Suffolk County Historian Speaks
To Brentwood Schools Retirees
Photo: Barbara Ellen Koch Brentwood, NY – Sep 5, 2014
To Brentwood Schools Retirees
Photo: Barbara Ellen Koch Brentwood, NY – Sep 5, 2014
By John Sherin
Judge Peter Fox Cohalan shown here in former chambers at the state Supreme Court building in Riverhead, was named Suffolk County Historian in May of 2012 by the County Legislature. He currently occupies donated office space at the Suffolk County Historical Society in Riverhead, filling the job as an unpaid volunteer. It’s the first time the post of Suffolk County Historian was filled in nearly five years.
Received with rapt attention by all those in the Brentwood Public Library meeting room, he spoke with considerable knowledge about the history of Islip and the historic role his family has played in the history of Long Island.
His interest in history came from his father, who once wrote a book about Aaron Burr, and his grandfather, he said, as well as from his own family history.
“I got started because one of my family members was the first Catholic priest on Long Island back in 1839, and I was very interested in his career,” Mr. Cohalan told the legislative committee prior to his selection. This relative was the co-founder and second pastor of St. Andrew’s Church in Sag Harbor, back in 1845, adding that St. Andrew’s was the first Catholic church on Long Island.
From there, his interest in local history expanded into other areas. He’s researched the African-American communities that settled in Sag Harbor in the 19th century, and intends to continue “playing up” the history of various diverse segments of the county’s population.
Cohalan traces his family’s American roots to the American Revolution, when his Irish ancestors fought against the British under Lafayette, the French General allied with George Washington. A former Islip Town Supervisor (1971 – 1979) and Suffolk County Executive (1979 – 1986), Cohalan retired from the New York State Supreme Court where he served the people of this County for more than twenty five years.
Actively involved in historic preservation for four decades, Judge Cohalan has participated in numerous local historical organizations, including the Sayville Historical Society in the hamlet where he resides, the Aaron Burr Association, American Irish Historical Society, and the W.K. Vanderbilt Historical Society of Dowling College, where he served as a member of the Board of Directors.
County Legislator Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) liked the choice. “I could not think of a more appropriate historian for this county, (who has great knowledge and love for the history of this county), than Peter Fox Cohalan,”
The County Historian is responsible to research historic events within the County and promote the preservation of historic documents and materials to ensure a full understanding and appreciation of the County’s history.
“Now, more than ever, in this age of constantly changing technology, it is critical that we preserve what has come before so that we can continue to honor and learn from the past, said County Executive Bellone. “Peter Cohalan has deep roots in Suffolk County, a long record of public service and a passionate interest in local and American history.”
Presiding Officer Lindsay added, “Suffolk is rich in history and its history is the fabric of the American experience. We ought to preserve that.” Judge Cohalan added “We all have a story to tell and I want to help tell those stories.”
Much of this account has been quoted from two NEWSDAY articles that appeared on May 10 -12, 2012 announcing his appointment. His remarks were of keen interest to Ellen Edelstein, President of the Brentwood Historical Society noting that his role as Trustee of the Estate of the late David Lion Gardiner, was of great interest. A small portion of that financial inheritance might well promise the possibility of preservation of Brentwood’s original Octagonal school house, I and many others interested in local history were impressed by the speakers impressive memory for specific detail as he recounted the story of Suffolk County’s history and his family’s role in it. Speaking with the Judge afterwards, the Cohalan suddenly pointed to me and said, “I know you. We’ve met before”. Indeed we had, more than forty years ago in 1973 when Peter Fox Cohalan was Islip Town Supervisor and had facilitated key support for the Brentwood School District as it gave credence to the Maslow Toffler School Work Experience Program. It provided graduation credit to many Seniors through the NY State Education Department and offered help to those students attending MT and Brentwood High School.
All agreed that his was truly an informative and entertaining program. Thanks deservedly go to Lynda Romano, Program Coordinator, for scheduling Judge Peter Fox Cohalan to appear before out group.
Judge Peter Fox Cohalan shown here in former chambers at the state Supreme Court building in Riverhead, was named Suffolk County Historian in May of 2012 by the County Legislature. He currently occupies donated office space at the Suffolk County Historical Society in Riverhead, filling the job as an unpaid volunteer. It’s the first time the post of Suffolk County Historian was filled in nearly five years.
Received with rapt attention by all those in the Brentwood Public Library meeting room, he spoke with considerable knowledge about the history of Islip and the historic role his family has played in the history of Long Island.
His interest in history came from his father, who once wrote a book about Aaron Burr, and his grandfather, he said, as well as from his own family history.
“I got started because one of my family members was the first Catholic priest on Long Island back in 1839, and I was very interested in his career,” Mr. Cohalan told the legislative committee prior to his selection. This relative was the co-founder and second pastor of St. Andrew’s Church in Sag Harbor, back in 1845, adding that St. Andrew’s was the first Catholic church on Long Island.
From there, his interest in local history expanded into other areas. He’s researched the African-American communities that settled in Sag Harbor in the 19th century, and intends to continue “playing up” the history of various diverse segments of the county’s population.
Cohalan traces his family’s American roots to the American Revolution, when his Irish ancestors fought against the British under Lafayette, the French General allied with George Washington. A former Islip Town Supervisor (1971 – 1979) and Suffolk County Executive (1979 – 1986), Cohalan retired from the New York State Supreme Court where he served the people of this County for more than twenty five years.
Actively involved in historic preservation for four decades, Judge Cohalan has participated in numerous local historical organizations, including the Sayville Historical Society in the hamlet where he resides, the Aaron Burr Association, American Irish Historical Society, and the W.K. Vanderbilt Historical Society of Dowling College, where he served as a member of the Board of Directors.
County Legislator Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) liked the choice. “I could not think of a more appropriate historian for this county, (who has great knowledge and love for the history of this county), than Peter Fox Cohalan,”
The County Historian is responsible to research historic events within the County and promote the preservation of historic documents and materials to ensure a full understanding and appreciation of the County’s history.
“Now, more than ever, in this age of constantly changing technology, it is critical that we preserve what has come before so that we can continue to honor and learn from the past, said County Executive Bellone. “Peter Cohalan has deep roots in Suffolk County, a long record of public service and a passionate interest in local and American history.”
Presiding Officer Lindsay added, “Suffolk is rich in history and its history is the fabric of the American experience. We ought to preserve that.” Judge Cohalan added “We all have a story to tell and I want to help tell those stories.”
Much of this account has been quoted from two NEWSDAY articles that appeared on May 10 -12, 2012 announcing his appointment. His remarks were of keen interest to Ellen Edelstein, President of the Brentwood Historical Society noting that his role as Trustee of the Estate of the late David Lion Gardiner, was of great interest. A small portion of that financial inheritance might well promise the possibility of preservation of Brentwood’s original Octagonal school house, I and many others interested in local history were impressed by the speakers impressive memory for specific detail as he recounted the story of Suffolk County’s history and his family’s role in it. Speaking with the Judge afterwards, the Cohalan suddenly pointed to me and said, “I know you. We’ve met before”. Indeed we had, more than forty years ago in 1973 when Peter Fox Cohalan was Islip Town Supervisor and had facilitated key support for the Brentwood School District as it gave credence to the Maslow Toffler School Work Experience Program. It provided graduation credit to many Seniors through the NY State Education Department and offered help to those students attending MT and Brentwood High School.
All agreed that his was truly an informative and entertaining program. Thanks deservedly go to Lynda Romano, Program Coordinator, for scheduling Judge Peter Fox Cohalan to appear before out group.
John Sherin, Peter Cohalan and Legislator.
