The Avery Estate once again shone brightly this holiday season as residents gathered in East Patchogue for the annual tree lighting ceremony, an event that continues to gain momentum as a beloved community tradition.
Suffolk Legislator Dominick Thorne served as master of ceremonies and noted that attendance had doubled compared with last year, reflecting rising interest in the historic property and its expanding attractions. “Each year, more people are discovering what a special place this is,” Thorne said, thanking volunteers, historians, and residents for their support.
The celebration spotlighted the Avery Museum, housed in the restored Queen Anne–style Victorian home on the 11.5-acre estate. Curator Susan Shiebler welcomed visitors, offering guided tours that traced the history of the Avery family and the development of Patchogue through antiques, photographs, and original artifacts.
New this year was the unveiling of a detailed model train display depicting Patchogue Village landmarks, which quickly became a focal point for families and children. The display features miniature recreations of recognizable local sites, weaving together history and holiday charm, while reinforcing the estate’s mission to educate and engage visitors of all ages.
Overseeing the project was Jim Roselle, president of the Greater Patchogue Historical Society, which helps manage the estate. Roselle noted that the Avery property is the second-oldest in Suffolk County to remain under continuous single-family ownership, behind only Gardiners Island.
The estate includes an 1820 gambrel-roofed frame house, a 1930 Dutch Colonial Revival–style barn, and a distinctive hexagonal concrete fountain built in 1921 by Charles Avery to attract customers to his Swan River Nursery. Listed on the Long Island List of Historic Places in 2019, the estate was acquired by Suffolk through the efforts of Legislator Thorne and County Executive Ed Romaine.
Thorne credited his partnership with Romaine for securing $250,000 in county funding toward restoration efforts and reaffirmed the county’s commitment to rehabilitating the historic structures on the site. Recent improvements include rebuilding the Victorian’s porch and replacing cedar shingles with exact replicas based on original plans discovered in the attic.
As the tree lights illuminated the grounds, Thorne said the record turnout underscored a shared appreciation for local history and growing enthusiasm for the Avery Estate’s revival.