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The Church in Sag Harbor, one of the 2024 Preservation Excellence Awardees. Photo by Michael Heller

Awardees from Setauket, Mattituck, Sag Harbor, Fort Salonga and Garden City are recognized for excellence in historic preservation.

Preservation Long Island, a regional nonprofit that works with communities throughout Long Island to protect and celebrate historic places, is thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2024 Preservation Awards. The awardees will be honored at an awards ceremony and reception on January 25, 2025 in Cold Spring Harbor.

The Preservation Awards are presented in alternating years to recognize individuals, organizations, and projects that demonstrate extraordinary achievement in fields related to historic preservation on Long Island. In addition, the Howard C. Sherwood Award will be presented this year. Established in 1974 in honor of Preservation Long Island’s founder, the award is reserved for individuals who demonstrate exceptional, life-time achievement in historic preservation.

“This year’s awardees demonstrate not only excellence in historically sensitive design and rehabilitation, they also represent successful preservation efforts in a wide range of areas that include individual and community-driven leadership for the protection of historically significant sites for public space, as well as the adaptive reuse of historic buildings by local organizations and businesses,” said Jackie Powers, Preservation Long Island’s Executive Director.

“This year’s awardees highlight the remarkable geographic and architectural diversity of Long Island. What they all share is the power to demonstrate how historic buildings, when approached with vision and a deep appreciation for the past, can be transformed into landmarks that not only preserve history but actively serve and uplift the communities they are part of,” said Tara Cubie, Preservation Director at Preservation Long Island. Tara added, “We are excited to be able to return to showcasing all of our awardees at an in-person award event at our headquarters gallery.”

Preservation Long Island is honored to announce the recipients of 2024 Preservation Awards and the 2024 Howard C. Sherwood Award.

Preservation Awards for Project Excellence:

  • Safina Center, a nonprofit nature conservation and environmental advocacy organization, is being recognized for its restoration of the Hawkins-Elzon House located within the Old Setauket Historic District. Under the Safina Center’s stewardship, the Hawkins-Elzon House was meticulously restored to serve as the organization’s headquarters.
  • Anthony Martignetti, a restauranteur, author, and designer, is being recognized for the restoration of the Mattituck Creek Tide Mill. The mill constructed around 1822 by Richard Cox, exemplifies the ingenuity of tide-powered milling. Under the new ownership of Anthony Martignetti, the Old Mill has been carefully restored and will open as a restaurant in Spring 2025.
  • The Church, a public arts space in Sag Harbor, is being recognized as a remarkable example of adaptive reuse, transforming a 19th-century Methodist church into a dynamic arts and cultural hub. Renovated under the leadership of artists April Gornik and Eric Fischl, with design by architect Lee Skolnick, the project preserved the building’s historical essence while introducing modern features like a glass elevator to suit contemporary needs.

Preservation Award for Organizational Excellence:

Preservation Long Island recognizes Suffolk County for the preservation of Owl Hill, located in Fort Salonga. This effort has protected the 1907 Owl Hill mansion and 27 acres of open space from redevelopment into a residential subdivision. The preservation of Owl Hill was accomplished through the collaborative efforts of Suffolk County Legislator Robert Trotta, Suffolk County Executive Edward P. Romaine, the Suffolk County Parks Department, Preservation Long Island and community advocates.

The Howard C. Sherwood Award:

This year, Preservation Long Island proudly gives the Howard C. Sherwood Award posthumously to Brian Pinnola to recognize his extraordinary lifetime achievements in historic preservation. Brian sadly passed away in January of 2024. Brian was a passionate advocate for historic preservation, serving as an active and deeply involved member of Preservation Long Island’s board. His work extended across multiple projects, showcasing his unwavering commitment to preserving Long Island’s historic and cultural treasures. As a longstanding board member and past president of The Garden City Historical Society, he spearheaded the transformation of the 1872 Apostle House into The Garden City Historical Society Museum. Brian’s vision and tireless work left an indelible mark on the community.

