It has stood the test of time, a simple phrase spray painted onto a Bayview Avenue sidewalk in Northport Village.

“Still in Love.”

Written in all capital letters, the phrase has boldly proclaimed its “relationship status” since 1964 when, according to sources on social media, a newlywed celebrated his first wedding anniversary by memorializing his feelings on the concrete walkway – Northport Harbor in the background – while in town with his wife.

The couple would go back and have a “caper” each summer to repaint the words as they faded, so the story goes. Their innocent escapade has brought smiles to thousands of passersby over the years, with anonymous neighbors recently taking over to make sure the phrase is always visible. (It’s been reported that the original artist passed away in 2019, after 56 years of marriage.)

Also ensuring the proclamation’s longevity are local officials. According to a 2012 article in Newsday, the graffiti enjoys special Village protection; the Highway Department was told if there’s ever a need to do maintenance on the sidewalk, “they're not allowed to remove that slab," said then-Mayor George Doll. “And if they do have to remove it, and they put the new slab down, they have to repaint it.”

Stay in love, Northport.