Collection of specifications for the Dennistoun M. Bell Estate (Amagansett, Long Island, New York), 1915-1935
Collection context
- Creator:
- Frost, Frederick G and Trowbridge & Livingston
- Extent:
- 1 manuscript boxes
- Language:
- English
- Scope and content:
-
The collection includes 39 items: 33 specifications by Trowbridge & Livingston dating from Sep. 1915 to Mar. 1916, 4 specifications by Frederick Frost, dating from May 1923 to Nov. 1935; Construction Agreement; Bill of Sale for light fixtures; and a blueprint of Docks & Floats
- Biographical / historical:
-
Dennistoun M. Bell (1879-1954) began developing an estate in Amagansett in 1915, initially purchasing 155 acres. By his death in 1954, the estate had expanded to 550 acres, making it one of the largest private estates on Long Island. The main building, known as Broadview, was a 21-room Georgian-style home designed by Trowbridge & Livingston. Broadview was completed in 1916 and had required over 13,000 pounds of cement during construction.
In addition to the main residence, Trowbridge & Livingston also designed various outbuildings, including a large garage, stable, gardener's cottage, keeper's cottage, yacht dock, and floats. In 1923, Bell commissioned architect Frederick G. Frost to design a frame dwelling for the estate. Bell later hired Frost again in the 1930s to construct an ice house, garage, and incline lift building. The estate was said to resemble a small community, and had various amenities including a private fire truck.
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
This collection is available for use by appointment in the Department of Drawings & Archives, Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library, Columbia University. For further information, please email avery-drawings@library.columbia.edu.
- Terms of access:
-
Avery Drawings & Archives maintains ownership of the physical material only. Copyright remains with the creator or their heirs. The responsibility to secure copyright permission rests with the patron. Contact avery-drawings@columbia.edu for more information.
- Location of this collection:
- Before you visit:
- Researchers are encouraged to request materials at least one month in advance. You will receive an email from the department within 2-3 business days confirming your request and currently available appointment times. Requests are limited to 8 boxes per day (or equivalent), with a maximum of 5 boxes for off-site materials, 5 folders of drawings, or 5 rolls or tube boxes.
- Contact:
- avery-drawings@columbia.edu