Program

Legends & Lore®

Subject

Folklore, People

Location

1 Main St, East Rockaway, NY 11518, USA

Lat/Long

40.639755, -73.659544

Grant Recipient

Historical Society of East Rockaway & Lynbrook

In East Rockaway, New York, there lives an old legend that continues to captivate locals and visitors alike. It’s a story that blends maritime history, personal tragedy, and ghosts, centered around a charismatic character: David “Dave Push” Terrell.

Born in 1842, David Terrell was an important member of the Near Rockaway (East Rockaway) maritime scene. As a reputable shipping captain, Terrell navigated the turbulent oceans and amassed not only a small fortune but also the affections of a “handsome city gal.” When this relationship fell apart, however, Terrell’s life veered into a series of misadventures. Rechristening himself as “Dave Push”—a playful nod to the “PUSH” signage on doors—he frequented local bars and pool halls, regaling patrons with tales from the high seas, all while living a life of near-vagrancy.

Though his life’s later chapters might have been marred by misfortune, Dave’s charm was undeniable. He was an integral figure in the life of East Rockaway, a beloved character whose tales of the sea entertained in every local tavern. The final chapter of his life ended abruptly when, on a fateful day in 1910, his body was discovered floating near the historic Haviland-Davison Mill.  The mill, which has since been relocated to Memorial Park and transformed into a museum, is said to be haunted by Dave’s restless spirit, the beloved boatman still tethered to the place of his untimely demise.