The Heritage Collection St. George Manor
St. George Manor, as we called it way back when is also known as The Manor at St. George located in Shirley, NY.
During the 17th century, this large tract of land was purchased by the Smith family and is currently a historical site. The museum’s purpose is in part, to promote the Smith family history dating back to 1683.
Job well done!!
As children, we would watch battle re-enactments on the grounds of the manor. The billows of smoke rising from the battle are still visible in my mind.
As The Fourth of July is right around the corner, I want to pay homage to this lovely gem right here on Long Island and its’ rich history of our American freedom from British rule.
It was during the American Revolution that British Loyalist soldiers occupied this manor house and even built a fort there. The outline of the fort around the manor could be seen from ariel views in modern times after a drought revealed its’ presence.
Major Benjamin Talmadge landed his mounted infantry in Mt. Sinai, Long Island then led them on a march South to raid the manor.
The Americans, under Tallmadge, captured the fort and only one American was injured.
The Smith family returned to the manor after the Revolutionary War ended.
The Manor was set up in trust by Eugenie Smith in 1955 and is now open to the public as a museum.
For this I am so very grateful.
It is a with reverence and awe, a truly serene yet joyful place to visit and each time it seems there is something new to learn.
On our last visit, I asked a few questions hoping to learn something new to share in this blog. I was not expecting what I got but it is so relevant, it is my pleasure to include..
From the grounds keepers’ perspective, I was told that there is wildlife here probably longer than any other area. There are turtles whose age compares only to that of a tree he said. Both can live for a very long time. The dragonfly population is huge and as he was lowering the Continental Union flag, the groundskeeper was sure to point out some that were hovering just above the grass. I finally spotted what he saw as I looked a little closer. The dragonflies are natural mosquito control. It is beautiful to see nature in the way it should be without interference.
That was such a unique perspective.
The house itself and the beautiful grounds are a comfort to visit, There is a way of life here that is so simple and so beautiful.
From “The Heritage Collection”, The St. George Manor bracelets 1&2 were designed to capture the beauty of this historical home and land.
I hope you enjoy them!!