About Coram
Coram is the oldest town settled in the Town of Brookhaven. The origin of the name, Coram is controversial. One story is that it was given in honor of an Indian chief, Wincoram under whose jurisdiction it once rested. Captain Thomas Coram was English philanthropist and Sea Captain of London that came to America. There is an 18th century engraved picture of Captain Coram hanging in the town meeting house in Coram.
Coram was settled in 1677 by European William Satterly. He asked for permission to open a tavern to cater to travelers. The main road running through town was known as " the Country Road," the "Kings Highway" and the "Post Road." In later years, it was renamed "Middle Country Road" which remains today.
The area was famous during the Revolutionary War. The Culper Ring captured and burned 300 tons of British hay at what is now the corner of Routes 25 and 112.
In 1790, the Town of Brookhaven decided to move their government headquarters from Setauket to Coram to provide a more convenient central location for the voters. Their annual town meeting was held in April. The Lester H. Davis House is on both the New York State Landmark Registry and a National Register of Historic Places.
The Coram schoolhouse that was built in 1900 still stands. Today, students attend schools in either the Longwood Central School District or the Middle Country School District. The Coram Volunteer Fire Department started in 1929. The schoolhouse is now the fire commissioner's office.
The Overton or Coram Ponds Preserve is 450 acres of woodlands, wetlands, and meadows. There are fantastic nature trails to hike or bike on. Tanglewood Park on Hawkins Avenue has a jungle gym for children and a baseball field. Sequoia Park allows for hiking along many small trails. Diamond in the Pines Park has many sports fields, including a soccer field, football field, two baseball fields and a large playground with swings. Pine Ridge Golf Club is an 18 hole daily fee public golf course. It is known as one of Long Island's favorite golf courses.
Coram is home to many venues to have fun. High-Velocity Paintball. They feature seven outdoor themed paintball fields. Rental packages include everything you need to play – marker, goggles, air tank, and unlimited air fills. The Laser Kingdom is a state-of-the-art high tech laser tag arena facility. Coram Country Lanes has open bowling as well as leagues and tournaments. Wood Kingdom East has sold playground equipment and sheds for over 30 years. They host birthday parties and feature Open Play for kids to play on their bouncers, climbers and indoor swing sets. Movieland Cinemas feature seven theatres with luxury seating, and there are always free popcorn refills. Kerri's Kandies sells specialty chocolates, bulk candy and the supplies including molds and melting chocolate to make your delicious creations. She is a true chocolatier and is happy to share her knowledge.
Come hungry to Coram. Popei's Clam Bar's motto is "from sea to shore and so much more." They have been feeding Long Islanders since 1991. They serve excellent seafood in a fun atmosphere. Their outdoor Tiki Bar has heated seats for the Winter. The warm weather brings live music to compliment their lunch and dinner specials. Grab a booth or a seat at the counter at the Coram Diner. Diners have loved their extensive menu and service for over 30 years. Multi-generations have come to celebrate special occasions there. The Burger Shack is a nostalgic joint with many delicious burger options. Their milkshakes and fries make the meal complete.
Coram's connectedness is one of its most valuable qualities. Besides Middle Country Road, County Route 83 passes through the length of the hamlet and connects to the Long Island Expressway. Suffolk County Transit operates several bus routes going through Coram. The Medford Station of the Long Island Railroad is the closest and only 10 minutes away.
The Coram Civic Association is dedicated to the preservation of the history, beauty, and spirit of the hamlet of Coram. They host many events throughout the year. The Holiday Festival and Christmas Tree Lighting Event at the Old Coram Firehouse is a favorite of residents. They award a high school senior their Community Service Educational Scholarship.