Ward Melville Heritage Organization

“Courageous Women of the Revolutionary War” Tours

By WMHO

Stony Brook, NY – Coming out of the shadows of history are four “Courageous Women of the  Revolutionary War” who will be showcased at one day only, first of its kind live theatrical  performances at four of Ward Melville Heritage Organization’s (WMHO) historic properties September 28 from 10 am to 4 pm (rain date September 29).   This will be the first time these historic homes have all been open at the same time. The critical roles women played during the war and the rich history of the Three Village area will be featured as well. Each of these sites is listed on the National and State Register of Historic Places and has its own connection to the American Revolution.

Based on historical literature and oral histories from the Three Village area, the general public will be invited to take a guided tour on a journey back in time to the years that also helped spearhead the Women’s Suffrage Movement. Visitors will be greeted by a character in the first person who will explain her personal fears and tribulations learning to survive during the war. At The Thompson House, c. 1709 guests will meet Doctor Samuel Thompson’s wife, Phoebe Thompson; Rebecca Mills Brewster, wife of Joseph Brewster (cousin of Spy Ring member, Caleb Brewster) will be at The Brewster House, c. 1665; a Grist Mill “Dusty” at the Stony Brook Grist Mill, c. 1751 and Ruth Mills, the wife of Culper Spy, Jonas Hawkins will be at The Mount House, c. 1725.  These live performances will take place in the middle of the conflict, forcing guests to consider, “What would you do during these treacherous times?” The British have taken hold of Long Island. Many husbands and young men are arrested and enslaved on prison boats in New York Harbor. Innocent boys are forced into service for the British Army. Wives, mothers and daughters are alone, protecting their children and property. 

There will be three tours: 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm and guests will be transported to the performances by trolley.  Each tour will be 1 ½ hours long. The cost will be $40 pp.  The mission of the program, made possible by a grant from the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation, is to inspire and educate the public about the contributions of these valiant women while fostering an appreciation of the Three Village region and its cultural heritage. Kathryn M. Curran, Executive Director of the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation said, “We view this educational program as a model and resource for other historical organizations to use to engage the public. This event brings the historic homes to life.” Gloria Rocchio, President of WMHO says, “We are very thankful to the Gardiner Foundation for giving us the opportunity to share our vision that we’ve had for so long with the general public.”

For reservations and further information call 631-751-2244.

Ward Melville High School Alumni Celebrate Special Reunion in the Wetlands

By WMHO

Stony Brook, NY – For the last 50 years students have been taking summer courses at the first marine biology center in Stony Brook, founded by a pioneer in the marine science field, Dr. Erwin J. Ernst.  Some of Dr. Ernst’s original students, and long-time friends from Ward Melville High School, celebrated their 1969 class reunion aboard WMHO’s “Discovery” Wetlands Cruise which meandered through the 88-acre wetlands preserve and past the Ernst Marine Conservation Center, the very place where their interest in the sciences was first awakened by Dr. Ernst 50 years before.

Programs at the center, which houses two classrooms, touch tanks, microscopes and distance learning equipment, are still offered today teaching children of all ages the “wonders of the wetlands.”  For information on future programs, call 631-751-2244. 

Photo Credit:  Rosanne Buscemi

Meet the Man Behind the Stony Brook Village Eagle

By WMHO

 

Stony Brook, NY – Do you know what an Antiquarian Horologist is? It’s someone who restores antique timekeeping devices!  You can come and meet the man literally behind the Stony Brook Village Mechanical Eagle, Marshall Irving, who is responsible for taking care of the very intricate mechanisms of this popular landmark, at a free Master Class on May 22 from 1 pm to 2:30 pm.

The massive, original wood carved eagle atop the Stony Brook Post Office is synchronized with a clock inside its dome enabling it to flap its 20 foot wing span each hour on the hour from 8 am to 8 pm daily, as it has done for almost 80 years.  Access to the inner workings of the eagle is an achievement in and of itself as Irving, who recently turned 90 years young, has to navigate through various passageways to work on the beloved attraction.  In addition to the on-the-hour display, Irving added a push-button feature allowing the eagle’s wings to be turned on manually for special occasions.

