Willow Hall

Willow Hall added to New Jersey Register

2010-10-01T13:34:00.000-07:00

The Passaic River Coalition is pleased to announce that Willow Hall has just been added to the New Jersey Register of Historic Sites. This is an important event for the house because the listing provides further legal protection from future destruction or severe alteration, and will make us eligible for more grants.

Many people felt that adding Willow Hall to the Register was a no brainer, as one reviewer remarked, "What took you so long?" Since the house had always been privately owned, previous owners were never interested in having the house designated as a historic site.

Now that the site is on the State Register, is will be added to the Federal register in about 4 months.

A special thanks to Holt-Morgan-Russell Architects for completing our application and to Marge Brady and Myra Bowie-McCready for attending the application hearing to show their support.

PS- Sorry that it has been two months since the last blog post. It has been rather busy around the office lately but we hope to start posting regularly again soon.

Meet Brownie

2010-07-14T10:55:00.000-07:00

There was quite a bit of lunchtime excitement today when Katie (the tall intern) found a bat in a plastic display box on top of the refrigerator.

After putting a cover on the top of the box, snapping some photos, and tapping the box to see if the bat was still alive we moved the box out of the house.

As we started relocating the box, it was clear Brownie (named by Alicja the other intern) was definitely alive. We put the box on its side under one of the hemlock trees in the back yard. Brownie perked up pretty quickly and crawled out of the box and started climbing up the tree. And that is where we left our new friend, who will hopefully get some sleep before sunset and not find his (or her) way back into Willow Hall.

We think Brownie is a Little Brown Bat and are trying to figure out how it got into the house. In the meanwhile we will also be disinfecting the kitchen even though Brownie seemed healthy.

Do you have a bat story? Share it with us in the comment section!

Little Steps

2010-07-09T12:23:00.000-07:00

Our summer interns have "greened" Willow Hall a little bit more by bringing in hand towels for our kitchen and bathrooms. Before we had been using paper towels. To be clean the staff take turns bring the towels home to be washed once a week. Reducing our paper towel usage means saving trees, the water and energy used to make and ship the product, and less garbage in landfills. (Though yes, we could probably compost the paper towels instead.)

And two of our interns carpool to work to save gas and the small paychecks we give them. Also, if you hire environmental students, give us a call, we have two awesome college graduates looking for full time jobs at the end of the summer!

A New Chandlier!

2010-06-28T13:18:00.000-07:00

As our regular readers might recall, we lost a beautiful chandelier in the Willow Bough Foyer this past February. And by lost, we mean it fell off the ceiling, broke into a lot of small pieces, and left a dent in the tile floor. Click here for the original posting. After some consultation, we determined that it was not feasible to repair the broken chandelier.

But we are pleased to announce that we have finally replaced it. The new chandelier is a Victorian period hexagonal hanging lamp found by House Manager Joe and our friends the Brady's at an antiques auction. The photo below is of the lamp in the condition we bought it in.

Unfortunately, one of the lamp's panels had been replaced and didn't match the rest. Instead of trying to replace the odd panel, we opted to swap out all of them. We brought the lamp to Morristown House of Glass who replaced the panels with clear and textured panes. As you can see below, the refurbished lamp looks great!

As a side note, if you, or someone you know, has an interest in broken chandelier parts or dangly crystal things give us a call. The previous chandelier is currently sitting in a box in the attic, and would love to be repurposed into something new.

Sea Turtles

2010-06-08T07:15:00.000-07:00

Today we received a request from a fellow non-profit, Defenders of Wildlife, to help save loggerhead sea turtles in the Gulf of Mexico. Defenders of Wildlife is working to increase protections for these sea turtles by listing them as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. Click here to take action now.

Loggerhead sea turtles were in trouble before the Gulf oil spill disaster. The number of female loggerheads nesting on Florida beaches – one of the most important habitats for the species – has declined by 50 percent in the past decade. Scientists and government officials have sounded the alarm about what this could mean for the future of the ancient sea mariners. The National Marine Fisheries Service is now proposing to upgrade protection for loggerheads from threatened to endangered under the Endangered Species Act.

These turtles need our help even more now. The world’s second-largest loggerhead nesting area is on the beaches of the southeastern United States, the vast majority of which includes Florida’s central Atlantic beaches.

This area is expected to be threatened by the horrific oil slick, depending on how much of the slick gets picked up by the Loop Current -- a powerful ocean current that could bring the slick around the southern reaches of the state, through the sensitive coral reef and mangrove areas of the Everglades and the Keys, and then into the Gulf Stream and up the east coast of Florida.

The spill could not have happened at a worse time: loggerheads and other sea turtles -- as well as many shorebirds -- are in the peak of their nesting seasons right now.

Oil is extremely toxic to loggerheads and other species. Exposure can cause skin loss, poisoning, drowning and death… which is exactly why we need every available tool to help save the lives of individual loggerheads and save this species from extinction.

Wildlife

2010-06-01T09:47:00.000-07:00

If you’ve been following this blog, at some point you might have wondered at some point, what’s with all the animals? Isn’t this a river organization? And isn’t this blog supposed to be about a historic house? Are they just trying to woo me with cute animal pictures?

