Winfield Hall Photo Gallery by James Robertson at pbase.com

Winfield Hall

The former summer home of F.W. Woolworth. It was completed in 1917 with the marble foyer and staircase alone costing more than two million dollars.

1/19/17 - Newsday ran an online article, "Secrets of Glen Cove's Woolworth Mansion" by Ian J. Stark. You can see and read it here: http://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/recreation/secrets-of-glen-cove-s-woolworth-mansion-1.11922909

1/28/2015 - News today showed there was a serious fire at the mansion.
Newsday headliner - "Part of a wing in Glen Cove's historic Woolworth mansion was burned and millions of dollars in "priceless" woodwork and decor forever gone when flames erupted Wednesday in a first-floor bedroom."
From pictures I have seen it looks like it started in the former Billiard Room, which is 3rd, 4th & 5th windows to the right of the front portico.
The million dollar staircase is in the middle of the mansion behind the portico and hopefully was spared damage as it was buffered from the billiard room by the dining room. The Grand Ballroom and Mr. Woolworth's bedroom are on the left of the portico (west end) and away from the fire.

Note 1: I had express permission from the owners of Winfield Hall to take these pictures. It is private property and is not open to the public.

Note 2: Many people have asked me about the Winfield Hall's current status. The following is a copy of an a article in NEWSDAY's Reality Section dated 4/30/10 by Valerie Kellogg and Cathy Mahon:

If you saw the historic Woolworth mansion in Glen Cove come back on the market and then quickly disappear, there's good reason: HBO has secured the 1917 estate as a location for the upcoming "Mildred Pierce" miniseries starring Kate Winslet, and for now the estate is off the market.

City officials confirmed that filming on the remake of the 1945 movie will take place for several days starting May 7.

Winfield Hall, as the house also is known, was built for businessman F. W. Woolworth. It is owned by Martin Carey, brother of former Gov. Hugh Carey. He has put the home on and off the market throughout the years.

It was most recently listed with Glen Key Realty for $19.5 million. The nine-bedroom, 10-bath, one half-bath house is on 16.5 acres with a carriage house and a 16,000-square-foot office building. The manse features a clock tower, a marble spiral staircase and marble fireplaces.

The HBO production also will star Evan Rachel Wood and Guy Pearce.

Note 3: 4/11/11 - Part 5 of Mildred Pierce premiered on HBO last night. It contains extensive scenes shot at Winfield Hall. It is a must see for those of you interested in this magnificent structure. There is only a brief night-time glimpse of the building in one of the other parts. It is interesting to see how they added palm trees, etc. as the house is supposed to be in California, the setting for the story.

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GRACE		13-Jul-2018 14:43
THIS IS GRACE AGAIN. HAVE FOUND MANY OF MY ROOMMATES/CLASSMATES. ATTENDED 69-70 WITH RITA, JANET, KAREN, KARIN, MARLEEN, SHIRLEY, ANNE, LYNN, LINNIE, LINDA, KRIS, PHYLLIS. LIVED ON 2ND FLOOR, 1ST ROOM ON THE LEFT PASSED THE PHONES WITH SIX OTHER ROOMMATES AND BATHROOM IN OUR ROOM. IT ALL WORKED OUT AND WE HAD SUCH FUN. WOULD LIKE TO CONTACT JUDI WOOLWORTH DONAHUE. ANY SUGGESTIONS?

Cindy		19-Feb-2018 15:23
My best friends, (they lived three houses from me EJ and Georgine Borges) Their mother Dotty Borges ran her mothers school, Gimma ( short for grandma) Our neighbor Mrs. Ether Schwartz was the dorm woman who watched over the students at night. We were close neighbors, she told me about the hauntings. My mom taught about hair and hairpieces at the school. I was at the birthday parties for my best friends, EJ (Eugene John) and Georgene. Grace Downs husband Packy ( a former Green Bay Packard) used to pick us up in the little bus and drive us to the parties. He died in Georgia. I too had the pink and gray cardigan sweater. I grew up going there. My favorite room was the music room with the organ and secret passageways.When we were teenagers we would sneak and swim in the pool at night. I wish I could bring my friends back. EJ committed suicide when I was 16, I was never the same. His sister Geogene committed suicide years later. Broke my heart. Their little brother Danny still lives in Glen Cove. I hope this helps with the history of the Grace Downs school.

