Birth

Norman Land son of Law Land and Elizabeth Sykes Land was born January 13, 1899 in Jersey City, New Jersey.

He moved with his parents to Long Island circa 1900.

1915 - Burns Hands

"Norman Land had the misfortune to burn both hand quite badly last week. The accident was caused by lighting a match shortly after having his hands in gasoline."

Long Islander, July 09, 1915

1916 - April 7, The Long Islander

Hauppauge

Norman Land who has been employed at Bridgeport, Conn. has returned to his home here.

1918 Military Service

Norman Land enlisted in the Navy (U. S. N. R. F. United States Navy Reserve Forces) in early August 1918. He reported for duty at Pelham Bay Monday September 9, 1918.

Norman Land USNRF of Pelham Bay visited his parents in Hauppauge the week of November 18, 1918.

Did he serve overseas?

By January 31, 1919 he had been discharged from the service.

His Military Death info: Norman Land, Birth Date: 13 Jan 1899, Death Date: 1 Jun 1974, SSN: 083206076, Branch 1: NAVY, Enlistment Date 1: 9 Sep 1918, Release Date 1: 23 Dec 1918

Abstracts of WWI: Land, Norman Herbert Naval Training Camp Pelhem Bay Park, N. Y. service No 180-26-63, age 19 years 6 months, apprentice seaman, address Suffolk, Hauppauge, from 9-9-18 to 11-11-18 apprentice seaman no days 104 discharged active duty 12-25-1918.

See Law and Elizabeth

Marriage 1921

Madeline Moir born circa 1899.

According to the New York State indexes, Norman Land married January 4, 1921, Smithtown, Cert # 2623.

January 16, 1921 Brooklyn Daily Eagle

LAND-MOIR

Smithtown, L. I. - Jan 15, Miss Madeline Gertrude Moir, only daughter of Frank C. Moir, Deputy Sheriff and Long Island Railroad detective of this section, was married Tuesday afternoon in St. James Episcopal Chruch to Norman H Land, son of Mr. and Mrs. Law Land of Hauppauge, the Rev. William Holden, rector of St. James, officiating. The bride was attended by Miss Vivian Tyler, Mrs Albert Bishop, and Mrs Paul Wiedenkeller, while Percy A Land was best man. He sang "O Promise Me" accompanied by Miss Fannie Smith at the organ and Clarence Land and M Kapperdake on violins."

Mrs. Paul Wiednekeller and Mrs. Peter Wiedenkellers and small son were "in town" to attend the marriage of their brother". (Long Islander)

Children

1. Norman Moir Land AKA Bud or Buddy (1924-1979)

   Birth: Norman Moir Land, 06 July 1924

   Norman M Land, 6 Jul 1924 Islip, New York, USA Certificate Number: 61877

   Called Buddy in 1925 at fifth birthday. (Long Islander)

   1939: On the first team of the boy's Basketball Team Smithtown High School, 1939 Indian

   1942: Won a scholarship to LaSalle Military Academy

   1942: WWII Draft Registration - Norman Moir Land Age: 18, Birth Date: 6 Jul 1924, Birth Place: Smithtown Branch, New York, Residence Place: Smithtown, Branch, New York, Registration Date: 11 Dec 1942, Registration Place: Sayville, New York, USA, Employer: Student, Weight: 175, Complexion: Light, Eye Color: Hazel, Hair Color: Brown, Height: 6', Next of Kin: Norman H. Land

   WWII: Norman M Land Birth Year: 1924, New York State, County Suffolk, Enlistment Date: 15 Jul 1943 Enlistment State: New York Grade: Private Grade Code: Private Term of Enlistment: Enlistment for the duration of the War or other emergency, plus six months, subject to the discretion of the President or otherwise according to law Component: Selectees (Enlisted Men) Source: Civil Life, Education: 3 years of high school Civil Occupation: Student Codes 0x, 2x, 4x and 6x as pertain to students will be converted, for machine records purposes, to the code number 992. Marital Status: Single, without dependents Height: 83 Weight: 594

   1943: January 1943 - Entered Stony Brook Prep for boys.

   1945: November 7th, Cpl. Norman Land of the Army had a 45 day furlough at the home of his parents Mr. and Mrs. Norman Land of New York ave.

   It was said he had served in the Pacific area.

