tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28836356626682347322024-03-27T16:54:14.626-07:00The Forgotten Past of New JerseyThe most comprehensive online index of NJ's historic, endangered and forgotten buildings and infrastructure.EsseXploreRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670395370062998418noreply@blogger.comBlogger103125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2883635662668234732.post-59795977445960964792024-03-23T06:05:00.000-07:002024-03-23T06:05:46.558-07:00Covanta Warren<p>One of the more interesting experiments in power generating technology has been the implementation of garbage fired power stations. Rather than using a high efficiency fuel source like coal or natural gas, these plants run on municipal waste instead. The premise is the same; the trash is burned and the resulting heat is applied to water in the boilers. This creates steam, which is used to spin a turbine generator. One of the largest providers of Waste to Energy power in the country, Covanta, built one such plant in Oxford in the late 1980's. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXkDgZtZ8GwMOiMX9WUQz-Yq9ttCMzqSDNmtwpyKhyphenhyphenXkz-H0gA7ZyABApcXuBmVuDGYg6VSIQt6uxAFE9pCSlcMHPSsR-FpV04aWzzGiZZ3GdNwDAlAUHy9h-FOON3Ly5zEv8vxHuQxUQadPPODmhE8u_Q4YlVwZ-eNxjTgBDgSovrO7h7vT9jn5rQyS8/s3024/2024-03-22_04-33-54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXkDgZtZ8GwMOiMX9WUQz-Yq9ttCMzqSDNmtwpyKhyphenhyphenXkz-H0gA7ZyABApcXuBmVuDGYg6VSIQt6uxAFE9pCSlcMHPSsR-FpV04aWzzGiZZ3GdNwDAlAUHy9h-FOON3Ly5zEv8vxHuQxUQadPPODmhE8u_Q4YlVwZ-eNxjTgBDgSovrO7h7vT9jn5rQyS8/w300-h400/2024-03-22_04-33-54.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p>Covanta Warren opened in July 1988. At the time there wasn't much any development around the property. The adjascent landfill was still being cleared, it didn't open for another two years. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiODcyW8J9TIiWbJwCRal8gH0RgUf-7PogXNuHEDPjzS3Wr89j_yUDCqp_tblgWPqCZ5y4SYJXiAu4gSiPAi3meVsCU4O-F_8ulXJZHuNCiG-cu57yQgxPtoRyI6mbWF9rRBL1Ms7nJH2RZig1OYf2w_nt4AUF4gkrL3eZ23D5p7IbqT1VDw2PPncGuhyo/s4032/2024-03-22_04-47-48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiODcyW8J9TIiWbJwCRal8gH0RgUf-7PogXNuHEDPjzS3Wr89j_yUDCqp_tblgWPqCZ5y4SYJXiAu4gSiPAi3meVsCU4O-F_8ulXJZHuNCiG-cu57yQgxPtoRyI6mbWF9rRBL1Ms7nJH2RZig1OYf2w_nt4AUF4gkrL3eZ23D5p7IbqT1VDw2PPncGuhyo/w225-h400/2024-03-22_04-47-48.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><p></p><p>At its peak the facility was handling 550 tons of waste a day. That translated to between 13 and 14 megawatts of power production. That may not sound like very much compared to the output of the average coal plant, but it was still enough to power over 10,000 homes. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQ9-VnfMlneH_2iyoOsctH8s8dfSTV0psmF63IrN3GHVSqZoo3qJcSZMlhja2jAxhER0AqgDo18Bk7MCAJrOrcTVFsNhcx6jM4QKcejGwIIvKYG0qQOl0oO0BraG2s9yCxSIkVu0dpUUJs2hhwwImmq9KspGG3jZzDQ6KjUlNm3Ivt2beSyJVngfAgmc/s3946/2024-03-22_04-46-56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2220" data-original-width="3946" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQ9-VnfMlneH_2iyoOsctH8s8dfSTV0psmF63IrN3GHVSqZoo3qJcSZMlhja2jAxhER0AqgDo18Bk7MCAJrOrcTVFsNhcx6jM4QKcejGwIIvKYG0qQOl0oO0BraG2s9yCxSIkVu0dpUUJs2hhwwImmq9KspGG3jZzDQ6KjUlNm3Ivt2beSyJVngfAgmc/w400-h225/2024-03-22_04-46-56.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>The econonics of Waste-to-Energy facilities are complex, and are largely affected by federal regulations. These pressures eventually began to outweigh the fiscal benefits of keeping the plant open, so Covanta announced in 2019 they were closing the facility. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9iqHCXP2EBWsliBj1ja2hIJa2oCLFW7FHTjKBvz86GUofV596q3KifFNC9utwjk0rLaJMeU_61JvBcm3odliT084_gU2QuM7t3CkGENY42yjBBcTWOIln7WwLnmsSIsZNYD6w6gVzo5gkg7xpb6w5wLi27OVW2Uj9Ta1nKsliWD_9xXxCFmpfqr7QZN8/s3455/Polish_20240323_090054224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3455" data-original-width="2592" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9iqHCXP2EBWsliBj1ja2hIJa2oCLFW7FHTjKBvz86GUofV596q3KifFNC9utwjk0rLaJMeU_61JvBcm3odliT084_gU2QuM7t3CkGENY42yjBBcTWOIln7WwLnmsSIsZNYD6w6gVzo5gkg7xpb6w5wLi27OVW2Uj9Ta1nKsliWD_9xXxCFmpfqr7QZN8/w300-h400/Polish_20240323_090054224.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p>The complex only sat idle for a few years. I visited once during that time, regrettably without my camera. It was not the most impressive plant, and Oxford is a fairly inconvenient place to get out to from where I live.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZWMKSpWpwkk1jXJHhmttbJjbFBWeQ7juCSWlYrszz05rRBBqm_xoTeFJDXdv9Sk9ZbHfl3abe97oOMlQ65BwNHiHgIjM3jLcsLmjY2wHEsVnc_4heThUDK8RnkGVIQOezGgXFAcq-e4Vmx36NeV7BqGZYarF2IDyCqi8hKhytVXIPmAhk89_oAwIOla8/s4032/2024-03-22_04-47-36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZWMKSpWpwkk1jXJHhmttbJjbFBWeQ7juCSWlYrszz05rRBBqm_xoTeFJDXdv9Sk9ZbHfl3abe97oOMlQ65BwNHiHgIjM3jLcsLmjY2wHEsVnc_4heThUDK8RnkGVIQOezGgXFAcq-e4Vmx36NeV7BqGZYarF2IDyCqi8hKhytVXIPmAhk89_oAwIOla8/w225-h400/2024-03-22_04-47-36.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><p> I found out from my brother one day in March of 2024 that it was in the process of being demolished. I can't say I'm too sad to see it go. I think the area will look a lot better without the obtrusive industrial facility sticking out from the trees. It goes on to join a long list of retired and eventually demolished power plants in the state. </p>EsseXploreRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670395370062998418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2883635662668234732.post-86177264916319278762024-03-22T06:40:00.000-07:002024-03-22T06:40:28.139-07:00Brick Presbyterian Church<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif9qIrybuCkae5T8QwsRMOQjQ6jCDv3t_am7GW9c6Mkb-nj7nOglYnP0NQMoVXOwl5M6WExbs2i1KqIxT6YTmStGNhTVN8gc8Aal-rxB1blqf43ncNxLoLlBWKZg14rQGjQ8JvrS9o9JHAoQzq2DQFD2dLKfg0wWdAhFQnuRLwhBufuIpy4GMdn4U-afM/s1069/Screenshot_20240321-131416_eBay.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="673" data-original-width="1069" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif9qIrybuCkae5T8QwsRMOQjQ6jCDv3t_am7GW9c6Mkb-nj7nOglYnP0NQMoVXOwl5M6WExbs2i1KqIxT6YTmStGNhTVN8gc8Aal-rxB1blqf43ncNxLoLlBWKZg14rQGjQ8JvrS9o9JHAoQzq2DQFD2dLKfg0wWdAhFQnuRLwhBufuIpy4GMdn4U-afM/w400-h251/Screenshot_20240321-131416_eBay.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Source: TFPNJ Historic Postcard Archive</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Sometimes a building will be so iconic, it becomes synonymous with a specific neighborhood. Sometimes it's a hospital, or a tall tower, but more often I find it's a church. The first example of this that comes to mind for me is, without a doubt, Brick Church. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXroXwHpmVJdoU9RxUdBmM497KqEEiY3yTiuiyOu2mI3_VNOEDoVJCh7qprk_nTc-coA4_-AVevbfe4l9n6ubkVmGkiW6Oyfaq2l76SBbe8xsi1Z1X3C3Fak1it6PhU6d5A7QEX6r0DCIU7RgPKuXEN1azty2rYuzcujEN1F3C45OSL9eDxNtVtyhk8PM/s3491/2024-03-21_07-20-08.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3491" data-original-width="2592" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXroXwHpmVJdoU9RxUdBmM497KqEEiY3yTiuiyOu2mI3_VNOEDoVJCh7qprk_nTc-coA4_-AVevbfe4l9n6ubkVmGkiW6Oyfaq2l76SBbe8xsi1Z1X3C3Fak1it6PhU6d5A7QEX6r0DCIU7RgPKuXEN1azty2rYuzcujEN1F3C45OSL9eDxNtVtyhk8PM/w298-h400/2024-03-21_07-20-08.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><p></p><p>The Presbyterian congregation that founded Brick Church formed in 1832, but it wasn't until 1878 that the iconic red brick structure rose up on the corner of Main Street and Prospect. The new house of worship was designed in a handsome Romanesque style. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjTMGqRDQJEVR5bV2UjAYzI2rEEk4eNvIi7X6k1t8WLfcknZ2iKcSDXPPHIds7iyOxV0X5oh_GxZtg0cDEiQhkD5Uzu2-TTAJolyVPl8b2aWdNndUYWoawOgT7SLRcKwH4_u7xtFqU7xpUKclVMvSPLWnEK7q6bZDk3wy6XzBozVWovRbhzLTkhD8VJxo/s4032/2024-03-21_07-26-12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjTMGqRDQJEVR5bV2UjAYzI2rEEk4eNvIi7X6k1t8WLfcknZ2iKcSDXPPHIds7iyOxV0X5oh_GxZtg0cDEiQhkD5Uzu2-TTAJolyVPl8b2aWdNndUYWoawOgT7SLRcKwH4_u7xtFqU7xpUKclVMvSPLWnEK7q6bZDk3wy6XzBozVWovRbhzLTkhD8VJxo/w225-h400/2024-03-21_07-26-12.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><p></p><p>The founding congregation was dwindling by the turn of the century. The building was sold to the Temple of Unified Christians, a small Haitian ministry. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXdNuEalHaXzQ6yXO1J84OHhpFkQ1tAYjinjD9uXC8GvjRW03V6v5rGZc69Zht0Evn_9spIiJnChHokc3fOcWy9vniyu2syrHh2TwcU2dCs9ZFQMB42mHccdLFLNxf8jbWSqKriys96dqmkAGrtctxad2dz-vTEtGxbC3PLGNaozcpQM1Tpg0twSZvHus/s4032/2024-03-21_07-27-49.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXdNuEalHaXzQ6yXO1J84OHhpFkQ1tAYjinjD9uXC8GvjRW03V6v5rGZc69Zht0Evn_9spIiJnChHokc3fOcWy9vniyu2syrHh2TwcU2dCs9ZFQMB42mHccdLFLNxf8jbWSqKriys96dqmkAGrtctxad2dz-vTEtGxbC3PLGNaozcpQM1Tpg0twSZvHus/w225-h400/2024-03-21_07-27-49.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><p></p><p>The large building was more space than the congragation could keep up with. The main sanctuary was slowly falling apart while the Temple used the large choir room in the back. I had been keeping an eye on the building as it continued to deteriorate. Over the years. Every so often I would see a member of the congregation outside the building. One time I asked if I could go inside and take pictures. Unfortunately I was flatly rejected.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWM6A9-O7qZtuWu4XTHjf8uyO2b3yNBsUP2OGlgsyM0ZP8ZLYTwK9SH7NrZFOiTQUQXHpFJ-udW8Fk15zSbapqpa_MfPDLP1Bnb0AkA0Jcu_Z86RDQ3cgJgF9AW-rWJ32wGUS85OLZoL7kw4m96rANShlXYvklgMungm8CCgL8EsKF3-DwPBB91L7E9E8/s4608/2024-03-21_07-31-37.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWM6A9-O7qZtuWu4XTHjf8uyO2b3yNBsUP2OGlgsyM0ZP8ZLYTwK9SH7NrZFOiTQUQXHpFJ-udW8Fk15zSbapqpa_MfPDLP1Bnb0AkA0Jcu_Z86RDQ3cgJgF9AW-rWJ32wGUS85OLZoL7kw4m96rANShlXYvklgMungm8CCgL8EsKF3-DwPBB91L7E9E8/w400-h225/2024-03-21_07-31-37.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>The Temple Of Unified Christians eventually left the building in 2020, right around the time Covid was running rampant. I continued to check up on the building, but without an official closure announcement I wasn't totally sure if the building was totally unoccupied yet. Then one day a friend of mine who was in the area let me know there was a door ajar out back. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWzMcVy26po5PulV4MPP0A7whuXmV_eQc8muHWegUei1LTbuP-dC4x31EuLQ0NFwzyMryi2o8OCe9K1MQMwb3PPYGuBjyrzrRDRN4e7HHh-u6Ra5p1K3lfrzkTKGVBINVMEmpEqvX9tfjklMbjkVa0ofMt1KmWsVFx1x70dWHZFk43jwxpQHt9ECpl_fg/s4032/2024-03-21_08-17-51.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWzMcVy26po5PulV4MPP0A7whuXmV_eQc8muHWegUei1LTbuP-dC4x31EuLQ0NFwzyMryi2o8OCe9K1MQMwb3PPYGuBjyrzrRDRN4e7HHh-u6Ra5p1K3lfrzkTKGVBINVMEmpEqvX9tfjklMbjkVa0ofMt1KmWsVFx1x70dWHZFk43jwxpQHt9ECpl_fg/w400-h225/2024-03-21_08-17-51.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>The next morning I was inside documenting the building. The main sanctuary was less impressive than I always imagined, but I was very grateful to finally see what was on the other side of the stained glass.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWIn73KJPNz4swQxOQNhXnR4wEIpi_ZAg31ggIOIjSfe3ebdI7gccu_VkQpsQtpIfYjgSdwuD0FySKS1mZxn1oO1fhwGFhHNhQMn-J-H5t02HrB-9k2JdW-dbi-IuFlP7rA7VnWgnArfzAR6peVIJmzzUVF_apssxUMQbYf6k3N-k3EqmayM6Ws22hMnc/s4032/2024-03-21_08-20-10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWIn73KJPNz4swQxOQNhXnR4wEIpi_ZAg31ggIOIjSfe3ebdI7gccu_VkQpsQtpIfYjgSdwuD0FySKS1mZxn1oO1fhwGFhHNhQMn-J-H5t02HrB-9k2JdW-dbi-IuFlP7rA7VnWgnArfzAR6peVIJmzzUVF_apssxUMQbYf6k3N-k3EqmayM6Ws22hMnc/w225-h400/2024-03-21_08-20-10.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><p>Then on April 19th of 2023 that same friend sent me a frantic message. " Dude.... did you know they're tearing down brick church??" accompanied by a screenshot that showed the work. I flew down to the site to see it for myself, and sure enough there was a massive hole ripped through the most structurally intact portion of the building.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQcZHjaEADKU8_Z0JlfQ1bfrUGZoX5ThqruhvSAtwotn1lhpr1MOXoWhgHrLRII7nQ2C7AUBzH2iWOXc3RgW-1dX4FbQLcb3jsqU_tl-efu21HxOsL88ahvb9tEnAEOFVJpbkMbS5Yn7Gtp0dojCiXlNV6AI-CP5yDylnOB5lusj3iTZXTRVjU61onHgQ/s4608/2024-03-21_08-21-52.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="2592" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQcZHjaEADKU8_Z0JlfQ1bfrUGZoX5ThqruhvSAtwotn1lhpr1MOXoWhgHrLRII7nQ2C7AUBzH2iWOXc3RgW-1dX4FbQLcb3jsqU_tl-efu21HxOsL88ahvb9tEnAEOFVJpbkMbS5Yn7Gtp0dojCiXlNV6AI-CP5yDylnOB5lusj3iTZXTRVjU61onHgQ/w225-h400/2024-03-21_08-21-52.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><p>The demolition was done under the cover of darkness because the owners knew they would never be able to get the proper permits for the work if they went about the demolition the right way. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSUMQGw5aLC78oPXl9gdtL9xooPsg8MShdhvJEYCJIt1KqzOzJT8l0mooJ_3Mrt3V_lMKkv75bQPfBfxK6R4xeKzGksz0dtgYqapsZiZPVExt71A4LktCx-4LZpzLTYWuuegoziECK0Amg81T-wFN2wpzCjh04Amgxj9_HowxB0N6cvZ4yrBb-0ckJ3u4/s3953/2024-03-21_08-21-28.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3953" data-original-width="2223" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSUMQGw5aLC78oPXl9gdtL9xooPsg8MShdhvJEYCJIt1KqzOzJT8l0mooJ_3Mrt3V_lMKkv75bQPfBfxK6R4xeKzGksz0dtgYqapsZiZPVExt71A4LktCx-4LZpzLTYWuuegoziECK0Amg81T-wFN2wpzCjh04Amgxj9_HowxB0N6cvZ4yrBb-0ckJ3u4/w225-h400/2024-03-21_08-21-28.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><p>Horrified passers-by called the police, who showed up and promptly halted the work. Unfortunately too much damage had been done, and the building was now beyond fixing.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0de_8blU7wr4t7biKrrM6LEGFJi9Mm8SaaN1PSB6AwYOYRU30eVh_1RsUo-fsgjVPrWunOnLJz0X4nKM-HoY2-H9oTpYnb1_Bp7V_qdos3ai8l9l5H_E3t2qdo3pyD3y7a2Bxao2ZvK9TBkcHfYZ-v0jtEv4Adtfs38JkDfsaj2ghD-9EFVY67ZH7EcE/s4608/2024-03-21_08-19-32.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="2592" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0de_8blU7wr4t7biKrrM6LEGFJi9Mm8SaaN1PSB6AwYOYRU30eVh_1RsUo-fsgjVPrWunOnLJz0X4nKM-HoY2-H9oTpYnb1_Bp7V_qdos3ai8l9l5H_E3t2qdo3pyD3y7a2Bxao2ZvK9TBkcHfYZ-v0jtEv4Adtfs38JkDfsaj2ghD-9EFVY67ZH7EcE/w225-h400/2024-03-21_08-19-32.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><p>The church sat wide open to the elements for almost a year as the city decided whether or not to allow the owners to finish the job. Eventually they were given the go ahead, and work started up again in March of 2024.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbQ_0Qr5dCrO35iZfWw0_bQCmcnZEeea4B6m5WHAipsbRDJofQck32qJ-mrORcubsGmnA9GV0eq4X16WpoT8JiRstlGcNwl813FlB39u8UzgSLavxzfab1qq7QzH14evrrfzn6wLKbCp84IVLXqvetmeKJ5vii2JDfaCZu3d83nQOQFSLbIDLeBL_pvco/s3307/20240321_083513.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3307" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbQ_0Qr5dCrO35iZfWw0_bQCmcnZEeea4B6m5WHAipsbRDJofQck32qJ-mrORcubsGmnA9GV0eq4X16WpoT8JiRstlGcNwl813FlB39u8UzgSLavxzfab1qq7QzH14evrrfzn6wLKbCp84IVLXqvetmeKJ5vii2JDfaCZu3d83nQOQFSLbIDLeBL_pvco/w274-h400/20240321_083513.jpg" width="274" /></a></div><p>There are so many people to blame here. Whether by ignorance or malice, this historic treasure which was the namesake for the neighborhood is now gone. The demolition was done so quick and sloppily, and with almost no attempts made to salvage the beautiful, priceless interior. Hopefully this loss will serve as a motivation for city officials to never let this happen again. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHaNk9yMYooPIrxe8_nHULCkGAI_Mu4vylSzq_J6X2Ca3k1afrV00UVykABx7gkuiqCYPbq4zfsLnq5yAVEQZWTvCF8Li6QYIJVw4DojZYuYbz0VPvfAzOGC9c2v8MwVn-phbbsL3obE5K2NkOkZ9hr7_bWwdb6lx79LUZInX5seHRz5l3w96Ky1N08rY/s3023/2024-03-21_08-55-19.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3023" data-original-width="2222" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHaNk9yMYooPIrxe8_nHULCkGAI_Mu4vylSzq_J6X2Ca3k1afrV00UVykABx7gkuiqCYPbq4zfsLnq5yAVEQZWTvCF8Li6QYIJVw4DojZYuYbz0VPvfAzOGC9c2v8MwVn-phbbsL3obE5K2NkOkZ9hr7_bWwdb6lx79LUZInX5seHRz5l3w96Ky1N08rY/w294-h400/2024-03-21_08-55-19.jpg" width="294" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>EsseXploreRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670395370062998418noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2883635662668234732.post-91655164322241139562024-03-21T04:00:00.000-07:002024-03-21T04:00:08.308-07:00Snuffy's Pantagis Renaissance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphena_cLQwJP6Ew67d1O0uXJbubR4Ip6dXrB9MTooA6JNVUQ49ctdqacd6cN1qyfkCjcbdTy-kaMQTXtewX5Z4iF_rSV-UC6M7-uGmaCKM2AvRnyZRItWD8fYiPdpWWedXN0fU-73w2MammaHZec7wIAcom0uFggt78TlGq-8mK501dAzgYJxSaGyYaSLQ/s4608/2024-03-21_06-32-39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphena_cLQwJP6Ew67d1O0uXJbubR4Ip6dXrB9MTooA6JNVUQ49ctdqacd6cN1qyfkCjcbdTy-kaMQTXtewX5Z4iF_rSV-UC6M7-uGmaCKM2AvRnyZRItWD8fYiPdpWWedXN0fU-73w2MammaHZec7wIAcom0uFggt78TlGq-8mK501dAzgYJxSaGyYaSLQ/w400-h225/2024-03-21_06-32-39.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Snuffys Steakhouse was founded by William Robertson in 1932. Robertson was local speakeasy proprietor who had operations all throughout the neighboring towns. With prohibition ending just a year later, Snuffys hit the ground running. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdFb_RB8JHu_AqBTeH7ADFK2aZtrXr2xUMC9-1K5BDUWB_DyKXqE21pafYKoYlEcpYwjBcHqzx4hw4xbDG7bRYN3oomKBIr18khSO2XfCmnpuyRxMT6x6kMigEvP66FeFfOSKiQB-o-1Co-uSptQrWyXBjKvXsQED1XEogVls5Nton-_mSdvbqokxsoLk/s3678/2024-03-21_06-33-25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3678" data-original-width="2538" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdFb_RB8JHu_AqBTeH7ADFK2aZtrXr2xUMC9-1K5BDUWB_DyKXqE21pafYKoYlEcpYwjBcHqzx4hw4xbDG7bRYN3oomKBIr18khSO2XfCmnpuyRxMT6x6kMigEvP66FeFfOSKiQB-o-1Co-uSptQrWyXBjKvXsQED1XEogVls5Nton-_mSdvbqokxsoLk/w276-h400/2024-03-21_06-33-25.jpg" width="276" /></a></div><p></p><p>The resteraunt expanded in the late 1960s. The building was transformed from a glorified burger stand into a banquet hall. Several large new rooms were added, including the Crystal Room, Gaslight Room, and Fireplace Room.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiitMjF606StAtjm6PTCs11zzaCwS0yy81cuCh_HL_NwEebwjJnsQJUCWqH-jCvNVL59n-BteN4zbehtOcAUmKb5j-ggTtMNuKR4Azy7DXIIkqovgqrwHp4gdyvjxUiVYUUfx4i2Fbh6gitFgDCbacBWlEOm4ZOdc37xFBShMhMeo8s5Wnav8gOY_Kvx18/s3337/2024-03-21_06-36-34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3337" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiitMjF606StAtjm6PTCs11zzaCwS0yy81cuCh_HL_NwEebwjJnsQJUCWqH-jCvNVL59n-BteN4zbehtOcAUmKb5j-ggTtMNuKR4Azy7DXIIkqovgqrwHp4gdyvjxUiVYUUfx4i2Fbh6gitFgDCbacBWlEOm4ZOdc37xFBShMhMeo8s5Wnav8gOY_Kvx18/w271-h400/2024-03-21_06-36-34.jpg" width="271" /></a></div><p>Robertson ran the resteraunt until the early 1970s. After several decades of success, he decided to retire. Snuffys was sold to the Pantagis family the following year.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsTKhk69VKyhAYjEym8Rk5F8_Px8RaVc0819m1eirF_gjVyv8u5gewQWKy7rUSn1uWyYxT_4r3PIg7kck7XnCXYhk8GWHu3clpqHXAPJanYBmpU0u0UrH35lzeGb82hao-AEadLc1l48XTZpFr1DkPsNYI_HMSpQ4Dr_Di-xF44Z3JntAogzw8-wjaoVk/s3423/2024-03-21_06-38-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3423" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsTKhk69VKyhAYjEym8Rk5F8_Px8RaVc0819m1eirF_gjVyv8u5gewQWKy7rUSn1uWyYxT_4r3PIg7kck7XnCXYhk8GWHu3clpqHXAPJanYBmpU0u0UrH35lzeGb82hao-AEadLc1l48XTZpFr1DkPsNYI_HMSpQ4Dr_Di-xF44Z3JntAogzw8-wjaoVk/w265-h400/2024-03-21_06-38-01.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><p>The Pantagis family rebuilt Snuffys in the late 1970s and into the 80's. They changed the rather humble banquet hall into a tacky, gaudy psuedo-palace. Every ceiling was adorned with mass produced stained glass and cheap embossed millwork. While impressive to the untrained eye, the building was really a poorly constructed clashy nightmare. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl_0EL3WGfl-MKy6jolr3_QFcaCKDTXX1E0ZMtl52EAxj9OtjTqn4tPEPalBmjprjJvFIGJFvH_qh7cGETGQ1-oo9cJVs0ekYJ-4gbYpZylde2D8cS9ZGLUbjKhrRkW3xfI06H436iotfcqZRyW-M4P-Xdr4zVf6kkU_2F9pnHtinD96aHfPn3gJ68ZXY/s4608/2024-03-21_06-39-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl_0EL3WGfl-MKy6jolr3_QFcaCKDTXX1E0ZMtl52EAxj9OtjTqn4tPEPalBmjprjJvFIGJFvH_qh7cGETGQ1-oo9cJVs0ekYJ-4gbYpZylde2D8cS9ZGLUbjKhrRkW3xfI06H436iotfcqZRyW-M4P-Xdr4zVf6kkU_2F9pnHtinD96aHfPn3gJ68ZXY/w400-h225/2024-03-21_06-39-15.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>The Covid 19 pandemic had a major impact on every aspect of the wedding industry, and the Pantagis banquet hall was no exception. The family decided to abruptly close the business on October 20th, 2020. Covid 19 was cited as the main reason for the closure, but the business owed hundreds of thousands of dollars in back taxes as well.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCJze5x9VdU_epcqM6vcmCRPtVUTx6PVMhYT25YfEfv3cFRR-g0mIOQ4M3ML2agX0v44YicKNrdZ329k0TalvmIHXklTx_hWvhDt-lcBpA_XGM4us_4Mtic9fvhLxEXQS9_ozH4wk5BHfzTe6kqYo9P4Gg0Ff8U3Zqy7Nqn3vX5K-aXBpJU4j48bnVG3E/s4608/2024-03-21_06-39-52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCJze5x9VdU_epcqM6vcmCRPtVUTx6PVMhYT25YfEfv3cFRR-g0mIOQ4M3ML2agX0v44YicKNrdZ329k0TalvmIHXklTx_hWvhDt-lcBpA_XGM4us_4Mtic9fvhLxEXQS9_ozH4wk5BHfzTe6kqYo9P4Gg0Ff8U3Zqy7Nqn3vX5K-aXBpJU4j48bnVG3E/w400-h225/2024-03-21_06-39-52.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>After several years sitting empty, Scotch Plains approved plans to demolish the venue. Work started right at the beginning of 2024, and continued swiftly until the lot was clear. Lots of folks were upset that none of the stained glass or woodwork was saved, but I don't think they really understood how little value any of it had. A Lidl grocery store will soon be built on the lot, certainly more of a benefit to the town than the vacant building was. Snuffy's goes on to join Pals Cabin, The Circus, and the Chatterbox on the long list of iconic. NJ resteraunts replaced for generic retail. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPwXzbW5GY1Q9f3ML2-Mk9S_acGvnYY9FWnGXQ3ola7TixIA8mO9enN7J7dAcWDobwCWqdrgL03qm7znUPd7UegaEk1yAi38HEsitJ4mBnvAMLOyf1GkSkYv41lsOb_avxvf7LcT2cHvU7Ucg-2DDb-J1I-LbKHuKR2oCWWLWIsUVlSaogRfAq0kVVN5o/s4032/2024-03-21_06-40-44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPwXzbW5GY1Q9f3ML2-Mk9S_acGvnYY9FWnGXQ3ola7TixIA8mO9enN7J7dAcWDobwCWqdrgL03qm7znUPd7UegaEk1yAi38HEsitJ4mBnvAMLOyf1GkSkYv41lsOb_avxvf7LcT2cHvU7Ucg-2DDb-J1I-LbKHuKR2oCWWLWIsUVlSaogRfAq0kVVN5o/w225-h400/2024-03-21_06-40-44.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>EsseXploreRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670395370062998418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2883635662668234732.post-74169905267525912572023-12-09T11:58:00.000-08:002023-12-11T04:13:57.344-08:00Fewsmith Memorial/ Pilgrim Baptist Church<p>The late 1800s saw the growth of all types of religion in the city. By far, one of the most prominent denominations was the Presbyterian Church. They established their first worship space in the city in the 1660's. Two centuries later the group was building santuaries all over Newark. One example was the Fewsmith Memorial Presbyterian Church. At first the group worshipped inside a small Carpenter Gothic structure that was built along Jay Street in 1886. By 1893 the congregation had grown so much that they decided to build a large beautiful brick sanctuary along Hudson Street. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzLXiZ3rMwiAEXyLQuGLWFFPwQtNSxt78hffMCTfQwGTKrGChNXbd5WiPQh9JLsT7523JukubqP6cP9lKihrIZpCNtglwJFnCQiwqeN-Arg4TozXeurzRiVAbcqb-IlrvqDeJMjv9MqIkqtEHXpx3tau_ONdWjEpdoiLRYBdTodRbBlgbppbBfo41tvIo/s3276/20231126_085328.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3276" data-original-width="2153" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzLXiZ3rMwiAEXyLQuGLWFFPwQtNSxt78hffMCTfQwGTKrGChNXbd5WiPQh9JLsT7523JukubqP6cP9lKihrIZpCNtglwJFnCQiwqeN-Arg4TozXeurzRiVAbcqb-IlrvqDeJMjv9MqIkqtEHXpx3tau_ONdWjEpdoiLRYBdTodRbBlgbppbBfo41tvIo/w263-h400/20231126_085328.jpg" width="263" /></a></div><p>The new sanctuary was a beautiful Gothic building, complete with a large bell tower. Despite the beautiful, relatively new building, Fewsmith merged with the Roseville Presbyterian Church in 1924. Over 150 former Fewsmith members started attending mass at Roseville, which was about 10 blocks west of their original home. A new Fewsmith Memorial Church was also established in neighboring Belleville the same year. Around the same time, a small group that had split off from Bethany Baptist began working out plans for a new congregation. The group would go on to become Pilgrim Baptist Church. After several months of meeting in different members houses, they purchased the Fewsmith building from the Newark Presbytery and moved in on December 14th. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFCsp3V3WvJBWxGVY-O3PuimhSzawAfx38lR4z9D5Yq-984D3xzuQhCkW_AQd8CSzrxlkIukL8110-Fg82_GZTR9ATuHpAzkb6PGILI9CqkXqbJFuyqBBp-Xpw6P6nJIt2axsg5adIg0AINixCtikcg24TAMSNzGg1JycsQmAS62fa4GiqpGZQiv5qb-U/s2244/20231208_152311.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1927" data-original-width="2244" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFCsp3V3WvJBWxGVY-O3PuimhSzawAfx38lR4z9D5Yq-984D3xzuQhCkW_AQd8CSzrxlkIukL8110-Fg82_GZTR9ATuHpAzkb6PGILI9CqkXqbJFuyqBBp-Xpw6P6nJIt2axsg5adIg0AINixCtikcg24TAMSNzGg1JycsQmAS62fa4GiqpGZQiv5qb-U/w400-h344/20231208_152311.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>A few decades passed, and with it came several new leaders. In 1939 Reverend Charles C. Withers resigned, and Elder Wilson of the Bethlehem Baptist church was called in to lead while they determined who would take charge next. Instead, Bethlehem was actually absorbed by the Pilgrim congregation to worship in their Hudson Street building. To memorialize this, a new cornerstone was installed at the base of the bell tower.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcUHm2bVXhN8Ev4cguNO5HBXexDO5C7H9uzzFN_pAcrs-rYtRGO4Ds_3DWzlCcwWQxDUr7WODY1YKVoJQ28thucvAdpoCx3ce7F-JLrgy6GoQ6rHs1G2NFDuFda45No3CQNh_I-LRWRQThgM0FY-HetC0oDwdZiRLpj_ApPq0SqR-LUowu2_w8YvdNunQ/s4032/20231126_084122.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcUHm2bVXhN8Ev4cguNO5HBXexDO5C7H9uzzFN_pAcrs-rYtRGO4Ds_3DWzlCcwWQxDUr7WODY1YKVoJQ28thucvAdpoCx3ce7F-JLrgy6GoQ6rHs1G2NFDuFda45No3CQNh_I-LRWRQThgM0FY-HetC0oDwdZiRLpj_ApPq0SqR-LUowu2_w8YvdNunQ/w400-h225/20231126_084122.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Pilgrim was a critical part of the city and region as a whole, which is reflected in some of the hosuing initiatives undertaken by the church. Under the stewardship of Reverend Arthur Washington Jones in 1979 Pilgrim Baptist Village was constructed to help provide low and moderate income housing to the city. The apartments were built on Bergen Ave at 18th St. on land that was once held dozens of abandoned residences. They also helped get single family housing built all throughout the City of Orange. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf9a-lDlhivGun06fWcWuuMVn7EkhtowtAtw6oAXAluH6TdPotf8ZpkoY1-GI7dnrcT1kJExwKVURc7uE5x6bqRND1xM_xja0BNZoCRCYUNcvRL7utHeVkM61p67LrK2O98riVpnUlB36PGf1OXUvv0kOOcopmRMfLTTnR9VAdc3ylOsCh3xx2uYmYKfU/s6000/2023-12-01_02-59-36.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf9a-lDlhivGun06fWcWuuMVn7EkhtowtAtw6oAXAluH6TdPotf8ZpkoY1-GI7dnrcT1kJExwKVURc7uE5x6bqRND1xM_xja0BNZoCRCYUNcvRL7utHeVkM61p67LrK2O98riVpnUlB36PGf1OXUvv0kOOcopmRMfLTTnR9VAdc3ylOsCh3xx2uYmYKfU/w266-h400/2023-12-01_02-59-36.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><p>The main sanctuary underwent a large renovation project in 1992. Included in the project were new pews, air conditioning and the iconic blue stained glass windows in the main sanctuary. The work was done under the stewardship of Reverend Clarence E. Thomas. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaUV_84P4flnFMk-iI1JKN1ks-z3-es5SnAYfFjOh0HmLFJ61Qde8UyIadIZpIXS1NpQ29NrNRP3rQX9jzNMubKA-ELG4ErDhUbIBDmbkhJS4rmIGgKKtqGrHQrto2sfhlNUIvrLMEbg833HnX70dzvfBfLKUPdN6V4De_3gLWHy2Oc9GJui_9xNFr3eo/s5848/2023-12-09_02-53-25.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5848" data-original-width="3899" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaUV_84P4flnFMk-iI1JKN1ks-z3-es5SnAYfFjOh0HmLFJ61Qde8UyIadIZpIXS1NpQ29NrNRP3rQX9jzNMubKA-ELG4ErDhUbIBDmbkhJS4rmIGgKKtqGrHQrto2sfhlNUIvrLMEbg833HnX70dzvfBfLKUPdN6V4De_3gLWHy2Oc9GJui_9xNFr3eo/w266-h400/2023-12-09_02-53-25.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><p>Pilgrim Baptist continued to do good work in the community decades. Unfortunately over time, as is often the case, the congregation began to dwindle. As the group got smaller and smaller, the bills got bigger. The large brick and wooden structures needed extensive maintenance and repair work. Then in March of 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic hit. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDDGVy0a6LYnRGjJ7_re5OiM2TSarGUR88B4oLEcx4CK0Rq1RAWpFOAFiU9ks2PyrJZHPNHisx0wE7jXjko_JbxNAinDGE4_Dp5t8VFMFFvVfz6P3yL5iYliCyKi4fSiv9Hxdfy4eChUOuCEUVy8OlsKje_7mdY22qPcgBstSXAgFHmIzRgAOcWxYgMKI/s6000/2023-12-09_02-53-43.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDDGVy0a6LYnRGjJ7_re5OiM2TSarGUR88B4oLEcx4CK0Rq1RAWpFOAFiU9ks2PyrJZHPNHisx0wE7jXjko_JbxNAinDGE4_Dp5t8VFMFFvVfz6P3yL5iYliCyKi4fSiv9Hxdfy4eChUOuCEUVy8OlsKje_7mdY22qPcgBstSXAgFHmIzRgAOcWxYgMKI/w266-h400/2023-12-09_02-53-43.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><p>Churches all over the country were forced to close their doors to worship, while the needs of their respective communities skyrocketed. Pilgrim Baptist was no exception. By the time the pandemic was officially declared over, the congregation had essentially disappeared. They hadn't used their Facebook account in years, but reviews and photos indicate that services were still being held in 2020. The following year they updated the copywrite on their website, but that seems to be the last sign of life I can find.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhleY6Noa-M041CAeq7oVts11_s4QU1v50W9QI0MFHfvcPkhPipXlvzniC5JNkiJoJMdbdUbhVyuWnPWKAqF9MTwBb4J2ykoqk1vPM4zyhn9o3WS76wpBjTuTs4Cu2HYCH_BAjnz_ahO-DEa2dhPgU7-Li4_UUaEbq0Zm1p0C-rsWjCjKTxjwaubFmWw6k/s4032/20231126_084809.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhleY6Noa-M041CAeq7oVts11_s4QU1v50W9QI0MFHfvcPkhPipXlvzniC5JNkiJoJMdbdUbhVyuWnPWKAqF9MTwBb4J2ykoqk1vPM4zyhn9o3WS76wpBjTuTs4Cu2HYCH_BAjnz_ahO-DEa2dhPgU7-Li4_UUaEbq0Zm1p0C-rsWjCjKTxjwaubFmWw6k/w225-h400/20231126_084809.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><p>The buildings were listed for sale in December of 2022, ninety eight years after Pilgrim Baptist moved in. It was on the market for less than a year, before selling for nearly one million dollars. Unfortunately the new owners had no intention of keeping the old church buildings around. Demolition began in November of 2023, just a month after the new owners closed on the property. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPrkja082nMavC3NOLjhsgZ07cxgmGWU4BsdMKYzlKeDlV46Kr_bILuI6i7NR6q9if_p33nLQEtMFFftO_hcJk5NHRQTstKxA3nt1Pc81Lgrxge2VoOeHtnXAgQpvzNqimED_Gf4SN-s8KKtWRxGhLnajTttto5o09W3Q_jmmvT39-MHBpRu2dHdBtn60/s3074/20231207_121507.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3074" data-original-width="2431" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPrkja082nMavC3NOLjhsgZ07cxgmGWU4BsdMKYzlKeDlV46Kr_bILuI6i7NR6q9if_p33nLQEtMFFftO_hcJk5NHRQTstKxA3nt1Pc81Lgrxge2VoOeHtnXAgQpvzNqimED_Gf4SN-s8KKtWRxGhLnajTttto5o09W3Q_jmmvT39-MHBpRu2dHdBtn60/w316-h400/20231207_121507.jpg" width="316" /></a></div><p>I'm guessing they wanted to act swiftly, to ensure nobody tried to get the old buildings listed on the city or national registers of historic places. Work started with the original 1886 chapel on Jay Street. The large equipment made short work of the old rotted timbers. They paused briefly, to ensure they could get everything of value out of the main sanctuary. However, they made sure to put a gigantic hole in the back wall to ensure it would be too late for any last minute preservation attempts. