Author: tornadicwonder
-
The history of “Maxwelton”, John Rogers Maxwell’s 1898 residence. And, a private tour of what’s left.
Today, I got the chance to tour the remaining piece of what was once a Gilded Age palace. Unseen by the public since its construction, “Maxwelton” used to be “the finest property on the north shore of Long Island.” Today, it is a shell of its original self. Here is the story of this incredible…
-
“Cedar Cliff” – An 1895 Mansion That Was Cut In Half!
In 1895, Joseph Allen “Joe” Physioc Sr, a set designer and artist, had his New York country home constructed in a small settlement along the North Shore called Bayville. The estate, which stood within an estimated 6 acre long property, consisted of a large driveway with two entrances, a circular formal garden, a beachfront pathway,…
-
Finding a long-gone mansion actually still standing – “Brymptonwood”
For years, it was thought this home was another long-gone remnant of the Long Island Gold Coast. But, I recently discovered it was actually still standing (kinda)! Called “Brymptonwood”, this was the John G. Berquist home built 1915. Before I tell you about how I found this out, here’s what we know about the elusive…
-
“The Braes” – a story of Long Islands best Gilded Age mansion upgrade.
In 1902, Herbert Lee Pratt had his stately country house built in the secluded neighborhood of “Dosoris Park” (located in Glen Cove, New York). But, 10 years later, he had the house demolished to construct an even larger and even grander structure. In my opinion, this is the biggest estate upgrade i’ve seen during Long…
-
The Lawrenceburg, Tennessee “Forgotten F5” tornado – April 16, 1998
The date is April 16, 1998. It’s a humid spring day in middle Tennessee. Unfortunately, most don’t know the conditions for a historic weather day is brewing right in front of their own eyes.. The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has issued a High Risk (5/5), which mostly covers southern states in the US. Specifically, Tennessee…
-
The remains of “Rosemary Farm”, the Roland Ray Conklin estate
On January 29th, 2025, I got the chance to visit one of the most beautiful Gilded Age estate ruins i’ve ever heard of: that of “Rosemary Farm”, the Roland Ray Conklin mansion built from 1907-1912. Here’s the rundown of this incredibly unique property: In mid 1893, a wealthy entrepreneur named Roland Ray Conklin located in…
Saturn Mondays 