Well, on a really simple level, we do think it is kind of fun to follow and photograph all of the creatures who live around our home. And we hope you enjoy discovering along with us.

But beyond that, they prove an important point (or two). If twenty condominiums had been built on this property, between the construction process and the finished project, many (or most of) the animals we’ve documented would have lost their habitat. Sure, there’s a park next door, but you can only fit so many turtle or chickadee nests in one place. Members of many species (such as owls and hawks) don’t like to live too close together because they compete for limited resources.

Willow Hall also demonstrates that a surprising number of species can be found in suburban habitats. A research project conducted by two interns last summer found 17 bird species, 4 amphibians, 2 reptiles and 6 mammals live or pass through our property. Despite all that had been written about Willow Hall, no one had any idea of this before.

We think that’s pretty impressive for living on the fringe of an urban area such as Morristown. And there are probably more creatures living with us that we haven’t found yet. This summer we would like to begin the process of applying for a Wildlife Habitat Certification for Willow Hall through the National Wildlife Federation. (We’ll have more on that in another post.)

Protecting wildlife habitat is also important to the Passaic River Coalition for a few reasons. Many species, especially amphibians, turtles, and fish, can give us clues about the quality of water in streams, rivers, and wetlands. Habitat that’s healthy for animals is usually healthy for people as well. And protecting predator species also helps keeps other less desirable populations in check. It is much better for our waterways to let birds and bats control the mosquito population than to drain wetlands or douse them with pesticides.

And to us, the world is a richer place because of all the other creatures who share it with us.

A snapping turtle sunbathing on the lawn this morning

The 10 Most Endangered Historic Sites in New Jersey

2010-05-27T10:11:00.000-07:00

Preservation New Jersey has released its 10 Most Endangered Historic Sites in New Jersey for 2010. Willow Hall used to be on this list before we bought it. Historic site funding from the Garden State Trust Fund ballot measure passed in November plays an important role in preserving and restoring sites like these all over the state.

Chickadees

2010-05-25T13:38:00.001-07:00

We didn't get any blue birds in our three blue bird nest boxes at Willow Hall this year. (They don't seem to have moved into the nest box at Highlands Meadow either.) But we did get a pair of chickadees who moved into the box closest to the house. It seems their young have just hatched since the parent's activity has picked up significantly. They've been flying in and out of the box all day, making it much easier to take this photo through the window.

Initially, female chickadees spend most of their time incubating the eggs while the male bring food. But once the eggs hatch, both parents take turns feeding the young who should fledge in 14 to 18 days. Chickadees are omnivorous, eating insects, seeds, and berries.

Morristown Festival Earth

2010-05-24T13:20:00.001-07:00

"Hi there! Want to learn two new big words?"
"No."
"Do you want to learn about clean water and pollution?
"No."
"Would you like to win a cool button about groundwater?"
"No."
"There's really nothing interesting at this table for you then, is there?"
"Yeah."

With the exception of this one tough customer, we had a great day at the Morristown Festival Earth this past Saturday. There was great weather and we met a lot of friendly people who were interested in protecting the environment. Hopefully a few kids also walked away knowing the difference between pervious and impervious landscapes. There's a photo of our demonstration below.

Joe, Laurie (Board Members) and Matt (Land Trust Director) running our table in the afternoon.

Thanks to Sustainable Morristown for putting on a great day!

Morristown Festival Earth - Saturday May 22!

2010-05-21T13:36:00.001-07:00

Come say hello at the Morristown Festival Earth tomorrow (Saturday May 22) from 11am to 6pm on the Morristown Green. The event should be a lot of fun!

Willow Hall . . . Nursery?

2010-05-19T13:33:00.001-07:00

Last Friday Passaic River Coalition staff met a new resident at Willow Hall. Our newest tenant is a female painted turtle who decided that the dirt driveway to the garage in the backyard would be a fine place to lay her eggs.

We were a bit surprised to find a turtle laying eggs so far from the lake and up quite a large hill. But if she was bothered by us, she didn't show it. We watched her for over half an hour, bobbing her head in and out of the shell and using her feet to push dirt back into the hole she had dug (you can see the little dirt mound in the photo below). While we weren't able to count, we have read that painted turtles can lay between three and twenty eggs, depending on the size of the mother.

She won't actually be a permanent resident of our backyard; once the eggs are laid painted turtles leave the nest alone and go about their business of being turtles. The eggs will incubate 65-80 days and then they'll hatch. Though some of the life histories we read said that in some parts of the country, the turtles will actually stay underground all winter and then emerge in the spring. That's quite a wait to see if anyone will hatch. Too bad we can't charge for babysitting.

We will be keeping an eye on the area, it's currently marked with a bale of straw so no one is driving over it.

Out and about

2010-05-17T09:06:00.000-07:00

The Passaic River Coalition had a great time this weekend at the Millburn Green Challenge at the Hartshorn Arboretum. We teamed up with the Americorps Watershed Ambassadors and American Standard Plumbing to invite visitors to pledge to conserve water in and outside their homes. At our table, Allyson taught visitors the difference between pervious and impervious surfaces and how they can improve their properties to "Contain Your Rain!".

