Smithtown Begins Preparations for 350th Town Anniversary

Smithtown's town historian is being called on to make preparations for a 350th birthday celebration worth going down in local history. 

Smithtown Supervisor Patrick Vecchio reached out to town historian Brad Harris via a letter on Jan. 2 to assemble a committee to plan a series of events to mark the town's 350th anniversary in 2015. 

"The year 2015 (as you continually remind me) dates the founding of the town of Smithtown 350 years ago and, I believe, it is right and proper for the town to support, in every way possible, a celebration of such an auspicious occasion," Vecchio writes. 

Harris, Smithtown's town historian for 35 years, told Newsday that he thinks "it’s a good idea" as not many towns on Long Island can claim to be 350 years old. 

Smithtown was founded by Richard Smith who - despite the widespread local bull legend - secured the area's land along the Nissequogue River through a patent issues by the King of England's royal governor through the colony of New York on March 3, 1665, according to Harris. 

Harris said he's reached out to potential committee members who he hopes to meet with by the end of this month. 

Vecchio said he's left it entirely up to the committee what types of event to plan, but referred to early town anniversary celebrations including things such as parades and festivals. His only request to Harris: local political figures not be asked to join the committee. 

Read more on Newsday [subscription required] about Harris' thoughts on putting together a committee and celebrations.