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May 2007
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Section: WNY History
Historic Homestead Opens
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Exterior of the Benjamin Long Homestead.
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The 2007 season at the Benjamin Long Homestead, located in the city of Tonawanda, begins Sunday, May 20. Visitors will find a substantial cedar-sided log home built in 1829 by Benjamin Long. Visitors will hear the story of the Long family’s journey from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, to Tonawanda by Conestoga wagon in December, 1828. The family of seven lived in a one-room log cabin until the land could be cleared and the house built using lumber from trees grown on the property.
The Benjamin Long Homestead is a gracious example of Pennsylvania German architecture. This well-built structure features six-panel doors, a herringbone brick floor in the restored kitchen, six fireplaces and ten spacious, well appointed rooms. Two of these rooms have the original hand-hewn floors. Remnants of the original woodwork and chair rail are visible throughout the house.
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Fans, parasols and walking sticks from the historic
collection are currently on exhibit at the homestead.
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Every Wednesday and Friday from June 20 through September 1, concert goers picnic on the grounds in Gateway Harbor. During Canal Fest (July 15-22), the grounds are filled with special events from chain saw sculpture to line dancing. On July 31, the Lois McClure will be docked in front of the Homestead. This 88 foot replica of an 1862 canal schooner, on tour from the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, will be open to the public for free tours from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Everything on the boat is replicated for the 1862 time period and the deckhands who live on board for the summer become educational guides.
The homestead is located at 124 East Niagara Street in the City of Tonawanda. Admission is $4 and children and members of the Historcial Society of the Tonawandas are free. For information and group tours call the Historical Society at 694-7406.
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