Was the College’s Gallery originally a Jewish Temple?

I recently was told that the building that currently houses the Anthony Giordano Gallery was home to B’nai Israel Reform Temple.  I looked at B’nai Israel Reform Temple’s web site and sure enough, it was their home during the 1970’s. I was wondering if anyone reading this had any pictures of that building – interior or exterior -during the 1970’s that they would be willing to share.

History of Dowling College Available for Sale

Dowling College: A Collection of Personal Remembrances 1955-1989

Originally published in 1990, this fascinating book recounts the early history of Dowling College through personal remembrances. It was compiled by Dr. Bill Thierfelder and the proceeds will benefit the Matthew Shepard-Sakia Gunn Scholarship and the Dowling College Library South Shore History Center.

Do you know a Dowling alum from that time period? This would make a great gift for them at a really reasonable price of $8.00. Purchase a copy online or come in to the library to buy one.

The Old Student Lounge

Student Lounge

Not too long ago I posted about the Old Student Lounge in the Mansion for Born in the Sixties (another blog I contribute to) and I thought I would cross post it here. Do you have memories of this room before the 1974 fire? If so, we would love to hear from you!

The Hunt Room at Idle Hour

Performance in the Hunt Room at Dowling College. From the 1967 student yearbook, page 110.

I recently wrote a post about the Hunt Room at Idle Hour for Born in the Sixties (another blog I contribute to) and I thought I would cross post it here.  Do you have memories of this room before the 1974 fire?   If so, we would love to hear from you!

Stirrup Cup Castle

While I was out, one of our readers asked: “My question is in regards to the Stirrup Cup Castle. Some Oakdale websites say its location was between the gas station on the corner of Oakdale-Bohemia Road and the West Sayville Firehouse and some say it’s where the Firehouse is now. Can anyone answer this question exactly?”  So does any one know the answer?

I’m Back

Sorry, this blog went unattended for some time this fall and winter.  I was ill, but now I am back.  I have decided to update these questions periodically,  not on the weekly basis I attempted earlier.  Please add your comments to any of the old posts, or make suggestions for new questions to be asked.  I look forward to your comments.

Isaac H. Green, Architect

Do you live in, or know of, a house in the area that was designed by the architect Isaac H. Green? If so, we would love to hear from you.

Do you have a question?

We are back from vacation, and are wondering if you have any questions – things you would like to know about the history of the Idle Hour community – anything you have ever wondered about? We may not know the answer, but give us a try – we will do our best…..

Do you have photos of Westbrook Farms?

If you have photos of Westbrook Farms, we would love to see them. Please contact us if you would like to share them.

Note: We will be on vacation until July 22, 2008. Please check back then for new postings.

Do you live in Idle Hour?

Is your home one of the Vanderbilt Accessory Buildings, like the chicken coop? Or, is your home one of the first to be built by the Burkes in the 1920’s?  Or, is your home new to the area?  We would love to hear from you to share the rich history of this area.  See Homes in The Community and in particular 29 Beverly Road to get an idea of the type of history that can be shared.  Other communities across the USA are doing this.  For an example see: digitalpast.org.