Blue Point home traces roots to Salvation Army founders
This turn-of-the-century Colonial in Blue Point, listed in December 2013 for $795,000, served as the summer home for Ballington Booth, whose parents founded the Salvation Army. Credit: Handout
The bells you heard ringing during the holiday season can be traced back to the family that built this turn-of-the-20th-century Colonial in Blue Point listed for $795,000. It served as the summer home for Ballington Booth, a native of England whose parents, William and Catherine Booth, founded the Salvation Army in 1865.
“They were responsible for all the bells ringing at the shopping centers,” says listing agent Joyce Rowe of Douglas Elliman Real Estate.
Booth and his wife, Maud, helped organize and structure the Salvation Army in the United States, but eventually left and started their own organization, God’s American Volunteers, later renamed Volunteers of America.
Set on just over an acre, the six-bedroom, 3½-bathroom home has an eat-in kitchen, butler’s pantry, three fireplaces and two porches, including one that’s heated with a gas stove. There is also a one-bedroom guest cottage on the property that has a living room, an eat-in kitchen and full bathroom.
