Van Wyck Brooks Historic District

WE HAVE MOVED!

2011-07-10T14:17:00.004-04:00

Thank you for visiting our blog. We will sun set this blog application very soon! You can get further information on our upcoming December 2011 Christmas Tour.

Please visit the new Van Wyck Brooks Historic District website:

www.vwbhd.org

Rising Plainfield Star: The 2011 Sundance Recipient for the film “Kinyarwanda” Director Alrick Brown

2011-02-22T18:47:00.004-05:00

Independent film director Alrick Brown is one of the rising stars of Plainfield. His film "Kinyaranda" won World Cinema Audience Award at this year's Sun Dance Film Festival.

To read his interview with IndieWire click on the link above. It will be interesting to see where his award winning film will go as it has a great and important story to share with rest for the world. Also, filmmaker Alrick Brown is working on new projects and working with high profile independent film producers. Alrick's success will hopefully inspire creative talent in future Plainfield generations to come.

Plainfield Unitarian Society Celebrating Restoration of Historic Stained Glass Facade

2011-01-17T14:14:00.004-05:00

It's great to see news and coverage surrounding the restoration of the Plainfield Unitarian Society's stained glass facade. The stained glass artist Oliver Smith created diverse themes including family, music, commerce and featured six glass columns topped by symbols representing the world's major religions and philosophies.

Bill Providing Tax Credits for Rehabbing Historic Properties Clears Legislature

2011-01-15T00:32:00.002-05:00

A bill that would provide tax credits for property owners seeking to rehabilitate historic homes received final legislative approval when it was recently passed by the Senate.

Click on the above hyperlink to view full article.

Plainfield Symphony: Fireside Recital

2011-01-14T00:30:00.002-05:00

Now is the time to RSVP to our Fireside Recital featuring Evelyn Estava and Mark Yolleck performing Brahms, Prokofiev and Chausson. This special fundraiser is scheduled for Sunday, Jan 23 at 2:00 PM. Tickets are $40/person.

Location: 1050 Rahway Road, Plainfield

RSVP to info@plainfieldsymphony.org by Jan. 15

Twelfth Night Progressive Dinner

2011-01-13T15:57:00.007-05:00

On Saturday January 8th the district came together for it's annual Twelfth Night Progressive Dinner. The progressive dinner was graciously hosted by some of the most elegant homes within the district and outfitted with culinary delights. Friends and neighbors were able to catch up and speak of an exciting future for the district.

The 2010 President, Lamont Blowe gave thanks to the Executive Board that served with him: Arne Aakre, Clarence McGhie, and Jan Jasper. Lamont then introduced the 2011 Van Wyck Brooks Historic District President, John Stewart, Jr.

The new President introduced the new Executive Board: Larry Quirk (VP), Sue Keller (Treasurer), and Jan Jasper (Secretary).

Special Thanks was given to all the homeowners and hosts, volunteers, Richard Lear, Carlos Ponton, and to the Twelfth Night Chairperson Carolyn Ruffin.

"A Historic District1

and identity..."

Sue Keller and friends

Hollace Hoffman,

Jan Jasper, and Tom Smith

The beautiful spread at

April Stefel's home

District members enjoying

great company and food

Good Neighbors, Eats, and Cool Breezes - Finally!

2010-07-13T18:46:00.011-04:00

After a week of punishing heat, we relaxed and cooled off with a picnic at Sue Keller's house on Saturday, July 10 .

Stickley Museum Day Trip

2010-06-29T11:29:00.002-04:00

A number of VanWyckBrooks district members went on a field trip to The Stickley Museum on June 5, 2010 and had a great time! This 30-acre site in Morris County, a National Historic Landmark, was designed by Gustav Stickley, the leader of the Arts and Crafts movement in the US. Stickley purchased the property in 1908 and envisioned creating a self-sufficient compound for the training of young men in farming and furniture manufacture. The 1911 main house, The Log House, was designed by Stickley and constructed with material from the site. More info is at www.stickleymuseum.org.

VWB Historic District supports the Plainfield Rescue Squad!

