From 1929 Fire Wagons to Sounds of the Eagles

Issue #269

Author

Brian Grant
November 14, 2025

Good Morning,

It’s a busy week around town. Patchogue’s 1929 firehouse stands out in local history, while Santa sightings, holiday brunches, and a Thanksgiving feast add cheer this season. EagleMania hits the stage with classic rock vibes, and the new VIP pass keeps you connected with everything happening nearby. Let’s dive in!.

-Brian Grant, managing editor, writer

Local Pulse

🚨 A pedestrian was struck by a car while crossing Saxton Street in East Patchogue Monday morning, Suffolk police said. The 40-year-old victim suffered non-life-threatening injuries after a driver turned left onto Annanias Avenue, mistakenly thinking the road was clear. Patch

🎸 There are still seats available for EagleMania: The World’s Greatest Eagles Tribute this Friday, November 14 at 8:00 p.m. at the Patchogue Theatre. The band brings The Eagles’ iconic hits to life with stunning harmonies and guitar work, along with solo classics from Don Henley, Glenn Frey, and Joe Walsh. PatchogueTheatre.org

Day in History

A Look Back at 1929’s State-of-the-Art Fire Department


In the autumn of 1929, just before economic hardship gripped the nation, Patchogue took pride in having one of the best-equipped fire departments in the state. With seven official firefighting vehicles, most of them newly purchased, the department earned recognition throughout Suffolk County. Under the leadership of Chief Howard Smith and backed by 225 trained volunteers, the department stood as a model of readiness and modernization.

The Patchogue Advance November 11, 1929

Among the standout pieces of equipment was a new hook and ladder truck that cost nearly ten thousand dollars, along with two powerful pumpers priced at thirteen thousand five hundred dollars each. A newly delivered Euclid hose truck came with a turret nozzle, and Chief Smith had also acquired a new roadster for fifteen hundred dollars that summer. The oldest active vehicle was a twelve-year-old Van Guard hose and chemical truck.

Also notable was the Van Guard Company's racing cart, which although unofficial, had brought prestige to Patchogue by winning firemen's parade events as recently as 1928. This lightweight vehicle, which cost eight hundred dollars, now rested at the Van Guard house on Cedar Street.

The department also led in innovation with automatic electric doors installed at the firehouse. Activated by the second tap of the fire gong, the doors cleared the exit path while also switching on the station lights. With a total property value estimated at over one hundred thousand dollars, Patchogue’s fire department in 1929 reflected a town proudly investing in its safety and future.

💥 Stay Connected Like a Local Insider!

We just made it even easier to keep up with everything happening around town. From new restaurant openings to community events and local deals.

Introducing the 🎟️ Patchogue Live Local VIP Wallet Pass. Your all-access digital pass to life in Patchogue, Medford, Bayport, Bellport, and Blue Point.

✅ Stay connected with instant access to:
• Local events, news & deals
• The latest Patchogue Live Local newsletter
• Quick links to Patchogue, Medford, Bayport, Bellport & Blue Point

💡 Tap the three dots (•••) on the pass to unlock links to your local guide, website, and newsletter.

📱 Works with Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. Just tap the link below when on your phone to add your pass instantly!

For Android devices, which don’t have a built-in compatible wallet app, simply download the Pass2U Wallet app from the Play Store to use your VIP pass.

Community Highlights

  • The Bayport-Blue Point Heritage Association is hosting a General Membership Meeting featuring Marsha Collock’s talk Films of the American Great Depression: 1929–1939 on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025, from 2–4pm at the BBP Library. Enjoy classic film history, community connection, and a chance to win a raffle prize. [BBPHA]

  • Breakfast with Santa is coming to Bellport on Saturday, December 6 from 10 AM–12 PM. Bellport Village

  • Lombardi’s On The Bay is offering a three-course Prix Fixe Thanksgiving Dinner by the bay, featuring classics like sliced turkey breast, creamy mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie, in their cozy waterfront setting for $59.95 per person (plus tax) on Thanksgiving Day. Lombardi’s On The Bay

  • Santa’s making a tropical stop at RUMBA Patchogue for a festive Santa Brunch on Saturday, December 13th, from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM, with island vibes, cookie decorating, and a special gift surprise from Santa himself. Santa Brunch at RUMBA Patchogue

  • Get festive and Design a Holiday Door Sign at Momo's Sports Bar and Grill Too in Bayport on Tuesday, November 18 at 7 PM, with tickets at $55. Paint Nite Tickets

  • The Village of Patchogue is celebrating its 63rd Annual Christmas Parade on Saturday, November 29 at 6 PM, featuring “Christmas Past on Main Street” with Santa’s helpers and a chance to send holiday greetings to service members. [Village of Patchogue]

  • ⛸️ Holiday Spectacular on Ice returns to Gateway Playhouse from November 28 to January 4, transforming the stage into a dazzling ice rink for a one-of-a-kind winter celebration. With festive music, stunning figure skating, and show-stopping performances, it’s the “coolest” family-friendly tradition of the season. [Gateway Playhouse]

  • The Bay Area Chorus of BAFFA will perform a free concert, Gifts of Music, featuring works by Bach, Copland, and holiday favorites on Sunday, November 23 at 4 PM at the United Methodist Church of Patchogue. [Bay Area Friends of the Fine Arts]

  • The Patchogue River Christmas Boat Parade returns for its 30th year on November 23 at 5 PM, lighting up the waterfront with a “Rock Star Christmas” theme and dazzling, decked-out boats. [Patchogue River Christmas Boat Parade]

  • The Better Man Distilling Co. is hosting its 5th Annual Holiday Market with local vendors, cocktails, and live music on Nov. 29–30. Enjoy doggy photo ops and performances by Andrew Weiss & Friends and the Brian Mancuso Band. The Better Man Distilling Co.

  • The Lighthouse Mission is collecting Thanksgiving food donations to support local families in need. Drop off items at 1543 Montauk Hwy, Bellport by Saturday, November 15, Monday–Friday (9AM–4PM) or Saturday (10AM–2PM).

  • Take a peaceful virtual stroll through downtown Patchogue in this 4K walking tour by Walking with Genny, showcasing the charm and walkability of one of Long Island’s most inviting villages.

Community Highlights

Local Sports

🏐 Bayport-Blue Point fought hard in the Long Island Class B girls volleyball championship on Wednesday but ultimately fell to Wheatley in a tightly contested match at Hauppauge High School. Standout efforts from Naomi Wilans, Lexi Hager, and Kelsey Morrison highlighted a strong season finish for the Phantoms. Newsday

🎾 Bayport-Blue Point captured its first-ever New York State Division II girls tennis title with a 4-1 win over Edgemont at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Powered by key wins from Eden Romano, Evie Romano & Leila Rogers, and clinched by Suffolk County singles champ Lily Castka, the Phantoms capped off a dominant postseason run. Long Island Tennis Magazine

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