Visit the 2024 Preservation Awards page on our website to learn more about the outstanding achievements of this year’s awardees and for information about upcoming awards-related events and programming.

Preservation Long Island’s biennial Preservation Awards are made possible in part by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature.

About Preservation Long Island

Preservation Long Island is the not-for-profit regional advocate for historic preservation on Long Island. Our mission is to celebrate and preserve Long Island’s diverse cultural and architectural heritage through advocacy, education, and stewardship of historic sites and collections. http://preservationlongisland.org

Working to raise awareness, appreciation, and support for the protection of a shared past, our program areas include: interpreting historic sites; collecting art and material culture pertaining to Long Island history; creating publications and exhibits; and providing direct support and technical assistance to individuals and groups engaged in local preservation efforts.

Preservation Long Island’s preservation advocacy services support the work of individuals and our local partners in communities across the region. We offer consultation and strategic guidance for those seeking help with local preservation projects, including historic resource surveys, local landmark designation, National Register listing, and restoration or adaptive reuse of historic buildings.

Preservation Long Island also maintains and interprets four historic sites, including the collections housed within each:

Joseph Lloyd Manor, Lloyd Harbor

Custom House, Sag Harbor

Sherwood-Jayne Farm, Setauket

Old Methodist Church and Exhibition Gallery, Cold Spring Harbor

For more information, call 631-692-4664.

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Above, the front cover of the Bessie Whiting log book.

The Port Jefferson Historical Society recently added a fascinating piece of history to its collection by acquiring a ship’s log for the historic sailing vessel Bessie Whiting in a local auction. The log contains entries for the years 1903 to 1904 and covers details of the vessel’s merchant voyages to Charleston, Jacksonville, and Savannah.

The ship’s log joins other valuable research resources in the Port Jefferson Historical Society’s archive of historic artifacts, including those related to the early shipbuilding industry of Port Jefferson Village. The log was purchased with the help of funding from the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation. 

Above, the title page of the Bessie Whiting log book.

“When small treasures come to light, our goal is to assist in securing them for our historic stewards,” said Kathryn M. Curran, Executive Director of the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation. “These new and old finds will be available for research and to grow our community’s history.”

The Bessie Whiting was a three-masted schooner built in 1882 at the John R. Mather shipyard in Port Jefferson Harbor for Captain George Dayton of Port Jefferson and John R. Mather, along with other Port Jefferson investors. The vessel appears to have carried primarily lumber north from southern ports. 

In the summer of 1882, the vessel made a remarkable voyage of 135 miles up the Hudson River from the Battery in New York City to the village of Coeymans just south of Albany. It was reported to be one of the largest vessels to travel up river and dock at Coeymans Wharf with a cargo of Carolina railroad ties.

After thirty-six years of service, the Bessie Whiting was eventually wrecked on the night of January 11, 1918 on a reef off Perico Island in Bradenton, Florida. The vessel’s long life is a tribute to the design, materials and craftsmanship employed by Port Jefferson’s John R. Mather shipyard along with the skill of its captain during its years of service.

The contents of the ship’s log have been digitized and will be reviewed by the historical society in the near future.

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Photo of Gould General Store taken circa 1890. Photo courtesy of Three Village Historical Society.

By Beverly C. Tyler

The post office in Stony Brook has a long history of service to the community. Until the 20th century, the postmaster was the only person authorized to handle letters and write money orders. Each rural post office had one representative of the postal system, the postmaster, who was appointed by the president of the United States with the advice and consent of the Senate.

A postal system existed in Massachusetts as early as 1639. In 1672, New York Gov. Lovelace established service between New York and Boston along the future Boston Post Road. Benjamin Franklin was appointed Postmaster General for the British Colonies in America in 1753 and served until 1774, when he was dismissed by the Crown. He was reappointed by the Continental Congress in 1775 and served for 15 months, establishing a sound postal system. The U.S. postal system was created when Samuel Osgood was appointed the first Postmaster General on Sept. 26, 1789.

