Authored by: Laurie Mindnich
October 19th, 2008
When we first moved to Southold, New York in 2002, there was a structure in our neighborhood called the General Wayne Inn.
Situated oddly, Sean’s father explained that he had in fact dined at this opulent eatery located in the residential area of Bayview- it was a destination spot often navigated on foot, as those in the area were able to combine a nice walk with a fine meal.
The building was abandoned when we viewed it, but still intact- clearly devastated by a fire of some sort, it was destined to deteriorate without immediate intervention.
Below are photos of this once-grand establishment, along with a recent town meeting addressing the uncertain future of this once glorious structure.
It has increasingly become an eyesore, due to the lack of maintenance and preservation that the owner was unable to provide for it.
I’d love to see it purchased and restored, but as the years go by, all elements worthy of restoration seemingly grow legs- where a sign once proclaimed it’s identity, there is now simply an empty and rotting post.
Laurie, I can't imagine how elegant that place must have once been---and how far it has been allowed to disintegrate. I am sorry too that they don't seem to find preserving these beautiful old buildings on Long Island is not worth the time or effort--or money. There is so little left of what I remember growing up and it saddens me.....
Wouldn't it be great if someone bought this and restored it. Who knows, it may happen. Looks like it was a nice structure and location however when things deteriorate to this extent it is sometimes easier to take it down and start all over.
Carole, according to Sean's father, it was a really fun place- very much a part of the neighborhood scene.
Miriam, when we arrive here, it had clearly undergone a fire of some sort, but was not beyond restoration, the way that it is now- sad!
Laurie, I don't know if you are familiar with Oheka Castle--which was in total ruins. They restored that incredible place one section at a time to it's old opulence--and now there's a waiting list to get married or have a function there. It can be done and might well be worth it for the people that can invest time and money.
Laurie it is unfortunate that this did not get restored. The Rhinecliff Hotel wich I have written about was in disrepair but thankfully it was restored and is now a real beauty.
How does the place look on the inside? It is possible to repair the structure with much money. Look at the Hawkins House which was at least just as bad or even worse. How is the bar, is it salvagable? It is shame with it's condition but nothing is impossible to fix.
Jennifer, per the town minutes, sounds like this property is being considered for a purchase- I'd rather see it restored, and have a cool place to socialize in the neighborhood!
David, when we looked at it (peeked in intact windows) in 2002, it was certainly in better shape than it appears now- because all of the lower windows are boarded up now, seeing inside isn't possible. The bar, back then, was (as I recall) quite nice- now you've got me curious enough to take another peek! You're absolutely right- enough money will put anything back together. I'm guessing that local construction companies would love a good challenge right now, and what a help it would be for those involved in a restoration.
Hi Laurie,
You've got my history teacher curiosity up. Was this inn named after the Revolutionary War General "Mad Anthony" Wayne? He was involved with Gen. Washington's NY area campaigns in the Rev. War. Just wondering if your husband knew the story on that(not that you didn't!). It amazes me that even as large as Long Island is to see parts of open space. I am so ignorant of the NY area.
Anything to update on what has happened since? Just enjoying reading through your blogs. Hope you share something soon! You are fun to read and I love your dry sense of humor!
Hey, Bruce!
The only story that we knew was that it was a GREAT place to socialize (the ability to walk home being key), but I'll look into it! We've had some inquiries as to the status of the property- so far, just a continued deterioration, with no effort to provide any sort of maintenance...looks increasingly like a tear down. Sad!!
Laurie, sounds like a great place for the police to stake out when it closed every night. Was anyone ever apprehended for "HIT and RUN" walking staggering??? ^_~
Public drunks were probably passed out in the long grass next to the pond, or perhaps at the nearby beach- not causing trouble, just relaxing until the General Wayne had its Sunday brunch! It really is in the middle of a residential area, which makes it a compelling challenge for a restauranteur to take advantage of those that remember, and those that have heard the tales, and would be automatic regulars!
Sign me up...
We were going through a box of old family photos and came acrss several of the General Wayne Inn. It was noted on them that the inn was owned by my aunt, Aline Barbier, from 1931 'til 1937.
Just a point of curiousity for those who like to keep track of local historical tidbits.
George, I'd love to have you post them- amazing! I'm quite certain that it was a lovely home- it would have been nice for someone to work with what remained after the fire to return it to it's former glory, minus the restaurant (if those in Bayview objected to potential traffic). Not sure why it is being allowed to simply deteriorate! Thank you for your insight.
I was in Southold in 98-99 and then I met a man named Vince Rossi who was actually in the middle of restoring the inn. I was to run it but clearly he was running out of money, so I had to bail. Too bad I know the building well as I actually lived upstairs for a few months. He bought the bar from the Astor hotel in Mid town. and it is a beautiful bar.
Mark, I'm not sure that the bar remains- it's deteriorated even more from the pics above- part of the roof is caved in. Very sad- it's a great structure...
Morgan, I would RUN, not walk- maybe I'll check it out today to see what happened...but "eerie" is the perfect description for its current state. Thanks for the insight- think I'll go when it's still light out...
very sad! my father owned the inn back in 60,s.we lived upstairs.