BBP Heritage Association
~ November 2026 Newsletter ~
Welcome to November!
November is a month of gratitude and we would like to thank the many visitors and special guests that toured Meadow Croft this season. Every year we have more and more guests and the house continues to shine under the leadership of the board of the BBPHA in conjunction with Suffolk Co Parks Department. During the month of November, Meadow Croft goes under a special transformation as we prepare for our signature event: Christmas At Meadow Croft. we also offer a two special nights for adults called; Christmas Aglow. More information about these events can be found below. Also, don't forget our general membership meetings. All are welcome!
General Membership Meetings
Please join us for our November General Membership meeting. All are welcome!
Date: November 8th, 2026
Title: Sanatorium: Inside the Architectural Cure for Tuberculosis.
Place: Bayport Blue Point Library
Time: 2:00-4:00
Presented by: John Lazzaro
Join author John Lazzaro as he discusses his book Sanatorium: Inside the Architectural Cure for Tuberculosis. John will discuss the remains of the tuberculosis hospitals in the United States. Commemorating the visionary architecture that played a vital role in combating America's first modern public health crisis. Through pictures John will share a variety of structures that symbolize the progressive ideas as well as the civic responsibility to help the people suffering during this time.
Thank you Docents!
Thank you to the many volunteers who staff the Meadow Croft Estate on weekends or special events to provide guided tours for our guests. We are so fortunate to have a group of dedicated volunteers share the rich history of the Meadow Croft estate.
The job of organizing, training and managing all of these people and dates is not an easy task but our chairperson, Jennifer Economos does a fabulous job keeping everything running smoothly. Thanks Jen! Special thanks also go to: Beth LaMarca, Adriane Balsam, April Meehan, Baylee Browning, Rebecca Church, Frank Giebfried, Sandra Iden, Pat Ramo, Henry Hoyt, Nancy Smaith, Jerome McCluskey, Leslie Davis, Lynn Clark, Brian Heid, Alisa Kremer-Parrott, Roy Fedelem, Shannon Voyack, Jayne Traver, Mary Bailey and Leanne Berg. Thank you all!
In memoriam: Joe Novak
The Bayport-Blue Point Heritage Association mourns the loss of Joe Novak, a longtime trustee and member whose dedication to preserving the history of Bayport, Blue Point, and Meadow Croft spanned more than two decades. Joe’s passion for local history was reflected in the many ways he gave his time and talents:
Joe served the association as treasurer and vice president of the board. In his leadership role, he brought both knowledge and practical skills to the restoration of Meadow Croft’s second floor, helping return it to its original layout and historic character.
He also helped organize the annual House Tours, sharing the stories of the two communities he loved. A retired shop teacher from Hauppauge High School, Joe continued to share his woodworking expertise by teaching woodcarving classes for people of all ages at the local library. His craftsmanship also became part of a cherished holiday tradition. Using scrap wood, he created an extraordinary carved display for the association’s annual Christmas event, drawing visitors returning year after year.
Joe’s absence will be deeply felt by the organization to which he gave so much. The Bayport-Blue Point Heritage Association extends its deepest condolences to his family.
Coming in 2027: The BBP Heritage Association Book Club!
Do you love getting lost in the pages of a good book? Are you a history buff? Then we need you to join the conversation and the fun! The BBPHA is launching a brand new Historical Book Club for 2027.
Get your book marks ready, the first page turns in January. Stay tuned for details in the December issue of our newsletter.
Our Newsletter
The BBPHA has been creating and sharing a newsletter since its inception in 1983, highlighting all of the activities and progress in regard to restoring the Meadow Croft estate. It was written by members of the board and various people who chaired committees, giving updates and progress on various happenings throughout the year. They also included some historical aspects of the history of Bayport including famous people, homes and businesses. At first, the newsletter came out quarterly and a typed copy was handed out at membership meetings, then mailed to homes in Bayport to its members only. It evolved to include a one page monthly recap and was mailed to all homes in Bayport. As the BBPHA became inclusive to Blue Point, those residents also received the newsletter. The mailings became too costly so a different format to distribute information was needed.
For the last 10 years, our newsletter has gone digital and is emailed to almost 2000 friends of Meadow Croft. We try to keep you updated on recent events and programs as well as projects and upkeep at the Meadow Croft estate. We also include some local history of our towns as the original newsletter did more than 40 years ago. Our digital format is also included on our website, www.bayportbluepointheritage.org and is viewed thousands of times each month. It also has reached several states and different countries and locations around the globe!
We are proud of the work we do, the progress we have made and the contribution to the advancement of sharing local history with all of you. If you have any suggestions, please reach out!
Heirloom Garden
Thank you to the members of the Sayville Garden Club for all of your hard work and support to maintain the Heirloom Garden at Meadow Croft. These ladies removed all of the invasive species including poison ivy and misplanted yuccas and the garden looks fantastic! Your efforts are truly appreciated!
