First Islip Town Hall
Here’s a detailed account of the history of Islip Town Hall and its successive buildings:
🏛️ 1. First Town Hall (Union Hall): 1869–1907
Built in 1869, originally called“Union Hall.”
Served as the municipal meeting space until 1907.
Hosted its first town meeting in April 1870, presided by Supervisor Charles Gillette. [hmdb.org]
🏛️ 2. Second Town Hall: 1908–1931
Constructed in 1908 to replace the original building.
Functioned as the Town Hall until 1931, also housing a jail, courtroom, and WPA relief offices. [longisland...agroup.com], [longisland...agroup.com]
Located on Main Street, the original structure remains today as the Bohlsen Restaurant Group headquarters, with a historical marker unveiled in September 2023. [longisland...agroup.com], [longisland...agroup.com]
🏛️ 3. Third (Current) Town Hall: 1931–Present
Built and opened in 1931, with the first board meeting held on January 2, 1932, under Supervisor Roy B. Davis. [isliphamle...istory.org], [hmdb.org]
Construction cost totaled approximately $300,000, and included space for the jail, court, and WPA relief offices. [hmdb.org]
Underwent renovations in 1955, and east and west wings were added in 1969. [isliphamle...istory.org], [hmdb.org]
Reflects Spanish Colonial or Mission‑style architecture, noted in multiple historical descriptions. [worldsfacts.com]
📍 Physical Location & Description
The current Town Hall, along with its historical marker, stands at 655 Main Street (intersection of Main Street & Nassau Avenue). [hmdb.org], [isliphamle...istory.org]
A prominent historical plaque details its opening date, construction specifics, and later expansions. [hmdb.org]
📚 Broader Historical Context
The Town of Islip was established in 1683, with the precinct formation around 1710 and incorporation as a “Town” in 1790. [islipny.gov], [en.wikipedia.org]
From 1910 to 1930, the town’s population surged from 18,346 to 33,194, fueling a need for a larger town government facility—resulting in the Third Town Hall construction. [isliphamle...istory.org]
This evolution—from a modest meeting hall to a modern government complex—mirrors Islip’s transformation from a rural community to a thriving suburban township.