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEAhw7w7TA9inYPWaWu9eSKHHU-e4Tcc9EI7zUHG1UO2qJimrieJOrCYEMLO7xllALyUVhbV4u-onK3lSJeZ75uugiGnNKFyu4vITGyFFLesCjLxROpgZg71wid_es3DIR1XCZF6JEJ98Eqfs0zL4rtS8ifB_oouqAZACmCqwGr7_xjJe_MjKG-YncsYw/s4032/20231126_084907.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEAhw7w7TA9inYPWaWu9eSKHHU-e4Tcc9EI7zUHG1UO2qJimrieJOrCYEMLO7xllALyUVhbV4u-onK3lSJeZ75uugiGnNKFyu4vITGyFFLesCjLxROpgZg71wid_es3DIR1XCZF6JEJ98Eqfs0zL4rtS8ifB_oouqAZACmCqwGr7_xjJe_MjKG-YncsYw/w225-h400/20231126_084907.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><p>Salvaging the interior elements took about a week, after which demolition commenced in full stride. By the end of 2023, the lot was clear.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0m5D9rSknnkH9owu8BuQai0RrSu9tOc-ZlWRT5g5uQmrcLq9x7SC6gk_aBADYZIkbe0waoSQP4b5wXeS-n0lCOZZVJ4VisPmeLRlgAxy_-IclyeysCfpaDBcjX_bmM_kcXDemLiSfG6hn_soEeBFayqXR385j_cK5yicVhOGHiqIYKMOfiaD3m9EZt0U/s2915/20231207_121330.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2915" data-original-width="2215" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0m5D9rSknnkH9owu8BuQai0RrSu9tOc-ZlWRT5g5uQmrcLq9x7SC6gk_aBADYZIkbe0waoSQP4b5wXeS-n0lCOZZVJ4VisPmeLRlgAxy_-IclyeysCfpaDBcjX_bmM_kcXDemLiSfG6hn_soEeBFayqXR385j_cK5yicVhOGHiqIYKMOfiaD3m9EZt0U/w304-h400/20231207_121330.jpg" width="304" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimaWWKwnPMYSnGBU3CEwPWYIXW0EkH62hhNhL58CEDR08YBo_VDyo3Jnn8HdK4bTyWEXJzyGVyUDY2t5aMcp32KQqnd4sluU6leOGVgY3T-GUrvNL-8AYvgksaNuhLlcSpX9hD4iASDikmYCRJ4SRg0HV_HWLopWTQpiorzXyvbwsC6mO45KnQFjGG928/s3443/20231208_152240.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3443" data-original-width="2510" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimaWWKwnPMYSnGBU3CEwPWYIXW0EkH62hhNhL58CEDR08YBo_VDyo3Jnn8HdK4bTyWEXJzyGVyUDY2t5aMcp32KQqnd4sluU6leOGVgY3T-GUrvNL-8AYvgksaNuhLlcSpX9hD4iASDikmYCRJ4SRg0HV_HWLopWTQpiorzXyvbwsC6mO45KnQFjGG928/w291-h400/20231208_152240.jpg" width="291" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>Pilgrim joins the long list of city churches that have been unceremoniously demolished in the last few decades. I'm not sure which historic building will be targeted next, but I know this won't be the last. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_SNadMe-SVkp4rKfoSk6fCoF5IaNtuYWxwMhCcSIQ4u7HhnNP4pyQaeL3iUfkk5zbYFaOCd3vAu8hQ1TQSyr1mBvitBfI3pm9nJW0rRvP2CEWSGgoxJCP_SzoiJ7_v1rSnHHv0eJFeIgk4pYWG9dvxBFdbSi9glzEm_6UizsPU9T7ZDv9L0Kt907wapE/s1080/Screenshot_20231209_121717_Gallery.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="801" data-original-width="1080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_SNadMe-SVkp4rKfoSk6fCoF5IaNtuYWxwMhCcSIQ4u7HhnNP4pyQaeL3iUfkk5zbYFaOCd3vAu8hQ1TQSyr1mBvitBfI3pm9nJW0rRvP2CEWSGgoxJCP_SzoiJ7_v1rSnHHv0eJFeIgk4pYWG9dvxBFdbSi9glzEm_6UizsPU9T7ZDv9L0Kt907wapE/w400-h296/Screenshot_20231209_121717_Gallery.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Drone photo courtesy of my brother.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>EsseXploreRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670395370062998418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2883635662668234732.post-55629196410330245272023-08-17T17:36:00.000-07:002023-08-17T17:36:28.782-07:00Howard M. Down Generating Station<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_u5lWTgGb7k3CNPRU2FdmdTZxn_OfgCCU2-7TELX1Uw7ElhlKEB5scYOrH4y7Jk8uGFTB1lAtgDWjtYfm0HaWzjAehPc_LANthNhgHkz5NP4F6Y4hnRHwfmpfQHzkiKausTK0KEms0_IzN8mu_IKDLerc5mSi9ProMoSBgKcPmDwVE5oV7UI8y_bVV_A/s1071/Screenshot_20230808-122407_eBay.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1071" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_u5lWTgGb7k3CNPRU2FdmdTZxn_OfgCCU2-7TELX1Uw7ElhlKEB5scYOrH4y7Jk8uGFTB1lAtgDWjtYfm0HaWzjAehPc_LANthNhgHkz5NP4F6Y4hnRHwfmpfQHzkiKausTK0KEms0_IzN8mu_IKDLerc5mSi9ProMoSBgKcPmDwVE5oV7UI8y_bVV_A/w400-h254/Screenshot_20230808-122407_eBay.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Source: TFPNJ Postcard Archive</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>Vineland is one of those New Jersey cities that most folks in my native Essex County seem to know very little about. Whenever I'd bring it up, people would shrug their shoulders and say "I really don't know, it's just a weird little place in the pines". The city actually has a fascinating history though. It was founded by a man named Charles Landis who intended it to be a "temperance town". That meant no alcohol was to be sold or consumed within the district. It was this prohibition that led Dr. Thomas Welch to develop his famous fruit juice from the city's namesake grapes. The term "moron" was coined by a doctor working at the Vineland Developmental Center, which still remains a major employer within the city. In addition, Vineland holds the only municipal coal generating station ever constructed in New Jersey. Or, at least it used to. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyViA8a1AOdCUw7jo0yUHLZ8PmCeqAmXLzaXGfeegsgoTQhfyoYy3LEUszr5AWpFLzhhGeB4iD4PmW4ipbuhtSMucbUzg66o2t9ZW8pSgFsdqDfO0VVGkdpuUMzUdlmrMk4P8tXbWdiGRjMaxC7A9NKaiViXbBD8Y_PgD87NcfjEVHWiA_7Etzb28bKZQ/s1886/20230817_192312.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1886" data-original-width="1486" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyViA8a1AOdCUw7jo0yUHLZ8PmCeqAmXLzaXGfeegsgoTQhfyoYy3LEUszr5AWpFLzhhGeB4iD4PmW4ipbuhtSMucbUzg66o2t9ZW8pSgFsdqDfO0VVGkdpuUMzUdlmrMk4P8tXbWdiGRjMaxC7A9NKaiViXbBD8Y_PgD87NcfjEVHWiA_7Etzb28bKZQ/w315-h400/20230817_192312.jpg" width="315" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Source: TFPNJ Historic Document Archive</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>The original generating station on the property dated back to 1900. For context, this was only a couple decades after we started burning coal for electricity in the United States. Despite being somewhat revolutionary it was a small facility with equipment that was extremely inefficient by today's standards. The two belt driven stationary engines only generated a combined 270kw. It wasn't long before the plant needed to be upgraded. A new boiler and a 750kw generator were installed in 1917. Another 1000kw generator was added just a few years later in the early 1920s. Around this same time the Atlantic City Electric Co began to see the borough's electrical generating capacity as a threat to their business. After failing to muscle the utility out of providing service beyond their border, they offered $1.5 million for the existing plant. The borough was poised to follow through, which sparked outrage among the citizens. They voted down the sale, opting to keep the plant under local control. After the strong show of support the utility felt the need to upgrade the plant again. In 1929 a 3,000kw turbine was installed, the plant's most efficient generator yet. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGbT8e-CtCLGiuAU9IlAW3fS-BKqqYjEJg74cbKTsBD9771eJ7ihK7SV--oQuSR-nPXuVlUauK5jHaU00HwJh5U8ehb4E4fSazd54Rn-1X0pe9BuX0sGEH1mEH97NUI6xcDwTA33LMLhxQG0ZQk80mtvlmeSA03q7Ed3FLF_OIgMA1DYjeklTTv0kL_Ps/s1547/20230817_192350.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1547" data-original-width="1225" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGbT8e-CtCLGiuAU9IlAW3fS-BKqqYjEJg74cbKTsBD9771eJ7ihK7SV--oQuSR-nPXuVlUauK5jHaU00HwJh5U8ehb4E4fSazd54Rn-1X0pe9BuX0sGEH1mEH97NUI6xcDwTA33LMLhxQG0ZQk80mtvlmeSA03q7Ed3FLF_OIgMA1DYjeklTTv0kL_Ps/w316-h400/20230817_192350.jpg" width="316" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Source: TFPNJ Historic Document Archive</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p>The plant was completely reconstructed in 1936 with funding from the Federal Emergency Administration of Public Works. The original 1900s building was unfortunately demolished to accomidate the construction. This rebuild added another 4,000kw to the plants capacity. However, with more generating capacity came more boiling hot waste water that needed to be dealt with. This is one of the reasons generating stations are usually built alongside bodies of water that can be discharged into. Since no such waterway existed in Vineland, a small cooling pool was constructed across the railroad tracks from the main plant. The water was pumped over to the pond where it was dispersed into the air to cool. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFroKs1LY_0PxlmwbOjMLUlp_CbuBhhyZFfTOHFYqrLEnz9NXX_7Izos_Sl_8asNHODnMByWuTowN95l9iwGZNmPdWaKwGBM-JwloqTb2fATWxF8xBlMRD_Hc80x4C_R7Cx0eIYNRPTPvE8mm3a3I7VlVEtoBaQlxN2Xmv7Szg2xnYc3MhQRbFCX0UrKs/s2443/20230817_191932.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1921" data-original-width="2443" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFroKs1LY_0PxlmwbOjMLUlp_CbuBhhyZFfTOHFYqrLEnz9NXX_7Izos_Sl_8asNHODnMByWuTowN95l9iwGZNmPdWaKwGBM-JwloqTb2fATWxF8xBlMRD_Hc80x4C_R7Cx0eIYNRPTPvE8mm3a3I7VlVEtoBaQlxN2Xmv7Szg2xnYc3MhQRbFCX0UrKs/w400-h315/20230817_191932.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Source: TFPNJ Historic Document Archive</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><p>A boiler capable of producing 72,000 pounds of steam per hour was constructed in 1939. Three years later a second 4000kw generator came online. It took five more years for the plant to see another expansion. The addition brought a new 105,000lb/hr boiler, followed by a 5000kw generator another few years after that. The new boiler could burn either coal or oil, so an oil tank was added on the other side of the train tracks. Several homes between Pear and Peach streets were demolished to make room for the tank. The new unit was also the first to utilize a crossflow cooling tower, which was installed next to the cooling pool. The demand for power in the region continued to increase throughout the 1950s. A man named Howard Down, who was the General Manager of the plant at the time, recognized the utility could benefit from hiring a consulting firm to plan out future construction. Each sucessive expansion was done thoughfully and efficiently thanks to this decision. Another project began in 1952, the largest to date since the remodel two decades prior. A 7,500kw generator was hooked up to the newest boiler which was capable of pushing another hundred thousand pounds of steam per hour through the turbines. A bunch of new switch gear, pumps, and a forced down draft fan were also added to the turbine hall. A 1955 expansion saw the addition of yet another generator. This one was powered by a 130,000lb/hr boiler system and was capable of generating 10,000kw. A new, completely modern control room was constructed above the hall, connecting all the complex machinery together. In 1960 a new unit was added to the eastern flank of the building, capable of generating 16,500kw. Another set of crossflow towers were constructed along W. Pear. With the new unit up and running the facility was able to generate 50,000kw. The plant was now one of the largest municipal generating stations on the east coast. And construction wasn't even complete yet. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR2xYfEfnVCAuE2IJCQtqkUEFdERcHmySBXiRP2hhfwl-hQHBvARdy4GacEP6BQG1O1v6tw7S7avSmTFzftr20cZufo3iR1bJWIb7SxWOdKef-fxXZbl_PjXKd7VP0QNGxZkJQDMH0ngKwYQErDJ-ucmCdFQrDSfdG-bVvvUAX8ezRCcZIaIkD_Ei9Vao/s2004/20230817_190751.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1583" data-original-width="2004" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR2xYfEfnVCAuE2IJCQtqkUEFdERcHmySBXiRP2hhfwl-hQHBvARdy4GacEP6BQG1O1v6tw7S7avSmTFzftr20cZufo3iR1bJWIb7SxWOdKef-fxXZbl_PjXKd7VP0QNGxZkJQDMH0ngKwYQErDJ-ucmCdFQrDSfdG-bVvvUAX8ezRCcZIaIkD_Ei9Vao/w400-h316/20230817_190751.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Source: TFPNJ Historic Document Archive</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">Each time a new unit was constructed it was attached to the eastmost section of the plant. That meant by the time the Unit 10 was added to the plant in the late 1960s they were completely out of space. The company continued to have to purchase and demolish neighboring homes to accomidate their expansion. The cooling equipment for the 1960's unit was constructed on land along Plum Street. Down was now capable of producing just shy of 82,000mw.</span><!--/data/user/0/com.samsung.android.app.notes/files/clipdata/clipdata_bodytext_230817_202932_489.sdocx--></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-SHOV_4p2Qm2GAGaRmpyoIEDo5ts60wAxl0nA_ulMxUxtpZGhzgdRpHXxUEW-7geoDB2G2-ipk_M49bcmlgjBB1u4QKTYCs0xc4royxYaeHsMFltqocsuZwqkKP9B5CkbzouQF571B2CcTdPw2l09Y8d9F-vEVszEWwsopoQYadTCOYSiqAyLaKH6Hj8/s2628/20230817_200639.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1809" data-original-width="2628" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-SHOV_4p2Qm2GAGaRmpyoIEDo5ts60wAxl0nA_ulMxUxtpZGhzgdRpHXxUEW-7geoDB2G2-ipk_M49bcmlgjBB1u4QKTYCs0xc4royxYaeHsMFltqocsuZwqkKP9B5CkbzouQF571B2CcTdPw2l09Y8d9F-vEVszEWwsopoQYadTCOYSiqAyLaKH6Hj8/w400-h275/20230817_200639.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Source: TFPNJ Historic Document Archive</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p>As time pressed on, greater emphasis was placed on finding cleaner sources of energy than coal and kerosene. The relatively small output of the Down plant and its reliance on coal put it right in the crosshairs. The city couldn't justify retrofitting their old boilers or adding the expensive scrubber equipment that would allow them to continue to burn the fuel the plant was designed for. By 2010 the coal units were decommissioned, leaving only the more modern oil units online.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxfTikNOMuet737K65UorqRaD-J8swTDWJZQBneZMqOp4vEq-W8eW_WOWGv1XQAgFFB4IexjjO3nLZLtKPNQaypZ8jsD0CVIY7VUEI_RN1bWNWV89ritYNGZdgj5uILqaQPbCaagFV93tF0KC96QxJEFmT7crEuAyzUhC93KVGS2pREwWnuWu5v1I1MeI/s4032/2023-08-17_08-34-04.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxfTikNOMuet737K65UorqRaD-J8swTDWJZQBneZMqOp4vEq-W8eW_WOWGv1XQAgFFB4IexjjO3nLZLtKPNQaypZ8jsD0CVIY7VUEI_RN1bWNWV89ritYNGZdgj5uILqaQPbCaagFV93tF0KC96QxJEFmT7crEuAyzUhC93KVGS2pREwWnuWu5v1I1MeI/w400-h225/2023-08-17_08-34-04.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p>The following year a 64mw natural gas fired simple cycle generator was installed where the old cooling pool used to be in 2011. The new unit was dubbed Howard Down 11. The crossflow towers for the 1950s units were removed as well to clear up some space. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgORBUS9zGoBlc6p-m-nbS4h08duGOoiYHLhKEVZ6andE-NVXE2idF-ZzBJXgon1O7f-MprfYnKwKJPmma7Wctw1Q2pNCJSkkVpHdEZIgyIG_ixVOn6wZxfC2H48Fq5gGZkg305n-1E4xxrazbJZvoYyZOj-9yVWCFxJCemTygW73K2Dgb7wzJwYJus5F0/s4032/2023-08-09_08-46-58.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgORBUS9zGoBlc6p-m-nbS4h08duGOoiYHLhKEVZ6andE-NVXE2idF-ZzBJXgon1O7f-MprfYnKwKJPmma7Wctw1Q2pNCJSkkVpHdEZIgyIG_ixVOn6wZxfC2H48Fq5gGZkg305n-1E4xxrazbJZvoYyZOj-9yVWCFxJCemTygW73K2Dgb7wzJwYJus5F0/w225-h400/2023-08-09_08-46-58.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><p>Unit 11 was way more efficient and inexpensive to maintain than the old hulking powerhouse across the tracks. In addition, the company built another simple cycle unit in Clayville, bringing another 64mw of power to the grid. Unit 10 inside the old plant was kept around to be switched on during times of peak demand, but those times became more rare as the regional grid stabilized. By 2021 the utility had purchased an adjascent building and began moving all of the offices and workshops over. It was announced the following year that the rest of the old equipment would be decommissioned and the plant would be demolished.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkDEfKCw8o0tHflAST4e1SRfErjAjmdhbfi2YJmZFGXqwz2dyy6LAq3ztGAbjK-PcAfriPuRWbMm8S-IuXVBVArypvLZA8Ca4b-Sk2oE8micXFkZmwObJ_w_f2n5s8VSnCP_PdozcKHUPoVOve4Hot67-Uq4kBGQXU0oiCvB8c7CHBBBr6e2mmrs5X33g/s4032/2023-08-17_08-35-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkDEfKCw8o0tHflAST4e1SRfErjAjmdhbfi2YJmZFGXqwz2dyy6LAq3ztGAbjK-PcAfriPuRWbMm8S-IuXVBVArypvLZA8Ca4b-Sk2oE8micXFkZmwObJ_w_f2n5s8VSnCP_PdozcKHUPoVOve4Hot67-Uq4kBGQXU0oiCvB8c7CHBBBr6e2mmrs5X33g/w400-h225/2023-08-17_08-35-15.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>I pulled up outside Howard Down on a warm August morning shortly after the demolition plans were announced. The iconic "Vineland Municipal Electric Plant" sign was dark, but the building was still lit up and humming. I had been keeping an eye on the plant for almost a decade, waiting for it to finally close. I first saw the beautiful brick behemoth while in town to document the former <a href="http://tfpnj.blogspot.com/2015/12/the-newcomb-hospital.html" target="_blank">Newcomb Hospital</a>. By then the building was hardly ever being used to generate power, but I remember watching workers going in and out of the front doors when I drove around it in the years after. Ten years after the first time I ever saw it and she still looked exactly the same. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOlv7jbLaqYY7Xbbdv6McjFd-QijUUZd2QncD-EMXiMMYdVAIsN5TpWvOoBn59akWljfuZpDxI12pvSman6G_Z2riXOG4UASE9F-5FhSpVJcOMehSQmV6HLfYcrP7JP6rM8pZOHHjDoiHXQ9acg_f4sUH4cWP454gB5ewR_hmnywGGA-iJzUTsg9gDrY8/s4032/2023-08-17_08-11-54.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOlv7jbLaqYY7Xbbdv6McjFd-QijUUZd2QncD-EMXiMMYdVAIsN5TpWvOoBn59akWljfuZpDxI12pvSman6G_Z2riXOG4UASE9F-5FhSpVJcOMehSQmV6HLfYcrP7JP6rM8pZOHHjDoiHXQ9acg_f4sUH4cWP454gB5ewR_hmnywGGA-iJzUTsg9gDrY8/w225-h400/2023-08-17_08-11-54.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><p></p><p>I was hoping there would be some clue that the workers weren't going inside the building anymore since the demolition was already announced. That wasn't the case. I carefully made my way around the building, eventually making my way to the railroad tracks that bisected the old plant from its modern replacement. It wasn't too long before I was climbing up a ladder that would eventually bring me inside. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk2P1Cm1qBt8KVs-sSkugg_GACn2m0NJUmwKroD_acqQo3F5De1eE40lZpOV70QUnMEFZcPT0aUL6LrZBLK_Z72whBL9_SlNPprUSUpKevOfZZ6neIeFHwOoOauZxAmrpYwEugGpf1fhu4Z0s9DZ891GdxgHJTmUYMbTp8bU6eiI1QFBf7Al8MylEkFpI/s4032/2023-08-09_08-47-59.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk2P1Cm1qBt8KVs-sSkugg_GACn2m0NJUmwKroD_acqQo3F5De1eE40lZpOV70QUnMEFZcPT0aUL6LrZBLK_Z72whBL9_SlNPprUSUpKevOfZZ6neIeFHwOoOauZxAmrpYwEugGpf1fhu4Z0s9DZ891GdxgHJTmUYMbTp8bU6eiI1QFBf7Al8MylEkFpI/w225-h400/2023-08-09_08-47-59.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><p>Quietly, I worked my way through the maze of boilers from different eras. I wasn't sure what I was going to find when I got to the generator hall. So often when these stations get updated the old generators are ripped out or torn apart for pieces and scrap. Thankfully that wasn't the case here.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR78yDIjkwS_flcMgoifpG85a5L2zboqSVShalWDFPSAD4FUEXtqqx_t7LPhFi4Se1oVTJMm0PijO0sVsE_ypqo6afYC0V2uAe8xR1Cm7Sk-gmjpWkh2hKAVHmpDuFkOlbSIxLLlSDa0EFnsr5aJ_5RBFLcGUnQ5Jn1quSldEOexvrUDzN9lp-r4ngfzs/s3641/2023-08-17_08-17-10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2002" data-original-width="3641" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR78yDIjkwS_flcMgoifpG85a5L2zboqSVShalWDFPSAD4FUEXtqqx_t7LPhFi4Se1oVTJMm0PijO0sVsE_ypqo6afYC0V2uAe8xR1Cm7Sk-gmjpWkh2hKAVHmpDuFkOlbSIxLLlSDa0EFnsr5aJ_5RBFLcGUnQ5Jn1quSldEOexvrUDzN9lp-r4ngfzs/w400-h220/2023-08-17_08-17-10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Walking down the hall was like walking through history. Generators of different sizes and from progressively different eras lined the room from one end to the next, eight in total.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5f_WGOPYLeu9X1-08SHZsYS_zSir5bbjgwBUi80f-huQeOhpDkhBfBaenkgRc94TpEBzNJs42ZwB7ZHOYN88JAfzxKNc1llxd1TqumbhfMV19DIAVHbEwmXeQBsLRaKLaA1nVTplQQgCAPHeHUCj-FBo8icQyF3_QyXeBuQ2Mq8EEULSfETHNY0l384A/s3848/2023-08-09_08-20-08.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2225" data-original-width="3848" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5f_WGOPYLeu9X1-08SHZsYS_zSir5bbjgwBUi80f-huQeOhpDkhBfBaenkgRc94TpEBzNJs42ZwB7ZHOYN88JAfzxKNc1llxd1TqumbhfMV19DIAVHbEwmXeQBsLRaKLaA1nVTplQQgCAPHeHUCj-FBo8icQyF3_QyXeBuQ2Mq8EEULSfETHNY0l384A/w400-h231/2023-08-09_08-20-08.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>I did the best I could to document everything, but I only had my phone on me. I intended to return and shoot everything on my real camera, but time got away from me. While doing research for this post I opened up the street view and was horrified to see that demolition was already in full swing. I was sure by the time abatement started all the local power plant goons would be posting the place all over social media. I never saw another photo though. Hopefully someone did a better job documenting the building as it was such an amazing and rare relic of power generation. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjIK7oPTYg3yZ4Vo5ZNefb_OKgDJWsg9FYwxIdTMwHqJPQRy-BRz4tdUdHeECg463FSKh1ldJ6T37kKRt7-aDZa6SHd8VCRFm_yV7ofA_mzbHo47D2JPmxbrgq0LQs2u4JdLVNfVAKJHhMFZltKhEEbe2xRVn0jMV3-sUIHcF04Lt2mIPcG3N3gKReUGk/s4032/2023-08-09_08-19-45.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjIK7oPTYg3yZ4Vo5ZNefb_OKgDJWsg9FYwxIdTMwHqJPQRy-BRz4tdUdHeECg463FSKh1ldJ6T37kKRt7-aDZa6SHd8VCRFm_yV7ofA_mzbHo47D2JPmxbrgq0LQs2u4JdLVNfVAKJHhMFZltKhEEbe2xRVn0jMV3-sUIHcF04Lt2mIPcG3N3gKReUGk/w400-h225/2023-08-09_08-19-45.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Only time will tell what will replace the old generating station now that the building is gone. I'm hoping a memorial display is installed somewhere for folks to see. The old neon sign that once graced the roof is set to be restored and reinstalled next to Howard Down 11. At least that will serve as a small reminder of the plant that powered the town for over a century. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfxlLZQ7KKIa48-8-dTOWOJWlwdbFrQ8FgIPSowAHPabIcLHnMlTkFHAeWYs8puwxobxWae9bCHYYiZhGQlieRCGKfCpYNPHW7Rq58d026YbqnJqsiFCPmRnSi-EFLXVloYT3VYlSe9rRZS85pu5vccLTxRouqMAFtqp0WVnIKsgW6SjQoodo_WNpu__E/s4032/2023-08-17_08-14-25.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfxlLZQ7KKIa48-8-dTOWOJWlwdbFrQ8FgIPSowAHPabIcLHnMlTkFHAeWYs8puwxobxWae9bCHYYiZhGQlieRCGKfCpYNPHW7Rq58d026YbqnJqsiFCPmRnSi-EFLXVloYT3VYlSe9rRZS85pu5vccLTxRouqMAFtqp0WVnIKsgW6SjQoodo_WNpu__E/w225-h400/2023-08-17_08-14-25.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>EsseXploreRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670395370062998418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2883635662668234732.post-384971671476744902023-07-22T06:23:00.002-07:002023-07-22T06:26:51.817-07:00Samuel Hird & Co./ Black Prince Distillery<p>The Athenia section of Clifton has long been known as one of the industrial hearts of the city. There was once a large steel mill right at the fork of the DL&W's old Boonton Branch. Motorists would better know this as the area where Route 46, Route 19 and the Garden State Parkway all converge today. On the other side of the tracks stood a small textile mill that dates back to the 1920s. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh39x1At151-NqDVfCbnxEzrlMoa8MHEHVBCxCkwh7SDntwzIqPe7zG5bbP3i6eQ-yR_4xohmR3BwODwBu43PQxsQhlHQ-UKqTtav4TSRdGV6eJyfkg1QG5SB-77ZtWoErCbqak2Ahp8GJ_E7YaBvhxNqalw2wsqYL24y_TutMOC-SDfvhO7Mv6hUpWabw/s4608/20210207_164025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh39x1At151-NqDVfCbnxEzrlMoa8MHEHVBCxCkwh7SDntwzIqPe7zG5bbP3i6eQ-yR_4xohmR3BwODwBu43PQxsQhlHQ-UKqTtav4TSRdGV6eJyfkg1QG5SB-77ZtWoErCbqak2Ahp8GJ_E7YaBvhxNqalw2wsqYL24y_TutMOC-SDfvhO7Mv6hUpWabw/w400-h225/20210207_164025.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>The main building of the Samuel Hird Company's Clifton location was built in 1925. It was a large T shaped structure dwarfed by a tall brick chimney. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLZ60-Vg2CFTibEvijDivpjqLj7mntnXQ6BAQ8mhKDS91xx1O4CGpr6nxkDT-uQ7EG3wp9GUIMtvCGF9Nrk_2yZArY5XpMoAGsk45If-dkjSoq0S3eZCkuOMJZ2GEph7CoKmUyH8KUqBbCeVCSEuQExZ7Krnr-cRiBAAOGBaleYYw3adYNqRRs0afM5PQ/s4608/20210207_162338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="2592" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLZ60-Vg2CFTibEvijDivpjqLj7mntnXQ6BAQ8mhKDS91xx1O4CGpr6nxkDT-uQ7EG3wp9GUIMtvCGF9Nrk_2yZArY5XpMoAGsk45If-dkjSoq0S3eZCkuOMJZ2GEph7CoKmUyH8KUqBbCeVCSEuQExZ7Krnr-cRiBAAOGBaleYYw3adYNqRRs0afM5PQ/w225-h400/20210207_162338.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><p>Hird had originally set up shop in Garfield, but moved his wool manufacturing operation across the river. Early stories from residents tell of sheep that used to graze the land at the corner of Clifton Ave and Paulison. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsn7zIhhbGeAXOfzQPvLPI77VhkLGdU_Og4AWaofbLA8iINF2oM5qKFh1GBoKJL0t6vGHoMeZqPUvyakAVSQwDsNjkx6pBOJvpIatRfkAqlhh_San3-H2PUUAPx9UhBaA4o8IH97VbjxaOb1KKiSJdlTj07FcqYgEBG9BrM07AFhlvF1SLjMs_m2ua_TY/s3451/2023-07-22_07-26-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3451" data-original-width="2589" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsn7zIhhbGeAXOfzQPvLPI77VhkLGdU_Og4AWaofbLA8iINF2oM5qKFh1GBoKJL0t6vGHoMeZqPUvyakAVSQwDsNjkx6pBOJvpIatRfkAqlhh_San3-H2PUUAPx9UhBaA4o8IH97VbjxaOb1KKiSJdlTj07FcqYgEBG9BrM07AFhlvF1SLjMs_m2ua_TY/w300-h400/2023-07-22_07-26-11.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p>A warehouse was added behind the main factory just three years later, and a small strech of rail siding was laid down to accomidate deliveries and shipments for the company.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj6XGKiJEzUiVKaQuxd31uCRKkRA6EEX8oaXfY6i-HrDu3n-Z1RwqDvbWLLLHbAaN-mwFj1fXHVfMVbdkOHiTe-fgF8PBEz14nD51Nh_qF9QxZ5QO2XUkdhc7-Upm_j5kyIE-Xsn0cBNT6cPjVyGVsCSY5epwATytSaD4qwGydjSUk7oX1-iOedyLBdf8/s4608/2023-07-22_07-26-19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="2592" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj6XGKiJEzUiVKaQuxd31uCRKkRA6EEX8oaXfY6i-HrDu3n-Z1RwqDvbWLLLHbAaN-mwFj1fXHVfMVbdkOHiTe-fgF8PBEz14nD51Nh_qF9QxZ5QO2XUkdhc7-Upm_j5kyIE-Xsn0cBNT6cPjVyGVsCSY5epwATytSaD4qwGydjSUk7oX1-iOedyLBdf8/s320/2023-07-22_07-26-19.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><p>The only major change to the buildings was that a skybridge was built between the factory and warehouse in 1949 to make it easier to move goods around. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMFwjcZ4xW3V7yMnDzJKX54Bw2JVcQN3Pl3rj9Z40gGIx0z9gPO_RTcfmiaUTKFcKCntEYjMGskW1J6QXExty4zkrtkSroKypNcAhuTX0_Couu0KsZ5EgqASqwzOdPa7tkKfnD8ya_2ZHcIfXVyhwmLSeza2YnpMqDlhK1chDhRAfMyEA3kVPI1y1ChmI/s4032/2023-07-22_07-26-32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMFwjcZ4xW3V7yMnDzJKX54Bw2JVcQN3Pl3rj9Z40gGIx0z9gPO_RTcfmiaUTKFcKCntEYjMGskW1J6QXExty4zkrtkSroKypNcAhuTX0_Couu0KsZ5EgqASqwzOdPa7tkKfnD8ya_2ZHcIfXVyhwmLSeza2YnpMqDlhK1chDhRAfMyEA3kVPI1y1ChmI/w225-h400/2023-07-22_07-26-32.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><p>The Black Prince Distillery moved into the old mill in 1982. They stayed put until 2019, when operations moved down to Tennessee. They stripped all of their tanks and equipment out, leaving the structures completely barren. Clifton declared the parcel an area in need of redevelopment declared shortly afterwords, and the distillery started working with a group known as Clifton Station Redevelopment LLC. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkPjuA5oExoaTRqkDagRkzrmw9VvRD3iYN-aLwD7H-e2LlzsTiJvnx9j_K27NztLXnrziwBnGxJFbKyCFnYtyoVN-PFf0B3U_XNBFXvWHSx-gLkwavboexa6ishU0fXyXcv-pOCYeEaxSVH4y6LezPctAzjlUJKsoEy0ER0VtjFBNXZaa4mbjy5NR9fDY/s4608/2023-07-22_07-24-56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="2592" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkPjuA5oExoaTRqkDagRkzrmw9VvRD3iYN-aLwD7H-e2LlzsTiJvnx9j_K27NztLXnrziwBnGxJFbKyCFnYtyoVN-PFf0B3U_XNBFXvWHSx-gLkwavboexa6ishU0fXyXcv-pOCYeEaxSVH4y6LezPctAzjlUJKsoEy0ER0VtjFBNXZaa4mbjy5NR9fDY/w225-h400/2023-07-22_07-24-56.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><p></p><p>The buildings were only vacant a short time before being absolutely thrashed by local kids. This was, of course, due to the property being directly adjascent to the infamous "Gates of Hell". The owners made no effort to ever secure the property or buildings, in a move known as "demolition by neglect". This action ensured the property would become a problem for the city, which would help with redevelopment plans down the line. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYQ-zmEHseBhVzLUgKAYXpotaZkVr7Kk8xXCHR83EVXqSojDeG6yrjFTijSWHWzCNxJrYc02p3p7W_8N-vIhjvE6uF9z8WVRyzgVkHba0-F1fUA_M_MqWzuyvaa490Jp_V7c-rMTjnNHOxhZsNk7ZQwC5jiDZ4tkXwnvU8E14zgINgBf-d7JGtOP1b6nc/s4608/2023-07-22_07-25-05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYQ-zmEHseBhVzLUgKAYXpotaZkVr7Kk8xXCHR83EVXqSojDeG6yrjFTijSWHWzCNxJrYc02p3p7W_8N-vIhjvE6uF9z8WVRyzgVkHba0-F1fUA_M_MqWzuyvaa490Jp_V7c-rMTjnNHOxhZsNk7ZQwC5jiDZ4tkXwnvU8E14zgINgBf-d7JGtOP1b6nc/w400-h225/2023-07-22_07-25-05.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Funny enough, it was around the same time that my girlfriend and I moved to DeMott Avenue. We passed the distillery multiple times every day, watching it slowly disintegrate. Naturally we spent a lot of time inside the property as well. There ended up being some decent grafitti inside, including one amazing Mexican flag mural. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRBLCf9Xe_ANOzwU0GlG0o8zd4u9GBOoZ3jIcz-yxat9ouhOfzj18MCNA5e3jtIomuz1-gge1febHB6BtbvsX2x5Nr_9Bj81T43uf09TkbxNMWgE0Th5DvZ3LsBuOm3DxHZrtGV5_GjMZJInwmStK9m5Qoz3UEbCgZ3i1-8eOwLXnkbUVJJtfzCFcC6KU/s4032/2023-07-22_07-25-58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRBLCf9Xe_ANOzwU0GlG0o8zd4u9GBOoZ3jIcz-yxat9ouhOfzj18MCNA5e3jtIomuz1-gge1febHB6BtbvsX2x5Nr_9Bj81T43uf09TkbxNMWgE0Th5DvZ3LsBuOm3DxHZrtGV5_GjMZJInwmStK9m5Qoz3UEbCgZ3i1-8eOwLXnkbUVJJtfzCFcC6KU/w400-h225/2023-07-22_07-25-58.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>It was neat seeing regulars from different groups during our many trips. At one point some local skate rats set up ramps inside the warehouse and had it locked down so they and their friends could enjoy the place without having to worry about anyone showing up to spoil the fun.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaMeyWJquAlFP65q1j9x_LjsXXfNjYmKVQELK5apT5E8YqM-MW8RgE8el3npQPGildFzWNvc7Tzvns-zsIBOVy0ce_wcAJXlBK_c4Q-mUXU2TZteF-R_WmulnoCgCJp4XQjAIOnPEkYo16O6sLQfVwmlLluQxrdX9VP_tRAWSh0DFXqEvP_kepb6AsdxA/s4608/2023-07-22_07-26-47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaMeyWJquAlFP65q1j9x_LjsXXfNjYmKVQELK5apT5E8YqM-MW8RgE8el3npQPGildFzWNvc7Tzvns-zsIBOVy0ce_wcAJXlBK_c4Q-mUXU2TZteF-R_WmulnoCgCJp4XQjAIOnPEkYo16O6sLQfVwmlLluQxrdX9VP_tRAWSh0DFXqEvP_kepb6AsdxA/w400-h225/2023-07-22_07-26-47.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Like all good things, the fun had to come to an end eventually. Demolition began on the complex in the fall of 2021. It took several months to level the nearly 100 year old mill, but by the following February the entire property was flat.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh25YBU7IBxilc5KiSjWdihG21YMQuReWfQpqPcv4twQ_12nh2YS7J0ticfsTYVRHzTQwY4aln81jBedNlC463G0imPShx_NOEER0-k86XMsY5alFc-N2TX-IB1-aBrW1A4QEiMcvkunSeo3SXxITw5IW1Hq5pKNwvB-FBrls217Mn_iPtNBWGk3qrIMbk/s3005/20220224_162000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3005" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh25YBU7IBxilc5KiSjWdihG21YMQuReWfQpqPcv4twQ_12nh2YS7J0ticfsTYVRHzTQwY4aln81jBedNlC463G0imPShx_NOEER0-k86XMsY5alFc-N2TX-IB1-aBrW1A4QEiMcvkunSeo3SXxITw5IW1Hq5pKNwvB-FBrls217Mn_iPtNBWGk3qrIMbk/w303-h400/20220224_162000.jpg" width="303" /></a></div><p></p><p>At the time this article is being written, the Clifton Station development is well underway. I'm not sure I'll ever get accustomed to coming out from underneath the rail bridge and not seeing the Hird Mill. Even though the structures are gone the memories will surely live on with all of those who found a home in the old vacant buildings while they lasted.