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 Jackson Homestead

23 Friday Mar 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Historic Places

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colonial, historic, homes, jackson, jackson homestead, long island, nassau county, new york, wantagh, wantagh ave

The Jackson family played a valuable part in the history of Nassau County, particularly in Wantagh. Robert Jackson came from Connecticut around 1644 and had acquired land in the area and for three centuries it remained in the family.

Although many Jackson family members were important figures in the Town of Hempstead they were also farmers. The Jackson homestead, which sits on 1542 Wantagh Ave., was built by Samuel Jackson in the mid 18th century and was the main house on the farm. The home was a one and one-half story structure designed in simple colonial fashion.

The home features a main central hearth with a room on each side and a sleeping loft. The entrance, facing Island Road, showcases a six-panel door with a five-light transom and three-pane sidelights as well as columns that frame the stairs. Its six-over-six double-hung sash windows are pure Colonial Revival design.

{The main structure built by Samuel Jackson in the 18th century}

{The entrance of the original structure features a six panel door, a five-light transom and three-pane sidelights}

{The original main entrance}

{A small gothic style window is placed between the main hearth}

About a century later Elbert Jackson, an eighth generation descendant, inherited the property and built a large two story addition to the home on its north side. The one-story clapboard porch is held up by three-square columns and has a flat roof. The door sits between two windows similar to the original structure.

{One of the later additions}

The home remained in Elbert’s name until 1884 when he passed away. Since then the property was no longer within the Jackson family. The remaining wing extensions on the north and west side of the home were added later but at different times. They both have a gable roof and are a smaller in size.

{The two-story addition built by Elbert Jackson in the 19th century}

The L-shaped home in its entirety clearly represents the Greek Revival style while keeping with the colonial aesthetic. Its original construction still has the stone and brick foundation as well as 12 inch wood shingles showing the traditional nailing pattern of that period. Although it has gone through many additions, the design is cohesive and true to its original style.

This landmark is a great example of how modern developments inspire domestic life. The home has stood the test of time and has proven its importance through its owners. The Jackson family homestead is one of the few historic homes of its kind still standing today. With Wantagh keeping this homestead’s spirit alive we can appreciate it for years to come.

Historic Series – The Rogers House

20 Tuesday Mar 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Historic Places

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architecture, colonial, frieze, greek revival, historic, homes, houses, huntington, new york, red, rogers house, saltbox

Historic homes have always been a love of mine. They can be found all over but I have had the chance to explore a few towns in New York for a column I used to have for Patch and I wanted to share them with my new readers. These will be part of my new Historic Series and I am very excited about it.

I have done a great deal of research for most of these homes as well as photograph them and it was fun while it lasted. The towns are Huntington, Bellmore, Wantagh and Seaford and they all have hidden gems worth seeing. Although some are not as hidden as others, they are still interesting to say the least.

I am hoping this series will inspire all of you to take a step back and appreciate the past. Sometimes history can give you a new outlook for the future. So enjoy the historic places I have explored and grab any inspiration you can. First up, The Rogers House. Enjoy!

There are many historic homes in Huntington, all easily identified by their style and design. The Rogers House is one of those homes. Located at 136 Spring Road, this red-shingled home was built in 1820 and is a significant example of settlement period architecture.

Since its construction, the home has had about seven owners but the building is named after its second 1836 owner, Rogers, because the first one is not known. Its saltbox design is composed of a five-bay, center hall plan and sits on a three-quarter acre lot.

The front entrance has a door with simple molded surround and a small covered porch. There are five original three-pane windows along the top of the home (frieze) and a side entrance has a roofed porch with square columns. There is also a small shed like structure attached to the left side of the house. The original nine-over-six double hung windows were replaced in the early twentieth century.

This is one of few homes that represent the five-bay center-entrance plan in Huntington that remains somewhat unaltered. It was built as a single residence and includes numerous details of the Greek Revival style. These would be the frieze with three-pane windows, the corner pilasters and its main entrance surround.

Most of the larger homes built in the late 19th Century have been demolished or had many alterations. The Rogers home, along with the Stewart and Funnel Houses, are surviving examples of the period that show a high level of craftsmanship, design and historical value.

{Here is the Rogers House in 1984}