Historic Series: The Jones-Dengler Farm House

23 Wednesday May 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Historic Places

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farm, fred dengler, garden, historic, Jones-Dengler Farm House, long island, new york, vintage, wantagh, wantagh ave

Finally landmarked on June 8, 2011, the Jones-Dengler Farm House in Wantagh can be recognized for its historic beauty.

The house sits at 1051 Wantagh Avenue to the south of the Southern State Parkway and across from the early Jerusalem settlement. It adds a nostalgic and calm feel to the busy area of the the community.

The house was built in the 1700s and was the home of the Jones family during the 1800s. Later, the Dengler family purchased the residence. The original section was expanded in 1875 to the structure it is today. When brothers Fred and Peter married, it was converted into a two family house where both couples entered through individual side doors.

It is also said in 1941, comedian Lenny Bruce, 16 at the time, ran away from home and stayed with the Dengler family for two years while working on the farm.

The original elements of the home are hand-made iron hardware featured on the doors, exposed beams and pressed tin ceilings as well as a chimney built by hand. One should appreciate the true craftsmenship the farm house reflects.

You will also find two-button light switches throughout the home along with some gas pipes that extend from the walls. The gas light fixtures were updated to electric in one section but having those antique details remain add extreme value and appeal the historic property.

I happen to love the wrap around porch and the garden to the left of the house. What a peaceful place it must have been to sit and a read a book or simple relax and feel the breeze. Representing true Colonial design and plantation style, the home is simplistic in its color scheme as well. White clapboard on the exterior along with dark green for shutters and molding on the windows.

In 1973, Fred Dengler passed away and his wife married Harold Sparke 10 years later. She then died in 2007 and Harold in 2009. In spring of 2011 Harold’s son Bob sold the property to the current owner who plans to renovate the home. Bob had inherited the house after his fathers death.

Thanks to the Wantagh Preservation Society, we have learned the history of the home which is now an historic landmark. It surely is a sight to see and one I adore along my drives through Wantagh. Knowing the stories it holds and the people who called it home really adds a meaningful touch as well as remind us that history doesn’t fade.

Historic Series: David Conklin Farm House

08 Tuesday May 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Historic Places

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antique, Articles of Association, David Conklin Farm House, Fort Franklin, Fort Golgotha, historic, history, huntington, Huntington Historical Society, new york, New York Avenue, Oakwood Road, The Conklin Family

My visit to the David Conklin Farm House was not only peaceful and beautiful, but a unique experience as well. Upon your arrival to this property, you can instantly feel the history. This home is a great example of how the early settlers lived and I loved how easy it was to explore. Located at 2 High Street in Huntington, this brilliant piece of architecture still exudes life, comfort and a wonderful style.

The Conklins were an important family when it came to the growth of Huntington as they were among its first settlers. The farm house was built in 1750 by Thomas Conklin and stood on 105 acres. It was surrounded by apple and peach orchards and took up the area from New York Avenue to Oakwood Road.

Member of the Conklin family were patriots and played in a big part in the town’s affairs. David and his father, Thomas, both signed the Articles of Association in 1774 and were affected by the British during the Battle of Long Island. David left for Connecticut but the rest of the family remained, leaving his wife, Sybil, alone to fend for herself. During that time, the British eventually ransacked the house.

A couple of years later, David returned only to become a prisoner of the British until 1778. While in their custody, wood was taken from the Conklin’s barn and David himself was forced to help construct Fort Franklin and Fort Golgotha. In addition, he cooked over 110 meals for the British soldiers during the time the occupied the area. I can’t imagine being in that situation. It was really tough on all of Huntington’s natives during this time. It is good to know that despite all the hardship the town was able to surpass all of it and succeed in the end.

Once David and his wife passed away in 1786, his nephew Abel stepped in to raise their nine children. That may seem crazy now but back then it was quite normal. Around 1827, Abel K. Conklin, Abel’s son, inherited the house after his father’s death and made a second story addition to raise his family. He later became the Town Supervisor, Justice of the Peace, Commissioner of Highways, Assessor and Commissioner of Common Schools. Abel was an important and busy member of Huntington society which eventually rubbed off on his son Moreland who served as Executive Chairman of the Committee.

