Building-Structure Inventory Form

Historical Sites

Building Inventory Form

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Unless indicated below, this is a transcript of the original Society for the Preservation of Long Island Antiquities/Town of Brookhaven survey form. Since most of the surveys were conducted in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s, much of the information reflects that time period.

Corrections to obvious typographical and spelling errors have been made. Corrections to factual errors in the original surveys, and updates or comments on the information are either enclosed in [square brackets], or are clearly indicated as updated material from the context of the comments.

Sites which have a suffix of “S” are supplemental sites not included in the original surveys.

Building-Structure Inventory Form

Smith house [Fire Place Inn]

If checked, this is a Supplemental Form, not in the original surveys.

Inventory Code: Br08

Prepared Date: 07-26-1982

Last Modified: 01-01-1970

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Photo

People

Submitter

Submitter Name:

Town of Brookhaven/SPLIA

Submitter Address:

Town Hall
205 S. Ocean Ave.
Patchogue, NY 11772
631-634-7806

Organization:Brookhaven Community Development Agency

Identification

1-Building/Site Name:Smith house [Fire Place Inn]

2a-County:Suffolk

2b-Town:Brookhaven

2c-Village:Hamlet of Brookhaven

If checked, this site is within the Fire Place (Brookhaven Hamlet) Historic District

Ownership

4a-Public Site

4b-Private Site

5a-Owner (at original survey date):

5b-Address:

Use

6a-Original:residence [see supplemental]

6b-Present:residence

Accessibility

7a-Visible From Road

7b-Interior Accessible

7b-Interior Comment: by appointment

Building Materials

8a-Clapboard

8b-Stone

8c-Brick

8d-Board & Batten

8e-Cobblestone

8f-Shingles

8g-Stucco

8-Other:

Structural System

9a-Wood Frame Interlocking Joints

9b-Wood Frame Light Members

9c-Masonry

9d-Metal

9d-Metal Comment:

9e-Other

9e-Other Comment:

Condition

10a-Excellent

10b-Good

10c-Fair

10d-Deteriorated

Integrity

11a-Original Site

11b-Moved

If so, when?:

11c-Alterations: Gable addition on west end with modern window. Porch added on front of main house. First floor windows altered. Chimneys gone. [The east side of the house off the living room was, at one time, a sun room with all windows. (Leming)]

Photo & Map

12-Photo:

13-Map:

Threats

14a-None Known

14b-Zoning

14c-Roads

14d-Developers

14e-Deterioration

14f-Other:

14-Comment:

Related Outbuildings and Property

15a-Barn

15b-Carriage House

15c-Garage

15d-Privy

15e-Shed

15f-Greenhouse

15g-Shop

15h-Gardens

15i-Landscape Features

15i-Landscape Features:

15j-Other:

15-Comment:

Surroundings of the Building

16a-Open Land

16b-Woodland

16c-Scattered Bldgs

16d-Densely Built-up

16e-Commercial

16f-Industrial

16g-Residential

16h-Other:

Interrelationship of Building and Surroundings

17-Interrelationships: This house is located on South Country Road, formerly the Montauk Highway, in the Hamlet of Brookhaven. [All the surrounding property belonged to the Smith family at one time. (Leming)]

Other Notable Features of Building and Site

18-Notable Features: This house probably belonged to J. B. Smith in 1850 (According to the 1850 U. S. Census of Suffolk County.

Significance

19-Initial Const Date: before 1858

19-Architect:

19-Builder:

Historic and Architectural Importance

20-Importance: 1 1/2 story, 4 bay, gable roof house with high roof plate. 1 1/2 gable roof wing on west with gable end to street. 3 small low-level windows under the eaves. Doorway with pilasters. Brick foundation. Typical of many of the early nineteenth century houses in the area, of which few remain.

Sources

21-Sources: Map of Suffolk County, by J. L. Chace, New York: 1858. Repository: Bellport Historical Society. Atlas of L.I., N.Y., by F. W. Beers, New York: Beers, Comstock & Cline, 1873 [Email: Joyce de Arcas Leming, 31 Jan 2004]

Theme

22-Theme: residential

Prepared By

Ellen Williams, research assistant.

Supplemental Material

It was operated as a guest house by Amy B. Smith de Arcas, probably in the early 20th century, who called it "Fire Place Inn."

There is evidence, not yet confirmed, that Esther Hayes Wickham also may have operated it as a guest house doing business as the "Beaver Dam Lodge" from perhaps about 1925 until about 1929. She later had a business as an agent for a dress manufacturing company at the same location.

Old Purchase Properties listing, 2015: "This classic colonial is situated on 1.4 acres of beautifully landscaped property. Open kitchen with vaulted ceiling. Formal dining room, living room with fireplace and beamed ceiling. Enclosed porch with radiant heat. Powder room and rear deck. Upstairs are 3 bedrooms, one bath with washer and dryer, and one bath with jacuzzi tub and radiant heat. Partial basement.,/p>

Legal guest cottage with front deck, private entrance and parking... perfect for guests or income. Large barn suitable for studio. Garden shed for tools and/or bikes." Listing price: $549,000.