The Caldwell Mansion Abandoned After Railroad Investment Failure

The Caldwell family established Lindenhurst Mansion on Brookfield Avenue in the town of Westmere in 1907 after George Caldwell purchased the property using profits from railroad investments. George, his wife Margaret, their two daughters, and George’s brother lived in the three-story Queen Anne residence. The family income came from railroad shares, land investments, and commercial holdings.

Historical records described Lindenhurst Mansion as a prominent neighborhood home, maintained through George’s financial success before unstable markets damaged his investments and household security.

The first warning sign appeared in 1929 when several railroad companies reduced dividends and George’s investment income sharply declined. By 1931, he received overdue notices for property taxes and outstanding loans secured against his holdings. The family dismissed household employees, closed the upper turret rooms, and postponed repairs to the marble steps, veranda, and copper roof. The railroad investment failure of 1933 caused personal debts, foreclosure proceedings, and the loss of several properties. In 1934, George and Margaret left Lindenhurst Mansion, moving to a smaller apartment with their daughters after legal action began.

Lindenhurst Mansion was abandoned in 1935 after the railroad investment failure, foreclosure process, and accumulated debts ended the Caldwell family’s ownership. No restoration occurred, and no Caldwell relatives returned to live in the residence. County records later documented unsuccessful auctions and repair estimates considered too expensive for preservation. Furniture, financial papers, and personal items remained inside while weather damaged the limestone details, copper roof, and wooden decorations. Over decades, hydrangeas covered the garden and the marble statue deteriorated beside the porch. The Queen Anne Victorian mansion remains empty on Brookfield Avenue, continuing to deteriorate without restoration or a confirmed future owner.