Our America 250 Issue

The Immigrant Worker Factory Houses

These three ‘company houses’ help tell the story of our industrial age, nineteenth century living conditions, and our immigrant past. Slated for demolition, these structures were moved to the Trust’s headquarters and saved.

The Smith/de Zafra House

This colonial home was known as “The House on the Hill” and served as the seat of Brookhaven’s first Town Hall. With a rich legacy linked to Revolutionary War, the property includes a colonial cemetery and a granary.

The Bruce House

A simpler time and place is told through the Bruce House, which serves as the Trust’s headquarters and community meeting place. This small home served the needs of a family of five during the Depression.

The Little Red House on Thompson Hay Path

Built in the early 1800’s the original ground floor was built of stone foundation and may have been slave quarters during a time less told in our local history.

Drs. Robert and Julia de Zafra House

Sitting at the crossroads of the community, this historic house may actually have been two homes that were joined together at an earlier time when reuse and adaptation was common. This was the home of one our country’s most influential scientists – Dr Robert de Zafra. He was a pioneering researcher on the depletion of the ozone layer.

The Tyler Homestead

It is one of the most recognizable and admire homes in the Three Village. This beautiful colonial farmhouse has been the setting for Gallery North’s Wet Paint Festival, the site for a cutting edge nitrogen reducing bio-system, the American Chestnut restoration program of NYS Assemblywoman Kassay, and provides public the access to Patriots Rock Historic Site. It was home to the remarkable Tyler family, who’s members played pivotal roles in local, state and national affairs.

Steven D. Matthews Preserve

The spirit of America 250 is defined by active citizens working to improve their community. The Matthews family of Poquott is an example of this American ideal. The Matthews lived near a neglected corridor of woodlands along Washington Avenue and successfully established a preservation easement on the property to assure its protection for future generations.

The Setauket to Port Jefferson Station Greenway

Connecting many of our neighborhoods and towns, the Greenway is a popular recreational trail for children and families. With dozens of Eagle Scout projects – from benches to bat houses- the Greenway showcases the power of young people. Today’s Greenway serves as a model for the planning, building and maintaining vehicle free corridors.

The Hawkins Homestead

This home, on the National Register of Historic Sites has been carefully restored over the years by the Trust – reroofed, resided, new electrical wiring, plumbing, floor refinishing and more. This year, the property is slated for the installation of a nitrogen reducing bio- system – an important step in protecting the adjacent Amy’s Creek.

Patriots Rock Historic Site

Site of the Battle of Setauket, Patriots Rock is a local, state and national treasure. Long before the Patriots and Loyalists clashed here in 1777, the property had a rich connection to the Setalcotts – the original inhabitants of the area. With the extensive landscaping and enhancements by artist Michael Rosengard, Patriots Rock, more than ever, is a ‘must see’ for tourists and visitors.

The Stony Brook Train Station

The grounds at the Stony Brook Train Station were adopted by the Trust several years. The property showcases new plantings and gardens that have been added to beautify the transportation hub. ‘On board’ with this effort are community groups, service organizations and elected official.

The Gamecock Cottage

True Americana! In the 1870’s, William Shipman built this boathouse at the tip of the West Meadow peninsula. With ornate trim, dramatic colors and a Swiss chalet vibe, the Gamecock Cottage is one of the most recognized, and admired, structures on the North Shore. The Trust holds a stewardship agreement to the cottage upon the completion of the Town’s restoration of the building.

Julia’s Corner

At the corner of North Country Road and Ridgeway Avenue, this manicured lot is jointly held by the Trust and the Three Village Historical Society and Museum. Once a livery station, the property was the site of the late Dr. Julia de Zafra’s extensive flower gardens.

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

End note: The Trust is grateful to you for helping to make the Three Village Community Trust an important part of America 250. Thank you! Let’s continue to Protect the Places You Love as we look forward to the Tricentennial!