Historic Series: St. John of Jerusalem Cemetery

18 Wednesday Apr 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Historic Places

Tags

cemetery, church, history, long island, new york, St. John of Jerusalem Cemetery, wantagh

There are numerous historic sites in Wantagh, New York with unforgettable stories and history. That’s the case with the St. John of Jerusalem Cemetery on Wantagh Avenue. The building is very aged, but stands with great pride. The rock foundation and large windows of the cathedral really invites you in, even though it’s borded up.

In the mid-1800’s, German immigrants came to Jerusalem (before it was called Wantagh) from New York City. They were led by Johann D. Bulling and were all members of the German Methodist Church of America. Once they settled in the area, the need for a German preacher was granted and Rev. George Able was assigned in 1854.

Up until 1856, services were held in people’s homes. Once the community gave them one acre of land, a church and cemetery was built. The church itself took years to build because of insufficient finances and the Civil War, but by 1862, the cemetery had 40 lots of eight graves, each sold for $5. The first person to be buried was 48-year old Frederick Doscher on September of that year. By 1872, the prices of plots doubled.

Throughout the years they added different features to the religious ceremonies. For example, they offered to ring the church bell during a burial for an additional 25 cents. Members of the church also agreed that people who were not members needed to show a birth certificate signed by a doctor in order to be buried.

The newer generations of the church did not want German to be the main language of its services and records. Because of this the mission grew smaller. Its last record was on Aug. 1, 1912 and until 1926 it sat vacant. Soon after, the Lutherans used the building for their services with Pastor Miller of Freeport leading the way. The mission church held its first service on Thanksgiving Day that year.

For 14 years services were held in the church. In 1940, they moved to another location on Hyland Road. Not until 1949 was the church used again, this time by the United Christian Group, who held services there for 20 years.

Today the church sits quiet next to the cemetery, which was fenced in during the late 1930’s. Most of the men who are buried there were soldiers from World War I, World War II, the Civil War and Vietnam War.

Historic Series: The Karpen House

06 Friday Apr 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Historic Places

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

antque, daniel karpen, historic homes, history, huntington, karpen house, keith hibner, lloyd harbor, long island, morris karpen, new york, vintage

I love historic areas because they hold so many memories. Huntington has so much to explore. On one of my explorations I visited the Karpen House in Lloyd Harbor. Usually, I try not to bother residents but this time I was compelled to knock on the door. When I pulled up on Harbor Hill Drive, the house seemed a little buried within the trees. In order for me to get some good photos, I had to go meet who lived inside.

Daniel Karpen met me at the door and welcomed me inside to check out the house. He gave me tons of written materials so I had the information I needed. He was also nice enough to give me a tour of the interior and pointed out the historic elements of the home. I was really in awe of some of the original elements that remained and honestly, quite surprised they were in such good shape.

The kitchen was one of my favorite stops because I love vintage appliances. The blue General Electric oven and stove were awesome. The stainless steel sink was also never replaced. The small green house that was attached to the back of the kitchen was adorable. I would love to have one of those!

As we continued forward, I was really taken aback by some of the design choices of the architect. Since the house was built in the mid-1950s, I could appreciate the clean lines and subtle modern touches. With all the dark wood furniture and the granite fireplace, the living room held a warm and natural feeling. The original floor had been cork tile, but it was replaced with ceramic in 1961.

Its best feature? The windows. With an 11-foot ceiling, these huge thermopane beauties allowed nature to literally become part of the house. How awesome is that?

The closets throughout the house were original as well as the doors and room panelling. The basement was very unique in that it didn’t feel like a basement at all. Who ever heard of a basement with ten-foot ceilings? So unbelievably cool.

Karpen told me his father was claustrophobic so you can understand the need for space. The house also sits on a hill, so when you look out the windows its seems as if you are on the first floor. Because Karpen does woodwork and builds furniture, he has transformed the space into his studio. He has such a big wood collection, you wonder where he gets it all. I also enjoyed seeing his collection of vintage tools.

After our little tour of the inside, we walked outside to get some more photos. It was a bit tricky with all the trees but I must say it was quite beautiful. These trees are vital to the home because they give it shade which the house needs because it does not have air conditioning. Built in 1955, the international-style home in Lloyd Harbor is a long, low residence surmounted by a flat roof with overhanging eaves. The roof is also a green roof and covered in moss. Having a flat roof does have its advantages.

The Karpen House represents a vernacular interpretation of the Modern style and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2006. There also used to be a tree house in the backyard but was taken down in the 1970s due to the growth of the tree. That would have been really cool to see.

From first glance, the Karpen House might look a little disheveled but there are many treasures that lie within it. Karpen grew up here and now resides in the home which was designed by architect, Keith Hibner and built by his father, Morris. The main inspiration of the house was an Oregon home showcased in the 1951 issue of Architectural Record. It was designed by Pietro Belluschi who is a very well known architect.