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEtIhs3l4GNlcGkUKj5GZKIxxYXCNJmD4A4sezNl4EXliUjdh6CAa7plU-os-y_tf4lsNiLYcppsuUFdSLJMbOUCeYXVBBjxv9jWmoBpoA-FXP_hZW1jZt_9ifW0BZQPVy5hpHYaIS94tber6HJczcnQrIpQDSK-g6hCfSUaGQ66G7DMSgZ6AzbSBOIGo/s3023/2023-07-22_07-26-59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3023" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEtIhs3l4GNlcGkUKj5GZKIxxYXCNJmD4A4sezNl4EXliUjdh6CAa7plU-os-y_tf4lsNiLYcppsuUFdSLJMbOUCeYXVBBjxv9jWmoBpoA-FXP_hZW1jZt_9ifW0BZQPVy5hpHYaIS94tber6HJczcnQrIpQDSK-g6hCfSUaGQ66G7DMSgZ6AzbSBOIGo/s320/2023-07-22_07-26-59.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>EsseXploreRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670395370062998418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2883635662668234732.post-29393728802527238132023-07-19T04:52:00.001-07:002023-07-19T04:52:11.892-07:00Union Theater<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUt6ugtGUttJxF3GV58od52cCFlnvRzJRG_Yya8m-m4G0X7AMCphEsHbN4whei9bTc5DI5k-3OuqY7ODma4imYyeMP63IPtFrZ1Hj8s5ZTgMpJ-SAeVJZAWph5nWYGjnSLAaX4c1-2jd6t_U8boHMw-rr1ASOiDVw8EWMl1fyBCKOPSfbEh9whjR0r/s380/11353448-large.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="294" data-original-width="380" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUt6ugtGUttJxF3GV58od52cCFlnvRzJRG_Yya8m-m4G0X7AMCphEsHbN4whei9bTc5DI5k-3OuqY7ODma4imYyeMP63IPtFrZ1Hj8s5ZTgMpJ-SAeVJZAWph5nWYGjnSLAaX4c1-2jd6t_U8boHMw-rr1ASOiDVw8EWMl1fyBCKOPSfbEh9whjR0r/w400-h310/11353448-large.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.nj.com/news/local/2012/07/glimpse_of_history_detroit_rul.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Source</span></a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>The mid to late 1920's in America is generally remembered fondly as time of prosperity and grandeur. The rich were building garish mega mansions while companies reached towards the sky with sleek new skyscrapers. When I think of buildings from this time, I almost always think about the theaters. One such venue from this time is the Union Theater.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCF5SsFfys3CY4PiMBIdDKjH3uZl03H6u7n4J79cXpPGZTfAiuDGS3rtPX8y4nqv6ZjekQw42VP097BluLLAu8L_J9QQvJX3ctz2UVjWHxXPFkRETQibsjjx3tb1wiCMC4QicuOOheioBI6sivJbb6_2XAFYoQELAimglJtGfKnYfBcdQ9Hd5nXzri/s4032/20230128_085613.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCF5SsFfys3CY4PiMBIdDKjH3uZl03H6u7n4J79cXpPGZTfAiuDGS3rtPX8y4nqv6ZjekQw42VP097BluLLAu8L_J9QQvJX3ctz2UVjWHxXPFkRETQibsjjx3tb1wiCMC4QicuOOheioBI6sivJbb6_2XAFYoQELAimglJtGfKnYfBcdQ9Hd5nXzri/w400-h225/20230128_085613.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>While the current interior may lead one to believe otherwise, the building was originally built in 1926. It originally opened as a large single screen theater with just over 1300 seats. Most theaters of this era have beautiful front entrances adorned with Terra Cotta ornamentation or decorative brickwork. For whatever reason the Union seems to have been built with a bland, undecorated front facade. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJUX8CBf2A0lz4Eyylf6Xrvyx5HE0v9OvCuF4VCd23AO7YurOAHZ-5-_mZQzrJmaRFneKVyEnkNPL8Numo42hqjmzlwh-I9uMe_J0NIPGocGfBhr4Q5_xXw9LKQEjSqypclX6ArfqXdpfCnAUBYxmhsZ-7BlW2pfKJ79uh8FsCRkLN2Gk5VL1GmmCy_DM/s4032/2023-07-19_07-34-19.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJUX8CBf2A0lz4Eyylf6Xrvyx5HE0v9OvCuF4VCd23AO7YurOAHZ-5-_mZQzrJmaRFneKVyEnkNPL8Numo42hqjmzlwh-I9uMe_J0NIPGocGfBhr4Q5_xXw9LKQEjSqypclX6ArfqXdpfCnAUBYxmhsZ-7BlW2pfKJ79uh8FsCRkLN2Gk5VL1GmmCy_DM/w400-h225/2023-07-19_07-34-19.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Warner Brothers took over the theater from the original owners in 1941. They made a number of upgrades to the building, each time trying to make it more profitable. Unfortunately this resulted in much of the incredible decorative plasterwork being obscured by drop ceilings and other ugly decor. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoiRkX4n9XApRUu0lmB0EkGIz3teY5wg43eB6JLt8UEs_ehuQQ0IjDWXn-xrHEp3o_xxFjW6lLt5vZhfYZzRLoI9gWeJ_SE5Bp15ndoy5QLjI0mYcvGKelUMVAy1S-Mj7BIfO6vUuEMZNWkHSTkuOKi2J4iPO6tfb-MU_hhrXqDpae_YDbAqghobRpJ8w/s4032/2023-07-19_07-35-40.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoiRkX4n9XApRUu0lmB0EkGIz3teY5wg43eB6JLt8UEs_ehuQQ0IjDWXn-xrHEp3o_xxFjW6lLt5vZhfYZzRLoI9gWeJ_SE5Bp15ndoy5QLjI0mYcvGKelUMVAy1S-Mj7BIfO6vUuEMZNWkHSTkuOKi2J4iPO6tfb-MU_hhrXqDpae_YDbAqghobRpJ8w/w400-h225/2023-07-19_07-35-40.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>1978 the RKO Stanley Warner company put out an ad declaring that they had "twinned" the auditorium. This means they had split the large auditorium into two seperate rooms, which would each be playing a different movie at the same time. It was a common practice theater owners used to try and compete with the growing popularity of "multiplex" cinemas, or movie theaters with several different screens in one building. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF-Y9XFVuXLNSeuTquJqQSjskOQBasHjnMUWVjsbcz8imGFLWgpsORniCDj22Ogmk46vmV5q12ASkjK6CXG7SvhtR2Qe81c3gEt7ALNIyF7-fwU8D4Bapp9cztD0BWS9zLXJ9jf9HJ51iPL6v9rBJH3b5BlKcz086ALI45S2soq8sPt3fCc6ecU1MM3U0/s4032/2023-07-19_07-36-40.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF-Y9XFVuXLNSeuTquJqQSjskOQBasHjnMUWVjsbcz8imGFLWgpsORniCDj22Ogmk46vmV5q12ASkjK6CXG7SvhtR2Qe81c3gEt7ALNIyF7-fwU8D4Bapp9cztD0BWS9zLXJ9jf9HJ51iPL6v9rBJH3b5BlKcz086ALI45S2soq8sPt3fCc6ecU1MM3U0/w400-h225/2023-07-19_07-36-40.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>RKO Stanley Warner did everything they could to get the Union Theater to maintain a steady profit, each time coming up short. The now two screen theater was sold to Cineplex Odeon company, who at the time was one of the largest cinema operators in the world. They continued to show movies at the Union for two decades until a restructuring of the company resulted in the sale of many assets. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_zSNUwcqvZYrlHA6kNv2BJlHxi8mF-gRGyhLQHvtFvxdzzmC7yj1X_ej_xaaFYDj7SEZEHQemphJpobf5-FgOGJHbOIElsNDkxJZF0SFE1RMmws7LieGhtx-5rBc3Ypy1QZG6My-us6nyCnXBJjzakn-LpqFgoa50-Q9MTERSAHxcGJSbDYj5NRO6Mz0/s4032/2023-07-19_07-37-39.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_zSNUwcqvZYrlHA6kNv2BJlHxi8mF-gRGyhLQHvtFvxdzzmC7yj1X_ej_xaaFYDj7SEZEHQemphJpobf5-FgOGJHbOIElsNDkxJZF0SFE1RMmws7LieGhtx-5rBc3Ypy1QZG6My-us6nyCnXBJjzakn-LpqFgoa50-Q9MTERSAHxcGJSbDYj5NRO6Mz0/w400-h225/2023-07-19_07-37-39.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>By the spring of 1998 the building was once again sold, this time to a pair of men named Spiros and Stefan Papas; a father-son team. The two already owned and operated several nearby theaters, and saw the new project as an opportunity. Unfortunately instead of ripping down the wall and rejoining the two rooms, they went the other direction. They turned the venue into a 7 screen monster. Three new auditoriums were packed in each of the existing two rooms, with an extra screen tucked in the backstage area. The new auditoriums each had recliner seats with plenty of leg room. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZKiO7b6DUHjDvGdqwbu_SK8khqbphDor2SngIxqyqs-SVAyIaDoC12yaXyjwWdNIn9NyYIwaD_SrG1jnNDclOiAe8iDEG4BoC7h5gkGLcDjEVSSE7g3vWWFSo_7OArDcpPUqFUlzchSE7AQbBSkXMVjrCq_icRIp3a8fFkivucqBpBzJDDKjjMnZo2fg/s4032/2023-07-19_07-38-53.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZKiO7b6DUHjDvGdqwbu_SK8khqbphDor2SngIxqyqs-SVAyIaDoC12yaXyjwWdNIn9NyYIwaD_SrG1jnNDclOiAe8iDEG4BoC7h5gkGLcDjEVSSE7g3vWWFSo_7OArDcpPUqFUlzchSE7AQbBSkXMVjrCq_icRIp3a8fFkivucqBpBzJDDKjjMnZo2fg/w400-h225/2023-07-19_07-38-53.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>The new renovations seemed to go over pretty well. For over a decade things ran relatively smoothly, but it was eventually closed in 2014. At the time the residents of Union were largely upset at the loss. The cinema was an integral part of the township, and residents wanted a new owner to take over and resume operations. Empire Cinemas moved in the following year.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwh1x7QrRECvXm_JtMeGHD4lByLGMC5ZaZtwHIWSzVazrFXy1y8ToYyAZVOi92QqMEdiO2Um_IaOHAZmR7CrBBznU9l2adcWVfzyys45pKY3hFMYdA9ZpuOdmpdBenkvMfn2kwGmm8_RrO5BL2ZpP3FH3wmEccNG2KGCHNV-Ahs_3AYFOfWHuJ18hMSHs/s4032/2023-07-19_07-39-46.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwh1x7QrRECvXm_JtMeGHD4lByLGMC5ZaZtwHIWSzVazrFXy1y8ToYyAZVOi92QqMEdiO2Um_IaOHAZmR7CrBBznU9l2adcWVfzyys45pKY3hFMYdA9ZpuOdmpdBenkvMfn2kwGmm8_RrO5BL2ZpP3FH3wmEccNG2KGCHNV-Ahs_3AYFOfWHuJ18hMSHs/w400-h225/2023-07-19_07-39-46.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>It seems that Empire came in with the intention of squeezing every penny out of the place that they could while doing little maintenence and no upgrades. Customers quickly began giving the theater horrible reviews, complaining about everything from the concessions to the seats to the screens themselves. Folks even reported rain coming into one of the auditoriums during heavy rains. For years conditions in the theater continued to degrade, until finally the township had had enough. In March of 2020 the township of Union shut down the building for various health and safety standards. They had been soliciting improvements to the building for years, which they claimed to be an eyesore right in the heart of downtown. Empire never responded to any of the inquiries. While many theaters shut down for good in 2020 the Union was among the first of them, finally ceasing operations on March 3rd. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoyVqLYYZ4Iqs1DyX-cNd1kjtkqZJ6Rh8uXtSgGI0w_m4N-_4-0iSXp4oyXg4HVGpDPJvwLObZ7Cg3uR5JGmo2dXvALcS6hGEFmhVg6xF1dihdEloNJKA8Cq04qt_NsAIFGlxBZR96VtR1Suy6CTyGnKbU6ju-F_Qv-PTNFJ-FNbxCgH9WVE1yLN9w058/s4032/2023-07-19_07-41-07.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoyVqLYYZ4Iqs1DyX-cNd1kjtkqZJ6Rh8uXtSgGI0w_m4N-_4-0iSXp4oyXg4HVGpDPJvwLObZ7Cg3uR5JGmo2dXvALcS6hGEFmhVg6xF1dihdEloNJKA8Cq04qt_NsAIFGlxBZR96VtR1Suy6CTyGnKbU6ju-F_Qv-PTNFJ-FNbxCgH9WVE1yLN9w058/s320/2023-07-19_07-41-07.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><p>An article came out the following year that the township was planning to incorporate the land the theater sits on into their redevelopment plans. Unfortunately, their plans didn't include the theater. By this time most people had forgotten how beautiful the building originally was. Most of the decorative plaster still existed above the ceilings but the building was so soggy and built over many people probably had no idea. I made a few visits to the building as remediation began. I was hoping part of the process would include ripping down the false walls, bringing it back to its single screen grandeur. Unfortunately that never happened. It was so badly butchered up that I had to literally climb up into the false ceiling to be able to document the remaining details. I never ended up taking my camera out of my bag.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-PbhhX1X4UQJ4Hfd460C-g7B4H5-eytPhYmrBf96zs9FxJT0mya5rY5uosHGI2k_2SxlCDmKVvOtREeL7AqCkSTgoyuZcwu04FIgSRAG-hPbdRxb8jZRQxAPhO4tC81Ujgg0SZ1mpfsqLpVLD-Sp7gAAEKXhrXGtq3LYkvapw4q2l2YaTaBNFxD4bip0/s4608/2023-07-19_07-43-19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-PbhhX1X4UQJ4Hfd460C-g7B4H5-eytPhYmrBf96zs9FxJT0mya5rY5uosHGI2k_2SxlCDmKVvOtREeL7AqCkSTgoyuZcwu04FIgSRAG-hPbdRxb8jZRQxAPhO4tC81Ujgg0SZ1mpfsqLpVLD-Sp7gAAEKXhrXGtq3LYkvapw4q2l2YaTaBNFxD4bip0/w400-h225/2023-07-19_07-43-19.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>The story wraps up in 2023, when the building was finally demolished. It's so sad to see another North Jersey town lose its theater. While the building wasn't the most beautiful, the right person with enough money and vision could have done something great with it. Unfortunately we will never know for sure. </p>EsseXploreRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670395370062998418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2883635662668234732.post-20794300817574510732023-07-17T12:54:00.003-07:002023-07-17T13:15:36.918-07:00The Oxford/ Van Nest Gap Tunnel<p>The Oxford Tunnel was a key part of the Warren Railroad, which allowed the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western railroad to run all the way up to Hampden, NJ via the Central NJ railroad. To this day I'm not sure why they decided this would be a worthwhile endeavor, considering the abundant mountains and valleys of Warren County. However, the history of the American Railroad network has proved to be full of arrogance and determination. The Warren Railroad would be no exception. James Archibald and McAllister & Wiestling were the engineers tasked with figuring out just where this new branch of John Blair's Railroad was to go. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtl2uGuRlJRCRPXXNVnEzaxWMsceKz1eVt9m-XKIznQriRZ873pvBhXdydMTdo455ImKxTm0Ic3pY6u8RLtgWzG8X_an0CMbSfFVqkquk0gMD7RyGD8dyyLdPJZs7jvnesG5D7BIEf-LqJe9zcNSQGwMrt4djjlxXLqoBen16i4jV7zyoGY9yzxLrm0NA/s864/FB_IMG_1689622463718.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="556" data-original-width="864" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtl2uGuRlJRCRPXXNVnEzaxWMsceKz1eVt9m-XKIznQriRZ873pvBhXdydMTdo455ImKxTm0Ic3pY6u8RLtgWzG8X_an0CMbSfFVqkquk0gMD7RyGD8dyyLdPJZs7jvnesG5D7BIEf-LqJe9zcNSQGwMrt4djjlxXLqoBen16i4jV7zyoGY9yzxLrm0NA/w400-h258/FB_IMG_1689622463718.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid0W6vLZK5b83qGKLyVwPSqSHoZiSH6ZtUuuecCKAPgHWA5NUqh3k4QmXA1zXHVuayHl&id=871911136258387&mibextid=CDWPTG" target="_blank">Source</a></td></tr></tbody></table><p>As the planned line made its way to Oxford in 1853 the engineers discovered the most efficient path would involve blasting a tunnel through Oxford Mountain to reach the Van Nest Gap. A lack of resources and time required that a temporary track be installed to get things rolling while they worked on blasting out the tube. While the nearby <a href="http://tfpnj.blogspot.com/2021/01/manunka-chunk-tunnels.html?m=1" target="_blank">Manunka Chunk Tunnels</a> along the same line were finished in two years, the Oxford tube took nearly nine. Trains finally started using the passage in the autumn of 1862.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBXL1dpI7NnywvhJxLGJ6wb_zvOy805UzSmGftFWwWXlMffr2Zya4Dy1-OCs1g0J9INsy-oZOVwhEhI35twObd4T1hbHZUE7-TGvE-g_lZ7oeLugBIz7F6R1MHNv95LHMu4lyFU6PfN5rjGJz9haqkgOOQvVOFOWQAkitD-YdeABRppXiI2wDz9iNL13w/s3048/2023-07-17_03-00-22.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3048" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBXL1dpI7NnywvhJxLGJ6wb_zvOy805UzSmGftFWwWXlMffr2Zya4Dy1-OCs1g0J9INsy-oZOVwhEhI35twObd4T1hbHZUE7-TGvE-g_lZ7oeLugBIz7F6R1MHNv95LHMu4lyFU6PfN5rjGJz9haqkgOOQvVOFOWQAkitD-YdeABRppXiI2wDz9iNL13w/w298-h400/2023-07-17_03-00-22.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><p></p><p>As the line aged towards the new century, traincars were getting larger and larger. This presented a problem for the tunnel; the existing tracks didnt allow enough clearance for the bigger cars. Instead of spending any more time and money to expand the tunnel, the company chose to replace the double track with a gauntlet track instead. This allowed at least a single train to make it through the tunnel. The portals were also reinforced with concrete at the same time.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaFW4FEERSWUFNcvUCeoAilZH819UsQjbiZKGTFWzLDxWwGxVxzlk7sKOkz-XAp79hh98p7PyFbk8npwLdZmmtI2hQTLymX5_qSynQu3QH1EazUtfI6m0z59Mi-zwAMAP5Z0kNxdX8QTWdLNFPnvNiJgCf0fs4brQCytkT0xqrODd8QipIbw9Kcv9HKbw/s3076/2023-07-17_03-00-07.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3076" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaFW4FEERSWUFNcvUCeoAilZH819UsQjbiZKGTFWzLDxWwGxVxzlk7sKOkz-XAp79hh98p7PyFbk8npwLdZmmtI2hQTLymX5_qSynQu3QH1EazUtfI6m0z59Mi-zwAMAP5Z0kNxdX8QTWdLNFPnvNiJgCf0fs4brQCytkT0xqrODd8QipIbw9Kcv9HKbw/s320/2023-07-17_03-00-07.jpg" width="236" /></a></div><p></p><p>The gauntlet was only a temporary solution. Shortly after it was installed the DL&W Railroad began work on the Lackawanna Cutoff. The new line would allow trains to bypass the backup that was caused by the reduction in traffic at Oxford and shaved eleven miles off the journey.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8IR8wamfuXUNMbh_16jmpma0Q89qVeU2zlGoUBllFyD7XHW14JH7lCEUV7cAW1iyOIZE3J3pOT1M-SZqNONKn5IyGMWMqmtEB7MhjJqO3rwEsxr-zKY-lqjSQxIauXYyTL5Lji1HZb8vAqnymso6766N7XiVujlsrq1akiVdcnjPPBTkes45AACbED-E/s4032/20210426_132616.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8IR8wamfuXUNMbh_16jmpma0Q89qVeU2zlGoUBllFyD7XHW14JH7lCEUV7cAW1iyOIZE3J3pOT1M-SZqNONKn5IyGMWMqmtEB7MhjJqO3rwEsxr-zKY-lqjSQxIauXYyTL5Lji1HZb8vAqnymso6766N7XiVujlsrq1akiVdcnjPPBTkes45AACbED-E/w225-h400/20210426_132616.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><p></p><p>The former right of way through Warren County began to be referred to as the Lackawanna "Old Road". It was mainly used for freight traffic, occasionally seeing use as a backup when the Lackawanna was delayed or impassable. Trains stopped using the Oxford Tunnel sometime in the 1970's or 1980's. The old road changed hands and saw a few partial revivals which makes nailing down an exact date tricky. I'm sure an area railfan will have an answer in the comments before long. Without regular maintenance the ancient drainage systems that once kept the tunnel manageably damp had become blocked, leading to flooding throughout the passage. By 1984 the marble dedication plaque was precariously exposed and in danger of falling. A team of men consisting of local enthusiasts volunteered to retrieve it, and after doing so it was re-installed at the historic Shippen Manor. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOtsIMZCHgrYPkNK4KX2m3VG8PBkAtU1zsqXMnrT9k4-SaUW7uCM4ceCO9zgxc-MF1kl0aAH39Q-IcnxkD_n6TWsDaf3Z0QH8-r7GEwE02byXl7H1FjB15EddLcSz7agG7u_TGVC74xWaU6yVsQcXQoskBT1PgnCWWzdopukKa6lAQJnqLQ8EUtkiipoA/s462/FB_IMG_1689622980315.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="462" data-original-width="321" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOtsIMZCHgrYPkNK4KX2m3VG8PBkAtU1zsqXMnrT9k4-SaUW7uCM4ceCO9zgxc-MF1kl0aAH39Q-IcnxkD_n6TWsDaf3Z0QH8-r7GEwE02byXl7H1FjB15EddLcSz7agG7u_TGVC74xWaU6yVsQcXQoskBT1PgnCWWzdopukKa6lAQJnqLQ8EUtkiipoA/w222-h320/FB_IMG_1689622980315.jpg" width="222" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/shippenmanor/posts/van-nest-gap-tunnel-in-oxford-njaccording-to-railway-locomotives-and-cars-vol-35/948620765508252/" target="_blank">Source</a></td></tr></tbody></table><p>The first major collapse inside the tunnel is reported to have happened in 2007. That's according to premier New Jersey hiker and historian Mike Helbing. Mike grew up in the area, and is as credible a source as any. The man has hiked and bushwacked his way through more disused former rail bed than anyone I know. A second collapse in 2018 left the tunnel in precarious shape. Route 31 goes directly over the west portal, meaning any further deterioration posed a serious risk to anyone traveling over it. Helbing tried to raise the alarms, but local officials seemingly quashed his concerns. A shoddy fence was installed on the east portal in an attempt to keep people out, but the state owned west portal remained unobstructed for months until they also installed an equally shoddy fence. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRi56_bxqtAnMrcLM9HrIilxD-G51TwKr_RGJpzdFk8RtgPiSgIjbJB4PDKI7KUCK5AtwrvIwPrYlVOqpPKlFUIfOBGJLyNF_CiTLS-DuwNFe09OYR1NOM83JqbcZMm-borxjvUZLnOnkIxMHiPgvRQC06rqpB1iEPHgMPkqC2ubS9MLaJ9TI6Z9dbpx8/s4608/20210426_132515.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="2592" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRi56_bxqtAnMrcLM9HrIilxD-G51TwKr_RGJpzdFk8RtgPiSgIjbJB4PDKI7KUCK5AtwrvIwPrYlVOqpPKlFUIfOBGJLyNF_CiTLS-DuwNFe09OYR1NOM83JqbcZMm-borxjvUZLnOnkIxMHiPgvRQC06rqpB1iEPHgMPkqC2ubS9MLaJ9TI6Z9dbpx8/w225-h400/20210426_132515.jpg" width="225" /></a></div></div><p>There have been no updates on the status of the tunnel in the last few years. Considering Oxford Mountain is pockmarked with collapsed and flooded abandoned mineshafts, it stands to reason the township and DOT will continue to ignore the problem until they can't anymore. I can only hope nobody is traveling on the roadway above when the next collapse occurs. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcAZn4G7XFz0TgGNHimUxL8DxaQh_hCmIcD8OOcaCuFVM1n8vpZyUhPTIwreVTccEXZHVlmzKUJgvxw6XDl3Kc_1u7ZmtYgBzVZ7M3o5CmmTZ3yp0Z3JcPicIpoD8xQrsBbWqJcFYNVdpfL-zWnSRwbYN7vZqJypPonw_fheG_sIfFv1gWrmRv2cYHu-Q/s1920/2023-07-17_02-58-47.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1252" data-original-width="1920" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcAZn4G7XFz0TgGNHimUxL8DxaQh_hCmIcD8OOcaCuFVM1n8vpZyUhPTIwreVTccEXZHVlmzKUJgvxw6XDl3Kc_1u7ZmtYgBzVZ7M3o5CmmTZ3yp0Z3JcPicIpoD8xQrsBbWqJcFYNVdpfL-zWnSRwbYN7vZqJypPonw_fheG_sIfFv1gWrmRv2cYHu-Q/w400-h261/2023-07-17_02-58-47.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />EsseXploreRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670395370062998418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2883635662668234732.post-76704120013439958122023-07-15T12:50:00.001-07:002023-07-15T12:50:04.984-07:00Congregation B'nai Jeshurun<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD0wsgzbFNlnVJrw09WV4A-PLDHLYlGEAekh0mCzz8BekV_YBts8JLH7d8ta39x0GqNI0pyBLWbHNObrLzIffnyRofH75vvWTamTTTxdt2FTWd7CHrg6MzpHSZkIQfCvDnt3WfKrOKnEzpyLRCbZTF0vEfAAy1zgzMSwagrWV2AzRhXOn_rOrmmvA-/s3131/synagogues001.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1989" data-original-width="3131" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD0wsgzbFNlnVJrw09WV4A-PLDHLYlGEAekh0mCzz8BekV_YBts8JLH7d8ta39x0GqNI0pyBLWbHNObrLzIffnyRofH75vvWTamTTTxdt2FTWd7CHrg6MzpHSZkIQfCvDnt3WfKrOKnEzpyLRCbZTF0vEfAAy1zgzMSwagrWV2AzRhXOn_rOrmmvA-/s320/synagogues001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://npl.org/opening-event-synagogues-of-newark/">Source</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p>High Street, now known as MLK Boulevard, was once an epicenter of jewish culture in the city. The corner of the Boulevard and Muhammed Ali Avenue holds one of the finest religious structures ever constructed within the boundaries of Newark. However, the story goes back even further than the landmark structure might lead you to assume. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwkjbDkubX3WxlStWmY6hF3WAANW3_48ezYtzjkDyPcbo0vH9RKS97yhrnUs0vxQGcjIKwMmCxi1gg7BUFJYr2mnrS9hDvBauFgB_pBzavuQmqtPeY6TwWTfazrzYJEnd0p5aBBVkvV0MLQoPGRAnQkMan1xE-ngTANf_t_vPkVmmlKRBpTIVo0k43C64/s3063/20230122_090446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3063" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwkjbDkubX3WxlStWmY6hF3WAANW3_48ezYtzjkDyPcbo0vH9RKS97yhrnUs0vxQGcjIKwMmCxi1gg7BUFJYr2mnrS9hDvBauFgB_pBzavuQmqtPeY6TwWTfazrzYJEnd0p5aBBVkvV0MLQoPGRAnQkMan1xE-ngTANf_t_vPkVmmlKRBpTIVo0k43C64/w296-h400/20230122_090446.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><p>The B'nai Jeshurun congregation established Newarks first synagague in 1858. The building that we see today wasn't built until almost 60 years later though. The architect chosen in 1915 for the new temple was Albert S. Gotleib. The building rose up from the ground made of mighty brick and limestone. The inside of the temple was adorned with marble and Gustavino acoustical tile. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3jMl3HML4IScdHH6a09qM6DPjsMiOzs2eq8Y3axlNgncMyWpIeGi4FkklhAVFH6heSX8X-nXO89Edpbjb58PeCTPKoffxFHPPpq7m76eBaLDkdZgdgyOt2Rp_oHUNIX5S0CxRjJvyMeJfzVSXwYx4KxMS5SX_Ur0VEc7cVZc1tMlPDHfhlHrsrUYz/s2739/2023-01-12_11-37-23.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2739" data-original-width="1826" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3jMl3HML4IScdHH6a09qM6DPjsMiOzs2eq8Y3axlNgncMyWpIeGi4FkklhAVFH6heSX8X-nXO89Edpbjb58PeCTPKoffxFHPPpq7m76eBaLDkdZgdgyOt2Rp_oHUNIX5S0CxRjJvyMeJfzVSXwYx4KxMS5SX_Ur0VEc7cVZc1tMlPDHfhlHrsrUYz/w266-h400/2023-01-12_11-37-23.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><p>The congregation left the city in favor of South Orange, and then moved again to Short Hills in 1968. The Hopewell Baptist church moved into the building, and continued to use it until 2017. We visited this incredible building before it got popular amongst the instagram tourist crowd. As a result, we had no idea what to expect as we descended the stairs towards the sanctuary. As we got close we heard someone sweeping up the corridor between us and the doorway we needed to walk through. I peeked around the corner and saw who it was; a lone man who didnt seem too much older than me. I called over to him and told him we didn't mean to bother him and that we just wanted a few photos of the building. After a brief moment of panic he welcomed us through, telling us he was just cleaning up the room he was going to be staying in. He also seemed mildly concerned, and told us that there are several other folks inside who might not be as cool with us. We took our photos quickly and went to head out but struck up another conversation with him on the way. Turns out he was just trying to find a good deserted place he and all his friends to live in while they worked out their demons. The most suprising thing of all was that he started talking about some YouTube videos of local abandoned places that he used to watch. Videos that I made 10 years ago. It was one of the most bizzare moments I've ever experienced.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWIUjq0rYv8iQLsr-JTCmSSgo_j2_eYKzUMvv2ps_w-uEHPfdk8RGoXBhkQxkSJifrSL0NK2SgyYcqzYtEHSAwPLEcZccBbIgFGZNLS1mxp2Z90pSN-HWy5MAE40sO3pA8GQANokJ56Tm-koA8OgSRZaNXz9oEjKyHh_Bxc6nRSV1KcOxA79eRvB6aOss/s4171/Polish_20230715_154756269.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4171" data-original-width="2781" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWIUjq0rYv8iQLsr-JTCmSSgo_j2_eYKzUMvv2ps_w-uEHPfdk8RGoXBhkQxkSJifrSL0NK2SgyYcqzYtEHSAwPLEcZccBbIgFGZNLS1mxp2Z90pSN-HWy5MAE40sO3pA8GQANokJ56Tm-koA8OgSRZaNXz9oEjKyHh_Bxc6nRSV1KcOxA79eRvB6aOss/s320/Polish_20230715_154756269.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><p>Eventually the squatters were evicted and work started to bring the building back to life. For whatever reason the new owners stripped out all the pews and the original woodwork to replace them with cheap poplar. Thankfully that seems to be the only major change made to the main structure. The building hasn't reopened yet, but New Jersey Jewish News released an [article](https://njjewishnews.timesofisrael.com/renovating-bnai-jeshurun/) that shows the new furnishings. I'm so grateful to be able to end this story on a happy note since the building was definitely facing an uncertain future. Thankfully now the building will go on to serve the city for decades more.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ypgZx21eJrUJFYUvEgdh8iJxiBvbPm7M6AnmhmPiU8EZV6WDBZ6oMZ-7YJo4OpvhIEWCdcaoCoIZDZ29v-C5xj4MwW6FhWKLUP7QSUCv-szzBmho3grkcmnzObDTcxR9lmy4rHRFLg_1c7rp2UVm7ATgyLbgfplLRARsGV5vyOJwfi4ZW9bjEK4gpco/s3422/20200507_143654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3422" data-original-width="2592" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ypgZx21eJrUJFYUvEgdh8iJxiBvbPm7M6AnmhmPiU8EZV6WDBZ6oMZ-7YJo4OpvhIEWCdcaoCoIZDZ29v-C5xj4MwW6FhWKLUP7QSUCv-szzBmho3grkcmnzObDTcxR9lmy4rHRFLg_1c7rp2UVm7ATgyLbgfplLRARsGV5vyOJwfi4ZW9bjEK4gpco/w303-h400/20200507_143654.jpg" width="303" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>EsseXploreRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670395370062998418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2883635662668234732.post-10295340854736757112023-07-08T02:33:00.004-07:002023-07-10T06:17:12.305-07:00Amboy CinemasThere are a handful of abandoned buildings in New Jersey history that could be considered "iconic". Your mind might jump to the old Pabst brewery with its rusty, bottle shaped water tower. Maybe your first thought is the Hydro Proof warehouse off the turnpike prominently featured in the Sopranos introduction. Among these old subjective eyesores would have to be the old Amboy Cinemas building right off the Garden State Parkway.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbOgl_4E6YkYHgcIN6I4QJt6aB-xTjiEb7JEIpCnG3QzDqmXulEC3401dJ3jcQ9-Ovw7oRory-1jGZS9RHXP-_-pBLR1Up_JoKJ_KmN5uF8ig4_w7DD9bifLFM-OicHoIcIQiMg1klqFUGWuK-v6btrlDqRi5LK2KC3bVAhKskAPM_Q0YGqkmLG7rS/s640/large%20%283%29.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="575" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbOgl_4E6YkYHgcIN6I4QJt6aB-xTjiEb7JEIpCnG3QzDqmXulEC3401dJ3jcQ9-Ovw7oRory-1jGZS9RHXP-_-pBLR1Up_JoKJ_KmN5uF8ig4_w7DD9bifLFM-OicHoIcIQiMg1klqFUGWuK-v6btrlDqRi5LK2KC3bVAhKskAPM_Q0YGqkmLG7rS/s400/large%20%283%29.jpg" /></a></div>
The land between the Parkway and Rt. 35 was once a very large drive in theater which opened in 1957. One may think they would have cleverly hidden the screen so nobody got distracted but that is not the case. The large screen was directly visible to motorists for quite a long span.<div><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2hBbwQXlBeFhwkCrNWMYPJPDaPtNDTGutHi3gWIeYJHTQ7Aw7f7pfh08CNBwTUJjbnOJUi1qQwuns7kXObfm2-fOEg13yCBDHe_SXD8asXsCCO_iK7Uezzg-INK3WW6LgFIC9K7rkYhrs9dSiHw4rcWLvzNsPoyx3NLxbFePWA6xolCV6lcjCIvBY7zU/s3214/20230419_103838.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2060" data-original-width="3214" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2hBbwQXlBeFhwkCrNWMYPJPDaPtNDTGutHi3gWIeYJHTQ7Aw7f7pfh08CNBwTUJjbnOJUi1qQwuns7kXObfm2-fOEg13yCBDHe_SXD8asXsCCO_iK7Uezzg-INK3WW6LgFIC9K7rkYhrs9dSiHw4rcWLvzNsPoyx3NLxbFePWA6xolCV6lcjCIvBY7zU/w400-h256/20230419_103838.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div>Before long the business began to decline, and like many other theaters the drive in apparently began showing adult films. Local legend has it that this would cause massive traffic delays, since there was never a wall obstructed to keep the folks on the highway from watching. This has been substantiated by former emplyees whose comments can be found in the <a href="http://cinematreasures.org/theaters/11134">Cinema Treasures</a> article. Allegedly they were ordered to stop screening porn, and the drive in closed in 1979.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLZXONZ2Gs5ur-xWKv-fsihDKFL2GnXlqqoPaMEfFhMj6mjLRhIUhlIRlk4b5_SIfX5Wwu4mTqDld0e7Uvi-zDVgpsqrD1gZ01HVnlmTjvGGlamAK0w-euQsc7Do0VvZppAYXUEidnoV7EqXXp9CG6Vs7IbSUwHx86YFwDnpMy_XxbYmSxqSotVVUGUa0/s4608/2023-07-08_05-18-08.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLZXONZ2Gs5ur-xWKv-fsihDKFL2GnXlqqoPaMEfFhMj6mjLRhIUhlIRlk4b5_SIfX5Wwu4mTqDld0e7Uvi-zDVgpsqrD1gZ01HVnlmTjvGGlamAK0w-euQsc7Do0VvZppAYXUEidnoV7EqXXp9CG6Vs7IbSUwHx86YFwDnpMy_XxbYmSxqSotVVUGUa0/w400-h225/2023-07-08_05-18-08.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div>After a few short months the large screen was demolished a 10 screen theater opened up on the land adjacent to where the old projection house was. Between 1981 and 1985 the theater underwent several additions, eventually hosting 14 different auditoriums. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFooNc9Cg2qISxNLFfFiWZOpWtMp8hNWl6-_RqxfDTl8y8A0396L733aunPXwPNrYynoPvgG7iVvCsqXuVcl77uMo6-x2dcLZYksUvL8xBrWRXymoXx4XzL18JtM5HwcpWKuLDGdEoRJstYngMpvlC-HDjL2qvcP3jxsIzsKCegKDrVCM5izhTxQ4Bpgg/s4032/2023-07-08_05-19-36.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFooNc9Cg2qISxNLFfFiWZOpWtMp8hNWl6-_RqxfDTl8y8A0396L733aunPXwPNrYynoPvgG7iVvCsqXuVcl77uMo6-x2dcLZYksUvL8xBrWRXymoXx4XzL18JtM5HwcpWKuLDGdEoRJstYngMpvlC-HDjL2qvcP3jxsIzsKCegKDrVCM5izhTxQ4Bpgg/w400-h225/2023-07-08_05-19-36.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The theater went on to show movies for another 20 years. I even attneded the theater myself in 2004 to see the SpongeBob SquarePants movie, although unfortunately I cant really remember much about the experience. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikfD5HPsUr6yuowP-RH-1YUvL0vITTSg0FCFYXtWbVa3GH6p32NOidDDGVEI_50ttjNWz7AVk1Lmv8RFdZxUDY4SxbQpm6wHR_lmKURyFbQfkCZoi0RuXTp96uezt4PYTmC2WqWIOh6UIA5YqPo_OLXmrQcAfLARm0hMpWVhk4UwsMdY518hmKQC3AfrE/s4032/2023-07-08_05-21-12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikfD5HPsUr6yuowP-RH-1YUvL0vITTSg0FCFYXtWbVa3GH6p32NOidDDGVEI_50ttjNWz7AVk1Lmv8RFdZxUDY4SxbQpm6wHR_lmKURyFbQfkCZoi0RuXTp96uezt4PYTmC2WqWIOh6UIA5YqPo_OLXmrQcAfLARm0hMpWVhk4UwsMdY518hmKQC3AfrE/w400-h225/2023-07-08_05-21-12.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Unfortunately the building was condemned just a few months later on May 28th, 2005 due to a sinkhole forming under the lobby.
