Caleb Smith's Historic Barn - A Piece Of Smithtown's History

Caleb Smith State Park Preserve

“This old barn has been around for a very long time. I don’t want to lose it on my watch” Paul Micciche

One of the oldest, if not the oldest, historic barn in Smithtown is located at the Caleb Smith State Park Preserve. It is believed that the original barn (main, middle section) was built sometime around 1750 by the Smith family. Additions to the barn were made as needs changed. According to Town Historian Bradley Harris, to enter the barn is to take a trip back to a time when barn building was done with local materials and craftsmanship that is no longer seen on Long Island. “One must see the hand cut beams,  joists and  framing in the barn to get a real understanding of  the time and work that was involved in building this structure that has been around for hundreds of years.” said Bradley.

Caleb Smith BarnTime has taken a toll on the Caleb Smith barn, it is in a state of disrepair. Most recently the barn has been used as a maintenance facility for the park. The area surrounding the barn is currently fenced off. Public access to the barn is prohibited with limited access for park employees. 

Earlier this year a meeting of interested parties convened to discuss the barn’s deterioration.  Attending the meeting were representatives from New York State Caleb Smith BarnParks Department, members from Friends of Caleb Smith State Park Preserve and Town Historian Bradley Harris.  At this meeting a determination was made that an engineering study would be done to determine if the building was structurally sound. 

According to people in the Caleb Smith Friends group there have been comments made and other indications that NYS might be leaning towards tearing the barn down. “Tearing down the oldest barn in Smithtown is a terrible idea. This barn is a part of our history that if destroyed is gone forever. ” said Bradley Harris. Many concur with Bradley. Paul Micciche has been an advocate for the Caleb Smith State Park Preserve for decades, “Smithtown is celebrating its 350th Anniversary this year. There are all kinds of celebrations taking place recognizing the town’s history. How NYS could even consider demolishing one the most historic buildings in Smithtown is beyond me.” 

According to NYS Regional Parks Director Brian Foley there has not been any determination made about the Caleb Smith Barn.  “The barn’s structure has been compromised and termite infestation is a problem but there has been no decision made at this time to demolish the building. Sometime this summer we will have a meeting with those who attended the last meeting where we will discuss the engineering report and how to best proceed at Caleb Smith.” 

“If that’s what Brian said I will accept that and look forward to hearing the results in the engineering study and options that may preserve the Town’s oldest historic barn.” said Paul Micciche. Others who spoke with Smithtown Matters and asked not to be named in the article were more skeptical, upon hearing Brian Foley’s words they seemed both relieved and unnerved, taking a time will tell attitude.

Caleb Smith State Park Preserve

581 West Jericho Turnpike
Smithtown, NY 11787   (631) 265-1054