A portion from the 1873 Atlas from Beers, Comstock & Cline, showing Stony Brook Village. Photo courtesy of Three Village Historical Society.

The first Stony Brook postmaster was Nathaniel Hallock. According to National Archives records, he was appointed on March 21, 1826, and served until June 24, 1836. Little is known about Hallock or his post office, but it was likely part of a general store, as was typical of post offices on Long Island in the 19th century.

The cost of posting a letter weighing less than 1 ounce was six cents until 1847, when stamps were first issued. Letters were single sheets of paper folded, addressed, and delivered for six cents within 30 miles. Beyond 30 miles or for heavier letters, the cost increased slightly, with a maximum charge of 25 cents for a letter traveling more than 400 miles. For example, a letter sent to “Mr. William S. Mount – Stony Brook – Long Island – N.Y.” in 1841 from Monticello, Georgia, was marked, folded, sealed, and addressed in the customary manner of the time.

The second Stony Brook postmaster was James N. Gould, who was appointed in 1836 and served until 1861. He was reappointed on March 29, 1867, and served until 1870. Gould owned and operated a general store, which was located just north of where the Reboli Center now stands. The store was demolished before 1900, as was Gould’s home, which stood just north of the store. Both were removed to make way for the village improvements in the 1940s by Ward Melville.

According to local lore, it was said to be impossible to ask for any item James Gould didn’t have in his store. On a bet, a customer once asked for a pulpit, and Gould amazed everyone by producing one from the store’s attic.

The third postmaster, Edward Oakes, began his service in 1861 as the Civil War began at Fort Sumter. He served until 1867, when James Gould resumed the position. During this period, the post office introduced the money order system in 1864 to allow soldiers to send money home. Only the postmaster could process money orders, as he was the sole postal employee.

Oakes’ general store was located north of Gould’s store and home, on the west side of the business triangle along what was then Main Street. Residents recalled a long horse block in front of the store where men gathered for evening chats. Oakes served as postmaster again from 1870 to 1885. During this time, the store was known as “Oakes and Topping,” later “Topping and Smith,” and eventually, around 1901, “E.E. Topping.”

William O. Gould succeeded Oakes as postmaster in 1885, taking over his father’s general store. He served until 1889, during which time the post office expanded its services. In 1885, the special delivery service was introduced, allowing for prompt mail delivery, which marked a shift from the rural post office’s general store model to independent operations.

From 1889 through the end of the century, Stony Brook had five postmasters. John W. Copley was appointed in 1889, followed by David R. Rayner in 1892. Charles J. Williamson succeeded Rayner on Aug. 4 of that year. William O. Gould returned as postmaster in 1893. On May 1, 1895, Nellie E. Smith became Stony Brook’s first female postmaster. In 1898, Daniel W. Arnold became postmaster, serving for less than two years.

The turn of the century brought stability to the post office as it continued to grow and adapt to the needs of the community.

Beverly C. Tyler is the Three Village Historical Society historian and the author of books available from the Three Village Historical Society, 93 North Country Road, Setauket. Tel: 631-751-3730.