Even though the building was closed with no chance of re-use, it wasn't demolished. For more than a 15 years nearly 300,000 motorists passed by the deteriorating structure every single day, watching it rot away from the Driscoll Bridge. It always struck me as a strange juxtaposition; the small inferior theater building next to the widest motor vehicle bridge in the world. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT3LwmYp9DNsDsHC8TmCEbM1oG58wez5juNd0jFiZsp7_0UBmX3YeLIWsHFnzsCHfDoH6f4_JVzxzoETqJD27Z_s5g-ANVoxAhTXnDuKfMgywk_GzMyxU4iaKBqEowyxpfJCH-DrVxUUrfkBH89hRa_Ku15YhyVIRK-41ehANLzDEzPiwqEjRgQ_OtgaA/s2562/2023-07-08_05-22-17.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2562" data-original-width="1558" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT3LwmYp9DNsDsHC8TmCEbM1oG58wez5juNd0jFiZsp7_0UBmX3YeLIWsHFnzsCHfDoH6f4_JVzxzoETqJD27Z_s5g-ANVoxAhTXnDuKfMgywk_GzMyxU4iaKBqEowyxpfJCH-DrVxUUrfkBH89hRa_Ku15YhyVIRK-41ehANLzDEzPiwqEjRgQ_OtgaA/w244-h400/2023-07-08_05-22-17.jpg" width="244" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Despite the mild curiosity I never really took the time to figure out how to access the building. However after years of knocking better theaters off my "want to see" list I eventually formulated a plan to visit. I parked my car on a quiet Perth Amboy street, grabbed my bag, and headed towards the Victory Bridge.
For whatever reason when they replaced the Victory Bridge in 2004 they decided to include a sidewalk on the side that leads exclusively to the movie theater parking lot. maybe they thought it would help bring business to the ailing theater, though it clearly didn't help. It was super convenient for me though, as I made it to the parking lot just as the sun began to rise. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpKbw_S06Q15J2bbb2EBMpzzPFNqzh4l8zWLq5ORkV1JSn_sig0ZZFfBfZ0jli3FuSl-5bHAFg8Hpu-IakPbU2sGhLsTF3M4ras7ftDHtSW5EsLbpT_ZFa1hGOC6n19lAyZKqPxyCN6zHNyPlJEmFzy7pqC0gHOvRFIVEb0d2p0rWRYBIqfN7dguwd14Q/s3993/2023-07-08_05-24-42.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2246" data-original-width="3993" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpKbw_S06Q15J2bbb2EBMpzzPFNqzh4l8zWLq5ORkV1JSn_sig0ZZFfBfZ0jli3FuSl-5bHAFg8Hpu-IakPbU2sGhLsTF3M4ras7ftDHtSW5EsLbpT_ZFa1hGOC6n19lAyZKqPxyCN6zHNyPlJEmFzy7pqC0gHOvRFIVEb0d2p0rWRYBIqfN7dguwd14Q/w400-h225/2023-07-08_05-24-42.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div> The cinema was suprisingly intact inside. Each auditorium still had its seating, which I did not remember being green when I visited nearly two decades before. I got a kick out of the movies that were displayed on the interior marquis, some of which I don't even remember.
After poking around several of the nearly identical auditoriums I set off to find the projection rooms. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU4EH-Zmc1vwhjh8BNqW3Od6wr5rx1WubAWga1KjpfhC4wKchYvAXudX0o-Gg-gBGvfaNZonJFSjwXlvWorzpvq2KVA9w-ccRL7aiOLvd6NuST8JhwZ9Fn1Q6bUr-EI4k87wo73nP1czB70kt2gHtkiRj0X95E9Oent8lmVmTrutaXx4E4mEb8LUGTyRg/s4032/2023-07-08_05-25-46.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU4EH-Zmc1vwhjh8BNqW3Od6wr5rx1WubAWga1KjpfhC4wKchYvAXudX0o-Gg-gBGvfaNZonJFSjwXlvWorzpvq2KVA9w-ccRL7aiOLvd6NuST8JhwZ9Fn1Q6bUr-EI4k87wo73nP1czB70kt2gHtkiRj0X95E9Oent8lmVmTrutaXx4E4mEb8LUGTyRg/w400-h225/2023-07-08_05-25-46.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I was excited to find that all of the equipment was lined up in a single room. Despite being gutted of everything but their cases, it was very neat to see so many machines together. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7LfcKbzR7FWv_0krOeW7NRyGwY8DlLs2d48o5t1gKBJQV3Vtcd80Ld-kQx6ikFoT0DXfZ6pnoZmifG_Sq8_W76e4p_xUaVdudt28VpaZfnQ7jXXY7SKRh3J4g0PdZ0JjwRv6f-f9WCLxmmld0-kH0fKN9-Ip87YS05hZrgyMcYdY2qPpJzqS-dqStKVI/s4032/2023-07-08_05-27-13.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7LfcKbzR7FWv_0krOeW7NRyGwY8DlLs2d48o5t1gKBJQV3Vtcd80Ld-kQx6ikFoT0DXfZ6pnoZmifG_Sq8_W76e4p_xUaVdudt28VpaZfnQ7jXXY7SKRh3J4g0PdZ0JjwRv6f-f9WCLxmmld0-kH0fKN9-Ip87YS05hZrgyMcYdY2qPpJzqS-dqStKVI/w225-h400/2023-07-08_05-27-13.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>After about an hour I headed out before traffic got too bad. I'm very glad I visited when I did though. Demolition finally started on the rotting building that had stood for so long in July of 2023. By the end of the month, the lot was clear.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPVE2hL3sfAXx8vsfsN4iBDBAWp5LNV0lnOZGFzvaYLvOTzaTo8u8UcGngntKvYcyB2Lr-_Wh8b6sUA6nXoznZGgA839sgqxIIx_KCMHoYtUUlYPHOFp94jGoq2xuiM0kHNgFDHIfBycV8LBZ3ErrCf5PHFUGvylukS-UxgwNexNKN3nZBu3sSUdUr5gM/s4032/2023-07-08_05-29-58.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPVE2hL3sfAXx8vsfsN4iBDBAWp5LNV0lnOZGFzvaYLvOTzaTo8u8UcGngntKvYcyB2Lr-_Wh8b6sUA6nXoznZGgA839sgqxIIx_KCMHoYtUUlYPHOFp94jGoq2xuiM0kHNgFDHIfBycV8LBZ3ErrCf5PHFUGvylukS-UxgwNexNKN3nZBu3sSUdUr5gM/w225-h400/2023-07-08_05-29-58.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /></div></div></div></div><div>It will be weird driving over the Driscoll Bridge and not seeing Amboy Cinemas anymore. It goes on to join the long list of landmarks from my childhood demolished and built over. </div>EsseXploreRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670395370062998418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2883635662668234732.post-76316413790175682702023-06-26T09:01:00.002-07:002023-06-26T09:03:54.136-07:00Roseville Avenue School<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAfwcF9u9Grnt-R6nYir_6BG1Nvq_dxuGbibFGSYPeFt3FsMIznBiM1E6gJpp_Vgazmrr3ufkz61tfIUrqNAMBv9fXr3OU6rfDuz8NRVafTp5lopyUSHN5HdFLVYYOlOFzsxnr1h9p8yPby5yXQkH5q5gh5AvLh3HUOXRlRo2grGWkpTtWBpEUmFvb/s299/image60%20(1).gif" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="299" data-original-width="244" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAfwcF9u9Grnt-R6nYir_6BG1Nvq_dxuGbibFGSYPeFt3FsMIznBiM1E6gJpp_Vgazmrr3ufkz61tfIUrqNAMBv9fXr3OU6rfDuz8NRVafTp5lopyUSHN5HdFLVYYOlOFzsxnr1h9p8yPby5yXQkH5q5gh5AvLh3HUOXRlRo2grGWkpTtWBpEUmFvb/s1600/image60%20(1).gif" width="244" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.npshpc.org/elementary-schools/roseville-avenue-school/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Source</span></a></td></tr></tbody></table> <br /><p></p><p>One of Newark's oldest existing public school buildings stands in the Roseville neighborhood, as it has since 1883. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimPCebXkuD_LjYdQUyinvrDNDqevbNN2BLO_wjcWQnkwTXNv8Ove_TNQ59lX28udJ6HJFDcv3HHBuz_OUTE5-SmnJVT-5Cfd8aHO1CVdrUqpBqm6MlLkww_wNxaZsNfJj2lHvcrK6bcaews4u25A51gol41oEuhcOtXENKeWPjnmH8q58SXd4yMKP8/s3428/20220413_143623.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3428" data-original-width="2539" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimPCebXkuD_LjYdQUyinvrDNDqevbNN2BLO_wjcWQnkwTXNv8Ove_TNQ59lX28udJ6HJFDcv3HHBuz_OUTE5-SmnJVT-5Cfd8aHO1CVdrUqpBqm6MlLkww_wNxaZsNfJj2lHvcrK6bcaews4u25A51gol41oEuhcOtXENKeWPjnmH8q58SXd4yMKP8/w296-h400/20220413_143623.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7rxcoZg9AgXqax7aAv6RaYeUXsfsE2fSFcCQLql8ctvdGpQWwH2CCrSQ4diaRSp8gw_Cijg6GPIjVEe7IDHmvcqMmlDNL_V24BqaLfCL8zuYW_dX5rdPJAAaRWUAqWAF0j_92fORPk6VLFSqNymgrhRMmgyw6B6_G7eLb2kUmzc-Ya4HUxAhGXNZB/s3214/20220413_143646.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3214" data-original-width="2202" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7rxcoZg9AgXqax7aAv6RaYeUXsfsE2fSFcCQLql8ctvdGpQWwH2CCrSQ4diaRSp8gw_Cijg6GPIjVEe7IDHmvcqMmlDNL_V24BqaLfCL8zuYW_dX5rdPJAAaRWUAqWAF0j_92fORPk6VLFSqNymgrhRMmgyw6B6_G7eLb2kUmzc-Ya4HUxAhGXNZB/w274-h400/20220413_143646.jpg" width="274" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>The three story red brick building served the neighborhood as a kindergarten through fourth grade facility. The building was nearly 15,000 square feet of classroom and hallway space. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl9_KJWvbaRhycOW0BH0i0EmUws6gM5hVu8ylSUECQmzly6EGGXCCxxsE0qVTp0DyNSAK2U_8eFbUBG5iseQMP3Kodyv8S5OOJtdNo04lmhXdixNwseElK5YjImkeDO7dSkLDCV86VFxNjfYNbqIwUNls-mfd9tvts6hkM2xkhe-LmgH8C66rCYmPP/s3541/20220413_143312.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3541" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl9_KJWvbaRhycOW0BH0i0EmUws6gM5hVu8ylSUECQmzly6EGGXCCxxsE0qVTp0DyNSAK2U_8eFbUBG5iseQMP3Kodyv8S5OOJtdNo04lmhXdixNwseElK5YjImkeDO7dSkLDCV86VFxNjfYNbqIwUNls-mfd9tvts6hkM2xkhe-LmgH8C66rCYmPP/w256-h400/20220413_143312.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>The building didn't see much physical investment over the years. There was never a proper auditorium or gymnasium for the students. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTXQoPoJruQiF_8kZ2VmBmgczTT83RMuIZB9O8uMh-laEeO68ktYIvYNmUOBK3237oerJf-Jmjco5nCI-lSxFhVNACoVC5dzsZPdFUkF_4iJNNmQCl-J3CRngrrVAbO3GgoXaCbMqpvJTfldHKrtm2pFts4BFVjxv2YMXQr-2ydAZU-zltrRc2nOjM/s3234/20220413_143358.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3234" data-original-width="2241" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTXQoPoJruQiF_8kZ2VmBmgczTT83RMuIZB9O8uMh-laEeO68ktYIvYNmUOBK3237oerJf-Jmjco5nCI-lSxFhVNACoVC5dzsZPdFUkF_4iJNNmQCl-J3CRngrrVAbO3GgoXaCbMqpvJTfldHKrtm2pFts4BFVjxv2YMXQr-2ydAZU-zltrRc2nOjM/w278-h400/20220413_143358.jpg" width="278" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>Not only were there no building additions over the years, the space within the existing walls never saw much improvement either. I was stunned to find what I believe to be the original wooden paneling and window moldings throughout the building.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzmZKPA9mDDNex6HYAlPXw4it2yGe1qLaQVIMHlBkyKk1j7U8GLcxqxve7SCEJ9b5JHBqlYEe4XePx8xJqSawdWEDCJEBVWyNtHDnVmRs16eb9Rku1avJYnBd2zwDea2ZW8yqOoxP89J38Yg83DGBWzSBg2voiLfly7ghGe-EN72MrO91lLUNzvPPZ/s4608/20220413_143210.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzmZKPA9mDDNex6HYAlPXw4it2yGe1qLaQVIMHlBkyKk1j7U8GLcxqxve7SCEJ9b5JHBqlYEe4XePx8xJqSawdWEDCJEBVWyNtHDnVmRs16eb9Rku1avJYnBd2zwDea2ZW8yqOoxP89J38Yg83DGBWzSBg2voiLfly7ghGe-EN72MrO91lLUNzvPPZ/w400-h225/20220413_143210.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>The last class was held at the Roseville Avenue School in 2015. It sat vacant for a number of years, practically invisible to most who drove past it on a daily basis. It wasn't until 2022 that work began to convert the building into housing. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_lQ5vwZPyEBt5B5ViHfPE3HmF6IfktcAFeYx3DE4Ck4OCzoHRcyIVirzv4QQ1IeaNXR9Vvd6nM2kXZzJnE_ZOju763Qi7TeEHq4JdoJlx00fj1dQ0o7mtmPnsWRhZCuvlM4spTaxGrYm1_a5afw9RxtEz4Cz37CZB4pm7cCupFxenTowVENnOemIk/s4032/20220413_143420.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_lQ5vwZPyEBt5B5ViHfPE3HmF6IfktcAFeYx3DE4Ck4OCzoHRcyIVirzv4QQ1IeaNXR9Vvd6nM2kXZzJnE_ZOju763Qi7TeEHq4JdoJlx00fj1dQ0o7mtmPnsWRhZCuvlM4spTaxGrYm1_a5afw9RxtEz4Cz37CZB4pm7cCupFxenTowVENnOemIk/w225-h400/20220413_143420.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>Im glad I was able to tour the building before any major work had occurred. I knew there probably wasn't going to be an auditorium which is usually my favorite part of any historic school. I was pleasantly surprised to find the building filled with some really neat hand painted muralwork throughout the first floor. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPFrjJ70nUacAwkhjbFJjfrjS_NigKFjMxU0V_65fb6ML4Iwje4KXpf4947x0rsm6kKm1_o7vh0tFd4WS3V3l6u52VzmGtmc1xnd70YU5ZfJ7SRga4O8GdLJi-Fcs8Iujf1k3Lkg628ZWbwOG9eEwiCygm1jmYpZJ0rOkLdJtSyaIai-PGAD1Gyg6O/s3444/20220413_143436.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3444" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPFrjJ70nUacAwkhjbFJjfrjS_NigKFjMxU0V_65fb6ML4Iwje4KXpf4947x0rsm6kKm1_o7vh0tFd4WS3V3l6u52VzmGtmc1xnd70YU5ZfJ7SRga4O8GdLJi-Fcs8Iujf1k3Lkg628ZWbwOG9eEwiCygm1jmYpZJ0rOkLdJtSyaIai-PGAD1Gyg6O/w264-h400/20220413_143436.jpg" width="264" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>I wish I could have spent longer taking pictures, but I was dodging workers who were actively in the early stages of stripping the building out. I had to hide around corners and move from room to room like in the old Scooby-Doo chase scenes. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7hsHn_r4b2RyiaKgwtjiz13G5J8qRdWeSBGNsZ-lLfa0eZv8nFJptkbvXliN_-5k94Tibw6CU202CxlaAmR7tzFz2T6nghZH2dYOfBnS080OokMUyDWOLIlmnBh8lXOET5ouQHThjATAyDAbeZzlJwbIroza-R525K0DFb-5PrxU_vqW9LMVLWJNU/s4032/20220413_143246.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7hsHn_r4b2RyiaKgwtjiz13G5J8qRdWeSBGNsZ-lLfa0eZv8nFJptkbvXliN_-5k94Tibw6CU202CxlaAmR7tzFz2T6nghZH2dYOfBnS080OokMUyDWOLIlmnBh8lXOET5ouQHThjATAyDAbeZzlJwbIroza-R525K0DFb-5PrxU_vqW9LMVLWJNU/w225-h400/20220413_143246.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>The building is set to reopen as housing. I haven't been inside to see how much of the original interior was retained, but the views I catch through the windows tell me it's not much. At least the building itself will go on to serve the city once again, as it has for so long.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEM3fQ4_mrdxQPP-iqUfpz6O_iDWouCR7o9bAl-_Bq0AqkkyDepVfv1oIjtam8ffhMzMlq7eLxD4C0Hz5w8XK6WAHmfOLxKatEeTfms6xayBH-gG1CaJFmEIJMPhZEVDXJ_shMw1W3bSSmtmZ6NGfHEt2H9KEM7-uLYopMkC8jimKNpSInueb5zhEY/s3933/20220413_143220.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2212" data-original-width="3933" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEM3fQ4_mrdxQPP-iqUfpz6O_iDWouCR7o9bAl-_Bq0AqkkyDepVfv1oIjtam8ffhMzMlq7eLxD4C0Hz5w8XK6WAHmfOLxKatEeTfms6xayBH-gG1CaJFmEIJMPhZEVDXJ_shMw1W3bSSmtmZ6NGfHEt2H9KEM7-uLYopMkC8jimKNpSInueb5zhEY/w400-h225/20220413_143220.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />EsseXploreRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670395370062998418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2883635662668234732.post-47204742539391855172023-06-17T12:17:00.009-07:002023-06-18T19:32:55.871-07:00Immaculate Conception Convent<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC_Xd0yrW1IUjVtyoatFr1_-lQlJ0d3H0UDs6KZw1AP6idyJjLvm4ph1XYWsRzCJICW8Jetho19c9KdJhzUqpUi0J63qzV7eOWBYqNdmiU5way9JMqbjYYrIdBMOMBBsCxgqRGdiTCyKiSb60nZhUakSECGs1qSc4Dvph6shX3J1RtPL0nme3R4fEP/s972/Screenshot_20230617-124313_eBay.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="972" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC_Xd0yrW1IUjVtyoatFr1_-lQlJ0d3H0UDs6KZw1AP6idyJjLvm4ph1XYWsRzCJICW8Jetho19c9KdJhzUqpUi0J63qzV7eOWBYqNdmiU5way9JMqbjYYrIdBMOMBBsCxgqRGdiTCyKiSb60nZhUakSECGs1qSc4Dvph6shX3J1RtPL0nme3R4fEP/w400-h245/Screenshot_20230617-124313_eBay.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>At the time the Immaculate Conception Convent was built in Lodi, the town looked quite different. Historic imagery from the 1930's shows vast swaths of undeveloped land surrounding the campus. I can only imagine how dramatic the building would have appeared as it came into view of those traveling along Main Street back in those times. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLEFRcjZJb-DyV-1x_7K1pJBtxFRsvkXiIKGulz9G6bx2GX_warApzXv7sVkWBJHjUL8S9qxRdqfBnKau-E7KdEPP1kOzX-TWnb7tx5L_93oIP0NW2FtsKH9ylhh_9UOikIMVNCon8BFDiObPZPHooNF_NShrqmV6xDdL5F2PCUDEv3BXSzW06XNqu/s3993/2023-06-16_07-58-06.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2246" data-original-width="3993" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLEFRcjZJb-DyV-1x_7K1pJBtxFRsvkXiIKGulz9G6bx2GX_warApzXv7sVkWBJHjUL8S9qxRdqfBnKau-E7KdEPP1kOzX-TWnb7tx5L_93oIP0NW2FtsKH9ylhh_9UOikIMVNCon8BFDiObPZPHooNF_NShrqmV6xDdL5F2PCUDEv3BXSzW06XNqu/w400-h225/2023-06-16_07-58-06.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>The "motherhouse" as it was referred to wasn't actually the first building to be built on the campus. When the sisters first arrived in 1913, they stayed in a small red brick building dubbed the "little red house". This was the only remaining building of a former mill complex that once existed on the property. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip4nf9ux2yNX-w7mXxRPL29o1HxiIC7vm-mRPJoRh_PBnqfKx0KIujuKn2OVbRA-H-sZKdWOOR9q3VYnO4pwouJ3qB5ht8hOyuuBrTswVpj321oSXpXU01s10MZQzPbjU1Gc5oj9XM8MIs2fsCK2tnfFYnVBcZ3dHUd7Uar9B_phGvogNemKjtg2fY/s4608/2023-06-17_12-49-11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip4nf9ux2yNX-w7mXxRPL29o1HxiIC7vm-mRPJoRh_PBnqfKx0KIujuKn2OVbRA-H-sZKdWOOR9q3VYnO4pwouJ3qB5ht8hOyuuBrTswVpj321oSXpXU01s10MZQzPbjU1Gc5oj9XM8MIs2fsCK2tnfFYnVBcZ3dHUd7Uar9B_phGvogNemKjtg2fY/w400-h225/2023-06-17_12-49-11.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidz95fkD6Dpn3_gjaahag31uNO0yhzMNXJ9jcU0aKvSOdISq6aKaE6A15X42PEaHHED5SyXIU_aZ-qwTx7bCX6hz966sDOh_4JTaYJnURvDxsy6eiEb0zNtchBHLrsEpsicOiyUqN7scV3-el9lJDbc-HIs1ZjS4aNMCN1EIuR-i74sFPMSJyuDkjV/s4608/2023-06-17_02-26-48.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidz95fkD6Dpn3_gjaahag31uNO0yhzMNXJ9jcU0aKvSOdISq6aKaE6A15X42PEaHHED5SyXIU_aZ-qwTx7bCX6hz966sDOh_4JTaYJnURvDxsy6eiEb0zNtchBHLrsEpsicOiyUqN7scV3-el9lJDbc-HIs1ZjS4aNMCN1EIuR-i74sFPMSJyuDkjV/w400-h225/2023-06-17_02-26-48.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>The sisters who resided here used to operate five different catholic schools throughout Bergen County. The Immaculate Conception School was officially founded in 1915, beginning the long history of education associated with the Felician Sisters. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgruePOEESVDFL1S8Be-P9IBVMMOi7-70p8JJOxISp6oVDOZV0E5nnHft7j2OUDAMBA26ScVhn0bYCuIwBpnvIR01_BD1gH-i3jBm7s4CrcbCYtJyHVJo97if7Kbtu9aBLVrMSCwb911sca5kYBn4PZG2VuK0wptoNZxKXsQ8IkHwBPPcO44aP2iiQJ/s4032/2023-06-17_02-39-43.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgruePOEESVDFL1S8Be-P9IBVMMOi7-70p8JJOxISp6oVDOZV0E5nnHft7j2OUDAMBA26ScVhn0bYCuIwBpnvIR01_BD1gH-i3jBm7s4CrcbCYtJyHVJo97if7Kbtu9aBLVrMSCwb911sca5kYBn4PZG2VuK0wptoNZxKXsQ8IkHwBPPcO44aP2iiQJ/w225-h400/2023-06-17_02-39-43.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><p></p><p>The grand motherhouse was built the following year. The massive red brick building consisted of a central chapel with a seperate rear chapel for cloistered nuns. Two four story wings expanded at right angles from the center of the sanctuary and wrapped back around to the rear, creating a very unique layout, almost like an E with a second vertical strike-through. Now that they had the space they needed, the order got to work fulfilling their goals. An orphanage was founded by the sisters in 1918. The sisters then established the Immaculate Conception Normal School just five years later. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKRBz-TIpdiswk7nEQ_ZH-DY8ViNNbIbk1ujUzXuWRf9bIroc64zuSfgevfxjN6FALyIzw5xr_QEuDQgpergfMugXQvll4SPqjqJtMWKVRV_D495Jh6MuKoyG4ksHDY6WMIInVCEIf0lcpwIjGADSJ8yRNw6GjClX8_kW7jDgefe57VhmXoqyB8mqK/s4032/2023-06-17_02-41-37.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKRBz-TIpdiswk7nEQ_ZH-DY8ViNNbIbk1ujUzXuWRf9bIroc64zuSfgevfxjN6FALyIzw5xr_QEuDQgpergfMugXQvll4SPqjqJtMWKVRV_D495Jh6MuKoyG4ksHDY6WMIInVCEIf0lcpwIjGADSJ8yRNw6GjClX8_kW7jDgefe57VhmXoqyB8mqK/w225-h400/2023-06-17_02-41-37.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><p>The complex continued to expand as the sister's focus on education grew. Two decades after the normal school opened, the Immaculate Conception Junior College was founded. By 1957 the new Immaculate Conception School opened on the property.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Oa7lyQnk17gJfskgHpsUBjGkX8vga2sxfYabH-Dv5_b-0cl1GkzehoEyZR4ogL6HFDVIbYzl0WzwFnbY4cPtDN_qUij5ENpWxInzwW8p6NlNhOqZm_I7TPaEgZpIjzUO8FNmsUBN0OiQk69uNiEBNH8tAnb3CXcyLU2rwI8BsWebA8n17aAjyHz6/s3527/2023-06-17_02-51-19.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3527" data-original-width="2248" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Oa7lyQnk17gJfskgHpsUBjGkX8vga2sxfYabH-Dv5_b-0cl1GkzehoEyZR4ogL6HFDVIbYzl0WzwFnbY4cPtDN_qUij5ENpWxInzwW8p6NlNhOqZm_I7TPaEgZpIjzUO8FNmsUBN0OiQk69uNiEBNH8tAnb3CXcyLU2rwI8BsWebA8n17aAjyHz6/w255-h400/2023-06-17_02-51-19.jpg" width="255" /></a></div><p></p><p>The name was changed again to Felician College in 1967. The school also expanded to nearby East Rutherford as well, constructing a campus around the lovely Iviswold Castle. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3qLVy-gFZEBimBeJS_AGN8utOcuExuv9ueo81rZAtkYA92aBqutpsWg9gMpAZVyzHKc7_HZBiPdJ7c2Y4ht3rx8u-iSFFV9CpxD8CEz9meJ_vdNu_EaMB2mqQWlC966EALzlFl1dH5jtZzX-Vu3spcbcRFAsJbRgdrpKdtBEqoTqKokwPxdFcx8v1/s4032/2023-06-17_02-53-32.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3qLVy-gFZEBimBeJS_AGN8utOcuExuv9ueo81rZAtkYA92aBqutpsWg9gMpAZVyzHKc7_HZBiPdJ7c2Y4ht3rx8u-iSFFV9CpxD8CEz9meJ_vdNu_EaMB2mqQWlC966EALzlFl1dH5jtZzX-Vu3spcbcRFAsJbRgdrpKdtBEqoTqKokwPxdFcx8v1/w400-h225/2023-06-17_02-53-32.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>By 2009 all eight Felician orders around the country merged, leaving the large convent mostly empty. Part of the building was still being used for classes, and the chapel was still open for prayer every Sunday. As with most churches around the country though, the Immaculate Conception parish was dwindling in numbers. By the time the Covid pandemic hit there were only a handful of regulars coming every Sunday. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD4wpL3C_vk6rA9WjEx7hLAAzBgpFbUcTRGGPCZ8PRSfUOJ2NacHGcp49KtJt4zXLtNFDGdfwMgDHa0ZH9e0TzcjXU9dZ2u9RZwx3lPKA35DOcshsZbLep7asBvlzmPFYYtSfyfYz2EpSW3bCbqucsQzZRts3X8E344rxaYBPcg6a4nTJqsntWAaLZ/s4608/2023-06-17_02-40-45.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD4wpL3C_vk6rA9WjEx7hLAAzBgpFbUcTRGGPCZ8PRSfUOJ2NacHGcp49KtJt4zXLtNFDGdfwMgDHa0ZH9e0TzcjXU9dZ2u9RZwx3lPKA35DOcshsZbLep7asBvlzmPFYYtSfyfYz2EpSW3bCbqucsQzZRts3X8E344rxaYBPcg6a4nTJqsntWAaLZ/w400-h225/2023-06-17_02-40-45.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>The large, mostly empty motherhouse was becoming a burden for the university. The administration announced in 2022 that they planned to demolish most of the building as well as the original "little red house" in order to free up space on the campus. I was distraught by the news, as the building was one of the most significant religious structures in the state. It was also in remarkably good shape considering its age. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJRfEDQ-c2WeVHkzqa7IQcwfkPUtrSgetxcfFrCoahdcBFAtqZHYfpTFJeIbokr_wBJS6Lg9utih2LqCpDXgAmDJEIr8nYCyaEs5Why4IyyB450bc06-PYmVvYtw6GeiMI8DzQdTfDf-p3RtXx69sLTT3qyrTWihCLZRKZbsFovIisFUaV1-UrhnC6/s4032/2023-06-17_02-55-45.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJRfEDQ-c2WeVHkzqa7IQcwfkPUtrSgetxcfFrCoahdcBFAtqZHYfpTFJeIbokr_wBJS6Lg9utih2LqCpDXgAmDJEIr8nYCyaEs5Why4IyyB450bc06-PYmVvYtw6GeiMI8DzQdTfDf-p3RtXx69sLTT3qyrTWihCLZRKZbsFovIisFUaV1-UrhnC6/w225-h400/2023-06-17_02-55-45.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><p>I was quick to make a visit to the complex. By the time I had, the buildings were already fenced off. I managed to make my way to where the workers were going in and out and slipped inside when nobody was looking. My main goal was to make it to the chapel before they had begun to strip it. I made it just in time. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYlI3VKwG0bPxFZNFnDMHqCVM5YXXwXVs5HHl58n4YcKzVg3sat5suQx65o3mmDV_H-ZXVfVWFUdAjeaJhmtO66v1B7cdFlSPJC2mxpDto5Zo303z4_b7cd0T0A-DDRfWvivgKo6uOy7Wl6g_VBjCAeL-8SdZ6T4R9lbzbuYOq8ejj5PIFwogkWe84/s2048/2023-06-16_08-05-11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYlI3VKwG0bPxFZNFnDMHqCVM5YXXwXVs5HHl58n4YcKzVg3sat5suQx65o3mmDV_H-ZXVfVWFUdAjeaJhmtO66v1B7cdFlSPJC2mxpDto5Zo303z4_b7cd0T0A-DDRfWvivgKo6uOy7Wl6g_VBjCAeL-8SdZ6T4R9lbzbuYOq8ejj5PIFwogkWe84/w225-h400/2023-06-16_08-05-11.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><p></p><p>The beautiful hardwood reredos had already been taken out, but thankfully the incredible stained glass windows remained. I tiptoed my way around the complex as the construction crew worked around me. When they entered a room, I would slip out right before they noticed me. I spent about 15 minutes dodging the work crew as I did my thing. We never ended up crossing paths, and I left out the same way I came without anyone noticing. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibzLHB0Z6Wia538sgsYQ2Hr-BNpND3ejBKrvQAm-O1YNkfLxNE-eokWaGyVSMXX2USHX2upkIb61oUesvyn9aI2OTqWuSJ_Vpgwd1fA8a1S0HwcmxG8amdv54-Wztxlkp089Cv30CE8ut-AYHda9-78VdIqVCWv-qDFSxB8SbLTdiMij8eOlibmW2R/s4032/2023-06-17_02-57-42.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibzLHB0Z6Wia538sgsYQ2Hr-BNpND3ejBKrvQAm-O1YNkfLxNE-eokWaGyVSMXX2USHX2upkIb61oUesvyn9aI2OTqWuSJ_Vpgwd1fA8a1S0HwcmxG8amdv54-Wztxlkp089Cv30CE8ut-AYHda9-78VdIqVCWv-qDFSxB8SbLTdiMij8eOlibmW2R/w225-h400/2023-06-17_02-57-42.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOhPNYA0zkv4HTAZZURVp80_wuJoRdRg8S4ppvzF9o1hv3l7CmyDc1EmtyvGa6oFDPE4SgqlCsWaaIndsKlCt3zyXcV6sRUcj0Cj_2NbafHMfFO2xr16aLiLE5cWCMwySYbgHxwjK6O6J8KNMCqYz9V_1I_VKK3zXNoNLVlsOepHnYodJwJ7agtDM9/s4032/2023-06-17_02-57-29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOhPNYA0zkv4HTAZZURVp80_wuJoRdRg8S4ppvzF9o1hv3l7CmyDc1EmtyvGa6oFDPE4SgqlCsWaaIndsKlCt3zyXcV6sRUcj0Cj_2NbafHMfFO2xr16aLiLE5cWCMwySYbgHxwjK6O6J8KNMCqYz9V_1I_VKK3zXNoNLVlsOepHnYodJwJ7agtDM9/w225-h400/2023-06-17_02-57-29.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnM5WQ8sPYtWHj55EzHQKVd47t6b7Mkq3XXxE3OEGISP79e-qDvFIdYextsEIxEwuk1CtPVkgp8KOiaqILfG-6ZfAaN1340Ip6HOsug9eed3fCZv5Kr4Ly694uc_fDacnGmzyJWV8jxVC2q6xfcdWnhujIv3HIGlfyezY6oe26EDgGtDFkIx6Z7U6e/s4032/2023-06-17_02-57-22.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnM5WQ8sPYtWHj55EzHQKVd47t6b7Mkq3XXxE3OEGISP79e-qDvFIdYextsEIxEwuk1CtPVkgp8KOiaqILfG-6ZfAaN1340Ip6HOsug9eed3fCZv5Kr4Ly694uc_fDacnGmzyJWV8jxVC2q6xfcdWnhujIv3HIGlfyezY6oe26EDgGtDFkIx6Z7U6e/w225-h400/2023-06-17_02-57-22.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><p>It wasn't very long before all the windows had been removed. None of the other New Jersey explorers had gotten in yet, meaning I was the only one who was able to document the chapel with the windows in place. Eventually the pews were taken too, leaving the huge chapel feeling cold and lifeless. I drove by several times as the months passed, each time relieved to see the building was still there. This changed in June of 2023.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4zT5FiveEqji3rWbVwhNMl8JVIz1tHiX1vjsolx33Y3dr9_QJ-FYfpNkFdk3Xjf83nnUcv8YCL3DKvtafBKPbzgvxQtZCTzCmaKqVGxqHIHFAw_bs4z-8wdvj3P8i7rCJBfEOTITqQ_CyyuDAfbcVxx-sW6V0f22O5G6UC0sowOqfNFmE2iassbX-/s4608/2023-06-17_03-00-27.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="2592" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4zT5FiveEqji3rWbVwhNMl8JVIz1tHiX1vjsolx33Y3dr9_QJ-FYfpNkFdk3Xjf83nnUcv8YCL3DKvtafBKPbzgvxQtZCTzCmaKqVGxqHIHFAw_bs4z-8wdvj3P8i7rCJBfEOTITqQ_CyyuDAfbcVxx-sW6V0f22O5G6UC0sowOqfNFmE2iassbX-/w225-h400/2023-06-17_03-00-27.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><p>I was driving down Main street as the campus came into view. I let out a gasp when I got to the motherhouse and saw the giant pile of twisted wood and broken bricks that was once the chapel. I couldn't believe they managed to take the structure down without it even making the local news. I used to love driving up Henry street, seeing the large looming covent coming into view. This time it was crushing to not see it cresting over the large trees out front.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh21IS5QRxNUJwvL5J3c0f6RpNTEqB732GtYuqW3RzHSEZJmp-5eTe6CLZ_vGp5wiHGBGlfDzPTRTPn0AmDd5nZb1Smt4u-iI6mWGrvOWhjIwP4icdSUdAjYBUFbVNpMIiSLBXT9LDAHgDny_fVeQxL1tocdhs14DHc7yJ7ccQ7eGtbgo2MldMx2llI/s4608/20230616_195844.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh21IS5QRxNUJwvL5J3c0f6RpNTEqB732GtYuqW3RzHSEZJmp-5eTe6CLZ_vGp5wiHGBGlfDzPTRTPn0AmDd5nZb1Smt4u-iI6mWGrvOWhjIwP4icdSUdAjYBUFbVNpMIiSLBXT9LDAHgDny_fVeQxL1tocdhs14DHc7yJ7ccQ7eGtbgo2MldMx2llI/w400-h225/20230616_195844.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnxgudyFwacC8_XBJyLbUIfXw8RNyo_8DgKZBfDkPeOEjnUEQUnJcxz7VCLWiI_RSMeEVc5-2m-dlC8eSkHTRdzclbX_AFsbklmx84tpGqZ-beflEiHcYWreGCAhgCOoU50zSleaZ4PYhnSkUJvssxxoCBgNroGgSg8mwvq8EGtci-PMiLn3NBuy3c/s4032/20230616_195734.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnxgudyFwacC8_XBJyLbUIfXw8RNyo_8DgKZBfDkPeOEjnUEQUnJcxz7VCLWiI_RSMeEVc5-2m-dlC8eSkHTRdzclbX_AFsbklmx84tpGqZ-beflEiHcYWreGCAhgCOoU50zSleaZ4PYhnSkUJvssxxoCBgNroGgSg8mwvq8EGtci-PMiLn3NBuy3c/w225-h400/20230616_195734.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><!--/data/user/0/com.samsung.android.app.notes/files/clipdata/clipdata_bodytext_230618_222858_848.sdocx--><p><span style="font-size: 16px;">The Immaculate motherhouse was the third historic New Jersey convent demolished over a nine month period. <a href="https://tfpnj.blogspot.com/2015/12/the-hillendale-estatesisters-of-st-john.html" target="_blank">The Sisters of St John campus in Far Hills </a>was demolished in September 2022, and the <a href="https://tfpnj.blogspot.com/2023/01/st-francis-health-resort-and-convent.html" target="_blank">St. Francis buildings in Denville</a> were leveled between November and December. </span>It's strange passing the campus now and seeing it so sparse. To add insult to injury, the Immaculate Conception School also announced plans to close permanently at the end of the 2023 school year. It probably won't be too long until the name Immaculate Conception won't even ring a bell to the citizens of the town. I hope this post will serve as a reminder to those who care about the grand building that once stood over them, and that somebody cares enough to read about it. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG-wbs-CBfNDkEAw1LVgWiXwbDjgfO-QRhjrmJrRyXyvDoPJNnxIiJfB8hHK_2iVv6pcZVA-e46B9gaprum5Mv6vb74mC-ajQmmLglAFtxztmVXoX5Yk7mRxrHZp5X4PHX8Kzx05vxIsr2e9xbC-IxpSRCHD3Q76MAPI65y0bW_j1kmgkcCbeKVzeF/s4032/2023-06-17_03-03-52.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG-wbs-CBfNDkEAw1LVgWiXwbDjgfO-QRhjrmJrRyXyvDoPJNnxIiJfB8hHK_2iVv6pcZVA-e46B9gaprum5Mv6vb74mC-ajQmmLglAFtxztmVXoX5Yk7mRxrHZp5X4PHX8Kzx05vxIsr2e9xbC-IxpSRCHD3Q76MAPI65y0bW_j1kmgkcCbeKVzeF/w225-h400/2023-06-17_03-03-52.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>EsseXploreRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670395370062998418noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2883635662668234732.post-35935734564701247072023-05-11T22:50:00.003-07:002023-05-20T14:07:13.041-07:00B.L. England Generating Station Every summer my family would join thousands of others on the long trek from the suburbs of North Jersey to Wildwood. The journey always seemed to take forever, but I knew when we hit the Great Egg Harbor Bridge our drive was almost over. It wasn't really the bridge that I remember using as a landmark though; it was the old B. L. England Generating Station on the shores of Beesley's Point that truly served as a welcome sign.