The officers and trustees of the Historical Society of the Massapequas welcome visitors to the Historic Complex on Merrick Road several times during the year. A previous article answered questions visitors have asked about Old Grace Church and the adjacent cemeteries. This article will answer common questions about the Floyd-Jones Servants’ Cottage and the Floyd-Jones Free Library.
Floyd-Jones Servant’s Cottage
Was the Cottage always in its current location?
No. The Cottage was originally behind Elbert Floyd-Jones’ mansion, which was located on Merrick Road and Park Boulevard. His servants lived here. The building was situated to the right of the Bar Harbour Library parking lot. It was moved across Merrick Road in 1986 and placed on property owned by the Floyd-Jones Library.
Why was the building moved?
Built in 1870, it was in terrible shape when purchased by new owners in 1983 (roof leaked, floors had deteriorated, raccoons occupied the building). The Historical Society wanted to move the building, so the owners waited until the Society raised enough money for the move.
Why is there a black metal handle next to the sink?
The handle is a reminder that the Cottage did not have indoor plumbing until the 1950s. Water was pumped from the ground and heated in one of the several tubs shown in the kitchen.
Are the fixtures and furnishings original?
No. The Cottage was empty when it was moved. Community residents and other generous friends donated the furnishings. The aim was to recreate the building as it looked in the 1920s.
Where’s the bathroom?
There is none. An outhouse was used until indoor plumbing was installed in the 1950s.
Who lived here?
The Floyd-Jones servants lived in the Cottage until Elbert Floyd-Jones’s mansion burned in 1926. It was subsequently rented to the Gottart family (he was the Queens County Sheriff), to Helen Bagnall, long-time vestryperson of Grace Church and, for a brief time, to the Baldwin brothers.
Floyd-Jones Free Library
Is the library part of the Massapequa Public Library system?
No. The library is a separate building, dating back to 1896. In the 1950s, the trustees debated whether to join with the new public library and elected to remain private, to preserve its historic appearance and to retain control of its endowment.
Can people take out books?
No. The library is a historic building. People can visit, or use books in the library for research, but can’t borrow.
Could people borrow books?
Yes. It was a lending library until the late 1980s when it was repurposed as a historic building. In its early days, a patron could buy a k
ey for $10 per year and come in whenever he/she wanted. The library has one of the keys on display.
Has the library always been in the same location?
Yes. The building was erected on land donated by Coleman Williams, a member of the Floyd-Jones family, at the request of Colonel Delancey Floyd-Jones.
Who was Delancey Floyd-Jones?
He was a career soldier, 1846 graduate of West Point, active in the Mexican War, the Yakama War in Washington and the Civil War. He fought gallantly at Chancellorsville, Bull Run and Gettysburg and several other Civil War sites. He remained in the army until 1879.
What is the oldest book?
The oldest book located by librarians was published in 1847 and is titled The Natural History of New York State. There are several other books from the late 1800s, donated by Jones and Floyd-Jones family members. Most of the books date from the 1920 to 1970 period, when the library was most active.
How long was it used as a “typical” library?
The library was open every day as a lending library until 1984, when the last full-time librarian, Mrs. Paul Bonner, retired. She was, by the way, Louisa Baird Thorn, great-grand niece of Delancey Floyd-Jones, the library’s founder.
Are the furnishings original?
Most are. The carpet is recent (1975), but the center table, chairs, bookcases and fireplace were provided by Floyd-Jones family members when the library opened. The back room was originally a storage shed, but was rebuilt in 1986 to resemble the main room.
The Historical Society of the Massapequas provides tours of its historic complex for families, groups and individuals. Call 516-799-2023 or visit www.massapequahistoricalsociety.org to arrange a tour.
—George Kirchmann is a trustee with the Historical Society of the Massapequas. His email address is gvkirch@optonline.net.
