Thursday, October 7, 2010

'The Chimneys'

'The Chimneys', the Howard Crosby Brokaw estate designed by Horace Trumbauer c. 1916 in Muttontown. Brokaw was the head of Brokaw Brothers, clothiers, and retired from the business in 1919. He died at the age of 85 in 1960 at his home at 984 Fifth Avenue. Click HERE to see the brochure from when 'The Chimneys' was for sale.



8 comments:

Anonymous said...

When I was a kid, I worked summers here, at Muttontown CC. Legend had it that Mrs. Brokaw hung herself in this beautiful house.

Anonymous said...

There also seems to be another house for sale in Mill Neck. A tutor, that's also advertised at "The Chimneys".

Zach L. said...

Yes, the Mrs. C. Porter Wilson estate, pictures tomorrow.

Anonymous said...

When did the house become a country club? Is it much the same,or have they ruined the interiors?

lil' gay boy said...

As you can see, the original house still stands, although much encroached upon by unsympathetic additions. My understanding is some of the main rooms escaped total "modernization", but I cannot verify that.

It is a shame because much of the design's success depends upon its rigorous symmetricality.

Security word - amint: what they leave on the pillow in a WASP guest room, natch.

HalfPuddingHalfSauce said...

"When did the house become a country club?" 1960

Anonymous said...

The interiors are pretty much intact except for the enlargement of the kitchen and a very large dining room added on. The rumor abt. the wife hanging was confused..Henry Fonda, the actor, had married this Mr. Brokaws' sister in law, (after his brother died).. And she killed herself, in an instuitution. Jane Fonda is her daughter.

Anonymous said...

I notice the plan shows a boudoir. I had never before considered the origins of the word. From the French word for "pouting."

NOW I WANT A BOUDOIR!!!

Word Origin & History

boudoir
1777, "room where a lady may retire to be alone," from Fr. boudoir (18c.), lit. "pouting room," from bouder "to pout, sulk," which, like pout , probably ultimately is imitative of puffing.