Old Mansions Never Die
George Davies’ younger days would be the envy of any boy. During the Great Depression in Oakdale, he and his brothers had the run of Pepperidge Hall, a giant 19th-century mansion in walking distance of a swimming hole and the Great South Bay. Plus they had a pet duck.
On this episode you’ll hear excerpts of a talk George gave on Sept. 15, 2015 sponsored by the Dowling College Library and the Oakdale Historical Society. He describes life in the 1930s, adventures in the mansion, and nearby neighbors like Arthur K. Bourne and Louise Ockers. We’ll also find out if Dutch Schultz was hiding nearby.
Many thanks to George for sharing these invaluable memories. Most of us think of the glory days of these mansions as the Gilded Age but many of them lived on through various incarnations. George gives us a glimpse into one of those periods when the glory had passed but there was still fun to be had and living to do.
Further Research
- The Story of Pepperidge Hall (Dowling Library Omnibus #36)
- Pepperidge Hall Estate (LI South Shore History wiki)
- Holland Farm (Dowling Library Omnibus #42)
- Oakdale Historical Society
One thought on “Old Mansions Never Die”
Chris, This indeed a prize. I need dates from you, at least two to set up appointments. Connie
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