Brookwood Hall

Written By Dino DiPietro

Here’s a comprehensive history of Brookwood Hall, East Islip, Long Island:

🏨 Early History: Stellenwerf’s Lake House Hotel (1856–1894)

  • Originally the site of Stellenwerf’s Lake House Hotel, operating from 1856 to 1894

1903–1929: Knapp Estate

  • In 1903, Harry K. Knapp, a wealthy Manhattan businessman, built the 41-room Georgian Revival mansion on the former hotel site, designed by the prominent firm Delano & Aldrich

  • The estate featured classical columns, porticoes, and spanned over 80 acres extending to the LIRR tracks and Wingan-Hauppauge Lake

1929–1941: Thorne Family Ownership

  • In 1929, Knapp sold it to Francis B. Thorne, a prosperous stockbroker and brother of philanthropist Landon K. Thorne

  • The Thornes hosted cultural events and musical gatherings; it was where Francis Thorne Jr., who later became a notable composer, received his formative training

1942–1965 (or 1995): Orphan Asylum of Brooklyn

  • From 1942, the mansion became part of the Orphan Asylum Society of Brooklyn, housing over 500 children

  • The asylum remained active until about 1965, when foster care reduced its need. A historic marker suggests the official use lingered until 1995

1967–Present: Town Ownership & Arts Center

  • To preserve the building, the Town of Islip purchased the property in 1967

  • Initially, the Islip Art Gallery operated in the gatehouse before moving into the main mansion after a fire

  • It now serves as the Islip Arts Museum, houses town offices (Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs), and functions as a community cultural hub

  • A historical marker was installed on October 27, 2001

Architecture & Significance

  • The mansion is a classic Georgian/Colonial Revival structure with 41 rooms, elegant porticoes, and timeless architectural detailing

  • Designed by Delano & Aldrich, the same firm behind noted Vanderbilt and Whitney residences

Cultural & Paranormal Notes

  • Today it's a public park featuring athletic fields, tennis courts, a playground, and walking trails tucked beside a scenic lake

  • Paranormal lore includes reports of children's voices and apparitions—likely echoes from its orphanage era

Dino DiPietro