Paul Rickenbach
1992-2019
Paul F. Rickenbach Jr. served as Mayor of the Village of East Hampton from 1997 to 2019, becoming one of the longest-serving mayors in Village history and leaving a lasting legacy of preservation and progress. During his tenure, Village headquarters relocated to the historic Beecher Hand House, and several major restoration projects were undertaken, including the Gardiner Windmill, the Gardiner Mill Cottage—reopened as an art gallery—and significant repairs to the Hook Windmill. He oversaw the restoration and return of the Dominy Workshops to their original site on North Main Street and completed a comprehensive Historic Structure Report on Home Sweet Home, which also received a fire suppression system to ensure its protection. Under Rickenbach’s leadership, the Village purchased North End Commons and formally established four historic districts: the Huntting Lane Historic District, Ocean Avenue Historic District, Main Street Historic District, and Hook Historic District—ensuring the protection of East Hampton’s architectural and cultural heritage for generations to come.
Kenneth Wessberg
1985-1992
Kenneth Wessberg served as Mayor of the Village of East Hampton from 1983 to 1992, capping off decades of dedicated service that included 29 years with the Village and time as Chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeals. His administration was marked by practical improvements and a strong commitment to preserving the Village’s character. Under his leadership, the rehabilitation project at Main Beach was completed, a fire alarm system was installed at the Home Sweet Home Museum, and the Village opted not to purchase the Baker property on Main Street for parking—paving the way for the LVIS to acquire and restore the historic building. Wessberg oversaw the creation of the long-term parking lot and spearheaded the consolidation of the Fire Department, Police Department, and Ambulance Corps into a single Emergency Services Building on Cedar Street. A veterans memorial was added to the Hook Memorial Green, and the important new role of Village Administrator was established. During his time in office, Village meetings were held in the VFW building prior to its sale. Wessberg’s legacy is one of thoughtful governance, civic improvement, and a deep respect for East Hampton’s heritage.
Douglas Dayton
1975-1985
Doug Dayton served as President of the Village of East Hampton from 1975 to 1983, a period marked by lasting contributions to the Village’s character and community life. Under his leadership, the Village gained ownership of Herrick Park, secured a new building for the Department of Public Works, and received the historic Osborne-Jackson House, which became the headquarters of the East Hampton Historical Society. His administration also oversaw the purchase of the Sea Spray Cottages, the restoration of the iconic Pantigo Windmill, and the introduction of beloved holiday traditions, including Christmas tree lights along Main Street and a tree in Town Pond. Additionally, the Design Review Board was established during his tenure, helping to preserve the Village’s architectural charm for generations to come.
Ronald Rioux
1971-1975
Ronald Rioux served as Mayor of the Village of East Hampton from 1971 to 1975, during which he oversaw several notable civic developments and cultural milestones. Under his leadership, the Village adopted a formal Code of Ethics and appointed a Board of Ethics, reinforcing transparency and accountability in local government. Meetings during his tenure were held on the second floor of the Firehouse on Newtown Lane, and the road formerly known as “the highway behind the lots” was officially renamed Toilsome Lane. During this time, Bruce Collins was appointed Commissioner of Public Works, and the Village Green received a designation as a historic landmark. A drawing of the iconic Hook Windmill, created by John Lonero, began being sold at both Home Sweet Home and the Windmill itself—now a familiar and cherished image. Rioux also led the Village in expanding eligibility for Fire Chief to include candidates from outside the Village proper. Though the proposed acquisition of the Pondview property near Guild Hall was ultimately voted down by taxpayers, his administration made lasting contributions to East Hampton’s identity. Notably, Rioux is one of only three individuals to have served as both Mayor of the Village of East Hampton and Supervisor of the Town.
James Skidmore
1967-1971
James Skidmore served as Mayor of the Village of East Hampton from 1967 to 1971, bringing with him a distinguished background in education, military service, and civic involvement. A Princeton graduate and World War I Marine Corps veteran, he was a former commander of the Brooklyn Power Squadron and a member of the Downtown Athletic Club, which awarded the Heisman Trophy. After moving to East Hampton in 1948, he became a respected member of the community and was elected to the Village Board. As Mayor, Skidmore opposed the expansion of the Village business district and worked to protect the integrity of East Hampton’s natural environment, focusing on beach access, preservation of beach grass, and halting erosion. He ensured that the highway behind Town Pond retained its traditional name and resisted efforts to use Herrick Park for additional parking. During his term, parking areas at Wiborg and Two Mile Hollow beaches were improved, the Board of Ethics was formed, and discussions began around the implementation of beach parking stickers. He also supported public safety reforms, including police taking fire calls and the start of ambulance coverage at home football games. His administration marked a balance of progress and preservation, grounded in deep civic responsibility.
