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.

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?

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.

Peace Haven, Headquarters of the Royal Fraternity of Master Metaphysicians

Do you have a family connection to Peace Haven, Headquarters of the Royal Fraternity of Master Metaphysicians and Baby Jean, when they were in Oakdale, NY? We would love to interview anyone with family stories about the Metaphysicians who were living and working on the Idle Hour estate anytime from 1938 – 1946.

Stained Glass in Idle Hour

Here is a question about relatively recent history. Who designed and provided the stained glass windows in the main staircase of the Idle Hour mansion? They were installed during the Mansion’s restoration from a fire that occurred in 1974. Here is a picture of what the windows look like today:

Poseidon

This beautiful fountain is located on the great lawn, between the front of the Idle Hour Mansion and the Connetquot River. It is (just) visible in a postcard of the mansion in 1901 in its current location. Does anyone know if this fountain was installed prior to 1901, for the first mansion? Is it an ancient sculpture? If not, is there an artist attributed to it – perhaps an artist that worked on the second mansion?

Bronco Charlie’s Restaurant

Bronco Charlie’s has been a well known institution in the Oakdale, NY community. Although its era is coming to a close, it still holds a special place in the hearts and minds of the community. Did you celebrate a special occasion at this restaurant? Do you have fond memories to share about this community institution? We would love to hear from you!