In 1911-12, the German company Telefunken built the wireless communication station just north of the railroad tracks in West Sayville.  At the time the only wireless communication between North American and Europe was between this facility and a facility in Nanen, Germany.  During World War I, the station was seized by the US Government.  After the war, the station was leased to the Mackay Radio and Telegraph Company.  The FAA took over operation of the station in 1937.  The 500-foot tall tower was demolished in 1938.
 Postcard postmarked August 11, 1914, from the collection of Sayville Library.
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