Nesconset FD-Fire destroys the Blue Bird Tavern son Smithown Blvd.

January 10, 1945 0830 hours. The Blue Bird Tavern was located where the 7-11 is now on the NW corner of Smithtown Blvd and Gibbs Pond Road. Weather was near zero when the fire was reported in the early morning hours. Damage was estimated at $16,000 including the liquor and food.
The only occupant of the brick and frame building, which was built in 1925 and had been operated at the time of the fire by George Shlakis, was his two-year old St. Bernard, Zeppy, which Shlakis rescued.

The fire was discovered at 830 AM by Louis Miller, who lives a short distance away, and was driving by. He aroused Mr. Shlakis, who was asleep in his home, situated less than 50 feet from the rear of the tavern. Mr. Shlakis went to the tavern and opened the side door to let the dog out. He then went to Murthas Tavern (which burned on September 28, 1949), which is about 100 feet north of the Blue Bird, and spread the alarm.

John Murtha, proprietor, called firemen from Ronkonkoma and Nesconset. Ronkonkoma refused to respond on the grounds that the tavern is in the Town of Smithtown and thus their insurance did not cover them. Smithtown Fire Department responds to assist Nesconset. Firefighters from both departments worked throughout the day to extinguish the fire.
Patchogue Advance 1-11-1945