Reviving the Blue Spruce Inn & Polo Bar of Roslyn, NY – Design Inspired by History

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Nestled in the heart of Roslyn, New York, the Blue Spruce Inn wasn’t just a restaurant—it was a beloved landmark that defined Long Island elegance for decades. Known for its cozy charm and refined Polo Bar, it became the backdrop for countless celebrations, quiet dinners, and local lore.

But history can be fragile. After a devastating fire, the Blue Spruce Inn closed its doors, leaving behind memories and whispers of what once was. For me, that loss sparked something unexpected: a design project inspired by its timeless character. This post is my way of honoring that legacy—through colors, textures, and stories that keep its spirit alive.

A Glimpse into History: The Blue Spruce Inn’s Storied Past

Long before hashtags and happy hours, the Blue Spruce Inn stood as a beacon of sophistication in Roslyn, New York. Opening its doors in 1936, this landmark quickly became the go-to destination for Long Island’s finest evenings out.

Originally known as the Francis Skillman House, a major section of the Blue Spruce Inn dated back to around 1789. After Francis’ daughter, Elizabeth Skillman Andrews passed away, the house was sold and with renovations turned in the Old Orchard Inn.

In 1936, it was renamed the Blue Spruce Inn & Polo Bar. The restaurant changed hands a number of times in the first few years before Carl and William Werner purchased it in 1941.

The restaurant critic for Newsday, Jack Altshul described the Blue Spruce Inn in 1962 as:

Set in a 180-year-old house and surrounded by the beautiful trees in which it is named, the Blue Spruce Inn has for years been the gathering place for North Shore residents. The Polo Bar is a favorite of the young college set, but essentially , the Blue Spruce Inn is a family dining place that specializes in German dishes.

The Fire and Closure: When the Lights Went Out at Blue Spruce Inn

For decades, the Blue Spruce Inn was a fixture of Roslyn’s social life—a place where polished wood met polished conversation. But on January 20 1974, tragedy struck. A fire swept through the building, leaving behind charred beams and a silence that felt almost unnatural for such a lively spot.

The blaze didn’t just consume timber and brick; it erased a chapter of local history. Overnight, the Inn went from a bustling landmark to a memory, its elegant dining rooms reduced to ash and echoes. For Roslyn residents, the loss was more than physical—it was emotional. After the 1974 fire, the Blue Spruce Inn remained vacant, but as restoration efforts were about to begin another fire struck on February 18, 1981. The only thing left for this forgotten landmark was demolition. Today the location is home to the Harbourview Shoppes.

Design Inspiration: Breathing Life into a Lost Landmark

When the Blue Spruce Inn vanished from Roslyn’s streetscape, its memory lingered in the smallest details—like a matchbook. That tiny rectangle of advertising, once tucked into pockets after a night at the Polo Bar, became my muse.

From its crisp typography to the understated elegance of its logo, the matchbook captured everything the Inn stood for: sophistication with a dash of Long Island charm. So, I brought those elements forward—reviving the classic lettering, echoing the muted color palette, and honoring the Polo Bar’s refined vibe.

The result? Two designs that feel like time travel in cotton:

For me, this wasn’t just about aesthetics—it was about preserving a story. Every line and color choice whispers, “Remember when…” Because design isn’t just decoration; it’s memory made tangible.

The Blue Spruce Inn may be gone, but its spirit isn’t. Every time someone slips on one of these shirts, they’re carrying a piece of Roslyn’s past into the present.

Now, I’d love to hear from you:

• Did you ever dine at the Blue Spruce Inn or sip a cocktail at the Polo Bar?
• What other landmarks do you wish could live on through design?

Drop your memories or ideas in the comments—I promise, they make this journey even richer.

Resources:

1. Roslyn Landmarks – https://www.roslynlandmarks.org/
2. Long Island Fire Trucks – http://www.longislandfiretrucks.com/