Happy Independence Day!
As our country still struggles with the effects of
this COVID-19 pandemic, we await direction from our state and local
officials about the opening of Meadow Croft. The many events we had
planned are also on hold. As of now, we have not received written
permission to open Meadow Croft for weekend tours. Our July Summer
Concert has been cancelled. Our Moonlight ferry cruise is also on hold
as well as other summer events.
The good news is that planning is still happening, grants are being written and hope is always alive and well. All of us at the BBPHA are confident that with time and patience, things will get back to normal and we will see you soon. In the meantime, be safe, be smart and stay healthy! Enjoy your 4th of July and the start of summer in Bayport and Blue Point!
The good news is that planning is still happening, grants are being written and hope is always alive and well. All of us at the BBPHA are confident that with time and patience, things will get back to normal and we will see you soon. In the meantime, be safe, be smart and stay healthy! Enjoy your 4th of July and the start of summer in Bayport and Blue Point!
Summer Solstice Walking Tour...
The
Summer Solstice Walking Tour that was to take place on June 20, 2020,
was cancelled by the Library but has gone virtual! Thanks to all who
joined the tour at the library’s Facebook page.
Here are some of the highlights that Frank Giebfried, director at large for the BBPHA showcased on his virtual walking tour:
For over a decade, local historian and friend Gene Horton has guided us on the evening stroll that marks the beginning of summer. Before we lost him last year, Gene expressed his wish for this tradition to continue. We’ll stroll up Blue Point Avenue, stopping by many beautiful homes and visiting sites like Avery’s Five Mile Look, Joe’s Step Inn, the Nelson Danes house, the Hallett House, and Bob Brown’s Food Market. Of course, we’ll also pay a visit to the John Danes house, Gene Horton’s home for many years. A special thanks to Wendy Bennett at the library for putting the video together!
Here are some of the highlights that Frank Giebfried, director at large for the BBPHA showcased on his virtual walking tour:
For over a decade, local historian and friend Gene Horton has guided us on the evening stroll that marks the beginning of summer. Before we lost him last year, Gene expressed his wish for this tradition to continue. We’ll stroll up Blue Point Avenue, stopping by many beautiful homes and visiting sites like Avery’s Five Mile Look, Joe’s Step Inn, the Nelson Danes house, the Hallett House, and Bob Brown’s Food Market. Of course, we’ll also pay a visit to the John Danes house, Gene Horton’s home for many years. A special thanks to Wendy Bennett at the library for putting the video together!
Big Change in Bayport 60 years ago....
A
new feature in the monthly newsletter. These short articles were first
printed in the monthly Bayport Blue Point Gazette. They were written by
Gene Horton and reprinted with permission.
June 2017
Before 1957, if you lived in Bayport, you had to go to the post office to pick up your mail. There was no home delivery (or "city delivery") of mail in Bayport or other small local L.I. communities in the 1950's.
A Bayport resident before 1957 could have a post office box in the post office or a post office clerk would hand you your mail over the counter through general delivery. Before 1957, houses in Bayport did not have house numbers. You had to go to the post office to mail a letter; there were no drop boxes in town. And a first class stamp in 1957 cost 3 cents.
George Dedrick was postmaster in Bayport from 1948 until he retired in 1967. Starting in 1956, Bayport residents ere notified of what their house number would be. Homeowners would then have to display that number on the front of their home so it could be clearly seen from the street. Residents were also informed that they would have to get a mail box (or mail receptacle) or door slot for their house. Home delivery of mail officially started in Bayport on June 27, 1957.
Residents were also asked to notify those families, friends and businesses that regularly sent them mail of their new house number address. No zip codes sixty years ago either; not until 1963 did zip codes begin. Blue Point also initiated home delivery of mail in the mid-50's. Maria Goodwin was the post master of Blue Point then.
In the "good old days" before home delivery of mail, the post office was a genuine community meeting place. Everyone met everyone there. Now, with home delivery, you didn't have to go to the post office everyday or so. Sort of a loss for home towns togetherness.
June 2017
Before 1957, if you lived in Bayport, you had to go to the post office to pick up your mail. There was no home delivery (or "city delivery") of mail in Bayport or other small local L.I. communities in the 1950's.
A Bayport resident before 1957 could have a post office box in the post office or a post office clerk would hand you your mail over the counter through general delivery. Before 1957, houses in Bayport did not have house numbers. You had to go to the post office to mail a letter; there were no drop boxes in town. And a first class stamp in 1957 cost 3 cents.
George Dedrick was postmaster in Bayport from 1948 until he retired in 1967. Starting in 1956, Bayport residents ere notified of what their house number would be. Homeowners would then have to display that number on the front of their home so it could be clearly seen from the street. Residents were also informed that they would have to get a mail box (or mail receptacle) or door slot for their house. Home delivery of mail officially started in Bayport on June 27, 1957.
Residents were also asked to notify those families, friends and businesses that regularly sent them mail of their new house number address. No zip codes sixty years ago either; not until 1963 did zip codes begin. Blue Point also initiated home delivery of mail in the mid-50's. Maria Goodwin was the post master of Blue Point then.
In the "good old days" before home delivery of mail, the post office was a genuine community meeting place. Everyone met everyone there. Now, with home delivery, you didn't have to go to the post office everyday or so. Sort of a loss for home towns togetherness.
Gene Horton Memorial Scholarship....
Congratulations to Dylan Duffy, a recent graduate
from BBP HS who is this years winner of the Gene Horton Memorial
Scholarship. Every year the BBPHA proudly awards a $1000.00 Scholarship
to a graduating senior who is pursuing a career in History. We wish
Dylan all the best as he heads off to study at the University of
Maryland in the Fall.
Hope to see you soon! Stay safe!
