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.

Sunday, August 20, 2023

House Tour 2023 Homes Needed! It could be YOU!

The Autumn House Tour is one of our most loved and successful fundraisers. However, without the homes to show, we cannot have this event. 

Two weeks ago we were all set with 5 beautiful home to showcase. 

Unfortunately, do to unforeseen circumstances, two of the home owners had to pull their homes from the tour. 

This leaves us with too few to move forward. 

So within the next two weeks, in order to have this amazing event, we need you to step up and offer your lovely home for the 2023 tour.

 YES YOU! 

Your home doesn’t have to be historic. 

We just love to showcase the beautiful homes in our community. 

Give us a call and let’s not miss this fun and interesting fundraising tour. 

Thank you in advance!

Bbphistorical@gmail.com or

Mary 631-495-7238

Thursday, August 3, 2023

~ August 2023 Newsletter ~

Welcome August 2023

The lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer! We hope you are enjoying your summer and all that it has to offer! The BBPHA has been busy with lots of summertime events and planning for even more.

House Tours of Meadow Croft are happening every weekend from 2:00-4:00. Come check out the summer home of J.E. Roosevelt and what life was like in 1900. Lots of updates, displays and additions.

Our General Membership meetings will continue in September-November. Check out the dates and schedule below. We have our Historic Sunset Boat Cruise happening on August 2nd. This event has just sold out! The rain date is August 3rd. Make sure you are on the ferry at 5:45 for check in. Always a wonderful event!

Our traditional Autumn House Tour is in the planning stages and we still need a couple of homes to round out the day. If you have a historic or architectural significant home, please consider your home for our tour. Contact us for more information.

Finally, our yearly signature event, Christmas At Meadow Croft will be held on December 2nd & 3rd this year. The theme this year is "Jolly Ole St. Nick" and our planning begins now. We are in need of musicians (pianists and violinists) for the event. If you are interested, please reach out to our chair; Leanne Berg at 631-235-1702. Mark your calendars for another festive event.

More information on all of these events can be found on our webpage or below. Mark your calendars for these wonderful community events!

General Membership Meetings

Save the dates! The following general membership meetings are open to all. Held at the BBP Library from 2:00-4:00. Light refreshments served.

Women in Long Island’s Past

September 17, 2023

2-4pm

Presented by Natalie Naylor

Nationally notable women and local leaders have been part of Long Island’s history but nearly invisible in the records and local history books. Authors, artists, suffragists, pioneering pilots, and innumerable other women have left their mark on Long Island’s past. Historian and author, Natalie Naylor presents an overview of Long Island women’s roles in Native American culture, colonial settlements, the Revolution, art, aviation, civic and other activities. Women with national reputations include multiple first ladies with Long Island roots as well as others who are important locally such as physicist Gertrude Goldhaber of Bayport . Based on her book; Women in Long Island’s Past: A History of Eminent Ladies and Everyday Lives.

The October meeting will be as follows:

The Cuban Giants: the 1st professional Black Baseball Team

October 15, 2023

2-4pm

Presented by Mary Casone

Sayville Library Visits Meadow Croft

We always love to share the rich history of the Roosevelt’s and their summer home Meadow Croft. So when Sayville Reference Librarian, Peter Baumann asked us to set up a tour for the Sayville library patrons we were eager to oblige. So on July 20th, 16 guests came to the estate, some down the long dirt drive and some by kayak, and they were given a full history and tour of how the Roosevelt's spent their summer days and nights in Sayville in the early 1900’s. We just want to say to thank the Sayville Library for bringing a lovely group to Meadow Croft.

”History shared is History Remembered”

If you’d like to book a tour for a group (10 or more), email us at bbphistorical@gmail.com

Thank you!

Special thanks goes to Gene Casey and the Lone Sharks & The Ed Travers Band for two terrific concerts at Bayport Memorial Park this summer. The BBPHA was proud to provide these two FREE concerts to our communities. It was beautiful weather and the crowds had a ball, enjoyed some great music, and enjoyed this FREE community event. Special thanks also go to Dave Harenberg for arranging these performances. See you next year!

