The BHA and the local community are pleased to see that the residence at 473 Middle Road is under construction after a September 2016 fire. You might recall, that owner Ron Provenzano and his family escaped harm in the early morning fire when passers-by awakened them to exit the burning house. The structure is one of the earliest homes on Middle Road and Bayport. It was built by Lawrence Edwards for his daughter Mary and her husband Franklin B. Smith, son of Silas Smith. Lawrence Edwards is one of the early large land owners in Bayport. He also built the lovely Greek revival home at 463 Middle Road, right next door, for his son Lawrence B. Edwards circa 1852. Mr. Provenzano’s new structure is considerably larger than the original small home. However, it is obvious that he is keeping the charming front façade and balcony over the front door. The property is pictured on a map from 1873 in the Bayport Heritage book on page 4 and is approximately 100 x 300 ft. The map also shows a cemetery on the west edge of the property. In a conversation with Mr. Provenzano about the cemetery, he acknowledged knowing about the early burial ground but never saw any grave markers on his property. Even Islip Town historian, George Muckenbeck, has not been able to verify this as an actual cemetery. The BHA and local residents wish Mr. Provenzano and his family good luck on his beautiful new home.