By 1911, a lot of the Conklin property was sold and only 25 percent of the original land remained with the family. The Huntington Historical Society owns the deed to the house which was given to them by Ella Jayne Conklin Hurd.

Today, the home is still impressive in its ability to reflect colonial, federal and Victorian design, all of which were very popular during the period it was built. One unique piece of memorabilia that sits at the back of the house is an old mill stone which was used in one of the early mills of Huntington Harbor from 1752-1930. It was given the to Historical Society in 1951.

I suggest you visit the Conklin Farm House if you have a couple of hours to spare. Just the architecture and land itself are worth the trip, but if you take a tour that is an added bonus.

The house is open Thursday, Friday and Sunday from 1-4 p.m. and group tours can be set up as well. For more information, call (631) 427-7045, ext. 401.

Historic Series: Benjamin Birdsall Homestead

04 Friday May 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Historic Places

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Benjamin Birdsall, Benjamin Birdsall Homestead, historic, new york, old mill road, wantagh

At 1682 Old Mill Road, sits a house that has called Wantagh, New York home before it was even given its name. Born in 1736, owner Benjamin Birdsall bought the home in 1679 and was a successful farmer. He also owned the grist mill across the street with his brother, Joseph, one of 11 siblings.

The Birdsall family originally came from England and had much success in the Long Island area. Most were Quakers who were farmers and merchants and many served time in the military during the French, Indian, Revolutionary and Civil Wars receiving high ranks and status.

Birdsall married Freelove Jones in 1763 and had eight children. He was a lieutenant in the Continental Army and fought in the Revolutionary War as well as a Member of Assembly from 1777 to 1783. During his time in the war he was caught by the British and spent a few months in prison. It was at this time he was given the rank of colonel.

There is much to be said about Birdsall’s farm and property while he was away. Him and Joseph had previous disagreements about their parents estate and he felt it was partly Joseph’s fault for finding his farm in ruins. Freelove and the children were moved to Dutchess County until the war was over.

Instead of giving up, Birdsall worked hard to revive his farm and rebuild his business. At 47, he continued to live a quiet life with his family until he died in 1798, his wife passing 23 years later. The children carried on his name and married into other notable families in the area.

The two story home remains, telling the story of a brave man and his journey for success, perseverance and redemption. Built with timber bracing and beautifully designed of late Georgian architecture, the home exemplifies a classic federal style popular throughout the colonial period.

This my friends is history at its best.

Historic Series: The Henry Townsend House

25 Wednesday Apr 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Historic Places

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antique, henry townsend house, historic homes, huntington, new york, scudder family, vintage, west neck, west neck road

The Henry Townsend House is a beautiful site. Built in 1830 by Henry Townsend himself, this historic home sits on an acre and a half of land. It is part of the West Neck Historic Road Historic District with many other homes and buildings from the 19th century.

Surrounded by a picket fence the property includes a garage, smokehouse, well, shed and a privy which is an outside bathroom. You will see a lot of exterior toilets with older homes in this area. From 1858 to 1909 it was owned by the Scudder family and later the Conklins until 1911. The home was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985 at which W.B. Young was the owner.

From first glance, there is a lot to take in. The house is very elaborate in its design and has a great amount of decorative elements that really bring it to life. With one-and-a-half stories, it features a center-hall plan and a one-story side wing. This wing received exterior alterations in the 1850s such as the overhanging eaves above the porch. The glass porch in the back of the home is a much recent addition.

The front porch is held up with posts that feature scrolled corner braces. This design element is continued throughout the entire home. You will notice it significantly on the street side in the carved rafter ends of the home. This Swiss-inspired detailing creates a doll house look and adds an artistic feel to the overall design.

The garage was originally a carriage house built with clapboard design as well. This too has exposed rafter ends included in its one-and-a-half story plan. The six over six sash windows are also very common for this time period.

Because it is part of the West Neck District, the Henry Townsend House is of great significance. It expresses a love for design that you can clearly see. It’s nice to know that the current owners have kept it in such amazing shape. With the colorful flowers and lush foliage, they have brought life to the home, making this historic piece of art a modern day dream.