Peggy Michel		16-Nov-2017 17:50
I posted in 2012 and I totally forgot to update. It's 2017 and my husband Keith (a Webb graduate) became President of Webb in 2013. So it's a full circle for me...we live on campus in the President's House and enjoy the students and campus life.

Alice Powell Peck		20-Jul-2016 20:07
I attended Grace Downs School from September of 64 to June of 65. As a country girl from Vermont it was quite an experience. In September when school first started I shared a room on the third floor with 7 roommates....Chris Crawford, Linda Ruggles, Andrea DuBino, Valerie Peti and a Mary Beth (?). There was another girl from NH and one from NJ. Tho I can see the faces the names escape me. I was awed by the beautiful building but but it seems like most rooms were off limits to us. Also fond memories of the Gold Coast.

Guest		05-May-2016 02:22
By the way, back in 1970s, there absolutely was a swimming pool! Best Summer and tan ever! I too could not see the two statutes and wondered if I mis-remember until someone else mentioned that she too misses the statues! Great times as a Gracie Girl!

Lourdes Kelly		05-May-2016 01:51
Wow, I too attended Grace Downs I 1970-71! My dorm was on 2nd floor, one of the large rooms. With at least 3 sets of bunk beds. Roommates & friends: Kathy, Cheryl, Linda, 2 Debbies, one from Michigan. Lynn from the Poconos. My name was María. Married a Webbie too. Anyone remember?

GoldCoast		21-Mar-2016 06:24
How do I reach out to the owner?

Matt		21-Mar-2016 06:23
I would love to visit. How can i

Judi Woolworth Donahue		11-Feb-2016 02:32
Hi, these are lovely photos of my great grandfathers house! I am Judi Woolworth Donahue, great granddaughter of FW Woolworth. These pictures are absolutely beautiful!

Leah Solis		17-Jul-2015 15:00
I was in the class of 1973/74. I loved walking the grounds and eating in that beautiful dining room! I did not keep in touch with anyone, so if there is anyone from our class, I would love to hear from you-Leah Mottram Solis

Kathy		29-Jan-2015 18:15
I lived in the mansion in 71-72 and attended Grace Downs. It was a beautiful place, had 5 / 6 sets of bunk beds in one room with a room mate to each bed. It was quite an experience with only one bathroom for all these girls.

Charlotte Wood		14-Jun-2014 01:30
Hello! I hope that someone can help me! My mother went to Grace Down's (probably in late 60's or early 70's) for flight attendant school. I was wondering if anyone remembers Sharon H. Polak. She would have been about 5'6'' and had blonde hair. Please, if anyone remembers any memories with her please let me know. I would love to learn more about her younger years but she has since passed. Please, if anyone has any information feel free to contact me at my email address: cpww17@gmail.com I would appreciate it very much.

Guest		26-Mar-2014 00:15
I was there 71-72. It was elegant then for a VT girl. Met great girls, great guys from Webb, unfortunately they dud less than stellar with placement! I loved the cook- she was like on the Facts of Life'!

Guest		19-Mar-2014 05:35
These pictures are beautiful. I may have stumbled on this before but not sure. I also was a member of the Class of 71-72. And like Peggy married a Webbie (going on 40 years now). Fond memories of this beautiful place. Carmen Quiles

Georgi (Balloga) Lipich		10-Mar-2014 20:57
I attended Grace Downs in 1967-68 (I think!), along with Micki Riley, Dona Maher, Holly Werner and another Michelle (don't remember her last name). Our room was the first on the right at the top of the stairs (2nd floor). Had my birthday party in that amazing garden room! Loved being a Gracie's Girl. Such a wonderful old home to explore! I'd love to get back into contact with some of my classmates...

grace		27-Jan-2014 00:56
I attended Grace Downs 69-70 along with Janet, Anne, Shirley, Karen and Linda. Made lots of friends and had a great time. Many wonderful memories. Mr. Blount, Mrs. Body and our shorthand teacher who invited us to her home for a delicioius dinner. We also took tap dance classes from a former Rockette. Such fun. a golden time indeed! Grace