We'll be out again this Saturday, May 22, at Morristown's Festival Earth from 11am to 6pm on the Morristown Green. The event should be a lot of fun so come say hello!

Happy Save the Frogs Day!

2010-04-30T13:07:00.000-07:00

At the Passaic River Coalition we're doing our part to help Save the Frogs (see yesterday's post to learn about Save the Frogs Day). When our Land Trust preserves undeveloped land along rivers and in wetlands, we're also preserving wildlife habitat. Below is an American Toad found on our recently preserved Decker Tract in Bloomingdale.

Despite its suburban location, Willow Hall actually has quite a few amphibious residents because of its proximity to Speedwell Lake. Last summer our interns found American Toads (photo below), Pickerel Frogs, and Southern Leopard Frogs. At the next Board meeting, we'll be discussing adopting landscaping policies that will protect our resident frogs and toads.

The photo below of frog eggs was taken at the Stanford Tract in West Milford, a 200+ acre property we are working to preserve. You can help the Passaic River Coalition save the frogs, toads, and many other wild creatures by making a donation to our Land Trust. While state and county funds pay for the land itself, we rely on funding from donors to cover ancillary costs such as surveys and appraisals. Will you help Save a Frog today?

Photo Credits: Kelly Halloran, Greg Stavish, and Dana Skwirut. Also, a special thanks to New Jersey Conservation Foundation for telling us about Save the Frogs Day!

Tomorrow is Save the Frogs Day!

2010-04-29T13:28:00.000-07:00

Frogs are disappearing!

It’s a little-known fact that nearly one-third of the world’s amphibian species are threatened with extinction. Faced with environmental problems such as pollution, infectious diseases, habitat loss, invasive species, climate change, and over-harvesting, frog populations will continue to decline, causing drastic repercussions for the planet’s ecosystems and human population. . . Unless we do something to help the amphibians!

Frogs are important because they are:
- an integral part of the food web
- bioindicators of pollution in the environment
- consumers of ticks, mosquitoes, and other "pests"

You can help:
- Don't use pesticides
- Build a frog pond in your backyard
- Conserve water
- Eat locally grown, organic food

Suggestion for wildlife lovers: Another way you can help save the frogs is to create a Certified Wildlife Habitat. By providing food, water, cover and a place for wildlife to raise their young--and by incorporating sustainable gardening practices--you not only help wildlife, but you also qualify to apply for certification! Visit the Garden for Wildlife site to learn more!

Get Ready to Save the Frogs!

2010-04-28T13:47:00.000-07:00

Willow Hall Spring Cleaning Day!

2010-04-26T08:57:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who made our Spring Cleaning Day a success. The kitchen in the cottage smells a lot nicer, the front patio looks a lot cleaner, and the fallen pine in the back is almost all gone.

Jim works on cutting our fallen pine into manageable pieces.

Joe arrives with reinforcements.

Kristin sweeps off the front patio.

Marge and Kristin clean the kitchen area of the cottage, which we hope to find a tenant for soon.

Neil load limbs into Jim's trunk while daughter Cambria supervises.

A special thanks to Faith for being our official photographer for the day!

Thinking about water efficiency at Willow Hall

2010-04-21T13:43:00.000-07:00

We’ll be the first to tell you that “going green” can take some time. It’s a process where we adjust our lifestyles (or office-style in our case) to be more considerate of the environment. It’s also something which might never be finished as our understanding of the environment continues to grow and new technology becomes affordable.

Take our water usage at Willow Hall for example. There are four bathrooms in Willow Hall. When we were almost ready to move in last summer, our plumber informed us that two of the four toilets were broken beyond repair. While this posed a bit of a problem for the staff, it provided an excellent opportunity to install more efficient equipment in the two bathrooms.

The apartment toilet is in proper working order (for now) so we’ve decided to hold off on replacing it. The downstairs toilet is another story (see the photo below). Besides that obvious aesthetic issue that the toilet, sink, and bathtub are black and never look clean, the toilet tank is huge and uses at least 5 gallons per flush. (The current standard for toilets is 1.6 gallons per flush and high efficiency toilets use 1.28 gallons or less.)

Needless to say, as an organization that works to protect water supplies, we’re not particularly proud of that toilet. But there are plans to replace it with a more efficient toilet when we get funding to make the whole bathroom ADA-compliant.

In the future we would also like to upgrade our faucets with more efficient models as well. Like we said, it’s a process.

Efficiency is an important component of reducing our water usage. There are some behaviors we can’t stop doing, such as washing our hands or flushing the toilet (unless you have a composting toilet). But we can minimize the impact of those behaviors by using efficient fixtures that let you do the same thing with less water. Though it’s important to note that even with efficient fixtures, 30 minute showers are still a waste of water.

Thinking about Earth Day

2010-04-20T14:06:00.001-07:00

In honor of Earth Day this week (April 22) we’ll be highlighting some of the ways we at the PRC are trying to practice running an environmentally friendly office here at Willow Hall.

