“It’s a real shame … that it couldn’t be fixed in a way that maybe didn’t involve unions or necessarily employees of the county, but just people who could donate and have it all checked before it passed insurance or inspection or something,” McAvoy said. “It’s a shame we couldn’t call out to native craftsmen and people like Mr. Shaud” — West Hempstead Historical Society President John Shaud — “who could give their time and help and preserve something like that.”

Studdert said that the Restoration is already looking to repurpose the site where the Bedell House stood with new attractions to maintain its mid-19th-century ambience.

“The area will be made into a town square complete with a 19th century bandstand, which was originally designed to accommodate musical bands performing concerts and were considered a necessity in parks by the end of the 19th century,” she said. “Additionally, the new town square area will include a garden, which will be planted this summer.”