Stephen Marley
1954-1967
Stephen Marley served as Mayor of the Village of East Hampton from 1954 to 1967, following a long history of public service that included acting as Fire Chief during the devastating 1938 hurricane and remaining active in the Fire Department for many years after. Before becoming Mayor, he managed Edwards Theater for 25 years, earning a plaque in 1967 in recognition of his dedication. Marley made history by defeating longtime Mayor Judson Banister in 1954—Banister’s first electoral loss. During Marley’s administration, the Village saw the creation of the Department of Public Works, the construction of a new firehouse on Cedar Street, and the development of key public infrastructure, including the parking lot behind the Main Street and Newtown Lane shops. He also leased parking space from Arnold Bayley at the Sea Spray, purchased the Georgia Coast Guard Station, and introduced the tradition of the Christmas angel—first by Town Pond, then at the Hook Mill. He appointed Fannie Gardiner to protect Village wildlife and oversaw the planting of a tree in the Sheep Fold to honor former Mayor Dr. Frederick Russell. Demonstrating integrity, Marley recused himself from negotiations involving the relocation of 26 buildings, delegating the responsibility to Deputy Mayor Robert Reutershan. After Marley’s untimely death, the parking lot was named in Reutershan’s honor—though many felt it could have rightfully carried both names as the Marley-Reutershan Parking Lot.
Judson Bannister
1936-1954
Judson Banister served as Mayor of the Village of East Hampton from 1936 to 1954, guiding the community through some of its most challenging and transformative years—including the Great Depression, the 1938 hurricane, and World War II. A dedicated public servant, Banister also served as Fire Chief and ran a steam laundry business for 41 years, first on Cedar Street and later Race Lane. Under his leadership, Main Beach was purchased in 1937, the Hook Windmill was restored and opened to the public, and the land that would become Bannister Park was acquired. He oversaw the preservation of the Nature Trail, the construction of brick sidewalks in the historic district, and care for the North End Cemetery. Weggewood plates were sold at the Home Sweet Home Museum, and colorful holiday lights brightened Main Street each Christmas. The Village remained debt-free throughout his long tenure, and he appointed Fritz Leddy as Police Chief. Banister’s influence extended beyond East Hampton—he served as President of the New York Conference of Mayors from 1950 to 1951. Today, his legacy lives on in the Village, including the street named in his honor: Judson Lane.
Frederick Russell
1930-1937
Dr. Frederick Russell served as Mayor of the Village of East Hampton from 1930 to 1936, leading the community through the early years of the Great Depression with a steady and thoughtful hand. During his administration, he worked to preserve the charm and character of the Village, successfully fighting off proposals to build miniature golf courses on Main Street and The Hook. He oversaw repairs at the Home Sweet Home Museum and introduced the sale of commemorative plates there. His term also saw cultural and civic advancements: Guild Hall was built, the Pennypacker Collection was donated to the East Hampton Library, and the Men's Club evolved into the East Hampton Lion's Club. James Lane was officially named, and the Nature Trail began thanks to a land gift from Mrs. Ruger Donoho. Sunday movies were approved during his tenure, marking a shift in Village customs. A dedicated professional, Dr. Russell was honored as a Fellow of the Golden Dental Circle for 50 years of service as a dentist.
Samuel Gregory
1925-1930
Samuel Gregory served as President of the Village of East Hampton from 1925 to 1930, during which time he emerged as a visionary advocate for preservation, planning, and thoughtful development. In 1927, under his leadership, the Village purchased the historic Home Sweet Home for $60,000—a move he fiercely defended, even opposing efforts to sell its contents to offset the cost. A strong proponent of zoning, Gregory believed the Village’s natural resources should be protected and cherished, playing a key role in the early development of zoning laws and preservation efforts. He successfully fought against plans to build a large hotel at the corner of Lily Pond Lane and Ocean Avenue and worked closely with groups like the LVIS and the Lions Club to help make East Hampton “one of the most beautiful villages in America.”
Nelson Osborne
1922-1925
Nelson C. Osborne, who served as the second President of the Village of East Hampton from 1922 to 1924, played a pivotal role in shaping the community's early infrastructure and preservation efforts. The East Hampton Water Company and Electric Company both had their beginnings in his law office, marking the village’s first public utilities. A dedicated public servant, Osborne also served as East Hampton Town Supervisor (1932–1934), President of the East Hampton Historical Society, Chairman of the Village Zoning Board of Appeals, and Trustee of the South End Cemetery.
Nelson Osborne
1920-1922
Jonathan Baker served as the first President of the Village of East Hampton from 1920 to 1922, guiding the newly incorporated Village through its foundational years. A dedicated public servant, Baker had previously held the role of East Hampton Town Supervisor in 1880 at just 23 years old. As Village President, he appointed the first Police Chief, Edward Morford, and the first Highway Superintendent, Ernest Field. His administration saw the appointment of Dr. David Edwards as Health Commissioner, the holding of the very first Firemen’s Dinner, and the adoption of nineteen initial Village ordinances. Roads were brought up to code, the Village Clerk was officially appointed, and cooperation with the Ladies Village Improvement Society (LVIS) helped shape civic improvements. Notably, Sunday movies were not permitted during his term, reflecting the community standards of the time.