2010-05-14T15:31:00.012-04:00

In this economic climate, and with the loss last year of Muhlenberg Hospital, the Plainfield Rescue Squad has been truly struggling to stay afloat. The Rescue Squad's ability to maintain staffing levels - not to mention their vehicles - will determine how quickly they can respond in an emergency. And a timely response can be the difference between life or death for city residents.

With this in mind, the Van Wyck Brooks Historic District has donated $3,000 to the Rescue Squad. District officers donated the check in person on May 3, 2010. (Pictured, from left, are Secretary Jan Jasper, Treasurer Clarence McGhie, and President Lamont Blowe presenting the check to Jenny Purnell, Director of the Rescue Squad.)

We urge all Plainfielders to support the Rescue Squad by donating whatever you can afford. Your life - or that of someone you love - could depend on it.

Donations can be mailed to the Plainfield Rescue Squad, 700 W. Seventh St., Plainfield, or P.O. Box 707, Plainfield. You may also drop off donations at The Pillars Bed and Breakfast. Or you can donate through Paypal at www.paypal.com. The ID is plainfieldrescuesquad@yahoo.com. Go to "Send Money,'' enter the amount, click "Personal,'' then "gift'' and send.

Plainfield Garden Club's "Shakespeare-in-Bloom" postponed

2010-04-20T15:52:00.007-04:00

News Flash: Unfortunately, this wonderful event has been postponed. Check the Garden Club's website to learn when it will be rescheduled.
=================
The Plainfield Garden Club will be hosting their traditional celebration of The Shakespeare Garden called "Shakespeare-in-Bloom" on Saturday, June 5, 2010.

Festivities run from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM. Events that day include the installation of hundreds of plants newly purchased for the garden with grants from The Plainfield Foundation and The Garden Club of America New Jersey Committee. Tours will be given through the 1927 garden which features mostly plants mentioned in Shakespeare's works. Also featured will be the new pergola built by the Union County Parks Department.

Cedar Brook Park and The Shakespeare Garden was designed by the Olmsted Brothers Landscape Architectural firm and currently is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

"Plainfield - Lost But Not Forgotten " is now a book - buy it at the Library!

2010-01-16T13:44:00.009-05:00

The Plainfield Public Library has just published a new book of historical photographs titled "Plainfield - Lost But Not Forgotten." The book was developed at the behest of an enthusiastic public who saw the photo exhibit at the library in the summer and fall of 2009. The online version of the exhibit may be viewed through the Library's website.

Copies of the book are available at the Plainfield Public Library. The softcover edition costs $20; the hardcover edition is $30.

Larry's Gingerbread Houses gain fame!

2010-01-09T13:18:00.007-05:00

Click on the title to see Larry's gingerbread houses featured on Martha Stewart's web site!

2009 House Tour a Huge Success!

2009-12-11T20:05:00.017-05:00

An Old-Fashioned Christmas House Tour, held Sunday December 6, drew over 600 people to our historic district. People came from as far away as Pennsylvania to tour 7 of our lovely historic homes, all bedecked in Christmas cheer.

The tour committee's months of preparation was well-rewarded by the 'oooh's and 'aaah's of the tour-goers. The event was so well-attended that some people had to wait in line in the chilly weather to get inside the houses - but they told us it was well worth the wait!

We thank the tour committee, the homeowners who generously opened their homes, and Jeff Weber at The Courier News for doing a nice story the week before the tour.

The tour featured a "Twelve Days of Christmas" treasure hunt in which contestants vied for prices. The prize winners are as follows:

Christine Pena of Union won a night at The Pillars Bed and Breakfast, Plainfield
Mike Farone of Raritan won a $75 gift certificate from Swain Galleries, Plainfield
Elaine Badgley of New Providence won a $125 gift certificate from Suburban Jewelers, Plainfield
Donald Henry of Lancaster PA won a pair of tickets to the Plainfield Symphony
Jenna Chabuck of South Plainfield won a $125 gift certificate at the Healing Hands Spa, Plainfield
Paul Agostini of Newark won a $50 gift certificate at Parker’s Nursery, Scotch Plains
Francis Crespone of Newark won John Grady’s book on Plainfield architecture plus a $50 gift certificate for Barnes and Noble Booksellers
Pamela Gallo of Warren won dinner for 2 at Freshwater’s Restaurant, Plainfield

2009-11-08T08:41:00.002-05:00

An Old Fashioned Christmas House Tour, Sunday, December 6, 2009

2009-10-26T18:10:00.055-04:00

Stroll through tree-lined streets where you are invited into seven of our historic homes all decked out in Christmas finery. You will experience:

Grand homes in architectural styles including Queen Anne, Tudor Revival, Shingle Style, Second Empire, and Colonial Revival.

