscott Sewing Society, a nonprofit organization, is still going strong a century and a half later. As the owner of the Wainscott Chapel, the members of the Wainscott Sewing Society have put down their sewing needles and today work exclusively towards the upkeep and preservation of the Wainscott Chapel.

College Scholarships

The Wainscott Sewing Society established a $1,000 scholarship in 2012 in furtherance of our partnership with our neighbor, the Wainscott School. Over the years, we have sponsored events at the Wainscott Chapel for students at the Wainscott School, including our annual “hot dog lunch,” Halloween celebration and plays and concerts. Our scholarship is awarded annually to a college bound student who has graduated from the Wainscott School and is graduating either East Hampton or Pierson High School. Applicants are required to submit an essay entitled “An Experience at Wainscott School Which I Remember.” It is always gratifying to read the impact that Wainscott has had on its students.

1869 Charter Members

The Wainscott Sewing Society works tirelessly each year to keep the Chapel in great shape.

Bathroom Addition 2022-2023

Remodeled Kitchen 2019

Unbelievably our only source of water at the Chapel up until 2019 was by a hand pump. Then our well broke, our well was contaminated, and the hand pump broke. Modernization was an immediate need. Town water lines were run to the Chapel and a new kitchen was put in to accommodate new plumbing fixtures. For the first time in the building’s 111 years at Wainscott, there was running water.

Air Conditioning 2019

Attending summer meetings at the Chapel on a hot summer day were not ideal. The high humidity was causing problems on the beautiful wood interior of the Chapel. Thanks to a generous Wainscott Benefactor and Flanders Heating & Air Conditioning, the Wainscott Chapel now has Air Conditioning!

Electric System 2018

The Chapel’s electrical system was upgraded in 2018. A new upgraded panel box was installed, and the dreadful yellow fluorescent hanging lights were replaced with new ceiling lights. The exterior light was replaced with a new fixture and a new exterior light was added to illuminate the porch. Also, new electrical outlets were added around the interior of the chapel, expanding on the few original outlets.