Brentwood in Suffolk County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Red Owl Legend
— Legends & Lore —
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, September 29, 2019
1. Red Owl Legend Marker
In 1877, Charles A. Codman met Indian spirit in form of an owl. His kind act toward the spirit is why the home became the Hermitage of the Red Owl.
Erected 2015 by New York Folklore Society, William G. Pomeroy Foundation. (Marker Number 5.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Native Americans • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the William G. Pomeroy Foundation Legends & Lore Series series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1877.
Location. 40° 46.773′ N, 73° 14.761′ W. Marker is in Brentwood, New York, in Suffolk County. Marker is at the intersection of Brentwood Road and 1st Avenue, on the right when traveling north on Brentwood Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Brentwood NY 11717, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Modern Times (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); 1859 Dame House (approx. 0.2 miles away); First School (approx. 0.4 miles away); Methodist (approx. 2.4 miles away); State Hospital (approx. 2.4 miles away); a different marker also named State Hospital (approx. 2.8 miles
this page online
Regarding Red Owl Legend. The marker gives short shrift to the legend. The Brentwood Historical Society (see link below), provides the legend in full, as written by Codman. In summary - it was a dark and stormy evening in December, 1877. Codman, while closing the blinds, sees an red owl shivering outside one window. He opens the window and converses with it. It tells him that he is an Indian chief, in spirit, who was slain in battle and can not be at peace until his remains are buried, and tells Codman where his remains are. The next day, Codman buries the remains. The red owl returns to thank him, tells him that the red owl will now be his guardian spirit, and bestows the name "Hermitage of the Red Owl" on Codman's house.
Also see . . . Ask Me About the Red Owl. Brentwood Historical Society website entry (Submitted on December 10, 2019.)
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, September 29, 2019
2. Red Owl Legend Marker - wide view, looking south on Brentwood Avenue
Credits. This page was last revised on April 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 10, 2019, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 458 times since then and 76 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 10, 2019, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