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Scene from the Three Village Historical Society's 45th annual Candlelight House Tour. Photo by Bill Landon
Scene from the Three Village Historical Society's 45th annual Candlelight House Tour. Photo by Bill Landon
Scene from the Three Village Historical Society's 45th annual Candlelight House Tour. Photo by Bill Landon
Scene from the Three Village Historical Society's 45th annual Candlelight House Tour. Photo by Bill Landon
Scene from the Three Village Historical Society's 45th annual Candlelight House Tour. Photo by Bill Landon
Scene from the Three Village Historical Society's 45th annual Candlelight House Tour. Photo by Bill Landon
Scene from the Three Village Historical Society's 45th annual Candlelight House Tour. Photo by Bill Landon
Scene from the Three Village Historical Society's 45th annual Candlelight House Tour. Photo by Bill Landon
Scene from the Three Village Historical Society's 45th annual Candlelight House Tour. Photo by Bill Landon
Scene from the Three Village Historical Society's 45th annual Candlelight House Tour. Photo by Bill Landon
Scene from the Three Village Historical Society's 45th annual Candlelight House Tour. Photo by Bill Landon
Scene from the Three Village Historical Society's 45th annual Candlelight House Tour. Photo by Bill Landon
Scene from the Three Village Historical Society's 45th annual Candlelight House Tour. Photo by Bill Landon
Scene from the Three Village Historical Society's 45th annual Candlelight House Tour. Photo by Bill Landon
Scene from the Three Village Historical Society's 45th annual Candlelight House Tour. Photo by Bill Landon
Scene from the Three Village Historical Society's 45th annual Candlelight House Tour. Photo by Bill Landon
Scene from the Three Village Historical Society's 45th annual Candlelight House Tour. Photo by Bill Landon
Scene from the Three Village Historical Society's 45th annual Candlelight House Tour. Photo by Bill Landon
Scene from the Three Village Historical Society's 45th annual Candlelight House Tour. Photo by Bill Landon
Scene from the Three Village Historical Society's 45th annual Candlelight House Tour. Photo by Bill Landon
Scene from the Three Village Historical Society's 45th annual Candlelight House Tour. Photo by Bill Landon
Scene from the Three Village Historical Society's 45th annual Candlelight House Tour. Photo by Bill Landon
Scene from the Three Village Historical Society's 45th annual Candlelight House Tour. Photo by Bill Landon
Scene from the Three Village Historical Society's 45th annual Candlelight House Tour. Photo by Bill Landon
Scene from the Three Village Historical Society's 45th annual Candlelight House Tour. Photo by Bill Landon
Scene from the Three Village Historical Society's 45th annual Candlelight House Tour. Photo by Bill Landon
Scene from the Three Village Historical Society's 45th annual Candlelight House Tour. Photo by Bill Landon
Scene from the Three Village Historical Society's 45th annual Candlelight House Tour. Photo by Bill Landon
Scene from the Three Village Historical Society's 45th annual Candlelight House Tour. Photo by Bill Landon

By Bill Landon

The Three Village Historical Society hosted their annual Candlelight House Tours on Dec. 6 and 7. It was the 45th edition of the time-honored tradition where six historical homes opened their doors for guided tours, offering a glimpse into yesteryear. These windows into the past took place in the East Setauket historic district this year.

To learn more about the TVHS, visit www.tvhs.org or call 631-751-3730.

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Kayleigh Smith Photo by Kimberly Phyfe

By Kimberly Phyfe

The Three Village Historical Society (TVHS) is proud to announce Kayleigh Smith as their 2024 Research Fellow.

TVHS embarked on the ambitious Historical House Marker program earlier this year, expanding well beyond the original scope of the first markers by the Society at its founding. Six decades on, this new iteration of the program re-imagined the parameters for what qualifies as a historic home in our community.

So how could they pull off researching the 60+ homes that applied to see which would receive a marker? That’s where Kayleigh Smith comes in.

Kayleigh Smith Photo by Kimberly Phyfe

Smith recently graduated from Stony Brook University where her “major in anthropology has fueled my aspiration to work in an environment that both preserves historical heritage and actively engages and inspires the public. The Three Village Historical Society exemplifies this mission, making it an ideal environment for applying my skills and furthering my professional growth.”

Always eager to dive deeply into the rich tapestry of cultural diversity, Smith was seeking a meaningful volunteer opportunity in the TVHS archives. Exhibits & Collections Coordinator, Scott Ferrara, recognized what a talented researcher Smith is, and recommended an extended project for her.

“Kayleigh’s work with archival management and research has been profound,” said Ferrara. “She quickly picked up on local historical geography and the many genealogical connections between families in the Three Village community. Kayleigh’s efforts particularly shined through the organization of the Society’s archival collections and the navigation of our extensive collections in support of the Historic House Marker Program. Going forward, the lessons learned from Kayleigh’s efforts and the successes she’s had will lay the framework for future historical house research,” he said.

