Long Island has long been known for its aviation history. Many aeronautical firsts occurring here since the Wright Brothers first took to the air in 1903. At one time, there were as many as 120 private and commercial airfields operating all over the Island. One by one these airfields disappeared as Long Island prospered, property values soared, and developers sought land to build new communities and industries. The Bayport Aerodrome has beaten the odds to survive as a throwback to those grass airfields of aviation’s golden age. The aerodrome was built by Curtis Davis of Blue Point who hacked a rustic working airport out of the Long Island Pine Barrens in the years just after WWII. From 1953 to 1970 it was owned and operated as “Edwards Airport” by Bayport Resident George Edwards who retired and sold the airport to a housing contractor. It was miraculously saved from the developer’s axe by a group of passionate vintage aviation buffs, local residents, and Islip Town Officials led by Bayport resident and pilot John G. Rae who formed the Bayport Aerodrome Society in 1972. Their combined achievements led to the Town of Islip purchasing the airport in 1978 and dedicating it the Bayport Aerodrome in 1980. The Society subsequently leased property from the town and built a 24-hangar complex in 1985 dedicated to the preservation of our members vintage and classic aircraft. Our membership is composed of aviation professionals, recreational pilots, and people interested in preserving aviation history.