Historical society meets in Gingerbread House

The Bay Ridge Historical Society has been holding general and board meetings at various Bay Ridge locations since its founding in 1976. However, on Oct. 7, at the invitation of new board member Diane Fishman, this meeting was at the historic Gingerbread House at the corner of 83rd Street and Narrows Avenue.

BRHS President Tom McCarthy chaired the meeting. Among the board members present were Vice President and author Henry Stewart, Treasurer John Cassidy, board trustee Jack Torre, a past board president, retired NYPD lieutenant  and U.S. Coast Guard reservist; Ted General, vice president of the Society of Old Brooklynites, civic leader and photojournalist; and new trustees: civic activists Laura  and  Frank Grassi, a U.S. Navy veteran and  former president of the 68th Precinct Community Council.

The NYC-landmarked house was designed by architect James Sarsfield Kennedy in 1916. It was originally owned by Howard and Jessie Jones. Jerry and Diane Fishman purchased the house in 1985. Sadly, Jerry Fishman died on Aug. 14, 2024 at age 92.

Among the items discussed at the meeting was the status of the recent sale of the Visitation Monastery site, the stolen/missing bronze Bay Ridge Sesquicentennial wall tablet,  future guest speakers, dues solicitation, and ways to grow the Society.

***

MTA NYC Transit has announced they will be installing 20 newly designed, highly resistant subway station touch-free entrance gates to further combat fare evasion. Among the six Brooklyn locations are 36th Street in Sunset Park, Stillwell Avenue in Coney Island, Hoyt-Schermerhorn Street, Myrtle Avenue, Bedford Avenue and Newkirk Plaza.

***

The NYC Fire Department has announced Open House 2026. They urge everyone to visit your local firehouse or EMS station on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 17 and 18. Visiting hours are 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Here is a good opportunity to view demonstrations, learn fire and life safety tips, and for adults to explore possible FDNY careers.