Historic Series: The Jones-Dengler Farm House

23 Wednesday May 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Historic Places

Tags

farm, fred dengler, garden, historic, Jones-Dengler Farm House, long island, new york, vintage, wantagh, wantagh ave

Finally landmarked on June 8, 2011, the Jones-Dengler Farm House in Wantagh can be recognized for its historic beauty.

The house sits at 1051 Wantagh Avenue to the south of the Southern State Parkway and across from the early Jerusalem settlement. It adds a nostalgic and calm feel to the busy area of the the community.

The house was built in the 1700s and was the home of the Jones family during the 1800s. Later, the Dengler family purchased the residence. The original section was expanded in 1875 to the structure it is today. When brothers Fred and Peter married, it was converted into a two family house where both couples entered through individual side doors.

It is also said in 1941, comedian Lenny Bruce, 16 at the time, ran away from home and stayed with the Dengler family for two years while working on the farm.

The original elements of the home are hand-made iron hardware featured on the doors, exposed beams and pressed tin ceilings as well as a chimney built by hand. One should appreciate the true craftsmenship the farm house reflects.

You will also find two-button light switches throughout the home along with some gas pipes that extend from the walls. The gas light fixtures were updated to electric in one section but having those antique details remain add extreme value and appeal the historic property.

I happen to love the wrap around porch and the garden to the left of the house. What a peaceful place it must have been to sit and a read a book or simple relax and feel the breeze. Representing true Colonial design and plantation style, the home is simplistic in its color scheme as well. White clapboard on the exterior along with dark green for shutters and molding on the windows.

In 1973, Fred Dengler passed away and his wife married Harold Sparke 10 years later. She then died in 2007 and Harold in 2009. In spring of 2011 Harold’s son Bob sold the property to the current owner who plans to renovate the home. Bob had inherited the house after his fathers death.

Thanks to the Wantagh Preservation Society, we have learned the history of the home which is now an historic landmark. It surely is a sight to see and one I adore along my drives through Wantagh. Knowing the stories it holds and the people who called it home really adds a meaningful touch as well as remind us that history doesn’t fade.

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.