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"The Many Lives of Aphrodite" Alan Dinn Speaks at the Cow Neck Peninsula Historical Society

The Purdy Boat Company built a number of famous boats during their more than 50 years in Port Washington’s Bayview Colony.  Their clientele included many who exemplified the rich and famous of pre-Depression America.  But none of their clients was richer or more famous than John Hay “Jock” Whitney of Manhasset, and none of their boats more renowned than the legendary Aphrodite, launched in Manhasset Bay in May, 1937. 

On Wednesday evening, April 20th at 7:30, you are invited to the Cow Neck Peninsula Historical Society to hear author, lecturer and Purdy family descendant, Alan Dinn speak on “The Many Lives of Aphrodite.”

Port Washington native, grandson of Purdy founder Ned Purdy and grandnephew of Gil Purdy, Dinn recently published “The Many Lives of Aphrodite: The Saga of A Great American Yacht.”  The book tells the story of the Aphrodite and the people whose lives intersected with her, as well as Alan’s personal involvement with this storied yacht.

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Alan has written extensively about the Purdys and their boats.  With Ginger Martus, he co-authored “The Purdys of Port Washington” for Wooden Boat Magazine and wrote articles about the restoration of the Gold Cup champion Imp for Classic Boating and Long Island Boating World.  His history of the Purdy firm, “Boats by Purdy,” was published in 2003.  He has also lectured extensively.

“The Many Lives of Aphrodite” takes place at the Sands-Willets House, located at 336 Port Washington Boulevard, Port Washington, NY.  Admission is $8, $4 for Cow Neck Peninsula Historical Society members.  Light refreshments will be served.  For more information, call 516 365-9074 or visit our website, www.cowneck.org.

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The Cow Neck Peninsula Historical Society is a non-profit, educational institution concerned with the cultural, social and political history of Long Island. It offers programs for children and adults, exhibits, tours and special events that make history come alive.

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