The hamlet of St. James was named for the Episcopal Church of St. James founded here in the mid 1800's.  A US Postal service was later established  with the same name.  The arrival of the Long Island Railroad in 1873 allowed for easy access to and from New York City.  This made St. James a popular vacation spot for the stars of New York stage and screen.  In the days before air conditioning, the theaters closed for the summer and the actors went on vacation.  Summer residents included Irving Berlin, Lionel, Ethel & John Barrymore, George M. Cohan, William Collier, Buster Keaton, Myrna Loy, Ruth Roman, Lillian Russell, and others.

Watch the Spotlight on Saint James Revitalization

The Smithtown Spotlight shares a look at the Lake Avenue revitalization project which has energized our community. 

Did You Know?

  • The St. James Railroad station is the oldest operating railroad station of the Long Island Railroad.
  • The St. James General Store is the oldest continuously operating general store in America.
  • The Heritage Trail (Rte 25a or North Country Rd) which passes through St. James was the road taken by General George Washington to thank his troops after the Revolutionary War.
  • The Nissequogue School House is the oldest surviving school house in St. James built in 1808, and is now the Village Hall.
  • There were three theaters in St. James in the early 1900's, two of which are still standing.
  • Architect Stanford White is buried in the St. James Episcopal Church Cemetary.​

Our Goal

The mission of ‘Celebrate St. James’ is to preserve, restore and illuminate St. James’ rich history in the arts and over all splendor. By rebuilding the Lake Avenue area into a boulevard of artistic and culinary delight our town will become an appealing destination for visitors.
 
We only need to thoughtfully glance back to the turn of the last century when our artistic community flourished! 
Many of societies' elite were drawn to the beauty and acclaimed culture of St. James. International celebrities included the famed Barrymores, Buster Keaton, Myrna Loy, Irving Berlin, and vaudevillian Willie Collier. Eminent dignitaries arrived the likes of William Gaynor, mayor of New York City and congressman Lathrop Brown. The renowned architect Stanford White also strolled our very hamlet…the town was alive! 

Our goal is to renew the Lake Avenue area which will encourage and stimulate restaurants and businesses to prosper. Visitors will boost the economy of St. James and our prolific history in the arts will continue on as we “Celebrate St. James’.

Programs - Seminars - Events

To reach our goal, we will support and advance the efforts of local schools.  Starting at the elementary level through high school, we will teach the history of the area to our children, who are truly our future, and their parents who will help us achieve our goals today.  We will provide programs, seminars, and events that speak to our history, art and music.  We will help fund and promote these programs focusing on our history and cultural arts.  These activities will also help fund our long term goals.

Executive Board 

Natalie Weinstein, President 
Arline Goldstein, Vice President 
Jack Ader, Vice President 
Randi Kuveke, Treasurer 
​Patricia Clark, Secretary 

How Can You Help?

  • Become a member of Celebrate St. James Past - Present - Future
  • Volunteer your time and talents on a committee
  • Attend our entertaining & educational events
  • Become a sponsor through you company or with your family
  • Donate to our St. James Renaissance

CONTACT US

176 Second Street
St. James, NY 11780
631.862.4615
Mon/Wed/Fri/Sat 10am - 5pm
Sundays 11am - 5pm
​celebratestjames@gmail.com
* You may also reach out to us at 631-686-5644 (Uniquely Natalie Quality Consignment) on weekends from 10am - 5pm.
Copyright © All Rights Reserved.