PATCHOGUE
ADVANCE
CORAM
August 10, 1878
Coram
Among the many farmers in this village, Lester H. Davis,
takes the lead. His garden is well cultivated and this
year a large crop of apples, pears, peaches, and plums is
being realized. He exhibited to us a specimen of a large
strawberry, which ripens this month, of the Great Western
Variety, also a very large plum from a seedling of the
Red Carolinas. He has also in a field adjoining his
garden one and a half acre of asparagus which he claims
cannot be beat on Long Island for its age.
November 30,1878
Coram
Though the Capital of Brookhaven, it is the quiestest
place on earth at this season. Nothing seems to mar this
serenity, unless it to be the tossing by the wind, of a
discarded leaf but the parent tree. A few new buildings
have made their appearance, but the hand of time has been
to work also, and more than one roof or sidewall has cave
in.
Jan. 18, 1879
A church war has been going on for some time here between
one of the trustees and the members. Capt. Henry Smith it
is said locked the church and refused to open it for Rev.
Mr. Beale to preach in. The Capt. has also taken
possession of the bible and organ and although presiding
elder Graves has been at work to settle the matter the
end has not yet been reached.
Coram.5-24- 79
'Squire Osborn evidently does not consider the
justiceship a very profitable one in his section, for the
last week he shipped as mate of the "Lucy B.
Ives," under Capt. Wm. H. Mott. The trials and
tribulations of our people are not of such a character as
need the intervention of the law, and as a consequence he
has had to adjudicate upon but few cases, if any, since
his election.
Board of Assessors. The Board of
Assessors of Brookhaven hold their second session at
Lester H. Davis's, on Wednesday last. President, Austin
Culver, Moriches,Edmund W. Ruland, Selden; Issac E.
Brown, Rocky Point; George W. Ritch, Middle Island;
William H. Hait, Patchogue, together with the Town Clerk.
So far as the Board have gone over the assessment roll
(to letter G.) the assessed property is averaging about
the same as last year. In some localities the assessed
valuation has been increased, while owing to large forest
fires and other damages, the amount has decreased in
other sections. Two sessions a week is what the Board
anticipates holding until the roll is completed. Their
next sessions will be held Tuesday and Friday of next
week, at which those interested should attend.
Farming.-Farming is now the go, and prospects that the
appearance of the "potato bug" within a few
days somewhat dampens the farmer's arder on that line.
Asparagus. - Lester H. Davis is now shipping 40 to 50
dozen bunches per day to New York and Bridgeport. The
price averages $1.50 per dozen.
Land Turtle- Ham Smith found a large turtle the other day
having on him "Daniel T. Overton 1855" also the
initials "W.S.C." Mr. Smith found one last year
bearing the name "Brewster Terry" and dated
1832.
Coram 5-31-79
-Death has smitten down one of our best citizens in his
prime of life. Kind and industrious, H. Sydney Longbothum
plod his way through life with the respect of all who
knew him. His disease was a peculiar one. Six years ago
he was quite thin and slender, but his bones commenced
growing, as also did the larynx, which finally interfered
with respiration. His bands showed plainly the growth
that was general as the size of the index finger at the
first joint measured three-and-a half inches while his
wrist was eight-and a half inches in circumference. He
was not fleshy, nor did he complain much. Mr. Longbothum
was a candidate this spring for town Clerk, on the
Republican ticket, but was beaten. The community mourns
his loss and sympathize with his bereaved friends.
August 31, 1879
Our farmers are now busily engaged in the peddling
business, but the prices obtained are below that of other
years.
Miss Emma Norton while in the woods the other day, saw
what appears to be a rattlesnake, but as it speedily got
out of sight she was unable to say how many rattles it
had on.
January 24, 1880
Capt. Jacob Mott, and others, of this
place have purchased the schooner "Sea Port" of
Northport, and hereafter she will be commanded by Capt.
Mott.
March 27, 1880
Coram is the magnet around which revolve
politicians of every political creed about nomination
times. this is the capitol, and here during the past week
representatives of the noble army of temperance gathered
in convention to choose from among them a leader worthy
of bearing the laurels of victory on the morning after
election. The sword of the Lord has been buckled on to
fight the demon rum, and here in the M.E. Church met the
soldiers in the cause.
Coram- October 8, 1881:
-Ms. Rate Osborn, a graduate of the Patchogue Union
School, opened the school here on Monday last.
Commissioner Roe called and paid her a visit on Tuesday.
The school at present is very small. Ms. Osborn is
gaining in popularity and seems to be well fitted for her
post of duty.
Coram-November 19, 1881: IN MEMORIAM:
-Last Sabbath day called on us to perform a sad duty. The
bright November sky strongly contrasted with the mournful
groups assembled to pay last tribute to a departed
friend. Yes, he was a friend indeed; and after close
acquaintance, you would regard him more than a brother.
Our entire community was there, eager to look at the
earthly remains of CHARLES O'DOHERTY. Not more than two
weeks ago, his athletic form, the very ideal of a young
man, was ever ready to greet you with a kind word or with
his customary congenial smile. He, who was the picture of
health a few days ago, laid there to be silent forever.
Death had struck a heavy blow, and the grief exhibited by
all was intense. The old bowed their heads, thinking of
the uncertainties of life, while the young, buoyant with
hope of their future, seeing their ever cheerful friend
removed, bitterly moaned," O Lord! Why hast thon
done so?" Noble spirited, true and kindhearted
CHARLES O'DOHERTY, is now no more. A little mound in the
private cemetery at Coram denotes his last resting-place;
but his memory will live forever among his many friends.
