Basket Maker's House | A Staten Island Historical Home

This simple one and a half story home was built in 1810, and was originally located on Richmond Avenue in New Springville. Its earliest known owner was James S. Decker, followed by John DuPuy  and his wife Susan Ann, who lived there with their three children and nephew. In the early 1950s the City of New York took possession of the property, and after the last resident it was boarded up until being brought to Historic Richmond Town in 1965.

How this house received its name

This house reflects many of the residents who lived in New Springville at the time. They partook in not only water relative activities such as oystering, but also part- time farming and basket making. Basket making was one of the many traditional crafts practiced by rural Staten…

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Dorothy Valentine Smith House| A Staten Island Historical Home

Dorothy Valentine Smith was a historian that resided in Staten Island, New York. Smith was a published author as well as a founding member of Richmond Town Restoration, Board of the Staten Island Historical Society, Richmond County Chapter, and Daughter of the American Revolution. Ms.Smith was also the president of the Visiting Nurses Association. She was very passionate about preserving the history of our one and only Staten Island. 

The Dorothy Valentine Smith House is located on the North Shore of the island at 1213 Clove Road. It was built in between the years of 1893 and 1895 by Dorothys father, John Frederick Smith. When John passed, Dorothy resided in the house and like her father was interested in cultural life, Staten Island civic groups,…

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The Elsworth House | A Staten Island Historic Home

The Elsworth House, located in the South Shore of Staten Island, at 90 Bayview Ave in Prince's Bay, received its name from the original owners,  John and Elizabeth Elsworth. The house was built around 1880, during which Prince's Bay became a major focal point of the oyster industry. John Elsworth was an oyster planter, and his home demonstrates the prosperity of the industry at the time.

History Behind The Elsworth House

As aforementioned, John Elsworth was an oyster planter. From early in his life he became involved in the oyster planting business alongside his uncles. He moved to Staten Island in 1977, after marrying to his wife, Elizabeth Waters Jones. Together, they bought what is now the historic Elsworth House on April 7, 1879, and resided…

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Schoverling House | Staten Island | Historic Homes

This house was built in between the years of 1880 and 1882 in Second Empire style for August and Augusta Schoverling. This house is located in St George, Staten Island. House owner August Schoverling had immigrated from Germany to New York in the year 1859. Schoverling was an importer and distributor of firearms. The August and Agusta Schoverling house is located at Westervelt Avenue and Benzinger Avenue. After August and Augusta passed away the second owner of the house was Judge Morgan L. Ryan. Ryan was born Upstate New York in the year 1867.In 1907, he was appointed a judge of the Court of Special Sessions of the City of New York. Judge Ryan retired in January 1924. Judge Ryan became President of Richmond County Society For the Prevention of Cruelty to…

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27 Lakeview Terrace, Staten Island, New York

This stunning lakeside retreat home with a water view will simply take your breath away. This 2 bedroom, 2 and a half bathroom home is located near the Staten Island Train, Verrazano Narrows Bridge, and express bus stops for easy access off the island to New Jersey, Brooklyn, and Manhattan.  It's a great place to  kick back and relax, with a huge lounging area, hot tub, and outdoor shower. Inside you'll find a very modern taste kitchen with all stainless appliances. A living room with a fireplace for a very cozy winter and a dining room with a breathtaking water view. Work from home? There's a private office with plenty of space to work in…

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Casa Beldevere | A Staten Island Historical Home

In one of the most lavish neighborhoods on Staten Island, Grymes Hill, Casa Belvedere resides there as a cultural inspiration. Previously just a 100 year old home built for prominent members of New York (the granddaughters of the Brooklyn Bridge builder, Louis and Laura Stirn) it has been transformed into an Italian cultural center. Constructed in 1908 the three acre estate was just one of the beautiful homes that were scattered on Staten Island, including the Vanderbilt home not so far from it. Today it has been renamed Casa Belvedere which means “house with a beautiful view” which is arguably perfectly fitting since it has a breath taking view of the New York Harbor as well as the Verrazano Bridge. The home has been a New York City historic landmark…

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Alice Austen House | A Staten Island Historical Home

The Alice Austen House, also known as Clear Comfort, is nestled in Rosebank at 2 Hylan Boulevard. It received its name from Alice Austen, one of America's earliest and most accomplished women photographers.

History Behind The Alice Austen House

Originally, this home was built as a one room Dutch farmhouse, but was saved from demolition in the 1960s. The home, built in the 1690s, was purchased by John Haggerty Austen, Alice Austen's Grandfather. Circa 1725, the room that became the present parlor was added, and at mid century, the dining room/kitchen wing was constructed. Throughout this 25 year period which John Austen took to restore the home, he was able to alter the original home into a Victorian Gothic cottage. In the late 1860s is when the…

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The Seguine Mansion | A Staten Island Historical Home

This Greek Revival structure lies on the South Shore of the island, located at 441 Seguine Avenue. The home received its name from James Seguine who purchased the land which the mansion sits on between 1780 and 1786. Seguine Avenue and Seguine Point in Princes Bay were also named after this family's ancestors which first settled on Staten Island in 1706.

History Behind The Seguine Mansion

The Seguine Mansion was first built around 1840 by James Seguine's Grandson, Joseph Seguine. Joseph not only operated the family's prosperous oyster-harvesting business, but he also founded the Staten Island Oil and Candle-making Company, and owned extensive farmland. Even after Joseph's death, the house remained in the family until 1868 when financial difficulties…

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Dogs: The Benefits and Drawbacks

Dogs can be a wonderful addition to any family! Between the many different breeds and mixes there are, there is surely a brilliant companion out there for you. According to Julien Martinez, a spokesman for the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, "Staten Island has the highest estimated percentage of the population owning one or more dogs - 32 percent." So, in New York City's least populate borough, there are actually more dogs. Officials believe this could be due to the type of housing on Staten Island, which provides more yard space for pets.

While this abundance of dogs can be a positive thing, there are also downsides to having a dog such as the possibility of the dog becoming violent as well as the insurance aspect of being a pet owner. In a…

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Top Producers 2016

The Real Estate profession might be one of the toughest careers around. However, with a lot of hard work, honesty, knowledge, and determination, it can be one of the most rewarding. Those who survive in this commission based profession have to love their job and persevere. Suzanne and I recently told our agents that our policy of surrounding ourselves with good people allow great things to happen. We are very proud of each and every agent and staff member because of these amazing people, Tom Crimmins Realty sold 532 homes in 2016 and opened a third location in the Tottenville area. We now have a presence in the North Shore, Mid-Island, and the South Shore. This past Thursday, March 23rd, SIBOR recognized Top Producers islandwide. These Top Producers…

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