The Historic House Marker program has been years in the making and six long months of in depth compilation of more than fifty research packets for approved home owners. The binders are full to the brim of deed histories, genealogy, newspaper articles, photographs, drawings, and anything Smith could find related to each property and the generations of residents.

“While my research is deeply fulfilling, it is the opportunity to connect with people and share my findings that truly underscores the value of my work,” Smith shared. 

Special events such as Culper Spy Day, the Spirits Graveyard Tour, and the Candlelight House Tour have given Smith additional insight into why TVHS is treasured by the community. 

“Participating in these events and engaging with the community on a personal level instills deep reverence for the significance of this research,” she said.

Funding for this new position was made possible by the generous support of long-time Society Member, Fred Bryant. In 2023, the Three Village Historical Society renamed one of their annual awards in his honor. The newly titled Fred E. Bryant Community Award is “in appreciation of valuable contributions to the advancement of the quality of life in the Three Villages and the fostering of pride in the rich historical heritage of our homes and lands.”

For 2024, the first recipients of the Bryant Community Award were Joe and Laura Troffa. Bryant graciously attached a significant donation to his new award, to be made in honor of the Troffas. Thus, the Bryant/Troffa Research Fellowship was created, and the Society is able to bring on exceptional talent such as Smith to fill the role.

“It was an incredible honor and complete surprise to be awarded the first Fred Bryant Community Service Award” stated Laura Troffa. “Joe and I, like Fred, share a mutual passion for preserving the history of this amazing community.”

Smith said that she is “grateful for the Bryant/Troffa Fellowship because it represents the next stepping stone in my career path. I have long aspired to work in a museum setting — curating exhibits and making meaningful discoveries that resonate with people. This Fellowship has validated that my skills transcend the confines of the classroom and can be effectively utilized in dynamic settings, where I engage with historical, community, and personal narratives on a daily basis.”

The Troffas moved to Setauket in the 1970’s and “we knew it was a very special place,” said Laura. 

“We became avid supporters of the TVHS to learn more about the historical buildings and the events that took place in our community dating back to the Revolutionary War. From that day forward,  we’ve had the pleasure of sponsoring the Annual Candlelight Tour, as well as contributing to various projects that helped preserve and enrich many of the Society’s historical buildings that we all cherish!”

The Troffas “are so excited to hear Kayleigh’s hard work has been instrumental in the success of the upcoming Historic House Marker celebration! Our collections and archives are so important and integral to promoting education within our community!”

Author Kimberly Phyfe is the  Community Engagement Manager at the Three Village Historical Society in Setauket.

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The John Gardiner Farmhouse will be one of the stops during the tour. Photo courtesy of Greenlawn-Centerport Historical Association

Huntington Historical Society presents its annual Holiday Historic House Tour on Sunday, Dec. 8 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This year’s event will feature five historic homes in Northport, East Northport and Greenlawn, including the John Gardiner Farmhouse, beautifully decorated for the holidays along with a stop at the Conklin Barn in Huntington for refreshments. Get in the holiday spirit while supporting a great cause: keeping Huntington’s history alive for future generations!

Tickets are $60 per person, $50 members at www.huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org or click here.

For more information, call 631-427-7045 ext. 401.

