South Orange Historical and Preservation Society

SOUTH ORANGE HISTORICAL AND PRESERVATION SOCIETY P.O. Box 61 South Orange, NJ 07079 973-762-9555 www.sohps.org

PRESS RELEASE

Friday - September 21, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

In the middle of South Orange, New Jersey there is a cultural treasure of historic proportions, but many of us do not even know it exists. Stationed behind the South Orange Police Station off South Orange Avenue, the Old Stone House is believed to have predated 1680 maps and by 1680 the Old Stone House was in existence. It was referred to as the “Stone House” in the Newark Town Records on September 27, 1680, making it the oldest datable building in the state of New Jersey.

 The South Orange Historical and Preservation Society (SOHPS) recognized for getting this historic building on both the New Jersey and the National Registers of Historic Places is holding the first of a kind exhibit on the Old Stone House.  SOHPS is holding this exhibit to bring awareness to the residents of South Orange and the surrounding counties about this historical jewel from the past that is in need of much attention and repair.

The Old Stone House Exhibit will consist of a display of the Old Stone House model, a South Orange Time Line, architectural sketches, maps from 1877 and 1904 with indications of all the South Orange buildings that are on the State and National Historic Registers. We will have handouts, scrapbooks of articles and letters and prizes will be announced for the Old Stone House Coloring Contest. Pictures and presentations will highlight some of the significant families who lived in the house.  The exhibit will tell the story of the house and its families reflecting the history of South Orange and the vicinity from the original purchase from the Lenape Native Americans in 1666 to the present day.  The Exhibit will be at the South Orange Library.

The opening reception from 3 – 5 PM will include a lecture on Sat, Oct 13th, conducted by Carol Reznikoff, who is currently a Visiting Assistant Professor of architectural history at Pratt Institute in New York. Carol will hold a follow-up evening lecture at 6 PM on Thursday, November 1st. 

The South Orange Historical and Preservation Society (SOHPS) was formed in 1986.  The goal of the organization is to further the study of the history and architecture of the Village of South Orange, New Jersey. You are invited to attend this exhibit, get to know our town and meet members of the South Orange Historical and Preservation Society. SOHPS will also be adapting Old Stone House Exhibit information to take on the road for educational programs in our schools and other venues.  Contact OSH Committee  Please visit us on the web to learn more at www.sohps.org.

[ Home ] [ Up ] [ Calendar Events ] [ Old Stone House ] [ What You Can Do ] [ SO Historic Places ] [ Community Links ] [ Join Membership ] [ SOHPS Directory ] [ Contact SOHPS ] [ Who We Are ] [ What We Do ]