Historic Bike Tour

On a warm, sunny, Saturday morning in July, local historian, Frank Giebfried led 6 curious bicycle riding history lovers through the quaint streets of Bayport and Blue Point and shared with them the history of some of the magnificant homes.

Beginning at Meadow Croft they weaved their way through the back streets stopping often at different homes to hear Frank tell these great stories of a former summer hot spot for the rich and famous. These localities have been home to Nobel Prize recipients, actors, singers, entrepreneurs, and famous families and leaders. Did we mention we are the home of the best beer and oysters??

If you love our two towns and want to learn about its history, consider joining us on our next ride. Watch for the next date to be announced. It is an easy, slow paced ride.

Blue Point's Business Section

This article was first printed in the Bayport Blue Point Gazette and were written by Gene Horton. It are reprinted here with permission.

February 2008

This is the way "downtown" Blue Point looked around the 1950's. The center of town from around 1940 until around 1971 was Bob Brown's Food Market. Adjoining Bob's store to the north was the Candy Store, The smaller building on the right was the Blue Point Post Office. Today, that building houses JAMS Hair Salon. Just over the roof of the post office building, the peak of the Blue Point School can be seen in the distance.

Actually, over the past 50 + years, these buildings haven't changed too drastically. The second-story glassed-in porch over Bob Brown's store has since been enclosed. The Blue Point Avenue fire hydrant seen in the old postcard view is gone today. And the windows in the old post office building have changed.

Today, Firehouse Deli occupies Bob Brown's Market and In Sync Video is located where the candy store used to be. Cloth awnings were popular on homes & businesses in those pre-air-conditioning days.

This old postcard view of Blue Point's "Business Section" was postmarked 1957.

Estate tours are happening every weekend from 2:00-4:00. Join us to see what life was like in the 1900's!

Meadow Croft Estate, Middle Road, Bayport, NY, USA

bbphistorical@gmail.com

631-472-4625

BayportBluePointHeritage.org

Saturday, July 1, 2023

~ July 2023 Newsletter ~

Welcome to July! Meadow Croft house tours are happening each weekend from 2:00-4:00, stop by and check out what life was like in the early 1900s. Lots of updates and improvements to view including the new nursery and a historic glass bottle exhibit.

The BBPHA has many exciting things happening this summer. We have our second FREE concert happening in July featuring Ed Travers. See more info below.

Our historic sunset boat cruise is back! Last year was so much fun and a gorgeous night plus we learned so much about the history of homes and happenings on the Great South Bay. We hope you can join us this year, check out the details below.

Seasons of Meadow Croft

In the summer of 2021, The BBPHA was asked to be involved in an amazing art & music exhibit in conjunction with the Islip Arts Council, made possible by a grant from the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation. Artists were asked to reflect on the seasons of Meadow Croft and their work, displayed throughout the historic Meadow Croft Estate, was outstanding. Below is the video the IAC put together that also features music by Elinor Zayas and Yeou-Cheng Ma.

We thank director Frank Giebfried, Erich Haesche and MaryLou Cohalan for thier valuable contributions to this video. We also thank the IAC and the RDLG foundation for partnering with us for this incredible event. Enjoy!

78 South Ocean Avenue Bayport NY

This sad occurrence, the demolition of 78 South Ocean Avenue in Bayport, happened on June 19th, 2023. This house was once a glorious mansion and the summer estate of John Morgan, his wife Sarah, and their four daughters. They called the estate Idle Hour, like the Vanderbilt Estate in Oakdale that became Dowling College. The house was built in 1879 by Arnold and Weeks for Garret and Charlotte Martense and was owned by the Morgans by 1886. It was later enlarged by Isaac Green as the Morgan family had more children.

