The Smithville Café operated since the early 1900s, in a building that dated back to the 1860s and was originally a hotel. An early reference in the "Beer, Comstock and Cline Atlas," published in 1873, referred to the building as the B.F. Sammis Sportsmen Hotel, which served as a lodge for hunters and fishermen from Manhattan.

In the late 19th century, the building was also used as a courthouse. Records dating to 1879 show jurors being summoned to the hotel by Justice of the Peace Thomas D. Smith. By the early 1900s, the property was owned by J.G. Debert and became the Smithville Café. The community was known as Smithville because so many Smiths lived there. Later the hamlet became North Bellmore. The eatery's central location, at 1800 Bellmore Ave., is considered by residents to mark the unofficial border between Bellmore and North Bellmore.

Police are asking anyone with information about the fire to contact Crime Stoppers at (800) 244-TIPS. All calls will remain confidential.

Do you have memories of or comments about the landmark Smithville Cafe that you'd like to share? Post your comments below or e-mail nhiler@liherald.com.