When the YWCA announced they needed different space and planned to raze the Israel Crane House, a group of concerned citizens rescued it, and moved it to its new location on Orange Road. This group later became known as the Montclair Historical Society. MHS purchased it from the YWCA for $1.00. On August 25, 1965, after moving a distance of about one mile from 159 Glen Ridge Avenue to 110 Orange Road, it was placed down on land donated by Mrs. Roy Tomlinson.
Interestingly, in generations past, the land where Israel Crane’s house came to rest had been owned by Jasper Crane (1605-1681) one of the first settlers of the Newark-Montclair area. In 1694, Jasper’s son Azariah built one of the first homes in the area on what is today 55 Myrtle Avenue, right near the intersection of Orange Road.
At its new location, the Israel Crane House was converted into a historic house museum by the Montclair Historical Society. Volunteers cared for the house and offered tours to the public.
Today, the Israel Crane House is one of MHS’ historic house museums used for educating schools and the general public about our local history. Now restored, the house has a collection of period furnishings on the inside and an herb garden with a picturesque gazebo on the outside. Special events are held that teach people about life during the 1800s and 1900s.
