When Walter Eisenhardt first saw the old Victorian-style home with a wraparound front porch on Martin Avenue in Bellmore, he knew he had to have it.
"Im a hobby-level architectural historian, antique collector, and lover of old Victorian homes," said the 59-year-old retiree. "Instantly, I recognized it as an original Charles A. Frisch house, potentially a historic landmark for this area which, when the structure was built in 1910, was known as Smithville South."
But the porchs true value became apparent after pandemic restrictions were imposed in March, offering Eisenhardt a way to interact with friends and neighbors at a safe distance in a world reeling from COVID-19.
Cruise just about any Long Island neighborhood and you are likely to spot a few porches standing proud, looking out toward the street, and providing a gentle buffer between the privacy of the homes and the world outside.
Originally designed to allow escape from hot, humid weather in the days before air conditioning, porches have taken on an increasingly social function in modern times.
"Its easy to take them for granted," said Nancy Solomon, director of Long Island Traditions, a regional folk arts and preservation organization. "But porches in America have a long history of both serving purposefully and making a statement."
"They allow people to keep an eye on the neighborhood or say hello without getting too close," Solomon explained. "They are perfect for dining, entertaining or relaxing outdoors while enjoying a cool evening breeze. They also serve as a transition space between indoors and out. If, for example, you arent acquainted with a visitor, you might hold a conversation on the porch rather than in your home."
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Indeed, porches have been a staple on the American homestead for well over a century. Whether designed for status or functionality, or both, they do make a statement while adding an elegant touch to a beautiful home.
Eisenhardts porch was one such appendage designed by Frisch, a popular builder on Long Islands west end back in the early 1900s. In fact, Eisenhardt said, Frisch constructed a number of these builds right on High Hill Beach now Jones Beach before it became a state park.
When he bought it in 2007, though, the house was really run down, Eisenhardt said. He had it declared a landmark home in 2016.
"It was a shambles," he said, "but it had so much potential as a restoration project. Its a classic with high peaks, a stairway inside the front door, a big ball post at the base of the banister and that wonderful porch. Nothing says American home architecture like a beautiful front or wraparound porch."
Although examples date to ancient Greece and Rome, front porches on Long Island trace their roots to trans-Atlantic traders, Solomon notes.
"Many European settlers that came to the New World stopped first in the Caribbean and West Indies where they viewed front porches on typical homes," she said. "By the 1800s, porches had made their way up the Georgia coast, into South Carolina, and over to New Orleans. Following the Civil War, as we entered the Victorian Age, wraparounds grew prevalent throughout the country. Long Island proved to be a particular hot spot."
With Victorian architecture, especially, most front porches wrapped around to the side and connected to the dining room. "People would finish their meals and exit from the dining room to the porch to relax in the cool evening breeze after eating," Eisenhardt explained. "The porch was an extension of the living space of the home. People probably spent more time on the porch than inside when the weather was enjoyable."
Not surprisingly, some of the social importance of porches has faded in recent years with the advent of cellphones and the internet making daily person-to-person communication less vital. Still practicalities and niceties remain.
Eisenhardt waters his front lawn from the porch as he gets a great perspective looking out into the yard. He also enjoys chatting up neighbors and passersby. "You can do that while still social distancing," he noted. "Thats a real plus these days."
Depending on the type of porch, some consider it an attraction. "Nothing says relax more than a beautiful front porch," said Scott Bennett of Douglas Elliman Real Estate, Cutchogue. "They make you feel like this is a great place to enjoy watching the time go by."
The size, style and functionality of any porch helps determine how much value it adds to your home, Bennett said. "Its hard to pin an exact dollar amount on any porch, but if in good shape, most prospective buyers should see it as a plus. Adding recessed lighting or even ceiling fans can be a nice touch if done tastefully," he said.
Those whove lived in houses with porches are nostalgic about them.
A single parent, Eisenhardt says his 13-year-old son, Harrison, practically grew up on the porch. "He spent time on our porch in his playpen and highchair," Eisenhardt said. "Now he reads, hangs out and shares dinner or lunch here. Its part of our everyday life, as is my having an occasional espresso on the porch in the morning, or glass of wine in the evening."
Richard and Mary Clark, of Rockville Centre, like to entertain on their front porch.
"We have a big wraparound and we serve a lot of meals on it," Mary said. "We hosted 40 friends and family for Thanksgiving last year. We put out drinks and adults enjoyed each others company while the kids played in the front yard where we all kept an eye on them. We have a couple of small tables where my son, Owen, age 22, enjoys having breakfast. We also have a big hydrangea bush growing along one side of the front railing. If I just need some quiet and want to be outside without being disturbed, I can enjoy a few peaceful minutes there."
