News: John ColtraneHome Endangered
(Long Island, N.Y.) The home of late jazz musician John Coltrane was listed as America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places. The list is determined annually and often targets New York City and Long Island landmarks. The modest home, located in Dix Hills, was once inhabited by Coltrane and his family.
Coltrane lived in the home until his death in 1967, and according to his son, was known to spend days in the bedroom while writing music. His masterpiece hit called “A Love Supreme” is an iconic piece of music for most jazz aficionados. Reports stated that the hit was one of the many songs Coltrane wrote while living in the Dix Hills home during his fascinating rise to stardom.
The son of the jazz legend claimed that he was honored by the level of importance the yearly list gave to his old quarters. The Dix Hills home is one of many landmarks in the area to have made the listing, and joins Prentice Women’s Hospital in Chicago, Fort Gains in Alabama, and Belmead in Virginia. The National Trust for Historic Preservation has attempted to help keep many of the landmarks listed.
Some of the New York City landmarks that have made the list include the World Trade Center, the Brooklyn Waterfront, and the Lower East Side. Reports stated that a local organization known as the Friends of the Coltrane Home purchased the property in 2006. According to sources, the group needed to raise an estimated million dollars to keep the home intact.
The president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation claimed that the home is a great candidate for preservation despite its modesty. It has been described as a typical suburban home that may function by helping inspire residents into believing that dreams can initiate in their own backyards. The National Trust for Historic Preservation urges residents in the area to donate to the organization and aid them in retaining parts of an era.
Reports stated that Coltrane’s home has deteriorated due to lack of funds and despite the efforts of the local group in taking ownership of the property. Some sources claimed that the home would eventually be converted into an education center after being restored to appropriate standards. Nonetheless, it is believed that more support is needed to actualize the group’s plans.
One attempt to raise money to save the historic landmark employed a text-message system, allowing concerned residents to text for their donations. Many Long Islanders claimed that the Coltrane home is one of many timeless places subjected to possible extinction. Months ago, a member of the legendary Gold Coast Mansions on Long Island’s North Shore was demolished due to stiff property taxes and maintenance costs. Some residents tried without success to challenge the demolishment of the dilapidated mansion, which had since depreciated in value.
