HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Pat & Bill Milford House a
Southold Town Preservation Award
Presented To
Bill and Pat Milford
For The Restoration and Preservation of Their Home
andma Preservat'on Commission
Presented this
31 st Day of May
1994 Southold Town Supervisor
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The Pat and Bill Milford House
Studies'of this house indicate that it was originally composed of two parlors separated'by
a central chimney stack and a kitchen running the 30 feet across the back. This floor plan is found
in many early Southold houses. The now-exposed hand-hewn beams still show the smoke stains
of the central fireplaces, especially in the kitchen area.
The general structure of the house has been carefully preserved during its many alter-
ations, thereby revealing much of its rich history. Tapered corner posts are preserved, and wind
braces remain in the front corners of both parlors. Wind-brace remains also show that the original
windows were narrower than today's but were situated on both sides of the front door, similar to
the present arrangement. Floor sleepers are oak, flattened on top to hold the floorboards but with
the bark left on the rest of the wood. Notches to accommodate 'dust stops'are seen in these sleep-
ers. Both notches and bark indicate a mid- to late-1700 date.
Bill and Pat Milford acquired the house 22 years ago and have continued to restore and
improve the house. When a house has been lived in continually for over 200 years, history and
fashion dictate changes. This house shows the effect of Victorian influences. Changes in houses
very often indicate the relative prosperity of its owners and styles of the period. The Milfords rec-
ognized the value of these changes and dealt with them with compassion and good taste.
Some of the changes made by the Milfords during their tenure include exposing the
beams, posts and braces as well as the-floor boards. This old wood gives a warm feeling to the
rooms, displaying the history of the house. A fireplace was added on the south wall. Footings
were improved and the house was spruced up. Some tasteful additions were made in the rear and
a beautiful wraparound porch was recently completed.
Indeed, the Iove and care shown by Pat and Bill Milford demonstrate in the best way what
our Preservation Award is all about. By preserving their house they share its historical wealth
with the rest of Southold Town.
FO the ndmark Commission
John A. Stack Chairman
May 31,1994
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