WE HAVE MOVED!

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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!

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

News Flash: Unfortunately, this wonderful event has been postponed. Check the Garden Club's website to learn when it will be rescheduled.
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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!

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!

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

2009 House Tour a Huge Success!

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

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

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.

Click here for directions

Architectural Artifacts and Antiques Classified Page

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

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

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

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

The Revolutionary War-era Lampkin House on Terrill Road has been designated by Preservation New Jersey 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.