Hear his fascinating story of growing up on a small farm in Maryland to becoming a Naval Engineer.  Irving attended the Kings Point Merchant Marine Academy where he received a degree in steamship engineering and received a master’s degree in engineering management from Long Island University.  He worked at Dayton T. Brown’s testing lab in Amityville on aircraft and survival and safety gear for the U.S. Navy, and during the Korean War he served aboard the Intrepid as a Lieutenant transporting special weapons through the Mediterranean during two deployments in Europe and the Middle East. 

The event will take place at WMHO’s Educational & Cultural Center located at 97P Main Street in the rear of the Stony Brook Village Center and refreshments will be served.

For further information on Marshall Irving visit http://stonybrookvillagecenterblog.com/a-marshall-irving/ or call 631-689-5888.

WMHO Celebrates Its 80th Year

By WMHO

Stony Brook, NY –This year marks the 80th Anniversary of the Ward Melville Heritage Organization founded by its namesake, whose philanthropic works and foresight are legendary. 

 

Ward Melville’s visions for the Stony Brook area included the establishment of a world renowned education institution, Stony Brook University (to which he donated 400 acres of land as well as personal funding); the protection of environmentally sensitive areas; educational and cultural programs and the preservation of historic properties, dating back to the Revolutionary War, for present and future generations to experience.

 

Each year WMHO hosts their “Jewels & Jeans” Gala, their main fundraising event, which will take place on June 19 from 6 pm to 10 pm at Flowerfield in St. James.  A cocktail hour will kick off the evening with entertainment by Tom Manuel and The Jazz Loft All Stars. An exciting night follows with dinner, meeting this year’s Honorees, raffles, a Silent Auction and a Live Auction which includes a Lessing’s Fine Dining Experience for three $300 gift certificates at Mirabelle at Three Village Inn, Sandbar Restaurant and the View Restaurant; Dinner for eight by personal Chef Lance; a four-night stay for 10 at The Dome; a VIP Stargazing Experience at Avalon Park & Preserve and one night ocean view room at Gurney’s Montauk. The fundraising goal for this 80th Anniversary of the organization will be a net of $80,000.  All proceeds will be used for much needed restorations to three of WMHO’s historic properties, each of which is on the New York State and National Register of Historic Places.  The Brewster House, c. 1665, is in dire need of siding and chimney repairs; The Thompson House, c. 1709, needs extensive restorations to its chimney and The Stony Brook Grist Mill, c. 1751, the most complete working grist mill on Long Island, requires repairs to the very intricate mechanisms that are still in use today. Funds are needed as well to continue producing WMHO’s 70-plus award-winning educational and cultural programs each year. 

For their outstanding achievements to the community, the Jewels & Jeans Honorees this year (pictured left to right) are:

  • Katharine Griffiths, Executive Director, Avalon Park & Preserve
  • Leah Dunaief, Editor & Publisher, Times Beacon Record Newspapers
  • Anna Kerekes, WMHO Trustee
  • Andy Polan, President, Three Village Chamber of Commerce

 

For information on tickets, sponsorships, donations visit https://wmho.org/jewels-jeans/ or call 631-751-2244.

PHOTO CREDIT:  WMHO

Stony Brook Mill Pond Fishing Club, Inc.

By WMHO

The Stony Brook Mill Pond is fed by clear woodland streams and by the pure delight of the members of the Mill Pond Fishing Club.

The Club has been fishing in the Pond for 67 years. They gather to relax and enjoy each other’s company on the shores of Stony Brook’s natural gem. “It’s a social event,” said club member Joe Lamberti. “We hang out at the Pond for a couple of hours, and then we all go out to eat.” Joe said the fishing gang like the small-town atmosphere of having breakfast in Stony Brook Village.

what if you’d like to join them, but don’t know how to fish? The Club will be happy to teach you. kids are welcome too. “We’ll help you get a line in the water,” Joe said. There’s always something to learn, even for those who’ve been fishing for years. “We’re always teaching each other new tricks,” Joe said. “Sometimes fish are not easy to catch. You have to pay attention and work for it.”

It’s strictly catch-and-release down at the Mill Pond. Environmental conservation is a priority with Club members. the Club stocks the conservation is a priority with Club members. The Club stocks the Pond with trout. There are carp living there too, and Joe said large mouth bass are ” making a good comeback” in Pond waters. And it’s fun to observe the other wildlife that make their home at the Pond- deer and turtles and plenty of aquatic birds.

[Read more…]

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The Ward Melville Heritage Organization

PO Box 572
Stony Brook, NY 11790
Phone 631-751-2244
Fax (631) 751-2024

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