Five Area Historic Preservation Awards Announced

PHOTO ID: From left, Aileen Pradham, Carolyn and Bill Knox; Tim Reilly; Bruce Lasko; Allison and Stephen Neumann; Tom and Bonnie Mahala; Craig Johnston (partially hidden in rear)

Five awards for noteworthy local historic preservation efforts were presented by the Historical Society of the Somerset Hills on May 28, 2008 at an event hosted by the Bernardsville Historic Preservation Advisory Committee.

The five properties selected for recognition are representative of the traditional dwellings that were built in the area during the 18th and early 19th century. Noting a special connection and comradeship this year among the award recipients, Marcella Miccolis, Chairman of the Historical Society, went on to state: "The 2008 HP Award winners represent an invaluable dedication to preserving and revitalizing our historic buildings and landmarks. In recognition of their outstanding contribution to the preservation of our historic resources in the Somerset Hills, the Historical Society extends its gratitude and admiration to the 2008 Historic Preservation Award recipients.”

An 18th-century house at 376 Mount Airy Road in Basking Ridge represents a significant restoration effort over many years by owner Craig Johnston. The asymmetry of the original south facing front façade of this vernacular dwelling reflect cultural influences and traditional building practices of the area’s early settlers. Although construction dates for most 18th century houses are difficult to document, the east half of the Johnston house is believed to have been built around 1720. The west half of the house was probably added later in the 18th century.

The early house at 300 Somerville Road, Liberty Corner, owned by Stephen and Allison Neumann, is another example of a vernacular house that grew over time. The close proximity of the house and adjacent barn to the road would have been typical during the 18th century and 19th centuries.

Showing influences from Georgian architecture, the dominant style in the American colonies during 18th century that continued to be popular into the early 19th century is the house at 415 Mountain Road, Liberty Corner. The house began around 1830 as a side-hall (or “half house”) version of the formal center hall Georgian plan. According to homeowners Carolyn and William Knox, the house grew in the late 19th century with the addition of a wing that was moved to the property from a nearby site where it had originally served as a goat barn. In more recent years, the owners have added wings discreetly located at the rear of the house. Outbuildings on the property include one of the few surviving corncribs in Bernards Township, as well as a barn that has been moved twice in its long history.

Based upon the Greek Revival details evident in its front door surround, Applewood Farm, Far Hills, dates to the early decades of the 19th century, when archeological investigations stimulated public interest in Greece and influenced American architecture. The small east wing is reminiscent of an early East Jersey Cottage, a traditional house type common in the vicinity during the 18th century. Behind the south-facing house is a small English barn that is distinguished by the very fine workmanship displayed in its joinery and currently provides recreation space for the family of Thomas and Bonnie Mahala.

Also dating to around 1830 is the small center hall Georgian house at 107 North Maple Avenue in Basking Ridge, currently owned by Tim Reilly and Bruce Lasko. Visible at the north end of the house is the exposed lower portion of the stone chimney, a feature characteristic to 18th and early 19th century houses in the region. The front porch was likely added during the second half of the 19th century, when full-width porches became popular. Typical of 19th century expansion, a two-story wing was added to the rear of the house.

“During a period when development pressures in the region have resulted in the loss of too many historic houses, we are pleased to recognize a group of antique houses that continue to be successful and practical homes for modern families, including one with seven lively boys!” said Ann Parsekian of the Historical Society’s Historic Preservation Committee.

Photographs of the projects will be exhibited at the Bernards Township Public Library beginning in July. A slide show of the projects will be posted on the Historical Society’s website at www.brickacademy.org.

View photos of each of the recipients of the Historic Preservation Awards from this and previous years. Click Here

Submitted: May 11, 2007