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Beyond The Walls of An Intriguing NY Farmhouse Abandoned For Four Decades

While there are approximately eight million households in the very populated State of New York, some are more intriguing than others. Every building has a tale, some telling different stories daily.

Others have extraordinary events that are usually tucked away for years, just waiting to be shared. This particular house waited four decades for someone to uncover the mystery behind its walls.

Bryan Sansivero, a renowned photographer, got wind of the property and sought permission from the city authorities to explore it. It carries you to an entirely different period.

There was no sign out front

Bryan Sansivero was amazed at how well-hidden the farmhouse was. The lengthy driveway follows around to the back of the house.

This is what you’d call hiding in plain sight since a bustling community enveloped it. However, the owners wanted privacy; hence this single-room cabin in the woods could go unnoticed. He says that the place feels like time has paused.

Former Breathtaking Facade Decaying

The Victorian home was once made impressive by its appeal but now is decayed by neglect. Here, we see the main farmhouse, which was built in 1860. The roof has sagged, and one of the columns has fallen.

There are nine acres, a smokery, a garage, an outhouse, a stable, a milk house, a sheep barn, and four smaller barns. Sansivero hopes his pictures will assist in some way to the rehabilitation of a gorgeous and historically meaningful residence.

Built Prior to The Civil War

To find the historic farmhouse, you’ll have to head to Commack hamlet, which was once Native American territory. This is in the Suffolk County area of NY.

Urbanization has brought about a higher level of development to the Marion Carll Farm location. The ranch has been in existence since the start of the 18th century, prior to the Civil War.

Neglected, But Loaded With Treasures

Sansivero took photos of the plantation repeatedly, with the permission of the local school district and board. He states that each time he visited, he came upon more items that needed to be highlighted.

There was a vast number of valuable pieces of history. These scarce photographs are reminders of how unique the property was before being abandoned and eventually demolished.

Marion Carll Led a Busy Lifestyle

Marion Carll was a stalwart of the community and greatly respected. She was a school trustee and helped found the first PTA.

Education played an integral part of Carll’s life, so it was no surprise that she willed the house to the Commack School Board and District for academic and chronological objectives. These decorated shoes probably belonged to Carll.

She Tried to Preserve History

As a history buff, Marion Carll aimed to preserve as much of the character of the 18th-century farmhouse as possible and never tried to modernize the residence. As a result, the site has a lot of old vintage collectibles.

Despite being abandoned four decades ago, it appeared as if Marion Carll were living in an entirely different era.

The Home Links to Walt Whitman

The photos document the lives of the Carll family. A local history book, Huntington’s Hidden Past by Kerriann Flanagan Brosky, disclosed some fascinating data regarding the family property.

“The land on which the farm stands, off Commack Road, was originally inhabited by members of the Secatougue Indian tribe. According to a deed of record from 1698, the Indians conveyed the parcel of land to John Skidmore and John Whitman, great-great-great-grandfather of poet Walt Whitman.”

Danger Lurks on the Stairwell

You can see the grand staircase at the front of the house. There’s another home stairway leading to the basement. The stairs on the other flight were not in a decent state.

The photographer notes that they only saw the basement one time and didn’t get any photos, unfortunately, adding that the stairs and I did not get any pictures of it. The stairs broke as they headed back out of the basement.

A Stunning Parlor

Even with all the dust and debris buildup, this room is a replica of when Marion Carll lived there. This finely carved piano played some lovely music for several years.

Piano and other instruments were the primary means of entertainment before the development of the radio. Households would gather around to listen and sing to the playing of their favorite tunes.

An Array of Historical Items

Pots, pans, glass bottles are scattered about the room. Collectors are now snapping vintage bottles like these, hoping to own a great article of the past—some packages contained standard household products such as olive oil and even Milk of Magnesia.

There is even a small brochure that reads: “Program of the Thirty-Third Annual Sea Girt Interstate Tournament.” The event was staged by the American International Riflers Association in nineteen twenty-six.

The Attic Storage Room

The farmhouse not only has a basement, but it also has attic storage areas. Here, too, beds are implying the room was also utilized for sleeping — probably for staff members.

The walls have many steel crinoline dresses hanging from the wall. This under-skirt gained popularity throughout Europe and North America after being patented in the mid 19th century. Given their age, these seem to be in excellent condition.

Time Frozen

This alarm clock has hands frozen in time at 2:54. Next is a glass bottle that once held C. Household ammonia, a prominent home cleaning agent.

Vintage treasure hunters striving to explore the property for themselves are out of luck. After Sansivero’s work, the house was empty. “The valuables have been cleared out now, and both security and cameras keep watch on it 24/7,” he says.

A Still Art Piece

These artificial flowers have withstood the test of time. Their colors are still rich and bright. A teacup sits next to the flowers as though awaiting someone to drink from it.

The upholstered furnishings here had not withstood well, although you can tell it looked nice when it was new. It’s scenes like this that compelled photographer Bryan Sansivero to say that the house felt so much like stepping back in time than any other he’d ever ventured in.

Outbuildings On The Property

The nine-acre farmstead has multiple structures, including an outhouse, garage, smokery, and various barns.