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The Vanderbilt Mansion library was decorated by Tricia Foley this year. Photo courtesy of Vanderbilt Museum
The Vanderbilt Mansion dining room ready for the holidays. Photo from Vanderbilt Museum
John Guidi places starfish and scallop shell ornaments on a tall tree in the Vanderbilt Museum's Memorial Wing. Vanderbilt Museum photo
Tricia Foley (right) and assistant Bridget Swift decorate the Vanderbilt Mansion Library. Vanderbilt Museum photo

The Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum’s holiday centerpiece is the summer mansion of William and Rosamond Vanderbilt, decorated each year by local designers and garden clubs. Their creative touch brings additional charm and magic to the spectacular, 24-room, Spanish-Revival house. Built in stages from 1910 to 1936, the grand waterfront house overlooking Northport Harbor in Centerport is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Renowned designer and author Tricia Foley has just completed decorating eight rooms for the holidays while five local garden clubs — Asharoken, Centerport, Dix Hills, Nathan Hale, and Three Village — decorated an additional eight rooms. The stunning results will take visitors on trip back in time at the estate of a prominent family whose guests included famous Americans and British royalty.

“The historic mansion has never looked more stunning for the holiday season, thanks to the extraordinary vision of Tricia Foley, her brilliant team, and their collaboration with the garden clubs. The mansion is bright and alive with earthy elegance and the inviting scents of the season — a magical and timeless atmosphere,” said Elizabeth Wayland-Morgan, Executive Director of the Vanderbilt.

Foley, who has decorated houses at Colonial Williamsburg, is principal of Tricia Foley Design. She specializes in all aspects of home design and restoration and is known for her simple, classic style.

“The challenge in decorating historic houses is, what is period appropriate?” she said during a decorating break at the mansion. “In the early days, people did not use much décor. They might place a sprig of greenery on a mirror or looking glass, as they were called.

“Here, we want to bridge the gap. The mansion is elegant, with original furnishings, tapestries, sconces, lamps, and crystal. Red and green is expected, but we’re using silver, gold and cream. Instead of color, we’re using candlelight and crystal — as much sparkle as we can get.”

Foley said she wanted to create a “natural” look, with greenery, garlands, ribbons, and ornaments on the mantelpieces. She also made use of decorative objects the museum had from past years — Tiffany boxes with gold bows, and small brass instruments.

“There are so many beautiful things to work with,” she said. “The Vanderbilts were not here in December, so we have to imagine what it would have been like. If they had been here, they would have used poinsettias, apples, oranges, and greenery.”

Foley has decorated homes for House Beautiful, Victoria, and Country Home as well as four historic houses in Yaphank for their historical society. Her own house on the East End of Long Island has been photographed for Neiman Marcus, the Pottery Barn, and Land’s End for their Christmas catalogs

Enjoy the holiday magic at the Vanderbilt mansion during guided tours now through December. Regular guided tours will take place on Fridays from 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. and weekends from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Special candlelight tours will be offered on Saturday, Dec. 7 and 14, and Friday, Dec. 20, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Private tours of the mansion are also available. 

The Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum is located at 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport. For more informaton and ticket prices, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

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Museum Director Sal Iraci and Media Director Joe Piacentino next to a 1929 Ford Model, featuring a rumble seat. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli
Leo B. Ostebo Kings Park Heritage Museum. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli
Leo B. Ostebo Kings Park Heritage Museum. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli
Leo B. Ostebo Kings Park Heritage Museum. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli
Leo B. Ostebo Kings Park Heritage Museum. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli
Leo B. Ostebo Kings Park Heritage Museum. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli
Leo B. Ostebo Kings Park Heritage Museum. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli
Leo B. Ostebo Kings Park Heritage Museum. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli
Leo B. Ostebo Kings Park Heritage Museum. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli
Leo B. Ostebo Kings Park Heritage Museum. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli
Leo B. Ostebo Kings Park Heritage Museum. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli

By Jennifer Donatelli

The Leo B. Ostebo Kings Park Heritage Museum, located inside Ralph J. Osgood Intermediate School (RJO) in Kings Park, offers visitors a rare glimpse into the everyday lives, struggles and technological advances that shaped the 20th century.

Nestled in a quiet corner of town, the museum boasts an impressive collection of vintage items spanning key historical periods. From the late 1800s to the rise of modern appliances, iconic cars and the enduring appeal of typewriters, cameras and electronics, it provides a fascinating gateway to history.

