Lester H. Davis House (3 of 3)

Here’s a detailed history of the Lester H. Davis House—also known as the Davis Town Meeting House—in Coram, NY:

🏛️ Origins (Circa 1750)

• Construction & Early Ownership
  Built around 1750, the original owner was likely Elijah Davis (1727–1802). He operated a tavern-inn on the premises

• Family Legacy
  The house remained in direct male descent from Foulk Davis, an early settler who arrived in 1642—continuously owned by his descendants, with just a short exception

📜 Civic Role: Brookhaven Town Seat (Circa 1800–1885)

• Town Meetings Begin
  By 1790, Brookhaven relocated its government seat to Coram for convenience. Starting around 1800, the Davis home became the venue for the annual April town meeting and broader governmental gatherings—hosting approximately 80 meetings through 1885

• Military Headquarters
  From about 1812 to 1840, the house served as a base for a horse artillery unit of the State Militia used for Suffolk County’s defense. Captain Lester H. Davis (1807–1886) was the commanding officer and key host

• Temperance Era
  During the mid-1800s, the tavern-inn evolved into a Temperance House—reflecting prevailing social reform movements

🏠 Transition to Private Residence (Post-1885)

• After Brookhaven subdivided into election districts in 1885, the house ceased public use and became solely a private residence by around 1890

🏷️ Landmark Designation & Historic Recognition

• Brookhaven Town Landmark
  Provincially recognized on April 15, 1986, by the Brookhaven Town Board

• National Register of Historic Places
  Officially added on August 15, 2001, under reference number 01000850

🛠️ Preservation & Public Ownership

• Sale to Town of Brookhaven
  In 1999, Lester H. Davis III (1926–2017), the last Davis family owner, sold the house and adjoining land (3/4 acre) for $300,000, plus additional land-use allowances. The Town later also acquired the family cemetery plot nearby

• Restoration Efforts
  Renovation began in fall 2009. Extensive restoration culminated in a celebrated reopening in April 2024, attended by historians, reenactors, and the community, featuring period foods and live demonstrations

📍 Today: Museum & Society

• The Davis Town Meeting House Society—a non-profit—now manages the building, which is open for docent-led tours, historical programs, and events connected to heritage and Revolutionary War activities

🔍 Summary Timeline:

• c.1750 – House built; owned by Elijah Davis

• c.1800 – Function begins as Brookhaven town meeting place

• 1812–1840 – Suffolk County militia horse artillery headquarters

• Mid‑1800s – Acts as a Temperance House

• 1885–1890 – Ceases public use; becomes private home

• 1986 – Brookhaven landmark designation

• 1999 – Sold to Brookhaven by the Davis family

• 2001 – Listed on National Register of Historic Places

• 2009–2024 – Restoration and public reopening

This house uniquely intertwines Long Island’s colonial origins, civic growth, military history, and architectural heritage, all within one enduring family lineage.