The inside of the barn is shown. The ancient farm tools in the facility assisted with exhibiting the property’s past as a working plantation. Carol asked that the buildings be kept as monuments.

Educator’s Desk.

Carol probably worked at this desk. While growing up in the farmhouse, she was enrolled in a single-room schoolhouse. Carll attended high school in Jamaica, Queens, then returned to her home town as an educator.

She invited students to tour the farm to learn about local history and farm existence leading to a local school renamed Marion E. Carll in 1957. We know Carll donated the property to the Commack School District.

Multiple Fireplaces

Fireplaces were typical in older homes before houses began getting central air systems. The Carll residence had numerous fireplaces. Some still look fantastic, including this one made of marble.

This would be quite welcoming to anyone sitting in the corner to read or have a conversation, especially on a frigid night. Except for the peeling wallpapers, the room is probably a good depiction of how it was when Carll lived there.

What Was In The Safe

The way the lock system is built on this safe has piqued many people’s interest in what it holds. It was built by Hall’s Safe Company, which is located in Cincinnati.

“A.J. McCarthy, D.D.S.” is engraved on the safe whom research shows as a former staff member at the University of Buffalo’s Dentistry Department It’s not ascertained how the safe got to the farm.

Heritage is Everywhere.

Sansivero said the house has a lot of history lying around. Every room brandished something new to observe, like this blue-and-white china set still in incredibly proper order.

There are numerous additional artifacts in this scene, like an oil lamp and a teapot. The roof in this compartment has deteriorated and now looks ready to fall apart.

Portions of the farmhouse were reasonably preserved, unlike others.

We visited a bedroom, and now we are upstairs the building. The top floor was used as a storehouse and lodging for the household staff.

The whole ceiling has collapsed, and the walls are smudged. Trash lines the ground. The hallway has many reminders of history.

Historic Places Register

Even though the estate is falling apart, it was placed on the National Register with more than a million other properties.

There are a few criteria to be on the register, and properties must meet one including, having made a substantial contribution to American history, being linked to a notable individual, having unique architectural aspects, or being critical to history.

Great Embroidery Work

A blouse on a mannequin and a container with spools of thread were seen in the home’s main bedroom. Ms. Carll appeared to be a great stitcher.

Despite being exposed for so many years, the blouse exhibited great detail and elaborate embroidery endeavor. Maybe Ms. Carll designed it.

The Carll’s History

This image shows Carll around the mid-1900s. The photo’s website says Carll’s sister and two brothers were police officers, and her daughter owned a factory that made men’s shoes.

The Carll family has a prosperous history on Long Island comprising ties to Sagitikos Manor, which transferred to the Thompson family of Setauket, then to the Gardiner family. At the same time, the Carlls went on to be distinguished fellows of neighborhoods in and around the Huntington region.

Endangered Status

Ten years ago, the nonprofit SPLI recorded the Carll Farmstead as an endangered historic place. Robert Hughes is the historian of Huntington. He nominated the estate. He said they have an incredible time capsule due to the historic structures and artifacts.

Preserving The Farm

A council with the Commack school district and locals have been laboring to examine the appropriate use of the notable Carll farm, which is a portion of the town park.

The team working to save the Carll Farm says they are striving to make it a restored historic location, and recommendations include a functional organic farm and a teaching center.

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Teenager Organizes Stuffed Animal Drive to Comfort Abused Children

Kevin Wells

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A Williamson County teen is making a difference this Child Abuse Prevention Month by collecting stuffed animals for children in need.

17-year-old Kenny Royer launched a Stuffed Toy Drive to benefit Davis House Child Advocacy Center, a Franklin-based non-profit that supports families experiencing abuse.

Kenny’s drive has been a heartwarming success. Since starting in March, he’s collected over 200 stuffed animals and raised more than $3,000 for Davis House.

“Having a stuffed animal can show these children they’re cared for,” Kenny explained. “It gives them a sense of comfort during a difficult time.”

The drive continues throughout April. New stuffed animals can be donated directly to Davis House or dropped off at designated locations: WST Corporation in Franklin and Montgomery Bell Academy in Nashville.sharemore_vert

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Ukrainian Heroes: Volunteers Recognized for Saving Animals Amidst Conflict

Jess

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As the war in Ukraine continues to cause widespread devastation, a group of courageous volunteers and activists are being honored for their remarkable efforts to rescue and care for animals caught in the conflict. These individuals, recognized by both animal rights groups and political leaders, have gone above and beyond to ensure the safety and well-being of countless pets and wildlife displaced by the ongoing violence.

One standout among these heroes is Maria Vronska, who manages a shelter near Kyiv. Her facility provides a safe haven for over 700 dogs and cats, many of whom have been abandoned or injured as a result of the war. The shelter not only offers food and medical care but also a temporary home for these animals until they can be reunited with their families or adopted into new ones.

The war has dramatically increased the number of animals in distress as many residents have been forced to flee their homes, often unable to take their pets with them. Shelters and rescue organizations across the country have seen a surge in the number of animals needing care. In response, volunteers like Vronska and her team work tirelessly, often risking their own safety to rescue pets from dangerous areas, provide emergency medical treatment, and keep animal shelters operational despite the challenging conditions.

