The Stony Brook Village Center, located at Main Street on the Harbor, is the creation of philanthropist Ward Melville, and was recognized as the first planned business center in the United States. Its many unique features include a sweeping village green and a crescent-shaped design. In its early years, the American Institute of Architects hosted an annual conference in Stony Brook to meet with Mr. Melville and study his creation. The eagle on the Stony Brook Post Office pediment flaps its wings every hour, on the hour, from 8am to 8pm daily – as it has done so for 75 years, continuing to welcome thousands of visitors to the specialty shops and restaurants in Stony Brook.

For more information about the Ward Melville Heritage Organization, visit www.wmho.org