October 2026, Volume 3 Issue 10
We know you’re busy, so rather than sending you a newsletter with a lot of text, please take a look at our latest ‘Photo-Newsetter’ – a ‘snapshot’ of happenings to keep you informed and up-to-date on the Trust. We are a community of volunteers working to “Protect the Places You Love.”
Halloween- always full of Surprises!
And so is our October’s Photo Newsletter
We thought it might be fun to look at some of the Trust’s properties from the perspective of hidden secrets and surprises. It’s October, isn’t it?
The Smith/de Zafra House
The ‘House on the Hill’ served as Brookhaven’s first Town Hall in colonial days. What most people don’t know is in the mid-1900’s this property was a getaway site for many Hollywood and Broadway stars. With a large inground pool, a granary converted into a cabana, and a house with many bedrooms, the welcoming house owner held legendary parties.
Patriots Rock Historic Site
The small bronze plaque on Patriots Rock details the date of the Battle of Setauket and the names of the three local boys that fought on that famous August morning in 1777. The plaque was installed in the 1920’s by the Daughters of the Revolution. But, surprisingly, the Daughters of the Revolution has nothing to do with the more popular and better know Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR.) In fact, the Daughters of the Revolution ended all operations decades ago.
The Drs. Robert and Julia de Zafra House
The late Dr. de Zafra was a distinguished physic professor who did pioneering research in the causes of the depleted ozone layer. What most don’t know is he was an accomplished craftsman who designed and built spiral staircases, built-in cabinets and other detailed projects throughout his home.
While cleaning up the Factory Houses, Dr. de Zafra made an surprising find.
The Setauket to Port Jefferson Greenway
Who doesn’t love the Greenway! This popular ‘linear park’ is a ‘go to’ destinations for walkers, runners, bicyclists, bird watchers and nature lovers. Surprisingly, the paved trail for pedestrians and bicyclists was the first of its kind in Suffolk County.
The Hawkins House
Wow! It’s no tricks, only treats at the progress of the restoration of the Hawkins House. Under the guiding hand of Robert Reuter, the custom made kitchen cabinets are now being installed and the wide planked floors have never looked so good! There are too many pleasant surprises at the house to show here – house tour anyone?
Wow! Not One, But Two Community Cleanups!
The Trust sponsored not one – but two- special cleanups on Saturday, September 19 th. One was at the Greenway, the other at the Stony Brook Train Station! Thank you to all of our community volunteers!!
Join Us – Culper Spy Day at Patriots Rock
Culper Spy Day is a great event for the entire family. Spearheaded by the Three Village Historical Society, this special ‘happening’ has grown and grown over the years and attracts visitors throughout the country. The Trust will have some very special activities at Patriots Rock! Don’t miss it!
The Three Village Community Trust
A community of volunteers working to “Protect the Places You Love.”
Trust properties and stewardships include: The Setauket to Port Jefferson Station Greenway, Patriots Rock Historic Site, The Immigrant Factory Worker Houses, the Hawkins Homestead, the Smith/de Zafra House, the Bruce House, the Steven D. Mathews Preserve, The Little Red House, the Dr. Robert and Julia de Zafra Estate, and the Tyler House.
Trust programs and outreaches include: The Trail Steward Program, The Little Food Pantry, Chicken Hill Country Picnic, Annual Winter Coat Drive, Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive, Patriots Rock Program – Culper Spy Day, Maria’s No Mow May, Simply De-Vine Awareness Program, Annual Ukrainian Relief Drive, The Trail Mix Newsletter, monthly Greenway Cleanups, Earth Day Celebration, The Trust’s Photo Letter, and the Stony Brook Train Station Beautification Project.
The Trust is a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization of all volunteers dedicated to Protecting the Places You Love.
PO Box 2596, Setauket, New York 11733