The Karpen family was well established and Morris was very active in politics once he moved to Huntington. He was the chairman of the Suffolk County Liberal Party as well as being a part of the capital budget committee. His main source of income was his steel plant in Farmingdale where he manufactured steel doors and frames, some of which you will see in the home itself. Once he moved to Asheville, N.C., in 1977 the plant was run by his son Seth and business partner Harold Kardeman until 1995 when it was sold. Morris passed away on March 3, 2002 and his daughter Rachel now runs the plant located in Weaverville, N.C.

You see, in all the many houses of Huntington here is one that really helped the world evolve. It housed smart individuals that really made a difference and contributed a good amount of time, effort and knowledge to their community. Not only does the Karpen House exude style and functionality, it continues to tell the story of the family who created it. The fact that it’s still standing today proves to all of us that love is the master of time and with a little TLC and memories by your side you can keep anything alive.

Historic Series: The Jackson Homestead

23 Friday Mar 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Historic Places

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

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.

NY Venues for a DIY Wedding – Long Island

25 Monday Apr 2011

Posted by melissaoconnor in Event Locations & Spaces

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

bailey arboretum, brecknock hall, brenners farm, hallockville, hedges inn, long island, martha clara, nassau county, new york weddings, ny venues, vineyards, weddings

When I researched venues for my wedding next spring I knew three things: it had to be unique, authentic and whimsy. Don’t forget affordable! Since I was the bride, the wedding planner and the designer, the venue had to give me the freedom to do what I wanted. I pretty much needed a blank slate to present my awesomeness.

After a few months I narrowed the list down to four places and visited each one. Some of them twice to be sure. After receiving all the details and checking out the venues my fiance and I made a decision. We actually chose the venue we originally wanted before looking at the others. A vineyard out east lured us in but upon learning the fees, permits and rules, we opted for our current choice. Even though we ended up where we started, I am happy I researched and considered other places. It’s one of the fun elements of planning a wedding.

So now I can share some of those places with you. If you live in New York or would like to get married here, these venues are definitely worth checking out. Let the sharing begin!

Brecknock Hall
This historic mansion is absolutely gorgeous. The home of David Floyd, grandson of WIlliam Floyd, was built between 1851-1857 and makes a perfect choice for a romantic and elegant wedding. The mansion is secluded and private and surrounded by nature. Located in Greenport by the water, the 19th century Italian cobblestone building reflects class, beauty and vintage style.

There is only one wedding booked at a time so the whole weekend is dedicated to you. There is no rush to get everything out right away. For $7,000 you get to use the whole mansion which accommodates up to 450 guests. There is a bridal suite to die for and a groom suite your fiance and his best men will love. All you have to do is hire the caterers and add the touches of design. You can have your ceremony outside and feature the reception inside and I can guarantee your guests will be in awe. You can contact Diane Radigan for more information at diane@brecknockhall.com

Hallockville Farm Museum
If you want a rustic, vintage wedding, than this is your place. Located in Riverhead, the museum grounds are quite beautiful with a vast 500 acres of farm land and several historic buildings to explore. This natural setting is perfect for nature lovers who appreciate the simple things in life. You have the option to set up tents or rent the Naugles Barn on site. Rental fees for the museum grounds only range from $2200 to $3300.

The 1500 square foot barn was built in 1938 and has been restored to hold events. Talk about authenticity! The barn has electricity, a small space for caterers but no heating or cooling. So if you choose this venue I recommend its during a nice cool month. Prices vary from $2800 to $4000 depending on the amount of guests you have and there are a few permits you will need as well. Make sure to get all information before considering this venu

Martha Clara Vineyard
This was the venue that we were going to pick but decided on another place. However, this is a beautiful space to have a wedding. I recommend spring into fall so you can appreciate the peach orchard and lush vineyard. They allow the horses to roam as well in the nice weather so that’s a bonus!

The restored potato barn is huge! I love the rustic feel. The bathrooms are newly updated, there is a cute nautical themed bridal suite as well as a space for the groom and his guys on the second floor. You can have the ceremony outside up to 250 people on the Merlot field for an extra $250 or ask to use the bridal gazebo.

Tents are also an option out on the Chardonnay field for $2000 to $5000 which includes electric. Prices range from $4000 to $6000 from May 1 to October 31st and $3000 to $4000 from November 1 to April 30th. You will need permits and licenses from each company providing food and also to serve liquor. A wine purchase is required for the event as well.

Nassau County Museum of Art
If you want a night wedding surrounded by art why not pick a museum? The rental site includes meadows, formal gardens, outdoor sculptures and a trellis all within the former 19th century Fricke Estate mansion. The 145 acre property located in Roslyn Harbor this venue will help you put together a grand evening wedding you will never forget. Contact Frances Diesu at 516) 484-9338, ext. 15 or fdiesu@nassaumuseum.org for more information and rates.

The Hedges Inn
Located in East Hampton, this cozy inn is a perfect setting for an intimate affair. Friends and family can even stay over making it even easier for your guests that are traveling to the event. Offering 12 luxurious rooms, 400 year old gardens and trees and a relaxing setting that create a calm and romantic environment for your special day. It would also be nice for an engagement dinner. Just expect it to be a little pricier than other venues.