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.

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

Reminder: Sneak Peek!

Join us!

Every weekend from June through October, trained docents offer House Tours of the historic Meadow Croft estate. This fall and winter, the members of the BBPHA have been hard at work making improvements and updating rooms and displays made possible by donations and special events. This year, we would like to offer a special "Sneak Peek" for only a limited number of guests to be held on Friday evening, May 31st from 7:00-9:00 PM. A personalized tour will be offered and refreshments will be served. Tickets for this special event can be purchased online only at $25.00 per person. You can find the webpage by clicking here. You can also reach us at 631.472.4625 or email bbphistorical@gmail.com.

We hope you can join us for this special "Sneak Peek" event or sometime this season! Great things are happening at Meadow Croft all the time!

Wednesday, May 1, 2019

May 2019 Newsletter

General Membership meeting

Meadow Croft: History and Restoration

Sunday, May 19, 2019 2:00 at Meadow Croft

Please note: Meeting will not be in the library.

Please join us at our next general membership meeting when we welcome our guest speaker Richard Martin, the Director of Historic Services for the Suffolk County Department of Parks. Richard’s office manages over 200 historic structures containing an array of buildings, gardens, and sites of cultural and historical significance, including Meadow Croft.

Richard has been involved with Meadow Croft from the earliest days of its restoration, even living in the caretaker’s cottage on the property for a time. His research has included discussions of the house and its surroundings with members of the Roosevelt family, historians, and local residents (including caretaker Barney Loughlin). Richard will take us on an informal tour of the house and property, where he will discuss the history of Meadow Croft and share his personal knowledge and memories of its restoration. Questions are welcomed and encouraged, so come prepared!

Please note that this meeting will take place at Meadow Croft, not the library.

Meadow Croft tour ~ Sneak peek

Every weekend from June through October, trained docents offer House Tours of the historic Meadow Croft estate. This fall and winter, the members of the BBPHA have been hard at work making improvements and updating rooms and displays made possible by donations and special events. This year, we would like to offer a special "Sneak Peak" for only a limited number of guests to be held on Friday evening, May 31st from 7:00-9:00 PM. A personalized tour will be offered and refreshments will be served. Tickets for this special event can be purchased online only at $25.00 per person. You can find the webpage by clicking here. We hope you can join us for this special "Sneak Peak" event or sometime this season! Great things are happening at Meadow Croft all the time!

Bayport Land Use and Zoning study

Last night, April 30th 2019, the Town of Islip hosted a public open house at the Bayport Fire House on the study of land use in three distinct areas of Bayport. The areas in consideration of re-zoning are located on Montauk Highway, Middle Road (Bayport's Historic Hamlet Center) and an industrial area located on Rjon Road currently occupied by Wenner Bakery. This article was prepared prior to any updates on said meeting.

The Town proposes additional workshop meetings to gain the Bayport communities input. Each of the three areas has its own unique character with regard to land usage, circulation patterns, and development pressure on vacant and underutilized properties. The study hopes to better understand the impact on each area of our community and the potential for growth in Bayport. The Town of Islip would like to hear from Bayport's homeowners, businesses, and landowners and hopes they share their concerns to effect a positive change to the existing zoning laws.

Please keep updated on these current events happening in our community! Your voice needs to be heard!

Membership now due!

It's that time of year! The BHA is now requesting your membership dues. If you would like to pay for this year, please mail payment to Bayport Blue Point Heritage Association PO Box 4 Bayport NY 11705. Please include your name, address and email on all correspondence. Make checks payable to Bayport Blue Point Heritage Association. You can also make payment directly from our webpage which can be found here . Any questions can be directed to bbphistorical@gmail.com. Thank you to all of our generous members! New members welcome!

Membership Type

Annual $25.00

Senior $10.00

Corporate $100.00

Donation $___

upcoming events!

Meadow Croft House Tours: As mentioned above, the BBPHA will begin it's annual house tours at Meadow Croft starting in June. Each weekend, from 2:00-4:00, trained docents will guide you on a house tour. Special display this year will be of the Sayville Yacht Club. Did you know that John Ellis Roosevelt was the first Commodore of the SYC? To learn more about this organization, come on down to Meadow Croft this summer!
If you are interested in becoming a docent, volunteering only part time, please give us a call!

Summer Concerts: The BBPHA will once again provide two spectacular summer concerts FREE for our communities to enjoy. The first concert is scheduled on July 25th from 6-8 at Bayport Memorial Park. This concert will feature The Flat Leavers! The second concert will be on August 22nd and returning will be The Lazy Bunny Ukulele Band. Mark your calendars! Always a fun time for the whole family!