Guest		05-Jan-2014 03:02
I attended a Pall training course in the early 1990's. I was surprised that this industrial product company held training at such a beautiful place. I loved attending the training and walking the grounds during the breaks and evenings. Thanks for posting these pictures.

judy jutze		03-Nov-2013 18:54
I attended Grace in 68-69.....the nine month course. The courses were entertaining....learning how to model with an umbrella by a former shoe model. Learning the state capitals by the ex-steward from Eastern, Mr. Blount in the airline training portion...and learning shorthand to be copied from others in one of the smaller translation labs. Most entertaining was having to ask Mrs. Borgess for the key to the coke machine as Denise Bruno got her hand caught up in the mechanism trying to pry a bottle down. Best feature was being interviewed by airlines in that beautiful building...I went on to fly for American Flyers Airline/Universal Airlines....Charter airlines that flew around the world and didn't require a foreign language to do it. I even met up with Denise Bruno in England as she was flying for a competing airline... I would do it all over again if I had the chance.

Guest		23-Oct-2013 18:20
What Training was offered there? Airline Flight Attendant??

Maxine		25-Aug-2013 22:08
Maxine, Bermuda Class of '70/'71: shared room on third floor near end of corridor then to the right, across from showers, with five others (Mindy, Cindy, Elaine, Cathy and ?). I also remember the names Arzula and Aroura because they were so unusual. Claudette, Chesney and Deborah from Bermuda were also "Gracie Girls" - from intake of either '69/'70/'71. Who remembers the "Goldcoast Bar" and the Deli on Glen Cove Ave (owned by a day-student Kathy P's family - we walked through rain and snow to get food because the meals prepared by 'cook' was so unpalatable)? Would love to hear from anyone who attended during that time or can assist in anyway in getting more information about classmates. Thank you all for sharing your memories or assisted in the restoration of the "Manor"!!!

Kara		27-Jan-2013 01:05
Worked at the Mansion in the mid 80s as an employee of Pall Corp. I always felt so special driving through the Marble Entrance, down the long driveway to the "Conference Center". I too remember the stories about the mansion. It was very interesting working there during shutdown in the summer and only a handful of employees were there. They said you could hear chairs rocking and doors opening and closing. I remember the story about the secret door in the master bedroom. It was a pleasure working there, even on a bad day!

njlynn2		16-Jan-2013 20:57
I went to Grace Downs 1969-1970. Had a wonderful year. Memories galore. Still friends with Bonnie Sears Malecki, she was one of my roommates and the other was Pam, can't remember last name. Also remember two other Nan Spartks and Trudi Beaman. Have lost touch with them though. It was a beautiful place to live. Of course at that age didn't appreciate it as much as I should have. Went on to work for National Airlines, so the experience served me well. Linda Crowl Michelsen

Dawn C.		06-Jan-2013 03:56
I, too, was able to visit this amazing mansion while employed by Pall Corp. in the early 90s. As a young woman just out of college, the home and grounds were a fantastic sight. I have told my children stories about the Woolworth mansion, now I get to show them. Thank you for the lovely photos!

Guest		30-Nov-2012 16:01
I attended Grace Downs 1971-1972. It really was a great year - lots of fun and laughs. I dormed on the third floor at the top of the stairs. I, Elaine, roomed with Cathy W. It was such a beautiful place. I am so happy I found these photos. Hi to everyone.

Sue Lajoie		29-Nov-2012 17:41
AAH, the memories. I attended Grade Downs in 65/66 and have very fond memories of my year there. I remember Marion my roomate, Mrs. Zimmerman and singing "La Vie en Rose" to the class of '65. The beauty of the mansion and its grounds are embedded in my mind and heart. Thank you so much for sharing these pictures.