Amazing craftsmanship and detail including a magnificent stained glass and woodwork paneling.

Collections of ornaments, period costumes, gingerbread houses, and more.

A Twelve Days of Christmas house-to-house treasure hunt with prizes from local merchants.

Tickets are $20 in advance online at Eventbrite, at Swain Galleries, 703 Watchung Ave. Plainfield NJ 07060, phone (908) 756-1707, or The Pillars Bed & Breakfast, 922 Central Ave. in Plainfield, phone (908) 753-0922. Cash or check only at Swain's and the Pillars.

Day of tour tickets are $25 (cash or check only) from 1:00 pm until 4:30 pm at 935 Central Ave., Plainfield NJ 07060, which is the starting point of the tour.

Even if you already bought your ticket, you must come to 935 Central Ave. in Plainfield to get your tour guide brochure and map.
Allow two - three hours to see all seven homes.
Primarily a walking tour, but you may wish to drive to one home just outside our district.
Adults and children over 12 only.
No interior photos allowed.
A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Plainfield Rescue Squad.
This is a rain or shine event, no refunds.

Click here to buy ticket online.

Architectural Artifacts and Antiques Classified Page

2009-09-12T18:54:00.001-04:00

An exciting addition to our VWBHD activities is the addition of a classified page for the sale and exchange of architectural artifacts and antiques. Member Larry Quirk with assistance from Arne Aakre has structured a new page linked to our blog which can be accessed below. Many thanks to them both for their efforts in launching our latest project.

Check it out and hold the dumpster!

http://vwb-architecturalartifacts.blogspot.com/

"Plainfield Lost but Not Forgotton" Photo Exhibit at Library

2009-09-08T13:28:00.007-04:00

The Plainfield Public Library currently has a photo exhibit "Plainfield Lost but Not Forgotten." A fascinating collection of photos of our Queen City, it's in the Anne Louise Davis Room and runs until October 17, 2009. Not to be missed! The library is at 800 Park Avenue.

New Plants Enhance Our Neighborhood

2009-06-02T19:32:00.059-04:00

On May 16, 2009 volunteers got together to plant new flowers and foliage in our neighborhood's numerous planters. Gerry, Arne, Nancy, Margarita, and Edgar (click to enlarge photos) planted Hosta, Dusty Miller, and Impatiens all around the Van Wyck Brooks historic district and in nearby Library Park. Jan and Lamont (not shown) also helped.

Planting flowers is not all we do to help keep the district lovely. In 2008, with the help of a grant from Plainfield's Culture and Heritage Commission, volunteers planted a number of trees around the neighborhood. It's great to know, as you stroll outdoors and enjoy the summer weather, that the thriving new trees are the work of our own neighbors!

Hundreds of Visitors Enjoy Historic House Tour and Raise Money for Charity

2009-05-22T19:13:00.051-04:00

The first Maidens in May House Tour, held in tandem with the Friends of Sleepy Hollow yard sale, drew throngs of people and raised funds for the Plainfield Rescue Squad and the Tri-County Red Cross on Sunday May 31, 2009.

Sponsored by the United Way of Greater Union County and Friends of Sleepy Hollow, the tour featured six historic Plainfield homes and their gardens. As in previous years, visitors came from New Jersey, New York, and Eastern Pennsylvania to see our historic houses - and shop our famous mega-yard sale, which comprises over 100 households around town. It's no secret that, over the years, many people who discovered Plainfield on a house tour fell in love with our town and ended up moving here.

A big thank-you to The United Way, The Pillars of Plainfield Bed and Breakfast which hosted the reception afterwards, Wendy Burney of The Burney Group who worked closely with the United Way and local homeowners, and Friends of Sleepy Hollow for mounting another memorable sale.