The official description for our preservation of Willow Hall is an adaptive re-use project. This means that we are preserving a historic site by using for a new purpose. In this case, we took a residential home and now use it as office space while still maintaining its historic integrity.

This type of project represents a marriage of historic preservation and sustainability. Demolishing a building that was in fine working order to just build a new one in its place would have been a tremendous waste of resources. By working with what already exists, we conserve natural resources and protect a piece of our heritage.

Green Beans

2010-04-15T13:53:00.000-07:00

Apparently, green beans are self pollinating. Which is very good news since Allyson planted the green beans seeds far too early and a few days ago they started blossoming in our greenhouse/bathroom. It's a good thing the frost season should be done soon.

Baby green beans

In other horticultural news, Susan's Hibiscus is blooming again while she is not here.

We're looking for a few good interns!

2010-04-12T08:34:00.000-07:00

Summer at the Passaic River Coalition means intern season. This summer we would like to have four college or recent graduate intern with us. The intern descriptions are available on our website. The summer internship is a 10-week full time position with a $2,500 stipend. Interested students should contact Matt Polsky at, mattpolsky@passaicriver.org.

An Interview with Ella Filippone

2010-04-07T06:31:00.001-07:00

Click here to read an interview with Ella Filippone, Executive Director of the Passaic River Coalition.

Willow Hall needs a riding lawn mower!

2010-03-31T09:06:00.001-07:00

Now that spring is here, the grass here at Willow Hall (all three acres of it) is starting to grow again. We're looking for a riding lawnmower for our future caretaker to use to maintain the lawn. Since we're operating on a really tight budget and most foundations don't seem to give out grants for lawn mowers, it would be really great if someone could donate a new or gently used lawn mower to us.

The donation is tax-deductible. If you or someone you know might be looking to get rid of a riding mower, call our office at: (973) 532-9830 to talk to Allyson or Susan. Thanks for your help!

First signs of spring at Willow Hall

2010-03-26T10:41:00.001-07:00

Daffodils beside the cottage.

Snow drops popped up all over the property.

Nor'easter Casualty at Willow Hall

2010-03-17T12:25:00.000-07:00

We came to work after the weekend rains on Monday to find we had lost one of the property's large white pines. Well, it was really half of a white pine. The tree's other fork is still standing just fine. Fortunately it didn't land on anything else in the yard.

How does your garden grow . . .

2010-03-11T07:59:00.000-08:00

In the bathroom?

In anticipation of spring, last week the PRC staff has started some vegetable seedlings in the giant second floor bathroom.

Our plantings include: carrots, cucumbers, lettuce, squash, string beans, and tomatoes. You may be wondering where these vegetables will be going once they outgrow their little containers. Well, we're not really sure yet. But rest assured, wherever our gardens grows, it will be surrounded by a very large deer fence.

Sno-willow Hall

2010-03-01T08:56:00.001-08:00

Sorry for the week without posts. Several snow days have thrown a wrench in the office routine. Hopefully that will be it for snow days this season!

What I love about Willow Hall . . . (4)

2010-02-19T08:51:00.000-08:00

There is always something new to learn about Willow Hall. The house is full of surprises, though some are the unwanted kind. I love the incredible craftsmanship that went into building the house. The attention to detail and the amount of details throughout the house are astounding. I also think I picked the best office with the most sunshine. - - Allyson, Environmental Specialist & Outreach Coordinator

What I love about Willow Hall . . . (3)

2010-02-18T08:35:00.000-08:00

I love sitting at my computer in my spacious, sunny offices that has two huge windows. The windows are four feet by six feet. I see the beautiful oak, maple, and spruce trees from my desk chair. When I stand up, I can watch the seasonal changes at Speedwell Lake. Our huge yard is quiet and litter free unlike our last office where the trash just blew in from the highway. And the space is warm compared to my house and the ski barn I visit weekly. When I want to go out for a walk, our property offers many quiet nooks and new places to explore. - - Susan, Development Director

What I love about Willow Hall . . . (2)

2010-02-17T08:31:00.000-08:00

The view from the rear of the house overlooking the lawn, trees, and Speedwell Lake is fantastic. I also like how with help from a lot of people, we were able to preserve it all. - - Matt, Land Trust Director

Willow Hall has become our home. After 40 years, it feels very satisfying to know that the Passaic River Coalition finally has a permanent place to live. And it is a beautiful place with a character and history all its own. - - Ella Filippone, Executive Director

What I love about Willow Hall . . .

2010-02-15T08:28:00.000-08:00

Watching the wildlife wandering through the property. Especially the deer and squirrels, they walk right by my window. - - Kate, Administrative Assistant

I love the natural setting, that Willow Hall is surrounded at least on three sides by greenery and even a small lake. Because of its surroundings Willow Hall provides foods and homes for many forms of flora and fauna. Even the name 'Willow Hall' sounds inviting, soft, and graceful. The building is a perfect setting for an organization whose goal is helping to preserve a very important element of nature: water. - - Faith, Local Volunteer

Grow it Green Morristown Event

2010-02-11T12:59:00.000-08:00

Grow it Green Morristown is holding an information session and volunteer night on February 18, at 7pm in Morristown Town Hall (200 South St. Senior Center, 3rd Floor). Check them out!