Elaine Farrell		05-Nov-2012 20:04
I was at this beautiful mansion when it was the Pall conference center. I was there for training on their products as a new sales representative. I was awe struck by the beaufy and vast display of wealth when it was built. There was a secret chamber passage from the master beadroom that connected to another guest room. Guess Mr. Woolworth had a good time! I was also surprised to learn that companies such as Pall were purchaing these properties because the taxes were so high only corporations could afford then. Not a good investment even for the NY rich individuals! I'll never forget the young femaile sales rep from Mexico. She had a horrible childhood and her boss was taking advantage of her but she begged me to say nothing because of fear of what would happen, he'd threatenned her if she told anyone.

Pat		01-Sep-2012 18:29
I went to Grace Downs in 1965...we were a very small group of 10 and I have so many wonderful, funfilled memories of my time there. We are having in September a small reunion of the people in that class. Anyone out there in the class with Starr, Judy, Sue, Mary, Isha, Osi...contact me. Pat

Peggy Michel		14-Aug-2012 22:28
Thanks for the pictures, I went to Grace Downs 1971-72, married a Webbie and live outside San Francisco. MaryAnn, Janet Conner and Brenda (I believe) were classmates. I just stumbled on this website. Peggy(Kleeberg)Michel

Josh		13-Aug-2012 20:15
Thank you for the fine photographs. It's all rather appalling in its grandiosity and decrepitude. Josh

Deborah White Leone		06-Aug-2012 18:55
I went to Grace Downs in 1968-69. I loved it there. Most of the girls back then did not appreciate the beauty and architecture of the mansion and grounds. I always did. I commuted every day for a year but thought what fun it would be to dorm there. Speaking with the girls that did dorm there, not one liked it. Funny how we don't appreciate the nice things given to us when we are young. I've tried to find the other girls that went there at that time but to no avail. I am still in contact with Linda D. and located Glora O. at one time. I car pooled across the island with Deborah P. from Woodmere. I ended up working for Mohawk Airlines as a Stewardess for a few months and quit because I was homesick. Do over! Good times back then.

Guest		19-Jul-2012 00:48
I went to Grace Downs during the years of 1964 and 1965. Pearl Olsen was my shorthand teacher. I loved her. I think she was in the Army before coming to Grace Downs. I remember those crazy outfits we had to wear and the skinny German Shepherd name "Shadow". It was a great fun time to be young in that mansion. It was so beautiful and actually looking at the pictures now I don't think I appreciated the beauty that was before me everyday. Beth

Doug Hembroff		20-Jun-2012 21:50
Wow, fantastic pictures. As a child I used to play here with my friend EJ Borgess, son of one of Grace Downs daughters in the mid 1960's. We would play hide and seek throughout the house and grounds and ride the lawnmowers around the property. Attended many birthday parties here for both EJ and his sister Georgine.

Janet (Conner) White		20-Jun-2012 20:03
This is a wonderful, wonderful site. The pictures are great. I, like Mary Ann R. and Deb Goodling, was a Gracie Girl in 1971-72. It was a fun place to be. Some of the pictures I remember, some I don't. Maybe because things don't look exactly the same as they did then. I lived on the 3rd floor - servants quarters. Went to school with many great girls from all over. Would love to know where my roommate Patty D. is. Hello to Paola, my other roommate. Keep writing everyone!

Mary Ann R.		20-Jun-2012 18:38
I too attended Grace Downs 1971 - 72. I am still in contact with two other people. I think we could get a list of names, but married names and addresses may be difficult. If we can contact two people and in turn they contact two people, we just may have a reunion to talk about. Great pictures. I miss the statues that were there and are missing from these pictures.

Ray		14-May-2012 20:54
I was lucky enough to live in Winfield hall for six years. I was the care-taker from 1993-1999 while it was still under lease by The Pall.corp. So many great memories of such a fantastic place. I was so sad to see how it has been let go when I went there last summer. What a beautiful place it once was.

Janet		16-Apr-2012 19:03
I too attended Grace Downs Air Career School - 1969-1970. So many great memories - one of my roommates went to Woodstock!

