A mere expression of gratitude fails to fully convey my deep appreciation for the remarkable contributions and efforts of Erick, a cherished member of our Sayville Alumni Association historians’ team.
Erick’s family established their roots in Sayville during the 1920s, with his great-grandfather, Henry “Pops” Baumeister, famously recognized as the “One Man Band” of Sayville, who featured in early local radio broadcasts from Bay Shore.
His grandparents, Fred Baumeister (’36) and Virginia Campbell (’40), first met in the Sayville Schools, while his father, Hank Baumeister, graduated from SHS in 1961, continuing a legacy of family graduates.
The Baumeister family has a long history of community service, including their involvement with the Sayville Fire Department, and they have lived on Cliff Avenue, Hampton Street, and notably in the now-demolished three-story Victorian home of the Campbells, situated directly across from the Sayville High School on Greene Avenue.
Although Erick did not attend Sayville schools, his passion for genealogy and local history has driven him to volunteer and research the classmates of his grandparents from the 1930s. He relishes the pursuit of knowledge and the extensive information he has uncovered, which has led him to investigate the earliest graduates and progress through the years. To date, he has identified over 1,700 graduates, staff, and attendees, including numerous veterans who have been honored on SHS’s Wall of Honor.
Additionally, Erick takes pleasure in researching and documenting the history of the Davis Park area on Fire Island. He currently resides in Auburn, California, with his wife and two teenage children (His oldest daughter is now in college), where he appreciates the rich history and small-town atmosphere that evoke fond memories of his origins in Sayville.
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