Michael and Claudia Taglich restore historic house
Sag Harbor residents Michael and Claudia Taglich were honored at the annual Main Street Association meeting last Wednesday night at the Life Enrichment Center for putting forth restoration money to save the historic Trousdell House, also known as “Hillside,” which is located at the corner of East Main Street and Sandy Hill Road. The couple had donated $2 million for a roof-to-foundation restoration of the home, which was built in 1844.
“The Taglich family helped raise the necessary money to stabilize this house and we are very grateful for that,” said Main Street Association President John Bonifacio. “It is critical for us as community members and an organization to fight for the preservation of our historic structures to make sure they are not lost.”
Michael, who is chairman and president of Taglich Brothers, a New York City-based securities firm, said he had bought the home from the North Shore Land Alliance, a nonprofit that usually buys and preserves vacant land.
“It is a beautiful, historic structure and we did not want to see it torn down by developers,” said Taglich. “My wife and I and our four daughters really like the area of Oyster Bay and we plan to stay here in this wonderful house with its charming character.”
The Trousdell House, “Hillside,” has a very historical background. It was built in 1844 as a summer home for Cornelius and Adelia McCoon and housed a tavern and inn in the 1850s. In the 1870s, President Theodore Roosevelt’s uncle, James, rented the home and for much of the later 20th century, Dr. James Trousdell kept it as his home and office.
In 2011 the home was bought by the North Shore Land Alliance to prevent demolition and construction from developers.
Other MSA News:
Five kiosks in the downtown area were given a facelift. Broken and scratched panes were replaced and shingles and trim were repainted. New information sheets were also added highlighting businesses and historic sites.
Main Street Association Board member Mario Gallo took part in the Adopt-A-Spot initiative, helping to transform the gateway into Oyster Bay from West Shore Rd. With help from Forest Iron Works of Locust Valley, Gallo helped beautify the location by adding plantings and spreading out the signage on a brand new white fence. Gallo who worked the Oyster Bay Chamber of Commerce on the project, will help maintain the plantings throughout the year.