   1946: Norman M. Land of Smithtown was engaged to Gloria Elaine Pulch, daughter of Capt. and Mrs. Eugene H Pulch of Stony Brook. Mr. Land attended Smithtown High School and was graduated from the Stony Brook prep school. He served 31 months in the Army Air Corps as a physical training instructor. During his army career Mr. Land was outstanding in Athletics. "The Basketball team on which he played in the Azores won the championship in the islands, and he was the star basketball player for the Dow Field Bombers." (BE, 26 April 1946)

   (Did they marry? She married Norman's cousin, Gorden J. Wiedenkeller in January 1948. Gloria E Pulch, Marriage Date: 24 Jan 1948, Marriage Place: Smithtown, New York, USA Spouse: Gordon J Wiedenkeller Certificate Number: 2169)

   1950 Norman Land, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Norman Land, married Rachael Gorden of daughter of Mrs. R. Gorden of Forest Hills and Mr. M. Gorden of Hollywood, Ca. May 28, 1950. Rachael was known as "Rocky".

   1950: Norman Land was a 6th grade teacher at the Smithtown elementary School.

   1951: Long Island Baskeball Norman Land "from Smithtown" was was playing with the Up-state team of the Ithica College quintet. Norman was studying Physical Education at Ithaca College.

   1951: On his return to school in the fall, Norman was due to be an editor's assistant of the Ithaca College FM educational Radio Station WITJ which operated five days a week. He was enrolled in the Department of Drama and Radio.

   1952: In September 1952 it was reported in the local paper that Norman 'H" Land Jr. had served 3 and a half years in WWII, sixteen months of which were in the European Theatre. He had recently reenlisted, was with his old outfit and stationed at Mitchell Field as Athletic Director with the Air Corps.

   1954: Norman M Land Marriage Date: 28 May 1954 Marriage Place: Riverhead, New York, USA Spouse: Elizab A Zolondek Certificate Number: 20739

   Elizabeth Zaloudek and Norman "Bud" Land were married at Fort Salongo. The groom attended Smithtown schools, Long Island University, and Ithaca college where he studied radio and physical education. During WWII and the Korean Wars he served with the US Air Force overseas and in the states for four years.

   Death: NORMAN M LAND, 06 Jul 1924, Sep 1979 (V), 11777 (Port Jefferson, Suffolk, NY), 11776 (Port Jefferson Station, Suffolk, NY), 113-18-8355, New York

   Burial: Norman Moir Land Veteran's Rank: A2C Branch: US Air Force Last known address: 210 Princeton Boulevard Rt 25 Calverton , NY 11933 Birth Date: 6 Jul 1924 Death Date: 6 Sep 1979 Veteran Service Start Date: 15 Nov 1955 Veteran Service End Date: 14 Mar 1956 Interment Date: 14 Sep 1979 Cemetery: Calverton National Cemetery Buried At: Section 4 Site 3911

   Norman Moir Land, Death Age: 55, Birth Date: 6 Jul 1924, Service Start Date: 15 Nov 1955, Service End Date: 14 Mar 1956, Death Date: 6 Sep 1979, Interment Date: 14 Sep 1979, Cemetery Address: 210 Princeton Boulevard Rt 25 Calverton, NY 11933, Cemetery: Calverton National Cemetery, Interment Place: New York, Plot: SECTION 4 SITE 3911, Notes: A2C US ARMY AIR FORCES WORLD WAR II, KOREA

2. Daughter✟

   "Infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs Norman Land born on Tuesday morning at the Southside Hospital passed away this afternoon. January 17, 1929, Port Jefferson Echo.

   Her birth had been announced the previous week.

3. Gerald Sykes Land (1931-) and Diane C. Pacher

   Birth: Gerald S. Land, 14 April 1931, 105 E. Main Street, Smithtown (US Public Records Index Vol.2) Born South Side Hospital (Long Islander)

   Not listed in the 1940 census with his parents.

   1952: Sept 26, Private Gerald was on leave after his four and a half month basis training in the 101st Airborne Division at Camp Brekenridge in Kentucky.

   1953: December 23, Jake Land son of Mr. and Mrs. Norman H. Land of New York ave. got engaged to Katherine Tompkins of Commack.

   1954: January 6, Pfc. Gerald Land got engaged to Catherine Marie Tompkins of Bayberry Lane, a senior at Smithtown High and the daughter of Ann Tompkins. Gerald the son of Norman Land had recently retuned from service in Korea and was expecting to be discharged in February.

   Marriage: Diane C. Pacher April 1958 daughter of Arthur Pacher of Middle Counry road, Nesconset.

   Child:

   1. Gerald S Land Birth Date: 18 Jun 1965 Address: 105 E Main St, Smithtown, NY, 11787-2858, U. S. Public Record Index

      Gerald Land and Diane Pacher adopted a ten month old son, Gerald in June 1966.

