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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Preservation Long Island, the Cold Spring Harbor-based regional historic preservation advocacy nonprofit, is pleased to announce the appointment of JackiePowers as its new executive director, effective December 2, 2024. Powers, a resident of Glen Cove and former senior advisor with the American Museum of Natural History, will bring her extensive experience in museum and educational leadership to Long Island’s only regional not-for-profit organization dedicated to historic preservation.
“Jackie brings a wealth of professional experience from her two decades in senior roles at the American Museum of Natural History,” said Michelle Elliott Gokey, president of Preservation Long Island’s board of trustees. “We are excited about Jackie’s passion for our mission and look forward to working closely with her, along with our members and partners, to advance historic preservation throughout the region. As our 76-year-old organization embarks on a new phase of growth, Jackie’s leadership will be key to enhancing our impact.”
Powers expressed her enthusiasm for joining the organization, saying, “Preserving Long Island’s architectural history and cultural heritage—through stewardship, education, and advocacy—is a mission that resonates deeply with me. My career at the American Museum of Natural History has focused on similar educational goals: interpreting and sharing knowledge about human cultures and the natural world.” She added, “This opportunity is especially meaningful, as I spent much of my youth on both the North Shore, where I now live, and the South Shore, as well as in Brooklyn. Long Island’s architectural history is a vibrant mosaic of communities from around the world. Engaging with these diverse cultures will be essential to expanding Preservation Long Island’s reach and relevance for future generations.”
Powers succeeds Alexandra Parsons Wolfe, who retired last June, becoming the eighth executive director to lead Preservation Long Island, formerly known as the Society for the Preservation of Long Island Antiquities.
Pictured from left, Ellen Mason, Larisa Minardi, Gretchen Oldrin Mones, Mary McLaughlin and Laura Rotondi. Photo courtesy of the DAR
Anna Smith Strong Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution fundraiser
Anna Smith Strong Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution fundraiser
Anna Smith Strong Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution fundraiser
The Anna Smith Strong Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution recently held a fundraiser to continue its mission to support Veteran’s programs as well as educational, scholarship and community causes.
With an Autumn and Halloween costumed party theme, the Chapter members and friends gathered at the VFW Hall # 3054 in Setauket on Oct. 19 for an old fashion tea party. Sandwiches, sweets and treats were served throughout the afternoon as a variety of items were auctioned, door prizes were distributed, and RaZle Basket prize winners were announced. Adding to the festivities, there was a friendly, yet spirited competition to see who would be awarded Best Hat, and Best Costume.
The Anna Smith Strong Chapter is very grateful to the VFW for the use of the facility, the Girl Scout Troop # 655 for helping throughout the event, and to the many others who donated their time and talent. As a result of the event, more than $3,000 was raised to support Veteran and other programs — making the holidays a little bit brighter for many.
Right, Erin Murphy, granddaughter of T.Bayles Minuse and Cynthia Murphy, daughter of T.Bayles Minuse view the exhibit. T. Bayles Minuse was Ward Melville’s right-hand man in rehabilitating the Stony Brook hamlet. Photo from WMHO
Prominent People featured in exhibit 'People, Places, and Programs'. Photo from WMHO
The Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO) has announced the unveiling of its new exhibit, People, Places, and Programs, which celebrates the rich legacy of the organization and its lasting impact on the community. This engaging exhibit highlights the people, places, and programs that have defined WMHO’s history and continue to shape its future.
Located in the hallway near Premiere Pastry Shop at the Stony Brook Village Center, 117 Main Street, Stony Brook, the free exhibit provides a unique opportunity to learn about the individuals who played pivotal roles in the community, WMHO’s historic properties, and the wide array of educational and cultural programs that WMHO offers.
Featured individuals in the exhibit include The Melville Family, T. Bayles Minuse, Dr. Erwin Ernst, Robert Cushman Murphy, Richard Haviland Smythe, Jonas Smith, William Sidney Mount, Walter Hazlitt, H.V. Kaltenborn, Herodotus “Dr. Dan” Damianos, and Ernie “Santa Claus” Rositzke.
“This exhibit is a reflection of the tremendous contributions made by individuals who helped shape the Ward Melville Heritage Organization and the community we serve,” said Dr. Richard Rugen, Chairman of the WMHO Board. “We are proud to honor their legacy and invite future generations to connect with our shared history—because this legacy belongs to the entire community, not just WMHO.”
The People, Places, and Programs exhibit will evolve over time, with plans to periodically update the featured community members and introduce an audio experience, offering deeper insights into the lives and legacies of those who have had a lasting impact on the organization and the community.
