The Longwood Society for Historic Preservation was formed in 1995 in response to the rapid destruction of historic houses along Middle Country Road in Coram and Middle Island. Following a series of fires which destroyed the 1870's Hudson house (formerly the Presbyterian parsonage)on Old Middle Country Road, and the 1750's Joshua Swezey house (later the Middle Island Museum), residents rallied to urge the Town of Brookhaven to preserve the historic Daniel R. Davis Town Meeting House in Coram, built about 1750. Meetings were held at the Longwood Public Library and a provisional charter was granted. The group sold mugs, T shirts, and notecards featuring the Davis House at Longwood Day and the Brookhaven Fair. The owner attempted to have the property rezoned and the site was threatened by development. After a long battle with the owner, the Davis House was acquired by the town in1999 on 3/4 of an acre. A later acquisition assured the preservation of a family cemetery nearby. The house has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a designated New York State Historic Landmark. Restoration is moving slowly since it is now a publicly funded facility. For several summers, professors from Stony Brook University and Dowling College conducted archaelogical field schools at the site. Zachary Studenroth gave an informative slide show about the historic significance of the house in September 2002. Residents are anxiously awaiting the restoration of this once-grand building.
Society members have also worked on the restoration of the East Middle Island Schoolhouse, which was moved in 1996 to Bartlett Pond Park and placed on a cinder block foundation provided by the Town of Brookhaven. Restoration plans were drawn by Port Jefferson architect, Ken Babits. Funds were secured from Suffolk County, the Longwood Alliance, and the Middle Island Civic Association. Longwood teacher Paul Infranco rallied his students whose fundraising campaign sold ³bricks² netting $2000 in 8 days in 1998. The original cedar shingles on 3 sides were preserved where possible, and the building received a new roof and windows. One original shutter still exists and was used as a pattern for new shutters. The original entrance was rebuilt and the building was painted in 2002. Interior renovations will include building desks and installing a wood burning stove. The group plans to build a replica of the original belltower. A search is on for the bell. Several Boy Scouts have Eagle Scout projects connected with the school. Tim Hryvniak of Troop 244 in Rocky Point erected the entrance platform and installed a gravel walkway. Other projects include creating a fieldstone facing to cover the existing cinder block foundation.
Special mention should be made of a dedicated volunteer, Casey Columbo. While researching the history of the Coram Fire Department for their 65th anniversary, Casey became interested in the historic buildings in Coram, particularly those which had not yet been damaged by arson. Casey was determined to let others know of the valuable structures that should be preserved. Working with Davis Erhardt and Kenneth Reichhold, he chose original photographs of the houses and had them mounted on signs. The signs, 16 in total, were erected by the Coram Fire Department in front of the buildings, or at the sites they once occupied. Over the years, several of the buildings have burned down, yet the fire departmentıs signs remain standing so that the communityıs historic past is not forgotten.
The Middle Island Civic Association followed Casey's lead and erected signs in front of 6 historic sites in the Middle Island area. The group also convinced Brookhaven Town to designate these structures historic landmarks, including the Swezey house, Hudson house, Presbyterian Church, and the Union Cemetery.
A calendar featuring local historic sites was produced by Gary Robison in 1999.
The Society supports preservation education efforts in a number of ways. Several publications have appeared, documenting the rich history of the Longwood area. Sales of the publications will support historic preservation efforts. Publications include Longwood in the Civil War by Paul Infranco and Guy Mastrion (2002) and The Civil War Letters of Albert and Edward Bayles and the History of their Regiment, 139th New York Volunteer Infantry (2004) by Donald Bayles. Upcoming publications include Longwood in the Revolution and Camp Upton, A History.
A genealogy support group was formed in 1999. The group meets the second Saturday of the month at the Longwood Public Library. The group takes field trips to various places to further their family history research. A website is available at www.rootsweb.com/-nygglshp.
The Longwood Society welcomes new members. Inquiries may be mailed to PO Box 550, Middle Island, New York 11953,
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