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November 18, 2009 | 08:15 AM
A conversation with a generous member on an unrelated subject has led to a new look — and new sidewalks — at the headquarters of the Three Village Historical Society in Setauket. TVHS President Peter Ostapow recalled a May 2009 conversation with David Fortuna about the society's annual yard sale. When in passing the subject came up of improvements to the historic building, purchased in 1998 after years of rented and borrowed space, Fortuna jumped at the opportunity to help.
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| | | Responsible for the impressive improvements at the Three Village Historical Society offices in Setauket are, from left, Christopher Graf, David Fortuna and, at right, Joe Troffa joined by TVHS President Peter Ostapow. Photos courtesy of Peter Ostapow (click for larger version) | |
While soliciting help with installing a sidewalk, Fortuna repaired and replaced cobblestone curb around the parking area, trimmed bushes and cleared storm-damaged tree limbs.
By June Fortuna had enlisted the help of Joe Troffa from Joseph Troffa Landscape & Mason Supplies for a donation of used bricks and Christopher Graf of StoneGate Landscape Construction for design services, machinery and manpower. Fortuna's own company, Swan Cove Landscaping, provided labor help also, in addition to the yeoman work done by its owner.
Fortuna and Graf presented plans to the TVHS board in July and received approval to proceed. A target date of Nov. 1 was set; on Monday, Nov. 2, work began with teams of men and machines engaged in the task. Two days later the job was complete.
Al Beck donated flowers to be planted at the entranceway and, voila, the improvements looked as if they had been there since the historic Bayles-Swezy homestead was moved to the location in 1961. Although the TVHS offices with its interesting displays and shop are open throughout the year, Ostapow is hoping many residents will stop by on Saturday, Nov. 28, from 10 am to 1 pm, to pick up their tickets to the society's annual Candlelight House Tour, scheduled this year for Dec. 4 and 5 in Stony Brook. This year's festivities include a Friday night gala at the Long Island Museum at which David Prestia from Fratelli's Market has generously donated the food and service.
For more information on TVHS and the Candlelight House tour go to its website at www.tvhs.org or stop by at 93 North Country Road, opposite Gallery North.
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