Exploring Old Westbury Gardens: A Deep-Dive Into The Rich History on Long Island and in Nassau County.
Old Westbury Gardens is the former estate of businessman John Shaffer Phipps (1874–1958), an heir to the Phipps family fortune, in Nassau County, New York. Located at 71 Old Westbury Road in Old Westbury, it is nearby our Roofing and siding company. The property was converted into a museum home in 1959. It is open for tours from April through October. Visit here for more information.
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With absolutely stunning views and atmospheres, this is an essential location for all who want to experience the rich history of Long Island. The grounds are kept nice, it’s the perfect spot for taking pictures, proposals, or just a day with friends. I could spend hours here. The staff is very friendly and helpful. Purchase your tickets in advance and go during a season when the flowers are in full bloom, and you’ll get the full effect of the gardens. Also nearby Keenridge Construction, a Roofing and Siding company near me. We love to be able to support our community’s needs and relate to the rich history we all share by living on Long Island.
History
Work on the estate began in 1903, when John Shaffer Phipps promised his fiancée, Margarita Grace (a daughter of businessman Michael P. Grace), that he would build her a home in the United States that resembled her family’s British residence at Battle Abbey in Battle, East Sussex, England. The house was ready in 1906 for Phipps, his wife and their young children.
Westbury House, the Carolean Revival (Charles II style) mansion designed by British designer George A. Crawley with assistance from American architect Grosvenor Atterbury, contains 23 rooms. The grounds cover 160 acres (0.65 km2).
The painting of Mrs. Henry Phipps and Her Grandson Winston (1906–07) by John Singer Sargent hangs in the dining room. Winston Guest was the child, and his godfather was Winston Churchill.
Phipps Family History: The Value of Cultivating Relationships
September 27 is the 184th birth anniversary of Henry Phipps, Jr.—father of John S. Phipps, whose family called Westbury House and its surrounding gardens, woodlands, and park-like fields home for over half a century. Henry Phipps is known for his business partnerships with Andrew and Thomas Carnegie that greatly contributed to the enormous growth of the iron and steel industry centered in Pittsburgh during the latter half of the 19th century.
Ever mindful of his humble origins as the son of a cobbler who emigrated from England, to the US seeking a better economic life for his family, Henry committed to cultivating a better life for those in his neighborhood and beyond. He recognized education as fundamental to a person’s well-being and advocated for—and financially supported—institutions in his native Pittsburgh that provided occupational training opportunities for young men and, rare at that time, young women. He funded public libraries in Allegheny City and even opened up his home on Saturday evenings for informal educational discussions about astronomy, and international cultures.
Henry Phipps (left) visits the Phipps Conservancy in 1915.
He also recognized the necessity for institutions that prompted public interest in the natural world and public areas of respite. His crowning achievement in this area was the formation of the Phipps Conservatory first in his native Allegheny City, which would soon thereafter expand to the newly established civic park and gardens, Schenley Park. Henry provided additional funding for facilities that would enhance the learning experience for school children when they visited the Conservatory.
Faithful to Henry’s legacy since its establishment in 1959, Old Westbury Gardens has always welcomed school groups to connect with the natural world as well as Long Island history. In the 2000s, Old Westbury Gardens committed to a partnership with Westbury School District that provides STEM programming to early learners free of charge (see below gallery). This fall and spring each kindergarten student will visit the Gardens at least twice for a hands-on learning experience. With support from NY State, this program will now expand to the next level of grades.
This summer, Old Westbury Gardens formalized its support of local arts initiatives and began to partner with Westbury Arts to support common goals and encourage artistic expressions that bring communities together and stir their imaginations. Plans are underway to develop joint exhibitions and programs in 2024 to cultivate and showcase the visual arts, poetry, spoken word and theatrical performances.
See more recommendations from Keenridge about things to do on Long Island below:
