Oysters, Art & Patchogue’s Past

Good Morning,

We’re shining a light on local heroes, honoring history, and serving up a few can't-miss bites and events. Whether you're here for the stories, the art, or the Oktoberfest Benedict (yes, really), there’s something in this issue for everyone..

-Brian Grant, managing editor, writer

Local Pulse

🏗️ JLL Capital Markets secured $114.2 million in financing for a 262-unit multifamily project at 214 West Main St. in Patchogue, NY. The development will include both market-rate and affordable housing, plus new public park space along the Patchogue River. [ConnectCRE]

🦪 Toasted Oysters, an Islip-based sustainable oyster farm, will showcase their Great South Bay Blue Point oysters at the 2025 Ryder Cup’s Taste NY tent on Sept. 26. Founded in 2023 by two longtime friends, the farm is gaining recognition for its quality and unique flavor. [Long Island Business News]

🎖️ Daniel Murphy shared the powerful story of his son, U.S. Navy SEAL Lt. Michael P. Murphy, during a 9/11 presentation at the Greater Patchogue Historical Society. Murphy, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, was remembered for his deep sense of duty and sacrifice during a 2005 mission in Afghanistan. Suffolk County News

🏡 The Little Red Shed at Avery Homestead County Park is a treasure trove of local history, passionately shared by Greater Patchogue Historical Society treasurer Steve Lucas. Featuring artifacts tied to Patchogue’s agricultural roots and iconic landmarks, the shed offers a glimpse into the area's rich past. Fire Island News

🏥 NYU Langone Hospital in Patchogue has been officially upgraded to a Level II Adult Trauma Center, enabling it to treat all adult trauma cases locally. The designation marks a major step in expanding emergency care access for the region. Greater Long Island

Day in History

War’s End Shuts Down Patchogue Cottage Mill, Leaving 250 Without Work

In September 1945, Patchogue felt the sharp jolt of war’s end when the Bossert-Bailey mill, located at the head of the Patchogue River, was forced to halt nearly all operations. The federal government had suddenly terminated its contract for 30,000 prefabricated cottages intended for England, part of the now-concluded lend-lease program that supported U.S. allies during World War II.

For nearly five months, the mill had served as a vital hub of wartime production, transforming the former Bailey Lumber Yard into a center for building temporary housing. About 330 cottages had been completed and shipped overseas when the order was cut short. The facility, managed by Charles Bossert and overseen locally by plant manager Henry Schmeckpeper, had employed 253 workers and generated a weekly payroll of $15,000—an economic cornerstone for the village during the final months of the war.

Patchogue, once known for its textile mills, lumber yards, and boat building, had adapted to wartime demands, with Bossert-Bailey emerging as a promising post-war industry. Though most workers were laid off immediately, Schmeckpeper noted the closure might be temporary, with plans to shift production toward the domestic housing market. Still, this moment marked a dramatic shift for the village, as it moved from wartime productivity into the uncertainties of peace.

Patchogue’s former Bossert-Bailey mill found new life in May 1946 when it was purchased by the Adirondack Log Cabin Company, Inc., and its subsidiary, the Pre-Fab Housing Company. The $500,000 acquisition of the waterfront property from Campbell Industries marked a significant investment in Long Island’s post-war future.

With the new owners planning to manufacture at least 4,000 prefabricated homes each year, the site was poised to play a central role in addressing the post-war housing shortage, especially for returning veterans.

After this, The company appears in an industrial exhibit in October of 1946 in Patchogue. Unfortunately they vanish from the news after that story. It’s very probable never met the goal of 4000 houses a year since Levittown became the big story on Long Island.

Community Highlights

• The 7th Annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration takes place Saturday, Sept. 20, featuring live music, dance, and vibrant cultural showcases. Tickets are $10 for general seating or $35 for VIP balcony access with exclusive perks. [Patchogue Theatre]

• Patchogue Arts Council presents Exquisite Corpse, a group exhibition running from September 20 to November 16, 2025, with an opening reception on September 20 from 5-7 PM. Celebrating 100 years of Surrealism, the show features works inspired by automatism and collaborative creation.

