Historic Preservation One is important to established communities. Why? Because the vast existence of homes, some destroyed, some restored, and some abandoned and on the brink of vanishing. The phrase, "They don't build 'em like that anymore" is so true, for architecture and fine motorcars such as Mercedes, Jaguar, Rolls Royce, and a few others.
This first post on historic preservation showcases an abandoned property in New York State.
Main Entrance Photo Credit: Bryan Sansivero
History
A 19th century farm house, known as "Marion Carll Farmstead" (shown above) on New York's Long Island, and built before the Civil War is the topic of this post. The author did a wonderful job capturing this historic property so at the end, follow the link and read the entire story and see the many images.
This property is located in the Hamlet of Commack in Suffolk County, New York. Commack is a "census-designated place" named by the Secatogue American Indians. It sits on nine acres, and also includes a carriage house, and several other out-buildings. I don’t recall how I came across this vintage home, but possibly in 2020 while I was in an academic study program. Bryan Sansivero, a noted photographer, documented the property in a series of photographs and story, featured on online at "Past Factory."
"As a history enthusiast, Marion Carll [owner] wished to preserve as much of the farmhouse’s 19th-century character as possible and never made much of an effort to update the home to modern standards. As a result, the site is full of vintage antiques and relics of the past. Bryan also says, 'Even though it’s been abandoned since 40 years ago when Marion Carll passed, it appeared as if she was living in another century completely,'"
Entry Hall Photo Credit: Bryan Sansivero
A Grand Entrance
In this image of the entrance hall, you can see the beautiful 19th century details in the stair newel post, high baseboards, paneled interior doors, and crown mouldings. Notice how the left edge of the paneled door lines up with the stair stringing, and the beautiful box lock hardware with its porcelain handle. Also note the antique console under the mirror and the Victorian sofa next to it. The plaster is crumbling and I understand that the stairs have now collapsed according to Bryan.
Parlor Photo Credit: Bryan Sansivero
Rooms
An ornate piano, much like the one I have on hold for a future creative design project, is the focal point of the parlor. Parlors were formal rooms used for entertaining, and in some households, a place for family gatherings as well. There are no technology devices, and I can imagine how this room would have looked, with candlelight, and music filling the room under the sounds of conversation, and the clinking of glasses. I wonder, does the piano still play...?
Stone Fireplace Photo Credit: Bryan Sansivero
Interior Architecture & Artifacts
I like the simplicity of the stone fireplace and I also think that this is a room on the upper level room, as there is no crown moulding present. Typically, the size and detail of crown moulding decreases on upper floors. I also like how the shade of blue in the wall covering looks with the wood in the room.
Finally, there is a large safe on the property, with an etched-in name not related to the property, antique farming equipment, and numerous other interesting artifacts. I will stop here so you may now go to the source "Past Factory," and read the entire story. It is a great read!
Learn more about Brian Sansievero and and purchase his fascinating new book, "American Decay" which launched in May 2021.
Learn more about the Secatogue American Indians.
