Bayport Blue Point Heritage Association

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.

Tour Meadow Croft information here.

Saturday, February 1, 2020

February 2020 Newsletter

General Membership Meeting...

Our first General Membership meeting of the New Year will be held on
Sunday, February 9th, 2020 at 2:00
in the Bayport Blue Point Library. The presentation will be on the lithography of Stow Wengenroth.

Please save the following dates for our upcoming meetings in the new year:

March 8th; They Called it Red Gold: The Long Island Cranberry Industry (please note this meeting will run from 12:00-2:00pm)

April 19; Montauk; From Wilderness to Military Hospital and into the 20th Century

May 17; TBA
Hope to see you there! Please mark your calendars!

The Lithography of Stow Wengenroth

Stow Wengenroth was once called "America's greatest living artist working in black and white,” and he is generally considered one of the finest American lithographers of the twentieth century. Although born in Brooklyn, Wengenroth spent his youth in Bayport. Please join us at the next general membership meeting as we explore his remarkable work, including scenes of Bayport. The presentation will include samples of his work, a slide show of photos, and authentic documents written by the artist which reside in the BBPHA archives.

Business District; Downtown Bayport, c.1910

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.
More than 100 years ago, the main business district of Bayport was centered around Middle Road and Bayport Ave. The main establishment was called Snedecor & Squires (later Shand's) and was built around the 1860's. The Shand's bought the store in the 1930's and operated it until the 1990's. Shand's was a focal point for the local community. It's sad that the business is no longer there.

Researching your home...

The BBPHA has a large archive of historical information on most of the residences in Bayport and Blue Point. These archives, which include photos, deeds, news clippings and handwritten notes from previous owners, was compiled by many of the early members of the BBPHA. Their hard work and persistence is so appreciated by the current BBPHA board and members. We would like to offer the chance for BBPHA members to view these archives by special request. If you are a member with current dues paid, you can email John Amato to make an appointment to see the file on your old house. Just send John your address and he will try retrieve the file and meet you at the Bayport Blue Point Library on the weekend. These files cannot be taken home for obvious reasons, but you may make copies of documents. John is a current board member and the treasurer of the BBPHA. His email address is johnfamato@optonline.net.

St Patrick's Day Parade...

Mark your calendars. Bayport-Blue Point Chamber of Commerce’s 30th St. Patrick’s Day Parade is Sunday, March 15. The BBPHA will be marching along again!
Our Grand Marshal for the 2020 Parade is Matthew “Matty” McGuire. Matt is from the Bayport Blue Point Little League where he has served as President for almost 10 years. Starting at 11 a.m. at the corner of Snedecor Avenue and Montauk Highway in Bayport, the parade ends down Blue Point Avenue in Blue Point. Join us on March 15, 2020 for the Bayport Blue Point St. Patrick's Day parade.

Updates at Meadow Croft

After Christmas at Meadow Croft when our house activities slow for the general public, we are continuously making upgrades and improvements to Meadow Croft. This winter is no exception! Or most recent indoor project is to make repairs and replace the wallpaper in the master bedroom. We can't wait for you to see the finished room when the house will open for tours again in June!

Congratulations Eagle Scout; Harry McAward

The BBPHA would like to congratulate Harry McAward of Boy Scout Troop 130 on earning the highest rank of Eagle Scout. Harry’s Eagle Court of Honor was held on January 12 at the Bayport United Methodist Church. The Heritage Association was represented at the ceremony by President Mary Bailey and Director at Large Frank Giebfried, who gave a speech congratulating Harry and thanking him for choosing Meadow Croft as the site of his service project.

As reported in a previous newsletter, Harry led his fellow scouts in the construction of a trellis that blocks from view the air conditioning units on the east side of the property. Harry’s work has greatly improved the experience for visitors to Meadow Croft, and will for years to come.

Congratulations Harry, and thank you for a job well done!

Wednesday, January 1, 2020

January 2020 Newsletter

Happy New Year 2020!

All of us at the Bayport Blue Point Heritage Association hope you had a wonderful holiday season and enjoyed special memories with family and friends.

We had a busy productive year and accomplished a great deal to support our mission of preserving the rich history of our wonderful hamlets.

Of course we could not do any of this without the support of our community; both families, friends and local businesses.

We thank you ALL for a wonderful year and look forward to 2020!

General Membership meeting:

Happy New Year! As we begin this new decade, please keep in mind our first General Membership meeting that will be held on Sunday February 9th, 2020 at 2:00 in the Bayport Blue Point Library. Please save the following dates for our meetings in the new year: 3/8, 4/19, and 5/17. Hope to see you there! Please mark your calendars!