John Morgan was born in Ireland in 1837 and moved to the US when he was 7 years old. He began a business bottling mineral water, and later expanded into soft drinks, especially ginger ale. His company became very successful and was the largest mineral water establishment in NYC by 1903.

Sarah Morgan sponsored a dancing class for the young people of Bayport, including her two daughters Sadie and Gertrude. At the end of the summer, she would hold a tea dance at Idle Hour and all would be invited. The family took full advantage of the bay, enjoying sailing, fishing, and ice skating and ice scootering in the winter.

In 1911, John & Sarah celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a party at their Ocean Ave. estate. Mr. Morgan died of pneumonia four years later while in NYC. Mrs. Morgan passed away in 1934 at the age of 91. A mass was said for her at St. Lawrence Church in Sayville, as the Morgans were devout Catholics who attended mass there. They didn't attend Our Lady of the Snow because it wasn't built until 1917.

Morgan beverages merged with White Rock Soda in 1952. The company is run today by the great, great grandson of John & Sarah Morgan.

This magnificent estate slowly started to deteriorate many years ago. As the owner paid taxes on the property, there was nothing the county, state or the BBPHA could do (even though many requests were made). It's a sad day for our community to lose such a historical and beautiful piece of our town's history.

The photos below show how the estate looked in different stages of its existence.

BBP Scholarship Winner

Congratulations to Sean Druckenmiller who is the recipient of the 2023 Gene Horton Memorial Scholarship! The BBPHA is pleased once again to be awarding a $1000.00 scholarship to a deserving HS student from the BBP High School. This award is given in the name of our dear friend, local historian, and former director, Gene Horton.

Congratulations to Sean and best wishes in all that you do!

Historic Sunset Boat Tour

August 2, 2023

$40.00 per person

6:00-9:30pm

Rain date August 3rd.

No refunds.

The Great South Bay is not only a beautiful part of our communities summer fun but it has amazing homes and landmarks located on the bay as well as a tremendous history to share!

We will set sail on August 2nd from the Sayville Fire Island ferry terminal (41 River Rd, Sayville NY) at 6:00 PM and head out onto the bay. You must be on the ferry by 5:45 to check in.

With the sun setting we will cruise out onto the bay as Local Historian, Frank Giebfried highlights the historic sites along the shores of Bayport, Blue Point and Sayville. The boat will then head up the Connetquot River and make a stop at the Snapper Inn for cocktails. We will then cruise back to the Brown's River under the beautiful full moon and dock at 9:30.

Cocktails at the Snapper are on your own. You are allowed to bring some snacks on the ferry. Cruisers will park at the Sayville Ferry freight parking lot across the road from the ferry for a discounted fee of $5.00 per car.

Tickets are on sale starting today and can be purchased from our website only. The link can be found here. First come first served as there are a limited number of spaces available. Don't wait! Get your tickets today!

Memorial Bench ~ Donald Weinhardt

Back in April of 2022, we shared the sad news that the founding member and past President of the Bayport Heritage Association had passed away. Don Weinhardt worked closely with Suffolk County to secure a partnership and bring back Meadow Croft from the wrecking ball. The BBPHA wanted to acknowledge all of Don's work and support and for being a true champion of our community's heritage.

In honor of Donald Weinhardt, the BBPHA has purchased and installed a memorial bench. It can be found at the entrance of the estate. The plaque installed is pictured below.

Historic Bike Tour

On Saturday July 22nd, 2023, the Bayport Blue Point Heritage Association will be hosting a Historical Bicycle Tour. The tour will begin at Meadow Croft (299 Middle Rd Sayville NY) at 8:30 AM, and end just east of the BBP Library in Blue Point. (Skill level, easy-beginner) (about 2 hours)

A former summer hot spot for the rich and famous, this locality has been home to Nobel Prize recipients, actors, singers, entrepreneurs, and famous families and leaders. Did we mention the best beer and oysters??