Lampkin House

2009-05-22T19:03:00.008-04:00

The Revolutionary War-era Lampkin Hous e on Terrill Road has been designated by Preservation New Jerse y as one of "New Jersey's 10 Most Endangered Historic Sites." Local preservation-minded folks had been pushing for Lampkin to be recognized and preserved, so this is good news. Click the links to read this house's 'bio' and you'll see why.

Abbott Manor Update - and Why It Matters

2009-04-29T13:37:00.006-04:00

The Van Wyck Brooks Historic District has been involved for 4 years in litigation over a proposal by the owners of Abbott Manor Nursing Home (810 Central Av. Plainfield NJ) to build a large modern addition onto the rear of its "mansion house". This would replace the ugly 1950s addition that is there now, but the new building would be about four times as large. The application was first filed in May 2000, a good 9 years ago, which is a story too long to recount here. The Plainfield Zoning Board of Adjustment rejected the application in a resounding 2002 decision, but then the City was sued over it in U.S. District Court, and the City immediately tried to settle the case, rather than defend its own ordinances and master plan. In 2005, the Board reversed itself and approved the application. After that, we appealed it to Superior Court, and won, but more recently, this was overturned by the Appellate Division. Currently, our Petition for Certification to the New Jersey Supreme Court is pending.

The precedent of allowing something large and intrusive into a low-density, residential historic district is a danger which VWB and its attorney, William H. Michelson, have been fighting long and hard. Unfortunately the land-use jurisprudence of New Jersey is in need of updating, and that is our goal. The problem has been the need to reconcile the "inherently beneficial use" doctrine (i.e., that nursing homes and social service providers get a boost in their zoning disputes) with the delicate nature of historic districts. This process is expensive, and contributions to our Abbott Manor Legal Defense Fund would be much appreciated.
written by WIlliam H. Michelson

2009-04-24T21:45:00.021-04:00

Some of the many lovely historic houses in our neighborhood.

Click to enlarge photos

Arbor Day Celebration at 946 Madison Ave.

2009-04-13T11:15:00.003-04:00

Click on the headline above and see the article in Plainfield Trees about our famous chestnut tree. and Plainfield's Arbor Day Celebration on Friday, April 24th, 2009.

Architectural Artifacts and Antiques Classified Page

2008-11-24T07:10:00.009-05:00

Check it out and hold the dumpster!

http://vwb-architecturalartifacts.blogspot.com/

Vicki's Chestnut Tree

2008-11-24T07:05:00.004-05:00

The 946 Madison Avenue chestnut tree belonging to our member, Vicki Blasucci, has become a star. Someone posted forty photographs of the tree on Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/njheart2heart/sets/72157609014062777/ after Plainfields' Shade Tree Commissioner, Greg Palermo first wrote about it on his blog Plainfield Trees. Members of the Pennsylvania chapter of the American Chestnut Foundation are interested in the tree because it has reached a considerable size(1) in good health and with a graceful shape. Past president of the chapter Bob Summersgill recently visited the Madison Avenue chestnut. He concluded from a quick inspection that there were no other chestnuts in the vicinity. How did he know that? He had two important clues. First, the tree had no injury from chestnut blight, which it almost surely would have had if there had been a nearby chestnut to transmit the infection. Second, the tree was producing only sterile burs, lacking a nearby chestnut to serve as a pollinator.

April Stefel Honored at 12th Night Dinner

2008-01-30T07:44:00.000-05:00

This year’s honoree was April Stefel, who for more than 20 years has volunteered her time and expertise for the benefit of our District. A licensed landscape architect, April designed a scheme in 1987 for planting of street trees throughout the District with varieties appropriate for each street. She supervised the purchase and planting of the trees in phases over several years as the historic district was able to raise funds for the project with revenues from house tours. This work in progress will continue with another phase upcoming in spring of 2008. The project has benefited us all not only by making our streets more attractive and enjoyable but also by raising our property values. April has also opened her home to visitors for 5 of our house tours and for many years cooked and hosted at our progressive dinners. Since 2005 April has been employed as a professional planner for the city, and in that capacity managed the Green Brook Multi-Use Trail and did the State and National Register nominations for Cedar Brook Park and Green Brook Park.