While porches made of composite materials tend to be nearly maintenance-free, it can be a labor of love to maintain a wooden porch. Still, when everything comes together, both homes and owners shine with pride.
"I had an elderly woman walk past my house a few days ago," Eisenhardt said. "I was on the porch when she looked up: This is one of the nicest homes Ive ever seen in this neighborhood, she said."
"I dont think its a coincidence that my porch restoration had just been completed."
Heres a listing of homes with porches on Long Island:
Size: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 3,000 square feet
Style: Victorian
Built: 1887
Annual taxes: $17,101
Description: This house with a wraparound porch sits on a half-acre of flat, private, manicured grounds in the heart of historic Sea Cliff and comes with a chef's kitchen and a renovated one-bedroom cottage and beach rights.
Listing agents: Eileen Heimer and Robert Cullen, Daniel Gale Real Estate, 516-674-2000.
Size: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, about 1,700 square feet
Style: Cottage
Built: 1931
Annual taxes: $3,657
Description: This home with a front porch is close to Main Street shopping and dining, the LIRR station and famous beaches. The back and side gardens are beautifully landscaped with evergreens for privacy and feature a brick patio and an outdoor shower.
Listing agent: Pat Garrity, The Corcoran Group, 631-903-5900
Size: 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2,700 square feet
Style: Cape
Built: 1998
Annual taxes: $10,488
Description: This spacious house with a porch comes with landscaped grounds, an in-ground pool, lots of privacy and is close to downtown Cutchogue, wineries and markets, and access to kayaking at the end of the lane.
Listing agent: Scott Bennett, Douglas Elliman Real Estate, 631-354-8100
Size: 2 bedrooms, one bathroom, 1,560 square feet
Style: Ranch
Built: 2006
Annual taxes: $9,352
Description: Off the beaten path but close to the beach, stores and restaurants, this house with a porch has a great room with dual fireplaces and is in move-in condition.
Listing agent: Jolene DeCecco, Landmark Realty of L I Inc., 631-929-3600
Porches can be in the front or back of the home and sometimes wrap around the side of the house. When located in the rear of the house, they are typically raised to the first or second level of the home. Front porches and side porches are generally covered. Many confuse them with decks, which are an extension of the home, usually uncovered and at the back of the house.
Materials matter when it comes to porch maintenance, says Lou Pagnotti of Decks Unique in Commack, who performed most of the restoration for Eisenhardts Bellmore home and wraparound porch.
Pressure-treated wood is least expensive," Pagnotti said. "Special woods like mahogany cost more, look terrific but hold up about the same in the long run. Both should last 20 to 30 years neither is likely to look new toward the end. Composite boards and spindles are more expensive than pressure treated but are very low maintenance and generally come with a significant warranty, often 25 years.
For maintenance, experts suggest sweeping your porch clean as needed and waterproofing wood porches yearly. Avoid using a hose to clean unless overly dirty as moisture promotes rot. A full porch restoration is a big job that often entails bringing construction up to code. If you need to replace more than a few boards, it might be a good idea to consult a professional.
Number of homes with porches that were sold in Suffolk County in the first nine months of this year, compared with 4,245 in all of 2019, and 4,127 in all of 2018.
Number of homes with porches that were sold in Nassau County in the first nine months of this year, compared with 3,643 in all of 2019 and 4.625 in all of 2018.