The Lithography of Stow Wengenroth

Thank you! by Leanne Berg, Vice President of the BBPHA

A sincere Thank You from the bottom of my heart! This year was a real success! The Saturday night event and having the carriage house open for St Nick's workshop with the train show added to the enormous success of the weekend!

I would like to thank The Sayville Garden Club, The Bayport Homemakers, Neighbors and Gardeners of Bayport Blue Point, Clia Finn Designs and the Bayport Flower Houses for their hard work in decorating some of the rooms. They looked so beautiful and festive and everyone certainly enjoyed them!

This event takes so much work to put together and I cannot thank everyone enough for all their help and dedication. A special thanks to Joe and Ginny Novak, Anna Dugan, Thomas Maher Jr, Steve Birkland, Kevin Yates, Jerry McClusky and family, Erich Haesche, Lenore Prezioso and The People's United Bank. Thank you to those who donated items to raffle including; Phountain in Sayville and Audrey's Bakery for the Gingerbread houses. To our parking crew; John Amato, Charlie Colan, Bill Bailey, Dave Harenberg, Charlie Iden, & Dennis Fagan. To all the wonderful musicians and pianists who gave their time and talents: Airlea Deutscher, Marge Bolton, JK Hodge, Bill Bailey, Maurice Kemp, Lisa Pratnicki and Brianna, Mary Latini and all our wonderful docents!

Most of all, thank you to the Heritage Board. Your help and support made this weekend not only the huge success it was but so much fun to work on. We make an amazing team! Thank you Mary, John, Laura, Jen, Frank, Dennis, Sandra, Beth and Tom! Now the planning begins on Christmas at Meadow Croft 2020: Dashing Through the Snow!

Famous Bayportian: Walter Homan

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.
Walter Homan of Bayport was born in 1819 and died in 1902 at the age of 83. He had been a resident of Bayport for almost 70 years and held almost every post in the Town of Islip including collector of taxes, town assessor, and commissioner of highways. In the 1870's, Walter Homan was superintendent of the Long Island Rail Road and had the first LIRR depots built in both Bayport and Patchogue even before the tracks were fully laid that far east. From 1892 to 1894, Walter Homan served as postmaster of Bayport. As was custom in those days, his home served as the community post office. Mr. Homan was also an expert on in the history of Long Island and he took a considerable interest in politics. He was a contractor, enjoyed the highest reputation for workmanship and supervised the construction of many buildings used by the LIRR.

His imposing home in Bayport is long gone today. It stood on the North side of Middle Road directly across the street from today's Bayport Memorial Park where the gazebo and war plaques monuments are located. The old photo of the house below was taken from Bayport Heritage's "Fading Views."

Mr. Homan's boyhood home was in Patchogue where his father was the village blacksmith. It was during the cutting of a piece of steel on an anvil, that a large fragment struck Walter in one of his eyes and he lost his sight in that eye.

Walter Homan was a lifelong Republican. He was affiliated with St. Ann's Church in Sayville. He married Miss Katherine Brown and they had several children, three of which survived him; Charles, Isaac, and Kate Homan. Walter Homan is buried in St. Ann's Cemetery in Sayville.

Nominations for the BBPHA

The nominating committee is developing a slate of members for the 2020 board. There are several seats open; including directors. Any current paid BBPHA member may serve on the board. It requires only one meeting per month. If you would be willing to serve for the 2020 year, please contact John Amato at johnfamato@optonline.net.

We are also looking for members to serve on various committees throughout the year. You can work from home! If you have a particular skill or interest (house tour, special events, light clerical and organization) please contact us at BBPhistorical@gmail.com.

Bottles and Stoneware: Show and Sale

On Sunday, January 26th from 10:00-3:00 at the Juliette Low Friendship Center in Bayport, the Long Island Antique Bottle Association will host show and sale. Please note that the JLF, located on Lakeview Ave in Bayport is not on the Camp Edey Property but approximately a 1/2 mile north of Montauk Hwy, on the west side of Lakeview Ave. Sale tables available as well as limited space for displays. For more information call 631-589-9027 or email libottle@optonline.net. Free appraisals!

Sunday, December 1, 2019

December 2019 Newsletter

Please join us!

It's almost time for our Annual Christmas at Meadow Croft! This year's event will be held on

December 7 & 8, 2019

From 12:00-4:00

There will be special exhibits, electric trains, dolls, wood carvings, and of course St. Nicholas will be there. Visit him in the Carriage House and have your picture taken with him.