The museum’s creation was inspired by the closing of the Kings Park Psychiatric Center, one of the country’s largest, oldest and most medically significant mental hospitals. Retired Kings Park High School history and English teacher Leo Ostebo, along with two other townspeople and a group of high school students, opened what remains the only school community-managed museum in the United States.

Developed, maintained and cultivated for educational purposes, the museum’s mission is to preserve the town’s rich historic past and educate youth, the community and the public.

The 6,000-square-foot museum features nine rooms, each with a distinct theme. One of its most captivating rooms pays tribute to wars fought and soldiers who died for the country. The collection includes military uniforms, helmets, ration cards and other artifacts, offering a powerful glimpse into the lives of soldiers and civilians during turbulent times. Military equipment such as tools, gas masks and communication devices is displayed alongside personal items like photographs, providing an intimate perspective on history.

“Grandma’s Kingdom,” another themed room, showcases the evolution of domestic life, highlighting kitchen appliances such as 1940s refrigerators and iceboxes alongside hand-powered washers and dryers from the late 1800s. The exhibit offers a nostalgic look at innovations that shaped family life in the early 20th century. Visitors can also marvel at dolls, wooden strollers and bassinets from pre-World War I, and period clothing and furniture.

For car enthusiasts, the museum’s collection of vintage automobiles is a standout. Highlights include a 1923 Ford Model T, owned by Gary Richards, founder of P.C. Richard & Son, and a 1931 Plymouth that cost $535 at the time and features a rumble seat. These vehicles showcase the evolution of automotive design and the golden age of engineering.

The electronics room celebrates the typewriter, an invention that revolutionized communication and office work. Rows of vintage typewriters, from early models to more modern versions, illustrate the evolution of writing technology.

What sets the Kings Park Heritage Museum apart is its ability to connect the past to the present. Unlike many museums with static displays, it offers an immersive experience, inviting visitors to engage with artifacts. Guests can try a vintage typewriter or explore a classic car up close. Educational programs, workshops and events delve deeper into the cultural, technological and social changes reflected in the museum’s collection.

New donations arrive weekly, ensuring visitors always discover something new. The museum serves as a testament to the ingenuity, resilience and creativity of the 20th century, preserving the past for future generations. Whether you’re a history buff, a vintage enthusiast or simply curious about the past, the Kings Park Heritage Museum promises an unforgettable journey through time.

Museum Director Sal Iraci encapsulates its charm: “You could work here seven days a week for 10 hours a day and still find something new each time you come in.”

The Leo B. Ostebo Kings Park Heritage Museum, the only school community-managed museum in the U.S., is independently run by donations and volunteers, without funding from the Kings Park school district. It is open for tours during school days until 4 p.m. or by appointment. For more information on upcoming events, visit kpheritagemuseum.net.

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Postcard photo, circa 1935, showing the view up Christian Ave, from Main Street. The second Stony Brook Post Office is pictured to the left of the firehouse. Photo from Beverly C. Tyler

By Beverly C. Tyler

As detailed in my article on Nov. 7, 2024, the first Stony Brook Post Office built specifically for postal use was located on Main Street, a few hundred feet north of where the Reboli Center stands today.

As World War I approached, Stony Brook saw a new postmaster. Nellie E. Lempfert began serving the community on Jan. 24, 1913. According to Olga Reboli, she was a very nice person and a good postmaster.

Mrs. Reboli also recalled that Nellie Lempfert had an ice cream parlor before becoming postmaster. It was next to the big building on the corner near Mr. Rogers’ plumbing shop.

In 1913, Mrs. Reboli, then 12 years old, and her sisters would occasionally spend a nickel on ice cream at Mrs. Lempfert’s store. “We didn’t have a nickel to spend very often,” she said, “but it was always a special time to remember.”

The first Stony Brook Post Office, now located at 44 Cedar Street. Photo by Beverly C. Tyler

The Stony Brook Post Office was also remembered by Orietta Peterman, who shared her vivid recollections of working there.

