By Helen Kull
I’m writing this mid-May, and as a member of the Board of Trustees of Preservation New Jersey (PNJ), I have just attended the organization’s public announcement of the 10 Most Endangered Historic Places in New Jersey for 2015.
PNJ has called attention to our most threatened historic treasures via its annual list for over 20 years by increasing public awareness of historic preservation issues, focusing critical attention on selected properties to assist in their preservation, and suggesting actions for solutions.
I am not on the selection committee, and I find out only a few days in advance of the public which sites will be included on the list. To my surprise, this year’s list included the c. 1730 William Green Farmhouse, located on what is now the campus of The College of New Jersey. This nationally-registered historic site was featured two months ago in the Ewing Observer for the archaeological dig which was scheduled to occur in late April and May.
Instructed by Visiting Professor in Anthropology George Leader, students from the college had a unique opportunity to learn archaeological field methods and practices and to engage in hands-on experiences in excavating, collecting and curating materials and in historical investigation. Over several visits, I witnessed not only the students’ excitement of discovery, but also the educational and historic research potential of this site, squarely situated on a college campus.
As cited in the Observer article in April, the William Green House is significant for several reasons. Architecturally, it features a particular checkerboard-like pattern of brick work known as Flemish bond, and is one of the most northerly-existing instances of this technique. It also remains as a structure from one of the oldest European settlements in Ewing. The Green family, who occupied the home for more than two centuries, was prominent in the region, and contributed significantly in various ways to the history of the area. Several historical accounts even claim that “Washington slept here,” or at least that the Light Horse division of Washington’s Army sheltered here during the Revolution. Historically speaking, the house is “a diamond in the rough.”
Unfortunately, the more significant word in that phrase is not “diamond,” but “rough.”
Rough, in that its current condition is temporary at best. The house has been vacant for over 40 years, and time, water, animals and vandals have taken their toll. In 2007, the College, which owns the building and the land on which it stands, invested in stabilizing and securing the house while its future could be determined. Suggested uses of the house have included a coffeehouse, and alumni reception center. Advocates have worked over the years to raise awareness of and limited funds for the house, but cannot do much without the College’s approval. Recently, the College stated that it “would not endorse a fundraising effort or commit to any future use” of the Green house. Thus the threat to its future existence, and the listing on the 10 Most Endangered List.
Rough, also, for its tireless advocates, the Friends of the William Green House, who are devastated by this decision, and for preservation-minded members of both the Ewing Historic Preservation Society and Commission.
And rough for me as this columnist, who is employed by The College of New Jersey.
I am proud to work in a truly “collegial” environment, where faculty and students collaborate as scholars. I’m honored to be a part of an institution “dedicated to open exchange and excellence,” which seeks to prepare young people to “… to create, preserve and transmit knowledge, arts and wisdom,” and to be “a national exemplar in the education of those who seek to sustain and advance the communities in which they live.” These are not empty words from the Mission Statement; I see this happen.
And it’s why I believe the college’s refusal to allow community efforts to seek funds for the appropriate stewardship of this historic treasure is contradictory, uncharacteristic and senseless. Other campuses have embraced such historic treasures. I fervently hope that the college will reverse its decision and support the restoration and reuse of this unique site before time takes its ultimate toll.
Helen Kull is a Trustee of the Friends of the William Green House, and currently serves as president of the Ewing Historic Society.