The Roosevelt piano will be filling the air with holiday music and the festive decorations and baskets will be raffled off.

Admission is $5.00 per person.

Enjoy some hot cocoa and join us for this historic festive event!

The theme this year will be;

All Creatures Great and Small!

On Saturday December 7th, you can come and take a private guided tour of Meadow Croft all aglow with Christmas!

Refreshments will be served. This event is for adults only.

Be sure to reserve your spot early, space is limited at 40 people. Just a few slots available!

Price is $25 per person and it will run from 7:00-9:00PM.

Help wanted: If you can lend a hand with parking for this event (directing traffic), on either day, please contact John Amato by email. johnfamato@optonline.net We also are in need of 2 piano players to volunteer, only 1 hour of your time and talents.

Holiday Cheer with LIHS!

Join us for Holiday Cheer!

Long Island Historical Societies

December 12th, 2019 From 12 noon to 5p.m.

Private Tours of Decorated Coe Hall & The Robert Moses Archives Holiday Luncheon and Gathering

The Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park 1395 Planting Fields Road Oyster Bay, NY 11771 Limited Registration: Cost Per Person $45.00 R.S.V.P. by ***December 3, 2019***

Please make your checks payable to: LIHS (Long Island Historical Society) Please mail checks to c/o Suffolk County Historical Society 300 West Main Street Riverhead, NY 11901 ________________________________________________________________________________

Eagle Scout Project at MC

Special thanks to Connor Spence from Troop 329 who recently completed his Eagle Scout project at Meadow Croft! Connor built and erected six bat houses in the wooded area surrounding Meadow Croft. Bats eat insects, including mosquitoes and reduces the need for pesticides. They are nocturnal mammals that help the environment. Thank you Connor and Troop 329 for your donation to Meadow Croft!

Nominations for BBPHA

Sunday, November 3, 2019

November 2019 Newsletter

November 10, 2019

at the Bayport Blue Point Library at 2:00 pm.

Amazing Women and How They Got the Right to Vote

Celebrate the centennial of women being granted their right to vote with this presentation by the Long Island Suffragists Committee of the Islip Area Branch of the American Association of University Women. They will focus on the seven major facets of the suffrage movement, featuring the activities of leaders in our own backyard - Long Island and Suffolk County. Vintage slides and stories will enhance this dynamic, informative, and fast paced program.

All are welcome to attend.

Christmas at Meadow Croft...

It's almost time for our Annual Christmas at Meadow Croft! This year's event will be held on December 7 & 8, 2019. There will be special exhibits, electric trains, dolls, wood carvings, and of course St. Nicholas will be there. The Roosevelt piano will be filling the air with holiday music and the festive decorations and baskets will be raffled off. The theme this year will be;

All Creatures Great and Small!

Our chairperson, Mrs. Leanne Berg still needs volunteers. If you would like to volunteer some time, have unique items to display, or items to donate, please give Leanne a call. Her number is 631-235-1702.

Help wanted: If you can lend a hand with parking for this event (directing traffic), on either day, please contact John Amato by email. johnfamato@optonline.net We also are in need of 2 piano players to volunteer, only 1 hour of your time and talents.

Lion's Club visits Meadow croft

The Bayport Blue Point Community Lions Club visited Meadow Croft this past month. More than 30 members came to Meadow Croft on a rainy Sunday in October to have a tour and enjoy some lunch. Veteran docents Jerry McClusky and Frank Giebfried split the group and led them on a tour the historic home, telling them the story of John Ellis Roosevelt and how his family spent their summers on Long Island. After the tour, the members enjoyed a delicious lunch and had plenty of laughs in the carriage house. Along with the history lesson, the group relished in a tasting of the fabulous wines from Loughlin Vinyards. It was our honor and pleasure hosting such a wonderful community organization!

90th Anniversary for Blue Point Elementary School

Our community recently celebrated Blue Point Elementary's 90th Anniversary, which was hosted by the Bayport-Blue Point Union Free School District, Bayport Blue Point Heritage Association and the Blue Point Community Coalition!
The Elementary School which has been on Blue Point Ave since 1873 has evolved over the years. The brick Blue Point Elementary School building you see today was originally dedicated in 1929 that housed students in grades 1-8 and just 147 students were registered. This year, marks the buildings 90th Anniversary. The dedication of the district and buildings administration team, teachers and staff members, the hard work of its students, and support from the community, has made Blue Point Elementary School the cornerstone to this great community.
This special day wouldn’t be complete without the inspiring words of Blue Point Elementary schools current and former students. BBP High School senior Lizzy A, and lifetime residents and former Blue Point Elementary students, Dennis McCarthy and Joe Monteith, shared the love for their school and the wonderful memories of fellow students, staff and their days at Blue Point Elementary.
After a beautiful celebration with administration, current students, staff and community leaders on the front lawn of the school, the community was invited into the auditorium to browse the photos and memorabilia collected from Historian Gene Horton and community members. It was a fantastic celebration and a wonderful stroll down memory lane. Congratulations Blue Point Elementary school!

