Inspiration Photo Friday: Finding a Way

28 Friday Jun 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday

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advice, bellmore, earth, life, meroke preserve, motivation, nature, new york, outdoors, path, patience, positivity, strength, success, trees, woods

There have been plenty of times in my life when I thought things couldn’t get any worse. Just like most people. Staying positive and being strong has helped me move past these road blocks as well as having patience. Sometimes you just have to stop and breathe to see the bigger picture. Know that everything happens for a reason.

This photo was taken a few years in Bellmore, NY at the Meroke Preserve. I have always loved pathways, whether they be a bridge, a road, or just a simple trail, they remain one of my favorite things to photograph. Its become such a connection to my life, the will to keep moving forward.

You may not see a clear path in this shot, but I do. The trees are silently guarding it and the sun is delicately lighting the way. Nature always shows you where to go. Sometimes you have to look a little deeper and really think about the best way to move forward in life. Don’t let anything or anyone get you down. Be positive, stay motivated, and kick ass. Hopefully, just like me, you will always find a way to succeed.

Inspiration Photo Friday: Finding a Way - © Melissa O'Connor-Arena

Historic Series: Mill Pond Park

19 Wednesday Sep 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Historic Places

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animals, bellmore, bellmore patch, ducks, historic, history, lake, long island, mill pond park, nassau county, nature, new york, patch, photography, swans, trees

When I first starting writing for the Bellmore Patch, I wanted to write about a place with hidden beauty. I ventured out to the water in hopes of getting some nice views of the East Bay. I am sure anyone from Bellmore can understand my frustration when I realized those views were only blocked by private homes. I drove around for almost an hour and decided to head back. On my way home I passed Mill Pond Park. I stopped immediately.

Being that it was a nice day, I was excited to check out the lake and capture some nice shots. It was around 4:30 p.m. and the sun was just starting to set. The light that glimmered off the water and against the trees was really beautiful. The park had a sense of peace, which I found appealing. I found it interesting that when I turned back I could see the many cars that passed on Merrick Road yet I felt like I was in another world. This 54-acre preserve seemed like a nice place to walk, sit, read or just simply appreciate what mother nature has given us.

I slowly walked up the path to the right of the lake and fell in love with the trees. One of my favorite characters of nature, trees carry such knowledge and warmth. They see everything before them and hear the sounds that surround them. The detail on some of these particular trees were captivating. History was telling its story right in front of me and I was taking it all in.

Ducks, geese and swans call the Mill Pond home and they are such a delight to be around. There was a small group by the path I had to capture with my camera. They were so calm and comfortable that it almost seemed they were unaware of their surroundings. I soon realized that they noticed I was there and kept an eye on what I was doing.

On the other side of the lake it was slightly a different story. There must have been almost 100 ducks in the water and although they weren’t loud they were much more active. At some point they made me laugh because of their silliness. I find it amusing how they communicate and play. Just another reason to visit Mill Pond Park.

From what I have learned, this pond has been there for more than 100 years. After looking at a 1914 historic map, it seemed it was owned by the Brooklyn City Water Works like most ponds in the area. New York City received most of its water from these ponds during this time. Although the Brooklyn City Water Works is not there anymore, you can still visit the small pumping station northwest of the pond.

A 1927 map of Nassau County has it marked as Jones Pond. That, I assume, was named after S. J. Jones considering his name was listed on the map next to the pond. After some time it was also named after Thomas Jones. It was later acquired by Nassau County in 1967. Thanks to Clarence Anspake, president of The Historical Society of Bellmore, all my findings were confirmed as well as learning some new and interesting facts about the area.

As you look at my photos, try to imagine that this is the first time you are seeing the park. Take your own inspiration from what my lens has captured and gain a new appreciation for what it has to offer. A little peace and quiet is not all Mill Pond Park is good for. With its naturalistic beauty and a setting far from reality you can surely find a new and improved sense of self and unique view on the world around you.

Historic Series: The Southard Homestead

10 Monday Sep 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Historic Places

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bellmore, bellmore road, historic, long island, new york, southard, vintage

The Southard homestead was a center home for most of their generations still stands today. You can find the Southard Homestead on Bellmore Road looking timeless as it always has. Owners Albert and Mary Waring have done such a great job at keeping this piece of history alive.

The home was built in 1655 when Thomas Southard came from the Netherlands to purchase land. His 214 acre farm was the building block of the future communities. The house still contains its original timber construction. Before the 1800s, the tenon and mortise style of construction was very popular and this home is a true example of how successful that method was. It was widely used by stonemasons and blacksmiths as well.

There were obvious additions made to the house over the years, but the original portion still remains. The two story building contained three rooms; a kitchen, living room and an upstairs bedroom. It also has its original beams and fireplace. The old cemetery that sat on the land was given to the town and most of the original acres of land were sold off.