Will you be our Valentine?

2010-02-11T08:08:00.000-08:00

There’s a lot to love about our new headquarters, Willow Hall – it’s got history, architecture, and nature all in one beautiful six acre package. We know many people in Morristown loved Willow Hall enough to help preserve it.

We need your help to continue preparing Willow Hall to be open to public on a monthly schedule. If you love Willow Hall and Morristown history, will you be our Valentine by making a donation to the Passaic River Coalition for Willow Hall? Your financial support will help us continue restoring Willow Hall, do routine maintenance, and create an educational program for visitors.

If you make a donation the week of February 14, we’ll send you, or another special Valentine, a Willow Hall Valentine themed postcard. You can mail a donation to: Passaic River Coalition, 330 Speedwell Ave, Morristown, NJ 07960. Please make checks out to: Passaic River Coalition, Memo: Willow Hall. You can also donate online using the "Donate" button on the right side of this blog.

Thanks for your support!

This is a 1850 Valentine. Esther Howland created the first mass-produced embossed paper lace Valentine in 1947 in Worcester, Massachusetts. (Wikipedia) Our Valentine won't be quite so fancy.

Happy Ground Hog Day?

2010-02-02T12:42:00.000-08:00

Dear Punxatawney Phil,
I don't know what you and you crazy top hat wearing followers over in Pennsylvania are talking about. Here at Willow Hall in Morristown, IT WAS CLOUDY! I didn't see my shadow, therefore, spring should be on its way. At least that's what the Passaic River Coalition staff, with their temperamental boiler, are hoping.
Respectfully,
The Willow Hall Ground Hog

PS: I wish I had a cool name like Pauxatawney Phil or Staten Island Chuck. So submit your ideas for naming the Willow Hall Ground Hog!

Gravity

2010-02-01T12:11:00.001-08:00

Late last week one of our beautiful chandeliers lost a fight against gravity. We’re not sure exactly what happened since the fall happened some time between closing and opening the office. We’re all very upset since this particular chandelier had been a gift from a Morristown friend. We are hoping it can be repaired.

The S.S. Savanah

2010-01-27T13:36:00.001-08:00

One of the most famous accomplishments of the factory was the production of the entire engine of the S.S. Savannah, the first steamship to cross the Atlantic Ocean. The idea for a trans-Atlantic steamship came from Captain Moses Rogers, a close business acquaintance of Stephen’s. Captain Rogers oversaw the creation of the ship, ordering parts from various manufacturers; but he entrusted the critical steam engine to Stephen and the Speedwell Ironworks. It was a dangerous proposition, installing a large steam engine into a wooden boat that could easily catch fire. With many skeptics calling the Savannah the “Steam Coffin”, there was no margin for error in casting and constructing the ship’s engine.

But Stephen and the Ironworks rose to the challenge and successfully produced a steam engine that helped the Savannah cross the Atlantic Ocean in 29 days. The Savannah then went on to visit Sweden, St. Petersburg in Russia, and Norway, meeting praise and admiration at every stop. After its tour of Europe, the Savannah returned to America with its engine still functioning without any problems.

Picture Hanging

2010-01-25T07:19:00.000-08:00

During the past 40 years that our Executive Director has been leading the Passaic River Coalition, she has collected quite a few pictures, paintings, and cartoons that have a connection to our organization. One of them finally got hung up last week.

Ella says this is one of her favorite paintings. On a trip to England, she and her husband commissioned an artist to paint a Great Blue Heron. To many river advocates, the Great Blue Heron is a symbol of healthy waterways.

Decorating Willow Hall with our art collection has proved a bit more difficult than initially expected. (But really, hasn't everything here gone that way?) Almost every room in the house is lined with beautiful crown molding. We originally thought we could hang our pictures with fishing line from this molding, museum style. It turns out the crown moldings are made of plaster and that would have been a very bad idea.

Instead we'll be using nails to hang the picture up the old fashioned way. But even this will have be done very carefully so as not to damage the original plaster walls.

Speedwell Iron Works

2010-01-22T07:19:00.001-08:00

The Speedwell Iron Works were founded by Stephen Vail (the father of George Vail)in 1807. Stephen was an enterprising blacksmith who transformed his small company that made nails into one of the most innovative producers of mechanical equipment of the day.

Speedwell didn't just manufacture iron products, they invented new equipment In 1835, Stephen developed a durable iron tire for railroad locomotives. This innovation paved the way for the growth the railroad industry in America.

Through the 1830s, as the business prospered at Speedwell, Stephen expanded the ironworks and developed an industrial village. By the 1850s, Speedwell was a well-established and successful manufacturing enterprise employing 45 skilled laborers.
However, by the 1870s, the New Jersey iron industry began to decline as the industry moved westward towards new sources of fuel and raw materials. The Speedwell Iron Works closed in 1873, and three years later the equipment was sold to ironworks in Coatbridge, Scotland and Brooklyn, New York.