Source: OneKey MLS
By Tom Schlichter Special to Newsday
See original here:
Porches in the pandemic: Social distancing with style - Newsday
- Porch pirate caught on video wears trash bag to steal package - The Washington Post - April 8th, 2024 [April 8th, 2024]
- Thief Disguises As A Garbage Bag To Steal Packages From Porches - iHeart - April 8th, 2024 [April 8th, 2024]
- Des Moines couple says car crashed into their backyard porch, leaving it in shambles - KCCI Des Moines - April 8th, 2024 [April 8th, 2024]
- Porch pirate disguised as trash bag caught on video stealing packages from home - New York Post - April 8th, 2024 [April 8th, 2024]
- WATCH: Porch Pirate Tries To Sneak Away In Garbage Bag - iHeart - April 8th, 2024 [April 8th, 2024]
- Sneaky Porch Pirate Disguised As a Trash Bag Steals Homeowner's Package in Sacramento - Laughing Squid - April 8th, 2024 [April 8th, 2024]
- DMPD investigating hit-and-run after vehicle crashes into porch - WHO TV 13 Des Moines News & Weather - April 8th, 2024 [April 8th, 2024]
- Back porch catches fire, spreading to attic in Henrico County - WRIC ABC 8News - April 8th, 2024 [April 8th, 2024]
- I'm Holding A Freaking Hawk Woman Grabs Hawk Trapped In Screened-In Porch & The Bird Could Not Have Been ... - Whiskey Riff - April 8th, 2024 [April 8th, 2024]
- 'Something has to happen:' Mother speaks out after 11-year-old son shot standing on porch in Tampa - FOX 13 Tampa - February 16th, 2024 [February 16th, 2024]
- 11-year-old shot while standing on front porch of Tampa apartment: Police - ABC Action News Tampa Bay - February 16th, 2024 [February 16th, 2024]
- Hes shot: 11-year-old Tampa boy shot while standing on porch, TPD says - WFLA - February 16th, 2024 [February 16th, 2024]
- Tampa police seek information after 11-year-old boy is shot on front porch - Tampa Bay Times - February 16th, 2024 [February 16th, 2024]
- Dutch Boy Paints Enhances Porch and Floor Paint Collection - PR Newswire - February 16th, 2024 [February 16th, 2024]
- Philadelphia stabbing: Next-door neighbor charged with stabbing 83-year-old Dolores Robinson to death on porch - WPVI-TV - February 16th, 2024 [February 16th, 2024]
- 11-year-old boy shot on front porch in Tampa - NBC2 News - February 16th, 2024 [February 16th, 2024]
- 83-year-old fatally stabbed on front porch in North Philly - KYW - February 16th, 2024 [February 16th, 2024]
- Philadelphia stabbing: 83-year-old woman stabbed to death on Philadelphia porch after altercation on North 27th Street - WPVI-TV - February 16th, 2024 [February 16th, 2024]
- Governor DeSantis targets retail and porch thefts with new bill - FOX 13 Tampa - February 16th, 2024 [February 16th, 2024]
- South Bend man arrested after leading police on chase, crashing into porch - WNDU - February 16th, 2024 [February 16th, 2024]
- Neighbor charged with murder after woman, 83, stabbed on porch in North Philadelphia - Yahoo News - February 16th, 2024 [February 16th, 2024]
- Ohio, It's Time To Start Using All Green Porch Lights - wkfr.com - February 16th, 2024 [February 16th, 2024]
- This 42-foot Cabin on Wheels Dazzles With a Huge Porch and Roomy Interior - autoevolution - February 16th, 2024 [February 16th, 2024]
- It's Time to Start Using All Green Porch Lights in Massachusetts - Live 95.9 - February 16th, 2024 [February 16th, 2024]
- Why All Missouri Porch Lights Should Turn Green & Stay That Way - KHMO News-Talk-Sports - February 16th, 2024 [February 16th, 2024]
- 13-year-old girl dies days after being shot in head while standing on porch in Alton - KSDK.com - February 16th, 2024 [February 16th, 2024]
- It's Time To Start Using All Green Porch Lights Iowa - K92.3 - February 16th, 2024 [February 16th, 2024]
- Neighbor arrested in fatal stabbing of woman, 83, on front porch of her Philadelphia home - The Cairns Post - February 16th, 2024 [February 16th, 2024]
- 19 Ways to Make Your Front Porch More Inviting in Winter - Bob Vila - January 13th, 2024 [January 13th, 2024]
- Victims of porch pirates warned not to post videos in Canada because of privacy laws - KABC-TV - January 13th, 2024 [January 13th, 2024]
- What's The Meaning Behind Green Porch Lights In Texas? - News Talk 96.5 KPEL - January 13th, 2024 [January 13th, 2024]
- Video: DPW Worker Knocks Fleeing Porch Pirate To Ground In Yonkers, Police Say - Daily Voice - January 13th, 2024 [January 13th, 2024]
- Canadian police warn that posting videos of alleged package thieves could be violation' of their privacy - Fox News - January 13th, 2024 [January 13th, 2024]
- Police warn posting porch pirate videos online can violate alleged thieves' privacy - KIMA CBS 29 - January 13th, 2024 [January 13th, 2024]
- The spirit of the Grinch is still alive: Video captures good Samaritan body check would-be porch pirate days after Christmas - Law & Crime - January 13th, 2024 [January 13th, 2024]
- Canadian authorities warn porch-pirate victims not to post videos of suspects in the act - The Citizen - January 13th, 2024 [January 13th, 2024]
- City Worker Clotheslines Suspected Porch Pirate Running From Cop - iHeart - January 13th, 2024 [January 13th, 2024]