The Southard family has a long line of descendants that date back to the English name Southworth. Thomas was the first son to come to the states in 1650 and settled in Long Island. He married Annica Jensen in 1653 when he was in his late 30s. She was almost 10 years younger than him and was of Moroccan descent. They later had eight children, one being Sarah Southard who married David Bedell. You could imagine having eight children would be a good start to stretch the family name.

Eleven generations of the Southard family has lived in this historic landmark. This important part of Bellmore history stands proud and beautiful and still gives residents a place to call home. To think that the original descendants of Bellmore built and lived in this home is amazing. We should all appreciate the bits and pieces of our history because what was then will always reflect what is now.

Historic Series: A Hidden Gem

28 Tuesday Aug 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Historic Places

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antique, bellmore, chandelier, children, custody, divorce, fenton glass, flowers, forest hills, german, historic houses, long island, love, magazine, marriage, martin avenue, new york, new york times, patch, queens, restoration, richmond hill, robert findlay, rockville centre, victorian, walter eisenhardt jr

When I began my column for the Bellmore Patch in January 2010, I had received emails from readers expressing their interest in my articles and even sharing their own stories with me. One Bellmore resident, Walter Eisenhardt Jr., contacted me about the historic value of his home. His 100-year-old Victorian house on Martin Avenue brought me great interest. I also found his personal story inspiring. It can teach all of us a lesson in love and how the past can provide a happier future.

Five years ago he moved back to Bellmore and is currently working for the “New York Times” within the fashion section of the magazine. Having loved Queens so much you wonder what brought him back out to Bellmore. This is when his world turned upside down. After a twist of bad fate and a love gone wrong, Walter was embroiled in a bitter divorce and custody battle.

He lives on Martin Avenue in a home that has been standing for over a century. Loving all that is vintage, he fell in love with the house the minute he laid eyes on it. Growing up in a house just like it he knew it was the place he wanted to raise his son. After a short bidding war with another buyer he won the property and got to work. Being the house was so old it needed a lot of it!

Born in Rockville Centre, Walter was a part of a hard working family. Having owned Eisenhardt’s Prime Meats for 70 years proves how a family can keep its roots alive. Handed off to new generations, the German butcher shop was successful in Long Island until the 1970s when his father retired. He grew up in the Bellmore-Merrick area but in his 20s he moved to Queens where he lived in Richmond Hill and Forest Hills in some of their historic buildings.

Right: the original yellow rose bush remains on the property

However, Walter’s plan wasn’t to remodel or change the character of the architecture. His vision of the original house inspired him to restore the home back to its roots and allow it to shine as it once did. Upon my visit to the home, I was taken back by how amazing it all looked. Honestly, it was like stepping back in time. Unbelievable.

From the outside, the wrap around porch gives the home a sense of warmth while the flowers on the side give it life. Here you will find peonies and azaleas to name a few. You will also find the oldest plant on the property. The yellow rose bush is actually original to the home and has been nursed to what it is today.

As you walk to the garage in the back you notice an odd thing sticking out of the driveway. This would be the handle to get to the oil tank, which were metal back in the day. You can still appreciate the original brick floor of the garage and the memorabilia left by the last owner who unfortunately passed away due to cancer.

Original brick floor of garage & memories left from the last owner

As he gave me the tour, Walter told me stories about the past owner and pointed out unique elements that would help me understand the home’s antiquity. I was there almost three hours so you can imagine how great the conversation was. I learned so much about Victorian architecture as well as some of Bellmore’s history.

Being the vintage addict I am, it was very hard not to get excited about the furniture and items Walter had accumulated over time. From one collector to the next, this man knows his antiques! Everything is period correct and in beautiful condition which is something that should not go unnoticed. Especially the Robert Findlay chandelier and rare Fenton glass!

Keeping as many original elements to the house as he could there was still much to be done. As he stripped away the walls, there were great amounts of hand drawn wallpaper that peeked through the layers of wood paneling. The mahogany banister was restored to its beautiful self and a couple of ceiling lights that are true to the house are still in use.

Robert Findlay chandelier and Fenton glass

One of my favorite areas of the home was the fireplace. It had the original wiring and speakers to play the AM radio that was used during war times. The sound has never changed! There is also a work station in the basement from the previous owner that is still useable. Another favorite area of mine.

Attic and basement work station

Hidden gems are sometimes more precious than the ones that stand out. This home has been standing since the 1900s and the land it sits on is very historic to Bellmore. Back then it was called Crescent Lawn and was vast farmland. As the years passed, the owner split the land up into plots and sold it off to the town.

Many houses sit on this historic land today, but only one tells the story of a family who dealt with loss as well as Walter’s story of strength, love and inspiration. Every home has a tale to tell. We must be open to listen and welcome them into our hearts. For Walter, having his home be appreciated for its vintage appeal, historic importance and stunning restoration would mean the world. Not to mention, showcasing the happy home he created for him and his son.