This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Smithtown, A History: Franklin O. Arthur

One of Smithtown's historical homes is named after a blacksmith turned dentist.

Since 1983, the has been a part of the Smithtown Historical Society’s property. The homestead was named after a blacksmith turned dentist who was a respected member of the Smithtown community.

According to Colonel Rockwell’s Scrap-Book, the house was built between 1730 and 1750. At one point the property was owned by Franklin’s grandfather William, who was a big landowner not only in Smithtown but also in Suffolk County.

In the scrap-book, a bee-hive oven in the back of the fireplace instead of the side is described as well as steep stairs called “dancing stairs”. There was a time when the 19th century barns held sleighs and buggies, and to this day there are still sheep on the grounds.

Find out what's happening in Smithtownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

According to the historical society’s website, in the 19th century there was an addition to the northeast corner of the structure and other renovations were made. The current north wing was added in the 20th century.

In the mid 1800s the house left the Arthur family’s ownership for a short period of time, and it was Franklin who bought back the property, according to Colonel Rockwell’s Scrap-book. After his passing in 1879, his daughter inherited the home.

Find out what's happening in Smithtownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

It remained in the family for generations being passed down to Franklin’s granddaughter, then great-granddaughter and finally his great, great grandson Charles Embree Rockwell.

Franklin originally choose the occupation of blacksmith, according to The History of Smithtown by Judge J. Lawrence Smith. He and his brother Erastus Arthur went into business, and the shop was west of the house.

Erastus also had a home on adjoining property to his brother’s. Located at 227 Middle Country Road, the structure was built in 1806 and is now used as a professional building.

In his book, the judge described his neighbor Franklin as “a self-made man and a natural mechanic.” The brothers specialized in tempered edge tools and horseshoes, and Smith wrote that their axes were known for their keenness and tenacity.

Franklin could also make or mend a watch or clock and was also skillful with fine and delicate jewelry, according to the judge. He eventually studied with a noted dentist and began practicing dentistry in his home. The former blacksmith made his own dental tools and became a respected dentist in the area.

In the 21st century Franklin O. Arthur’s home continues to contribute to life in Smithtown. Used in the historical society's educational programs, children can learn about colonial times and get a glimpse of Smithtown’s past. 

 

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?