Historic Series: Civil War Memories

02 Sunday Sep 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Historic Places

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british troops, burying ground, Fort Golgotha, historic, history, huntington, long island, new york, old burial hill, Old First Presbyterian Church, Soldiers and Sailors building

The historic Soldiers and Sailors building in Huntington, NY is one of the most noticeable on Main Street. It sits on Old Burial Hill, which is sometimes also called Old Burying Ground.

Established sometime in the 17th century, Old Burial Hill is the earliest known public cemetery in Huntington and bears witness to war, violence and hardship for almost seven years. Starting in 1776, Huntington was occupied by the British troops and the residents experienced change like you wouldn’t believe.

Upon this land stood Fort Golgotha. It was built by the British with wood from the Old First Presbyterian Church which was torn down against the towns wishes. Colonel Benjamin Thompson ordered this construction and forced local residents to help. Even the Huntington military was forced to follow British orders. Not only was the area being taken over, the lack of respect for the dead was clearly shown through the removal of over one hundred tombstones. These were later used in the fort to create fireplaces, ovens and stone floors.

If that wasn’t enough, Colonel Thompson blatantly showed no regard for one of the church’s ministers, Rev. Ebenezer Prime. He had the forts exit be built right on his grave so when he passed through he would walk all over him. This especially made the townspeople upset and angry. After the British troops left in 1783, Fort Golgotha was torn down and the Old First Presbyterian Church was reconstructed a year later where it still stands today.

The Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Building was built to be a memorial for the brave men who fought and died in the Civil War. In 1886, the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Association was founded by veterans and residents of Huntington and thanks to their fund raising efforts the building was finally completed in 1892. It was actually designed by the New York City firm of Cady, Berg and See which was very successful at the time. This proves that Huntington had picked itself back up and became an ideal place to live despite the war and its small population.

The building’s architecture depicts the Tudor Revival style of design. This style showcases natural elements and is created with simple and rustic elements. Although there is a good amount of detail it is not ornately presented like Victorian or Art Nouveau. It has heavy lines and looks more structurally sound. Most had high chimneys, pillars and pitched roofs and reflected the Earth’s neutral colors. It was also inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement which rejected mass production and focused on uniqueness and designs of the past.

For Huntington’s 250th anniversary it received the cannon on the side of the building. A gift from the federal government, this cannon once protected New York Harbor. Until 1958, the Huntington Public Library called the building home but later moved to its current location due to space restrictions. Since then it has been used for the town’s offices and is now the office for the Town Historian, currently Robert Hughes. To show their gratitude for their dedication it was donated to the Huntington Historical Society in 2000 for their many efforts to spread awareness of the memorial.

Since the completion of its restoration in 2008, the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Building now showcases an exhibit gallery as well as a visitor center. It is open most days of the week to the public. For more information you can call 631-427-4075.

Historic Series: Baldwin – Southard Cemetery

25 Saturday Aug 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Historic Places

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Baldwin - Southard Cemetery, bellmore, cemetery, historic, long island, nature, new york, seaford, stream, trees, water

Located on Lakeview Road in Bellmore, NY, the Baldwin-Southard cemetery is connected to Mill Pond. Not too far from Sunrise Highway and right off Bellmore Ave. I found this historic burial ground to be peaceful and somewhat void. What a difference it must be from the past. Considering the surrounding area used to be a private farm and Lakeview used to be Mill Road. These days houses and cars fill up the street, yet it still has a sense of tranquility.

Upon walking into the park, a welcome sign greeted me with history of the former farm. It stated the owners were John and Ann Southard and it is likely the cemetery was on their farm located in the back corner. The only stone that remained was for a young girl named Lucy Ann, which I assumed was their daughter. Lucy’s early death at the age of 13 made me wonder what could’ve happened to such a young girl? How did this loss affect the family and the production of the farm? It was questions like these that really got me thinking of the past. History has some great stories to share. So I started to look further.