You can visit Historic Speedwell Village right here in Morristown! Learn more about this unique historic site at: http://www.morrisparks.net/speedwell/home.html

Stephen Vail

2010-01-20T10:22:00.001-08:00

Stephen Vail was born in 1780 in Morristown. He was a blacksmith who married Bethiah Youngs of Morristown i n1801. They had four children who survived into adulthood: Harriet, Alfred, George (who built and owned Willow Hall), and Sarah.

Stephen was an entrepreneur, inventor and a manufacturer. Although not educated himself, he provided his with the best education. Alfred and George were educated at the Morristown Academy while Sarah attended the Moravian Seminary in Bethlehem.

In 1807, Stephen and three other men began operating Speedwell Iron Works. It failed after two years. But Stephen continued and became the sole proprietor in 1815. From then on, it was a success and numerous iron products were produced there: small machine parts, pumps and presses for large mills, papermaking machinery, train parts, among other necessary and profitable items.

Happy Anniversary Willow Hall!

2010-01-15T06:32:00.000-08:00

A year ago today, the Passaic River Coalition staff had just secured all of the $1.875 million need to buy Willow Hall and preserve the house and its property. It had snowed the night before and it seemed as though we would never make it to the attorney's office in Chester on time.

But we all made it there safely. Our Executive Director, Ella Filippone, signed the deed, handed over the check, and then made Willow Hall the new headquarters of the Passaic River Coalition.

After 40 years of being renters, the purchase of Willow Hall was truly a new chapter in the history of the Passaic River Coalition. And we feel it is an important new chapter for Willow Hall as well. Using the house as office space is a sustainable use for it and we are working closely with historic professionals to preserve its historic integrity.

It has been busy first year for Willow Hall and the Passaic River Coalition. We look forward to celebrating our accomplishments today and continuing our work preserving the past and opening the doors of Willow Hall to the future.

Willow Hall's previous owner, Frederick Stradtman, symbolically gives a photo of the house to our Executive Director, Ella Filippone, at the property's closing last year.

Willow Hall in New Jersey Countryside

2010-01-06T13:44:00.000-08:00

Check out an article about Willow Hall in the January/February Issue of New Jersey Countryside!

Vail Family Tree

2010-01-04T09:58:00.000-08:00

Well, it's not exactly a tree diagram, but you'll get the picture.

Stephen Vail (1780-1864)
In 1801, married Bethiah Youngs (1778-1847), had four children:
- Harriet Vail (1802-1828)
- Alfred Vail (1807-1859), con't below
- George Vail (1809-1875), con't below
- Sarah Louise Davis Vail (1811-1887)
In 1848, married Mary Carter Hedges
In 1862, married Phoebe Ann Miller

Alfred Vail (1807-1859)
In 1939, married Jane Elizabeth Cummings, had three children:
- Stephen Vail (1840-1909)
- James Cummings Vail (1843-1917)
- George Rochester Vail (1852-1931)
In 1855, married Amanda Eno

George Vail (1809-1875)
In 1830, married Mary Ann Wilson, had two children:
- Frances Georgianna Vail, con't below
- Mary Louise Vail
In 1856, married Mary Lightfoot (divorced a year later)
In 1862, married Mary Lyman

Frances Georgianna Vail
In 1859, married Herman Bertram of Danzig, Prussia, had two children:
- Stephen Alfred Bertram (b. 1862)
- Frederick Herman Bertram (b. 1863)

Bonus Relative: Theodore Newton Vail, first president of AT&T, was Alfred and George Vail's first cousin

Happy New Year!

2010-01-03T13:00:00.000-08:00

A Happy New Year to you from all of us here at Willow Hall.

One of our New Year's Resolution for 2011 is to get back to blogging about the history and happenings here at Willow Hall because there are many stories about this historic house and its residents left to tell.

Happy New Year!

2009-12-31T11:37:00.000-08:00

As 2009 comes to a close, the Passaic River Coalition's staff and Board members are fine tuning our three year business plan, which to some degree does contain resolutions (except we call them goals). We're currently up to 5 pages of objectives, but here are some of the highlights for Willow Hall:

Begin an endowment campaign to raise $3 million in two years
Start the pilot year of our Advanced Learning Center at Willow Hall for college students
Take steps to "green" our headquarters so we can practice what we preach

2010 is shaping up to be a busy year with some ambitious projects as we continue to work towards a cleaner Passaic River and preserving Willow Hall's special history. We hope you and yours have a happy and healthy New Year and thank you again for your interest and support.

PS- Staff member Allyson has also made a resolution to make blog posts more frequently, especially since she just found the historical research file.

Seasons Greetings

2009-12-23T13:21:00.001-08:00

The Passaic River Coalition would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and to offer our heartfelt thanks to our friends and members for their loyal and generous support.

You learn something new everyday

2009-12-21T08:02:00.000-08:00

That phrase sums up our experience of caring for and working at Willow Hall pretty well. Our most recent learning experience was actually rather anticlimactic.

