House Tour 2019

Our Toys for Tots collection was, as always, a huge success. We collected hundreds of toys for needy children for the holidays.

The 26th annual Holiday House Tour took place on December 8th, a beautiful mild Sunday afternoon. As always, the event was a great success. The weather was perfect, the houses were fabulous, and our reception and Chinese Auction were exceptional.

Our reception was held at the United Methodist Church of Islip. Members of the congregation were available throughout the day to welcome guests to their historic church. In the reception hall we served cookies and warm drinks as participants browsed through the many exciting baskets and gift certificates which were on display for our Chinese Auction. Guitarist/Singer, Rob Baione sang Christmas Carols and other familiar songs throughout the day. As always, our Chinese Auction was a huge success.

The Ferguson house was originally a small white colonial shingle style house built in the late 1800’s. Over the years it was expanded and modernized while maintaining its original charm. The homeowners have only been in the home a short time but have added their own personal touches. They were very excited about learning the history of their house and uncovered fascinating stories about the previous owners.

This year our tour consisted of six lovely houses, five in the heart of Islip, and one on South Saxon Ave. in Bay Shore. Their architectural style included Victorian, Four Square Colonial, Center Hall Colonial and cottage style. The homeowners were very enthusiastic hosts and enjoyed greeting guests throughout the day. Our docents, who were dressed in Victorian costumes added to the atmosphere.

The McGrath house, a colonial, built in 1960 on land once owned by land baron, Daniel D. Conover, was decorated in a transitional style and was elegant, yet comfortable. The walls were adorned with beautiful artwork, chosen by the homeowners over the years.

The Croke house, a two-story cottage built in the early twentieth century, was originally a tiny two room house. It has had several additions over the years, but the original charm of the home remains, including a coffered ceiling, a stained-glass window and a lovely screened porch. The homeowners have lived in the house for over forty years and have maintained the house and beautiful property with love.

We were pleased to have two sisters who live on Church Ave. show their homes this year. Lauren and her husband, Robert Haedrich moved to the street first, in 1988. Her younger sister, Kirsten and her husband Tim Cripe loved the neighborhood and found a house on the same street in 1999. The houses were both built in the 1920’s but in completely different styles. The homes, much like the sisters have a distinct similarity.

We are always looking for interesting homes to include in future holiday house tours. If you have such a house, please consider giving us one day of the year to showcase your home. You will have a great day and will be doing something special for the lovely community we live in.

The brick colonial on Wave Crest Drive was built in the 1950’s but one would never know it upon entering the house as the house has been transformed into a 19^thcentury colonial. To add to the ambiance, the sounds of colonial music filled the air. The home included many unique features, including coffered ceilings, a chandelier imported from Italy, built in cabinetry and a Rumford fireplace. Homeowners, Rob and Liz Finnegan have lived in the home since 1982.

We wish to thank Lori Zegel from Nook and Cranny who sells our tickets for us in her shop on Main Street in Islip.

The 1880 Victorian on South Bay Ave., owned by Jim and Doris Getty, was on our tour once before in 2000. The homeowners generously agreed to show their beautiful home again. Upon entering the home, one is struck by the beautiful architectural details, including beautiful woodwork, high ceilings and three working fireplaces. Displayed throughout the house one could admire artwork created by Jim’s grandfather, a noted American Artist.

The Holiday House Tour is our major fundraiser. We attribute our continued success to the many members of the Historical Society who give so much of their time to this event, and of course to the homeowners, who decorate their homes, open their doors and invite us in.