Events
Dennis & Stacey Borden’s House
The house, now located on Cottage Street, started life as a general store on South Orange Avenue in 1806. The frame and flooring were constructed without nails. In 1911, it was rolled on logs to its current location to make way for the apartment buildings that were completed in 1915 and a room was added. In the 1920’s a substantial renovation was done and the house has continued to evolve since. Construction techniques from various ages are evident in the house.
Recording of presentation from June 6, 2024: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BfiSan06g9hALuNAReZ_VFJhbwcaHgAC/view?usp=sharing
Which South Orange Houses are Doomed?
There are 90 houses in residential-commercial or business zones. Any of these could be demolished to make way for apartment buildings or other large structures if the economics work out for a developer. Our April 12, 2024 presentation surveys these properties.
Recording of presentation:
House Designed by Edward Bowser Jr., One of NJ’s First Licensed Black Architects
Scott Horne, owner of the South Orange house designed by Edward Theodore Bowser Jr., discusses the architect, his influences, Bowser-designed houses in the area, and walks us through his own house.
Recording of presentation from February 22, 2024: https://drive.google.com/file/d/10YLVbhoSzyhABIXDKCeP4hyCKbAQ95yC/view?usp=sharing
Historic Signs, Markers and Memorials in South Orange
There are 40 signs, markers and memorials in South Orange. Presentation was Thursday, November 2, 2023.
Recording of presentation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1K8M4D1zMgklsIKJ-FRoKeKJTFrxw1P2k/view?usp=sharing
Addendum:
The red footbridge over the river, by Zuzuro Field, is dedicated to Jonathan Felsman.
Several churches and other buildings have cornerstones. This inventory begins with three at Our Lady of Sorrows, but there are many others.
The Gilded Age, with Ulysses Dietz
Ulysses Dietz, Curator Emeritus of the Newark Museum, spoke on June 15, 2023 about the Gilded Age, a transformative time in the history of the United States after the Civil War, when many newly-wealthy decided that instead of living modestly, they would flaunt their wealth by building huge mansions, lavishly furnished.
Recording of presentation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1O67PmB_BcjUjrqS5TUOr73LkKHxpwXFG/view?usp=sharing
House Colors with John Crosby Freeman
Seminar held Wednesday, April 26, 2023. The “Color Doctor” discusses aesthetics, trim colors, “Yes, you can paint vinyl” and answers questions.
Recording of presentation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YZ-ULor6nutZCK2yYxbCQweb95jzTiZw/view?usp=sharing
History of Meadowland Park
Webinar held Thursday, Mar 16, 2023. From boggy marshland to cow pasture to golf course to multi-use park, Bryn Douds, SOHPS President, presents the history of the park from 1680 to today.
Recording of presentation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FD4JbaXQxBmeMi-g_FcK3AUr4Kkyfyaj/view?usp=sharing
South Orange Hotels
Webinar held Thursday, Jan 19, 2023. Learn about the hotels that South Orange had in its past.
Recording of presentation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XVl1YMpHbifZ6YKBqKRtprSJHPv3RoZ6/view?usp=sharing
Trolley Talk
Webinar held Thursday, Jan 13, 2022. Would you have ridden the “Swamp Line” trolley that went through South Orange on Meadowbrook Land and on to “Hat City” Orange to West Orange? Joseph Fagan, West Orange Historian, takes us on an historical journey.
Recording of presentation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1viSxR3_XrZHsEI_HKgzKIfF7cPBnHhf7/view?usp=sharing
Historic House Colors
Black or Gray or Brown or Pink! What Color Should I Paint My House?
Webinar held Thursday, April 8, 2021. Tips and hints from experts on selecting historically appropriate colors to enhance the beauty of your home while honoring its history.
The presenting panel of experts:
Erin Cavanaugh, Virtual Color Consultant for the Sherwin Williams Paint Company
erin.e.cavanaugh@sherwin.com
Erin has been in the Interior Design field for 12 years and is an expert on the functions of color. “I enjoy helping people choose colors for their homes. My love of all things old and architecture has made me especially fond of historic homes in NJ, of which there is no shortage.”
Christian Fernandez, Project Manager with Wilber’s Painting,
chrisfernandez@wilberspainting.com
Christian has directed many fine historic projects, especially their preparation, restoration, and application.
Duane Schrempp, distinguished architect and owner of a historic South Orange home,
duaneschrempp@gmail.com
A member of the Historical Society board, Duane is an Architect, with a practice in South Orange focusing on institutional and civic projects. He worked for years with Philip Johnson. He has been active in town in efforts to save Village Hall, The Old Stone House, and the Squier Farmhouse.
