5 Morristown Historic Sites Considered For Preservation Funds

MORRISTOWN, NJ — Five historic sites in the Morristown area will receive consideration for preservation funding. The board of Morris County commissioners will examine 27 recommendations from 17 towns for financial assistance from the Preservation Trust Fund.

The recommended properties come from the Morris County Historic Preservation Trust Fund Review Board. The board of commissioners will take action at the July 14 meeting.

Potential grants include the roof restoration of the Morris Museum, interior rehabilitation at the Acorn Hall Carriage House, exterior and window work for the Schuyler-Hamilton House, Woman's Club of Morristown exterior repairs, and acquisition of the Morristown Post Office.

Morris County has approved 454 grants for $40.6 million in the preservation, protection and restoration of 113 historical properties since 2003. The county commissioners was asked Tuesday to approve $2.65 million in grants for preservation, restoration and protection of 27 historic sites.

The Review Board received 29 applications worth $3.8 million in grant requests. Then the board reviewed them for their conformance to the U.S. secretary of interior's "Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties," which promote historic-preservation best practices. After a final presentation from grant applicants, the Review Board deliberated on funding recommendations for the board of commissioners.

Here are the Morristown projects that could receive funding (see all recommendations here):

Morris Museum (roof restoration)
Applicant: Morris Museum
Funds requested: $472,893
Recommended funding: $250,000

"The Peter H.B. Frelinghuysen Mansion, designed by the architectural firm of McKim, Mead and White, was constructed in 1913. In 2003, the property was Certified as Eligible to be a contributing resource in the Normandy Park Historic District on the New Jersey Register. The grant will provide for restoration of the 100+ year old slate roof, replacement of flat porch roof and repair of balustrade, and exterior painting."

"The Acorn Hall Carriage House was constructed as part of the Italianate residence in 1853 and expanded in 1860. The carriage house is a contributing structure to the 2017 National and NJ Register listing. This grant will assist with interior restoration including electrical update, alarm system, reinstallation and restoration of original wall and ceiling finishes, and restoration of wood trim."

Schuyler-Hamilton House (exterior and windows)
Applicant: Daughters of the American Revolution, Morristown Chapter
Funds requested: $154,729
Recommended funding: $101,086

"The c. 1760 house was residence for Dr. Jabez Campfield. Elizabeth Schuyler visited and was courted by Alexander Hamilton here during 1780. The house is listed on the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places and has been owned and maintained by the Daughters of the American Revolution since 1923. The grant will provide for exterior restoration and rehabilitation including restoration of windows."

Woman's Club of Morristown (exterior repairs)
Applicant: The Woman's Club of Morristown, Inc.
Funds requested: $208,720
Recommended funding: $178,552

"The 1797 Federal style building was originally built as the home of Dr. Lewis Condict and now serves as the home of the Woman’s Club of Morristown. The building is individually listed on both the National and New Jersey Registers. The grant will assist with exterior restoration including restoration of windows, doors, wood siding, and trim, repair of walks and steps, repair of stucco, and preparation and painting."

Morristown Post Office (acquisition)
Applicant: town of Morristown
Funds requested: $580,000
Recommended funding: $159,374

"The building has served as a U.S. Post Office since its construction in 1916. The Classical Revival building was designed by Oscar Wenderoth. It incorporates the stately Classical Revival architectural style. The covered portico contains vaulted arches that incorporate the Guastavino vaulting technique. The building is contributing to National and New Jersey Register Districts. The grant will assist with acquisition of the property."

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