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir9Pz0SbQliZQnU_jCFypCkRecYdKonHXjyvKj_jyQBg53OP56ZsBftxwbfx25KNPsf0JDcHEuIM-Vi2Eaib6d1rIcmpuFcqxU4wBE9ChRD2Vy3ID7Tf28H8UbFePWfwaXJXnFqKjRSpAPi1A4FfpwVmCKbIB4zcQ70tXp13B6h5vQYAaqMgQo4s1w/s3499/2023-05-12_01-23-03.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3499" data-original-width="2592" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir9Pz0SbQliZQnU_jCFypCkRecYdKonHXjyvKj_jyQBg53OP56ZsBftxwbfx25KNPsf0JDcHEuIM-Vi2Eaib6d1rIcmpuFcqxU4wBE9ChRD2Vy3ID7Tf28H8UbFePWfwaXJXnFqKjRSpAPi1A4FfpwVmCKbIB4zcQ70tXp13B6h5vQYAaqMgQo4s1w/w296-h400/2023-05-12_01-23-03.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Power generation began at the 350 acre site in 1961, when Atlantic City Energy Co. put four small diesel generators into service. Demand for electricity in the area was growing though, so construction began swiftly on a brand new coal powered unit which was brought online just a year later. The new coal burning unit was far more powerful than the old diesel generators, with a maximum output of 129 megawatts. By 1964 a second coal unit was completed, giving the station a 285MW potential.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoBwXyUgVQ9T6gHWE-8agin_lN5BcR9HohPD_GDOD4JojqgDcYswnm_wnXTxuwVV1UzToit5ZkQyvP4h7U73hk0PyTkDXTx0kwzIchNOJXXk7VeutmbwECFR_fF_yM8GouZtVEe8TXG1PGEdI4wD_EpxmRkvx9eirBDZJ3FH3TM7b6SjiVjyA8sPoU/s4608/2023-05-12_01-36-32.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoBwXyUgVQ9T6gHWE-8agin_lN5BcR9HohPD_GDOD4JojqgDcYswnm_wnXTxuwVV1UzToit5ZkQyvP4h7U73hk0PyTkDXTx0kwzIchNOJXXk7VeutmbwECFR_fF_yM8GouZtVEe8TXG1PGEdI4wD_EpxmRkvx9eirBDZJ3FH3TM7b6SjiVjyA8sPoU/w400-h225/2023-05-12_01-36-32.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Though the England station was among a dozen others in the state burning coal, it did so slightly differently. Most generating stations that came before B.L. England used pulverized coal in their boilers. The England station utilized "Cyclone Boilers", a Babcock & Wilcox invention in which larger chunks of solid fuel are dispersed in a circular fashion. This allowed the fuel to burn up just as efficiently, but with less preperation. It also allowed the England station to burn a small percentage of alternative fuel with coal, in this case scrap tires. One of the downsides of using these larger unrefined chunks of fuel was the amount of waste leftover. As much as 70,000 tons of slag material had to be carted off site every year. It was so cumbersome the plant had to be shut down bi-annually in order to clean out all the waste. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmmuK5DilxaKL9mNp-rQLfctobqnPKit9IesgnpwvIVDfF_M7TRaHETvlRm-6aLI2IsWZh4Rv8JfalRcx1zNDnD1lJARgavxUha3nbcWwGBzr-OwI_9kL7wQCtH6ByTTWH3ZVgG4VYppyrMcWyd6hgT8dS37yWLlNZihlm9Jwjx7zRjsQijD2X9A0t/s4608/2023-05-12_01-28-45.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmmuK5DilxaKL9mNp-rQLfctobqnPKit9IesgnpwvIVDfF_M7TRaHETvlRm-6aLI2IsWZh4Rv8JfalRcx1zNDnD1lJARgavxUha3nbcWwGBzr-OwI_9kL7wQCtH6ByTTWH3ZVgG4VYppyrMcWyd6hgT8dS37yWLlNZihlm9Jwjx7zRjsQijD2X9A0t/w400-h225/2023-05-12_01-28-45.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>A decade later the facility was expanded once again. Another 165 megawatt oil burning unit brought the total potential of the plant up to 450mw. Unfortunately with each expansion came new problems. The generating process creates recondensed waste water, which is often scalding hot. The waste water was being discharged into the harbor without being cooled, causing a variety of ecological issues. To help remedy this, a massive concrete cooling tower was added to the site. The near-boiling waste water was pumped into the tower and air cooled before finally ending up in the harbor. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR8vyT1UbBtBqwT6-PwQumtZ4_-2pC75ZEhuwhy2MMKaii2j3wUJFETidvtJf3aiLMGeCfafVyRbDIZufU588hsLZZdiBTsAnDXjSYZsoEWAbAQg77Pf7Jj6BzhfGwvCigKZ8pO7vr-i7A4zIzlVWb2pb_LGfd-EtbneZ0OVW3-4Bd9nD07Vd8nMOx/s4608/2023-05-12_01-30-54.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR8vyT1UbBtBqwT6-PwQumtZ4_-2pC75ZEhuwhy2MMKaii2j3wUJFETidvtJf3aiLMGeCfafVyRbDIZufU588hsLZZdiBTsAnDXjSYZsoEWAbAQg77Pf7Jj6BzhfGwvCigKZ8pO7vr-i7A4zIzlVWb2pb_LGfd-EtbneZ0OVW3-4Bd9nD07Vd8nMOx/w400-h225/2023-05-12_01-30-54.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>By 1987 the three original chimneys were chopped down and a new modern one was added. The new stack included scrubber equipment which allowed sulfur dioxide to be removed from the exhaust gas. Since the new chimney was going to stand out so much, the company decided to try and mimic the design of a lighthouse. I've never seen anything quite like it at the dozens of other generating stations I have visited. Unfortuneately the scrubbers weren't doing enough to keep the plant off the radar of the EPA. In 2006 the plant was cited for violating the clean air act. This meant they either needed to install expensive pollution mitigation systems, or close. Atlantic City Energy decided instead to sell the plant to the BL Holdings company for just over 12 million dollars.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbydBmcQmnn4eJZtuisw9iokZo97eTRGNMQbGEn88Q99V2F5XI9M_DtFWFuPgXrfJL0ZgS6UH07yyXfICbehFJK3qtr2B9WVX8DDOL-c7n5-o78tyN15mK_3dYIkaQiciyTtKq7hsQsGs8fVzyipfGCQmGOcRDUeyPji8gsfTl4B53cwbPU22c948O/s4032/2023-05-12_01-32-59.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbydBmcQmnn4eJZtuisw9iokZo97eTRGNMQbGEn88Q99V2F5XI9M_DtFWFuPgXrfJL0ZgS6UH07yyXfICbehFJK3qtr2B9WVX8DDOL-c7n5-o78tyN15mK_3dYIkaQiciyTtKq7hsQsGs8fVzyipfGCQmGOcRDUeyPji8gsfTl4B53cwbPU22c948O/w400-h225/2023-05-12_01-32-59.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>By 2013 Unit 1 was brought offline, and BL Holdings planned to convert the other two units to natural gas. They asked the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities for permission to build a new pipeline to accomidate the conversion, much to the chagrin of locals. The group initially approved the plan, which would have seen a pipeline going through the Pinelands. However, public utilities are banned from the Pinelands, which is a federally protected national reserve. After some back and forth the pipeline was initially approved by the Pinelands Commision. The locals weren't having it though. The Pinelands Preservation Alliance appealed the ruling, and shortly afterwards the New Jersey Sierra Club and Environment New Jersey filed a lawsuit against the Pinelands Commision. The appellate court ruled against the commission, and found that their president didnt have the authority to approve the pipeline. The Commision voted again a year later, this time in favor with a 9 - 5 split. The NJ Sierra Club and Environment NJ were quick to appeal the ruling. The plant was already scheduled to be shut down for the conversion, but instead it continued to burn coal until 2019. By then the owners of the plant had enough of the legal trouble. Non renewable power generation had become extremely unpopular in New Jersey, and pipelines themselves had become a national hot button issue. On May 1st 2019 the plant officially went offline. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDqwzXkufNvnhc4gOgqIIlzJ-s0SEggkUhwXhSLR8WQEDu3gFOQnUh6RWZLFFdxYbrbHyfs0T7c7HwPU7QybPuGIBId-DQntoAHo1XdKxHpDFrka5pTiaI5MiiPWpLTXibkoLN5_YxQzVsy6dB977JQT8V_ol4oI73n-a-OvH_1sHdlmwCrSgUwAKg/s4608/2023-05-12_01-38-58.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDqwzXkufNvnhc4gOgqIIlzJ-s0SEggkUhwXhSLR8WQEDu3gFOQnUh6RWZLFFdxYbrbHyfs0T7c7HwPU7QybPuGIBId-DQntoAHo1XdKxHpDFrka5pTiaI5MiiPWpLTXibkoLN5_YxQzVsy6dB977JQT8V_ol4oI73n-a-OvH_1sHdlmwCrSgUwAKg/w400-h225/2023-05-12_01-38-58.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It was a calm morning as we arrived in the quiet town of Beesley's Point to document the power plant. The warm air was filled with the nostaglic and unmistakable smell of the Jersey Shore. We walked along the old rail spur which once brought coal to the facility, now overgrown and rusted. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkhEQsNlL8-IBtJUQ9EpnO6oJTSMFssPBuCbSSocFZyXypSmD1kVQ6bsWMFbu61fwHhSmuGtp_Lk5hn_tve7qoxX5m5bxJ6961AsTDlDlRk4UhWrFd6nu5GQxeVN8VOZvqGJ7J0BaCtdAdtcBrgvX3Y6IrLckHh4PTl-ZDqvt7nsuUFBkCZEscpjms/s4032/2023-05-12_01-41-09.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkhEQsNlL8-IBtJUQ9EpnO6oJTSMFssPBuCbSSocFZyXypSmD1kVQ6bsWMFbu61fwHhSmuGtp_Lk5hn_tve7qoxX5m5bxJ6961AsTDlDlRk4UhWrFd6nu5GQxeVN8VOZvqGJ7J0BaCtdAdtcBrgvX3Y6IrLckHh4PTl-ZDqvt7nsuUFBkCZEscpjms/w225-h400/2023-05-12_01-41-09.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs4FyA0QHTk_QQKTuw5z7B2fQhSpAs3s59ZGk503Z4VUBNHRwm9zDyPtTvzjnA5IXOt9oT8auAeqcsdN7YcO04Nc28s4PBTDWs2ebudK0-N8DzxIT_X2pjIc_1hcWuSTuG6_ZnXVkMBoxsNWm82Qe_ZCFAG9GTv1G8JEcYDeAi9XsRYnk6zbtNn6E6/s4032/2023-05-12_01-41-48.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs4FyA0QHTk_QQKTuw5z7B2fQhSpAs3s59ZGk503Z4VUBNHRwm9zDyPtTvzjnA5IXOt9oT8auAeqcsdN7YcO04Nc28s4PBTDWs2ebudK0-N8DzxIT_X2pjIc_1hcWuSTuG6_ZnXVkMBoxsNWm82Qe_ZCFAG9GTv1G8JEcYDeAi9XsRYnk6zbtNn6E6/w225-h400/2023-05-12_01-41-48.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It wasn't long before we were at the base of the massive structure, searching for a staircase. We spent about an hour exploring the building as folks began to wake up. Boats filled the harbor and fisherman were casting reels, it was time for us to leave before someone noticed us and called the police. As we departed it was clear to us there was never going to be another use for this old outdated generating station. Unspurisingly, demolition was announced shortly after our visit. The first major step towards demolition was remediating all the hazardous materials from the plant. In 2022 the first real visible act of demolition took place when the iconic cooling tower was imploded. Over the course of the next year the generating equipment and valuable materials were removed, and on April 21st 2023 the boilers were imploded. It was both impressive and disgusting watching the old steel structure disappear into a cloud of smoke and coal dust. In some ways it was a fitting end for a monument to the most dirty and destructive form of power generation on this planet. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfA2fVRXz19qu9BIfHeIx2iVdS-xiK01v9ZP3T7nT7mWy6bE5TnW55YZFRiF5RSZaJ1cKTltGWoX-CNfzwoVDhR-0bP4rzyhaoZRd4kskTaV-hxRbwxjah2sApsuDruvMHYnix2QEITVghTgK6psoGBXSJUePo-2MF2qfwsy-i6kipQHu3FpXaNz6v/s4032/2023-05-12_01-45-33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfA2fVRXz19qu9BIfHeIx2iVdS-xiK01v9ZP3T7nT7mWy6bE5TnW55YZFRiF5RSZaJ1cKTltGWoX-CNfzwoVDhR-0bP4rzyhaoZRd4kskTaV-hxRbwxjah2sApsuDruvMHYnix2QEITVghTgK6psoGBXSJUePo-2MF2qfwsy-i6kipQHu3FpXaNz6v/w225-h400/2023-05-12_01-45-33.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>At the time of publishing, only the iconic chimney and a few ancillary structures remain on the site. I'm looking forward to seeing what the future holds for the property. I still haven't been over the Great Egg Harbor Bridge since the demolition, but I'm sure the next time I do it will be strange not seeing B.L. England for the first time in my life. </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />EsseXploreRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670395370062998418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2883635662668234732.post-69905083147521000252023-03-31T05:59:00.000-07:002023-03-31T05:59:13.028-07:00St Marys Hospital<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU5axR4X0Psgy4HuiNa9aADdC9mwcJslNxIaE5JlIl1Ozcqsx4Xg3ZVu3D7R5j-fxLQnXBgoaYKqLq6g6ECgzlygBjLxNTA5CgddIeElpMpdEwn_TjPnrPt7xOuKMEx-hgo0qRmwytOHzb2WZdqGp9_7e_k7yngwT8Mt4ZKyu7EL6UzUhioicLBqbh/s393/St_Marys_Hospital_First_Building.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="292" data-original-width="393" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU5axR4X0Psgy4HuiNa9aADdC9mwcJslNxIaE5JlIl1Ozcqsx4Xg3ZVu3D7R5j-fxLQnXBgoaYKqLq6g6ECgzlygBjLxNTA5CgddIeElpMpdEwn_TjPnrPt7xOuKMEx-hgo0qRmwytOHzb2WZdqGp9_7e_k7yngwT8Mt4ZKyu7EL6UzUhioicLBqbh/w400-h297/St_Marys_Hospital_First_Building.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Mary%27s_General_Hospital_(Passaic,_New_Jersey)#/media/File%3ASt_Marys_Hospital_First_Building.png"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Source</span></a><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>The first St Mary's hospital in Passiac originally began operations in 1895 in the old St. Nicholas Church rectory. It wasn't until three years later that their first standalone building opened along Pennington Ave. It was around this same time that the Passaic General Hospital was founded a few blocks away on Boulevard. </p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDe2Et_ul1ZU9proUGLWxUN3qlLlV9sY97Q1nlIa73lOO2vLsAk3m58N7srUiibl7mmLb_OFSwxWhxU3Yxy6HLatggGPN9PIaX7frGvDg4FG1u5F4ovodLga4-QRuAcBGEgf_bUQIJPZIj7ytxnHHpUAgfQFR3xWFuiBAfLN2_yDDTtYWStVjJbaIk/s1079/Screenshot_20230330-151821_eBay.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1079" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDe2Et_ul1ZU9proUGLWxUN3qlLlV9sY97Q1nlIa73lOO2vLsAk3m58N7srUiibl7mmLb_OFSwxWhxU3Yxy6HLatggGPN9PIaX7frGvDg4FG1u5F4ovodLga4-QRuAcBGEgf_bUQIJPZIj7ytxnHHpUAgfQFR3xWFuiBAfLN2_yDDTtYWStVjJbaIk/w320-h202/Screenshot_20230330-151821_eBay.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>The Forgotten Past</i> Historic Postcard Archive</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>Within a few decades the hospital was already faced with a need to expand. The NYC hospital architecture firm of Crowell, Lewis, and Wick was hired to design the new structure. C, L & W had already gained notoriety in the region, having designed buildings at other nearby hospitals like <a href="http://tfpnj.blogspot.com/2020/01/orange-memorial-hospital.html" target="_blank">Orange Memorial</a>. The most notable feature of the new wing of St. Marys was definitely the beautiful chapel tucked behind main elevation on Pennington Ave. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheBan9PB3cMNx9k2ziwVXh8l9hYIeO2V5ghSGVOixSKIgpcHHEP-YsUEfWQnDuhutvlpFMdgGtVQJKAuEKAWF96JwK4e_ZYDQ9kRafp2PQR-L3RtG7hTJAmIagD5eRM2p-gWNsujqPyPrJ1xfcrZ3qINMJIUAOq3KD__kxZYkI-MSUkBlMc_2-1wNP/s4608/2023-03-30_03-07-46.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheBan9PB3cMNx9k2ziwVXh8l9hYIeO2V5ghSGVOixSKIgpcHHEP-YsUEfWQnDuhutvlpFMdgGtVQJKAuEKAWF96JwK4e_ZYDQ9kRafp2PQR-L3RtG7hTJAmIagD5eRM2p-gWNsujqPyPrJ1xfcrZ3qINMJIUAOq3KD__kxZYkI-MSUkBlMc_2-1wNP/w400-h225/2023-03-30_03-07-46.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>In the 1950s another new wing was added to the hospital along Aycrigg Ave. The newest section was joined to the left side of the original building. The structure matched the elevation of the existing portions, but grew much larger along Aycrigg to keep up with the slope of the street. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBjkhCENlWORUfxIlF7wJ5VqspTQ46Ynr6-E8htfZyYY-CnaHJvz9toLvCZxd1yr85eXI67kU6csK3U3hyqh871MhMIuJ1nm7aSiZO6fz-cMOaU9Sq3bjandQrDggOqEejDv2PRGqgjHm_-ct8hUv74_Sx2NWdMbjyxaBCJ34o8plANNwt4TfB-Z-1/s3456/2023-03-30_03-10-32.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="2592" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBjkhCENlWORUfxIlF7wJ5VqspTQ46Ynr6-E8htfZyYY-CnaHJvz9toLvCZxd1yr85eXI67kU6csK3U3hyqh871MhMIuJ1nm7aSiZO6fz-cMOaU9Sq3bjandQrDggOqEejDv2PRGqgjHm_-ct8hUv74_Sx2NWdMbjyxaBCJ34o8plANNwt4TfB-Z-1/w300-h400/2023-03-30_03-10-32.jpg" width="300" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><p>Around this same time a new nurses building was built across the street. The walls were made of the same red brick, with matching limestone details. By 1966 several homes at the corner of Pennington and Randolph were demolished to make room for another new wing.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Q4BzL97ZEN9t-flqIwc1VUJr3uJt5km-UvcOfKpRtSmTtgF4XeBPNUWgidn_dymU3wKHKhaGH7MtMCqprkQM0M_O5ozUDY7DZBnvQLdb7lLRQaVD7I0TwLSyevyxcwS4zU1sYAwlLAhC_BwrFAosggBdUX4ep6BZTHXvOkBZHoKuZ_6cumFxBL1U/s3237/2023-03-30_03-12-18.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2335" data-original-width="3237" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Q4BzL97ZEN9t-flqIwc1VUJr3uJt5km-UvcOfKpRtSmTtgF4XeBPNUWgidn_dymU3wKHKhaGH7MtMCqprkQM0M_O5ozUDY7DZBnvQLdb7lLRQaVD7I0TwLSyevyxcwS4zU1sYAwlLAhC_BwrFAosggBdUX4ep6BZTHXvOkBZHoKuZ_6cumFxBL1U/s320/2023-03-30_03-12-18.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>In the 1970's St. Mary's underwent a major construction project which totally changed the the campus. The boiler house and adjascent staff dormitory were replaced with yet another large new wing with a new emergency room entrance along Randolph Ave. The original hospital building, which up until this point had maintained a great deal of historic integrity, was also mostly demolished. The front section along Pennington was gutted to bare brick and the decorative roofline was flattened to match the wings on either side.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeub35lM-5nHLOLlRuedLXgkGEXaJIPJ36QKqWj3tZ8g4UFQiDSbKBosj7Rhqf8nB5Lq5PEJRIaBgtOv3KF4m_Dl8l1pbJpcibKA3PgZNNkMNQ6P3Q38BXnpGsKTb39U_4_ONNiYZihVTNTFAHQYtBb_Def6HEhC5pQHIPIkClF4_a9pe1pdE2DkDL/s4608/2023-03-30_09-53-42.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeub35lM-5nHLOLlRuedLXgkGEXaJIPJ36QKqWj3tZ8g4UFQiDSbKBosj7Rhqf8nB5Lq5PEJRIaBgtOv3KF4m_Dl8l1pbJpcibKA3PgZNNkMNQ6P3Q38BXnpGsKTb39U_4_ONNiYZihVTNTFAHQYtBb_Def6HEhC5pQHIPIkClF4_a9pe1pdE2DkDL/w400-h225/2023-03-30_09-53-42.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>The hospital continued to provide critical care to the neighborhood it was growing alongside. Unfortately it wasn't long before the same problems that plagued many other hospitals in the state began to affect the three healthcare facilities in Passaic. St Mary's was in the best financial position of the three, so they actually bought out the other two struggling hospitals. The Beth Israel hospital along Parker Avenue was shuttered and quickly demolished. The Pennington Avenue campus officially closed shortly after the merger in 2007. The psych unit stayed open for two more years, but also eventually shut down as well. St Mary's moved their operations to the old Passaic General campus, leaving their original campus totally vacant.</p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8GYt6cp0bHlgAc7PyaaahuNMjlr4lYmAzW86FSOCz-PHWjc6P8iQUwLHeMzW5sAhhlpmkYcxHpJon9yTb2432b1OZiR7CQfDyOQBuggl3nvEEYuxcwC7TpHp9ghWp3BFB7zQUzucBhL5OBvkHBgWb8VwHhMbZ2FtRU32oG14Z_YGUi2ylK6phzc-7/s960/FB_IMG_1680220810107.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8GYt6cp0bHlgAc7PyaaahuNMjlr4lYmAzW86FSOCz-PHWjc6P8iQUwLHeMzW5sAhhlpmkYcxHpJon9yTb2432b1OZiR7CQfDyOQBuggl3nvEEYuxcwC7TpHp9ghWp3BFB7zQUzucBhL5OBvkHBgWb8VwHhMbZ2FtRU32oG14Z_YGUi2ylK6phzc-7/w400-h300/FB_IMG_1680220810107.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Several television shows used the hospital for filming after operations moved to Passaic General. Most notably was the show Mercy, which filmed there in 2008. The show was also used for something relating to Batman, as an interior door displayed the name "Wayne Enterprises".</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqysASd7WIN3_GJwRsimmVRz-DDZLQecnTjkgjTe9mkf8LQ9UHk7l8xxmRhYrkoqagsn1pHa4B2wzUZJEpq8IK3LbGwW4-c3fJCD9MfIXirEqK3qjO2XdLpiHgxGGfz7vux-f3wG7mxsk9biHv_JP-XGCvLgc42re04mY_JP9cyB7nKFgkke5Sb4t3/s3170/2023-03-30_02-59-49.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3170" data-original-width="2377" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqysASd7WIN3_GJwRsimmVRz-DDZLQecnTjkgjTe9mkf8LQ9UHk7l8xxmRhYrkoqagsn1pHa4B2wzUZJEpq8IK3LbGwW4-c3fJCD9MfIXirEqK3qjO2XdLpiHgxGGfz7vux-f3wG7mxsk9biHv_JP-XGCvLgc42re04mY_JP9cyB7nKFgkke5Sb4t3/w300-h400/2023-03-30_02-59-49.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>The first time I visited the hospital was back in 2010. I had heard about the place through a friend I was exploring in Newark with. We decided to take the ride up Route 21 and saw what was going on with St Mary's. I left my bag in the car, not expecting we were going to be able to get inside. Suprisingly we actually found a door pretty quickly. I was annoyed that I didn't have my camera with me, and back then phone cameras were really not capable of shooting in low light. We spent a good amount of time inside wandering the place top to bottom. I was really excited to return with my gear to document it properly. I was too young to drive myself though, so I wasn't able to get back very quickly.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAL93LzbYFZiJ5eOyWflcx9z-vMxr6xlp0Mk18lG4rENMniM4sYXlxXhZ3N6w3VRBu5iNglX-YEekqlN_uADhwruOoPRESiP3whBNqV7MndIkY8INqWVkjlQccuw2AftuFq2-5Yn8t0Y0mBoA4yBwCMtozgseJs_6DRsnhCT2ZrVCWp_r1SPvDa29K/s4032/2023-03-30_09-21-00.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAL93LzbYFZiJ5eOyWflcx9z-vMxr6xlp0Mk18lG4rENMniM4sYXlxXhZ3N6w3VRBu5iNglX-YEekqlN_uADhwruOoPRESiP3whBNqV7MndIkY8INqWVkjlQccuw2AftuFq2-5Yn8t0Y0mBoA4yBwCMtozgseJs_6DRsnhCT2ZrVCWp_r1SPvDa29K/w400-h225/2023-03-30_09-21-00.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Shortly afterwards my friends returned, only to be met inside by several police officers. Unbeknownst to anyone the caretaker had been living inside the hospital. The ordeal they went to scared me off for several years. I did keep coming back though, checking all the possible ways inside. Every time I was sure the caretaker was gone, he would end up suprising me. One time I was in the chapel courtyard and he rolled up on me and told me to get lost. A few times he would bang on windows when he would see me snooping, and at one point he even had a flashlight and a megaphone which he used to scare me off. I was finally able to return around a decade later, and by then a lot had changed. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJtzYX1h6JR7k5sl_euoJ5rHDMdjml0BFbPGag_uVpMJeEdqI1Tm2RlkzZAdhuHbyxMlOe3xKIwe8qhaQVyKA6cdHmbHQc9c5MjDXZzO4WqmdFtBlljXaPUprORnxrRKE89FcNjauujLiIVfye2rtV5gxLjJv0szMi0A02IxH8p9Bx1IQxa_NeWC3j/s4032/2023-03-30_09-49-46.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2256" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJtzYX1h6JR7k5sl_euoJ5rHDMdjml0BFbPGag_uVpMJeEdqI1Tm2RlkzZAdhuHbyxMlOe3xKIwe8qhaQVyKA6cdHmbHQc9c5MjDXZzO4WqmdFtBlljXaPUprORnxrRKE89FcNjauujLiIVfye2rtV5gxLjJv0szMi0A02IxH8p9Bx1IQxa_NeWC3j/w224-h400/2023-03-30_09-49-46.jpg" width="224" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>The entire inside of the building had been completely gutted. The only room that really managed to survive was the old chapel. We were really glad though, since the room was quite pretty. Unfortunately all the of the murals had been removed, and the two stained glass windows from behind the altar space had been moved over to the new St Mary's. Construction progressed slowly, with most of the areas having been renovated. Unfortunately in 2021 the last surviving piece of the original 1897 building was demolished. This separated the the Crowell, Lewis, & Wick wing from the 1950s addition. All Catholic imagery was stripped from the facade, owing to the heavy orthodox Jewish population in the neighborhood. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKaNeHGlfbAd6DEhJn3lJFqNc_2VwZAtA_zuUKlFliPbwOqInZmYf7ct7LrOpwYmEEnZHOSRftXuoic2MZ4OM4oP7bUZwmD-WGzTnwRgjaf3cw-ZUW4whIvXe27WJ5_9fHSDWb_ix2M3jGcAxM6cH8s5MuX5ttMA33HR3c5_3Thzc8B8dWiC3Us2hX/s3526/20220416_074517.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2234" data-original-width="3526" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKaNeHGlfbAd6DEhJn3lJFqNc_2VwZAtA_zuUKlFliPbwOqInZmYf7ct7LrOpwYmEEnZHOSRftXuoic2MZ4OM4oP7bUZwmD-WGzTnwRgjaf3cw-ZUW4whIvXe27WJ5_9fHSDWb_ix2M3jGcAxM6cH8s5MuX5ttMA33HR3c5_3Thzc8B8dWiC3Us2hX/s320/20220416_074517.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiddURZDiqBwgDrGOdelmg1jjgaHjNjmIPQ2vrgL12Dm9kdAd8PNWwbYgVotH8zhD99u5pVuuywnKSOI9o58VzAvYf-OPV5SemN-GsoCJpup6DGQ2bNrLtXUctvqs7vhl0GPGd586nKHEflTL1iPV56ULaSQr9E6kl_djEKU-lO5mhIYrZayISERTou/s3024/20220416_074500.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiddURZDiqBwgDrGOdelmg1jjgaHjNjmIPQ2vrgL12Dm9kdAd8PNWwbYgVotH8zhD99u5pVuuywnKSOI9o58VzAvYf-OPV5SemN-GsoCJpup6DGQ2bNrLtXUctvqs7vhl0GPGd586nKHEflTL1iPV56ULaSQr9E6kl_djEKU-lO5mhIYrZayISERTou/w300-h400/20220416_074500.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>So many New Jersey hospitals closed and were demolished in the last two decades. It's refreshing to see one find a productive new use instead of meeting that same fate. While this certainly won't be the last chapter of the hospitals story, as they continue to operate Passaic General as St. Mary's. Hopefully this will allow the memory of the Pennington Avenue campus to survive for many years to come.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVpqBDzkms9uW_2fN0bUVHT-cJGk0jBfK14evoZwHVvC-gqSQZKYmylqvMafx35eS0UjQcekXQv-uekntcjDqmgt00Cvw02otUQCXK9BBG4hxp6mmFRFhSA6UJ3EKM3HH5T8GrjHGiYcOsQkYRu0iUOzPEgw4sCdufKRNU_9zvCUkDFA_8oFJslrsH/s4032/2023-03-30_09-52-02.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2256" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVpqBDzkms9uW_2fN0bUVHT-cJGk0jBfK14evoZwHVvC-gqSQZKYmylqvMafx35eS0UjQcekXQv-uekntcjDqmgt00Cvw02otUQCXK9BBG4hxp6mmFRFhSA6UJ3EKM3HH5T8GrjHGiYcOsQkYRu0iUOzPEgw4sCdufKRNU_9zvCUkDFA_8oFJslrsH/w224-h400/2023-03-30_09-52-02.jpg" width="224" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>EsseXploreRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670395370062998418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2883635662668234732.post-12812329697964178452023-03-09T09:06:00.005-08:002023-05-20T14:07:48.495-07:00Woodbridge State School<p>The middle part of the 20th century was tough on the mental health care landscape of New Jersey. The existing hospitals and state schools were bursting at the seams and constantly expanding. It was determined that a new State School was needed in the northern part of the state to alleviate overcrowding at other nearby facilities</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5LkYxpyzx-e6_qmuqTffroJ63xgyZ1nhqLlsW0fbhNTrx2U30Bgs1BtYMxhK2-mCL4-wTy6wK68_lFsiox75u1XDLqKGQR9TlAcdm_sQBi2AyGAoQUTsHjCPIOU5L8aORhhpp0hsZILY6OwdjeZ4t5LacQZZrhFO-QXGfOkIFduA_U9xkE8-sDCF3/s4032/2023-03-09_11-54-45.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5LkYxpyzx-e6_qmuqTffroJ63xgyZ1nhqLlsW0fbhNTrx2U30Bgs1BtYMxhK2-mCL4-wTy6wK68_lFsiox75u1XDLqKGQR9TlAcdm_sQBi2AyGAoQUTsHjCPIOU5L8aORhhpp0hsZILY6OwdjeZ4t5LacQZZrhFO-QXGfOkIFduA_U9xkE8-sDCF3/w400-h300/2023-03-09_11-54-45.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Construction began in 1963 for the new Woodbridge State School. The new buildings were to be built on 68 acres of farmland near the East Jersey State Prison in Avanel. By 1965 the facility was open and accepting new residents.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ZKp_Nby2d790RNksKcFON6AgIMMNNxQYl9CXXosUXubpPpueCxheByeQv-7PjHY0HRGsK0ujRdvWozgV7EUHCsGEXba8_lcG-NKv2g47M7SutLx-ZHNLU5gAuBKys8kEtsxnNJBIq5owfHji72nyOeBnFhr0ay8qeH4URbYHw-AaXxhpdg4tV9gm/s4032/2023-03-09_11-56-37.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ZKp_Nby2d790RNksKcFON6AgIMMNNxQYl9CXXosUXubpPpueCxheByeQv-7PjHY0HRGsK0ujRdvWozgV7EUHCsGEXba8_lcG-NKv2g47M7SutLx-ZHNLU5gAuBKys8kEtsxnNJBIq5owfHji72nyOeBnFhr0ay8qeH4URbYHw-AaXxhpdg4tV9gm/w400-h300/2023-03-09_11-56-37.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>The buildings themselves were an architecturally unremarkable cluster of hexagon shaped dormitories. The infirmary building was slightly different. It was asymmetrical with 3 sides longer than the other. The building also had a nice central courtyard which allowed natural light to fill the entire structure. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3_9Etl2DvjvQLALjBxYa-0Va-PKUuqX3pElHm4LRr7smxEn9cWZaXgGjuueZCANp7sRFGYkKzYJINQ0Hj5pWnWFRPkxO_b3KMKR13n2-tqPtUWUd33wHdF5DBjKpsqcGXOsH1-aJHGOhigPeHo5Q1TMEaJ4nz4IVNvDoJfA6cayrfVBentXFtNE3B/s3990/2023-03-09_11-57-41.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3990" data-original-width="2890" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3_9Etl2DvjvQLALjBxYa-0Va-PKUuqX3pElHm4LRr7smxEn9cWZaXgGjuueZCANp7sRFGYkKzYJINQ0Hj5pWnWFRPkxO_b3KMKR13n2-tqPtUWUd33wHdF5DBjKpsqcGXOsH1-aJHGOhigPeHo5Q1TMEaJ4nz4IVNvDoJfA6cayrfVBentXFtNE3B/w290-h400/2023-03-09_11-57-41.jpg" width="290" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Woodbridge operated without much notoriety throughout the years. In my research I couldn't find much about the day to day operations of the center. There were never any major new construction projects or improvements. At some point in the 1970s the facility changed its name from Woodbridge State School to Woodbridge Developmental Center. I imagine this was done as a result of the 1972 release of Giraldo Rivera's exposé on the horrid conditions of the Willowbrook State School. Willowbrook was on Staten Island, just a few miles away from Woodbridge.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_d1ZJ_ZCBG0HC8VLjwPsNta_5cKiPpD-jDobtEIciujERRatG5u8WcRjakPHVYvvtpguufB8lDEA4Sy2AvUDHjpRAwhi9RGtAfLPFO3HS_jjbOHGQIGwtNe7_X7CqgmeqUlIx7pza9YWKUK7cfvc5rrcD2e67Qd4W9AG4EFy1xXgPFsqIJNsQD0yR/s3989/2023-03-09_11-59-10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3989" data-original-width="2992" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_d1ZJ_ZCBG0HC8VLjwPsNta_5cKiPpD-jDobtEIciujERRatG5u8WcRjakPHVYvvtpguufB8lDEA4Sy2AvUDHjpRAwhi9RGtAfLPFO3HS_jjbOHGQIGwtNe7_X7CqgmeqUlIx7pza9YWKUK7cfvc5rrcD2e67Qd4W9AG4EFy1xXgPFsqIJNsQD0yR/w300-h400/2023-03-09_11-59-10.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>A 2012 report recommended closing the facility as well as the <a href="http://tfpnj.blogspot.com/2018/12/north-jersey-training-school.html" target="_blank">North Jersey Developmental Center</a> over the course of the next 5 years. This created outrage with the employees, the nurses unions and the families of the residents. They were all again horrified when then- governor Chris Christie announced that the plan was going to be accelerated. All residents were to be relocated within the next <i>two years</i>.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjFgfFmvg5ivSG_gL2iVN5NOYPlw0En4dns1I24My_VmUbWo2BWNsCBNomluEa3thZr5YhTc1khRxOASuQLQJ9OpOTxzZ53Vjs3ChNTgZw55_ytApKmkDydOKs6ODbPChNKIPgG9fTDZolHwwptczrN_HadJJuQvn7i1wBwG09ORriogzoGXUUAV_H/s4032/2023-03-09_12-00-47.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjFgfFmvg5ivSG_gL2iVN5NOYPlw0En4dns1I24My_VmUbWo2BWNsCBNomluEa3thZr5YhTc1khRxOASuQLQJ9OpOTxzZ53Vjs3ChNTgZw55_ytApKmkDydOKs6ODbPChNKIPgG9fTDZolHwwptczrN_HadJJuQvn7i1wBwG09ORriogzoGXUUAV_H/w300-h400/2023-03-09_12-00-47.