What an incredible turnout for lovers of history! Thank you to Dr. Julie Seely and her son Dev Seely for sharing the remarkable story of the Skinny House and its African American architect Nathan Seely. The event was a sell out and attended by visitors from far and wide including Seely descendants, members of the Mamaroneck Historical Society, cosponsors from the American Women of African Heritage and the Friends of the African American Cemetery in Rye where ancestors of the Seely family are interred.
Nathan Seely, a talented carpenter and building contractor, worked closely with first-generation immigrants during the 1920s, establishing a successful business to respond to the wish of “every individual of every color or race to have a clean, decent place in which to house his family.” But his fortune like that of many others was wiped out by the Great Depression. He suddenly found himself without a house for his own family. Ever determined, in 1932, he built a narrow house on land given to him by Italian-American neighbors in the Washingtonville section of Mamaroneck. Guests learned about the entire Seely family’s perseverance and resiliency during times of great hardship. They were shown rare artifacts from the family’s collection including precise architectural plans and period brochures offering home building services to those who were otherwise disenfranchised during the 1920s and 30s.
The audience was encouraged to preserve their own family narratives by engaging younger generations in genealogical research and legacy building. Dave Thomas, a board member of the Westchester County Historical Society applauded the work of the Seely family. A book signing and reception followed including tours of the gardens and the Rich Soil exhibit. Can’t wait to see this story brought to the stage!
Photos by Kim Crichlow. Learn more here.
