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Syosset Then and Now: Tragic Estate

Can you identify this central Syosset estate?

The bustling little Long Island town of Syosset has had many facelifts over the years. Original structures have been remodeled and replaced, leaving just a shadow of the good old days of horse-drawn carriages and general stores.

But if you look closely, sometimes you can see old Syosset hidden among the new constructions. We'll be bringing you back to the old Syosset with the help of Syosset Scrapbook and helpful photo donors.

Can you name this centrally located Syosset estate? These beautiful grounds that often saw swans gliding through the glassy waters was the location of a WWII-era tragedy, just days after Franklin Delano Roosevelt was elected.

Give us your best historic guesses in the comments below!

rena damon August 3, 2012 at 10:29 pm
Monica Randall, our local historian would most likely know the answer to this!
rena damon August 3, 2012 at 11:09 pm
Thistleton?
Joe Dowd (Editor) August 4, 2012 at 06:43 am
This is cool, and mysterious// how 'bout a hint: after FDRs re-election in 1940 or 1944?
Brenda August 4, 2012 at 01:20 pm
Looks like Penny Pond.
Marcy Burke August 4, 2012 at 02:16 pm
That does look like Penny Pond at the end of Burtis Lane. Used to be a wonderful private stable across the street.
Brenda August 4, 2012 at 03:33 pm
Yes, it was a fantastic estate. I remember in the late 70's (I think) when the estate was on the market, I was a young realtor and I went up to see it. The views were so lovely with the pond. Do you know, I was told that the owners called the place Penny Pond after their daughter, Penny. And she was into riding, horse shows, dressage, etc. I don't know if that's true. Maybe someone else knows.
Linda L Manning-Koziatek, REALTOR, LSA, CSA August 4, 2012 at 04:53 pm
Yes, I believe it was called It was the Thistleton estate......
Frank J. Swiencki August 4, 2012 at 07:10 pm
This is the Robert E. Todd estate. I lived on the estate from 1934 until 1955 when my father passed away. He was one of the caretakers on the estate.
rena damon August 4, 2012 at 08:13 pm
Thistleton is the "name" of the summer estate of the Tod family. Was on Underhill (which is now Burtis) across the street from old Split Rock School (?).
Joe Dowd: maybe 1944 ish Frank S: you must have some wonderful memories!
Cathy English August 5, 2012 at 02:19 pm
Tiffany Estate
Syosset Mrs. August 9, 2012 at 11:32 pm
Mr. Tod supported the Thomas E. Dewey campaign against FDR in 1944. Two days after the election, Tod shot and killed himself in his bedroom just as his daughter, Katharine, was approaching his door.
(ain't the internet wonderful!!)
Heather Doyle (Editor) August 10, 2012 at 11:00 pm
Great conversation everyone! We just posted the answer and this week's question here: http://patch.com/A-wQCJ
Genevieve Swiencki Frink August 11, 2012 at 03:33 pm
Genevieve Swiencki Frink Yes I agree with my brothers comments of the estate for I also was born in the house on the estate from 1932 & lived there till my father died in the late 1950's. I remember that day very well. It was great fun living there.
Genevieve Swiencki Frink August 11, 2012 at 03:38 pm
Genevieve Swiencki Frink Anything I can say or do to remember the good old days in Syosset & living on the Tod Estate I can certainly give my thoughts & opions on any matter that can help your research of the past.
jms August 11, 2012 at 08:25 pm
In the 1970's Leon Cohen and his wife (owners of then Fox Hollow Inn) lived in the 'inn' structure on Penny Pond -- massive 6' hearth included. The original site dating to late 19th Century was where horse drawn carriages change teams from NYC to further east on Hempstead Tpke. Of interest, the stable across the road was used by Jackie Bouvier on the many riding paths in the area.
Also note that the nearest house during the Tod era at the corner of Burtis Lane and 'New Burtis' is the August Belmont 3-story manor house (with 6 fireplaces) - now winerized and restored. These are mentioned in oldlongisland website with great photos.

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