Smithtown, A History: Relocation Leads to Preservation

Utilized for the Smithtown Historical Society's school programs, the is a familiar site here in Smithtown. However, 211 Middle Country Road wasn’t always the address of this structure.

According to Smithtown Historian Brad Harris, the tavern originally was located on the north side of Main Street to the west of the Presbyterian Church. While part of the building dates back to 1690, the main block of the two-story structure was added by Epenetus Smith around 1740.

Smith was the great-grandson of town founder Richard Smythe and lived from 1724 to 1803. Besides running his tavern, he held many political offices in his lifetime including Overseer of the Poor, Assessor, two terms as Supervisor and seven years as Town Clerk, according to

One of Smith's positions was called Fence Viewer and Prizer of Damages. Harris said it was similar to the job of an appraiser. As for damages, Smith’s responsibilities may have included deciding how much a person would be awarded when his neighbor’s cow would come and eat his vegetables.

Harris said that during Smith’s ownership court cases would be tried at the tavern. The second floor most likely was used for the trials, and the tavern provided a place for judges and lawyers to stay.

In 1772, the tavern became a stop on a stagecoach route that ran from Brooklyn to Sag Harbor. According to “Colonel Rockwell’s Scrap-Book”, the stagecoach route lasted a few years.

During British occupation of Long Island during the Revolutionary War, Epenetus Smith’s tavern was frequented by enemy soldiers and loyalists.

Epenetus the II ran the tavern after his father’s passing and also was involved in local politics. He became Town Clerk in 1796 and held the position for 34 years, according to “Colonel Rockwell’s Scrap-book”.

The young Epenetus was known for taking in future abolitionist Henry Highland Garnet.

After the tavern fell out of the Smith family’s hands, the structure is listed in “Colonel Rockwell’s Scrap-book” as being called the Israel Whitman Tavern for a short time. The building was then owned by a David J. Ely and later a Mrs. Charles Duncan Miller.

According to Harris, it was during the early 20th century that the tavern was moved to Route 111. First it was moved to the east side of the road where it sat approximately where the Smithtown Post Office stands today and then relocated across the road.

When Dorothy Payne bought it, she remodeled the interior and opened it as the Olde Tavern House in 1963. During Payne's ownership, it was used as a bar and restaurant and also for receptions.

Despite renovations through the years, Harris said the structure maintained its Colonial feel. In 1972 the Epenetus Smith Tavern was moved to the Smithtown Historical Society property.

This summer the building will be part of the organization’s summer program and children will have the chance to learn about work and play on a 1700’s farm. Relocated almost 40 years ago, the tavern that played a part in our town's history,now serves the future of Smithtown.