• Toast Coffee + Kitchen is serving up an Oktoberfest Benedict from Sept. 19 to Oct. 17, featuring poached eggs over beer bratwurst and potato latkes, topped with pickled cabbage and dijon hollandaise.

• PAC•MoCA L.I. is calling for artists and collectives to apply for two major mural commissions, offering stipends up to $10,000, supplies, and professional documentation. Deadline to apply is September 25, 2025.

• The Harbor Crab Co. is hosting its 21st annual Kris Kringle Surf & Turf Classic on Monday, Sept. 29, with golf, a surf and turf dinner, and community fundraising at Bellport Country Club and Dublin Deck. [Long Island Advance]

• The Bayport-Blue Point Chamber is hosting its September General Membership Meeting on Wednesday, September 24 from 8–9:30am at Bayport United Methodist Church Parish Hall, featuring breakfast treats and a session on promoting your business.

• Health in Harmony is offering free nutrition classes at Patchogue-Medford Library on September 19, featuring expert guidance, food demos, and tips for healthier eating on a budget. [Harmony Cafe LI]

• Bellport’s Environment Committee has launched the 1000 Yards Campaign to encourage residents to plant native species this fall. Help them reach their goal of 100 participating households! [Bellport Environment Committee]

• The Brookhaven Country Fair returns on Saturday, Sept. 20 and Sunday, Sept. 21 from 10am to 5pm at the Longwood Estate in Ridge, with historical reenactments, food, music, kids’ activities, and more. Brookhaven Country Fair

• Lighthouse Mission offers various community service opportunities including volunteering at food distributions, working in the warehouse, hosting food drives, or donating clothing. Perfect for fulfilling service hour requirements. Lighthouse Mission – Service Opportunities

• Habitat for Humanity of Long Island has opened applications for its Homeownership Program from Sept. 15 to Sept. 30, offering eligible participants a chance at affordable homeownership. Habitat for Humanity – Homeownership Program

• Singer-songwriter Mary Gauthier will perform at People’s Pub in Bayport on Sept. 26, joined by her partner Jaimee Harris, as she celebrates her decades-long career and recent album. People’s Pub

• The rescheduled Lone Sharks concert will take place on Friday, Sept. 19 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm at the Bellport Bandshell, 55 Bellport Lane.

• TUSK: The Classic Tribute to Fleetwood Mac is coming to Patchogue Theatre for a one-night performance on February 20. [BroadwayWorld]

• Debbie Gibson has announced her Newstalgia Live: Greatest Hits & Beyond show in Patchogue, NY on November 21 at 8 PM, with presale access starting September 11 for Diamond Debheads. Debbie Gibson Official

• Charlie Sheen is bringing his live show Alive On Stage to town on October 17 at 8 PM, with tickets ranging from $50 to $161. Buy Tickets

• Celebrate the Hagerman Fire Department’s 95th Anniversary Parade on September 27 at 4:00 p.m., starting at South Country Road and Dunton Avenue and heading north. [Hagerman Fire Department]

• Grammy Award-winning artist Macy Gray is bringing her On How Life Is 25th Anniversary Tour to the Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts on Nov. 7. Tickets for the 8 p.m. show go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. and can be purchased online, by phone, or in person. [Patchogue Theatre]

• Gateway's Haunted Playhouse is hosting a spooky and stylish Halloween fundraiser on October 10, complete with costume contests, cocktails, raffles, and VIP access to the haunted house—all in support of local arts. [The Gateway]]

• Live For Live Music is giving away a pair of tickets to see Jeff Tweedy live at the Patchogue Theatre on October 24. enter for your chance to win!

• Hammer of the Gods: The Led Zeppelin Experience is coming to the Patchogue Theatre for an electrifying tribute show on Saturday, October 25 at 8:00pm. [BroadwayWorld]

• EagleMania: The World’s Greatest Eagles Tribute is coming to the Patchogue Theatre for a one-night performance on Friday, November 14. [BroadwayWorld]

Community Highlights

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