Sometime in 1888 the Blanchard family of New York City purchased property in Brentwood on Madison Avenue. Their property was part of Brentwood Park. During the late 1800’s many families were encouraged by the Brentwood Reality Company to purchase land in this area because of the Brentwood Pines. It was felt that the property would increase in value because the pines according to the Realtor’s slogan would encourage a healthy lifestyle. According to the slogan, “There is health in Brentwood Pines.” Many who had invested in the Brentwood Pines rarely came to Brentwood even for a visit. Alvah R. Blanchard whose father, Benjamin D. Blanchard and his mother Annie ended up leaving their property to their son, Alvah. Their property remained unimproved for many years until Alvah moved to Bentwood.

Alvah R. Blanchard and  Mary Penelope Weave of Uniontown, Maryland married at the Rectory of St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church in Ronkonkoma on a Saturday in July 1925. The couple met at the Suffolk County Sanitorium where they worked. Mary who worked as a nurse while Alvah was a caretaker at the Sanitorium.  A party was held at Dr. and Mrs. Kolb’s apartment at the Sanitorium for the newley weds.

The Blanchards were involved with their community. They attended TAMPA a literary society from the scrub oaks area. They also were also envolved with the centenal celebration of Brentwood.

Mary worked as a school nurse and for the American Red Cross in the 1940’s. Mary was born in 1887 and passed away on September 1, 1980. Her husband Alvah who was born on September 7, 1878 died on October 15, 1968. They were both living in Brentwood at the time of their deaths.

-M. Koferl. History Newsletter. September 2009