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><a href="https://www.courierpostonline.com/story/news/local/new-jersey/2014/07/06/developmental-center-closings-cause-family-hardships/12273991/" target="_blank">A Courier Post article from June of 2014</a> describes the chaos families were thrown into trying to make arrangements for their family members. It was bad enough that the facility was closing in a few months. The North Jersey Developmental Center closing first just added insult to injury. This created a huge void in local beds for the displaced residents of WDC.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikZyloCDYdMy0Yw-OcgYhXA7J-zv3EoPW44QCCi9j_5xQ4eNb-o4mHFcWovPEnb_b16t-nGZA_eXpklUiZ_yExDBfZu5Hjj3kbptZ96HkcMaYRMtmHTCGzkqjeDiFo_oUCaLrN9eVwhD_KHBRYrBnFhZbzKGtf9ye65NrNhyz_bVPBWy4iqhNdu8sS/s4032/2023-03-09_12-01-39.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikZyloCDYdMy0Yw-OcgYhXA7J-zv3EoPW44QCCi9j_5xQ4eNb-o4mHFcWovPEnb_b16t-nGZA_eXpklUiZ_yExDBfZu5Hjj3kbptZ96HkcMaYRMtmHTCGzkqjeDiFo_oUCaLrN9eVwhD_KHBRYrBnFhZbzKGtf9ye65NrNhyz_bVPBWy4iqhNdu8sS/w300-h400/2023-03-09_12-01-39.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>Despite the outrage the center finally closed on December 11th, 2014. Roughly 150 patients were moved and over 600 employees were laid off. The displaced residents were moved down to either the Vineland or Woodbine Developmental Center down in the Pinelands. The two closer facilities were already at capacity, likely due to the June closure of NJDC. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGZ55L_H0p4pmUE1JCGkNxBv9WmfxOUfFbtHn1rVREjkcg44tmnlaDSIQp4IdI7LI3b_l5BXm7wh5cZsB6qOi3SxZsdRqhDX_vw8nnUDrNQ1yhF8cYpozZS6AZeHlRfFtJa_5yX4WC9_BHvSooNKiMA2WuRFWljRhACJ3Qo0g1Yft-8iF_4BAGqf0j/s4032/2023-03-09_12-02-16.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGZ55L_H0p4pmUE1JCGkNxBv9WmfxOUfFbtHn1rVREjkcg44tmnlaDSIQp4IdI7LI3b_l5BXm7wh5cZsB6qOi3SxZsdRqhDX_vw8nnUDrNQ1yhF8cYpozZS6AZeHlRfFtJa_5yX4WC9_BHvSooNKiMA2WuRFWljRhACJ3Qo0g1Yft-8iF_4BAGqf0j/w300-h400/2023-03-09_12-02-16.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>The campus sat dormant for several years before the wheels started to move on redevelopment. 54 acres of land was purchased by the town of Avanel in 2018 for $5 Million. That was about 80% of the parcel's total square footage. Shortly afterwards Morris Industrial won the bid to redevelop the property. They announced plans for a large warehouse and distribution center on the grounds and a neighboring parcel, with all existing structures being demolished.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOQkYquXVMGe2gGRC9-ALwYqxrcsgObLY8jXFXrg9LyBatMeuKgHKcqkRfT25YUMm5D_Ip_8zWIPTGyPi5rIXnHpT9hKPG-5N8vlOOLfFejCcj3An05aBOcqPVmx3gMr79aXxlcdEibCmKZ2QPHByibIme5LwjO-F_xvgB9OuLAKInqKC7D7ievmYA/s4032/2023-03-09_12-03-00.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOQkYquXVMGe2gGRC9-ALwYqxrcsgObLY8jXFXrg9LyBatMeuKgHKcqkRfT25YUMm5D_Ip_8zWIPTGyPi5rIXnHpT9hKPG-5N8vlOOLfFejCcj3An05aBOcqPVmx3gMr79aXxlcdEibCmKZ2QPHByibIme5LwjO-F_xvgB9OuLAKInqKC7D7ievmYA/w300-h400/2023-03-09_12-03-00.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Demolition took place in two stages. The western half of the campus was wiped out in 2020. It took another two years for the work to completely wrap up at the east side of the facility. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNw1YSlSgN2I1lEU2HZQ56ZTkXfFZdcJmgx37laJOUZEzUagp0wB6Bos0JbIdFjyLUjR78T1RREpB2BwhzbNm12Dd_NArls2O7pd6gZVfC0Hu3xKSCIYXhLPU3qyQyydZL0-zosDBBzOb206UrZgeAhoCaKL5IG7GAUweGoNj3XeqKKpDtnirnb5KL/s4032/2023-03-09_12-04-00.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNw1YSlSgN2I1lEU2HZQ56ZTkXfFZdcJmgx37laJOUZEzUagp0wB6Bos0JbIdFjyLUjR78T1RREpB2BwhzbNm12Dd_NArls2O7pd6gZVfC0Hu3xKSCIYXhLPU3qyQyydZL0-zosDBBzOb206UrZgeAhoCaKL5IG7GAUweGoNj3XeqKKpDtnirnb5KL/w300-h400/2023-03-09_12-04-00.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>It probably won't be too long before lots of folks have forgotten about the center. It was so hidden from view and operated so quietly that I imagine a good amount of people in town never even knew it was there in the first place. I'm very glad I was able to document what I did of the grounds and buildings so those who seek out the story of the Woodbridge State School can see and read about what once was.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil_8zxeev0buCbAGk4Jwoz2Wje1OLs_3j1N8COhPfaFy6UIiigo-Q8ETnyGvalvsR5yZeX3fqxPZVwemdg8Wv0T9D5tpaNKZpvhX72j1Gqraylr9W_aqSV1MA6MYrt_F44Pa73rJD1nRy7DFWQsDZYFFdAf9ybYwr6-qTsQ_Hel6RCePQ_BeT4MBZO/s4032/2023-03-09_12-04-48.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil_8zxeev0buCbAGk4Jwoz2Wje1OLs_3j1N8COhPfaFy6UIiigo-Q8ETnyGvalvsR5yZeX3fqxPZVwemdg8Wv0T9D5tpaNKZpvhX72j1Gqraylr9W_aqSV1MA6MYrt_F44Pa73rJD1nRy7DFWQsDZYFFdAf9ybYwr6-qTsQ_Hel6RCePQ_BeT4MBZO/w400-h300/2023-03-09_12-04-48.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p>EsseXploreRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670395370062998418noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2883635662668234732.post-54599129382920761102023-01-19T13:56:00.001-08:002023-01-19T13:56:56.493-08:00Hurstmont Mansion<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT2AlTMGoracj8r9TfK_ZewHt9xDq4R13S3Ynumsaxvm1E5ztfNnUEuSs4fod9RR6ATEM7guenozL1REA_KaUGQMO7YxtqAgdiZh2thIi4jqM5yy1jHUrHzYXpnheTZyIypSAuSAx1R4blwR0WzN0zOk-HakKr5HPDz63amlNxEwNbSXTRHy7fCuRl/s801/harding11.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="496" data-original-width="801" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT2AlTMGoracj8r9TfK_ZewHt9xDq4R13S3Ynumsaxvm1E5ztfNnUEuSs4fod9RR6ATEM7guenozL1REA_KaUGQMO7YxtqAgdiZh2thIi4jqM5yy1jHUrHzYXpnheTZyIypSAuSAx1R4blwR0WzN0zOk-HakKr5HPDz63amlNxEwNbSXTRHy7fCuRl/w400-h248/harding11.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://www.oldhousedreams.com/2010/06/14/1903-classical-revival-harding-township-nj/" target="_blank">Source</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p>I'm sure many readers of this blog will recognize Hurstmont. The stunning mansion stood just off of Route 202 south in Harding, right before Tempe Wick Road. It was hard not to take one's eyes off the road to catch a passing glimpse of the once grand manor. This article is going to take a dive into the history of the stately home, one of the greatest residential buildings ever constructed in Morris County. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_w4dS54-56T63D1WcrEGHnArAY9Nvwp4vXMA9ykNI5ajCoMFOh4QUUXc5X_ZwFiIw7-Uixvxzn5ztXHs5xeYfvXZdAnJbZhvGtADEtVMd2MKDzG0jOUVMsbpA4OVcc8Ixv3dzMf8G5k3WgsvNPPqHhq5jU5XN7Rz0P1vAKek5z_QNAkztEMwrYlr2/s2726/2023-01-19_03-45-55.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1993" data-original-width="2726" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_w4dS54-56T63D1WcrEGHnArAY9Nvwp4vXMA9ykNI5ajCoMFOh4QUUXc5X_ZwFiIw7-Uixvxzn5ztXHs5xeYfvXZdAnJbZhvGtADEtVMd2MKDzG0jOUVMsbpA4OVcc8Ixv3dzMf8G5k3WgsvNPPqHhq5jU5XN7Rz0P1vAKek5z_QNAkztEMwrYlr2/w400-h293/2023-01-19_03-45-55.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>The building we remember passing was actually not the first home on the property. In fact, it wasn't even the first home on that stone foundation. The original home was constructed in 1886. The structure was short lived unfortunately, lasting just over 15 years before being ripped down and rebuilt. It took several years to complete, but eventually the handsome home we are familiar with was ready to host the Pyle family.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTvJXYtRZaFCjUVHh_qTMGcfspAubxySOy78EZRjeGteQ0JEITTLZ82kRBnHR7_tD7M-Q_I3c0AJoDQK3UJtFNsPoQwzniygBNOwTrZZVFPTpmgD1t0Uy38Fur8SNyFy6-eCeRc9gvypY7IfakndmJPZM2we7Cn0ePcZO_xHbJ6BB7Bi5-Em_-mekq/s4619/2023-01-19_03-50-18.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4619" data-original-width="3079" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTvJXYtRZaFCjUVHh_qTMGcfspAubxySOy78EZRjeGteQ0JEITTLZ82kRBnHR7_tD7M-Q_I3c0AJoDQK3UJtFNsPoQwzniygBNOwTrZZVFPTpmgD1t0Uy38Fur8SNyFy6-eCeRc9gvypY7IfakndmJPZM2we7Cn0ePcZO_xHbJ6BB7Bi5-Em_-mekq/w266-h400/2023-01-19_03-50-18.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><p>Stamford White of the famed McKim, Mead and White architecture firm was responsible for designing the mansion. White was actually in the process of designing his own home at the time, and included many of the same flourishes at Hurstmont. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ySmtw1F2-ewwuT7Ee6oXziS3jG8XH9WF1bM3UQlAyxWELaOJrfOusz4oaTbIET_Ad96vojvZj3g9mcjhLqY1OUYlB4rdwPWIZj6AMGoKc15ikvfJhKaP5jd7-_BpGYMepUZy8Osd_9YHa1mCUrbiW5Toqc5qwqCSgIJcFYtrQwVhZcoJYh0OH4S7/s4752/2023-01-19_04-09-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4752" data-original-width="3168" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ySmtw1F2-ewwuT7Ee6oXziS3jG8XH9WF1bM3UQlAyxWELaOJrfOusz4oaTbIET_Ad96vojvZj3g9mcjhLqY1OUYlB4rdwPWIZj6AMGoKc15ikvfJhKaP5jd7-_BpGYMepUZy8Osd_9YHa1mCUrbiW5Toqc5qwqCSgIJcFYtrQwVhZcoJYh0OH4S7/w266-h400/2023-01-19_04-09-11.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><p>The home had several beautiful sweeping staircases, carved stone mantles, decorative plaster ceilings, leaded glass windows, and lovely hardwood trim. The propery was so lavish it quickly graced the cover of the <u>American Homes and Gardens</u> June 1907 edition.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-wKtdJX0l9aleO8hliM_mFI49eQGk8qVWqA5KEeBN5WAHhKyJNvmvWuV4HyVofLfp_XYG9kjtHzqgg__Qxbj_2PvbMB09X5sDDQ4RfnPdANx7mQKgCMOvdnzqjS5qaWU-v0RLeuI02dhwsjgZbt1Vi4K6nzJZXOJca4qoPcxCPeWgd8yPh9nWD7lB/s1800/American-Homes-Gardens-FC-June-1907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-wKtdJX0l9aleO8hliM_mFI49eQGk8qVWqA5KEeBN5WAHhKyJNvmvWuV4HyVofLfp_XYG9kjtHzqgg__Qxbj_2PvbMB09X5sDDQ4RfnPdANx7mQKgCMOvdnzqjS5qaWU-v0RLeuI02dhwsjgZbt1Vi4K6nzJZXOJca4qoPcxCPeWgd8yPh9nWD7lB/w285-h400/American-Homes-Gardens-FC-June-1907.jpg" width="285" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orson_Desaix_Munn#/media/File%3AAmerican-Homes-Gardens-FC-June-1907.jpg" target="_blank">Source</a></td></tr></tbody></table><p>The robust home could comfortably host a railroad tycoon or steel magnate. So how was it that Mr James T Pyle came into his fortune?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRsY4Fzpv4F0toAjDjyM_-RQVRZTzhYIfPRAlt-RUId8bqHt4QI1bDm1sZVfkI-KW8MMcH573GdTHtc9xC71Zn1pE4AQ_6KSjWIwwL82wyMlIfnRumu2h9XXUyuirCNCi5pwsUGMT0JeRNuGGK-o9hhy3jYqkcaHJe9_XlEB98TgoJtvFrLxI60cfF/s4752/2023-01-19_03-52-51.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4752" data-original-width="3168" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRsY4Fzpv4F0toAjDjyM_-RQVRZTzhYIfPRAlt-RUId8bqHt4QI1bDm1sZVfkI-KW8MMcH573GdTHtc9xC71Zn1pE4AQ_6KSjWIwwL82wyMlIfnRumu2h9XXUyuirCNCi5pwsUGMT0JeRNuGGK-o9hhy3jYqkcaHJe9_XlEB98TgoJtvFrLxI60cfF/w266-h400/2023-01-19_03-52-51.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><p>Quite suprisingly, Mr Pyle was a manufacturer of soaps and other household goods. While we may think of this as sort of a trivial way to get rich, in the 1800's it was anything but.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrQ7mBvyxSd22HoizgNeIp8JQQl8kbUYrIpQ7kZHBZsSqCyTnBHvHqqxUv1-zH2y64oDKpVjeHkbcYLeoQBmekuHU8rv1tjbthzMNLGNWdR0aoOa2m7A1yWZsu3gyxqkUas9tvBq5B-2EtEX5MjKJP9JrIe2yoydhSOcM191P9ewH-VfeQWHrh5y4D/s2006/2023-01-19_04-04-40.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2006" data-original-width="1505" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrQ7mBvyxSd22HoizgNeIp8JQQl8kbUYrIpQ7kZHBZsSqCyTnBHvHqqxUv1-zH2y64oDKpVjeHkbcYLeoQBmekuHU8rv1tjbthzMNLGNWdR0aoOa2m7A1yWZsu3gyxqkUas9tvBq5B-2EtEX5MjKJP9JrIe2yoydhSOcM191P9ewH-VfeQWHrh5y4D/w300-h400/2023-01-19_04-04-40.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p>The New York based company was known as having one of the best all purpose cleaning agents around. An ad in the NY Times from 1862 exclaims "no other soap is required about the house when Pyles OK Soap is in use".</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgykis_QiwDAIKaBRdKSWeeTq3Sn28bKHYk8u2OuVdxv3PWAQNDGJZ1u8WS8D8iV-bfVmhWZMjYUYMoimI4tR7lv7Nguz0KQX7M2X2N2P2uSzRN6_3nhzOPtp-Svo5RPiXOOiitPV6-QSVE0KMcyZSXsXq4tSnOdfT4UMArKZrgY_WTKO8-vSRH4O1M/s4616/2023-01-19_03-54-02.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3078" data-original-width="4616" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgykis_QiwDAIKaBRdKSWeeTq3Sn28bKHYk8u2OuVdxv3PWAQNDGJZ1u8WS8D8iV-bfVmhWZMjYUYMoimI4tR7lv7Nguz0KQX7M2X2N2P2uSzRN6_3nhzOPtp-Svo5RPiXOOiitPV6-QSVE0KMcyZSXsXq4tSnOdfT4UMArKZrgY_WTKO8-vSRH4O1M/w400-h266/2023-01-19_03-54-02.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>The Pyle's only occupied the home until 1925, after which it underwent a succession of different owners. Nobody did any major renovation work to the house or landscaping, so it stayed in remarkable shape. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1MEGxXijKnNHuINw-tGxqK0-zpiWF85Jho7u3fKzETUoGjhz6S2nOMxOMrXbU-1X84WHMAHVujvm6dkCDTEBT1neu1X-OcaUvYx3AoMm4eT77ZMd1gd7y3sXemihMyFqV1s4bBRKAvmVGk_X_HL9HC45aMzWzhnm-zSyqKzoEFFS58Jhzns85IuIy/s2454/2023-01-19_03-55-20.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2454" data-original-width="1534" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1MEGxXijKnNHuINw-tGxqK0-zpiWF85Jho7u3fKzETUoGjhz6S2nOMxOMrXbU-1X84WHMAHVujvm6dkCDTEBT1neu1X-OcaUvYx3AoMm4eT77ZMd1gd7y3sXemihMyFqV1s4bBRKAvmVGk_X_HL9HC45aMzWzhnm-zSyqKzoEFFS58Jhzns85IuIy/w250-h400/2023-01-19_03-55-20.jpg" width="250" /></a></div><p>The home was last occupied regularly in the 1980's. I'm not sure what exactly happened to the last owners. When they left they abandoned many of their possessions inside. <a href="https://www.vacantnewjersey.com/locations/hurstmont_estate/index.html" target="_blank">A write up on the VacantNJ website</a> shows articles of clothing, furniture, and other ephemera scattered around the building's many luxurious rooms.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyJH9RzQKZJZHAaFNuyyQumrRoWyT9XxdoM2QKyaJUvdiDjk8fdIFSuAw9SR86qlAgtKau-zZrJccAH7cbTnte5o0xg8d_Ton3Z8bKyh-8ZCoSSL8DRglsYftfmEl2awfDQEPgZEZd_vxS_5ReNBS59A4XnNpjrhsZWnx5FdVB_8pvLeHZerb48Pgl/s4605/2023-01-19_03-56-04.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4605" data-original-width="3070" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyJH9RzQKZJZHAaFNuyyQumrRoWyT9XxdoM2QKyaJUvdiDjk8fdIFSuAw9SR86qlAgtKau-zZrJccAH7cbTnte5o0xg8d_Ton3Z8bKyh-8ZCoSSL8DRglsYftfmEl2awfDQEPgZEZd_vxS_5ReNBS59A4XnNpjrhsZWnx5FdVB_8pvLeHZerb48Pgl/w266-h400/2023-01-19_03-56-04.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><p>Hurstmont sat in this state of abandonment until 2011 when the property was sold off. An architect named Peter Dorne purchased the mansion with plans to redevelop the grounds. His plan called for the one parcel to be broken up into 4 pieces, each holding a distinct portion of the historic estate. Unfortunately, the plan also called for the mansion to be "reduced in size".</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyG4n91oCQuNL54qj-LbufOje1e-XOh1ffH1Gz2FYsusOtr2A_b0aybOonq-geDhAMBrmBySxSqtYY-kNK2Pe9s8YEU-MCJsigTIjHDXTb0yfEPNs1xGO8z8K5ypGsPJUuRxQMInUrfXsshaPd20wfgy4Da5HmmOk9sUjELvZ7XHXHM2KSiZGODleR/s394/ed1febec017e462d634c7a27aca9af8e.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="259" data-original-width="394" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyG4n91oCQuNL54qj-LbufOje1e-XOh1ffH1Gz2FYsusOtr2A_b0aybOonq-geDhAMBrmBySxSqtYY-kNK2Pe9s8YEU-MCJsigTIjHDXTb0yfEPNs1xGO8z8K5ypGsPJUuRxQMInUrfXsshaPd20wfgy4Da5HmmOk9sUjELvZ7XHXHM2KSiZGODleR/w400-h263/ed1febec017e462d634c7a27aca9af8e.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://patch.com/new-jersey/morristown/history-for-sale-at-the-hurstmont-estate" target="_blank">Source</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDC5__xoEHf4dZnXzW-Tst-YYEmsuMBH9sgtC6cegf_QkihFHBXunP_sSAzGEgyYzqOQTREIfhC2BQfeoub_a7XoLLYqHsV2AKxTBzItnoEmcApIrf5QWgPZ4RpRKmHT5dBAJOuAt1H_MAvZ8e0L2Ji55ZAGMZZRcMFBjrUdMOjZNJ31Ii3XGIxBWt/s4752/2023-01-17_05-58-32.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3168" data-original-width="4752" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDC5__xoEHf4dZnXzW-Tst-YYEmsuMBH9sgtC6cegf_QkihFHBXunP_sSAzGEgyYzqOQTREIfhC2BQfeoub_a7XoLLYqHsV2AKxTBzItnoEmcApIrf5QWgPZ4RpRKmHT5dBAJOuAt1H_MAvZ8e0L2Ji55ZAGMZZRcMFBjrUdMOjZNJ31Ii3XGIxBWt/w400-h266/2023-01-17_05-58-32.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Two years after the sale of the property, Peter followed through on demolishing a massive portion of the home. I'll never forget the first time I drove down that strech of 202 I thought to myself "I think this is where that mansion Vacant NJ posted is". As the mansion came into view I was extremely excited for half a second, until the demolition scene came into view. I let out a loud curse, and spread the word among the local community that the building was coming down. I had no idea that it was only supposed to be a partial demolition. I had never seen anything quite like it at the time.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8imrfTgjgWoo_IxGdFmTz4mpjPoaUC_bQltVEGlQTph6bNEhnPwOFrPk7cYhE0sA_fhNIWAZq915BPNB27Mhi8h9c1N_UFYARc9-8P8Ho9zozeg7upUStLwIQhc5fHhcvQZ84QD-pz79RBHsJXHNolzbP6nNT05KXwD_ToaIOVGpM0aE_yvA2zAO/s4752/2023-01-19_03-58-07.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3168" data-original-width="4752" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8imrfTgjgWoo_IxGdFmTz4mpjPoaUC_bQltVEGlQTph6bNEhnPwOFrPk7cYhE0sA_fhNIWAZq915BPNB27Mhi8h9c1N_UFYARc9-8P8Ho9zozeg7upUStLwIQhc5fHhcvQZ84QD-pz79RBHsJXHNolzbP6nNT05KXwD_ToaIOVGpM0aE_yvA2zAO/w400-h266/2023-01-19_03-58-07.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIE7sLTB7x6npq3J-rVBAQRBzcXwNMqDY9wWjYt0k6r1dISOhxE1oZ0jLg13T_mOT4oovoWY3emigqx-wP950wdeJaSQTQdo_2QuwTpUDTPM0aF4v4VkrtsAzF3cFFcue3AwxM9CfJcHKBFGkBgVbneWEd58cqDjo4Q9Fccnoi3CO8nbrdoQ-CYW16/s4752/2023-01-19_03-59-35.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3168" data-original-width="4752" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIE7sLTB7x6npq3J-rVBAQRBzcXwNMqDY9wWjYt0k6r1dISOhxE1oZ0jLg13T_mOT4oovoWY3emigqx-wP950wdeJaSQTQdo_2QuwTpUDTPM0aF4v4VkrtsAzF3cFFcue3AwxM9CfJcHKBFGkBgVbneWEd58cqDjo4Q9Fccnoi3CO8nbrdoQ-CYW16/w400-h266/2023-01-19_03-59-35.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Unfortunately the demolition was the only thing Mr. Dorne ever followed through on. The property continued to languish at an accelerated rate since it was now thoughtlessly ripped apart. Local kids found it to be a suitable place to take out their privileged suburban angst, kicking out the ballisturs and smashing out the leaded glass windows. By 2021 the building was deemed unsalvagable and the rest of the home was demolished.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdOlEH-Pms_jvYrubSz_WnO70yhPAFKASE1mILzOG0stblHmgSHYdpua082yaNXl1KeWsYcKB3jSA9jBu0CmE2aO7j_X8R1YARO0uM6WCaqUUyt-ECi0stYEF4KIcc7n6e6FEo2bPqVl8cW5jsLeXukV_U5FIk8ouyO0k_0J8orrsK0lCcunD7Gqpb/s1953/2023-01-19_04-00-49.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1953" data-original-width="1465" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdOlEH-Pms_jvYrubSz_WnO70yhPAFKASE1mILzOG0stblHmgSHYdpua082yaNXl1KeWsYcKB3jSA9jBu0CmE2aO7j_X8R1YARO0uM6WCaqUUyt-ECi0stYEF4KIcc7n6e6FEo2bPqVl8cW5jsLeXukV_U5FIk8ouyO0k_0J8orrsK0lCcunD7Gqpb/w300-h400/2023-01-19_04-00-49.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p>The story of Hurstmont will always be absolutely heartbreaking. It stood so long, and despite changing hands so many times it was never tastelessly updated. Even after abandonment it continued to stand almost in a state of suspended animation for roughly 25 years. All it took was one man and his absurd redevelopment strategy to rob all future generations of this architectural treasure. Though a special case of demolition by neglect, it remains one all the same. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbB7gXyAE3il2dIH7KkWPn7d3FStyvSWDeIRgEO1KRam6-iKXYbhWYaZMY6D-5pqF4PmlFIaC1IwPK_C6TlpGTBKEA-5KwY2ue21XjGhloGJ5qvRCSNo8p8Yz4S6L56rHtMZWDV0-y0vkhrkpmU12KCl5cfkJD0MCeOgM3jVtTM4HeZPLjXnEJrVqN/s2048/2023-01-19_04-02-05.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbB7gXyAE3il2dIH7KkWPn7d3FStyvSWDeIRgEO1KRam6-iKXYbhWYaZMY6D-5pqF4PmlFIaC1IwPK_C6TlpGTBKEA-5KwY2ue21XjGhloGJ5qvRCSNo8p8Yz4S6L56rHtMZWDV0-y0vkhrkpmU12KCl5cfkJD0MCeOgM3jVtTM4HeZPLjXnEJrVqN/w400-h300/2023-01-19_04-02-05.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>The great architectural photographer Richard Nickel once said "great architecture has only two enemies, water and stupid men". Unfortunately, Hurstmont had to face both. Hopefully the ugly new dwellings will remind everyone what is at stake when we put greed before heritage.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9xfnnM4P1L5K0Jk51_Fl7qDp3s_IXxfwN5RehOJWbWMkVWc-IdIZ70tgF9zNc90QldzBrf5Rn-4Uh-tePM8f-VeSGZpvF5Kn4O3m_0UKbeD8X3tnDDqjWsCzhBX3f_7HvjXZ2z_xVRjAq3P7YLnf6mgSX6S6902bccgfg-zxW02SzBFgaFxtnV_Ix/s4752/2023-01-19_04-03-13.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4752" data-original-width="3168" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9xfnnM4P1L5K0Jk51_Fl7qDp3s_IXxfwN5RehOJWbWMkVWc-IdIZ70tgF9zNc90QldzBrf5Rn-4Uh-tePM8f-VeSGZpvF5Kn4O3m_0UKbeD8X3tnDDqjWsCzhBX3f_7HvjXZ2z_xVRjAq3P7YLnf6mgSX6S6902bccgfg-zxW02SzBFgaFxtnV_Ix/w266-h400/2023-01-19_04-03-13.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>EsseXploreRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670395370062998418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2883635662668234732.post-45522351545437733402023-01-13T05:54:00.006-08:002023-08-08T09:23:39.975-07:00The Hillandale Estate/Sisters of St. John Orphanage & School Somerset County is home to some of the most attractive and expensive residential homes in the state of New Jersey. Some of these estates are relatively new, while others were built centuries ago. The subject of this article, the Hillandale Estate, falls into the second category. <div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUco6S_yGRBW8ZyD3mBi5fa3-7Z6pypAC7m4uhhF1UPk2799ORfWUymYyNUlECLXNRAuaY2FSM9tzbGtdVDIWUmPu6vii9lQk1a0_9LBjOX99ZXQUsAjp9mqBfbSKOTH382pqsIKsWT9oltlLmZerquRlYMRMYAL0SPsADwFBLx4TAXTQds7XmDF_9J_E/s1068/Screenshot_20230808-121309_eBay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="673" data-original-width="1068" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUco6S_yGRBW8ZyD3mBi5fa3-7Z6pypAC7m4uhhF1UPk2799ORfWUymYyNUlECLXNRAuaY2FSM9tzbGtdVDIWUmPu6vii9lQk1a0_9LBjOX99ZXQUsAjp9mqBfbSKOTH382pqsIKsWT9oltlLmZerquRlYMRMYAL0SPsADwFBLx4TAXTQds7XmDF_9J_E/w400-h253/Screenshot_20230808-121309_eBay.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Source: TFPNJ Postcard Archive</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>The foundation was laid for the beautiful mansion in 1906. Once completed, the structure would be home to George Mosle and his wife Katherine. Mostle was a wealthy sugar importer who made his fortune brokering sales with Cuban sugar plantations. Architect Grosvenor Atterbury designed the home in a handsome Craftsman style.</div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVakkJVHr_j4Ba1-ON9lwh2-dhYEsgEaRH6yNVjo8-HWxyxEH2buoCXPmlkpX3S9127oV6gjRtg3kal95BzC5JvheqSk87C1iDB-MMpWggGpSRUcKipPFzhJkH4OfXIz28RHGiAU8rYW05ETaWsQo2ohhv2JRNJNnpj6Kz4O1ZN7gc9_qj_nNgYcSG/s4444/2023-01-12_10-30-51.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2721" data-original-width="4444" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVakkJVHr_j4Ba1-ON9lwh2-dhYEsgEaRH6yNVjo8-HWxyxEH2buoCXPmlkpX3S9127oV6gjRtg3kal95BzC5JvheqSk87C1iDB-MMpWggGpSRUcKipPFzhJkH4OfXIz28RHGiAU8rYW05ETaWsQo2ohhv2JRNJNnpj6Kz4O1ZN7gc9_qj_nNgYcSG/w400-h245/2023-01-12_10-30-51.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Like many other industrialists of the time, Mosle's business relied heavily on imports. This became a real problem for him when the first World War broke out. The company lost so many ships during the turmoil that by 1926 Goerge Mosle had to declare bankrupcy and leave Hillandale. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguRQSnAmMBwZgoF9ht6a87Wipgbugj__eGoOJruZlMy0GDc15lPC30Y--kLl7WRxH4Z75Vw3pQtrDh1gtuykJE_AyXwHw4Nw874R0HoMzBnmMVxY_L4OPXTjwZVtJkgToSoFgJhq3yVyRipVF2rOQDf-0I7Pm3QFzHFa5zNl6OGMtas78lZjqzxnkC/s4752/2023-01-12_10-36-02.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3168" data-original-width="4752" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguRQSnAmMBwZgoF9ht6a87Wipgbugj__eGoOJruZlMy0GDc15lPC30Y--kLl7WRxH4Z75Vw3pQtrDh1gtuykJE_AyXwHw4Nw874R0HoMzBnmMVxY_L4OPXTjwZVtJkgToSoFgJhq3yVyRipVF2rOQDf-0I7Pm3QFzHFa5zNl6OGMtas78lZjqzxnkC/w400-h266/2023-01-12_10-36-02.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />The mansion and grounds were purchased by the Sisters of St. John the Baptist, a Roman Catholic organization. They quickly got to work transforming the property to better suit their needs. They cleared land for farming and added two new wings to either side of the home. The most impressive new feature was the large, well decorated chapel on the south wing. By the time construction was complete, the building was an intimidating 66,000 square feet.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht3Cqx1qhl37elsXjw9gaI8PuzrOKHSjhLxGMbMEf9q5LdRC0Q2DjJn1MBptWKoEKS9UcR5UQy6hoMDS0a2dBgP0fopfJSPkwFp7zlpeXVmGrXMFBVHS_ojc0yGB_vaP4yb4Bt1L5rfl09phlDq2bIrTt0XJJHmAhOC1SNsRNM47rSNC6tZxSXrjIR/s5184/2023-01-12_09-12-19.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3456" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht3Cqx1qhl37elsXjw9gaI8PuzrOKHSjhLxGMbMEf9q5LdRC0Q2DjJn1MBptWKoEKS9UcR5UQy6hoMDS0a2dBgP0fopfJSPkwFp7zlpeXVmGrXMFBVHS_ojc0yGB_vaP4yb4Bt1L5rfl09phlDq2bIrTt0XJJHmAhOC1SNsRNM47rSNC6tZxSXrjIR/w266-h400/2023-01-12_09-12-19.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The sisters operated an orphange at the convent for nearly a decade. After ending the program in 1937 they began to focus mainly on education. Private schools were relatively common in the Somerset Hills at the time. The St. John campus was not far from the well established St. Bernard School for boys, and the newly established Wychwood School for Girls as well The new St. John Academy boarding school became home to many catholic children from the area. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnjxYQB8tjQIfve8ztTv77Bhz-qEMdxLzd0_kszmGtx5Mdp7gWKzoH8vurZla47v7neeXomnly4pXYLAra5ZUyjRIyBmW1swSORSMJgp6YSO8ZpxfFkTBcnRJM6dHua5AfDfky1aPjgjj9oafER4M9Dpo_0jsMHNGNQ1MwYq3Z8R-kS_SDkjwMiA09/s4548/2023-01-13_05-37-42.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4548" data-original-width="3032" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnjxYQB8tjQIfve8ztTv77Bhz-qEMdxLzd0_kszmGtx5Mdp7gWKzoH8vurZla47v7neeXomnly4pXYLAra5ZUyjRIyBmW1swSORSMJgp6YSO8ZpxfFkTBcnRJM6dHua5AfDfky1aPjgjj9oafER4M9Dpo_0jsMHNGNQ1MwYq3Z8R-kS_SDkjwMiA09/w266-h400/2023-01-13_05-37-42.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Thirty sisters called St. John's home at its peak. By the 1950s an entire new school building was built along the driveway leading to the main building. The greatest feature of the structure was definitely the full sized gymnasium. Unfortunately the success of the educational instition began to wane over the decades. By 1992 the academy had closed, and the space was being rented to a different private school named the Montgomery Academy. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix7y4wk0UnL-wWximItE24RbaJZpBCautyj9zvGDy2maKRd622vLOInM4rWvRdbKtCaNjVNG5YNHS1yEzogZl_chyb576qD-MdwYzApdoxTsTAQLW3PeN2RvVqJMNFHjSRb6pon2rtA0OaHz_SzvrAiJ6n-kTVBR6SOXn27zbWrnfb5Ylytk6p0YdP/s4635/2023-01-13_05-38-46.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3090" data-original-width="4635" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix7y4wk0UnL-wWximItE24RbaJZpBCautyj9zvGDy2maKRd622vLOInM4rWvRdbKtCaNjVNG5YNHS1yEzogZl_chyb576qD-MdwYzApdoxTsTAQLW3PeN2RvVqJMNFHjSRb6pon2rtA0OaHz_SzvrAiJ6n-kTVBR6SOXn27zbWrnfb5Ylytk6p0YdP/w400-h266/2023-01-13_05-38-46.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>In an attempt to raise funds the sisters sold a portion of the estate for $15 million to Morris County. They built a new sports field which they dubbed Mosle field in honor of George Mosle. There were only seven sisters still living at the facility by this time. Montgomery Academy found a new home in Basking Ridge three years later, leaving the large main St John's building mostly empty. More land was sold to the county, which became the Mosle preserve. The last few sisters moved out in 2013, and the property was put up for sale for nearly five million dollars. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2SHkJMGvq1JlY7yOarJUuJvd51Zsp4v86zEBZUqqh74JiIJQ4pxj35zCtdXWkwVVoNM4R1fmV83APxYYAqlk0VLBBlW3zLJxgcoxFtbNQzWjDKBP4xa4VUsB0LpBQThnkLkTUP3LQurh18X6KyNtUI3MMs1OP32heNU_h3GxrmaIiyIX2yJ81Qpq6/s2739/2023-01-13_05-39-39.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1826" data-original-width="2739" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2SHkJMGvq1JlY7yOarJUuJvd51Zsp4v86zEBZUqqh74JiIJQ4pxj35zCtdXWkwVVoNM4R1fmV83APxYYAqlk0VLBBlW3zLJxgcoxFtbNQzWjDKBP4xa4VUsB0LpBQThnkLkTUP3LQurh18X6KyNtUI3MMs1OP32heNU_h3GxrmaIiyIX2yJ81Qpq6/w400-h266/2023-01-13_05-39-39.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />It wasn't until the following year that I first saw a photo of the outside of the main building. I had just created an account on Reddit and was busy skimming through all of the posts on the exploring boards that referenced New Jersey. Someone had posted the outside and labeled it "abandoned boarding school New Jersey". Inside the comments the user had mentioned that the local kids would go up to the school and dare each other to sneak inside the empty buildings. They also mentioned it was somewhere near Peapack-Gladstone. It was definitely the thing that stood out the most to me from this bout of research. I spent hours looking for the building, to no avail. I didn't end up tracking it down until 2015.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAUwvakDAqjSUIROWssTKaK8jvdGZ3jFWQXKRL2ofZiYwQhy9nlCTd_EjJkOjrAn1rVFgmEL0VYCLgCtLMxeE9HyIuQ4kTzy_YWS7dDfvpCpbYhfjUkT1OuuZ34ypFh1BhOXkl1FWrTo6hhdKck1mVqj20fcFE8OcgP4Qri58jADO8lBt9h_nC5pVE/s4498/2023-01-13_05-40-27.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3002" data-original-width="4498" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAUwvakDAqjSUIROWssTKaK8jvdGZ3jFWQXKRL2ofZiYwQhy9nlCTd_EjJkOjrAn1rVFgmEL0VYCLgCtLMxeE9HyIuQ4kTzy_YWS7dDfvpCpbYhfjUkT1OuuZ34ypFh1BhOXkl1FWrTo6hhdKck1mVqj20fcFE8OcgP4Qri58jADO8lBt9h_nC5pVE/w400-h268/2023-01-13_05-40-27.