This was my in-laws' home. My mother-in-law, Anne L. Abeles, was a remarkable woman. Though later an art historical specializing in 20th Century Abstract Art, Anne was probably the only woman of her generation who studied Industrial Design at Cooper Union. She also worked in advertising, and later in life, she taught Art History at Long Island University, and received her Phd at 75 from CUNY. Since I was a graphic designer and now fine artist, we had a special bond.
In the 1950's, after Anne and my father-in-law Julius started a family, she wrote to George Nelson with the proposition of being an experiment for an affordable, modern, suburban prototype. The house was designed to be modular, and was eventually enlarged without change to architectural integrity. Though the prototype never led to multiples, the home remains Modern in the classic sense, and it was as nifty inside as out. Anne furnished it in keeping with the architecture, primarily with Knoll furniture in a harmonious color palette. It has floor to ceiling windows, with shoji screens. The screens weren't necessarily as a cost saving device. They were for the windows, to keep the design clean and the space modular inside, with screens at the sides of the kitchen. You might say it was an early "Open Floor Plan." I think the current, second owner updated the kitchen, bathrooms, and floor plan as to be expected. I see the house as much as a testament to Anne Abeles as to George Nelson. I grew up in Roslyn in a conventional home, and had often passed the house in wonder. Being able to be in it, especially for family events, came as a special bonus with my wonderful hubby, John.
Great find in RLS files and very interesting history of steamboat travel. Bryant took an earlier ship from I think Glenwood Landing, but about 1871 started more often taking rail.
I love history and enjoyed exploring the area around the Valentine’s house. I feel it’s important to preserve the history of an area and not tear everything down. Thank you
Great comprehensive article about a house I always liked, didn't know anything about it. I even have Nelson's book. I was interested in having it on the RLS 2006 House Tour but it was deemed too modern.
I remember driving by that house often when I was a kid. It has been many, many years since I have been back to Roslyn, but seeing this photo jogged my memory immediately. Wish I could have seen the interior. Thank you so much for posting these wonderful
I remember driving by that house often when I was a kid. It has been many, many years since I have been back to Roslyn, but seeing this photo jogged my memory immediately. Wish I could have seen the interior. Thank you so much for posting these wonderful pictures. Our hometown boasts a wonderful diversity of architectural styles.
Comments
Bob, let's hope that we will have it on the 2020 House Tour!
From Profiles: Abeles House
Ned, it sure does!
From Profiles: Abeles House
Nancy, thanks for providing insight into this amazing house. I have revised the sentence on the shoji screens based on your comment.
From Profiles: Abeles House
This was my in-laws' home. My mother-in-law, Anne L. Abeles, was a remarkable woman. Though later an art historical specializing in 20th Century Abstract Art, Anne was probably the only woman of her generation who studied Industrial Design at Cooper Union. She also worked in advertising, and later in life, she taught Art History at Long Island University, and received her Phd at 75 from CUNY. Since I was a graphic designer and now fine artist, we had a special bond.
In the 1950's, after Anne and my father-in-law Julius started a family, she wrote to George Nelson with the proposition of being an experiment for an affordable, modern, suburban prototype. The house was designed to be modular, and was eventually enlarged without change to architectural integrity. Though the prototype never led to multiples, the home remains Modern in the classic sense, and it was as nifty inside as out. Anne furnished it in keeping with the architecture, primarily with Knoll furniture in a harmonious color palette. It has floor to ceiling windows, with shoji screens. The screens weren't necessarily as a cost saving device. They were for the windows, to keep the design clean and the space modular inside, with screens at the sides of the kitchen. You might say it was an early "Open Floor Plan." I think the current, second owner updated the kitchen, bathrooms, and floor plan as to be expected. I see the house as much as a testament to Anne Abeles as to George Nelson. I grew up in Roslyn in a conventional home, and had often passed the house in wonder. Being able to be in it, especially for family events, came as a special bonus with my wonderful hubby, John.
Nancy, thanks for providing insight into this amazing house. I have revised the sentence on the shoji screens based on your comment.
From Profiles: Abeles House
Great find in RLS files and very interesting history of steamboat travel. Bryant took an earlier ship from I think Glenwood Landing, but about 1871 started more often taking rail.
From News: Rare ticket for the steamer Idlewild for Roslyn (circa 1880) discovered in the Roslyn Landmark Society archives
I love history and enjoyed exploring the area around the Valentine’s house. I feel it’s important to preserve the history of an area and not tear everything down. Thank you
From Profiles: William Valentine House
As of 11:00 pm, Tuesday, April 6, 2021: There are vaccination appointments available at Stony Brook and the Javits Center.
From News: Latest COVID-19 update: Walgreens and CVS have rolled out the new COVID-19 booster
While Nelson was not responsible for the US Pavillion, this house sure does remind me of it. https://www.worldsfairphotos.com/nywf64/united-states.htm
Ned, it sure does!
From Profiles: Abeles House
Great comprehensive article about a house I always liked, didn't know anything about it. I even have Nelson's book. I was interested in having it on the RLS 2006 House Tour but it was deemed too modern.
Bob, let's hope that we will have it on the 2020 House Tour!
From Profiles: Abeles House
I remember driving by that house often when I was a kid. It has been many, many years since I have been back to Roslyn, but seeing this photo jogged my memory immediately. Wish I could have seen the interior. Thank you so much for posting these wonderful pictures. Our hometown boasts a wonderful diversity of architectural styles.
Agree! We are up to 199 profiles!
From Profiles: Abeles House
So beautiful
From Profiles: Homewood
As of 9:30 am Friday, April 2, 2021: There are available vaccination appointments avaialble on Long Island.
From News: Latest COVID-19 update: Walgreens and CVS have rolled out the new COVID-19 booster