   Date unknown: Public Records Index Gerald S Land Sr Birth Date: 14 Apr 1931 Phone Number: 474-8672 [584-3948] Address: 20 Crown St, Port Jefferson Station, NY, 11776-2708 [PO Box 258, Smithtown, NY, 11787-0258 (1993)] [117 5th St, Saint James, NY, 11780-1925 (1995)] [77 Dyke Rd, Setauket, NY, 11733-3014]

   1995 to 1998: Gerald S and Diane C Land, Lake Grove N. Y. (Lake Grove is a village in Brooklhaven, L. I.)

   1996: Gerald S Land Birth Date: 14 Apr 1931 Address: 117 5th St, Saint James, NY, 11780-1925 (1996)

   2000 Death of Diane C. Land: Diane C Land, Service Info.: PFC US ARMY, Birth Date: 20 Apr 1940, Death Date: 5 Apr 2000, Relation: Wife Of Land, Gerald S, Interment Date: 10 Apr 2000, Cemetery: Calverton National Cemetery, Cemetery Address: 210 Princeton Boulevard Rt 25 Calverton, NY 11933, Buried At: Section 24 Site 707

   Diane C. Land SSN: 134-30-9861 Last Residence: 11716 Bohemia, Suffolk, New York, USA BORN: 20 Apr 1940 Died: 5 Apr 2000 State (Year) SSN issued: New York (1955-1957

   Korean War: Gerald Land served in Korean. See Gerald Land There is a video of him answering questions about his life and his service. The name is given as Gerald "Jake" Land but he clearly says Gerald "S." Land - the birth day is the same and he talks of going to Smithtown High school.

   Jake Land

   and

   Gerald Land

Occupation

1927:

Santa Claus and his reindeer were greeted in Smithtown by approximately 2,000 people, young and old, who lined the Jericho Turnpike. Colored lights had been strung from the Smithtown Bank to "Nichols and Land's showrooms" and a large Christmas tree in front of the bank was illuminated with colored lights. At Nichols and Lands showrooms each child received a box of candy and an orange and had an opportunity to pet a live reindeer from Icy Cape, Alaska. The American Legion Drum and bugle Corps played seasonal music. Members of the committee that organized the celebration included Joseph A. Land. (Brooklyn Daily Eagle 17 December 1927)

See Smithtown

1929 Norman H. Land in a Plymouth Sales Ad, Brooklyn Eagle.

"Next to Glamore Ford, another auto agency opened up for business in the early 1930s. Norman Land opened a Chrysler/Plymoth agency in a modern showroom with large glass windows."

Main Street in 1933 Bradley Harris, Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts 2003

Norman Land attended the Chrysler dinner at the Hotel George in Brooklyn Monday September 13, 1926 (long Islander) September 17, 1926

Showed in the Port Jefferson Auto show in March 1928

Showed at the North Shore Auto Show in Port Jefferson.

Norman Land showed "the Chrysler" at the Port Jefferson Automobile show in February 1930.

Norman Land had a booth at the Port Jefferson Automobile show February 1931 (Long Islander)

Norman Land advertised in the Brooklyn Eagle for Cadillacs from at least March 1931 to January 1933.

An image of a huge snow storm in February 1934 shared by David B in 2017 and credited to Brad Harris shows Norman Land Chrysler in a one story building between the Smithtown Movie Theater and a Gulf station. See Smithtown

In September 1932 Prudential Playhouses bought a property on Main street "between the Chrysler agency conducted by Norman Land and Mr. Novatny's Hotel, opposite the Bank of Smithtown". It was to be a large brick building 50 x 130 feet and with seating for 750.

Living in New York City, 1920

Mr. and Mrs. Norman Land were living in New York City.

1925

1925 Census Smithtown, Norman H Land 26, auto salesman, Madeline G Land 25, Norman M Land born Bayshore. (Next to the were Joseph Land, confectionary salesman, and his family, wife, Mary and children Elizabeth and Joseph Jr.)

February 1927, Long Islander News

Norman Land Smithtown Chrysler Dealer had the flu.

Was a GOP candidate for Superintendent of Highways in Smithtown.

January 11, 1929, The Long Islander

"Much sympathy is expressed for Mr. and Mrs. Norman Land in the death of their little daughter, who was born Tuesday at the South Side Hospital and lived only a few hours. The mother is the former Miss Madeline Moir."

February 1, 1929, The Long Islander

"Mrs. Norman Land who has been very ill for the past three weeks at the South Side Hospital is slowly convalescing."

October 3, 1930, The Long Islander

Norman Land broke his collarbone when he was thrown from his horse.

