Hawkins House

The acquisition of the Hawkins House parcel at 1431 Montauk Highway in Moriches was finalized recently by Suffolk County and the Town of Brookhaven. With most of the necessary work for the acquisition completed in 2018, it has opened the door now to the ability to preserve the 4.71-acre property.

“This is an ideal preservation and a great fit for the community,” said Legis. Rudy Sunderman, who vouched for this particular land preservation for approval at several levels, including the Suffolk County Legislature.

Hawkins House dates back to the 1830s. The Mastic Peninsula Historical Society will eventually overtake the structure as their headquarters, once the structure is fit to serve that purpose. The society will also serve as the caretaker.

Bill Roache, a trustee for the historical society, pointed out the opportunity that Hawkins House presents to the society. Sunderman echoed Roache’s excitement for the society.

“It is an opportunity to have a historical house in our community, and the Mastic Peninsula Historical Society will be able to put some artifacts inside, and local residents stop in and see,” Sunderman said. “Local school districts can send students down for field trips, too. Why wouldn’t we want to learn about the 1830s in our community?”

The Town of Brookhaven will be responsible for the demolition of the ransacked shed on the property in addition to cleaning up debris.

“The town is going to go in and trim away a small portion of the overgrowth to provide access to the historical society,” said town councilman Dan Panico, adding that the town will eventually put down a gravel driveway for the historical society.