Historical Society of Princeton Presents Annual Historic Preservation Awards

On Sunday, May 4, 2008, the Historical Society of Princeton presented its annual awards in recognition of outstanding contributions to historic preservation in Princeton.  This year’s four award winners include two private residential buildings, one public project and a place of worship: 103 Jefferson Road; Holcombe Wagon House at 100 Winant Road; Interpretive Signage at Mountain Lakes Preserve; and Trinity Church.

Situated on land originally owned by Moses Taylor Pyne, 103 Jefferson Road was originally constructed by carpenters Edwin and William van Arsdale. Although the 1925 Colonial Revival home was modernized and expanded via an addition, it maintains its familiar street face. Owners Karen and David Nathan conducted extensive research into the particulars of the home, relying heavily on the assistance of Will McFarland, grandson of the original homeowners, Wilbur Franklin Kerr, Sr., and Lydia Rebecca Kerr. This research is evident in the preservation of original details throughout the house.

Working with the New Jersey Barn Company, Mark and Brown Little erected an 18th century wagon shed that the Barn Company had saved from demolition in Ringoes, New Jersey. Rather than adding to their c. 1745 stone house in the Princeton Battlefield Historic District in order to create necessary living and storage space, the Littles chose to have the wagon house erected as a separate structure on their grounds. Under the guidance of Chris Pickell, architect, and Pinneo Construction, contractor, the frame was raised and re-assembled using authentic historic techniques, and the exterior was restored to its original appearance. The construction of the wagon house allowed the original James Clarke – David Brearley house at 100 Winant Road to retain its historic integrity.

Interpretive signage erected by Princeton Township at the Mountain Lakes Preserve tells the story of the Princeton Ice Company, a long defunct enterprise now falling out of collective memory. The Company built dams to capture the pure water from the creek running down the hillside in lakes so that it could be harvested when it froze in the winter and stored. The dams and archaeological remains are the only surviving elements of the once thriving industry.

In 1991, the property was determined eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places as a result of research carried out by Hunter Research. The NJ Historic Trust provided a portion of the funding for the 2004 archaeological studies and engineering assessment, and the property was officially listed in the Register in 2007.

As a steward of the land for more than 20 years Princeton Township commissioned Clifford Zink and Fairfax Hutter to write and design placards that would bring the archaic industry to life for those using the Mountain Lakes Preserve. Christine Lewandoski, the Princeton Township Historic Preservation Officer, and Historic Preservation Commission members Avril Moore and Robert von Zumbusch oversaw the execution of the successful project.

 

Trinity Church is a well-recognized landmark, located between Stockton and Mercer Streets. In 1870, Trinity Church’s original structure was replaced with a large building designed in the Gothic Revival style by Richard Upjohn and his son. Structural changes were made in the early 20th Century and in 1944 which doubled the length of the nave, added a small chapel and heightened the tower. 
Due to the growth of the church and outreach activities, a capital campaign began in the late 1980s and raised over five million dollars. The 21st Century Plan remodeled administrative spaces, public spaces the kitchen and the parish hall, with the exterior of the additions designed to match the rest of the complex. Casual observers often believe the expansion space has long been a part of the building. Several years after completion, however, problems with the stonework became apparent, necessitating extensive and expensive rebuilding, including reconstruction of the stone façade of the administration addition. During this repair process, which was completed in 2007, Trinity Church relied on the services of Elite Restoration for masonry work and Simpson Gumpert and Heger, Inc Engineers.

The Preservation Awards Committee is very proud of this year’s recipients which reflect a great variety of historic preservation projects from all areas of our community. They demonstrate that ‘This Place Matters,’ the theme of National Historic Preservation Month 2008,” stated Anne Weber, member of the Committee

The Historical Society of Princeton, now in its 70th year, is a museum and library dedicated to interpreting the history of Princeton, New Jersey. In 2004, the Historical Society of Princeton purchased the Updike Farmstead located in Princeton Township. Plans are underway to renovate the historic farmhouse and barn into permanent museum space, as well as educational space for school aged children and adults.