Samuel Ketchum’s Hollow
The hollow near Huntington—today part of Melville—holds rich historical significance tied to early settler Samuel Ketcham and the region’s development:
🌳 Origins & Naming
“Samuel Ketcham’s Hollow” or “Samuel Ketcham’s Valley”: In the 17th century, the area was named after Samuel Ketcham (1646–1707), an early settler and prominent local figure in Huntington. [nyheritage.org], [finditlongisland.com]
Southern Boundary of the First Purchase (1653): A historical marker on Old Country Road near Route 110 notes: “Samuel Ketcham’s Hollow; Southern Boundary Of The First Purchase From The Matinecock Indians In 1653.” This underscores its role as a landmark in the land acquisition from the Matinecock tribe. [hmdb.org]
Evolution of the Name
“Sweet Hollow”: As the area developed, it became known for its honey bees and natural springs, earning the name Sweet Hollow. [nyheritage.org]
“Melville” (1854): By school records in 1854, the community officially adopted the name Melville—likely drawing from “mel,” Latin for honey—recognizing the area's natural attributes. [nyheritage.org]
Commemoration & Current Status
1974 Historical Marker: The Town of Huntington erected an official marker in 1974 to commemorate Samuel Ketcham’s Hollow and its significance. [hmdb.org]
Modern Melville: Now a hamlet in Huntington, Suffolk County, Melville retains traces of its early history, highlighted by archives like those at the Half Hollow Hills Historic Melville collection. [nyheritage.org]
Quick Historic Timeline
1653 Established as boundary of first purchase from Matinecock—later called Samuel Ketcham’s Hollow
Late 1600s–1700s Named after Samuel Ketcham, an influential settler
18th–19th century Shifted to Sweet Hollow, referencing local natural features
1854 Renamed Melville in official records
1974 A commemorative marker was installed
This progression—from indigenous land purchase to personal namesake, then to descriptive naming and modern hamlet—reflects the layered history of the region.