“Mrs. Lempfert was the postmaster, and I went to work there in October 1913,” Ms. Peterman explained. “I was married in 1917, and my husband went off to World War I. He left in 1919.” (Note: Charles C. Peterman was inducted into the U.S. Army in December 1917 and served in Europe from March 1918 until his discharge on Feb. 2, 1919.)

When Ms. Peterman started at the post office, there were only two workers, and only one person worked at a time. “On Mondays, I had to be in by 6 o’clock to get the morning mail off, all by myself,” she said. “If anyone came in to buy stamps, I did that. If someone wanted a money order, I did that too. We didn’t even have a safe until a year or two later. When the post office started growing, they finally bought a safe to keep the money in.”

She described her postmaster’s schedule, explaining that Mrs. Lempfert would probably arrive around 8 o’clock. She stayed to help with the morning mail before heading home. “I was there most of the time, earning $5 a week for a 14-hour day,” she said.

The space itself was challenging to work in. Ms. Peterman remembered that the post office wasn’t used very long and was already outgrowing its capacity. “Two people were always in the way. There were no facilities, no water. If we needed water, I had to fetch it from a spring near the Sherry house. For hot water, we used a kerosene space heater with a tea kettle on top,” she explained.

“In winter, there was a coal stove that needed tending daily,” she added. “I handled all the cleaning, and since there was no electricity, I cleaned lamp chimneys and filled the lamps.”

Parade in Stony Brook marking the end of WWI. Percy W. Smith driving the Ford with his son, Percy Roger Smith, about 2 ½ sitting on his right. Photo courtesy of Three Village Historical Society

Reflecting on her experience, Ms. Peterman said she did everything under heaven. “I never had a coffee break in my life. I worked there for seven or eight years, with no vacation and no paid days off. Even on the day I got married, I was docked. That’s how liberal they were.”

On April 29, 1922, Louise E. Wells was appointed the next postmaster of Stony Brook, operating from the same building. Miss Wells married Charlie Williamson in 1926 and remained postmaster until mid-1932. Olga Reboli remembered her fondly and said Mrs. Williamson was also a very nice person. The couple had two daughters, Louise and Madeline.

In the early 1930s, a new post office was built next to the old firehouse on Christian Avenue. Though not much larger, it offered more modern facilities.

The old post office wasn’t forgotten. By 1922, it became a butcher shop for Percy W. Smith and later served as the office for L.C. Clarke Co. In 1925, Olga Reboli worked for L.C. Clarke Real Estate and was photographed in front of the building.

The venerable old structure was eventually moved in the 1940s and repurposed as a home. It now resides at 44 Cedar St. in Stony Brook, just north of Hollow Road.

Beverly C. Tyler is an author and historian with the Three Village Historical Society. For more information, visit www.tvhs.org.

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Photo courtesy of Vanderbilt Museum

The Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation will offer a free comprehensive grant workshop to Long Island and New York metropolitan area historic 501(c)(3) organizations at the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium at 180 Little Neck Road in Centerport, on January 14, 2025. The workshop will educate the area’s historic community on financial support that is currently available from the Foundation and provide guidance on the grant application process.

Presenting organizations at the workshop will include The Preservation League of New York, the New York Landmarks Conservancy’s Sacred Sites, the Greater Hudson Heritage Network, East Hampton Library, Long Island University, and Burying Grounds Preservation Group.

“The Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation views this introduction to funding opportunities as an active effort to assist our historic organizations to achieve sustainability. Each of the workshop presenters is supported by RDLGF to aid our region’s historic outreach and growth,” said Kathryn M. Curran, Executive Director of the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation.

Attendance is limited to two participants from each organization. The attending organizations must have a historic mission and support the study, stewardship and promotion of education relating to Long Island and New York’s role in American history, scholarships and historic preservation. Advance approval for participation is required.

Interested organizations must RSVP no later than January 8, 2025 to [email protected]. Attendees will be contacted with an approval notice before the event. Light lunch will be served.

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