Long Island's Hidden Past: John Gardiner Farm

<p>Built in the 1750s, by the Smith Gardiner family, the <a href="http://www.greenlawncenterporthistorical.org/john-gardiner-farm">John Gardiner Farm</a> in Huntington was one of the earliest large farms in the area.</p>

News 12 Staff

Jun 7, 2017, 9:00 AM

Updated 2,509 days ago

Share:

An old farmhouse in Huntington has a long legacy - that stated decades before the American Revolution.
News 12 Long Island's Danielle Campbell and photojournalist Brian Endres take you on a tour of the house that serves as a time capsule of Long Island's hidden past.
Built in the 1750s, by the Smith Gardiner family, the John Gardiner Farm in Huntington was one of the earliest large farms in the area.
Historian Anthony Guarnaschelli, of the Greenlawn-Centerport Historical Society, says the farmhouse connects Long Islander's to the past.
The farmhouse, located on Park Avenue, has quite a history. An infamous murder took place there in the early 1800s.
And the pickle industry in Greenlawn started on the farm.
Alexander Gardiner, a wealthy farmer at the time, grew hundreds of acres of pickles, a popular delicacy in the 1870s, his success earned him the title of "Pickle Pioneer."
Generations of Gardiners lived in the home, and Herbert, the last living member left the home to the historical society before he passed away.
The house was used until the last Gardiner walked out in 2003.
The outhouse is exactly as it was, built before the turn of century, and it has a low seat for children, and a high seat for the adults.
According to Guarnaschelli, Herbert wanted the farm continued forever, he never wanted it developed or any of it sold.
The historical society has kept their promise by farming the land and keeping the house in good condition.
The cupola on top of the Gardiner home was recently restored - it was important because it was a sign of wealth.
The farm is now open every Saturday to families who can stroll the grounds and buy produce from the farmers market. Children can also take a ride on the lollipop train - an amusement attraction that was once used in the 1950s and 1960s on a farm in Syosset.


More from News 12
0:28
Man who set himself on fire outside Trump trial dies of injuries, police say

Man who set himself on fire outside Trump trial dies of injuries, police say

2:36
Rain and cloudy skies followed by some sunshine on Long Island

Rain and cloudy skies followed by some sunshine on Long Island

0:28
Police: Levittown woman arrested for driving drunk with 2 children in vehicle

Police: Levittown woman arrested for driving drunk with 2 children in vehicle

2:05
Long Island native ID’d as person who set himself on fire outside Trump trial in Manhattan

Long Island native ID’d as person who set himself on fire outside Trump trial in Manhattan

0:37
Officials: Wildlife rehabilitator took raccoons into her Merrick home without required rabies license

Officials: Wildlife rehabilitator took raccoons into her Merrick home without required rabies license

1:42
FBI on alert as Jewish Long Islanders prepare to celebrate Passover

FBI on alert as Jewish Long Islanders prepare to celebrate Passover

0:22
East Northport man sentenced to 23 years in prison for sexually abusing great niece

East Northport man sentenced to 23 years in prison for sexually abusing great niece

1:44
Islandia woman turns 106, offers secret to long life

Islandia woman turns 106, offers secret to long life

2:28
Islanders owner surprises fans with free playoff tickets

Islanders owner surprises fans with free playoff tickets

0:35
Calverton man pleads guilty to attempted murder charges related to opening fire at Bellport vigil

Calverton man pleads guilty to attempted murder charges related to opening fire at Bellport vigil

1:46
Alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer’s defense attorney demands information on other ‘top suspect’

Alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer’s defense attorney demands information on other ‘top suspect’

0:51
Baldwin students learn business skills with 'Little Lenox Bakery'

Baldwin students learn business skills with 'Little Lenox Bakery'

0:35
Tesla recalling nearly 4,000 Cybertrucks because accelerator pedal can get stuck

Tesla recalling nearly 4,000 Cybertrucks because accelerator pedal can get stuck

1:46
Gov. Hochul announces harsher penalties for illegal smoke shops

Gov. Hochul announces harsher penalties for illegal smoke shops

2:10
News 12 provides tips on the do's and don'ts of recycling

News 12 provides tips on the do's and don'ts of recycling

Is your mom awesome? Long Island tell us why your Mom Rocks!

Is your mom awesome? Long Island tell us why your Mom Rocks!

Show off your team spirit! Share your photos with News 12

Show off your team spirit! Share your photos with News 12

1:55
The Real Deal: How tipping trends have changed in the tri-state area

The Real Deal: How tipping trends have changed in the tri-state area

0:13
Officials: West Babylon home destroyed by fire

Officials: West Babylon home destroyed by fire

0:47
Cafe 217 provides students with autism chance for work experience at East Rockaway HS

Cafe 217 provides students with autism chance for work experience at East Rockaway HS