Join us as local historian Frank Giebfried leads the tour throughout Bayport and Blue Point. This will be about a 10 mile tour, with frequent stops, into our South Shore communities past. Highlights include not only stunning water views, but the former homes and playgrounds of the likes of Roosevelt, Morgan, the founder of the Salvation Army, the Noble Prize recipient in Physics, and some famous musicians and actors of years ago.

There is a limited number of riders allowed and a $10 fee. Spots can be reserved and payment made at Www.Bayportbluepointheritage.org. Please join us for this fun event!

FREE Concert in the Park

When

Thursday, July 20th, 6pm

Where

11 Paulanna Avenue

Bayport, NY

Get Directions

Academy Street School Tour

On June 9th, 2023, the 4th grade class from Academy Street Elementary School came to Meadow Croft to learn a little bit about our local history. Thanks to Mary Bailey and Sandra Iden who showed the boys and girls the estate and surrounding buildings. The students were clearly excited, well behaved and asked great questions! Each student left with a local history book (written by Gene Horton), a membership form, a ring pop and of course, some knowledge about local history right in their backyard!

Summer Solstice Walking Tour

On June 21st, 2023, BBPHA director Frank Giebfried guided patrons for an evening stroll that marked the beginning of the summer season. This year's tour found us back in Bayport, exploring the interesting history of Snedecor Avenue. The group started at the Bayport United Methodist Church and ended the tour by the Great South Bay. This tour was so popular that a second tour was added and that tour is now sold out! Thank you to all who have participated and learned more history about our community.

Sizzlin Steer

These articles first appeared in the Bayport Blue Point Gazette and were written by Gene Horton. They are re-printed here with permission.

December 2006

Many local residents will undoubtedly remember the Sizzlin Steer Charcoal Broil Restaurant on Montauk Highway in Bayport. It was definitely there in the mid-1960's as the business took an ad in "Stepping-Stone, 1965," the yearbook issued by the James Wilson Young High School seniors. Sizzlin Steer was a very popular place with the high school students and local residents. It was also known for a while as the Sugar Bowl.

In the old postcard view (below), notice the tail-fins on the cars of the day. The back of the 1960's postcard is imprinted with the message; "Visit the SIZZLIN STEER CHARCOAL BROIL RESTAURNT, where quality food is the key to your dining pleasure; 765 Montauk Highway at the corner of 3rd Ave. in Bayport, L.I., N.Y. HR 2-9583."

Today, this building is occupied by the Bayport - Blue Point Animal Hospital. The lines of the building haven't changed much at all over the past forty years or so.

BBP Heritage Association

Hope to see you at one of our many summer events! Tours are every weekend from 2-4:00pm. Follow us on Social Media!

Meadow Croft Estate, Middle Road, Bayport, NY, USA

bbphistorical@gmail.com

631-472-4625

BayportBluePointHeritage.org

Thursday, June 1, 2023

~ June 2023 Newsletter

Monthly Membership meeting:

Montauk:

From Wilderness to Military Hospital and into the 20 th Century

Presenter: Tom Walsh

Date: Sunday, June 11, 2023

Time/Place: 2-4pm at the BBP Library

Montauk resident, Tom Walsh presents Montauk’s surprisingly pivotal role in Native American

society, its long life as America’s first livestock ranch, and the improbable establishment of

Camp Wikoff, a military hospital the size of a small city. Although Camp Wikoff existed only a

few weeks, it was the focus of a countrywide media circus and the platform from which Teddy

Roosevelt catapulted into a national political career. These events set the stage for the

development of the resort town we know today.

All are welcome to attend! Raffle & light refreshments served!

Meadow Croft Estate Tours

Welcome to summer! Briny breezes, longer days, flowers blooming, birds singing and sun shining! All vivid images of a great season ahead. At the BBPHA, we are excited to begin what we consider our most exciting time of year as well.