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I was so happy to finally have found the place. I took the first opportunity I had to drive over to the place. I parked at the sports field and began to walk over. The property was quiet as I approached the structure. The first door I passed was just sitting ajar. I couldn't believe my luck! I popped inside, and was quickly met with the smell of Pine Sol and the sound of running fans. Lights were on in the basement, and I could hear the old steam system creaking and groaning. This building was absolutely not abandoned, but vacant. I wasn't very accustomed to being inside buildings like that before so I was quite nervous. I took my chances and bee lined it for the large, beautiful chapel I saw on the aerial view. I got a few photos quickly and left before anyone figured out I was there. I came back with some friends shortly afterwards take some time to see more of the place.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm1NXj9XZUxHkZo4DG7rBa0GzHJZmFf4KaNoy_8li-rpMp_EA1yp57qs_BUeTOmvV9XuQR8x1nnnAkprmMmDCvOJi81QmLjNceRskt2lTJ-bKysdxq3BkDw6LEahVCaiRM1hezbj6kQwhZag6WyxiyBqClhPeUreS1FINfkyRryQMcx9tYaDBy1daz/s2048/2023-01-13_05-41-30.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm1NXj9XZUxHkZo4DG7rBa0GzHJZmFf4KaNoy_8li-rpMp_EA1yp57qs_BUeTOmvV9XuQR8x1nnnAkprmMmDCvOJi81QmLjNceRskt2lTJ-bKysdxq3BkDw6LEahVCaiRM1hezbj6kQwhZag6WyxiyBqClhPeUreS1FINfkyRryQMcx9tYaDBy1daz/w400-h300/2023-01-13_05-41-30.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>The door I had left unlocked was shut again, but I was able to find another way in swiftly. We wandered around for a while, starting in the school and working our way through the mansion to the chapel. At one point we ended up in an office in the front of the building. I looked at the calendar and was shocked to see it was marked for the exact day we were there. We quickly realized this was the caretakers active office and we needed to leave immediately. Around this time a developer named Jeffery Toia came forward with a solid plan to reuse the building. As reported in the Observer - Tribune, "<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.newjerseyhills.com/observer-tribune/news/empty-mendham-township-estate-may-be-made-into-housing/article_0dc08f2b-74a3-5ff5-a9b1-742f8538f9d2.html" target="_blank">The master plan creates a sense of estate, Toia said. “The mansion and school buildings being the castle so to speak and the townhouses being the village framing the castle. The existing rock walls and open spaces can then capture a whole host of activities that make up daily life. Architecturally, the materials for the townhouses mimic the original mansion with stone, brick and batten board</a></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 16px;"><a href="https://www.newjerseyhills.com/observer-tribune/news/empty-mendham-township-estate-may-be-made-into-housing/article_0dc08f2b-74a3-5ff5-a9b1-742f8538f9d2.html" target="_blank">.</a>” </span>Unfortunately his plan was shot down by the township. I don't think they had any idea what a mistake that was going to end up being.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqCI7yBFZPQLnHQgI8GNLjSuc6AL73lgF1NVf9yt91EIKoi6dc0SXizMGARpIs-a80dREnpPjeHpub-75JdYcrHn62Ur6Pk1yN5XcXwOknx3CmopecjYQiWlRH9H_6_IpBb3fx71aX41FoT30zTJZ4cEUwTHtmcsd94aPTYKaATOI99nj44MrPpaSE/s4752/2023-01-13_08-31-02.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3168" data-original-width="4752" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqCI7yBFZPQLnHQgI8GNLjSuc6AL73lgF1NVf9yt91EIKoi6dc0SXizMGARpIs-a80dREnpPjeHpub-75JdYcrHn62Ur6Pk1yN5XcXwOknx3CmopecjYQiWlRH9H_6_IpBb3fx71aX41FoT30zTJZ4cEUwTHtmcsd94aPTYKaATOI99nj44MrPpaSE/w400-h266/2023-01-13_08-31-02.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>A few years later the place regrettably turned up on Instagram. After seeing several of the usual "urban tourists" going we decided to revisit again before it started to get ruined. I was pleasantly surprised to see everything more or less in place, with the exception of some antique hardware going missing. We took our photos and headed out, assuming we would be able to come back at some point. Unfortunately that wasn't the case. I had missed an article that had come out in 2021 acknowledging that the entire campus, including the mansion, was to be demolished. In September 2022 I saw it posted on Instagram by @lockjaw.ny with the caption "RIP" and bugged out. Before long I was back at the property to see for myself. I drove right up the driveway and parked amongst the workers on the land where the mansion once stood. I was extremely distressed. There was absolutely no reason the mansion had to be demolished. This is yet another example of developer K Hovnanian Homes destroying an irreplaceable part of New Jersey's history to serve their own greed. The new development, disgustingly called "the Enclave at Hillandale", is a cluster of tacky, soulless buildings constructed quick and cheap. Surely they won't last as long as the incredible mansion that once graced the same land. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFAjGUoAAlBZ8AfxfcC9EQqv3RBx71cxCG0By7F7uuEvTecKBGTLrjopmNdogc1CD1RTt8pImJzx_I7ky7bdWjQYnW7sNu7EHG45EBCap9ZDGeHKBxoXn3UTVUiBkmPqI3hKdJ-tDxMcM_mjPiHwu4mlcLNsw2XTSLWnXjiI62Ih_ADN07i0FHmIq9/s4470/2023-01-13_08-33-09.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4470" data-original-width="3065" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFAjGUoAAlBZ8AfxfcC9EQqv3RBx71cxCG0By7F7uuEvTecKBGTLrjopmNdogc1CD1RTt8pImJzx_I7ky7bdWjQYnW7sNu7EHG45EBCap9ZDGeHKBxoXn3UTVUiBkmPqI3hKdJ-tDxMcM_mjPiHwu4mlcLNsw2XTSLWnXjiI62Ih_ADN07i0FHmIq9/w274-h400/2023-01-13_08-33-09.jpg" width="274" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>EsseXploreRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670395370062998418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2883635662668234732.post-84993547407222668472023-01-11T10:13:00.051-08:002023-01-11T11:50:14.254-08:00St. Francis Health Resort and Convent<p>The land along Diamond Spring Road at the corner of Pocono sure looks a lot different now than it ever has in the past. What is now a sprawling modern senior care center started as a health resort all the way back in 1895. Thats when the Order of the Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother purchased 200 acres of land and began the St. Francis Health Retreat.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDF0lQWCM77WCgcT720JywfnDshVmL_Dfd92SWqLGHbLIkgmMg__eHiiEzARBxVABSRiTBOJ-HMpibHfkzNQP2T6AzRjI93RFTZtZkubzKdV1uYsGzrZTRjxqUUBiPL-l2yQUyetAACtjr1I99tZQJFmXftP15EUw7e9z4B1JA-Tw4oadRaqKfG4G5/s1024/DG_StFrancis_2-1024x683%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="616" data-original-width="1024" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDF0lQWCM77WCgcT720JywfnDshVmL_Dfd92SWqLGHbLIkgmMg__eHiiEzARBxVABSRiTBOJ-HMpibHfkzNQP2T6AzRjI93RFTZtZkubzKdV1uYsGzrZTRjxqUUBiPL-l2yQUyetAACtjr1I99tZQJFmXftP15EUw7e9z4B1JA-Tw4oadRaqKfG4G5/w400-h241/DG_StFrancis_2-1024x683%20(1).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://denvilleguide.com/9-facts-about-saint-francis-you-may-not-have-known/">Source</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p>At the time the health resort started there were only a few structures on the land. The most prominent was the Glover Mansion, which at the time was already 75 years old. The retreat was founded around a man named Father Joseph Joch who was administering the "Kneipp Water Cure". St Francis was the first place on the east coast to offer such treatment. Joch, who was born in Austria, and seven Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother traveled all the way from Wisconsin to establish the community in Denville.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix7Sn5lYG_pt1RRIevjpt0GEK4-CF1iXZ0DZApT7eVgozgzqzMB29ODtGCgcThs1i9FHMN0Y3y1veaakK8Bn_UF9f2BcbqovZcofk2AjdKE_8lZr4wUi9TYShhdAvzj8maWYNdePWl8EKz_KUli0LtmOd3He4JCpPKpfWahwp6bMehpTrAaOTGoqk-/s2805/20221202_073348.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2014" data-original-width="2805" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix7Sn5lYG_pt1RRIevjpt0GEK4-CF1iXZ0DZApT7eVgozgzqzMB29ODtGCgcThs1i9FHMN0Y3y1veaakK8Bn_UF9f2BcbqovZcofk2AjdKE_8lZr4wUi9TYShhdAvzj8maWYNdePWl8EKz_KUli0LtmOd3He4JCpPKpfWahwp6bMehpTrAaOTGoqk-/w400-h288/20221202_073348.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Denville was a very different town at the inception of the St Francis community. As a matter of fact, it wasn't even a town yet. It took until April of 1913 for the town to formally be incorporated. It is said by many long time residents of Denville that St. Francis was responsible for the town being founded in the first place. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhea3YlADAvAAJFHJ9bbiFTNtovv7LFQVwQdRZPgZgJ_yZyA2oER231H9I2CV0ReqRUN6G0_MpLH0-LGEQtWpztf8gbxej_yKezxEJ0aVbLbe2XkgeCVbaRhTP2x77rq07acET3tMuTTfnZHqqATHrVOa6RruJf0TZEGqALn8fWFc0XC39Tjl7oK44J/s4608/2023-01-11_01-18-03.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhea3YlADAvAAJFHJ9bbiFTNtovv7LFQVwQdRZPgZgJ_yZyA2oER231H9I2CV0ReqRUN6G0_MpLH0-LGEQtWpztf8gbxej_yKezxEJ0aVbLbe2XkgeCVbaRhTP2x77rq07acET3tMuTTfnZHqqATHrVOa6RruJf0TZEGqALn8fWFc0XC39Tjl7oK44J/w400-h225/2023-01-11_01-18-03.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>The community did a lot of farming on the land to sustain themselves. They even had their own boiler and steam system to heat the buildings during the harsh winter months.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTe5oeJ18qH4ypzS1HnX0-GVsWn918RS_mRitroVCjQQbT366TG5WCpFnJ6qCvdsctYvbSKCf6NiZncA1KPjMfOIsyel4FuAR4vpkhWoL5T997_S5K4Z0bIxxOQF5Fbz9H3ZNVNY6IgRNFInJzaXnX454yLChqe8RRTPlsMCZcoqor5EfkHxUZaRYi/s3744/20220901_124623.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3744" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTe5oeJ18qH4ypzS1HnX0-GVsWn918RS_mRitroVCjQQbT366TG5WCpFnJ6qCvdsctYvbSKCf6NiZncA1KPjMfOIsyel4FuAR4vpkhWoL5T997_S5K4Z0bIxxOQF5Fbz9H3ZNVNY6IgRNFInJzaXnX454yLChqe8RRTPlsMCZcoqor5EfkHxUZaRYi/w242-h400/20220901_124623.jpg" width="242" /></a></div><p>The retreat was extremely successful. By the middle of the century the facility was drawing A list celebrities such as Judy Garland, Charlie Chaplan and Frank Sinatra according to multiple online sources. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVytMuBlzF2IyXKoEOwq3CRfTWjveJHTksNMDP4Lt5n4-2846leJF9jG5uS8Q-l3Ioa2puv9tnP9MgJZi11Xfpar9LJhGmkiCs2-VoTSN3L00hDMGeaFdGVgXgXveGn47bmYGHHihiY3Ulh2-ul8tSi2EkID7ITolzslNIljiDOK9OQhij8QyxbnMy/s3019/20220904_134847.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3019" data-original-width="2218" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVytMuBlzF2IyXKoEOwq3CRfTWjveJHTksNMDP4Lt5n4-2846leJF9jG5uS8Q-l3Ioa2puv9tnP9MgJZi11Xfpar9LJhGmkiCs2-VoTSN3L00hDMGeaFdGVgXgXveGn47bmYGHHihiY3Ulh2-ul8tSi2EkID7ITolzslNIljiDOK9OQhij8QyxbnMy/w294-h400/20220904_134847.jpg" width="294" /></a></div><p>As time went on "water cures" were falling out of fashion, so around 1978 the health resort started to transition to senior care. I imagine it was around this time that much of the bland modernization work was done inside. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGAoOFtmSrfxb8ueueDJCmCrHL5m667k4f1AmP6BwOQD1m6Hn61z8EGqutjM64VUAuyxftHqm91zGyY6RcYbF6WjHszuCEjFehClm-HOKbggDTNBtpDQiIGDvjh_4_vUidWHXEy9-KZ5v_Y2o2Pw6voh80-tnJ4CTh1AYo5mGkmZnBt9DIS0JRsLvo/s4608/20220904_135537.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="2592" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGAoOFtmSrfxb8ueueDJCmCrHL5m667k4f1AmP6BwOQD1m6Hn61z8EGqutjM64VUAuyxftHqm91zGyY6RcYbF6WjHszuCEjFehClm-HOKbggDTNBtpDQiIGDvjh_4_vUidWHXEy9-KZ5v_Y2o2Pw6voh80-tnJ4CTh1AYo5mGkmZnBt9DIS0JRsLvo/w225-h400/20220904_135537.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><p>The distinct interior of the Glover Mansion was almost entirely covered over or demolished during this time. In the early 1980's a new wing was added between Pocono Road and the chapel. This was the last large scale construction project the campus ever saw. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5JLueMRct9S7jRfNg1lEcW_1ViVBiG0YOPRJ2CfoAHJVI-bz24ubFo7H-a82fJqKUEyVTaovQUi-S-wajdKKU4GJc-UucLtJ1jwQzcRY54emcjVvi24GOoiloxqruZftY5aD4qoDdbh2Iw5HhezqED9rBPdjIZ9igvA1tWjpjY9OP5ZedHb7It3nc/s3924/20220904_134321.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="3924" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5JLueMRct9S7jRfNg1lEcW_1ViVBiG0YOPRJ2CfoAHJVI-bz24ubFo7H-a82fJqKUEyVTaovQUi-S-wajdKKU4GJc-UucLtJ1jwQzcRY54emcjVvi24GOoiloxqruZftY5aD4qoDdbh2Iw5HhezqED9rBPdjIZ9igvA1tWjpjY9OP5ZedHb7It3nc/w400-h231/20220904_134321.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Despite no longer offering resort services St. Francis was still a critical fixture for the town. I first remember hearing about the facility from the Hometown Tales podcast, where it was mentioned several times. One of the hosts served on the town council in Denville, and spoke fondly of the complex and the fundraising events they were holding at the time. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMcMPyMTpVbSZGgBlDLPKbzIwWUwGs4CVDG932fN_k9bvsJk0ZCk6BtwvNlemV2DnPKJxJjEHhhawd8xFmU-ixqMq9FhfhYGmGNbD_JdHsz0AhPZTrWIK8arOYovfqcRMP0uSWhMm7SQnHtEu6V2uD63GvvvpIbWDOo8VVWJMRN2iyxGaEqR0gA7Gc/s4437/20220904_134737.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4437" data-original-width="2592" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMcMPyMTpVbSZGgBlDLPKbzIwWUwGs4CVDG932fN_k9bvsJk0ZCk6BtwvNlemV2DnPKJxJjEHhhawd8xFmU-ixqMq9FhfhYGmGNbD_JdHsz0AhPZTrWIK8arOYovfqcRMP0uSWhMm7SQnHtEu6V2uD63GvvvpIbWDOo8VVWJMRN2iyxGaEqR0gA7Gc/w234-h400/20220904_134737.jpg" width="234" /></a></div><p>Residents were shocked in June of 2021 when news broke that the facility was sold and set to close. A month later the sisters announced they were transferring the facility to a senior care company called Springpoint. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijOu2Hs8tuUCcxVOBFoRrx1Cn44AundByqBTwA8sHeI0_IPsa4z6-JCDDUp6nPiaUZ9x1OEK_tcMwtL5CMqtsMTZsbKkul1UgSDD-OK2kqtLamxLz48sDGmEyv3N_xPXFxYzBfebMvXAnRN5cUNAXqmGLcMvmgiY4tSAWRjQfvAc_Zm0RWGcfHzjH7/s4608/2022-12-18_05-45-56.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="2592" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijOu2Hs8tuUCcxVOBFoRrx1Cn44AundByqBTwA8sHeI0_IPsa4z6-JCDDUp6nPiaUZ9x1OEK_tcMwtL5CMqtsMTZsbKkul1UgSDD-OK2kqtLamxLz48sDGmEyv3N_xPXFxYzBfebMvXAnRN5cUNAXqmGLcMvmgiY4tSAWRjQfvAc_Zm0RWGcfHzjH7/w225-h400/2022-12-18_05-45-56.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br />At first the new owners claimed there were no firm plans for the campus. Locals scrambled to try and get the buildings landmarked in an effort to protect them from development. Unfortunately plans for a total demolition of the complex and construction of a new facility were announced shortly afterwards. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGM1sUsWEgaOdw9uikHXNBA9gVRoTMkWEUv9UQ1EOe5r4q-c0FAnFKdt1KRvR2E2R8w58fcY4u3juZysggbqqtCbwPI7j4ZBmYDXJ3k_7RTFGdo10shoP_OHscykWd9wofOn25CwsHG7dHllb22ojMjPsDMnBxDV1P2Qib-NybPdbS9CxeLcf4tH_L/s3846/20220904_140421.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2170" data-original-width="3846" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGM1sUsWEgaOdw9uikHXNBA9gVRoTMkWEUv9UQ1EOe5r4q-c0FAnFKdt1KRvR2E2R8w58fcY4u3juZysggbqqtCbwPI7j4ZBmYDXJ3k_7RTFGdo10shoP_OHscykWd9wofOn25CwsHG7dHllb22ojMjPsDMnBxDV1P2Qib-NybPdbS9CxeLcf4tH_L/w400-h226/20220904_140421.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Following the announcement, the movie "the Home" was filmed inside the buildings. The plot depicts a fictionalized St Francis as a horrible, sinister place full of secrets. It's really regrettable that this is how so many people are going to learn of the place, which offered so much to so many for so long. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfNcZQCHTBcB1EFE1iLwnHm11OBUE-K0NQl_Snph93jzfdrt0NV-YB1HZf8yT7t64Bq14hYPR2_u8M27Qm6CdJUzjLh172o6054681-v1up1EzuDTxoafTIlvIHCvioFq1jOvb2LT21ZAYsrYqzR48-7WXn94kgsUMDdcmf5nZYIH9bTobaYdTWhd0/s4096/20220904_134653.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4096" data-original-width="2592" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfNcZQCHTBcB1EFE1iLwnHm11OBUE-K0NQl_Snph93jzfdrt0NV-YB1HZf8yT7t64Bq14hYPR2_u8M27Qm6CdJUzjLh172o6054681-v1up1EzuDTxoafTIlvIHCvioFq1jOvb2LT21ZAYsrYqzR48-7WXn94kgsUMDdcmf5nZYIH9bTobaYdTWhd0/w254-h400/20220904_134653.jpg" width="254" /></a></div><p>I found out about the complex's uncertain future right after the movie wrapped up. The following morning I got up early, grabbed my camera, and headed out the door. It was an exceptionally quiet and peaceful morning. I felt a great sense of calm as I walked the path off the road towards the gorgeous chapel. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmOwlcMm89U0tIB0CByqnhtFzfdDZPjXVPP4olXUQJeivgd8uRMcCTU3JqisyXaChIAOh4Z1_du_rXqRYXnnpoL2sksEzm1VBokwYBhRvYu8qDMm9dx17EE0D3f9luAosRagTwGXCCK_1JKaWmTVm_qmapnEcb4KjGrAbQETZ9oaay6iLiruxuA2g7/s4032/2023-01-11_01-18-42.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmOwlcMm89U0tIB0CByqnhtFzfdDZPjXVPP4olXUQJeivgd8uRMcCTU3JqisyXaChIAOh4Z1_du_rXqRYXnnpoL2sksEzm1VBokwYBhRvYu8qDMm9dx17EE0D3f9luAosRagTwGXCCK_1JKaWmTVm_qmapnEcb4KjGrAbQETZ9oaay6iLiruxuA2g7/w225-h400/2023-01-11_01-18-42.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><p>Sure enough I was able to slip inside quickly. It was really eerie wandering around alone inside the building. It had been used so recently, and was so full of stuff it really felt like I could come around the corner to an angry nun any moment. Fortunately, that wasn't the case.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbqePKIdXiNlvGPypnRubUR54ofrTrtSKxFI6l6ZvUY22Y-Q5DwUMT0ZBbYkCaAmtPURvo-oU0UHR9xlcUriZoNhU81NbTzMj3Dbxc2rM--IzjMYlC3KqisWgj0dHonaiozNi6N7Fu642Y9XctgD8SsbpK2gcPmGRuDdGM62k8eENPnmty3CQUC2yH/s400/nj_zz_07319.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="400" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbqePKIdXiNlvGPypnRubUR54ofrTrtSKxFI6l6ZvUY22Y-Q5DwUMT0ZBbYkCaAmtPURvo-oU0UHR9xlcUriZoNhU81NbTzMj3Dbxc2rM--IzjMYlC3KqisWgj0dHonaiozNi6N7Fu642Y9XctgD8SsbpK2gcPmGRuDdGM62k8eENPnmty3CQUC2yH/w400-h250/nj_zz_07319.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://www.oldpostcards.com/uspostcards/new-jersey/denville-nj_zz_07319-chapel-st-francis-health-resort.html" target="_blank">Source</a><br /><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8D9_sa7QRM5z-J7lWX1UClB_oCaYRBzzUDWIz9fJSfwnCYczuXUqHYOKf_2JNf1sHgXWSKF8Ut3OZOJ2Y2e2jzvtxuoM1d0dskrYXObivKG76VBwAvdEWdOxtfy-Cb6HNv11KnvKKTKZawbitNxaZy_dssvhICg2HXziKVXfH7elhB0Ycz5KnhGtQ/s3996/2022-12-18_05-47-04.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3996" data-original-width="2592" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8D9_sa7QRM5z-J7lWX1UClB_oCaYRBzzUDWIz9fJSfwnCYczuXUqHYOKf_2JNf1sHgXWSKF8Ut3OZOJ2Y2e2jzvtxuoM1d0dskrYXObivKG76VBwAvdEWdOxtfy-Cb6HNv11KnvKKTKZawbitNxaZy_dssvhICg2HXziKVXfH7elhB0Ycz5KnhGtQ/w260-h400/2022-12-18_05-47-04.jpg" width="260" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBU5P4F9GOt5SADvOj6JgQq3f3IXBk8xF42aJfcn1SfOIPmUYi626aa1oR0CFEnhjwiChfTrGVh1n74yxuyIttSFVER9z88SereXYKMc9PfBzXWzW1q_UIuOWE4B1jRZ4GZDz1q3O37sfJEKlC8AGaY_HZmIekRNg5s9ZYfe2U5RNHz7-wUlreuYKA/s3451/20220904_135408.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3451" data-original-width="2589" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBU5P4F9GOt5SADvOj6JgQq3f3IXBk8xF42aJfcn1SfOIPmUYi626aa1oR0CFEnhjwiChfTrGVh1n74yxuyIttSFVER9z88SereXYKMc9PfBzXWzW1q_UIuOWE4B1jRZ4GZDz1q3O37sfJEKlC8AGaY_HZmIekRNg5s9ZYfe2U5RNHz7-wUlreuYKA/w300-h400/20220904_135408.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p>I was fortunate enough to be able to visit the buildings several times. I did have to dodge demolition workers who were inside removing stuff and prepping the building, but the old creaky floors gave me plenty of time to move when I heard anyone coming near. Sure enough the buildings started coming down in 2022. They started with the wing of the convent that still held the 200 year old Grover Mansion, advancing towards the chapel which was the next victim. The 1980s wing and boiler house went next, followed finally by the resort building. The whole complex was decimated in a matter of months.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxcZht5xLjm8_c4T7tTRkJdC0XTToITXZBwU59Ugb0u3Thw308Itfvdp7iLvLiUU9ia5YbJ9D9sZHDDJEOlfgYRPyKUTMwRDcDaRoMDZnDUrrwFWQJm-KyV2Im-asssXuEhi_JhIhFyQEXlU-KdV9OQVf1Y7JfD5SKetCN9Hj3h0AAuiINADe8yTvV/s4495/20221202_073508.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4495" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxcZht5xLjm8_c4T7tTRkJdC0XTToITXZBwU59Ugb0u3Thw308Itfvdp7iLvLiUU9ia5YbJ9D9sZHDDJEOlfgYRPyKUTMwRDcDaRoMDZnDUrrwFWQJm-KyV2Im-asssXuEhi_JhIhFyQEXlU-KdV9OQVf1Y7JfD5SKetCN9Hj3h0AAuiINADe8yTvV/w400-h231/20221202_073508.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAXfsl4Zmz5O1jNWTeZ6kE4JBHrDBCo_qUCbqzWwXG62DMIEkfCAoGXbsAFSQCTFE2rYsCCqoQhT2tPKG1oUhnk4DZ9YV7OAN8NVoMdSwsvN1MDRZvz7UhU7s1d3oVCeE0vXvIEoLJc11mo7JxHICd8GojUVpBz4YEHi-NbF44L62BRqnOotXZ26Qr/s3482/20221202_073941.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3482" data-original-width="2399" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAXfsl4Zmz5O1jNWTeZ6kE4JBHrDBCo_qUCbqzWwXG62DMIEkfCAoGXbsAFSQCTFE2rYsCCqoQhT2tPKG1oUhnk4DZ9YV7OAN8NVoMdSwsvN1MDRZvz7UhU7s1d3oVCeE0vXvIEoLJc11mo7JxHICd8GojUVpBz4YEHi-NbF44L62BRqnOotXZ26Qr/w275-h400/20221202_073941.jpg" width="275" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitO4h1jGn6u7cTuftXOekh0JVJMH2bK4X-twKDrq1nicDyU2Fn5ENqTkazZ_LvLGnvOEtosIzSrHFsuD_FXrYg-NJQiCAMsqhQxiHOJKhxdkSsqJn8Lwq92M80-InXLpisWo2UGxHX_acipZv7f034gg6OljAc6YXkjR9CROGxA_otdZM-YKMT5k0Y/s3984/20221202_073618.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="3984" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitO4h1jGn6u7cTuftXOekh0JVJMH2bK4X-twKDrq1nicDyU2Fn5ENqTkazZ_LvLGnvOEtosIzSrHFsuD_FXrYg-NJQiCAMsqhQxiHOJKhxdkSsqJn8Lwq92M80-InXLpisWo2UGxHX_acipZv7f034gg6OljAc6YXkjR9CROGxA_otdZM-YKMT5k0Y/w400-h228/20221202_073618.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>Shortly after demolition wrapped up the town released a powerful statement over the loss of the complex. They claimed they were sincerely distressed over the loss of the facility, which was such an important fixture in town. Every effort was made to land on another solution on the town's part, but the new owners wouldn't budge. Since the campus was not on any local or national register they couldn't even slow down the process. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcPGtM6F0jqcPFJ_AsIDnjGjeJtitMvqseBDcAZ0FHGbxhcbyNirVgyFG71YCrrc42KZhyiouHxboMy8a-vmBoim8y49dfIU7dypL6gtuhmZsnNX9bk3NyfSgkRkp2lPZ_X2hcIP20GBekckmqhSbSQty6FIF-hMN72INBUYSoyqd0N-lVsje5duXS/s4032/20220904_135038.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcPGtM6F0jqcPFJ_AsIDnjGjeJtitMvqseBDcAZ0FHGbxhcbyNirVgyFG71YCrrc42KZhyiouHxboMy8a-vmBoim8y49dfIU7dypL6gtuhmZsnNX9bk3NyfSgkRkp2lPZ_X2hcIP20GBekckmqhSbSQty6FIF-hMN72INBUYSoyqd0N-lVsje5duXS/w225-h400/20220904_135038.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><p>The loss of the St. Francis Health Resort should serve as a wake up call to all of us that absolutely nothing is safe from greed. Even if you can't imagine any circumstance where a building would ever be lost, start second guessing yourself. The most important thing we can do right now is make an effort to start getting more and more of our local historic sites listed on the state and national register. At this point, it's either landmark or landfill.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih-FfMLEfXS0xxN0P6kfuJ_DJAzeO_Cx5cLz_2qBL3c6_70MCRtd3BMjCPrKIifsJqgzyM2J1gBL3ThXgMneJJhekyunXYy2jYfs3Jd3DDjT4wyrJlJ8DLfXKz4IW-WbpYQUsMt-fVaaXUbKGwxljGU8O9ubhuFxap6r4xpmf9rNQSmvgyBJnF1pTB/s4032/2022-12-18_05-46-33.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih-FfMLEfXS0xxN0P6kfuJ_DJAzeO_Cx5cLz_2qBL3c6_70MCRtd3BMjCPrKIifsJqgzyM2J1gBL3ThXgMneJJhekyunXYy2jYfs3Jd3DDjT4wyrJlJ8DLfXKz4IW-WbpYQUsMt-fVaaXUbKGwxljGU8O9ubhuFxap6r4xpmf9rNQSmvgyBJnF1pTB/w400-h225/2022-12-18_05-46-33.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>EsseXploreRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670395370062998418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2883635662668234732.post-88432793404287940042022-12-19T15:01:00.000-08:002022-12-19T15:01:44.992-08:00Elizabeth Edwards SchoolThis old brick building which once stood along Route 9 in Barnegat originally served as the town's first high school. Many locals will remember passing the structure, which opened in 1931. <div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB5WaAhzr-9IwcvUgAqymIt403UOfoft1lHcDGRtTe1e-9R-Tef-qUElbiuPuh-SQ9Qm6OpScnw4LUt20ZCu1BbIsinPmTn7__UuFrs6P_pXCNTcQudxKZ-MIXBbv-6lUABGX_1bEUl6NMf4kf3K9h_K5sZ2ekOxGBWnRhwvyiU78MU1SzvIo4SX5O/s4608/2022-12-19_01-44-04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB5WaAhzr-9IwcvUgAqymIt403UOfoft1lHcDGRtTe1e-9R-Tef-qUElbiuPuh-SQ9Qm6OpScnw4LUt20ZCu1BbIsinPmTn7__UuFrs6P_pXCNTcQudxKZ-MIXBbv-6lUABGX_1bEUl6NMf4kf3K9h_K5sZ2ekOxGBWnRhwvyiU78MU1SzvIo4SX5O/w400-h225/2022-12-19_01-44-04.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div> By 1957 the Barnegat Regional High School opened, rendering the original building obsolete. However it wasn't long before the structure reopened as an elementary school. The new school was renamed in honor of Elizabeth Edwards, who was a beloved local educator. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFBPbP5L9u44TP0z1jyXoNeSOLLEvAEC-HbrMP853AQlRLNC4zraXp8WDpurRMiFtVlvOG6x1YXhTGxiaZ8-VoFaLZKJQ1NU8ZRh6qTJBTJrPZ8DKYUwcm5J5EbFON7FAaJB82Wya7X_g4Se_sUdbX99MzuiAyKousK1aPd0q3Ucw16wlHHYHgEPAH/s4032/2022-12-19_01-46-58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFBPbP5L9u44TP0z1jyXoNeSOLLEvAEC-HbrMP853AQlRLNC4zraXp8WDpurRMiFtVlvOG6x1YXhTGxiaZ8-VoFaLZKJQ1NU8ZRh6qTJBTJrPZ8DKYUwcm5J5EbFON7FAaJB82Wya7X_g4Se_sUdbX99MzuiAyKousK1aPd0q3Ucw16wlHHYHgEPAH/w400-h225/2022-12-19_01-46-58.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div> The Elizabeth Edwards School lasted for 47 years, but as the newest iteration of Barnaget High opened it fell out of use once again. The building continued to be used by the town for various administrative purposes. A theater group also used the old auditorium. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSJdbi43NzyswxXAuHQcrh_krsQvPp8bqeDRvusEdIVctxCYlB-pK_lMNYVXIQT3j6U3xprIPcqXSrl5xh21MH6-Sny3q7cwj4_2zla0-tttY4fF33GEpXy1JgU9uMLqQ0Zpg9MTnq7rsJiIlgZHxhIfkRPVHc3mnoJsEO2cRJKw_qJluoK44NEesC/s6000/2022-12-19_01-47-39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSJdbi43NzyswxXAuHQcrh_krsQvPp8bqeDRvusEdIVctxCYlB-pK_lMNYVXIQT3j6U3xprIPcqXSrl5xh21MH6-Sny3q7cwj4_2zla0-tttY4fF33GEpXy1JgU9uMLqQ0Zpg9MTnq7rsJiIlgZHxhIfkRPVHc3mnoJsEO2cRJKw_qJluoK44NEesC/w400-h266/2022-12-19_01-47-39.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>One day the town decided to cut the utilities, rendering the building entirely uninhabitable.
The school achieved momentary fame once again when it appeared on an episode of Ghost Hunters (S.9 Ep.24) in 2014. The team concluded that the school was indeed haunted by their standards. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6O9ETNvZrFCIixQnmxQSUNNG2Gl-WE9AG7lpMmRXbLKsvTl54z4uuNu-gBf8yIOG33AopNBsz7AcBR2SgyFjyUctQ8CO-RIKz3lE7vYpv3h7ZGh7VeDmTobZVHAa6a8knmHvi_VSSJBRvglfBIXUzotg3kWPAuitwIPIJpBnJFAfHktcsMBhc4PIY/s4032/2022-12-19_01-52-49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6O9ETNvZrFCIixQnmxQSUNNG2Gl-WE9AG7lpMmRXbLKsvTl54z4uuNu-gBf8yIOG33AopNBsz7AcBR2SgyFjyUctQ8CO-RIKz3lE7vYpv3h7ZGh7VeDmTobZVHAa6a8knmHvi_VSSJBRvglfBIXUzotg3kWPAuitwIPIJpBnJFAfHktcsMBhc4PIY/w225-h400/2022-12-19_01-52-49.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Nearly 20 years after the last class was held inside the school, the town announced the building would be demolished. They determined the building was too far gone to save and that the long vacant building was a hazard. After several items of historical significance were salvaged from the building, the structure was cleared out and demolished in 2022.
I had been trying since around 2016 to get inside the old school. It was in sort of a tricky area though, which limited the amount of mornings I could dedicate to trying to sneak in.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqzoj84xLMdsqexMuhQVqDq2LD-I1fIkH7XqhzQC3bDm-qZ7WIIKOfbkpYuMwl5UoisbtU2m5-V1AgE5tK_RyV4o7SDwYbJDN3pqEpItvJbz5DxDoy7f7ySsqco9G_jyXtALyAWhT0pc8Fb06V2sxP8dh8rJD-S02Ces1eefCKKpo2D1RAbLi3OZaF/s4032/2022-12-19_01-53-43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqzoj84xLMdsqexMuhQVqDq2LD-I1fIkH7XqhzQC3bDm-qZ7WIIKOfbkpYuMwl5UoisbtU2m5-V1AgE5tK_RyV4o7SDwYbJDN3pqEpItvJbz5DxDoy7f7ySsqco9G_jyXtALyAWhT0pc8Fb06V2sxP8dh8rJD-S02Ces1eefCKKpo2D1RAbLi3OZaF/s320/2022-12-19_01-53-43.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>When the news of demolition was first mentioned I put it on the top of my to do list.
After getting up early one morning my partner and I ventured over to the school before daybreak. She hung out in the car while I made a desperate final attempt to find a way in. Under the cover of darkness I made my way up to the front of the building. I knew all the back entrances were well sealed, so my only hope was that I could get a window open. Fortunately it didn't take long for me to find one. <span style="text-align: center;"> </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEyveZYxDnf3rJ7_hiSNQ3tK_nK-TdzGrfhndBONl7Z62zc6uySlM1HultH7L-_J_NJdPXNL6FoDdtQZ6BIjOhLMog-dQIxn6f2XftRXi-WnF26lZMbfHbMkDAPx-hk7px2v4tm4yvE8o0CKVVCCTJJkETlLCcrDw7IUp5GZkAREZUKnTOfUCq82Q5/s4032/2022-12-19_01-55-04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEyveZYxDnf3rJ7_hiSNQ3tK_nK-TdzGrfhndBONl7Z62zc6uySlM1HultH7L-_J_NJdPXNL6FoDdtQZ6BIjOhLMog-dQIxn6f2XftRXi-WnF26lZMbfHbMkDAPx-hk7px2v4tm4yvE8o0CKVVCCTJJkETlLCcrDw7IUp5GZkAREZUKnTOfUCq82Q5/w225-h400/2022-12-19_01-55-04.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I popped inside and walked over to the doors to see if I could get them unlocked. Sure enough it worked, so I ventured back over to my car to get my camera gear and my partner.
After timing our moves to avoid the gaze of the early morning elderly speed walkers, we slid back in through the front doors like so many students had over the decades. We were fortunate enough to be able to spend a good amount of time inside, making sure to appreciate the details of each room. The most impressive space in the building was definitely the auditorium, but the whole structure was filled with relics of the past.
