Freehold Historic Home Tour set for June 26 By MURIEL J. SMITH Posted:05/21/10
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Freehold - An historic church dating to the 18th century, a Carriage House converted into a two-story artist's studio, and seven unique homes testifying to the Victorian and other 19th century aspects of the borough will all be on display Saturday, June 26, when the borough Historic Preservation Commission presents its second annual Historic Homes House Tour.
Ticket, at $25, are available now by calling Tony DiFlumeri at 732-431-7548, Muriel Smith at 908-461-1769, or Barbara Wagner at 431-2222. Tickets will also be available at the McDonnell Home at 97 W. Main St. the day of the event, from 9 a.m. through 5 p.m.
"Both the McDonnell House and the Kuperberg House at 74 Broadway were on the tour last year and are back this year by popular demand," said Mrs. Smith, who is chairman of the event. "The McDonnell House will also serve as headquarters again, and will have some items for sale, light refreshments for all who stop by, and displays of old photos as well as keepsakes from the McDonnell family." Dr. and Mrs. McDonnell raised their 14 children in the house, and the physician, who served in the military during World War II, was also a popular family doctor in the borough, making house calls and conducting his practice. The Kuperberg house, a stately Victorian with an exquisite array of antiques and memorabilia, has undergone some changes and additions to collections since the last tour, Mrs. Smith said, "and as always, we know it will be a popular stop on the tour."
St. Peter's Church at W. Main and Throckmorton sts, will be open for the tour, with church members present to highlight some of the history of the Church through the centuries, and the musical instruments that have been a part of its services since 1841 when the first organ in a Monmouth County church was installed in a balcony.
The converted carriage house is the art studio of Mrs. Leslie situated behind the Daley's home at 132 W. Main St. "Not only is the studio itself a magnificent conversion with spectacular woodwork and unique painting," Mrs. Smith said, "but Mrs. Daley's art work will be on display and she plans on being there to answer any questions."
The Earle home at 89 Broad St., the Loring home at 106 Broad St., the Andres home at 23 Broadway, the Burgess home at 45 Hudson St., and the Still home at 30 Broadway are the five other unique homes that complete the tour.
"For someone who lives in Freehold, they already know this is a wonderful cross section of the beauty that is Freehold," Mrs. Smith said, "for those who have not been here, and do not know the uniqueness of our architecture, it's a wonderful opportunity to see how a former ‘slaughter kitchen' can be converted into an office, as at the Still home, a cozy Victorian can be accented with modern touches and a 21st century addition as in the Andres home, how a wine cellar can complement a family hobby as in the Loring home, an eclectic collection can make the Burgess something magical and fun, and how loving care over centuries and good taste can create a truly magnificent homestead as at the Earle home."
Especially for Your florist, W. Main St., is also providing floral decorations for each of the buildings on the tour, with each homeowner determining the colors and design to complement the floral display.
