The gateway to the former Havens Estate in Center Moriches, now Terrell River County Park, is being refurbished by Suffolk Park workers. The stone pillars used to be in front of the historic Havens home before it was moved across the street in 1971, where it now serves as a museum.
Free from underbrush and trees, the entryway shows some of the original grandeur of the homestead, which was acquired in 1749 by Benjamin Havens. The 263-acre park features a trail system that runs along Terrell River all the way down to Moriches Bay and a stunning view of Fire Island. The preserve was purchased by Suffolk County in 1986 thanks to the efforts of then-Legislator Ed Romaine, a Center Moriches resident who’s now County Executive.
The project was recommended to Richard Martin, director of the county’s Historic Services Division, by Bertram Seides, a local steward of the Havens House, along with the nearby Ketcham Inn and the historic Smith Family Duck Farm property.