Historic Boat Tour: The Great South Bay is not only a beautiful part of our communities' summer fun but it has significant historic homes located on the bay as well as a tremendous history to share! Join us for a historic boat tour leaving from Sayville's Ferry dock. This tour will be scheduled for August 7th. More information on pricing and details for this evening to follow.

Autumn House Tour: Each October, the BBPHA hosts a historical house tour of homes right in our community. This is our biggest fundraiser which allows us to complete updates, repairs and displays to Meadow Croft and offer free programs like the summer concerts for our friends in the BBP community. While 5 months away, this venture takes a tremendous amount of planning and preparation and WE NEED YOU! If you would like to help or volunteer or have a historic, interesting or architectural significant home that we could showcase, please contact us.

Memorial Day Parade: Each year the BBPHA marches in the Memorial Day Parade and places a wreath in remembrance at Bayport Memorial Park. All are encouraged to attend. If you would like to march with us, please call us at 631-472-4625.

Tuesday, April 2, 2019

April 2019 Newsletter

General Membership meeting

The Barns of Bayport and Blue Point

Sunday, April 14, 2019 2:00 at the BBP Library

Mary Lou Cohalan’s interest in barns began several decades ago when she moved to a home in Bayport that had--you guessed it--a barn on the property. Please join Mary Lou at our next general membership meeting where she will discuss the barns and outbuildings from the turn of the century that still exist in Bayport and Blue Point. These picturesque structures are often our only link to the great estates and working farms that once defined our communities.

St. Patrick's Day Parade

It was a beautiful day for the Bayport and Blue Point communities to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a parade! This parade was re-scheduled from a rain soaked March 10th date but the weather was glorious and the atmosphere was festive. It was worth the wait!

Our Grand Marshal, Lenore Ringer-Prezioso was excitedly waving to the crowd which lined both sides of Montauk Hwy. The BBP HS Band was outstanding as was the various other musical performers. The local businesses were well represented and everyone had jovial Irish time!

Thank you to everyone who came out to march with the BBPHA or cheered us on!

Heirloom Garden

The Meadow Croft heirloom garden is in need of a Spring cleaning. It may not seem a like a huge space, but there is plenty of room and a variety of tasks to keep people entertained by the wonders of nature. We are looking for hands to help. Our Master Gardner is Ann Soper.

For the initial cleanup we will be raking, cutting and possibly digging or tilling. It is recommended to wear layers, bringing a hat, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, a kneeling pad and something to keep you hydrated. If you have a leaf rake, hand rake, pruners, trowel, weeding tool, bucket for debris, these would all be useful. Most important is a desire to help, regardless of knowledge or ability. There is something for every level of gardener, so don't feel you can't take part! Contact the BBPHA at 631-472-4625 with any questions. Looking forward to another beautiful season!

Updates at Meadow Croft

During the winter months when Meadow Croft is closed to the public, the Executive Board of BBPHA did some cleaning up and authorized some much needed updates, especially in the girls room. New period accurate wallpaper was installed and there was also some repairs to the walls where new spackling was needed. As a turn of the century home, there is always work to do!

We look forward to finalizing details and sprucing up Meadow Croft to open her doors again to the public starting every weekend in June. A special early "Sneak Peek" evening is in the planning stages. More info to follow.

Thank you!

Each March the Nominating Committee accepts nominations for new Executive Board positions, as per our By- Laws. At this time we would like to welcome Sandra Iden as a new director. We look forward to working with new people and hearing new ideas!

At the same time, we need to say Thank You to Dave Harenberg, who is stepping down as a director. Dave has put in numerous years and countless hours as a vital member of our organization. Dave will still be involved and we are grateful for that as well as his years of volunteer service to the BBPHA.

So, Welcome to Sandra and Thank You to Dave!

Saturday, March 2, 2019

March 2019 Newsletter

General Membership meeting

Historic Crimes of Long Island

Sunday, March 3, 2019 2:00 at the BBP Library

Beyond the idyllic countryside and suburban communities of Long Island lies a murky history of murder and mayhem. A Victorian romance went awry in Huntington when wealthy farmer Charles Kelsey was tarred, feathered and murdered in 1872. Thirty-five years before the famous witch trials of Salem, East Hampton had its own Puritan hysteria among charges of witchcraft. The 1937 kidnapping of wealthy heiress Alice Parsons shook the quiet town of Stony Brook and remains a mystery to this day.