12th Night Dinner

2008-01-30T07:37:00.000-05:00

Of course, our annual Twelfth Night Progressive Dinner is always a wonderful occasion, and this year’s, on January 12th, was spectacular! Thanks to our hosts—Barbara and Gordon Fuller, Debbie and Maurice Flynn, Vee and Joseph DeMeyer, and Holly Ferguson—and to our new Cooking Club, which organized the menu and of course to the many volunteers who contributed their time, effort, and culinary skills.

2007 Christmas Tour

2008-01-30T07:24:00.000-05:00

Our December 9th Christmas House Tour was a smashing success, with nearly 500 people visiting 11 homes. Highlights included Christmas carols sung by area girl scouts as well as two fully-costumed Santas (Lamont Blowe and Arne Aakre) greeting neighborhood visitors, and Corona the horse provided by Vicki Blasucci for her carriage house. Our eleven homeowners and tour committee volunteers who kept up their Christmas Spirit since planning began in May did a spectacular job in pulling together this substantial event. Part of the tour proceeds were contributed to “Homefirst.” a Plainfield organization providing emergency housing and supportive services to those in need. We’re also grateful to the City for its help with security and with pre-tour street cleanup.

Chief McGhie

2007-10-27T09:18:00.001-04:00

Caroline Ruffin and Clarence McGhie hosted the cooking club on October 25th. Clarence prepared turkey and chicken cutlets with four tasty seasoned crusts to try out.

An Old Fashioned Christmas House Tour

2007-08-01T12:41:00.000-04:00

Sunday, December 9, 2007.
2:00pm to 7:00pm
Tickets: $25.00 per person
Prepare for a jolly time on Sunday, December 9th! The house tour committee is finalizing a roster of homes spanning two hundred years of architectural styles from 1750' to the 1950's. Homeowners will be decking the halls and the sights, aromas, and sounds of Christmas will greet you at each door. More about the house tour will follow here on our blog, including directions and advance ticket sale locations.
Anyone wishing to help by joining in on the planning will be welcome and appreciated! Next tour committee meeting: September 17, 8:00pm, 915 Madison Avenue.

Abbott Manor Court Case Update

2007-07-31T07:29:00.000-04:00

On July 26, 2007, Union Countiy's Judge Barisonek ruled in our favor in the case brought to challenge Board of Adjustment approval of the the expansion of the Abbott Manor Nursing home. The judge gave a 1 hour and 40 minute oral decision in which he thoroughly went over the issues brought out in the transcripts of the hearings. It was obvious that he read the transcripts cover to cover. He quoted numerous statements by the expert witnesses of both sides, citing page numbers, as well as quoting from both the 2002 and 2005 Board of Adjustment’s resolutions. The Board of Adjustment's 2002 denial of the nursing home expansion will be reinstated.
Excerpts of Bill Michelson’s Summary of Judge Barisonek’s Decision
In evaluating the impact which the project would have on the historic district, I think two things influenced the Judge greatly. One is that he examined the model which showed clearly how massive it would be, as compared with surrounding properties. The other is that the other intrusions into the district (notably the 1950s-style apartments across the street), including the old Abbott Manor addition, all pre-dated the creation of the district in 1982.

The Judge believes that the Board was so overwhelmed by the federal court settlement, and Rother's threat of further litigation, that it simply lost sight of all the proper criteria for deciding the case. He blamed part of this expressly on Rother's planner, Peter Steck, who… told the Board what its obligations to the handicapped supposedly were, under the Fair Housing Act Amendments of 1988. This is because he found Mr. Steck's analysis to be utterly wrong. He therefore adopted my most basic complaint, which was that the 2005 Board members seemed to think that rejecting the project was simply not an option allowed to them, and that they had contorted their reasoning to reach an approval.

