Past, Present, And Future: East End Makes The Past Part Of Long Island’s Future

There’s just something about nostalgic Long Island that seems to be able to warm everyone’s heart. It’s almost as if you’re looking at something straight out of a Norman Rockwell painting. And, despite its lack of modern amenities, still can elicit feelings of mental serenity. And, at least parts of Long Island are trying to preserve the past.

According to officials six historic buildings that once served as local homes and barns are gently being taken apart from an East Hampton estate and transported only half a mile down the road to be “resurrected” as part of the new center for town government.

These three houses and three barns are from the 18th and 19th centuries and were donated to the town by Adelaide de Menil, a local photographer and heiress to the Schlumberger oil inheritance and her husband, Edmund Carpenter, and author and antropologis.

The two constructed their oceanfront estate out6 of the building they started collection back in 1973 but started looking for a new home for them since putting the property up for sale last year.

The couple also donated $2 million to the town to ensure upkeep and maintenance of the structures, which will be connected via a glass atrium. But, they (the couple) expect the town to allocate $1 million to the structure preservation fund.

The entire project including the construction of the new town hall will cost the town about $5 million.

From the parking lot, visitors will be able to walk through the 18th century Baker Barn on their way to the main building, which in turn will be made up of what are being called the Hedges, Hand and Peach houses.

Also, a large barn from the 1830s era, to me named “The de Menil-Carpenter Barn” will serve as the meeting room for the town board, while the smaller Parsons Barn will serve as a place for hosting other meetings.