1930 Census

Norman Land Smithtown Long Island New York Avenue 1930 Census

• Land, Norman, head, own home, $7,000, radio, age 31, married at 21, born New Jersey, dealer automobiles
• Land, Madeline, wife, age 30, married at 21, born New York
• Land, Norman Jr, son, age 5 born New York
• Moir, Frank father-in law, age 57, widowed, married at 21, born New York, father, French Canada, mother, New York,

December 26, 1930, The Long Islander

"Santa Claus visited Smithtown late Monday afternoon at the invitation of the Smithtown Chamber of Commerce who greeted him in the large sales rooms of Norman Land. A beautiful illuminated Christmas tree was an important feature of the celebration and each child was presented with a candy and an orange."

1931

Norman Land put a second story addition on his house on New York Ave, Long Islander, July 17, 1931

On December 18, 1931 the Smithtown Branch High School put on the Senior play "Oh Kay", a three act mystery comedy. The playbill includes an ad for Norman H. Land, Cadillac & Chrysler Motor Cars, Smithtown Branch, Long Island

August 30, 1931, Norman H. Land's big chestnut gelding won the heavyweight ponies race at the Smithtown Horse Show.

1932

In August 1932 In a celebration of the Smithtown Fire Department a parade was lead by the Parade Marshall, Norman H. Land, on horseback.

All the local fire Departments participated: Port Jefferson, Mt. Sinai, Stony Brook, Setauket, Kins Park, St. James, Hauppauge and Smithtown.

1932

Smithtown Horse Show, Morning Awards September 4, 1932, Class 13 - Parent and child competition second place Norman H. Land, Peggy and Norman Land's Silver Creek, forth Norman Land's Peggy (Brooklyn Eagle)

1933

September 15, 1933, Long Islander News - Seven horse races were held at the Commack Race Track. Norman Land won the 4th race, half mile for thoroughbreds on Galloping Duchess. He came in second in the seventh race, one mile for thoroughbreds, again on Galloping Duchess.

October 19, 1934, Long Islander News

John Carll (?) race track -

COLUMBUS DAY RACES FOR XMAS BASKETS

"Galloping Dutchess (sic), owned by Norman Land of Smithtown, captured the open event of six furlongs, which was really the feature of the race. This horse won by six lengths."

1935

June 31, 1935 involved in a bankruptcy claim against Lillian M. Crane, Clarence L and Victoria Land, Percy and Meta Land, Joseph and Mary Land, Norman and Madeline Land, Ruth Weidenkeller, Ethel Courier, Mary etna Weidenkeller, and others.

1935

William H. Leonori, sr. plaintiff against Norman H. Land and his wife Madeline M Land in Bankruptcy defendants. October 31, 1935 to be sold at public auction on the steps of Smithtown City Hall on January 4th 1936 at eleven o'clock the mortgaged premises on the southernly side of Main street or the Country Road where the same is intersected by the westerly line of Lawrence ave. etc., etc.

1940

New York Ave, Norman H. Land, age 41, salesman cars, high school 2 years, income $1,800, Madeline wife 40, both born New York, own $5,000,

1941

Mr. and Mrs. Norman Land of New York ave. celebrated their twentieth wedding anniversary.

1942: WWII Draft Registration Norman H Land, Maple ave. Smithtown Branch, Date of birth, Jan 14, 1899 New Jersey, relative wife, Mrs. Madeline Land, employer, Frank Friede, Riverside, Inn Smithtown, 5'8", 165 pounds, gray eyes, brown hair

1943

In February 1943 Norman H. Land of New York Ave. Smithtown accepted a position at Grumman Aircraft plant. Grumman Aircraft was located in Bethpage, Long Island.

1947

April - The barn behind Frank Friede's inn was a known gathering place where politicians and socialites could gamble at cards, dice, roulette, birdcage and horse betting. It was frequently raided. The horse room behind Frank Friede's Riverside Inn was a famous gambling resort. In one raid a reported $1,357 in cash was confiscated but the 300 or so men and women were allowed to leave quietly in their cars. The "promoter" and six club employees were arrested. The manager of the hotel, Frank Kelly, pleaded guilty, was fined $250 and given a 30 day suspended sentence. Four of the clerks, Louis Boyer, Joseph Slivorik, Bernard Lamb and Edwin J Griffiths were fined $150. The fifth clerk, Norman H. Land, who had only worked there for 48 hours*, and the handy-man, Frank Rittenberger, received suspended fines. All were given a 30 day suspended sentence. Kelly paid all the fines from a $3,000 bankroll. Gambling equipment was removed from the spacious room. The long low building behind the famous hotel was known as the center of book making is Suffolk County.

