There’s something about Montauk that makes time seem to move slower. A calm, unfaltering and barefoot kind of feeling. If you’ve ever stumbled upon a copy of Whalebone Magazine, you might say the same thing. The feeling you get from holding a print publication in your hand and flipping through something that isn’t your smartphone. Something president and co-founder Eddie Berrang works to bring to life through all of Whalebone—the magazine, the shops, the clothing, the yellow dog, bringing delight to your life and taking the minute to ask yourself, “What’s the rush?”
What led you to want to create and then actually bring to life Whalebone Magazine? What is the mission of Whalebone?
The magazine started out as a summer project and went from there. We quickly realized that while driving around delivering magazines all day was fun, we should probably think of how we can do more for the community and our readers like a record shop and coffee shop and giveback programs—at least that was the thinking. Somehow we’re still delivering magazines when not doing the daily newsletter and the shops and adventures. The mission continues to be to look for the good and the good in things.
What brought you to Montauk? Explain the best part of raising your family on the East End.
I think my first memory was riding around in my Aunt Pat’s old station wagon with those big swinging open back doors in the early ‘80s when they lived at Ditch. My mom’s family all lived in town and I think I might’ve spent more time with them than anyone growing up. I feel fortunate to have my two daughters at Montauk School and the community they’re growing up in. I think the community of people is the best part of the area, that or the margaritas with Bob.
Favorite memory in/of Montauk of all time.
Likely any day that Lynn is working at Puff ‘n’ Putt and we go out on one of their catamarans.
Explain to us how Whalebone Magazine captures the essence and feeling of the town.
I don’t know about that. Maybe sometimes we get lucky when there is a local contributor but mostly we’re just lucky and fortunate to be part of the community and support and help when we can.
The most rewarding thing about being involved with Whalebone since its inception?
Being part of a team of smart people who care and that I can learn from and that like going for margaritas with Bob and me.
It’s 2030. Where are you, where is Whalebone, what’s the state of the world. Let us know where things will be in seven years.
Not to reveal too much but there’s a high probability that Vaughan from Montauk Brewing Co. will be texting me in seven years asking me if they can get more magazines for their taproom and I’ll have to drive ’em over.
