The Bayport Heritage Association was formed in 1983 and is dedicated to the preservation of the history of Bayport. The association has an extensive collection of archival photographs, vintage clothing, artifacts and books. Through the years, the group has been particularly active in the restoration of Meadow Croft, a John Ellis Roosevelt summer home and now a historical museum on the border of Bayport and Sayville. The association provides lectures and resources- educational, historical, environmental and social programs and services for the community and interested public. In June 2018, Blue Point joined the Association to include both communities.

Saturday, July 1, 2017

July 2017 News


Bayport Heritage Association

~ July 2017 Newsletter ~


Abandondoned 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.

Concert in the Park! 
Save the date! On August 10, 2017, from 6:00-8:00 PM, the BHA will be sponsoring a FREE Concert in Bayport Memorial Park! We are lucky to have Lazy Bunny Ukulele Band coming to play. Bring your lawn chairs, some bug spray, your favorite beverage and your dancing shoes! For a preview, see the video below. Thanks to BHA Director Dave Harenberg for setting this up for our community to enjoy.

Autumn House Tour 
The BHA has sponsored an Autumn House Tour for more than 20 years showcasing the beautiful homes of residents in both Bayport and Blue Point. This year is no exception! We already have many commitments from our neighbors and friends which will make this years tour outstanding! The date of the tour will be October 22nd and tickets will be available mid-September. More information to follow.

There are a few spots left so if you have an unusual or historic home, and would be willing to showcase your abode, please give us a call or email for more information.


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.

Did you know......?

In July 1903, President Theodore Roosevelt left his home at Sagamore Hill, in Oyster Bay, NY, and rode on horseback to visit his Roosevelt cousins at Meadow Croft in Sayville. The President was accompanied by his son, Theodore Jr., and George and Jack Roosevelt, the teenaged nephews of the President. He stopped on Main Street to ask the milkman, John Beintema, for directions before continuing his journey. The ride took 4 hours to cover the 40-mile trip.

Voices from Bayport and Blue Point: An Oral History Project

The BBP Library has a wonderful series of audio files of people and memories from the Bayport and Blue Point communities. This month's feature is about Janet DuBois. We hope you enjoy this month's feature.

BBP-HS Scholarship winner 
Each June, the BHA provides a $1000.00 Scholarship to a graduating senior from Bayport Blue Point High School . The students fill out the applications and the guidance counselors choose the recipient. This year's winner was Danae Gregg. Congratulations and best wishes on your future endeavors!

See the original newsletter here, with photos.