Please join us at the next general membership meeting as we welcome award-winning author and historian Kerriann Flanagan Brosky who will uncover some of the most ghastly and fascinating historical crimes committed on Long Island.

St. Patrick's Day parade

On Sunday March 10th at 11:00, Bayport and Blue Point will be celebrating St. Patrick's Day with our annual parade. This is the 29th year for this festive outing. This year the Grand Marshal will be Lenore Ringer-Prezioso. If you would like to march with the BBPHA, please contact us! Information can be found below. We look forward to celebrating our wonderful communities and thank the Bayport-Blue Point Chamber of Commerce for their dedication to this annual event!

Help wanted....

House Tour: It is never too early to start planning our Annual House Tour. If you have a historic house in the Bayport or Blue Point community or a home that has architectural significance or charm, please contact us! We would love to showcase your home in our tour to share the history of our communities. We also need help with planning and promotion. If you have some time to give back to your community, in any way, shape or form, WE NEED YOU!

Docents: From June through October tours of the historic Meadow Croft home are given every weekend by our small group of dedicated docents. We are always looking for new names and faces to led our tours. If you are interested, contact us below. Training provided.

Heirloom Garden: Who has a green thumb? Ok, not necessary but volunteering to help with Meadow Croft's Heirloom Garden will make your heart full and maybe turn your brown thumb green! All levels of experience needed. Join the fun!

Did you know.....

In 1873, The South Side Rail Road of Long Island was trying to lure business men to purchase homes along the Bayport and Blue Point branch of the railroad. In a piece published by the South Side Railroad company and written by George L. Catlin, the virtues of our two hamlets are written about:

Bayport

(50 1/2 miles; 2 hours 41 minutes 4 trains each way daily)

We reach a village that is justly proud of the fact that there is not a pauper of a destitute family within it's borders. At this point there are several quite elegant dwellings (among which may be mentioned that of Walter Homans, late Superintendent of the South Side R.R. Co.) , and Episcopal church, with a Union church about to be erected, a well-conducted District school, a post office, and several well-stocked stores. The oyster and fish business of Bayport is also considerable, the Bay at this point being navigable up to the village front, with no intermediate marsh or meadow land. The population of Bayport is about 500. Stages connect at this point with all trains. Three quarters of a mile further we stop for a moment at the pleasant little village of...

Blue Point

(51 1/4 miles; 2 hours 44 min. 4 trains each way daily)

With a population of two hundred, and a large oyster business, which has given the bivalves from this locality a distinctive name in the market. "Blue Point" oysters are famous for the excellence the country over.

There are two churches - Baptist and Methodist - a post office and school at Blue Point. The price of land here, and indeed at all points hence from Bablyon, may be quoted the same as at Bayshore.

Saturday, February 9, 2019

Updates: February 2019

General Membership meeting

Please join us for our February General Membership meeting on 2/10/19 at 2:00 at the BBP Library.

Long Island and the Civil War

Although no battles were fought on Long Island, the Civil War deeply affected all of its residents. More than three thousand men answered the call to preserve the Union. Local women raised thousands of dollars for Union hospitals, and Long Island companies manufactured uniforms, drums, and medicines. Please join the Bayport Blue Point Heritage Association as we welcome local author Bill Bleyer for a presentation on this fascinating story, from the polarizing 1860 presidential campaign to the wartime experiences of Long Islanders on the battlefield and at home. A book signing will follow. All are welcome to attend.

ASCHS Quartely meeting All are invited to attend!

Watermill, NY ITINERARY L.I.H.S. QUARTERLY MEETING Saturday, March 16, 2019

RSVP by Saturday, March 9, 2019 (How do I do that?) Write: a $45 check made out to the L.I.H.S. Include: meal choice Nos. 1, 2 or 3 in the memo of the check. Mail to: L.I.H.S., c/o Suffolk County Historical Society 300 W. Main St., Riverhead, NY 11901

STOP ONE: Watermill Center, 39 Watermill Towd Road, Water Mill, NY 11976 (631 726- 4628)

9:00 – 9:15 am: Registration and light refreshments (Watermill Center) 9:20 am : Welcome Elka Rifkin, Director of the Watermill Center 9:30 am – 10:45am Tour Begins

The Watermill Center: Searching for a new artistic base and incubator for his work, theater director Robert Wilson found a former Western Union research facility in 1986. Abandoned since the 1960s, the building, on the outpost of the Shinnecock Reservation in Water Mill, NY, was in terrible condition, but it had the potential he had been looking for. The building also had a storied history as it was the site where the stylus for the first fax machine had been developed.