Enemies he had none, and no act of his life will blur his
past record. May he rest in peace! J.G.D.
Coram 4-8-82
Election day! What a time, and what gathering. Oh,
temperance what a virtue, and how far thy genial
countenanoe on that historic day, went towards modifying
the passions of the inner man. About two thousand people
were in attendance on the occasion, and voting seemed to
be all one way, the Democrats carrying the fort at every
point. The Republican candidates, were slaughtered by
members of their own party, and at the carnage it was
amusing to see both prohibitionist and liquor advocate
join hands to accomplish the desired end Supervisor
Heavens at the designated time read the statement of the
financial standing of the financial standing of the town,
after which it was voted, that the surplus of the dog tax
$257,40, be appropriated towards defraying the deficiency
in the contingent fund.
August 11, 1883
It takes about three days for a letter to reach Coram
mailed at Patchogue.
Thursday, Mr. lester H. Davis shipped to Mr. Blackford,
fish commissioner, two handsome specimens of carp
weighing respectfully five and six pounds. They were just
two years old and beautiful in appearance.
December 8, 1883
The marriage of two daughters of Mr. Ham Smith, of Coram,
on the evening of Dec. 12th was an interesting event. The
officiating clergymen made arrangements by which the
services were pleasently blended, and the couples in
quick succession were pronounced husband and wife. A
large company of friends witnessed the ceremony and
shared in the festivities of the occasion.
Coram: March 4, 1884
-Lester II. Davis is tired of having the annual town
meeting at his place and has declared himself in favor of
a change. Town Clerk Hutchinson is now a "father in
Israel." We extend our congratulations, especially
as it is a boy. The town pump, on the Kings highway at
this point, works well and its convenience cannot be over
estimated. It is even hinted that if a similar
institution were established at Port Jefferson and
Patchogue the cause of temperance in these benighted
sections would be materially advanced. We regret to learn
that after a thorough medical examination the physicians
have given Mr. Samuel Dare no hope that his boy will
again receive his eyesight. The conventions are near at
hand, but this year "lets" and "no
lots" will be the leading question. Here we are
opposed to the leasing of Coram Pond.
March 29, 1884
The Town Capital to be moved.
Lester H. Davis, Tuesday informed the Board of Audit of
the Town of Brookhaven, that the use of his house and
premises could no longer be obtained for the purpose of
holding "Town Meeting." This is a step toward
voting in election districts.
Democrats and Republicans take the
Helm: March 22, 1884:
-The Town Capital, on Wednesday last, was the scene of a
large and intelligent concourse of citizens who had come
together, despite the storm, to discuss the probability
of placing in nomination so much of a town ticket, as
might be necessary to source, by its election, an honest
and impartial administration of the business affairs of
the town. The meeting was called to order shortly after 2
P.M. by Wilmot M. Smith, in a large yet antiquated barn
of Lester H. Davis.
Coram: November 8, 1884:
-It was on Wednesday night, October 22, that Coram was
once more made merry by the marriage of Ruthie E., only
daughter of Wm. H. Osborn, Esq., to Seymour Swezey. About
one hundred invitations were disseminated among the
relatives and friends of the parties to which, (in spite
of the rain) a greater part put in their appearance. At
about eight o'clock, Miss Eva Norton, who presided at the
organ, began the wedding march. The door of the adjoining
room was thrown open, and from within, Miss Georgie R.
Swezey, the brides maid, and Mr. James Swezey, the groom
man, marched to their places, quickly followed by Miss
Ruthie and Seymour, who were speedily made one. Rev. Mr.
Dickenson officiated. No sooner had the clergyman begun
the ceremony than a surrounding party gathered close
under the windows pealed forth in clamorous tongue. The
noise and music were deafening, and were kept up
notwithstanding the pouring rain, until they were invited
in, and were filled with good cheer. The happy pair after
congratulations were escorted to the dining room, where
they sat at a table luxuriously filled. There were
numerous and useful presents. To add to the pleasantness
of the evening was the presence of Mr. And Mrs.
Dickenson, who were ready to crack a joke, as usual, or
to take one. Mr. Dickenson was a pastor of the M. E.
Church, at Coram, a few years ago-NEWS LETTER.
Coram: September 19, 1885:
-REPUBLICAN TOWN PRIMARY-At a Republican town primary,
held at the house of William H. Osborn, Esq., on Saturday
last, at which representatives were present for all the
districts in the town save Port Jefferson. On motions
Hon. James Otis was chosen chairman and Thomas S.
Heatley, secretary, after which Wilmont M. Smith
administered to them the required oath. The following
delegates were then elected:
District No. 1, Israel B. Tyler;No. 2, I. Wilson Ritch,
Sidney H. Ritch;No. 3, Joseph C. Valentine;No. 4, Jehiel
S. Raynor, James Rowland;No 5, Hon. James Otis;No. 6,
Wilmont M. Smith;No. 7, George D. Gerard;No. 8, Charles
J. Randall and Richard W. Smith.
September 26, 1885
Well, Coram is now virtually dead, our town meeting has
been abolished, our trustees meet with us no more, the
assessors radiate, between this and Middle Island and
have now divided tjhe election district so that one half
go to Yaphank to vote, while the remaining half can stay
where they are or tramp to Lake Grove. Poor Coram. Once
the capital of Brookhaven, now shorn of this honor, has
become a mere hamlet from whence not a sound is heard
save the occassional "Get up" of friend
Wallace, as he mildly induces his sleepy nags to move
more rapidly.
Last updated March 10, 2001