Kissam House

May 28

Here’s a comprehensive history of the Kissam House in Huntington, Long Island:

The property originally hosted a 1661 house built by John Wescott, which he sold in 1663 to Thomas Powell. That structure was likely burned by the British during their 1783 retreat from Huntington. [huntingtonny.gov ]
In 1795, builder Timothy Jarvis erected the present structure on that site, specifically for Dr. Daniel Whitehead Kissam, a physician who relocated from Glen Cove. The house reflects the “half-house” style, a three-quarter plan unique to Long Island. [huntington...ociety.org ], [huntingtonny.gov ], [farmingdal...ogspot.com ]

Dr. Kissam purchased the new house across from the village green and moved in with his wife Elizabeth Tredwell and their young children. The house featured beautifully detailed wood moldings, especially visible in the upstairs front chamber. [huntingtonny.gov ], [farmingdal...ogspot.com ]
After Elizabeth died in 1803, Dr. Kissam remarried Phebe Oakley in 1805, fathering a total of eleven children. [huntingtonny.gov ], [farmingdal...ogspot.com ]
In 1830, Dr. Kissam suffered a stroke and brought in Dr. Charles Sturges—his friend and future son-in-law—to continue the medical practice. Dr. Sturges and his new wife, Margaret Kissam, then resided in the house. [huntingtonny.gov ], [farmingdal...ogspot.com ]

The household expanded into a dual-family arrangement. To accommodate this:
- The original kitchen (south wing) was converted into a formal dining room.
- A new, modern kitchen wing was added at the back.
- Interior accents were enhanced with Egyptian Revival touches, reflecting architectural trends of the time. [Historic h...ntington_2], [farmingdal...ogspot.com ]

After 1857, the house changed hands among the Owen, Fuller, and Taylor families. [farmingdal...ogspot.com ]
It remained a private residence until 1967, when the Huntington Historical Society acquired it from Hilda Taylor’s estate. [Historic h...ntington_2], [farmingdal...ogspot.com ]

Major interior restoration began in 1984, funded in part by the Kissam family and focusing on recreating the 1830s layout and aesthetic. [Historic h...ntington_2], [farmingdal...ogspot.com ]
Designated an outstanding example of a Long Island half‑house, the Kissam House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. [Historic h...ntington_2], [farmingdal...ogspot.com ]
Today, the property includes a barn and houses educational activities: guided tours (by appointment), historical programs, and annual cultural events such as the Apple Harvest Fair. [bing.com ], [farmingdal...ogspot.com ]

A marker installed in 2008 notes:
“Built in 1795 for Dr. Daniel Whitehead Kissam. He and his son-in‑law practiced medicine from the house. Outstanding example of a L.I. Half House.” [hmdb.org ]

In 1888, Dr. Daniel E. Kissam (a descendant) purchased a property on Huntington Harbor known as East Point. Later renamed “Point Siesta,” it hosted notable owners like John Green and actress Deronda Mayo. Despite several rebuilds, that property—the harbor residence—is not the Park Avenue Kissam House. [huntington...istory.com ]