Brenda		06-Apr-2012 02:20
Hey, I would love to get a class list of the 1971-72 Grace Downs girls. I was there at that time. Finding these pictures on line today made me so very happy. I would love to talk with others who were there with me at that time. I see two other posts from my year but have no way to contact them. Thanks, Brenda

Guest		07-Feb-2012 16:38
I went to Grace Downs in 1965, the British invasion was in full swing The secretarial classes were excellent. I still remember Pearl Olsen our steno teacher...what a hoot! The grounds were beautiful. Glen Cove was a small town then. I remember Shadow, the dog, that belonged to the mansion. We were a great, happy bunch of girls. I truly hope everyone is still as happy and fun loving as we were. It was a beautiful place to live. I have such fond memories. Always wanted to slide down that bannaster. Mary Beth

LanaMichelle		27-Sep-2011 21:03
my grandmother lives across the street from woolworth, my mom and i used to play hide and seek in there all the time..so many memories!

Indiana Campo		12-Aug-2011 04:40
Indiana Campo from Nicaragua While I was tutoring a student here in Honduras, I was telling him about Winfield Hall (Grace Down Air Career School)so we went online and saw the pictures, memories came back and felt lucky to have been a student at this amazing place where I made wonderful friends. I remember how we used to touch the wooden walls where the organ was, as the legend said that a million dollars were hidden during the depression era. I only wish that they try harder to maintain this amazing place.

Deb Goodling P.		16-Jun-2011 20:05
Thank you for the beautiful pictures. They bring back so many memories. I lived in the mansion and attended school 1971-1972. It was a beautiful estate. friendships were made during that year.

Karen		28-Apr-2011 18:13
Just by accident, I found this website....I was a commuter student from 1964 to 1965....the pictures brought back so many wonderful memories and being I still live on Long Island, I have been able to drive by the school from time to time and I could vividly see the changes in the property...I was very fortunate to attend this school and after graduation, I worked for Sabena Airlines in NYC at their main regional office. I use to drive to school everyday with a girl, Patty, from East Meadow. If anyone remembers any of the classmates from that "era," I will be checking this website from time to time........Thanks for the great photos!

Jill Gerardi Hiers		19-Apr-2011 12:47
I attend Grace Downs in 1973-1974 also. I did not live at the school. I was a commuting student so I did not spend much time in the main house. It was not kept up very well at that time, but to a young girl, it was a very elegant place. The ground were lovely even thought they were overgrown at that time. It could be a beautiful property if someone could afford to give it a lot of TLC.

Vanessa Brown Burwell		26-Mar-2011 19:05
Awesome memories! I am a Grace Downs graduate 1973-74. The experience was wonderful. The peaceful garden;the lovely music room. We were elegant and classy! I think I have my pink/gray sweater hiddin in a chest somewhere. I am going to look for it to honor and respect it. What a wonderful time that was. Vanessa Brown

j lapata sr		26-Mar-2011 18:26
i personally oversaw the rehabilitation and cleaning of the entire mansion it is not in disrepair and never was that bad big buildings have their days and maintenance issues and as far as a swimming pool there is not one lol

Guest		15-Mar-2011 17:46
Loking at these pictures makes me want to cry. I can't bear seeing such a gorgeous property so devoid of life and fallen into such disrepair. All that marble, the amazing gardens and grounds ... what I wouldn't give to be able to call a place like that home.

Guest		22-Feb-2011 03:06
You have taken me back over 40 years! I did not appreciate the beauty of the grounds and architecture as a young Grace Downs Air Career graduate, '69-70. I remember walking down the beautiful marble stairway headed for breakfast in that elegant huge dining room. We were permitted to use the elevator to use the laundry downstairs. I must comment on the Music Room - a quiet place to study. The swimming pool was popular during the summer, and the Rose Garden was like walking in a dream. How blessed I was! Thank you for sharing! Anne

Guest		13-Jan-2011 12:54
Wow! This brought back memories! I went to Grace Downs '71-'72 and a classmate sent me this link. Of course the Webbies (Webb Institute) were just down the street. I hope someone takes care of this with love.

Guest		14-Nov-2010 01:04
I worked here when it was the Pall Conference Center. Many times, I had this place all to myself. My favorite room was the Wedgewood Room where I would have my lunch and read.

