Draft:Longman House

Longman House, Italianate style home, village landmarked

Longman House is an American Civil War era city style dwelling in Hempstead Village (Heemstede) in the middle of Long Island in Nassau County, New York, US. It was built in the Brooklyn Italianate style in 1854 by architect Benjamin Place in then eastern Queens, and bought by Samuel Longman in 1868.

Early history

The area was first settled around 1644 by English colonists, John Carman and Robert Fordham, who negotiated a treaty with the Lenape Indians in 1643.

On April 27, 1898, the County of Nassau was established, encompassing the Towns of Oyster Bay, North Hempstead, and the portion of Hempstead that had not been incorporated into New York City.

By the middle of the 19th century urbanization had taken root, with many area farms being converted to houses to accommodate suburban expansion.

The Longman House stands as a testament to the architectural and social history of Brooklyn, New York. Wealthy Brooklynites sought places of refuge where they could spend summers away from the city. Built in 1854, it showcases the Italianate style that was en vogue during the mid-19th century, which is distinguished by several key features. Among these are a decorative frieze adorning the front facade and a side entrance, a design element typical of late Federal-period architecture.

Restoration and current ownership

Longman House Historic Marker Hempstead Village

The current owner, Wendall Johnson, has dedicated 20 years to restoring Longman House. His efforts have preserved the house’s Vernacular style, with careful attention to maintaining its original exterior design. Inside, Johnson has replaced the floors with planking salvaged from the demolition of the Sunday School of St. George’s Episcopal Church in Hempstead. An enthusiast of antiques, Johnson has furnished the home with authentic period pieces.

Johnson's commitment to authenticity is evident in his use of reclaimed materials and period furnishings, ensuring that the house remains a living piece of history. The white picket fence and wrap-around porch continue to evoke images of leisurely summer days gone by, making the Longman House a historic landmark in the community.

The house not only reflects the affluence of its original owner, Samuel Longman, who used it as a summer retreat but also the dedication of its current owner, Wendall Johnson, who has meticulously restored it over two decades.