The architectural and cultural fabric of Remsenburg has received a permanent shield of protection. The Austin Tuthill Family House, located at 149 South Country Road, has been officially designated as a Southampton Town Historic Landmark. Enacted by the Town Board following a comprehensive historic survey, this designation ensures that a critical piece of the community’s pioneering heritage will be preserved for generations to come.
Dating back to approximately 1820, the side-gable Colonial Revival-style dwelling represents over 150 years of continuous stewardship by the Tuthill family, one of the original settling forces of the Remsenburg and Speonk area. Originally occupied by Joseph Tuthill and later his son Austin, the property stayed in the family name until 1978. Architecturally, the home is a living timeline; its core structure retains original windows and hand-hewn timber framing fastened with wooden pegs, while late 19th- and early 20th-century porch and wall-dormer additions give it its distinct character.
Beyond its structural significance, the home serves as a repository of local civic memory. It was the longtime residence of Willis Byron Tuthill, a seminal local journalist and the 1930 editor of The Westhampton Press. His popular historical column, “Reminiscences,” famously captivated readers across the South Fork, including his renowned neighbor, author P.G. Wodehouse. Willis was also a foundational civic leader, serving as a charter member of the Remsenburg Association and helping spearhead the installation of the community’s War Memorial in 1948.
The path to landmark status was fortified by the current property owner, who completed a meticulous rehabilitation of the home between 2020 and 2021. The project carefully repaired the original windows, siding, and interior moldings, updating the infrastructure for modern residential use without compromising its historic integrity. A matching early 19th-century historic shed also remains preserved on the half-acre parcel.
By meeting the town’s strict criteria for architectural value and association with historic figures, the Austin Tuthill Family House stands as a triumph for local preservationists. The designation protects an irreplaceable asset at the heart of Remsenburg’s historic landscape, proving that the hamlet’s past remains an active part of its vibrant present.
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