Bayport Heritage Association

A Slideshow Stroll through Old Bayport

Join us at our next general membership meeting on Sunday, October 8 from 2:00 to 4:00 at the Bayport-Blue Point Library.

The guest speakers for this meeting will be our own Jim Connell and Gene Horton. The featured presentation for this meeting was developed in the 1990's as part of a New York State initiative to designate historic zones in towns and villages. The project stalled due to lack of state funding, but several BHA members produced an excellent array of photos and written details about the old homes in Bayport. As you may know, Jim and Gene presented the first part of their program last year. This time they will take us on a slideshow stroll of Bayport Avenue and the downtown area. Come on down to the BBP Library and learn about the historic homes of your local neighbors and friends!

Save the Dates!

We have an exciting and interesting group of speakers this year for our general membership meetings. See the list below and be sure to mark your calendars!

October 8, 2017

Jim Connell and Gene Horton: A Slide Show Stroll through Old Bayport

November 12, 2017

Chris Kretz: The Wedding of the Century: The Marriage of Consuelo Vanderbilt of Idle Hour

March 11, 2018

Bill Bleyer: Sagamore Hill: Theodore Roosevelt’s Summer White House

April 8, 2018

Diane Holliday: The Idle Hour Artist Colony of Oakdale

May 20, 2018

To Be Announced

The BHA has sponsored an Autumn House Tour showcasing the beautiful homes of residents in both Bayport and Blue Point for 30 years . This year is no exception! We already have commitments from our neighbors and friends for 6 homes which will make this years tour outstanding! The date of the tour will be October 22nd and tickets are now available. Learn about local history and view 6 lovely historic homes. Meadow Croft will be serving refreshments and tours of this home will be available.

Please note that out of respect for the homeowners, children under 12, high heels, food or drink, and cameras will not be permitted. Tickets are on sale now for $30.00 and can be purchased at Bayport Flower Houses, BBP Library and Century 21 Bay's Edge Realty on Main Street in Sayville. The tour will start at 1:00 and end at 5:00. If you are willing to help please call or email us. Contact information found below.

There are a limited number of tickets so purchase them early so you will not miss out. Looking forward to another wonderful BHA event!

Save the dates! Christmas at Meadow Croft will be December 2nd and 3rd from 12:00-4:00. The theme this year will be Silver and Gold! Volunteers are needed to help with this event. Please call Leanne Berg if you are interested or have a display that fits our theme or you would like to help in any way. Her number is 631-235-1702. There will be raffles, and decorations and ornaments will be raffled off at end of 2nd day. Winner need not be present. Refreshments will be served, pictures with St Nicholas, piano music and more!

October is the last month to tour Meadow Croft, the historic summer home of President Theodore Roosevelt's cousin, John Ellis Roosevelt. Meadow Croft is open every weekend from 2-4:00 with a guided tour by trained docents. There is also a special display by artist and Bayport resident, John Hodge. His gorgeous paintings with 3D art carvings make a unique and visually stimulating display. There also has been many updates to Meadow Croft, including room improvements and displays. Come on down if you haven't been here to enjoy what life was like in the 1910's.

The BHA and the local community are pleased to see that the residence at 473 Middle Road is under construction after a September 2016 fire. You might recall, that owner Ron Provenzano and his family escaped harm in the early morning fire when passers-by awakened them to exit the burning house. The structure is one of the earliest homes on Middle Road and Bayport. It was built by Lawrence Edwards for his daughter Mary and her husband Franklin B. Smith, son of Silas Smith. Lawrence Edwards is one of the early large land owners in Bayport. He also built the lovely Greek revival home at 463 Middle Road, right next door, for his son Lawrence B. Edwards circa 1852. Mr. Provenzano's new structure is considerably larger than the original small home. However, it is obvious that he is keeping the charming front façade and balcony over the front door. The property is pictured on a map from 1873 in the Bayport Heritage book on page 4 and is approximately 100 x 300 ft. The map also shows a cemetery on the west edge of the property. In a conversation with Mr. Provenzano about the cemetery, he acknowledged knowing about the early burial ground but never saw any grave markers on his property. Even Islip Town historian, George Muckenbeck, has not been able to verify this as an actual cemetery. The BHA and local residents wish Mr. Provenzano and his family good luck on his beautiful new home.

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Email: bbphistorical@gmail.com
Website: www.bayportheritage.blogspot.com
Location: Meadow Croft Estate, Middle Road, Sayville, NY, United States
Phone: 6314724625
Facebook: facebook.com/bayportheritageassociation
Twitter: @BayportHistory