While doing some research I came across some genial records on Lucy Ann and found a match. Included in this record were Lucy’s parents, John Southard and Ann Whitmore, as well as her birthdate, July 25, 1828. The one thing that didn’t match up was the date of her death. The date listed here was Jan. 29, 1841 while the sign at the cemetery read June 29, 1840. Considering the burial stone was not in the best condition, I could understand the mistake. I couldn’t find any information on her death, but I do know John passed away three years later at the age of 44. I wonder if the deaths of Lucy and John were the result of some sort of illness. Whatever the cause, I assume John was also buried with his daughter at the cemetery. In 1884, at 83 years old, Anne’s death followed.

Both around the same age, John and Ann got married in 1826 while they were in their late 20s. Then gave birth to Lucy two years later. I also found out they had a son. Warren M. Southard was born Dec. 14, 1838 in Seaford, only two years before his sister passed away. Warren lived a long life and made it to 72 years old. Even though he outlived everyone in his family, Ann lived the longest. I wonder what her secret was? Warren’s wife, Harriet, had a good 50 or so years with him before his death.

Looking at a 1906 map, the cemetery was surrounded by land owned by David Bedell, William Fanshaw and Foster Smith. There was nothing recorded about the Southard farm on this map but there was a Mrs. G. B. Southard listed as a property owner just south of the cemetery. Could this be another family member? From what I have learned, Warren and Harriet didn’t have any children so I thought maybe she could be a sister of John or an in law. Who knows who the mysterious woman is? What we do know is that the Southard family lived and worked in Bellmore for a number of years. They have a history here and will be remembered by all thanks to the small memorial at Baldwin – Southard Cemetery.

The next time you pass this special place, think about how life used to be for the Southards. Wonder how they defeated their struggles and celebrated their achievements. Feel the earth beneath you and know that they lived glorious days and sad days standing on this same land. Remember that we are all connected. Time can make a difference but its the stories that keep us all alive. Holding on to memories, yet striving for a new view.

Historic Series: Peace and Plenty Inn

22 Wednesday Aug 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Historic Places

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19th century, historic, history, huntington, long island, new york, Peace and Plenty Inn, Whitman Heritage Corridor

Located on Chichester Road near West Hills County Park, this Inn is a big part of Huntington history. Built in 1680 and covering about 3,500 square feet, the inn used to be a gathering place for settlers and travelers. Providing a place for activities, the Peace and Plenty Inn was an integral part of the area’s social and political life. Among its famous visitors it includes Theodore Roosevelt and Walt Whitman.

They say location is everything and the Peace and Plenty Inn proves that today. Its one of the oldest homes along the Whitman Heritage Corridor and because of its preservation, not to mention the 2.3 acres on which it sits, is said to be worth over $1 million. The Inn also has interior architectural features that bring you back to its early years such as the hinged wall that opens to the largest room in the house. This allowed the necessary room to hold town meetings. It also has a unique box staircase and an old taproom where drinks were served.

The exterior architecture is quite interesting as well. Its long red shingles are a characteristic of 17th-century design. Its clapboard structure was built by overlapping the boards so that one edge is thicker than the one below. Today we call this technique siding.

The Inn’s 19th-century paneled doors and skillion roof are beautiful vintage additions. Behind the main building is a springhouse, also built in the 19th century that has a stone foundation, the same clapboard siding as the house, a gabled roof and a vertical-plank door. It was built mainly for refrigeration and is an early reproduction of what we call the refrigerator today. The size of one small room, the springhouse is constructed over a spring so the water keeps the temperature inside the structure a constant cool. It was used for food and drink storage which served the busy Inn’s needs.

In addition to its historical background, the Inn has a paranormal pedigree, as well. There are also those who say the house is haunted. The original owners of the Inn were the Chichester family. They owned it for over 200 years until the 20th century and purchased the land after the previous tavern, built by Thomas Brush, burned down after 20 years of service.

One of the family members, Asa Chichester, was responsible for closing the Inn’s doors when business was affected by the addition of Jericho Turnpike. He is said to remain in the house and his actions prove his loyalty to the family business. Stories say that a previous owner’s dog wouldn’t go up the stairs to the loft area where Asa supposedly slept and they also spotted a blue light going up in that direction. Along the years there were also tales of mysterious footprints that have been seen and heard as well as pieces of furniture gone missing. It seems as if Asa continues to call Peace and Plenty home.

