Vanderbilt Cup Races

Farming Near the Motor Parkway

The farm changed hands in 1926 after being in the family for over 100 years.  It was owned by Frank Baldwin at the time.  (Brooklyn Daily Times Jan. 31, 1926)

A Family Business

Frank (Franklin) is listed as a farmer along with his father, Daniel, in this 1880 census record.  Frank's mother Nettie is listed as "keeping house" and Homer B. Wesley, 11 years old is listed as a "servant".  I certainly would like to research Homer and see how he became a servant at such a young age.   (U.S. Census, 1880)

Twenty years later Frank is "Assistant Farmer" with a wife Fannie (Frances) and young children.  Father Daniel is listed as a farmer with a housekeeper and a farm laborer also living in the household.  As the maps that follow show, Daniel and Frank owned land next to one another.  The farms (U.S. Census, 1900)

The Best Cows Around

Frank's dairy farm produced the "purest and best milk" as his cows were certified to be "in a good sound and healthy condition".  Heavy cream was supplied at any time!  (The Long-Islander Feb. 28, 1902)

Some Family History

Franks' wife, Fannie, died in 1921 at the age of 41 from "consumption", today known as tuberculosis.  (South Side Signal Mar. 11, 1905)

The farms of Daniel and Frank Baldwin in Dix Hills, north of the Motor Parkway.  Note the property of the Ridgefield Land Co., on the lower right of which the Motor Parkway bisects.  (E. Belcher Hyde, 1909)

Daniel died in October 31, 1909 after "growing more and more feeble for about a year".  "Not only a farmer but a genius".  (The Long-Islander Nov. 5, 1909)

Interestingly, Frank is listed as a teamster in this 1910 census record; no mention of being a farmer.  (U.S. Census, 1910)

After his wife passed away in 1905, Frank remarried in 1910 to Estella Pearsall of West Islip who was 26 years younger and a teacher.  The marriage record once again shows Frank as a farmer.  (Marriage Record, 1880)

This 1917 map shows the farm of Daniel Baldwin, but not that of Frank.  Possibly Frank sold his farm and took over his father's after his death even though the property was still in Daniel's name; note the parcel of land previously owned by Ridgefield is now shown as "formerly Hannah Baldwin"; I'm assuming another family member.    (E. Belcher Hyde, 1917)

A group of automobile travelers  stopped "at the ancient hostelry of the late Daniel Baldwin" and were entertained by the Baldwin family.  (The Long-Islander Sept. 26, 1919)

In 1920, Frank and his son Daniel Jr. are again listed as owners of their farm with "hired man" James Williams as a "farm laborer".  (U.S. Census, 1920)

Disposing of the Farm

Horses for sale near the Motor Parway!  (The Long-Islander Apr. 29, 1921)

Things might have been getting tough for the Baldwins in the early 1920s as more horses were put up for auction by son Daniel.  "Anyone wishing horses for little money attend this sale".   (The Long-Islander Apr. 13, 1923)

A few years later the entire Frank Baldwin estate and farm was up for auction.   Take a look at what was available in the 400 odd lots including several automobiles, a Steinway Grand Piano and two radio sets.  I wonder if any of the autos were driven on the Motor Parkway!  Looks like there was plenty more than horses and chickens for sale!  (The Long-Islander Apr. 8, 1927)

By 1930, Frank at age 71 gave up being a farmer and is listed in the census as having no occupation.  The same goes for wife Estella and son Daniel Jr..   Another son Richard is shown as a teamster.  Frank died three years later in 1934.   (U.S. Census, 1930)

The Baldwin Family Cemetery

As was true on Long Island and elsewhere, many family cemeteries were created near where the family lived.   Such was the case of the Baldwins, whose members are buried in the Baldwin-Buffet Cemetery off of Deer Park Road; note the connection to the Vanderbilt name as the Vanderbilt Elementary School is directly across the cemetery.   

The cemetery contains roughly 50 graves and is located on a small hill next to a nursing home.  However, I doubt any Baldwins or Buffets were residents there!  

On a recent visit to Long Island I had the opportunity to visit the cemetery and the graves of several members of the Baldwin family including Frank (1858 - 1934) and first wife Frances (Fannie) (1864 - 1905).  

Patriarch Daniel J. Baldwin (1830 - 1909).

It appears Annie Baldwin, child of Daniel and Lettie died in 1870 at age 2.  

Lettie Baldwin

The family has a good view of Deer Park Road and the Vanderbilt Elementary School.  

The Vanderbilt name prominently displayed at the time of my visit.  

So here's the story of a long time farming family that lived near the Motor Parkway.  Next time you are in the area of the cemetery be sure to stop by and say hello!