Historic Haunts of long island...

On Wednesday, October 23, the BBPHA hosted a special presentation by author Kerriann Flanagan Brosky and paranormal investigator Joe Giaquinto. The two discussed ghosts and legends from Kerriann’s book Historic Haunts of Long Island. The sold-out audience of over fifty people was entertained with the history of various Long Island locations, as well as the paranormal activity that was investigated at these sites. The pair previously investigated Bayport’s own Grey Horse Tavern, soon to be JT’s Farmhouse, which was included in the book.
The ladies’ parlor at Meadow Croft was an appropriate setting for the lecture, as the house will be included in Kerriann and Joe’s next book. The two visited Meadow Croft this past April and researched the history of the house and the Roosevelt family. They also conducted a paranormal investigation. Look for the results when their book is published in 2021!

Thank you!

Meadow Croft is open for tours every weekend from June through October. During this time, trained docents guide visitors through the historic estate, share the rich history of John Ellis Roosevelt and his family and explain the daily happenings of life in the early 1900's.

Our docents are self-less volunteers who give up their weekend time to share this knowledge because of their commitment of preserving local history and making our community a better place. Three cheers for all of them! Thank you for all you do to help the BBPHA achieve it's goals.

Jerry McCluskey

Jim Connell

Aagun Connell

Joe and Ginnie Novak

Frank Giebfried

Beth LaMarca

Jennifer Economos

Lynn Clarke

Mary Lou Cohalan

Lenore Ringer-Prezioso

Gene Horton

Flo Olsson

John Griffin

And Harriet Mihlstein who organizes the docent schedule for the season.

Saturday, October 26, 2019

Historic Haunts of Long Island

The event was a great success!

Kerri Ann Flanigan Brosky and Joe Giaquinto wowed the packed ladies parlor at Meadow Croft with snippets from their ghost explorations, with a book signing at the end.

Hope you were able to join us!

Monday, October 7, 2019

October 2019 Newsletter

General Membership meeting: Sunday October 13, 2019

Farming Through The Ages

Sunday October 13, 2019

Please join us at our next general membership meeting as we welcome Roy Fedelem, president of the Sayville Historical Society and former Farmland Administrator for Suffolk County. This presentation will include the history of farming on Long Island, what crops were grown, and what changes have occurred over the years. Roy will also discuss Suffolk County as the leading agricultural county in New York State and the county's pioneering role in farmland preservation. As always, the meeting begins at 2:00 at the Bayport Blue Point Library. Hope to see you there!

Next meeting: November 10th 2019, Amazing Women and how They Got the Vote

* The Stow Wegenroth presentation will be re-scheduled for February 2020.*

Autumn House Tour ~ CANCELLED

It is very unfortunate that we have to cancel this tour again but after months of knocking on doors, handing out flyers and asking friends and neighbors, we just do not have the homes to showcase for our Autumn House Tour. We thank those volunteers who hit the pavement in search of gracious BBP homeowners, but we came up short. When people do commit and then rescind their offer at the last minute, it makes the job even harder to secure homes. Maybe next year...

Historic Haunts of Long Island

Special Presentation at Meadow Croft

October 23 at 7:00

Please join us for a special presentation on Wednesday, October 23 at Meadow Croft as we welcome Kerriann Flanagan Brosky and Joe Giaquinto for their presentation, Historic Haunts of Long Island.

Take a ghostly journey through Long Island’s history, from Native American legends to the Revolutionary War and beyond. Through extensive research, interviews and investigations, award winning author and historian Kerriann Flanagan Brosky, working alongside medium and paranormal investigator Joe Giaquinto, has uncovered Long Island’s eerie history. Kerriann and Joe’s credibility and unique approach to ghost investigating and the paranormal allow them to uncover mysteries and untold tales, like the ghosts that lurk the halls of Oheka Castle in Cold Spring Hills. Even popular businesses have otherworldly visitors, like Bayport’s own Grey Horse Tavern (soon to be JT’s Farmhouse) and the Cutchogue Village Green. Long Island’s history has been unearthed and preserved through the ghost stories and spirts who have made their presence known; those who have lived before us, and those who continue to guide us.

