Community Corner
Historical Society To Tackle Question: Why Does Canoe Place Inn Matter?
A presentation of the historical significance of the Canoe Place Inn will be held on Jan. 19.
Amidst a controversial development project at the former Canoe Place Inn in Hampton Bays, a local group wants to show the town why the inn is so historically significant.
The Hampton Bays Historical Society will host a reception next week showcasing the inn, reportedly the oldest inn site in America.
Records show that the inn, originally the home of Stephen Herrick, was the only house between Riverhead and Southampton in the 1700s. The historical society's website said that Herrick’s son, George, purchased the property from his siblings and operated the inn sometime after 1756 until 1785 when he sold it.
The inn put up British officers during the American Revolution, as there was a fort on the hill behind the inn that overlooked the main road and the isthmus at Canoe Place, the society said.
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In 1921, the Canoe Place Inn was destroyed by a fire, though two chimneys survived. The inn was rebuilt and later rebuilt and enlarged.
The reception will be held on Jan. 19, from 2 to 4 p.m., at The Inn Spot on the Bay at 32 Lighthouse Road in Hampton Bays.Complimentary hors d'oeuvres, appetizers, and other light refreshments will be served. A raffle will be held afterward for a dinner for two at The Inn Spot on the Bay.
Brenda Sinclair Bernston recommended reserving your space early. Those interested in attending can email hamptonbayshistoricalsociety@gmail.com.
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