STOP TWO: Parrish Art Museum, 279 Montauk Highway, Water Mill, NY 11976 (631-283-2118)

11:30 – 12:45 Tour

Early Years: The Art Museum at Southampton Samuel Longstreth Parrish (1849-1932) was born into a family of prominent Philadelphia Quakers and educated at Harvard College, where he first developed his taste for the Italian Renaissance. Parrish began collecting art seriously in the early 1880s, shortly after moving his successful law practice from Philadelphia to New York. During these same years, he regularly visited his family home in Southampton. The village, then as now a popular summer resort, quickly caught his interest and before long he became actively involved in its affairs.

LUNCH: Parrish Art Museum, $45 please choose one entrée

1:00pm Lunch includes mixed green salad & desert platter

Pick one 1. Garden Vegetable Lasagna Our garden vegetable lasagna is full of delicately sautéed zucchini, yellow squash, mushrooms, fresh spinach, garlic and fresh basil. 2. BBQ Chicken Breast Made with House-Made BBQ Sauce French-cut chicken breast grilled and tossed in our famous, housed-made barbeque sauce, then slow roasted until fall-of-the-bone delicious. 3. Roasted Canadian Salmon with Fresh Herbs, Lemon, Wine & Olive Oil Heart-healthy, Canadian farm-raised, whole salmon filet perfectly roasted and topped with a light, summery lemon, wine and fresh herb sauce.

With sympathy....

It is with sympathy and great sadness that we mourn the passing of Barbara Sherman. She was diagnosed in September with Pancreatic Cancer. Barbara was a long time docent at Meadow Croft and was always willing to help out whenever we might need her. The BBPHA sends Barbara's family our love and condolences during this difficult time. She will be missed.

Saturday, February 2, 2019

February 2019 Newsletter

General Membership Meeting

Please join us for our

February General Membership Meeting

on February 10th, 2019 at 2:00pm

at the Bayport Blue Point Library.

Long Island and the Civil War

Autumn House Tour

It's never too early to start planning! We are looking for volunteers to showcase your beautiful home located in either Bayport or Blue Point. Homes should be of historical significance, have unique architecture, or have some connection to our local histories. The BBPHA does all the work!
We also would like to have additional volunteers help us run this event. This includes securing homes, volunteers to be house guides, and help with advertising. If you'd like to help in any way, please contact us at 631-472-4625.

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.

Tuesday, January 1, 2019

Newsletter: January 2019

Happy New Year!

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 for a wonderful year and look forward to 2019!

Christmas at Meadow Croft

The 12 Days of Christmas!

By Vice President; Leanne Berg

This year was a huge hit! The new additions of the Saturday night event and having the Carriage house open as St Nick's work shop 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 beautiful and everyone 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, Emilie Berg and Ava Shuren, Harrison Berg, Allie Lynn, all the wonderful musicians and pianists 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 fun to work on. We make an amazing team!
Here’s to a wonderful 2018, onto Christmas at Meadow Croft 2019: All Creatures Great and Small.

Odds and Ends...

Docents: If you have an interest in Bayport or Blue Point History and would like to volunteer some time to provide a guided tour of Meadow Croft: WE NEED YOU! The association is in need of docents. It requires very little time, less than two hours a day, two days a month from June through October. You will shadow one of our current knowledgeable docents to learn the rich history of Meadow Croft before you will lead a tour on your own. If this sounds like something you may be interested in, please call Harriet Mihlstin at 631-472-2118.

General Membership Meeting: Our next general membership meeting will be on February 10th 2019 at the BBP library from 2:00-4:00. It will feature speaker and author Bill Bleyer speaking on how Queens, Nassau and Suffolk counties were involved in the Civil War. Although no battles were fought on Long Island, the Civil War deeply affected all of it's residents. More than 3000 men answered the call to preserve the Union and local women raised thousand of dollars for Union hospitals, and Long Island manufactured uniforms, drums, and medicines. Bill will also have his book available for purchase and signing. Save the date!

Nominations for the BHA Board of Directors:
The nominating committee is developing a slate of members for the 2019 board. There are several seats open; including directors. Any current BBPHA member may serve on the board. It requires only one meeting per month. If you would be willing to serve for the 2019 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.

