[Fredslist] Gotham Visits Coe Hall at Planting Fields, Oyster Bay

[bonnie schinagle]

On the invitation of Renee Bradley, thirty one Gothamites gathered at Coe
Hall in Oyster Bay on Sunday morning.  Renee's company, Interior
Restoration, Inc., restores historic  homes on Long Island and helps clients
build new structures in keeping with historical Long Island style.  Renee is
a member of Gotham Long Island Women and a newly appointed Planting Fields
Foundation trustee.  She generously arranged for a private tour by the
Foundation's executive director, the engaging Henry Joyce.



Our tour began with an introduction to the Foundation and its work.  Mr.
Joyce explained that New York State owns and operates the park, but that the
Foundation maintains Coe Hall and the other buildings on the grounds.  The
Foundation raises funds to support the State's activities in the arboretum.
 We learned so much from Mr. Joyce's presentation about the house, the Coe
family and life during the bygone era of the 1920's.  His explanations made
the place come alive.



No expense was spared in creation of this 1921 Gold Coast estate by the man
who had been president of the prominent insurer, Johnson & Higgins.  His
second wife, Mai Coe, with whom Coe built the house, was the daughter of one
of Standard Oil's founders.  The house was designed as an Elizabethan manor,
and a portrait of Queen Elizabeth hangs in the entry hallway.  Details
abound. For example, a hidden bar was placed in one of the front
wood-paneled sitting rooms in anticipation of prohibition.  A detailed mural
depicting Yellowstone, replete with buffalo, antelope and hawks covers the
vaulted breakfast room.  The mural was created by Robert Winthrop Chanler, a
prominent artist of the day.





Mr. Joyce explained that the gardens were used as entertainment spaces.  Mai
Coe was responsible for the design of a sunken Italian garden that can be
seen from her room.  Our own Renee Bradley was instrumental in the
restoration of that very same garden.   The 100 year old tea house was in
perfect condition - a must see.



The estate allowed its many immigrant servants – as many as 18 - gain a
foothold in this country.  Though the house was equipped with modern
conveniences to make work on the estate more palatable, servants tended to
seek better employment elsewhere.  Increasing taxes and heating costs
ultimately made the estate life-style difficult to maintain.  Mai Coe had
died and Mr. Coe remarried.  He and his third wife turned their attentions
to a southern estate, though the third Mrs. Coe maintained a small house at
Planting Fields until her death.   Mr. Coe sold Planting Fields to New York
State and the property was converted for use as part of SUNY in 1955.  Coe
Hall was used for housing until 1971.  By that time, the Coe descendants had
taken the furnishings from the property.  The Foundation has been successful
in getting approximately 80% of the furniture returned.



If you weren’t able to share our visit to Coe Hall, definitely visit at
another time.  The docents are extremely knowledgeable, and Mr. Joyce
presents interesting exhibitions.  An Elizabethan Celebration will be held
at Coe Hall on Saturday, December 4, 2010 from 6:30 until 9 p.m. to benefit
the Planting Fields Foundation.  Renee Bradley is chairing the event, so it
should be wonderful.  A cocktail buffet will be served.  For reservations,
call (516)922-8678 or e-mail  Jlavella at plantingfieldsorg.



Both Coe Hall and Planting Fields are remarkable Long Island treasures.  Please
support their efforts.  The Foundation’s website is
www.plantingfieldsfoundation.org.  Renee, I hope I speak on behalf of
everyone who attended the tour in thanking you for making the effort to
arrange this special introduction to Coe Hall.


Bonnie Spiro Schinagle
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