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.

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.