Part 1: Colonel Henry Stanley Todd, The Priory, and the Nazarene

Just east of the intersection of Old Country Road and Beverly Road is a triangular piece of land that was once the 102-acre estate of the famous portrait artist, Colonel Henry Stanley Todd. “The Priory” was the name of his estate and was also host to thousands at its famous Easter Sunday Sunrise Services. 

Hosea V. Carr was a lifelong resident of Huntington, and fought in the Civil War with the 127 Regiment, New York. He returned to his childhood home, a farm in Dix Hills, after the war and lived there for several years. 

Then on May 9, 1913 the Long-Islander announced an auction of the personal effects of Hosea V. Carr, as he had disposed of his farm and was moving into the village. He sold his farm to H. Stanley Todd, a painter born in St. Louis. 

It is interesting to mention that two years later, the December 3, 1915 Long-Islander, noted that “Mr. and Mrs. Hosea V. Carr and Miss Laura Carr enjoyed the holiday season at their old farm at South Huntington, as guest of Mrs. Henry Stanley Todd.” 

H. Stanley Todd served in World War One, but prior to that he had studied painting at the St. Louis School of Fine Arts, Washington University, as well as under other great painters in Europe.  He painted many presidents including Teddy Roosevelt, which was done from life while he was in the White House, and presidents McKinley and Lincoln.  He specialized in portraits and painted many notable persons.  He was a master mason and painted every retiring grand master, except during his service in the war.

On Oct. 8, 1920 the Long-Islander announced that “Major Henry Stanley Todd, the well-known portrait painter of Huntington… since January has been serving on the staff of Colonel R. E. Olds, Commissioner for Europe of the American Red Cross, and is sailing for the United States in October.” 

In World War I, he served as a captain of the Military Intelligence Department in Washington.  When the war ended he went to Europe to serve with the Red Cross and help with relief efforts.  His wife accompanied on this trip, and she too worked for the Red Cross. 

Upon his return to his Dix Hills estate, Todd painted and in his on-site studio and indulged in his other passion—animals. According to Long Island Dairies & Milk Dealers by Michael Katsar, the Priory Farms Dairy operated from 1928 until 1930 and could be ordered by mail and phone and was delivered to the residents of Huntington. 

An article (that unfortunately does not have a publication name or date recorded) found in the files of the Huntington Historical Society’s archive declared that “it is doubtful if there is a finer herd of thoroughbred cattle in Huntington… than that of Col. H. Stanley Todd of Dix Hills…. One reason why the animals do so well is perhaps because they are all pets and are handled almost like children… Col. Todd has not been drawn to the business by hope of wealth, but his love of animals….”  

All the praise must have been true, for they say that imitation is the highest form of flattery.  A “Warning To The Public” was published by H. Stanley Todd in the August 10, 1928 Long-Islander, in which he addressed reports that fraudulent bottles of Priory Farms Milk could be purchased in local stores, the culprits taking empty bottles and refilling them. 

He goes on to explain exactly how to identify a true Priory Farms milk bottle: “All my milk is in bottles bearing my name, and carrying caps printed 'PRIORY FARMS' TODD and covered with a parchment paper wrapper carrying a yellow seal marked Pure Jersey Milk Tuberculin Tested Registered JERSEYS Priory Farms, Huntington, NY.”  He goes to explain that the milk was not sold at any store or agent, but could be ordered for delivery. 

On June 20, 1930 the Long-Islander discussed the will of the late Mrs. Jenn Benton Todd, who left the bulk of her estate to her husband, H. Stanley Todd.  He was quick to recover though, and on May 9, 1931 the Long-Islander announced his marriage to Mrs. Virginia Cabanne Little of New York City, a playmate of his from his childhood in St. Louis.  The wedding ceremony took place in St. Louis, a town that H. Stanley Todd returned to after a 37-year absence, and the couple made their home at The Priory in Dix Hills by that June.

Although he continued to be a successful artist, it was in 1932 that he really became famous on an international level.  “The Nazarene” painted in his Dix Hills studio at The Priory, garnered acclaim for his portrayal of Christ. 

Many of the positive reviews were published in a Dec. 9, 1932 Long Islander article.  Among them was a comment by the Church Federation saying that “The hand of the Lord must have been on Henry Stanley Todd when he painted the picture of the Nazarene… This conception of Christ as a blue-eyed, golden-haired, broad- shouldered figure of strong masculinity, rather than the Man of Sorrows, the pathetic drooping, sad, Latin type, has attracted a great deal of attention.  This Christ is a triumphant Christ, a Christ who could stand before Pilot fearlessly and pity him, a Christ who could look upon mankind’s frailties, seeking his latent possibilities.  This picturization of Christ if one that meets the needs of the twentieth century, a Christ who knew the Cross was ahead, and would not flinch, one of courage, and yes of infinite kindness and understanding…. Colonel Todd has given us a Christ who understands all passions and angers of men which produce wars and strife resulting in untold suffering for women an children, and yet a Christ who has compassion to forgive."

The painting toured throughout the country, hanging in prominent churches. 

The painting's home remained Dix Hills, and it was through a very unique event that Huntingtonians were given the opportunity to view the acclaimed work of art.  Tune in next week to find out just what happened at the Priory.