Welcome to The Preservation League of Staten Island

Our Mission

The Preservation League of Staten Island (PLSI) works for the conservation and continued vitality of Staten Island's historic resources. The League was founded in 1977 by a group of community-minded citizens concerned about Staten Island's vanishing historic environment. We sponsor programs about the recognition, care and restoration of historic properties. We have given neighborhood and historic house tours and we confer annual awards for outstanding preservation work. Landmark designation for significant sites is a priority.

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Frederick Law Olmsted on Staten Island, Sunday, June 9, 2013, 1:00 PM

Olmsted at age 28.

Talk and Tour of the grounds and the exterior of the house by

Barnett Shepherd, Executive Director,

John Kilcullen, President,

of the Preservation League of Staten Island

4485 Hylan Boulevard

Reservations: 718-980-1551

info@preservestatenisland.org

________________________________________________

Olmsted House. All photos courtesy Nick Matranga (c)

The stone portion of the Olmsted farmhouse was built in the early 18th century by Jacques Poillon, the County Road Commissioner. The relieving arches visible on the facade suggest that it may originally have been a barn. The frame second floor, attic and kitchen wing were added ca. 1840. In 1847 the farm was purchased by Frederick Law Olmsted (1822-1903), America’s first landscape architect. He lived here until 1853. He grew fruit trees while experimenting with farm techniques and landscape design. The Cedars of Lebanon, ginkgo and walnut trees seen today in the front yard were planted by Olmsted. The house is a Designated NYC Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Olmsted House. All photos courtesy Nick Matranga (c)

Piollon/Akerely/Olmsted/Beil House. photo NYPL.

Clifton Walking Tour, Saturday, May 18, 2013 2:00 PM

Photo courtesy John Kilcullen.

Please join the Preservation League of Staten Island for a walking tour of historic Clifton, Staten Island. Clifton, along with nearby New Brighton, was one of the City's first romantic suburbs. Planned and designed in 1836, to offer New Yorkers an escape from the crowded conditions of New York City. Houses and grounds were laid out on over-sized lots to take advantage of Staten Island's then picturesque rural landscape and panoramic views.
Located near Cornelius Vanderbilt's successful ferry landing, which provided quick transportation to Manhattan and Brooklyn, Clifton become a desirable location for wealthy merchants looking to live and raise a family, while still having convenient access to their businesses and the growing commerce on NY Harbor.
A walk through Clifton highlights its architecturally diverse buildings with many styles represented. Many of the leading and influential architect's of the day, including Carrere and Hasting, Delano and Aldrich plus Staten Island's 'own' Edward A. Sargent have their architectural designs on display throughout the neighborhood.

The nearby Bayley Seton hospital campus, with its historic and land mark buildings, including the prominent Seaman's Retreat, will also be featured on the tour.

The walking tour will meet and leave from the Staten Island Railroad Clifton station (@ Norwood Avenue and Bay Street) and starting at 2 pm. For more information contact jpkfhc@verizon.net or 917-886-4389.

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Historic Preservation Awards 2013 Recipients

Bronze Award

710 Bay Street (The Boardman-Mitchell House) -

Mr. Barnett Shepherd and Mr. Nick Dowen

For extensive restoration, inside and out; and

Mr. Joseph and Ms. Liubov Offenberg;

for the continued restoration and stewardship of this lovely early Victorian house.

42 Westervelt Avenue - Mr. Robert Fitzsimmons Jr. (Gateway Arms Realty)

32 Park Place - Mr. Kris Bojanowicz and Ms. Anna Filipowska

Historic Treasure

404 Henderson Avenue - Mr. and Mrs. Hap and Karen Kuffner

For the restoration and stewardship of this Center Hall Colonial Revival's historic elements (porch and bluestone sidewalk).

Appreciation and Encouragement

248 Fillmore Street - Mr. Dean Sonnenberg

For the restoration of the front facade of this 1905 O.H. Lee designed Colonial Revival House.

5 Highview Avenue - Mr. Greg Hotaling and Ms. Denise Rompilla

For the sensitive front porch restoration of this 19th century hillside Victorian.

31 Louis Street - Ms. Evelyn Kudelski

For the ongoing exterior restoration of this 19th century hillside Second Empire house.

Building Beautiful

140 Canal Street - Stapleton Branch - New York Public Library

For a full restoration that highlights an original "Andrew Carnegie" library building while showcasing and incorporating new contemporary addition.

Photos of the Awardees will be uploaded within the next few days. Check back often!

Friday, April 19, 2013

LANDMARK SPOTLIGHT: Gustave Mayer House at 2475 Richmond Road

Twenty-five years ago on April 19th, the Gustave Mayer house at 2475 Richmond Road, New Dorp received official NYC Landmark designation. This wonderful circa 1855 Italian style villa sits proudly on a hill overlooking lower NY harbor. A true Staten Island architectural gem.

More information about this structure can be found at the Preservation League of Staten Island's Landmarks Google map here:

PLSI's Landmarks Google Map

Click on the Blue Marker for the specific landmark and you will be given an option to open the Neighborhood Preservation Center's file on the history of the house.

All Photos Courtesy of Nicholas Matranga, All Rights reserved.

Thursday, April 11, 2013

Join Us Sunday, April 28, 2013 for Our Annual Historic Preservation Awards

Dear Members and Friends:

The Annual Meeting of the Preservation League of Staten Island will take place on Sunday, April 28, 2013 starting at 1:00 P.M., at the Reformed Church on Staten Island, 54 Port Richmond Avenue.