- Ward 6 Porch Winner in Annual Petal Porch Competition - Hill Rag - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- Front Porch Musical Theatre Puts On 'Fiddler On The Roof Jr.' - ccxmedia.org - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- Architectural styles: turn of the century - Claremont Courier - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- Trumbull Home Offers Screened-In Heated Porch, Fenced-In Yard - Patch - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- Celebrate the Month of May with an Indy 500 Porch Party - WISH TV Indianapolis, IN - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- Clifton neighbours saw porch 'crumble' after car crashed into house - Nottinghamshire Live - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- Kaeja d'Dance Presents 12th Annual 'Porch View Dances' in August - Broadway World - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- Firefighters respond to porch fire near Fifth and Lind - Herald-Whig - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- DA: Father charged for 'accidentally' shooting 5-year-old son on porch in Olney - FOX 29 Philadelphia - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- Alleged Mass. military leaker was on moms porch reading Bible when FBI agents came to arrest him - MassLive.com - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- Potted plants stolen from front porch in Lowestoft - East Anglian Daily Times - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- Mothers in construction: A pathway to family-sustaining careers ... - New England Real Estate Journal Online - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- The Home Front: Now's the time for a front porch refresh - Vancouver Sun - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
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- How I Met Your Mother's Porch Test Has A Surprisingly Sweet ... - Screen Rant - April 21st, 2023 [April 21st, 2023]
- Terrifying Moment Huge Bear Breaks Into Family Home's Porch Caught on CCTV - Newsweek - April 21st, 2023 [April 21st, 2023]
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- Chelsea police ask for help identifying suspect in string of pride flag thefts - MLive.com - April 21st, 2023 [April 21st, 2023]
- Someone targeting homes with fireworks and bottle rockets, according to Pebble Creek neighborhood residents - WYFF4 Greenville - April 21st, 2023 [April 21st, 2023]
- Photos: Echo Street West project's BeltLine porch is starting to exist - Urbanize LA - April 21st, 2023 [April 21st, 2023]
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- Muscadine Bloodline Share Inspirational Video About Journey Of ... - Whiskey Riff - April 21st, 2023 [April 21st, 2023]
- Bear steals the show on Susan's porch critter cam - Wisconsin State Farmer - April 21st, 2023 [April 21st, 2023]
- Teen charged in car theft, leaving infant on porch has motion to transfer case denied - fox42kptm.com - April 21st, 2023 [April 21st, 2023]
- Watch This Angry Alligator Invade a Family's Porch and Refuse to ... - AZ Animals - April 21st, 2023 [April 21st, 2023]
- What Does It Mean When You See a Red Porch Light? - 97X - April 21st, 2023 [April 21st, 2023]
- Spotlight: Folk music animates Northlight's 'Porch on Windy Hill' - Daily Herald - April 21st, 2023 [April 21st, 2023]
- Yankee Stadium's short porch beckons Shohei Ohtani, not that he needs it - Newsday - April 21st, 2023 [April 21st, 2023]
- Colorful backyards 11 color schemes for porches and patio - LivingEtc - April 21st, 2023 [April 21st, 2023]
- Feature-Filled Decks + Stunning Locations, Views: VA Dream Homes - Leesburg, VA Patch - April 21st, 2023 [April 21st, 2023]
- McCoy, Ost named top SSHS Graduates in 2023 - frontporchnewstexas.com - April 21st, 2023 [April 21st, 2023]
- 75 Porch Ideas You'll Love - April, 2023 | Houzz - April 13th, 2023 [April 13th, 2023]
- 11 Types of Porches (With Photos) Upgraded Home - April 13th, 2023 [April 13th, 2023]
- Front porch awning ideas 9 beautiful looks with canvas, metal, and more - Homes & Gardens - August 20th, 2022 [August 20th, 2022]
- Front Porch: A mother's and grandmother's heart always has more room - The Spokesman Review - August 20th, 2022 [August 20th, 2022]
- Fire that displaced dozens started on back porch - WCVB Boston - August 20th, 2022 [August 20th, 2022]
- 2022 Porchfests are a lot more than "porches and bands" - Buffalo Rising - April 19th, 2022 [April 19th, 2022]
- East Garfield Park building where porch collapsed to be demolished: city - Chicago Sun-Times - April 19th, 2022 [April 19th, 2022]
- Wet Leg Play Isle Of Wight Homecoming Show On A Porch: Watch - Stereogum - April 19th, 2022 [April 19th, 2022]
- Woman accused of pushing mother-in-law off porch - The Herald-News - April 19th, 2022 [April 19th, 2022]
- Music on the Porch brings the old sound to town - The Sylva Herald - April 19th, 2022 [April 19th, 2022]
- Reese's is bringing back its popular peanut butter lovers cups for a limited time - Southern Thing - April 19th, 2022 [April 19th, 2022]
- Suspect in West Memphis bank robbery leads police on chase into Memphis, caught sitting on porch - WATN - Local 24 - April 19th, 2022 [April 19th, 2022]