Summer House Tours: June 3rd & 4th start the Meadow Croft Estate Tours! They are given every weekend starting in June and running through October. Trained docents will be showing the Meadow Croft estate on Saturdays and Sundays from 2:00-4:00. There have been many updates and changes in recent months as the BBPHA volunteers work tirelessly to make Meadow Croft even better! Come check out the new nursery, beautifully restored to reflect the room where the Roosevelt children stayed during the summer months.

A display of antique & vintage bottles will also be on display. This collection of bottles dates from the 1880's-1960's. There will also be bottles that were found on the Meadow Croft Estate. These were found in the early 1970's and loaned to the BBPHA from a Sayville family. It is safe to say that these bottles were used by the Roosevelt family during their time at Meadow Croft.

We hope you and your family have the chance to come and visit and learn a little about the local history and home of John Ellis Roosevelt.

FREE Summer Concert

The Bayport Blue Point Heritage Association is proud to sponsor our first FREE Summer Concert of the year! We have received all of the permissions and permits and are excited to welcome all of you to Bayport Memorial Park on June 15th from 6:00-8:00 pm (weather permitting) for some wonderful music featuring Gene Casey & the Lonesharks.

Please bring lawn chairs or blankets, refreshments and bug spray! This is for families of all ages! Dancing is encouraged! We hope you can join us and enjoy this FREE concert!

Summer Concert Series

When: Thursday, June 15th, 6pm

Where: 11 Paulanna Avenue, Bayport, NY More information

Bring your dancing shoes!

Get Directions

Memorial Day Parades

It was a beautiful day for a parade and for honoring all those who served and sacrificed for our freedoms. Special thanks go to the members of the BBPHA for marching in the Bayport and Blue Point parades. This is a tradition for the Bayport & Blue Point Fire Departments to organize the parades in our communities.

Bayport and Blue Point has had community members pay the ultimate sacrifice since the Civil War and we will never forget their devotion and service. May we remain worthy of all they have given us. As John F. Kennedy had so eloquently expressed, "As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter the words, but to live by them." .

BBP HS Scholarship

The BBPHA is pleased once again to be awarding a $1000.00 scholarship to a deserving HS student from the BBP High School. This award is given in the name of our dear friend, local historian, and former director, Gene Horton. More information in the July newsletter after the award has been presented to the winner later in June. Good luck and congratulations to all who are graduating!

Welcome new Board Members!

The BBPHA recently replaced two board members;

John Amato and Dennis Fagan with two new members.

We thank John and Dennis for thier years of service.

Welcome to Rebecca Church and Craig Clare as they join the board of the BBPHA!

Craig is from Bayport and is married with a son and a daughter. He is a retired financial planner and is now our treasurer. Craig is very involved with the Boy Scouts and we welcome him to our executive board.

Rebecca lives in Blue Point and is married with two daughters. Rebecca will be a director on our board and we welcome her as well.

The full slate of officers and directors are as follows:

President: Mary Bailey

Vice President: Leanne Berg

Treasurer: Craig Clare

Recording Secretary: Beth Lamarca

Corresponding Secretary: Laura Amato

Directors:

Frank Giebfried, Sandra Iden, Jennifer Economos, Denise Coscia, Rebecca Church

7-Eleven Comes to Blue Point

These articles first appeared in the Bayport Blue Point Gazettte. They were written by Gene Horton and reprinted here with permission.

June 2015

Change is coming to Blue Point! A 7-ELEVEN is about to open on the northwest corner of Montauk Highway and Bell Avenue in Blue Point. That particular corner had looked totally derelict in the past few years. It was actually an eye-sore.

The photo below of the property was taken in June of 1981. Back then, this corner was the site of an ESSO gas station and repair shop. Using a magnifying glass, Winston cigarettes were selling for $5.95. Over one of the bay doors is a sign advertising a "complete tune-up: $39.95" and "complete brake- job: $69.95." Over one of the gas pumps: "$1.47.9." Happy motoring!