Jeen Semmler Ruette		17-May-2010 05:56
I was a student at Grace Downs in 1968-1969, I lived in this beautiful mansion with other students. I will never forget that year, it is so fabulous to see all these photos! I have seen website for Haunted Long Island, this mansion had suicide and death in Woolworth family. Myself and seven girls lived in large bedroom on second floor, the bedroom next to us was locked always. We used to hear furniture moving in it at night! We were never told this was bedroom of Woolworth daughter who killed herself! Big hello to Linda, Jeannie, Cathy, Joanie, all my friends and roommates from that happy year!

Guest		16-May-2010 15:05
I went to modeling school at Grace Downs while I was in high school in the late 60's.

Pandadoll		08-May-2010 13:30
I am sure that most folks do not realize that some of these magnificent mansions are doomed. When a family member passes on, the properties are sometimes deeded to a government, in our case, Nassau County, NY. The property is treated as park land. The buildings do not have to e maintained. That is the sad truth. If anyone wants to save these amazing houses, they will need to step up with a FRIENDS of GROUP & negotiate a lease with the County.....I think it stupid, unnecessary. I wish there was something someone could do.

Boris		02-May-2010 11:52
Oh my god. This mansion is so beutiful. I love watching every single picture. If it's possible to buy it, I would love to.

ctseely		28-Mar-2010 06:31
I'll preface this comment by saying I'm all for private property and all the rights and perogatives that go with it. However, the current owners of this home (the Carey family or Pall Corp. depending on which internet articles you read) are not giving it the care and treatment it deserves. They're furnishing the place like a cheap, tacky Floridian condo while it crumbles around them. A government agency or private foundation really ought to step in here before it's too late.

Rachel		12-Mar-2010 16:40
I too lived at the mansion when it was Grace Downs in 1964-1965. Linda (one of the guests who made a comment) and I remain friends. It is a beautiful place and I thank you for the gorgeous pictures. It brought back many memories. I hope other classmates find this site and are able to view the photos too! Rachel

Guest		08-Mar-2010 01:22
I lived here too, as a Grace Downs student in 1964-1965. I was in the first room to the right at the top of the stairs, which had three bunk beds at that time!! Linda

Tom Briggs		07-Feb-2010 22:14
Beautifully shot, Jim ... what a great opportunity you had and, obviously, made the most of it. VOTE

gerard belbeoch		05-Feb-2010 10:12
Thank you so much for these beautiful pictures of the Woolworth Mansion

guest		03-Feb-2010 00:50
What is the current status of Winfield Hall? I hope it has been restored or will be in the near future?

Guest		29-Jan-2010 21:02
Thank you sooo much for these beautiful shots. I always wanted to see the other rooms. I wonder why you were able to get these shots? What is going on with this wonderful house? Is it still on the market? The interior looks to be in pretty good condition. Was it restored or still original? Thanks for sharing. I love the gold coast mansions..

Guest		26-Aug-2009 11:42
great looking house.just saw a film on barbara hutton.so sad. from winfield of england.

Peter Capnos		19-Apr-2009 16:51
Thanks for the superb pics. I've just finished reading Five and Ten, the history of the Woolworth empire. It's great to be able to see what nickels and dimes were able to achieve! Sadly,here in the UK we have recently lost the Woolworth brand.

Guest		21-Mar-2009 15:30
Thank you so much for these beautiful pictures of the Woolworth Mansion. I lived there for a year when it was the Grace Downs air career, secretarial and modeling school in the late 60's. It was such a privilege to have had the opportunity and unfortunately, I lost any pictures I had taken. Thank you again for a trip down memory lane. Kathy

Jason		01-Feb-2009 02:56
Amazing place - thanks for posting these photos - I hope that the home finds a lomg term buyer soon and doesn't get torn down! It would be a shame to let this go.

Vonda		26-Jan-2009 01:39
Thanks for uploading the pictures of Winfield Hall. I have never seen the interior of this home. Simply beautiful! I love Gilded Age mansions!

iva_de		29-Jun-2008 20:38
Beautiful pictures!

Jim's Atavistic Visions		24-Jun-2008 05:45
Thanks for a tour of Winfiled Hall! Beautiful images and POV! V!... Josefina

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