36 Main St, Roslyn, NY, 11576

Jerusha Dewey Cottage

1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor

Date Built1862
Original UseCottage
Restoration StatusOngoing
Roslyn Landmark Society Covenant No
View House Tour Details 1982 (Page 82)

Project Files

2020 08 15 9 14 09

Adapted from the 1982 House Tour Guide (Page 82)

In 1862 William Cullen Bryant commissioned a design from the artist and architect Frederick S. Copley for a cottage to be erected on his estate in Roslyn. The guest cottage was built for Bryant's friend Jerusha Dewey and her brother Unitarian minister Orville Dewey.

When General Lloyd Stevens Bryce purchased the property in 1900, he built his estate Clayton nearby but needed a larger guest house after he was appointed minister to the Netherlands and Luxembourg under President Hoover.

The entire first floor of the Dewey cottage was placed on stilts and a new first floor was built underneath. The structure is in the Gothic Revival style. Teddy Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson are known to have stayed at this house.

Upon Henry Clay Frick's death, Childs decided to renovate the house and give it a new name, 'Leftover Cottage'. Upon the departure of most of their staff during World War 2, the Fricks moved into the house, but before they did Childs had the firm of Innocenti & Webel give the house a little landscaping. The Fricks enjoyed living here so much they stayed in the house 6 years after the war ended before moving back into Clayton.

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2 Comments
Joan Harrison

The cottage is now in totally disgraceful condition. It should be used for artist and or writers residencies. Nassau County spends a fortune on signs with elected officials names on them and totally disregards the architectural and cultural treasures it should be stewarding. Nassau has an enduring legacy of neglect and shortsightedness.

Mary Ann McCluskey

I would be interested in discussing the possibility of purchasing this house for my personal use. The culture, character and earthy beauty has caught my eye and touched my heart. I very much would like to discuss this with whomever the decision maker is at their earliest convenience. Thank you.