Eastern Gate House
Building Address: 59 Vanderbilt Blvd (Corner of Montauk Highway and Vanderbilt Blvd)
Section / Block / Lot:
Surveyor’s Name: Cristina Muia
Survey Date: 9/04
Building Type: home
Owner’s Name:
Building Name:
Date of Construction: 1889
Architect: Isaac H. Green
Building Dimensions:
No. of Floors:1½
Decorative Features: shed dormers, half timbering, corbelled chimney
Siding Material(s): brick and stucco
Roof Style: multi-gabled
Roofing Material(s):
Foundation: brick
Window Style(s): casement, with shutters
No. of Entrances and Placement:
Chimneys and Placement: side exterior gable
Condition: Excellent
Architectural Integrity: excellent
Architectural Style: 2 story English cottage
Description:
According to Helene Katz, author of an article about I.H. Green, the gatehouse was designed by Green for the William K. Vanderbilt estates. Standing at its original location, it is an example of the 19th century architecture favored by the Vanderbilts. At one time, there was an elaborate iron fence which stood 7 feet high supported by stone posts ten feet apart along with large entrance gates. The first floor is smooth brick first floor. The second floor is a half-timbered and stucco combination.
History:
In the late 1800’s; in America, during the heyday of the Vanderbilt era, and at the height of the “bicycle craze” the Vanderbilt well located across from the gate house played a role in the famous Century Run bicycle races. During the time between 1890 and 1905, bicycling became a favorite past time while the horse and buggy era continued to decline. William K. Vanderbilt marked the turning point for bicyclists by establishing the Century Run course streach from Brooklyn to Oakdale. From Start to finish this was a 49 and ¾ mile trip. Biking through Oakdale was picturesque because the Great South Bay and the south shore’s estates were in view throughout much of the ride. Today, a 7-Eleven convenience store is built over the well site. The original well was bought by the Adelphi Historical Society in 1964 and has been moved to the campus of Dowling College.
Source:
“Idle Hour.” Editor Gloria Schetty-Plante by the William K. Vanderbilt Historical Society, 1984.
Katz, Helene. “I. H. Green: he was the architect who set the pace for building in Islip Town.” Suffolk County News, 6 May 1982.
Tom Green. (Owner of the Dowling Consignment Shop and Community scholar about the Vanderbilts,) in conversation with Cristina Muia, September 2004.