Lunches in the newspaper morgue have (sort of) paid off handsomely. I think I found the only picture in public archives of the Elizabeth Oakes Smith and Seba Smith home, The Willows, but now I'm not sure now which building is the Smith home. I thought it was the large white house in the distance, but two fellow history buffs have told me that can't be the house. Now I think it may be that little blob of half a house behind a tree towards the left side of the picture- very frustrating!
So, if you're examining this picture and can take a guess as to which building it is, send me a comment. The house is definitely in there somewhere because the article that goes with this picture mentions it by name, stating, "The Seba Smith house sits on a slight hill just west of the lace mill and Patchogue Lake."
Those of you who follow this blog know that I've been searching for a picture of this house for several years. This 1931 article further states that this Jenkins & Hunt photo was taken 40 years ago, (which would be around 1891), from the top of Fishel's Store, (which later became Swezey's on Main Street at the four corners), facing Main Street west. I know that The Willows burned to the ground in the mid 1890's. In this picture, you can clearly see Patchogue Lake in the distance. Look back in my posts under the label Elizabeth Oakes Smith to read more descriptions of The Willows. Hugs to Patti at Long Island Advance for scanning the old book for me. :)
It's back to the drawing board for me to find a better picture.
2 comments:
cryptic, huh????????criptic. huh?? you do know that i haven't blogged in over a year, right??? well well welll, hey i am glad you found your picture of the house<<>><>i think with the name christies you would have a better chance than barlow putz<><><>
Mr. putz I was wondering where u went! You spoil me with comments all the time.I thought it might be 250 degrees in Utah and u and the Mrs. were in the pool with martinis in hand.
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