To learn more about the Ward Melville Heritage Organization and its ongoing programs, visit wmho.org.
From left, Maryann Jacoutot (Senior Center Staff) Town Clerk Thomas McCarthy, Supervisor Edward Wehrheim, Thomas Gugliotta, Tax Receiver Deanna Varricchio, and Senior Citizens Dept. Director Doreen Perrino. Photo from Town of Smithtown
The Town of Smithtown has announced that historic property records and tax documents donated by Thomas Gugliotta are now on display at Town Hall. Gugliotta, a proud first-generation resident of Smithtown donated the records in hopes of sharing his parents great American Dream story. The display, located at Town Hall outside the Tax Receiver’s office, serves as a tribute to the values of hard work, resilience, and community spirit that define so many Smithtown families.
Thomas Gugliotta’s parents, Biase and Philomena, immigrated from Italy in 1956, arriving in the San Remo neighborhood with their infant daughter. Thomas was born in San Remo and grew up in the same home he resides in today, where he continues to cherish his parents’ legacy.
“I got very nostalgic talking with Thomas. We shared memories about our families, how they migrated here to Smithtown and how generations before us made a great life, which are now etched in our history. The Gugliotta family represents what Smithtown is all about: resilience, hard work, and pride in one’s roots. These historical documents not only honor their personal history but also serve as an inspiration to our community about the power of perseverance in the pursuit of the American Dream.” – Supervisor Edward R. Wehrheim, Town of Smithtown
Thomas’s father, an Italian Allied Forces WWII veteran, experienced unimaginable hardship during the war. Shortly after Italy joined the Allied forces in 1943, Biase Gugliotta was captured and held in a nazi labor camp until it was liberated by American forces in 1945. In 1956, his family settled in San Remo, where Biase worked as a custodian at Kings Park High School until his retirement in 1986. Thomas shared his fathers proud journey with Town Officials, of achieving U.S. citizenship, thanks to the assistance of Smithtown’s first Police Chief, Cy Donnelly in 1969.
“My father would walk to Town Hall to pay his taxes, proud of everything he had accomplished… It’s an honor to have these records displayed here in a way that might inspire others to reflect on the American story—one rooted in family, history, and proud heritage.” – Thomas Gugliotta, San Remo First Generation Resident
Thomas Gugliotta recalled that his father would actually walk to Town Hall to pay his property taxes, all the way from San Remo, making it a point to share how deeply proud his father was to do so.
Did You Know? Originally named after a small Italian Riviera village, San Remo has a unique historical significance and has served as a home to many families who have shared similar dreams of building a new life.
This exhibit was made possible thanks to the collaboration with the Smithtown Senior Center team and Town Administration. The Town is deeply grateful to Thomas Gugliotta for sharing his family’s history and hopes this exhibit will spark meaningful discussions about family legacies, community history, and the value of the American Dream.
Thomas’s heartfelt story about his family is also available to watch on Smithtown GTV’s YouTube channel. It captures the personal stories behind the historical documents, offering a unique perspective on the history of San Remo and the people who have built their lives here. The Town Hall display is a testament to the enduring strength and pride of immigrant families who continue to enrich the fabric of Smithtown.
To watch Thomas Gugliotta’s interview and the San Remo Historic Spotlight on Smithtown GTV, visit: Watch on YouTube.
Joseph A. Edgar Intermediate School students visited the Hallock Homestead. Photo from RPSD
As educators are encouraged to make and teach local historical connections in the grade 4 social studies curriculum, Joseph A. Edgar Intermediate School students are learning to make these connections through field trips to the Hallock Homestead, just minutes from the school.
Maintained by the Rocky Point Historical Society, each fourth grade class at JAE took a personal tour with an experienced docent through Rocky Point’s oldest standing house, which was listed in the New York and National registers in 2013.
JAE Assistant Principal Benjamin Paquette and teachers Pat Alberti, Mara Lopez and Theresa O’Brien met with Historical Society members last year to tour the house and frame the field trips that took place in mid-October. This project was spearheaded by Ken Krapf, a retired JAE teacher and Rocky Point Historical Society board member.
The students viewed the 15 rooms filled with furniture, artifacts and archival photographs of Rocky Point’s unique history. The teachers witnessed how students connected with the local history as the staff helped bring the social studies curriculum to life, right in their own neighborhood.
“Students and staff were in awe of all the history that exists within Rocky Point,” said Mr. Paquette, a graduate of Rocky Point High School. “Growing up here, I heard bits and pieces of Rocky Point’s history, which has been fascinating to put everything together. Each time I visit the Hallock House, I leave with new information.”
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