When we first bought the house, its previous owner Fred pointed out sets of lines on the wood floors that appeared to be burned in. In some places, there were still bits of copper wire still stuck in grooves. Fred said these were where telegraph lines were installed. This was very exciting news, and a rather logical explanation, since the house's original owner, George Vail, financed his brother, Alfred, and Samuel F.B. Morse's development of the telegraph.

Well, it turns out that those grooves in the woods were actually used for an old security system in the house. The lines connected those wire alarms that used to be installed on windows. Needless to say, no one was particularly thrilled to learn this new revelation. But that's ok, because Willow Hall still has plenty of history and surprises to keep us (and this blog) busy for quite some time.

Speedwell Lake

2009-12-03T12:08:00.001-08:00

There's a lot of water rushing over Speedwell Lake Dam after yesterday's heavy rain. The waterfall is so loud we can hear it from the house at the top of the hill.

Thankful

2009-11-30T13:31:00.000-08:00

This year, the Passaic River Coalition Staff is especially thankful for . . .

Our new home at Willow Hall and all the people who made saving the house possible.

A working furnace.

The Garden State Preservation Trust Fund, the New Jersey Historic Preservation Trust Fund, the Morris County Preservation Trust Fund and the Passaic County Preservation Trust Fund. Without their help, so much of our work wouldn't be possible.

All of our marvelous volunteers, you know who you are!

And, our faithful members whose financial support keeps us going from day to day.

Fall at Willow Hall

2009-11-23T12:02:00.000-08:00

Here's one last fall photo to enjoy before winter officially arrives.

Attention Facebook Users!

2009-11-18T08:42:00.000-08:00

Help the Passaic River Coalition win $25,000 from Chase through their Community Giving competition. If you use facebook, use the link below to vote for the Passaic River Coalition and then tell all your friends!

Thanks for your help!

An avid collector

2009-11-13T13:41:00.000-08:00

One of the newest additions to the Passaic River Coalition library is An Histology of American Gunsmiths, Arms Manufacturers and Patentees With Detailed Description of Their Arms by Stephen Van Rensselaer, a prior owner of Willow Hall. The book was published posthumously in 1947, and according to the introduction, was the result of a lifetime of purposeful and meticulous collecting.

One feature we found interesting about this book is its reference to Miss Pauline C. Stradtman, his personal secretary, in the acknowledgments. We know of her as Aunt Paulie through her nephew Fred Stradtman, Willow Hall's previous owner.

Stephen Van Rensselaer

2009-11-11T12:27:00.000-08:00

Today we learned some new facts about Stephen Van Rensselaer, a previous owner of Willow Hall though he was not related to George Vail. The following is an article from the New York Times, published on September 9, 1916, and was found by a local historian and volunteer.

ROMANCE IN ANTIQUE SHOP
Mrs. Minnie B. Curtis, a member of an old New England family, and a collector of antiques, and Stephen Van Rensselaer, who comes from a well-known Knickerbocker family, have returned to town from their honeymoon after a quiet wedding last Saturday in Essex, Conn. Many of their friends did not learn of their marriage until yesterday.

Mrs. Curtis has an antique store in East Thirty-fourth Street. About six months ago Mr. Van Rensselar, who collects firearms, both ancient and modern, joined with her at the store. They had known each other for about five years. Now they are going to branch out, and will shortly open a store in the Fifties.

This is Mr. Van Rensselaer's second marriage. In 1905 he was married to Miss Marion Farlin of West Orange, NJ who obtained a divorce from him in 1912. He was one of Colonel Roosevelt's Rough Riders in the Spanish American war, and later a Wall Street broker, but for the last seven years he has devoted himself entirely to his hobby.

PS- Happy Veterans Day! Thanks to all the men and women who serve and have served our country!

Brrrrrr . . . it's cold in here!

2009-11-06T10:53:00.000-08:00

Seriously. The furnace is broken.

Fortunately, Gold Medal Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, & Electric has come to the rescue.

But now we really need help paying some of our bills as Environmental Specialist Allyson demonstrates in the photo below. Any donation you can make would be greatly appreciated!

Your donation is tax-deductible and will make you a member of the Passaic River Coalition - you'll receive our bi-annual newsletter and an invitation to an annual event. You can donate electronically using the blue donate button on this page or mail a donation to:
Passaic River Coalition
330 Speedwell Ave
Morristown, NJ 07960
(Please make checks out to the Passaic River Coalition)
Thanks for your help!

Results!

2009-11-04T10:49:00.001-08:00

Thanks to everyone who helped us pass this year's Green Acres bond act by voting yes!

2009-11-02T08:00:00.001-08:00

To Know a Vail, Part 2

2009-10-27T12:02:00.000-07:00

Today we’ll delve a bit more into George’s personal life. George had three different marriages, all to women named Mary; so pay attention, this may get confusing.

George’s first wife was Mary Ann Wilson. They had four children together; the first two died in infancy but their daughters Frances Georgiana and Mary Louise survived to adulthood. This first marriage lasted 25 years until Mary Ann died.