The meeting will include reports from the Treasurer, the President and the Executive Director. The election of new board members for the class of 2016 will also be held. A proposed amendment to PLSI's bylaws will be presented.

Following a luncheon prepared by board member Halina McCormack, we will present the Annual Awards Ceremony honoring exemplary work in historic preservation on Staten Island.

Admission per person is $20.00 A discount of 50% is offered for every third admission ticket purchased.

Reservations are suggested. Pay by PayPal below or call 718-442-7393.

Friday, March 15, 2013

Illustrated Lecture by Barnett Shepherd This Sunday, March 17, 2013 2:00 PM

“Staten Island Preservationists and Saving the Conference House”

The Preservation League of Staten Island and the Conference House Association announce an illustrated lecture by Barnett Shepherd to be given at two separate locations on two separate dates. “Staten Island Preservationists and Saving the Conference House” will outline the historic preservation movement’s early successes in America, along with presenting Staten Island’s leaders who rescued several of Staten Island’s earliest historic landmarks.

The event will take place on Sunday, March 17, 2013, beginning at 2:00 P.M. at the Reformed Church on Staten Island, 54 Port Richmond Avenue, Port Richmond, and on Sunday, March 24, 2013, beginning at 2:00 P.M. at the Conference House Kitchen, 7455 Hylan Boulevard, Tottenville. Ample street parking is available at both locations. $10 admission. Reservations suggested: Telephone718.980.1551 or pay for tickets on line via PayPal.

Contact: Barnett Shepherd 718.448.2006; barnettshepherd@si.rr.com

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

The Need is Great on Staten Island- There are Many Faces of the Victims of Hurricane Sandy Posted on Wednesday, November 7, 2012

There are many faces of the victims of Sandy. We are working together to connect resources and empower neighbors helping neighbors.

Staten Island Community Partnership is a volunteer-led coalition working with organizations, business and elected officials to help Hurricane Sandy victims on Staten Island, to return to a normal daily life. We have many challenges ahead and no one on Staten Island hasn’t been affected, in one way or another.

Staten Islanders are struggling. Loss of a home, life, damage to property, loss of income, electric and access to services such as medical and more. Children and families are displaced and there will be a struggle to get back to a normal daily life over the short and long term.

We are working with the Staten Island Huger Partnership and several not for profits on Staten Island.

New Direction Services is requesting Gift cards to provide to needy families and food donations. School Supplies are in desperate need also. You may make a donation directly at their website: www.NewDirectionServices.org

Richmond Empowerment Project at United Church of International Of Praise with Pastor Thomas Cletus are collecting food, clothing, toiletries, baby items and more. 32 Sands Street, Staten Island, NY 10304 . Contact 718-314-8779 .

Contact them online to make a donation to purchase food and /or send a gift card to help families on Staten Island. http://unitedchurchint.com/programs_4.html

The food pantries throughout Staten Island are under-stocked and now there is a bigger need on Staten Island due to Hurricane Sandy. Each food pantry has a different need. Visit: S.I. Huger Taskforce at www.hungryonstatenisland.com.

Suit Up Network- New and gently use business attire for men and women. We normally assist needy unemployed men and women on State Island and have extended our services to Hurricane Sandy Victims. Pleae contact us to donate, men and women suits, business casual, shoes, purses and ties. Contact Angela D’Aiuto at 718-877-7367 or adaiutoa@yahoo.com

Preservation League of Staten Island- helping needy families on Staten Island and our community historic sites and landmarks. Make a monetary donation or gift cards to Home Depot, Lowes, etc at: www.PreserveStatenIsland.org

Many thanks for your donations and volunteers! Thanks to Worlds Vision, volunteers and churches from throughout the USA and local businesses, Snappy Solutions, Walmart, Boy Scouts of America, and more.

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

EVENT CANCELED: Frederick Law Olmsted on Staten Island

Text by Barnett Shepherd, Executive Director of PLSI

Olmsted House. All photos courtesy Nick Matranga (c)

The stone portion of this structure was built in the early 18th century by Jacques Poillon, the County Road Commissioner. The relieving arches visible on the facade suggest that it may originally have been a barn. The frame second floor, attic and kitchen wing were added ca. 1840. In 1847 the farm was purchased by Frederick Law Olmsted (1822-1903), America’s first landscape architect. He lived here until 1853. He grew fruit trees while experimenting with farm techniques and landscape design. The Cedars of Lebanon, ginkgo and walnut trees seen today in the front yard were planted by Olmsted. The house is a Designated NYC Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Piollon/Akerely/Olmsted/Beil House. photo NYPL.

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Farms of the Past on Staten Island

In conjunction with the Museum of the City of New York's Exhibit "From Farm to City: Staten Island, 1661-2012" we will display some photos (courtesy of The New York Public Library) of old farms on Staten Island on our Blog.

Agriculture played a distinctive and important part of Staten Island's economic growth, from Native Americans who farmed the land to the colonization of the Island by the Huguenots and the English.

Farm life was a constant battle with nature, taming the landscape to create farm fields, the cutting of forests and the clearing and draining of the swamps and marshes for pasture for domesticated animals. Horses were a dominant feature, used for the plowing and transport of produce. Many farms also had fruit orchards growing various types of apples, pears, peaches, and figs. Manhattan was the primary market for the 18th and 19th century Yeoman Farmer of Richmond County.

The only remaining working farm on Staten Island is the Decker Farm, administered by Historic Richmond Town. Please visit and support the Green Market there and at other locations on Staten Island.

Hopefully, the current 'trend" and interest in locally grown organic produce will continue to grow, and more people will participate in the Local, Personal Farming Movement.