This is the Van Nostrand-Starkins house in Roslyn, the oldest structure in the village, dating back to 1680. It has been restored to its 1810 appearance. While stopped at the traffic light facing this building, I was struck by how incongruous it is to have this modern traffic light right in front of the building. I just love the subtle angles that the roof lines make. Actually it kills me that this light is here, because it makes it impossible to photograph this beautiful architectural treasure properly.
4 comments:
I agree. A beautiful old home, which I love, the stone wall and woods in the background. Maybe you can add removing the light as one of your summer projects.
Joan
I love the look of this New England salt box design house and I agree with Joan; the street light needs to go!
I'm not familiar with this house, but the way the traffic signal is placed, it looks like it's at the end of a T-section. And if it is, then the light may be saving this place from destruction because, this being Long Island, drivers often tend to travel too fast, misjudge where the end of the street is and end up going through a fence, into a house or storefront. It happens so often here because no one drives the speed limit, many drivers are inexperienced and don't realize they can't control their car until it's too late. The signal looks like it's at a bad intersection, where stop signs would be inadequate. I'm all for aesthetics, but better the view of the house be spoiled by the traffic light than the house be destroyed by a fast-moving car.
It is absolutely unforgivable that the town of Roslyn allowed a traffic light to be placed outside this historical building. Having said that, it would seem that the inhabitants of Roslyn (with a handful of exceptions) don't care about their historical buildings. I spent a couple of hours taking photos of Cedarmere (the one-time home of William Cullen Bryant) yesterday. The Friends of Cedarmere are doing their best to renovate the place, but it is utterly shameful that such a building has been allowed to rot. After all, Roslyn is hardly poverty-stricken! Shame on the town for allowing a traffic light to be located in front of the Van Nostrand-Starkins House.
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