History of 205

The Bayles House was built by Beriah Petty for the Captain Thomas Bayles family in 1812 in the then-popular federalist style. The Bayles Family have a Port Jeff legacy of building 140 vessels between 1816-1917 including the 1816 sloop “Beaver.” The Bayles House at 205 was later the home to shipbuilder Lewis Hulse during the 1840s and 1850s. Hulse was responsible for giving the home a Greek Revival-style renovation whose features are prominent in the building today including the elaborate door surround, 6 over 6 windows and the gray and white traditionally-painted color scheme. The library preserved the building’s 5 fireplaces, including a beehive oven, although not functional, and the original floors which were refinished throughout the three upper floors. The front “Dutch Door” has been preserved as have floor patches made from tin cans over the years. Additionally, the Library added a front porch after Kate Von der Heyden of the Port Jefferson Historical Society shared historic photos which showed a Greek Revival style porch.