*In 1942 Norman H. Land listed his employer as Frank Freide, the Riverside Inn, Smithtown.

Frank Friede's Inn, Smithtown

1953

The Smithtown Fire Department honored the Korean War vet Gerald Land, son of Mr, and Mrs. Norman Land and member of Engine Company No. 1. The entire Department attended and guests included Mr. and Mrs. Norman Land, Bud* Land, and Miss Kitty Tompkins. Gerald was to return to duty after a 30 day furlough. "Jerry" Land had entered the service in May 1952. *Norman Land junior was called Bud or Buddy.

Death of Madeline Land

In 1953 her son, Gerald, was honored by the Smithtown Fire Department. In mid March 1953 Mrs. Norman H. Land was confined to her home because of illness. In January 1954 the engagement of Gerald the son of Mr. and "Mrs." Norman Land was announced. In mid February 1954 Mrs. Norman H. Land was very ill and still confined to Southside Hospital. In late February 1954 Madeline returned home from the Southside Hospital and was confined to bed. In March of 1954 a benefit dance was held in Smithtown to help defray the hospital costs of Mrs. Norman Land who was badly burned in a fire at her home.

In January of 1954 she was listed at ill in Southside Hospital.

December 1954. Mrs. Madeline M. Land, age 55 died on Thanksgiving day November 25, after a lingering illness. She was born in St. James July 20, 1899 the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Frank Moir. She was buried in the Moir plot in the St James Episcopal Cemetery.

Norman was a widow when Gerald was married in 1958.

Death of Norman Land, Senior

Norman Land, born January 13, 1899, died June 1974.

SS#083-20-6076

Norman's obit in the local papers stated that he was born in Hauppauge January 13, 1898. (Note: His birth was recorded in Jersey City, New Jersey January 13, 1899. MLB) He was the "last survivor of seven children" of Law Land and Elizabeth Sykes (Note: Law and Elizabeth had nine children. One died as a child. MLB) He was a longtime resident ot Smithtown having lived on New York Ave for many years. More recently he had lived on Elliot Place. He served in the US Navy in WWI. He was a former owner of a Chrysler Plymouth agency. An "ardent horseman" he rode steeplechase race horses at the old Smithtown Hunt Club on fifty Acres Road. He was also a member of the Smithtown Hunt Club. He was survived by two sons, Norman of Smithtown and Gerald of Lake Ronkonkoma and one grandson (unnamed). Buried St James Episcopal Cemetery, St. James.

The Moirs

• 1880 Census: Smithtown, John K Moir, age 31, carpenter, Lizzie, age 30, wife, Lizzie A daughter age ??, Frank C age 8, son, George age 5 Allie age 2, had the measels at the time of the census. All born New York.

• 1900 Census: Smithtown, Frank C Moir, head, June 1871, age 28, married 6 years, born New York, father born Canada, mother born New York, carpenter, Gertrude, December 1875, age 24, 2 chilren 1 still living, born New York, parents born Ireland, Madeline, daughter, July 1899, age 10 mos. George, brother, April 1876, age 24, labourer.

  Note: Frank Moir was the census taker.

• 1920 Census: Main Street Smithtown, Frank, head, age 47, detective LIRR Gertrude, wife, age 45, Madeline, daughter, age 20, Ervert brother, age 31, lineman NY Telephone Co.

Information from Helen Land

• Norman, married Madeline Moir born July 20, 1899.
• Norman died June 1, 1974 and was buried in the Moir plot in St James Episcopal Cemetery.

Information from Julia Land

• Norman (senior - MLB) served in the navy in WWI.
• On the advice of a doctor he bought and rode a horse for years. One day the horse threw him went galloping across the field and tried to jump over a car moving down the road bordering the field-totaled the car and broke his leg. The horse was put down and Uncle Norman when horseless for a while (From Ted W.)
• David W. says Norman was a regular sized guy but a gifted jockey. Norman rescued a junk horses and rehabilitated it. He raced that horse lagging behind most of the race, then won by bulling ahead at the end.
• Norman (junior - MLB) was called, Buddy.
• Ted remembers,"He sectioned 8 out of the army*. He may have died in a psychiatric ward. I am unclear but I think Norman also had a son Jerry." (Gerald "Jerry" had an adopted son named Gerald - MLB)

*To "Section eight" was to get a discharge for being mentally unfit to serve.

Norman Land Jr. is shown above with his pet. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Norman Land of New York ave Smithtown Branch, L. I. (Brooklyn Eagle 1931)

More Images of Norman Land and family

To see photos of Norman's wedding and of Norman and Joe in their WWI uniforms see The Photo Album of the Family of Percy Land