Turning then to the FHAA test under Lapid-Laurel, he found that the statute does not give the handicapped in nursing homes a right to live at a particular location, but to be able to live somewhere in town. Since Plainfield allows nursing homes and assisted living in several other zones, he found it preposterous that they should insist on a particular location that presents real problems. He found false Rother's statement that no other site in town was available, and seemed angry at it. I believe he agreed with me that the 2005 Board's citation to Hovsons but not Lapid-Laurel (those who have followed this will understand) was nothing short of intellectually dishonest. He agreed with me also that the whole point of Lapid-Laurel is that the FHAA does not trump state and local zoning law, but should be viewed in harmony with it.

The parallel issue in state zoning law is called "inherently beneficial use", and the case everyone cites is Sica. He went our way on the most basic legal point I have advanced: that since we now have historic preservation laws, being in a historic district becomes one of the "negative criteria" for applications like this, and a very big one at that. In other words, for the first time, a New Jersey court has declared the validity and importance of historic districts, and described what their effect should be on land-use applications. He even said that letting this project in would cause a "domino effect" that has to be prohibited, and stated that the Board was wrong to give so little heed to the three reports from the Historic Preservation Commission, which advised solidly against the project even as improved. In fact, the Judge went further than I did on one point: that an "inherently beneficial" use may cease to be so, at the wrong location. He therefore suggested that the Board need never have applied the four-prong Sica test or the two-part Lapid-Laurel test, as it could have ruled at the outset that the project was completely unacceptable at this location. In fact, he summed up by saying that, aside from the desirability of nursing homes, every piece of evidence and piece of testimony in the whole case was negative to CPR's application. He will enter an Order vacating the 2005 Resolution, which will have the effect of reinstating the one from 2002.

Cooking Club News

2007-06-13T05:29:00.000-04:00

Lobster Roast
The club decided unanimously that it was Arne's turn to cook. One of his specialties is a clam & lobster roast done over an open pit fire. It will take place in the back yard of the Pillars at 922 Central Avenue on Sunday, July 22nd. More details and the cost to attend will follow in the blog and at the July 16th general meeting. We will need to know if you're coming by Wednesday, July 18th. Call Arne at 908-756-5036 or email him at arnemaakre@verizon.net to reserve your place.

Silk Road Restaurant Outing
Sixteen district members joined the VWB Cooking Club on June 28th for an outing to Silk Road, an Afgan restaurant in Warren, -orange and saffron rice, butternut squash dumplings, veal and lamb rubbed with spices, and scallion and herb stuffed steamed dumplings were sampled from the menu. Don Sobieski has become a regular customer...his recommendation: go for lunch and avoid Saturday night lines to get in. It has been observed by some that the cooking club has morphed into an eating club....

"In Praise of Porches"

2007-05-06T07:17:00.000-04:00

How Porches Influenced Life In Plainfield In the Victorian Era
Sponsored By: The Historical Society of Plainfield
When: Sunday, June 3rd
Time: 2:00 PM
Starting Point: The Pillars, 922 Central Avenue
A walking tour to several homes in the Van Wyck Brooks Historic District with distinctive porches. Meet the present owners and learn about their homes and how they use their porches now. Refreshments will be served at the end of the tour at the Pillars.

"An Architectural Walking Tour"

2007-05-05T06:31:00.000-04:00

Sponsored By: The Historical Society of Plainfield
When: Sunday May 20th
Time: 2:00PM to 4:00PM
Starting Point: The Pillars, 922 Central Avenue
Tickets: $5/ Person, $10/ Family
Available day of event at Pillars at 1:00PM
Off Street Parking: DuCret School of Art, 1030 Central Ave. and Black United Fund, 403 W. 7th St.

An architectural walking tour through the Van Wyck Brooks Historic District. Participants will receive a booklet giving architectural descriptions of houses in the district dating from 1803 through the 1930s. Tour guides will highlights homes in the district that feature such architectural elements as patterned wood shingles, stone, terra cotta tile, turrets, towers, dragon-back ridge, half-timbering, medieval chimneys and Tudor arches. Participants will learn about the architectural styles popular during the period, such as Shingle, Victorian Vernacular, Queen Anne, Italianate, Jacobethan and French Revival.

VWBHD Booth At Plainfield Pride Picnic

2007-04-29T19:05:00.000-04:00

Sunday, June 10th, 12:00 Noon to 6:00PM
Leland Avenue Park
Our district has reserved a booth to distribute information
Volunteers needed to man booth