Earlier this year, Kerriann and Joe researched and investigated Meadow Croft and will present some of their initial paranormal findings. We are happy to announce that Meadow Croft will be included in their book to be published in 2021!

Registration is required and a $5.00 fee will be collected at the door. Please email bbphistorical@gmail.com or call 631-245-8457 to register. Seating is limited to 50.

Christmas At Meadow Croft

Mark your calendars now for our Annual Christmas at Meadow Croft! This year's event will be held on December 7 & 8, 2019. There will be special exhibits, electric trains, dolls, wood carvings, and of course St. Nicholas will be there. The Roosevelt piano will be filling the air with holiday music and the festive decorations and baskets will be raffled off. The theme this year will be; All Creatures Great and Small!

Our chairperson, Mrs. Leanne Berg is starting her planning now and needs volunteers. If you would like to volunteer some time, have unique items to display, or items to donate, please give Leanne a call. Her number is 631-235-1702.

On Saturday December 7th, you can come and take a private guided tour of Meadow Croft all aglow with Christmas! Refreshments will be served. This event is for adults only. Be sure to reserve your spot early, space is limited at 40 people. Price is $25 per person and it will run from 6-9:00. Register and purchase tickets online only at: www.bayportbluepointheritage.org Last year we sold out so register early!

Help wanted: If you can lend a hand with parking for this event (directing traffic), on either day, please contact John Amato by email. johnfamato@optonline.net

Trunk or Treat

Inviting all boys and ghouls!

On Saturday October 26th The BBPHA will host a Trunk or Treat! It will run from 12:00-2:00 for families and kids up to 12 years old. It will cost $7.00 per child and will include pumpkin decorating, a costume contest with prizes, apple cider and safe trick or treating at Meadow Croft. You can register online here. A fun family event! (weather permitting)

Blue Point Elementary celebrate 90 years!

originally published in The Patch

In honor of the anniversary, the school district has planned a commemorative community celebration on Friday, Oct. 25. The event will take place at the school on 212 Blue Point Avenue from 3:45 p.m. to 5 p.m. During the school day, students, honored guests and local officials will officially commemorate the occasion with an in-school assembly program.

All residents, alumni and friends from near and far are invited to join in on the celebration after school which will feature a museum walk down memory lane, filled with some never-before-seen treasures from the school's rich history. In addition, to add to the collection of historical memorabilia with help of local historians, the district is looking for donations from community residents, alumni and friends to help increase the size of a walking museum that is planned for the event.

Anyone looking to donate old photos, news articles or anything specially connected to Blue Point Elementary School throughout the years is encouraged to contact Melissa Weinstein at 472-7860 ext. 8001.

BBP Heritage Association

Last month for House Tours! Every Saturday and Sunday from 2-4.
Now on Instagram: @BBPHeritage

Meadow Croft Estate, Middle Road, Sayville, NY, USA bbphistorical@gmail.com 631-472-4625 BayportBluePointHeritage.org

Saturday, February 1, 2020

February 2020 Newsletter

Business District; Downtown Bayport, c.1910

Researching your home...

St Patrick's Day Parade...

Updates at Meadow Croft

Congratulations Eagle Scout; Harry McAward

BBPHA

Wednesday, January 1, 2020

January 2020 Newsletter

General Membership meeting:

Christmas at Meadow Croft: All Creatures Great and Small

Thank you! by Leanne Berg, Vice President of the BBPHA

Famous Bayportian: Walter Homan

Nominations for the BBPHA

Bottles and Stoneware: Show and Sale

BBPHA

Sunday, December 1, 2019

December 2019 Newsletter

Christmas At Meadow Croft

Please join us!

Holiday Cheer with LIHS!

Eagle Scout Project at MC

Nominations for BBPHA

General Membership meetings...

BBPHA

Sunday, November 3, 2019

November 2019 Newsletter

Christmas at Meadow Croft...

Preview Christmas at MC...

Lion's Club visits Meadow croft

90th Anniversary for Blue Point Elementary School

Historic Haunts of long island...

Thank you!

BBPHA

Saturday, October 26, 2019

Historic Haunts of Long Island

Monday, October 7, 2019

October 2019 Newsletter

Autumn House Tour ~ CANCELLED

Christmas At Meadow Croft

Trunk or Treat

Blue Point Elementary celebrate 90 years!

Psychic Night at MC

Gene Horton

BBP Heritage Association