Ludlam Building facts for kids
The Ludlam Building is a historic building in Oyster Bay, New York. It was built in the Greek Revival style, which was popular a long time ago. Over the years, it has been home to many different shops. These included a dry goods store, a grocery store, and even a clothing shop. Even though it has faced several fires, its strong brick walls are still standing today.
The Ludlam Building's Story
Building a New Store
The Ludlam Building is named after James Ludlam. He built this two-story brick building in 1849. But James Ludlam's business in Oyster Bay started even earlier. Since 1836, he had a dry goods store in a different building. That first store was on the corner of Spring Street and West Main.
Next to his first store was a building with a cabinetmaker and a tailor. A group called the Sons of Temperance also met there. On November 6, 1848, a fire started in the cabinetmaker's shop. It quickly burned down that building. The fire then spread to James Ludlam's store and completely destroyed it.
Instead of rebuilding in the same spot, James Ludlam bought new land. He chose a corner lot on West Main and South Street. There, he built the sturdy brick building you see today. James Ludlam's business was very successful. He later passed it on to his sons, James and Fredrick.
Fighting the Flames
James and Fredrick Ludlam eventually sold the building to Roger Royce. Mr. Royce ran a grocery store there in 1907. He then faced a big challenge, much like James Ludlam had. A fire started nearby at the Long's Opera House. The fire quickly spread to other buildings.
Luckily, the Atlantic Steamer Fire Company rushed to help. They used their special Silsby Steamer, pulled by horses. The firefighters got water from Anthony's Brook, which flowed down South Street. They bravely fought the huge fire. The Opera House was destroyed, along with a house and a hat shop. But the Post Office and the Ludlam Building were saved. They were scorched, but still standing!
New Beginnings
Soon after the fire, Mr. Royce sold the building. The Kursman brothers bought it. They opened a dry goods and clothing store. Later, David Bernstein joined them in their business. They continued running the store into the 1930s.
Then, on April 12, 1932, fire struck again. This time, the inside of the Ludlam Building was completely burned. All the items for sale and the store's equipment were lost. Only the strong brick walls remained. After this fire, David Bernstein rebuilt the building. He opened a popular clothing store called Dave's Shop. He ran this shop for more than thirty years.
Today, this Greek Revival brick building is one of the oldest stores in the village. It has been home to Appliance World for over ten years. It stands as a reminder of Oyster Bay's long history.