These efforts are crucial, as the war not only affects human lives but also the animals that share our communities. Pets often provide comfort and companionship to their owners, especially in times of crisis, making their rescue and care a vital part of humanitarian efforts.

International support has also been pivotal, with various global animal welfare organizations stepping in to provide supplies, funding, and support to Ukrainian shelters. This international aid helps maintain the operations of these shelters, ensuring they can continue to offer refuge and care amidst the turmoil.

The dedication of these volunteers and the critical role they play in animal welfare during the war highlight a powerful story of compassion and resilience. Their actions remind us of the profound bond between humans and animals, and the importance of safeguarding all lives in times of conflict.

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Benard McKinley: From Incarceration to Law School at Northwestern Pritzker

Kelly Taylor

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At 39 years old, Benard McKinley has transformed his life in a remarkable way. Recently released from prison in December 2023, McKinley is now preparing to start his first year at the prestigious Northwestern Pritzker School of Law in Chicago. This achievement marks a significant milestone as he becomes the first graduate from Northwestern University’s Prison Education Program (NPEP) to be accepted into any law school, let alone one with a 4% acceptance rate.

McKinley’s journey to higher education began behind the bars of Stateville Correctional Center in northern Illinois, where he completed his bachelor’s degree last year. His academic pursuit was part of NPEP, a pioneering initiative offering college-level education to incarcerated individuals. McKinley was among the first cohort to receive a bachelor’s degree from a top 10 US university while in prison, according to rankings from US News & World Report.

His life took a dramatic turn when he was sentenced at 19 to nearly a century in prison for a gang-related murder. While incarcerated, McKinley dedicated himself to studying law, aiming to challenge his own sentence and assist fellow inmates with their legal issues. His efforts in education began with earning a GED and a paralegal diploma, followed by his acceptance into the competitive NPEP program.

The process of applying to law school was rigorous and conducted from within the prison walls. McKinley prepared for the LSAT, wrote essays, and gathered recommendations with the help of NPEP tutors. His dedication paid off when, after his early release into transitional housing, he was accepted into Northwestern’s law school.

McKinley’s story is not just one of personal triumph but also highlights the transformative power of educational programs within the prison system. Sheila Bedi, a clinical law professor at Northwestern, praised McKinley’s discipline and eagerness to learn, emphasizing the potential of many others like him who could contribute positively to society if given the chance.

Looking ahead, McKinley aspires to become a civil rights lawyer and start a legal aid clinic to support marginalized communities. His journey from a teen sentenced to prison to a law student at one of the country’s top institutions is a profound testament to the possibilities that education and determination can unlock.

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Missing Pregnant Cat Found at Ottawa Airport After 11 Days

Jess

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A pregnant cat named Athena was found at the Ottawa International Airport, almost two weeks after she disappeared in the parking area. She had traveled from Winnipeg to Ottawa. The team from Furry Tales Cat Rescue discovered her around midnight on a Tuesday, and thankfully, she’s in good shape.

Volunteer Marta Burczycka from Furry Tales Cat Rescue expressed immense joy and gratitude for Athena’s safe return, highlighting her strong maternal instincts to protect her unborn kittens. The rescue operation caught attention after a helpful tip from Blake Fawcett, an employee working near the airport, who notified the rescue team.

Athena was initially sent to Ottawa on March 21 to get better veterinary care and a safe place to have her kittens. Unfortunately, she escaped when her carrier opened accidentally. For 11 days, volunteers and the rescue team worked tirelessly, setting traps and distributing flyers across the airport to find her before she gave birth.

The community effort was huge, with many airport employees and volunteers spreading the word and looking out for Athena. Janice Richard, one of the trappers, mentioned how they found Athena hungry but still pregnant, emphasizing the collective relief and happiness at her safe recovery.

The rescue story ended happily with Athena being taken care of and preparing to have her kittens in a safe and loving environment, thanks to the persistent efforts of the rescue team and the community’s support.

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America’s Youngest Teacher Started Her Career at 16

Kelly Taylor

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Shania Muhammad became a teacher at just 16 years old, after graduating from college at 15. She grew up in a home where learning was very important. She told “Good Morning America” about how her older brothers and sisters were big influences on her. They did well in school, which inspired her to do the same.

In seventh grade, her father noticed her advanced skills and started preparing her for college entrance exams. This led to her enrolling in college early and feeling like a superhero because she was so young. By 15, she was already finished with college and soon got a job offer to teach.

Muhammad waited until she was 16, so she could drive herself to work, and then started teaching 8-year-old students. These students see her as an adult and respect her, she says. In her classroom, she loves to keep the kids active with group work, presentations, and debates, creating a dynamic and engaging environment.

She encourages open communication in her class, telling her students they can talk about anything with her. Muhammad believes it’s important to have more confidence in success than in failure.

In her conversation with “Good Morning America,” Muhammad shared her view on facing the unknown with courage rather than fear. She encourages people to not hesitate and to create opportunities for themselves if they don’t already exist.

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