In front of the Breezy Point Historical Society office

2020 Newsletter

Dear Members & Friends

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY...Yes, the Breezy Point Historical Society is now 5 years old, and in those years we have grown from a fledgling group into an established and recognized organization. We have been able to move from a small 8’ x 8’ room into more spacious and a well equipped office in the Medical Center. We have upgraded from a borrowed computer to modern equipment that includes two desktop computers, a laptop computer, a printer/scanner, a video camera and special computer programming designed specifically for recording and documenting historical items. And to that end, most importantly, we have accumulated an amazing assortment of historic memorabilia of our community from its earliest days in the 1900’s to the present. All this being accomplished by a small group of dedicated trustees and your annual generous membership support.

Schematic drawing of lighthouse

The Beginnings

The history of the Historical Society’s formation might be in order. In the 1990’s the US Department of Defense was scheduling demolition of the WW II structure they owned, the Fire Control Tower located at B 216th Street and the Bayside, which we call the Lighthouse. The Lighthouse Preservation Committee was formed and after years of negotiations the Cooperative acquired the structure, coincidently with the Coop’s 40th anniversary, and rededicated it as a historic symbol of our community. This committee became the nucleus of a new committee created by the Cooperative Board of Directors called the Heritage Committee. The Heritage Committee became the model for a number of individuals who were interested in preserving the history of the peninsula; some of them became the founding members of the Breezy Point Historical Society shortly after Superstorm Sandy. The founding members and original Board of Trustees, some of whom unfortunately have passed away, will be honored at this year’s BPHS Annual Meeting.

“The Best Laid Plans”

...yes we did have an entire spring and summer schedule planned of events, walking tours, presentations and the Hall of Fame Dinner….. BUT….the COVID 19 disaster has been cause for the trustees to scramble and rethink what we will be doing this summer. And unfortunately, even our revised plans are still subject to the decisions of both Governor Cuomo and Mayor DeBlasio as far as gatherings and group meetings are concerned. Therefor the information below may well change as the progress of the stemming of the virus outbreak lessens and New York City begins to return to normal.

What Else???

...The Society has some other dates reserved for historical presentations and also hopes to schedule walking tours if possible. Presentations, events and walking tours are open to all residents and guests and are free of charge. The Point Breeze Clubhouse hosts all presentations except for any held in Roxbury. Please look for announcements of future scheduled dates in the RP News. Of note as well, will be the upcoming sale of the fourth limited edition Historical Society Christmas ornament, which as in past years may be purchased at the Ridgewood Savings Bank, our office on Wednesday afternoons, or at any of our gatherings. The 2020 edition will have an imprint of the true symbol of our community and be one to cherish.

Like Us

...Yes, we do have a Facebook Page and are close to hitting 1000 followers. It is regularly updated with the organization’s information and fascinating photos from our collection as well as articles of interest. Why not join our group and get a glimpse back to the old days.

Hall of Fame

-----this year’s induction ceremonies is scheduled for Wenesday, August 12th at the Point Breeze Clubhouse from 7:00-9:00 with a major change to the format. Hoping that we will be permitted to host the gala, in order to maintain social distancing, the Hall of Fame Celebration will be a Cocktail Reception rather than a dinner. As such the event will be strictly limited in the number of attendees and the cost will be $25.00. Reservations are an absolute must so please call the office 718-474-3555 This year’s inductees are Colonel Ted Feimer, Sr., The Joint Action Committee, and the Friberg/Schaffner Families.

Help Us

You can download a printable copy of our 2021 membership application. Your $25.00 annual membership is important as it allows us to continue exploring and saving our communities history. Please return by mail or drop off the application at our office which is on the east side of the medical building. The office is open every Wednesday afternoon. Thank you in advance for your support.

Board of Trustees

Paul Balukas, Leslie Barnett, Barbara Johnson, Joan D’Emic, MaryJane Feimer, Arthur Lighthall, Jerilynn Lalor, Cathy Murfitt, Ursula Odierna, Kevin Reilly, Arthur Smith, Joan Wilmarth