A year later George married his second wife, Mary Lewis Lightfoot. The couple had no children together and the marriage ended in divorce a year later. According to George’s father, George believed Mary Lewis was insane.

George’s married his third wife, Mary Tichenor Lyman, five years after the divorce to Mary Lewis. Mary Lewis outlived George but left Willow Hall after his death because the manor was left to George’s daughter Frances Georgiana.

More on the Vail family tree later this week.

Find of the Week

2009-10-23T09:06:00.000-07:00

This week's Willow Hall Find is brought to you by one of several dump sites in the back of our property. It's an old bracket from one of the house's window lintels which are made of iron. You can compare it to a bracket that is still on the house. While we're not 100% sure, it's possible these decorative pieces were made at Speedwell Ironworks.

Public Question #1: Vote Yes

2009-10-19T13:14:00.000-07:00

In the early 1990’s, the Passaic River Coalition (PRC) Board of Trustees established a Land Trust, and began acquiring land that contributed to the better management of the water resources in the Passaic River Watershed, protected endangered species, and preserved historic sites. Our first purchase was a 3.5 acres site in Rockaway Township by the Hibernia Bat Cave, which was the second largest hibernaculum on the East Coast. Since our establishment of the PRC’s Land Trust, we have acquired over 1,020 acres. Most of our properties were made possible by a 50 percent contribution from the Green Acres Program.

While we value each and every property we acquire, perhaps the most important was the purchase of historic Willow Hall in Morristown. This magnificent property had been under contract for the development of condominiums along Speedwell Lake. After local citizens opposed the development in Superior Court and won, the PRC made an offer and was able to purchase the entire property and dedicate it as an historic site and open space in perpetuity. Many people have told us how pleased they are that we were able to save Willow Hall in its historic setting. This acquisition could not have been made without the support of the New Jersey Green Acres Program and the Morris County Historic Trust and Open Space and Recreation Trust.

This November Ballot Question #1 asks the citizens of New Jersey to renew this valuable program. The preservation of open space, deed restricted, establishes a legacy for the future that will increase in both economic and ecological value. We will find a way to have a sustainable source to finance this program, but now is not the time to stop funding Green Acres. Vote “YES” on Ballot Question #1 --- it’s your future too!

Fall Foliage

2009-10-16T06:56:00.001-07:00

Willow Hall's backyard.

Photo Courtesy of Dana, volunteer librarian.

Getting the Dirt on Willow Hall

2009-10-14T11:56:00.000-07:00

No, not the gossip kind of dirt. We're talking about actual dirt and the historic artifacts that might be hiding in it.

As part of the PRC's grant through the New Jersey Historic Trust, we have contracted Hunter Research Inc. to conduct an archaeological survey of the grounds surrounding Willow Hall.

The archaeologists are looking to answer many questions, including:
-Where was the previous house located?
-How were the historic gardens configured?
-Was there a fountain ever built near the house (as historic pictures show)?
-Where did people use the bathroom and dump their garbage?

The results of the survey will also help us make sure future activities on the property won't damage archaeological resources.

Glenn and Josh sift through dirt in the backyard.

To Know a Vail, Part 1

2009-10-12T10:06:00.000-07:00

The original owner of Willow Hall was a self-described “blacksmith, engineer, and manufacturer”, but George Vail was also a businessman, politician, diplomat and judge. George seems to have inherited these traits from his industrious father Stephen Vail, founder of the Speedwell Iron Works. Stephen passed on the Iron Works business to George in 1844 who continued his father’s tradition of hardworking and innovative industrialism.

George’s life extended far beyond his home in Speedwell as he became a member of the New Jersey Legislature in 1843 and a U.S. Congressman in 1852. He was also a New Jersey Delegate to the World’s Fair in London, a member of the U.S. Consulate in 1858, a Judge in the Court of Errors and Appeals and a founder of the Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital.

To give credit where credit is due, this clever title was borrowed from an article run in the Star Ledger several years ago.

Gusty day

2009-10-09T12:21:00.000-07:00

We lost an attic window on Wednesday with the all the wind. The window was on a door leading to the Juliet balcony and the latch wasn't strong enough to keep the door shut.

Fortunately House Manager Joe Filippone came to the rescue and has already repaired and secured the window and door. This is good because the last thing this house needs is another drafty window.

The Fast Facts

2009-10-01T13:36:00.000-07:00

Willow Hall
Circa 1848
330 Speedwell Ave, Morristown, NJ

Original Owner: George Vail
Property: 6.2 acres
Also has a guest cottage and 4 bay garage
Height: Two floors plus full attic
Rooms: 23
Current Owner: Passaic River Coalition
Purchased: January 15, 2009
Funding sources: New Jersey Garden State Preservation Trust Fund
Morris County Open Space Preservation Fund
Morris County Historic Preservation Fund

Discover Historic Willow Hall

2009-09-29T16:50:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the digital home of Historic Willow Hall in Morristown, New Jersey.

Built in 1848 by George Vail, financier of the telegraph, Willow Hall is the new headquarters of the Passaic River Coalition.

Explore and follow our blog to learn about Willow Hall's fascinating past, our present activities, and future plans.