I'm grateful we were able to get inside the building before anything was removed. The school didn't last much longer.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSAGg7zIwI9pSQobwxZ3UDCLQSlP9UC9VHYrbwj-Asae2onRuxmgdAWNNTy9Ch5KL5UNZMtj66bmvfzkkBEMwIgqXOo_qXzoU-auuu3cIDnRTCB84ztbXNWSmIQuCBBYsygHLAcx3tY5x77giAcma604yJnFcxojK24u_pARKADC11vxwRQbTctlBe/s4608/2022-12-19_02-04-36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="2592" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSAGg7zIwI9pSQobwxZ3UDCLQSlP9UC9VHYrbwj-Asae2onRuxmgdAWNNTy9Ch5KL5UNZMtj66bmvfzkkBEMwIgqXOo_qXzoU-auuu3cIDnRTCB84ztbXNWSmIQuCBBYsygHLAcx3tY5x77giAcma604yJnFcxojK24u_pARKADC11vxwRQbTctlBe/s320/2022-12-19_02-04-36.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I'm sure people will continue to tell stories of the structure for years to come though. School buildings generally hold a special significance in the hearts of those who used to attend classes inside them. It's part of what makes them one of my favorite structures to document and write about. Unfortunately when I do it generally means they've been demolished, but at least the photos will be around long after the buildings.</div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijbRsu_Nps9HyGS7RTWV8vilVY11fHwHmeLMCwmDKMZ1YGfc-TKZMjYfICo7e_0Gmh96-lxFO85gctl_aYuiNfpKjmhDy8QHQ-YAbxfUNwQN1JF_s7nT-I0qxamUwrDZOOTMxWAS7fK9uDqnWrf7lNIFM1wo9MYSs2_QaiNpd7i4PMYhtRUHt-jRdy/s4032/2022-12-19_02-09-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijbRsu_Nps9HyGS7RTWV8vilVY11fHwHmeLMCwmDKMZ1YGfc-TKZMjYfICo7e_0Gmh96-lxFO85gctl_aYuiNfpKjmhDy8QHQ-YAbxfUNwQN1JF_s7nT-I0qxamUwrDZOOTMxWAS7fK9uDqnWrf7lNIFM1wo9MYSs2_QaiNpd7i4PMYhtRUHt-jRdy/w225-h400/2022-12-19_02-09-12.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br />EsseXploreRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670395370062998418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2883635662668234732.post-2271750020677511612022-08-03T13:24:00.003-07:002023-03-09T09:17:57.740-08:00689 River Drive689 River Drive was a historic old farmhouse in Elmwood Park.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8BDW7sp-DKlptVOwH-ZI8DD5iSYpGQUhFZv71TXY9i4NjnQPemco8HPM-ptOhHpAyfmScA4fGXRlHhUyYv_Dx0rZGD4Yv3zXe12CQIGLwxnYU7KvMDQcQFRnid9lISn7KV7RNptm83A0/s1600/20200307_202803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1368" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8BDW7sp-DKlptVOwH-ZI8DD5iSYpGQUhFZv71TXY9i4NjnQPemco8HPM-ptOhHpAyfmScA4fGXRlHhUyYv_Dx0rZGD4Yv3zXe12CQIGLwxnYU7KvMDQcQFRnid9lISn7KV7RNptm83A0/s400/20200307_202803.jpg" width="341" /></a></div>
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The home was built in 1900, with two additions added making the home 4340 sq. ft. total. The property functioned as a farm, as did the adjascent property. Both homes had large greenhouses and barns behind them.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOdY3dG8hypKHrw9txUZYcLCnIsjKEWBx5R6Pit_Hi86II2CKl38Z4bJr9nWnNLriFUpaD0fsPg-KuS0IkWKRKrTE41mtJ8-xkEjotLhMH_d4DN5fVmHOyCcvQnQDWMOvnsb-1Zzt0YaA/s1600/20200307_202953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1175" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOdY3dG8hypKHrw9txUZYcLCnIsjKEWBx5R6Pit_Hi86II2CKl38Z4bJr9nWnNLriFUpaD0fsPg-KuS0IkWKRKrTE41mtJ8-xkEjotLhMH_d4DN5fVmHOyCcvQnQDWMOvnsb-1Zzt0YaA/s400/20200307_202953.jpg" width="292" /></a></div>
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By 1954 the farms were being surrounded by houses. Homestead Rd was cleared and developed, leaving little space around the greenhouses.<br />
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The farm at 689 ceased operations and the greenhouses were demolished in the 1970s.<br />
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In the mid 1980s the home and neighboring farm were sold to be redeveloped into offices. The farm was demolished, but 689 was untouched aside from the demolition of a large barn that used to sit behind the house.<br />
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The property was sold in 2009 for $985,000 and sat completely abandoned until 2022 when the trees around the home were removed and the house was demolished. <br />
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EsseXploreRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670395370062998418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2883635662668234732.post-51211162941442265502022-06-10T07:43:00.002-07:002022-06-10T07:43:17.141-07:00"The Trees" Home<p>It's hard to imagine how New Jersey looked in 1775. That is the year the story of "The Trees" begins.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3qPHa4_lByBTXR2X5NwuI-SkVL8Es0gIAnc5CBWH7U9-yJ_YfoPZl0aLLuTW_bN2ON0KsOOV_MZDA3dFUbU3UT42SIAxZQWIo0wi_1Rp0LjMsX0DN81CRfVYrPoUjGgSDBYtfX4zsRzplOhuzylnPXuQ4PIGU6YlNzCJrlJFBwG1xdGq14Q6RPDH8/s2048/2022-06-10_09-59-24.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3qPHa4_lByBTXR2X5NwuI-SkVL8Es0gIAnc5CBWH7U9-yJ_YfoPZl0aLLuTW_bN2ON0KsOOV_MZDA3dFUbU3UT42SIAxZQWIo0wi_1Rp0LjMsX0DN81CRfVYrPoUjGgSDBYtfX4zsRzplOhuzylnPXuQ4PIGU6YlNzCJrlJFBwG1xdGq14Q6RPDH8/w400-h266/2022-06-10_09-59-24.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>What began as just a humble farmhouse would go on to be one of the most elegant homes in the region when Edward Cone and his family left NYC for the wide open spaces of a town once known as Houghtenville.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxXtZsZ_rGSt2O3IjaNrt7Hl3WnWRXEj-9-ma5j7YVgo8umcy4K9Z5CmTslc9POMo8NM00roZgSJ0UuJ-w0SBik_294j3Ef46ZzncQZRfQjsJ9IedSB-cfdUPsxhiTk7DS7iA2gqRpgu1ic2MGqVV9cqVrcHho4VfYC14H99FW6xyjtjb0-HFbWbru/s2048/2022-06-10_10-38-54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxXtZsZ_rGSt2O3IjaNrt7Hl3WnWRXEj-9-ma5j7YVgo8umcy4K9Z5CmTslc9POMo8NM00roZgSJ0UuJ-w0SBik_294j3Ef46ZzncQZRfQjsJ9IedSB-cfdUPsxhiTk7DS7iA2gqRpgu1ic2MGqVV9cqVrcHho4VfYC14H99FW6xyjtjb0-HFbWbru/w266-h400/2022-06-10_10-38-54.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><p>Cone began developing the area along with two other prominent former NYC businessmen. They built a golf course complete with its own clubhouse and several modest dwellings, telling all their old NYC associates about their new colony.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr7qpo_swf0Z1KQN-l6Ifcuagc76ZznLAJCf5bTVCx2SC_uzU3E0CFoZY8u0qyLTzqUPspeBD91TTGLO5k8WeOWF7ZekxIl0IX9hXATy04JHzUUuiM9Y4EccOMOH1MDkWGsOrvR50Lu5wdJvCiqLIwnESTZcz6jfnFFd3REYqYFJKwlxj1NOzm1Je_/s2048/2022-06-10_09-59-28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1418" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr7qpo_swf0Z1KQN-l6Ifcuagc76ZznLAJCf5bTVCx2SC_uzU3E0CFoZY8u0qyLTzqUPspeBD91TTGLO5k8WeOWF7ZekxIl0IX9hXATy04JHzUUuiM9Y4EccOMOH1MDkWGsOrvR50Lu5wdJvCiqLIwnESTZcz6jfnFFd3REYqYFJKwlxj1NOzm1Je_/w278-h400/2022-06-10_09-59-28.jpg" width="278" /></a></div><p>The group of men would go on to petition the name of the town be changed to Colonia, and in 1897 that request was granted. Local legend has it the idea to rename the boro Colonia was made in this very house. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEMdejYQ8Ihg7_Cbev7pUn9D1q6fE1gsl0MyOaB95E_-2DnSMhLPQGuQJs1WLBg1hTQvdVM6mCp1XrLBif92yjE7qy1koObj8K9E411YEckwEmHTDkShHsrE6zemTNER2omcet5w6lkG-sPgdcBNMueaCIYvoFBYCe2L_Rg4tVMA3EY__tAM3FA6VM/s2048/2022-06-10_09-59-33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1366" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEMdejYQ8Ihg7_Cbev7pUn9D1q6fE1gsl0MyOaB95E_-2DnSMhLPQGuQJs1WLBg1hTQvdVM6mCp1XrLBif92yjE7qy1koObj8K9E411YEckwEmHTDkShHsrE6zemTNER2omcet5w6lkG-sPgdcBNMueaCIYvoFBYCe2L_Rg4tVMA3EY__tAM3FA6VM/w266-h400/2022-06-10_09-59-33.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><p>By 2014 the home was vacant, and the new owners of the property had applied to subdivide their property, with the intent of demolishing the historic home. Despite explicit opposition from over 1000 concerned citizens, the subdivision was granted.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKi1rTNvwrU4Cq-TQi-_u5ifFqePzi_i-AQNS-ZL9dh8kBJhzhY2GhVIUk5kAaS8rk0VH_b4qwMwSIDxaZf33Irg1PeqZBUTZwKOy6pcOBAGKGdBaeBaEM30_5eozzy2yk8T39vJaGmBWdqev0nMvCWZrvSzguNG3RNyvQptEP_9iu7nfDY0wbX-H8/s2048/2022-06-10_09-59-39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1368" data-original-width="2048" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKi1rTNvwrU4Cq-TQi-_u5ifFqePzi_i-AQNS-ZL9dh8kBJhzhY2GhVIUk5kAaS8rk0VH_b4qwMwSIDxaZf33Irg1PeqZBUTZwKOy6pcOBAGKGdBaeBaEM30_5eozzy2yk8T39vJaGmBWdqev0nMvCWZrvSzguNG3RNyvQptEP_9iu7nfDY0wbX-H8/w400-h268/2022-06-10_09-59-39.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>The home wasn't demolished right away however. The owner, knowing it was a valuable historic property, left it vacant with utilities shut off for nearly a decade. This, often in conjunction with intentionally leaving open doors and windows, allows animals, water, and vandals to get into the structure. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo_MmxkiJIuCSN7swjQM2JAdUMPOhvk0zIOXE2rOL3gFmuHabWPT4c1UE7gdxvxHyA1HFl4XDmjZGTpTDSrXA1mgc72ej4HkNPSlcEr15pP9qvGXrITUMLGTVFnvaPRTZ9-R2nb28G7MTUOMritEfcfrZIEbX3ZPizz_c1Jx4WhE2yMSpaJHHeQHjb/s2048/2022-06-10_09-59-55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1367" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo_MmxkiJIuCSN7swjQM2JAdUMPOhvk0zIOXE2rOL3gFmuHabWPT4c1UE7gdxvxHyA1HFl4XDmjZGTpTDSrXA1mgc72ej4HkNPSlcEr15pP9qvGXrITUMLGTVFnvaPRTZ9-R2nb28G7MTUOMritEfcfrZIEbX3ZPizz_c1Jx4WhE2yMSpaJHHeQHjb/w268-h400/2022-06-10_09-59-55.jpg" width="268" /></a></div><p>These intrusions often accelerate the decay of a building, all but ensuring the owner can eventually claim the property is a burden and cannot remain standing. It happens so often preservationists have even coined the term "demolition by neglect" to describe the phenomenon.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiId5FhmsIMHRzLfFYXdBNTKVe8V-H8AZQoEooVfoMI60Lr_17E-HW3wILxqNqs0lz_PE9A3EAo9k6rBzRi4LL2OvNZpcJMZHzmVNXBBZqg4KtmIiL3XuyB0eZzgDKhMPerCpT6jWpTIHoo3CO2IxO7mAxZXjzhirxW5537Tu4IXiP_rvSvFNCD6yxI/s2048/2022-06-10_09-59-48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1366" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiId5FhmsIMHRzLfFYXdBNTKVe8V-H8AZQoEooVfoMI60Lr_17E-HW3wILxqNqs0lz_PE9A3EAo9k6rBzRi4LL2OvNZpcJMZHzmVNXBBZqg4KtmIiL3XuyB0eZzgDKhMPerCpT6jWpTIHoo3CO2IxO7mAxZXjzhirxW5537Tu4IXiP_rvSvFNCD6yxI/w266-h400/2022-06-10_09-59-48.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><p>Eventually the owners got their way, and Colonia lost a valuable piece of their history. Satellite imagery in 2022 shows the home has been demolished and the land it once stood on is now bare. Another incident of short sighted foolishness from a state that continues to disgrace their historic buildings.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQVXIIJkH2mP57YJB0qq-S18p3s-EJdxmbge3HuaOkZPWucE41gAZajf9czBI78rSqy3c_lyUVvJ65PQc1uXpzBO8WCIJ4tW5IYnd1pwWeVtCn4sWfvcOoN0fWX3L0DqSzUVdig9bFmuYvoI4OEWzlBXqDZ6lS-prQtTuEZ6Dqbx5VKkTgu7M0oofM/s2048/2022-06-10_10-00-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1368" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQVXIIJkH2mP57YJB0qq-S18p3s-EJdxmbge3HuaOkZPWucE41gAZajf9czBI78rSqy3c_lyUVvJ65PQc1uXpzBO8WCIJ4tW5IYnd1pwWeVtCn4sWfvcOoN0fWX3L0DqSzUVdig9bFmuYvoI4OEWzlBXqDZ6lS-prQtTuEZ6Dqbx5VKkTgu7M0oofM/w268-h400/2022-06-10_10-00-01.jpg" width="268" /></a></div><p><br /></p>EsseXploreRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670395370062998418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2883635662668234732.post-43427381664542247852021-10-22T04:52:00.000-07:002021-10-22T04:52:05.311-07:00Maple Street SchoolAs Newark's population skyrocketed well into the 1920's, city infrastructure was being overwhemled by the influx of residents. Particularly hurt by this boom was the public school system. The Maple Street School was built in 1925 to deal with overcrowing at the Hawthorne and Peshine Avenue schools.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://cdm17229.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p17229coll5/id/1347/rec/4" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Source</span></a></td></tr>
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Guilbert & Betelle designed the new building in a modest Collegiate Gothic style, which had become one of the most common architectural styles for schools of the time. The structure was quite large, to accomidate kindergarden through 8th grade. The three story, L- shaped building took up the entire width of the block, and had a gymnasium and a gorgeous auditorium incorporated into the dead space between the wings.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg67340PcjkJPoW_GvDuFZD6Bqm5jPFIZvN2GXbaqIjgxgUtINrjbWgAvlImJFp0KWWT5taleCQzBN8MOT-JcjSJds_lEhMnaapkg_bLBQrZk-EIHctteNNts50iTmUNSFhmXRU6yqQ21Y/s1600/2019-10-17_12-42-51.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg67340PcjkJPoW_GvDuFZD6Bqm5jPFIZvN2GXbaqIjgxgUtINrjbWgAvlImJFp0KWWT5taleCQzBN8MOT-JcjSJds_lEhMnaapkg_bLBQrZk-EIHctteNNts50iTmUNSFhmXRU6yqQ21Y/s400/2019-10-17_12-42-51.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The art department had painted this gorgeous mural backstage, which was painted over by the time we visited. <a href="https://cdm17229.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p17229coll5/id/5797/rec/19" target="_blank">Source</a></td></tr>
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An addition to the right side brought the total square footage to 60,760. After the addition the school was shaped like a U, with the right side being just a little longer than the left. This floorplan is common of "Platoon Plan" schools, which refers to an idealized school design which allowed arts and literacy education to flourish together. Maple Street School is the last platoon plan school Newark ever constructed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSN0g2n3mjSnI83_PkGNwY06RrcYhWuMAvw7OrMdRz4L9yV8J-bN5-UIEOL9LDKn6pzAAXXPyXZjilt6GWGOiLu5Ow2o9sMAN7r37h9daG0iA8A7X8L-QbR2ME8dIB355v3BaLPi4sA1E/s1600/2019-10-17_12-48-39.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSN0g2n3mjSnI83_PkGNwY06RrcYhWuMAvw7OrMdRz4L9yV8J-bN5-UIEOL9LDKn6pzAAXXPyXZjilt6GWGOiLu5Ow2o9sMAN7r37h9daG0iA8A7X8L-QbR2ME8dIB355v3BaLPi4sA1E/s400/2019-10-17_12-48-39.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The school operated humbly over the years, with very few physical alterations to the structure. Eventually the school became overcrowded like many others, but instead of adding onto the building a nearby synagague was purchased and retrofitted into the Maple Street School Annex. In November of 2010 the school was visited by Michelle Obama as part of her "Let's move!" inititaive which aimed to help put an end to childhood obesity. Only five years later the school and annex were shuttered, as a result of declining enrolment. The buildings were turned over to the Newark Housimg authority to aution off the following year. It was snatched up by BN Property Group LLC. The school sat vacant until 2018 when work began to convert the building into apartments. Shortly avterward the project stalled, and plans changed to reopen the building as a school. By 2021 the structure was open as the KIPP Seek Charter school. I'm very grateful the city is fortunate enough to have such a well built school for the neighborhood children. While I haven't been inside to see the renovations myself yet, I'm hoping they did justice to the historical features pictured above. Regardless, it's nice to see a historic Newark school reopen.EsseXploreRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670395370062998418noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2883635662668234732.post-41174950798305881102021-05-03T04:36:00.025-07:002021-05-21T16:36:13.168-07:00Warren Street School<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8bYP2Q-7ATBHTpKsRRdaMbVol32et_lbUOyaggIuqJe-2hgB2DV-2eDOdy8tt8LUBWgMLBxSRkQUPE0vHIh8YzpoXc9tWi3jX8bABHGLxDGttMFJiKdJdu97hgG6VFibqbZEqZAxSOjo/s666/20210206_121153.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="666" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8bYP2Q-7ATBHTpKsRRdaMbVol32et_lbUOyaggIuqJe-2hgB2DV-2eDOdy8tt8LUBWgMLBxSRkQUPE0vHIh8YzpoXc9tWi3jX8bABHGLxDGttMFJiKdJdu97hgG6VFibqbZEqZAxSOjo/s400/20210206_121153.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://newarkeducation.net/elementary/warrenstreet.php" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Source</span></a><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>The original building of the Warren Street School was built in 1892, after the old school at
Wickliffe and School streets was outgrown. It was one of three schools built that year, the other two being Ann Street and Wavery Avenue. The school was just a
small 3 story brick building with a rotunda and copper trim and finials on every
peak. The architecture of the school was very unique, as the Queen Anne style has rarely ever been used for educational buildings. Apparently Henry King of the O'Rourke architecture firm is responsible for the building. O'Rourke is known for designing many other local landmarks, including the nearby <a href="https://tfpnj.blogspot.com/2020/02/st-michaels-hospital.html">St. Michaels Hospital</a>.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMqlseAil-oMB9HjA5nc5_fxiZtLml-QPSk0_WkU7ojc6rPB9p4ZBOMWYHYE_W2WM4dqBjPtkfuck3_r3S_luih4WWHnugzFnrSgqwdiD5iyzA46n5lG8CZwqWOiEJZnHKS4SkTg29xhw/s2048/2021-02-06_12-18-52.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1422" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMqlseAil-oMB9HjA5nc5_fxiZtLml-QPSk0_WkU7ojc6rPB9p4ZBOMWYHYE_W2WM4dqBjPtkfuck3_r3S_luih4WWHnugzFnrSgqwdiD5iyzA46n5lG8CZwqWOiEJZnHKS4SkTg29xhw/s400/2021-02-06_12-18-52.jpg" /></a>In 1908 Another large section was constructed along Warren Avenue, designed by city school architects Guilbert & Betelle. The pair designed several structures featured on this blog, including the <a href="http://tfpnj.blogspot.com/2019/06/the-morton-street-schoolwest-side-high.html">Morton Street School</a>. This new section was built in a tudor style with castle like turrets and arched entranceways, in keeping with the bizzare styling of the old building. Included in this new section was a large auditorium which included a balcony, as well as pressed tin ceilings throughout the structure.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimAaEOyW4-B6lD86N9eADRXKjmMtqfSc-Nan2izyIpcvCnQRDsroQqcKgVWhly8PWlwudNPv10RRB0JWbh-mkGqmvoTIaEY3Az8AzUrUJPFus89ZphBcCV4sRlqDfIjLKw1j-mfaq2ilw/s2048/2021-02-06_12-28-48.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimAaEOyW4-B6lD86N9eADRXKjmMtqfSc-Nan2izyIpcvCnQRDsroQqcKgVWhly8PWlwudNPv10RRB0JWbh-mkGqmvoTIaEY3Az8AzUrUJPFus89ZphBcCV4sRlqDfIjLKw1j-mfaq2ilw/w400-h266/2021-02-06_12-28-48.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Just beneath the auditorium was a small gymnasium. The room had a two hoop basketball court, and retained its pressed tin ceiling. The auditorium above was also likely adorned with tin, but it was removed during a renovation at some point on history.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu3rdjaPnvspPO6yFijW8drPLh4CZcUnZpCz7fv4wJVEegvWOWrvoJb9IBnAfgImLCTSoXUMNJ0i-4xKIg8vFHaNz3Lvy272mVelg1kAy6aiG19oNsgMttR_CjlNlvRpC0NPvRhcxlJro/s2048/DSC_0661_org.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1567" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu3rdjaPnvspPO6yFijW8drPLh4CZcUnZpCz7fv4wJVEegvWOWrvoJb9IBnAfgImLCTSoXUMNJ0i-4xKIg8vFHaNz3Lvy272mVelg1kAy6aiG19oNsgMttR_CjlNlvRpC0NPvRhcxlJro/w306-h400/DSC_0661_org.jpg" width="306" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A single two story hallway connected the original building to the new addition. The school operated under the stewardship of the Newark Public School district for over a century before closing in 2006. The structure was quickly occupied again, this time under the name American History High School. However they too vacated the building in 2010. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhud6g5tbWvO5pS49yrS6cYXAl6ToceV3yz76w1daCaCZLrau0p0JD-FgQoRYU43IC0uXyJTEmi-zG6NdkNo7HqgtwRZg7EnKnwzXlo309tRusJLaqbkQB0C4aZfd8RraJaow2-pUTRWBI/s2048/20210206_123828.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1374" data-original-width="2048" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhud6g5tbWvO5pS49yrS6cYXAl6ToceV3yz76w1daCaCZLrau0p0JD-FgQoRYU43IC0uXyJTEmi-zG6NdkNo7HqgtwRZg7EnKnwzXlo309tRusJLaqbkQB0C4aZfd8RraJaow2-pUTRWBI/w400-h269/20210206_123828.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>For years the building remained used as storage for the school district. The lights remained on, as well as the alarm system. At the time I considered Warren to be the most intact of all the shuttered school buildings in Newark I had visited. <div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgN22siNGteZ-m_rIEb_ugo8ufzjUIPnnX-igLzkj6LyNjejih1ZIWoysv7ce1zPPzYtpMsM6HtZs86_HwKoceAuBtVXAmVb-sJMxwU5b_6aROXhae218ihJZxorsoAdVi4OkeG39hkXw/s2048/DSC_0657_org.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1338" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgN22siNGteZ-m_rIEb_ugo8ufzjUIPnnX-igLzkj6LyNjejih1ZIWoysv7ce1zPPzYtpMsM6HtZs86_HwKoceAuBtVXAmVb-sJMxwU5b_6aROXhae218ihJZxorsoAdVi4OkeG39hkXw/w261-h400/DSC_0657_org.jpg" width="261" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The first time we visited the school the alarm system wasn't active. By the time we made it back it was, and we inadvertently set it off while trying to better document the structure. Within minutes the NJIT police swarmed the structure, so we were nervous to return.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Ei45qGe6HWb8LY6GFBekfTc_FhqsenKPRoCpnD7zGS48XEUC3XQi94zz3PoaQ-XmOBFJOgxvet1IPdKD1esC4E9AakdKIh9TVcyS98P9L-QgEgdX-dP8Yumdh6RN5-gZpv_4V52Esk8/s2048/Polish_20210206_124524211.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Ei45qGe6HWb8LY6GFBekfTc_FhqsenKPRoCpnD7zGS48XEUC3XQi94zz3PoaQ-XmOBFJOgxvet1IPdKD1esC4E9AakdKIh9TVcyS98P9L-QgEgdX-dP8Yumdh6RN5-gZpv_4V52Esk8/w266-h400/Polish_20210206_124524211.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>A small fire swept through the basement in 2019, after starting in a room at the rear of the structure. NJIT acquired the building shortly afterwards. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg71Qw4jam-tD_A24U3obKs1pMiS1KFBgr2CBWcKvc7tVQr73sR9NmhCifP7bbd6fwiPoIUcsQyyX9RsPEpKIXnYe1ccVd7k4RpAHNEn3OkXOni__RaGG2hVM7pUoBG_mGnN_oRXV3x8-0/s2048/20210503_061225.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg71Qw4jam-tD_A24U3obKs1pMiS1KFBgr2CBWcKvc7tVQr73sR9NmhCifP7bbd6fwiPoIUcsQyyX9RsPEpKIXnYe1ccVd7k4RpAHNEn3OkXOni__RaGG2hVM7pUoBG_mGnN_oRXV3x8-0/w225-h400/20210503_061225.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Then in 2020 it was announced that the school would be demolished for NJIT to build a new residence hall on the site. Demolition began in April of 2021, and by May the building was gone. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUSd82E7J1sldbSNfhzGEprO4BfYRiZBlKH_87zNBMplDKqOZ0f9RdisXW1eU2AG3Y5EXPWgODxOKT1ruZvtZc8zpbGV6BmPvCVyxYNKqmd_o2K8IpfEnq7gctEqWcW0EmjZPAbsORBl8/s2048/DSC_0647_org.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUSd82E7J1sldbSNfhzGEprO4BfYRiZBlKH_87zNBMplDKqOZ0f9RdisXW1eU2AG3Y5EXPWgODxOKT1ruZvtZc8zpbGV6BmPvCVyxYNKqmd_o2K8IpfEnq7gctEqWcW0EmjZPAbsORBl8/w400-h266/DSC_0647_org.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-XqhqsgYtpm-4UScj001iyrwGlttK7mkdsAZUoREDGcYPF8SBB3llFg_LQOuqLq8a35edwb-TYSdTmyCzEnfQg3vSeZLpHoQAuJUO-g3KLnSuGSjXGEcV9Z3FAAuXPuxsfsRIF-Jn0rU/s2048/20210501_055224.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1545" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-XqhqsgYtpm-4UScj001iyrwGlttK7mkdsAZUoREDGcYPF8SBB3llFg_LQOuqLq8a35edwb-TYSdTmyCzEnfQg3vSeZLpHoQAuJUO-g3KLnSuGSjXGEcV9Z3FAAuXPuxsfsRIF-Jn0rU/w301-h400/20210501_055224.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiibroihs4EYrwWXgNa3mY7CrC7ZexEC1km40npnYIOqPlIZ9wIB0S5bn4OQp1-0vXfGWLkLYzAwHnforzpW01lOfOBN6KYsFgMJDspZsDyFDEqSad8JeEsOmyLWMj2Q6W4IADK_P0FE-0/s2048/20210501_055247.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiibroihs4EYrwWXgNa3mY7CrC7ZexEC1km40npnYIOqPlIZ9wIB0S5bn4OQp1-0vXfGWLkLYzAwHnforzpW01lOfOBN6KYsFgMJDspZsDyFDEqSad8JeEsOmyLWMj2Q6W4IADK_P0FE-0/w400-h300/20210501_055247.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK6w5J02L3NCzoITB007ND0pbNg_UhZEcH7ygiZAH0oZ4T_wXjYNOKPQgiskXk3Rd9rXkswBK97pU5D7z9V-rdpOq6GXPjYKod7DuAqyaZ4eNk9xNBiq903mUdU2XDe13SBwLjA0E5-h8/s2048/20210501_055407.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1103" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK6w5J02L3NCzoITB007ND0pbNg_UhZEcH7ygiZAH0oZ4T_wXjYNOKPQgiskXk3Rd9rXkswBK97pU5D7z9V-rdpOq6GXPjYKod7DuAqyaZ4eNk9xNBiq903mUdU2XDe13SBwLjA0E5-h8/w215-h400/20210501_055407.jpg" width="215" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO3XDn8a5fGlYT0sLF7vkk5hLoFuachmNf_5dFq9bW8a1EPaHMs-jcG_IzhME7nzxnAYtv6bCHIsoU6BeelwRdGhQ1hzPX2jiVEwYzfydYeCZF56-cSqjwD7vRVLRIWyLF_L6rLbizQw0/s2048/20210521_083010.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO3XDn8a5fGlYT0sLF7vkk5hLoFuachmNf_5dFq9bW8a1EPaHMs-jcG_IzhME7nzxnAYtv6bCHIsoU6BeelwRdGhQ1hzPX2jiVEwYzfydYeCZF56-cSqjwD7vRVLRIWyLF_L6rLbizQw0/w400-h225/20210521_083010.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>I'm incredibly upset by the loss of the Warren Street School. The structure was one of the most unique school buildings I've had the pleasure of visiting. It was in decent shape, attractive, and could have easily been retrofitted into something useful for the city. To add insult to injury, the building NJIT plans to construct is architecturally unremarkable, to put it nicely. Surely historians will look back on this project as one of the greatest losses of the time for the city. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvTtrvtJ1PS-fFIXwdzWJhXYF-Di32wTk-b0kudYULGx1uYAKlM1Y_JhV1tWUhMsVlJXnBTQSWPxDqNcQAzVFM982Bf2v87JqBf4OcuP4aYkWxUTIwA6mz6kRLN0Rk3ZEsnk86m3PqUAg/s2048/20210501_054651.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvTtrvtJ1PS-fFIXwdzWJhXYF-Di32wTk-b0kudYULGx1uYAKlM1Y_JhV1tWUhMsVlJXnBTQSWPxDqNcQAzVFM982Bf2v87JqBf4OcuP4aYkWxUTIwA6mz6kRLN0Rk3ZEsnk86m3PqUAg/w400-h225/20210501_054651.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div>
</div></div></div>EsseXploreRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670395370062998418noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2883635662668234732.post-83184805811421730142021-01-31T04:50:00.004-08:002021-01-31T04:50:53.074-08:00Pohatcong School<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf2YDr9OPoQ-zNbU31FiqKgQja7cW_4dwJDOak35LshBZdP3aV4brfqE_5VjYNORAFhGO54VENHEka1hDmfHN29GzGUU-VN0Nl8rc2y0e76SAhpNrHLCtbhqfzpZqwFd4_PRP_PIteJRY/s1600/2020-01-25_05-23-07.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf2YDr9OPoQ-zNbU31FiqKgQja7cW_4dwJDOak35LshBZdP3aV4brfqE_5VjYNORAFhGO54VENHEka1hDmfHN29GzGUU-VN0Nl8rc2y0e76SAhpNrHLCtbhqfzpZqwFd4_PRP_PIteJRY/s320/2020-01-25_05-23-07.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This small school, also known as the Shimer School, was built in Pohatcong Township in 1939. H. P. Everett and associates designed the school, which was built with funding from the Federal Emergency Administration of Public Works. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhIPzDURrolAYCPegDeynUl5u9cavqNLUwTpolh9ATOf_s9awgckIc1TwhRc_faxIhwPbFqWJou3DvNj_q2GTRtulnfxqr4fF3czU0CpX3ZBx53Hxr-8BDpI2mj-yXACiuCdEpRTiMap4/s1600/2020-01-25_05-17-24.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhIPzDURrolAYCPegDeynUl5u9cavqNLUwTpolh9ATOf_s9awgckIc1TwhRc_faxIhwPbFqWJou3DvNj_q2GTRtulnfxqr4fF3czU0CpX3ZBx53Hxr-8BDpI2mj-yXACiuCdEpRTiMap4/s400/2020-01-25_05-17-24.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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The program was part of Franklin Delano Roosevelt's "New Deal", which sought to help rebuild the nation after the Great Depression. Franklin Goldsmith and Sons were the general contractors tasked with construction of the building.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1gAGYzyLblKEPUMKBEj7V1NLIyyUTEzpk0LnSHhs01cUlKceRtg3WYKxYrIzKu652mZyNFy0gCwQIQDLYB4d8DZcfxPqYdR3LVg4arDOsrsonMUdccWKQJM4TUG1OOq7_exPMMm7gaZI/s1600/2020-01-25_05-17-28.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1gAGYzyLblKEPUMKBEj7V1NLIyyUTEzpk0LnSHhs01cUlKceRtg3WYKxYrIzKu652mZyNFy0gCwQIQDLYB4d8DZcfxPqYdR3LVg4arDOsrsonMUdccWKQJM4TUG1OOq7_exPMMm7gaZI/s400/2020-01-25_05-17-28.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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In 1999 the building was closed, and sold by the board of education to the township. The town continued to use the building but it was vacant by 2005. The utilities remained on and the structure remained in remarkable shape. Fifteen years later the school was put up for auction by the town.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwnWzyK8l_4ciFbwmkiEJJVh7TdJYIIuSuPZXpAG_f_vdLcTveSZLliCenorOWGAhrCyndDhA16668XYKtkAcjMNpBcDcj41-TWqVXt_qoVCIYQYHejW0zTYpPCgaeH4wHcTgwEC_P0LM/s1600/2020-01-25_05-17-46.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwnWzyK8l_4ciFbwmkiEJJVh7TdJYIIuSuPZXpAG_f_vdLcTveSZLliCenorOWGAhrCyndDhA16668XYKtkAcjMNpBcDcj41-TWqVXt_qoVCIYQYHejW0zTYpPCgaeH4wHcTgwEC_P0LM/s400/2020-01-25_05-17-46.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The school may not be the most impressive educational facility in the state, but it would still be nice to see it used again for something instead of demolished like so many other schools before it. Hopefully the new owners find a good new life for the old structure.</div>
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EsseXploreRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670395370062998418noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2883635662668234732.post-73714930151988409512021-01-28T11:40:00.001-08:002021-01-28T11:40:28.808-08:00Mercer HospitalBack in the late 1800s, the need for medical care in the city of Trenton was growing. In 1892 the Fisk family offered up some land on the west side of the city to to the board of directors for the new hospital, dubbed the Mercer Hospital. Much like the <a href="http://tfpnj.blogspot.com/2020/03/muhlenburg-regional-medical-center.html" target="_blank">Muhlenberg Hospital</a>, The formation of the hospital was largely thanks to a local Women's Auxiliary who petitioned, fundraised, and helped plan the facility. Three years later the hospital was operational, and had its very own nursing school. At the time, medical care was being offered out out of old Fisk mansion on the property. This was very common. <a href="http://tfpnj.blogspot.com/2018/01/elizabeth-general-medical-center.html" target="_blank">Elizabeth</a>, <a href="http://tfpnj.blogspot.com/2015/11/the-old-jersey-city-medical-center.html" target="_blank">Jersey City</a>, <a href="http://tfpnj.blogspot.com/2015/12/the-newark-presbyterianunited-hospital.html" target="_blank">Newark</a>, and <a href="http://tfpnj.blogspot.com/2020/01/orange-memorial-hospital.html" target="_blank">Orange</a> all had hospitals that began in homes.<br />
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOlRzHjpI-5-Er9_sQDyt9ciLJy-GLs-sfh1k9jubFR5U_9LaEWD0WAbdc7r0OoQAZ86GLfet4IjlOMIJUOt4LgmlvW_wMG5HfhyhgwBF5syw8f2bEQx8dMFCuBMmIP2a8H4c_3KFJHuo/s1086/Mercer+Hospital1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="694" data-original-width="1086" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOlRzHjpI-5-Er9_sQDyt9ciLJy-GLs-sfh1k9jubFR5U_9LaEWD0WAbdc7r0OoQAZ86GLfet4IjlOMIJUOt4LgmlvW_wMG5HfhyhgwBF5syw8f2bEQx8dMFCuBMmIP2a8H4c_3KFJHuo/w400-h255/Mercer+Hospital1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rogersfamilyhistory.blogspot.com/2011/02/those-places-thursday-mercer-hospital.html?epik=dj0yJnU9THpWZGRBeUU0X1RCTklRcHJTWHFEc2dHSWI3TlJCTzkmcD0wJm49akdEYllUcnR5WWJhV2ZiVUk0dU0yZyZ0PUFBQUFBR0FURGlz">Source</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />In 1902 the hospital building was expanded with several departments added throughout the new wings. The hospital received several new additions over the next few decades, largely funded by private donors. A new power plant opened on the property in 1922, and by the 1930's the hospital was a large, tight cluster of buildings. <div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKM9G7wdS57a1VVK8cyEAYdwV6MKVzMSLZXnwG3lAVymaFoeMa5LQx5bna6tn3ORTLjfr2cMra4rcTq1Dq5jhqtEmzM4EWZojdjAeX_yxMuJ7tkGWoy_mlF7BleFxNjqYa8QpQv1sRJqA/s2048/2021-01-28_02-30-43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKM9G7wdS57a1VVK8cyEAYdwV6MKVzMSLZXnwG3lAVymaFoeMa5LQx5bna6tn3ORTLjfr2cMra4rcTq1Dq5jhqtEmzM4EWZojdjAeX_yxMuJ7tkGWoy_mlF7BleFxNjqYa8QpQv1sRJqA/w266-h400/2021-01-28_02-30-43.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>The hospital maintained this size for several decades, but in 1958 a large new wing was constructed on the east side of the complex. Several houses on Rutherford Ave. were demolished to accommodate the construction. This was the tallest section that would ever rise at the complex.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1g8T8V_yQ6rZDDQwUdxQWsvUw2zzs5YJzxS7lCVCS9EY-KMfM5Cf293Z5wJQ4nklGYLk6gkZqFEt59VqVIfmEJ_j_VzfljER1jDI2m3eHHBC0tZ1oCrgl1wBT9z55CpJ9edtcZBZOnd8/s2048/20210128_143419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1453" data-original-width="2048" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1g8T8V_yQ6rZDDQwUdxQWsvUw2zzs5YJzxS7lCVCS9EY-KMfM5Cf293Z5wJQ4nklGYLk6gkZqFEt59VqVIfmEJ_j_VzfljER1jDI2m3eHHBC0tZ1oCrgl1wBT9z55CpJ9edtcZBZOnd8/w400-h284/20210128_143419.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div>In the mid 1970's a massive demolition project took place around the hospital. All the homes on both Rutherford and Bellevue Avenues were demolished the whole way down to Prospect St. the only building spared was a single old home on the corner of Prospect & Bellevue. A small office building was built on the land where the homes once stood, leaving a giant parking lot all around the buildings.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivVb1T2cZF_TWRwk3-ifYoVNrBuQvG47g7iw0_VGCBJ9ZImgXkx9OKdJ1veVuF5_WqiBS7PFq9uGyen7Es6azc9ch4xSi7IQk9uHFy5ki0vHJlydBIzNz31BYMHQSZHwZHw260hXnLTiE/s2048/20210128_143310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivVb1T2cZF_TWRwk3-ifYoVNrBuQvG47g7iw0_VGCBJ9ZImgXkx9OKdJ1veVuF5_WqiBS7PFq9uGyen7Es6azc9ch4xSi7IQk9uHFy5ki0vHJlydBIzNz31BYMHQSZHwZHw260hXnLTiE/w266-h400/20210128_143310.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Construction on the campus finally ceased shortly afterwards. The completed building had a total of 650,000 square feet of building space, making it one of the largest hospital buildings in the state. By the turn of the century the building had expanded all it could but was rapidly becoming functionally obsolete. In 2005 plans were announced that operations were going to move to new building in Hamilton.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1To5Su7rINzIxe9LGsyvTuBtJzI24owvnGsIR16-HiNuN-b2-fkPQoNMRIGXIm2wWlpYE6SXzot7zdbmZ_qdIXdEwv-gIa8VGhb5bCDIgWZmIK3Xd38s6TnMC9GZlI84nQDXvYK3oQr0/s2048/2021-01-28_02-32-18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1To5Su7rINzIxe9LGsyvTuBtJzI24owvnGsIR16-HiNuN-b2-fkPQoNMRIGXIm2wWlpYE6SXzot7zdbmZ_qdIXdEwv-gIa8VGhb5bCDIgWZmIK3Xd38s6TnMC9GZlI84nQDXvYK3oQr0/w400-h266/2021-01-28_02-32-18.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The community was not pleased to hear this. Hamilton was quite a distance from the neighborhood where Mercer Hospital stood. Residents were concerned that an ambulance dispatched from the new hospital would take far too long to reach them and then get back, whereas now they had medical care at their doorsteps. As always these concerns were largely ignored. By 2011 the hospital was closed its doors. They shuttered everything but their satellite emergency room, which was kept open in order to appease the angry citizens. However two years later the ER had closed as well.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6flHFYTFKZGpNjX4diGEyr2Fk5wo3cM3jQiIihyphenhyphenpm1nErkZ82waG1k0a_LCpRPyhTpqubInm_nzghcLHJXKP6Qd0BcOrMzVtNfm5sToGF7JZoa57aUuq8KRW7ZgwI2f0YD-XThSQBo8/s2048/28557525748_a1cb94aa20_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6flHFYTFKZGpNjX4diGEyr2Fk5wo3cM3jQiIihyphenhyphenpm1nErkZ82waG1k0a_LCpRPyhTpqubInm_nzghcLHJXKP6Qd0BcOrMzVtNfm5sToGF7JZoa57aUuq8KRW7ZgwI2f0YD-XThSQBo8/w400-h266/28557525748_a1cb94aa20_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />In 2013 the complex was sold to a developer. The complex wasn't completely forgotten however. A security guard was hired to sit inside and scare off trespassers. He had all sorts of noise traps set up, and chains around several interior doors. Even if one managed to get inside, it was a pain to navigate. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbLydxxjhJE2C5liGksHDcjXprK6mY9m7hJ6iBmYfd_JtHNiHgmy2hB9E8jduz6ohSE7fBU-Pm-uGLkyU862gSoGVSJgBKWGeopQiEtl2w7vPIfOCZhHKyPbEVOEWqPqIH29Er4zrosgs/s2048/2021-01-28_02-32-30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbLydxxjhJE2C5liGksHDcjXprK6mY9m7hJ6iBmYfd_JtHNiHgmy2hB9E8jduz6ohSE7fBU-Pm-uGLkyU862gSoGVSJgBKWGeopQiEtl2w7vPIfOCZhHKyPbEVOEWqPqIH29Er4zrosgs/w400-h266/2021-01-28_02-32-30.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Unfortunately at some point security responsibilities shifted and the man was only inside for a few years. We weren't sure if he was still there the first time I visited the complex. It was clear on my second visit that he was indeed gone. Scrapping and other vandalism had significantly increased, all but ensuring the building will never see life as a hospital again. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi04Mws_tKLnXpLgnCSR6ZTq1keEp3RfQft3VJXr4dVDOm5Nj98p83Po1aOZ41f-JdrGH9f-Bh0bdjsu3loIr3CeAMov9_pTDWuwNVePU5CyDNMsQBYuemDl-gTlrs4oweXHB2S5tpiv_s/s2048/35468606220_f0224ea21e_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi04Mws_tKLnXpLgnCSR6ZTq1keEp3RfQft3VJXr4dVDOm5Nj98p83Po1aOZ41f-JdrGH9f-Bh0bdjsu3loIr3CeAMov9_pTDWuwNVePU5CyDNMsQBYuemDl-gTlrs4oweXHB2S5tpiv_s/w266-h400/35468606220_f0224ea21e_o.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSgDc1xnLAB4ukINwj1KQ-qPn82LoqWRaMkJD-tK13cAMh6QYmMzJkprrL9YJ1ckNGvY1kBeUqx0loawdaubPsDxHlCf9KtDV0BlLMnngmCDtNLNgVX33iP0TrUUOJGhwxGkMDpznnCX4/s2048/48482328337_71c9b1cb88_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSgDc1xnLAB4ukINwj1KQ-qPn82LoqWRaMkJD-tK13cAMh6QYmMzJkprrL9YJ1ckNGvY1kBeUqx0loawdaubPsDxHlCf9KtDV0BlLMnngmCDtNLNgVX33iP0TrUUOJGhwxGkMDpznnCX4/w225-h400/48482328337_71c9b1cb88_o.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Plans are currently being discussed to return the property back to use for the community. Whether or not that means the entire building will be lost in the process remains to be seen. </div></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtgQUQ9hUhpcK37OYoQWAjDCTWvPzVcl1yRMXUUxNtRR0kGXd3sSNKH7MKs-QtVrKNwjwhS0up3WlBG-oWr55YF03-hL9FUS7LUab1bJPQeCPGn8Vc-ZdTPdrBccLoiCQst5w7_nvMhcE/s2048/2021-01-28_02-32-39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtgQUQ9hUhpcK37OYoQWAjDCTWvPzVcl1yRMXUUxNtRR0kGXd3sSNKH7MKs-QtVrKNwjwhS0up3WlBG-oWr55YF03-hL9FUS7LUab1bJPQeCPGn8Vc-ZdTPdrBccLoiCQst5w7_nvMhcE/w400-h266/2021-01-28_02-32-39.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3eirSnLT3MrP0XcO3JUcRP5jjb62sj7CgsNGTHrcFCWpcDDY1tez0PEz70uYZMG5DlFCAth0pwlhhg8ZloLnNpo3Za7STdkOGmR0HvijEqBe7GlHvgteX4XntwhF3fpzbZ4f7fFIQnkU/s2048/2021-01-28_02-30-35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3eirSnLT3MrP0XcO3JUcRP5jjb62sj7CgsNGTHrcFCWpcDDY1tez0PEz70uYZMG5DlFCAth0pwlhhg8ZloLnNpo3Za7STdkOGmR0HvijEqBe7GlHvgteX4XntwhF3fpzbZ4f7fFIQnkU/w266-h400/2021-01-28_02-30-35.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />EsseXploreRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670395370062998418noreply@blogger.com3