BROOKWOODS, the new “Community Restaurant” gets its name from the historical site known as Brookwood Hall. The history of this site goes back to a time when people traveled on horse and buggy, through the woods and on dirt roads. Brookwood Hall, known then as Stellenwerf’s Lake House in 1856, became a destination spot to lodge, and was known for its excellent cuisine. In the mid 1800’s, people swarmed to the South Shore. The Lake House was owned and managed by Amos R. Stellenwerf. It was a cozy, old fashioned house, where good cooking, comfortable rooms, civil attendants and cleanliness where the rule. By the house was a large trout pond, with row boats and a bathing house for fresh water bathers.

In the 1940’s, Brookwood Hall became an Orphanage. It was home to many children who ate, slept and enjoyed the sounds of the running brook, which still exists today. When the orphanage closed in 1965, the property was sold to the town of Islip. It is now an Art Museum and still a place that is enjoyed by many families in our community.

We, here at Brookwoods Restaurant and Lounge, want to carry on the hospitality, the spirit of giving, and great food that this historical site provided to our community in the past.

As a token of our appreciation for your patronage, and to continue to help the children of our community, we will make a donation to the school district of your choice within the Town of Islip. When you receive your check at the end of your meal, you will be given a card. Kindly, fill it out and choose the School District or charity where you would like the donation to go.