Abandoned Trunks: Clothing & Costumes from the Gold Coast Era
Local historian Monica Randall has a wonderful display of Gold Coast 1920's dresses that will be on display at Meadow Croft on Saturdays and Sundays from 2:00-4:00 in the ladies parlor. There is a $5.00 donation requested for this display. This will run from June through October. The house is also open for tours during these times as well.
During the sixties and seventies hundreds of the great estates were bulldozed to make way for new housing developments. The attics of these doomed palaces were often littered with steamer trunks filled with the most expensive gowns money could buy. These gowns, which could cost as much as $20,000, were worn in the heyday by the Gold Coast ladies of high society who hosted elaborate masquerade balls. Clothing items on display were worn by notable North Shore women such as the ladies of the Woolworth, Tiffany, Hutton, and Woodward families, as well as the Countess of Bismarck.
We hope you have the chance to come to Meadow Croft and view these beautiful historic gowns on display.
Thank you to Gene Horton!
At our May general membership meeting, our guest speaker became delayed and was not able to make our meeting. Many people came out during a torrential downpour and as not to disappoint our guests, Gene Horton came to our rescue! Gene gave a very interesting presentation on the imagery and symbolism on US currency. We examined a one dollar, a five and ten dollar bill. It was educational and fascinating how much information is included in our daily legal tender. We thank Gene for his extensive knowledge and his willingness to help out in any situation. THANK YOU!
Our guest speak series and general membership meetings will resume again in the fall.
Hope to see you at Meadow Croft during the summer months or at our annual community concert on August 10th at Bayport Memorial Park. More info to come....
An Oral History Project; Voices from Bayport Blue Point
The BBP library has a wonderful series of audio files that showcase the rich history of our communities. This month's feature is from Connie Haab. We hope you enjoy this reflection on life in BBP from years ago.
Updates at Meadow Croft....
The BHA has been very busy updating and improving the living quarters at Meadow Croft. Most recently, the original master bedroom received a fresh coat of paint and new rug to go along with the bed and other furniture in the room. A BIG Thank you goes to Butch Berg for moving several light fixtures in the master bedroom and also to Harrison Berg for painting. President Mary Bailey and VP Leanne Berg had the vision to move this project forward.
Another Thank you goes to BHA member Anna Dugan for changing all of the mannequins in Meadow Croft into vintage summer clothing for the season. This is a huge, delicate job and we thank Anna for her patience in handling these antique outfits and her continued support!
** House Tours** Meadow Croft will be open for House Tours from 2:00-4:00 every Saturday and Sunday during the months of June through October. Come and check us out! There is lots to see and learn.
Help wanted...
The BHA is always looking for volunteers or new members to fulfill the vision and mission which is dedicated to the preservation, history and future of our BBP hamlet. If you are interested and have some time, we need you! All levels of help welcomed.
** Tour Guides (docents)** ~ if you love history then we have a job for you! Docents or house guides are needed two days a month, June through October, to show the historic Meadow Croft to visitors. It is not much of a time commitment and training will be provided. For more information or if you are willing to help, please call
Harriet Mihlstin at 631-472-4625
** Garden help ** ~ Meadow Croft's heirloom garden is in need of some hands to dig in the dirt. This garden is a replica of the original garden at the Meadow Croft estate dating back to the early 1900's. If you can spare some time and some muscle, bring your gardening tools to Meadow Croft on Friday mornings (weather permitting) starting at 9:00 AM. Call Lorraine for more details at 516-459-0140.
**Autumn House Tour** ~ Although it is months away, we are looking for old, interesting and beautiful homes to showcase on the BHA's annual Autumn House Tour held in October each year. If you or anyone you know in Bayport or Blue Point would allow us to 'show off' your home or if you would like more information, please email us at BBPhistorical@gmail.com.
Did you know that...?
This story was reprinted from a 1995 Bayport Heritage Newsletter. It comes to us from Charlie Bogel, originally written by Irma Reilly. We hope you enjoy this walk down memory lane....
Did you know that in 1952 there were no women serving as school crossing guards? Martha Ellis (of Oakwood Ave. in Bayport, at the time) came to Charlie, who was then Judge Charles H.J. Bogel, then a Justice of the Peace, seeking to be a school crossing guard. He recommended that a woman should have the chance to serve and Martha became the first woman in the Town of Islip and then in Suffolk County Police Department to serve as a school crossing guard.
It should be noted that Martha Ellis received a special New York State Assembly resolution from Assemblyman Paul Harenberg (father of BHA director Dave Harenberg) as the first woman to join the Suffolk County Police Department. In 1997 she was honored for 23 years of service to Bayport as a school crossing guard.
Thank you to Charlie Bogel, Irma Reilly, Paul Harenberg and especially Martha Ellis!
Memorial Day Parade...
Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate and the rain cancelled the parade this year. The BHA donated a wreath in remembrance for all who served and paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. We hope you enjoyed your Memorial Day and took a moment to remember, honor and reflect.