Updates at Meadow Croft

Recently the BBPHA have started some much needed renovations at the historic Meadow Croft estate. We have decided to update some of the old, faded and peeling wallpaper and repair some of the cracks and crumbling plaster work in the house. Careful consideration was given to the design and color of the updated wallpaper to match the original style and theme of the home. The BBPHA thanks the many people who support our events and become members so it allows us to continue the important work of maintaining and preserving the rich history of Bayport and Blue Point.

Long Island Bottle Association

On Sunday January 27th, the Long Island Antique Bottle Association will hold a show and sale at the GSSC Juliette Low Friendship Center on Lakeview Avenue in Bayport. Manufacture and bottling of beverages was one of the earliest industries on Long Island. There will be displays, door prizes and all kinds of bottles and stoneware for viewing and sale. Free bottle appraisals too. If you are looking for a fun activity, come on out to the show. It runs from 9:00-2:00 and there is a suggested donation of $3.00 to enter. More info: libottle@optonline.net

New Library on the Way

The residents of Bayport and Blue Point made a strong showing for the library vote in November. A true testament to the commitment to the community. The majority of the voters logged "approve" votes and the plan has begun to purchase the Ursaline Center and convert it to the new Bayport-Blue Point Library. The firm of BBS in Patchogue presented the proposed drawing of the inside areas which looks to provide more than ample space for a full service library much like the new Sayville Library, which was moved to Greene Avenue and rebuilt years ago. The BBP Heritage Association has had a great relationship with the library. The library staff has provided meeting space each month at which we provide the community with educational presentations related to local history. We consider ourselves not just friends of the library but close partners in providing services to our communities. The BBP Heritage Association has been under a charter from the NYS Education Department as a historical entity charged with providing it's members and community with education about local history. This has been the mission since our inception in 1986. The dedicated "Gene Horton" local history room is proof of the library's commitment to local history and Gene's love for both history and the Bayport and Blue Point.
The new larger facility will provide opportunities to better provide the community with education about our great towns and their significance in the larger County of Suffolk. The Association will certainly continue it's fine relationship with the library and look to expand our presence in the new, larger space. Stay tuned.

Saturday, December 1, 2018

December 2018 Newsletter

Christmas at Meadow Croft

Happy Holidays!

Today and tomorrow we will celebrate Christmas at Meadow Croft. From 12:00-4:00 Meadow Croft will be open for all to enjoy the sights and sounds of the holidays. Come see the John Ellis Roosevelt mansion all decked out for Christmas! The Carriage House will also be open with Ole' St. Nick and a vintage train display. Raffles will be sold as holiday music will be played on the Roosevelt piano in the ladies parlor. Hot cocoa and cookies will also be available!

Special thanks to our chairperson for organizing this event; Leanne Berg!

Nominations for the BBPHA Board

The nominating committee is developing a slate of members for the 2019 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 2019 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.

Did you know????

In the 1940's Bayport had one of our very own become a famous movie star and tv actor; Troy Donahue! Troy was an actor starring in Hollywood movies but his roots were in Bayport. He was born in 1936 to Merle and Edith Johnson and his real name was Merle Johnson jr. Troy and his family grew up on Middle Road before he went off to Hollywood and became a heart-throb among teenage girls everywhere. Troy had a successful career, was married 3 times and had 2 children. He struggled with drugs and alcohol and he died of a heart attack in 2001.

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

~ Reminder: Sneak Peek at Meadow Croft ~

Join us!

Wednesday, May 1, 2019

Meadow Croft tour ~ Sneak peek

Bayport Land Use and Zoning study

Membership now due!

upcoming events!

Follow us!

Tuesday, April 2, 2019

St. Patrick's Day Parade

Heirloom Garden

Updates at Meadow Croft

Thank you!

BBPHA

Saturday, March 2, 2019

St. Patrick's Day parade

Help wanted....

Did you know.....

BBPHA

Saturday, February 9, 2019

General Membership meeting

ASCHS Quartely meeting All are invited to attend!

With sympathy....

Saturday, February 2, 2019

St Patrick's Day Parade....

Autumn House Tour

Researching your home...

BBPHA

Tuesday, January 1, 2019

~ January 2019 Newsletter ~

Happy New Year!

Christmas at Meadow Croft

Odds and Ends...

Updates at Meadow Croft

Long Island Bottle Association

New Library on the Way

Bayport Civic Association

BBPHA

Saturday, December 1, 2018

Christmas at Meadow Croft

Nominations for the BBPHA Board

Did you know????

BBPHA