13 Facts About Ward Melville

John Ward Melville was an American philanthropist and businessman active in the "Three Villages" in western Suffolk County, Long Island, New York.

Ward Melville donated 400 acres of land and money to establish Stony Brook University in 1957, which has developed as a major public research institution.

Ward Melville played a major role in the development of Melville Corporation, known today as CVS Health.

Ward Melville's father was a nephew of sculptor John Quincy Adams Ward.

Ward Melville attended Columbia University, where he was active in the Columbia Daily Spectator and the Philolexian Society.

Ward Melville married Dorothy Bigelow, who helped him continue the civic work of his parents such as the restoration of the Colonial village in Stony Brook.

Ward Melville was part of Macy's Board of Directors and he retired in 1953.

Ward Melville settled in the Stony Brook area in western Suffolk County on Long Island, where he owned much land.

Ward Melville served as a member of the school board in Setauket, where he donated the land for the high school.

Ward Melville was very active in philanthropic works around the "Three Village" area and the surrounding towns.

Ward Melville supported the restoration and preservation of historic buildings in the area to encourage his vision of a New England village.

Ward Melville supported conservation of natural areas, including the West Meadow Beach.

Ward Melville died in 1977 and is buried in Setauket at the Caroline Church and Cemetery.