Smithtown Historical Society

Historic Sites

Caleb Smith House --- Judge J. Lawrence Smith --- Obadiah Smith House
Epenetus Smith Tavern --- Franklin O. Arthur Farm --- Roseneath Cottage
Frank Brush Barn --- Old Smithtown Library

The Judge J. Lawrence Smith House

The main block of the Homestead - the 2-story portion - was created in the late 18th century when two existing houses were brought together. Many 18th century elements survive, most notably a corner cupboard in the east parlor. During the period of J. Lawrence Smith’s residence (1845 to 1889), a series of alterations gave the house a distinctly 19th century character. Judge Smith enlarged windows, added a new kitchen and nursery wing (later torn down) and another wing (on the far right) for his mother-in-law. The “Judge”s Chamber” has a bay window - added when his eyesight began to fail - and opens into a back wing built for his law office. In 1897 Judge Smith’s son asked his brother-in-law, renown architect Sanford White, to redesign the facade. The central gable with Colonial Revival fanlight, the dormers and a French door on the west side are White’s design. The front porch he designed is gone.