From the September 4, 1909 Brooklyn Daily Eagle:

“Freeport, L.I. — While walking along the shore at High Hill Beach, Gibson Wanser and Garret Verity, whose homes are at Seaford, L.I., came across a rubber boot, which Wanser picked up. He was surprised at the weight of the boot and the two men became curious. With a knife, the boot was ripped open and a human foot was discovered inside. There were two pair of heavy woolen socks on the foot which had been severed at the ankle. It is believed the owner was drowned in the winter and that the salt water preserved the foot intact. The men showed it to the inhabitants in the vicinity and then buried it in the sand.”