During the years the Peace and Plenty Inn has reinvented itself many times. From a social hub and tavern to a school this building has lived through a number of centuries. In 1985 it was added to theNational Register of Historic Places which allows the owners to get tax incentives and grants for its preservation.

Its 235 years in the Chichester family has given it a lot of character and life. From generation to generation, the Inn has shared itself with the world and allowed us to learn more about our historic environment. Today it still stands with confidence and antiquity and invites us to explore the age old saying, “keep it in the family.” The more we look deeper into our history the greater chance we have of capturing a new view.

Historic Series: The Meroke Preserve

20 Monday Aug 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Historic Places, The Bride & Groom

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bellmore, bride and groom, bridge, earth, engagement, engagement shoot, fall, forest, garden, historic, history, lauren elle photography, long island, love, marraige, meroke preserve, nature, new york, photography, plants, rustic, seasons, stream, trees, woodland, woods

If you feel the need to escape and you live in the Long Island area, then I have got the place for you. I must say I was very surprised by the size of this secret hiding place and suggest that you explore it yourself. The Meroke Preserve, located on the corner of Orange Street and Farmers Avenue, is a wonderful and exciting place to visit. My experience the first time I was there was serene, delightful and inspiring.

Being part of the 3,300 acres of preserves that Nassau County manages, the 25-acre Meroke Preserve is maintained so we may enjoy the natural spaces of Long Island. It’s these areas that really give our communities a sense of organic environment. We should appreciate them because they are the Earth’s gifts to us. Taking care of these preserves is important to keep our history alive. Plus, they are great places for us to take our children so that they see the beauty in their surroundings and learn how vital it is to appreciate nature.

When you enter the preserve you will be greeted by a sign that says Faith Laursen Meroke Preserve. If you don’t already know, Faith was a former publisher of the Freeport/Baldwin Leader as well the owner of Merrick Life with her husband. From what I read, she was an intelligent caring woman who loved nature and felt it was important to appreciate life. For this reason, the Meroke Preserve was named in her honor. Although she is not here today, the light inside her will continue to shine and give life to all the trees and plants that call Meroke home.

There were certain trees that held so much character it amazed me. The detailed cuts and aged growths really made me feel like I was not in Kansas anymore.

As you start your walk through the preserve the trails effortlessly lead you while the trees welcome you quietly. Hearing the birds chirping and the leaves rattle were music to my ears. It was a gorgeous day and the sun lit up the area so brilliantly I was practically seeing through a lens the whole time. It was really hard not to capture all the beauty I was able to witness. Although it was the time for the trees to be quite sparse their was an interesting amount of foliage. Browns, greens and oranges surrounded me creating an autumn rainbow that would soon turn to spring.

In the middle of my walk I came to a small bridge. As I continued over the bridge I could see a lot of brush up ahead. Eventually the path turned to hectic for me to go on so I turned back. With the stream to my left I walked to the edge and admired the swampy area, the overgrown roots protruding the earth ever so slightly and the moss green as ever. There is so much about nature that is captivating and as I continued on my journey that is proven over and over again.

The time I had spent at the Meroke Preserve felt like a brief moment in history and I am the lucky one to go back in time. I wound up visiting the preserve once again after that to show my husband, then fiance, the area. I thought it would be an amazing place to have our engagement shoot since it was a natural environment and I had such a magical experience the first time I was there.

Well, once Dan witnessed the awesomeness of this place he agreed and we set it all up with our photographer, Lauren Elle. I can happily say the preserve didn’t let me down. Our experience during the shoot was personal, serene and fun. We were so happy with how the photos came out as well. They clearly show the beauty of the surroundings as well as both our happiness with being engaged. Being surrounded by the Earth felt perfect and we couldn’t ask for anything more.

It’s interesting to think that nowadays you can experience a place that has been standing over 100 years. With a bit of the past surrounding you its not hard to let go of any issues or daily struggles you may be dealing with. Breathe in the cool air, feel the sun peaking through the trees and thank Mother Nature for providing yet another beautiful place where you can relax and set your soul free. A new view of the past will always brighten your future.