Montclair Historical Society

John E. “Jack” Chance, 90, passed away in December.  With his passing, the Montclair Historical Society marks the end of an era.

Back in 1965, Jack Chance was one of a group of concerned citizens who worked tirelessly to rescue the Israel Crane House from demolition, move it to its present location on Orange Road, and restore it as an historic house museum. He was the sole surviving member of that dedicated group that moved mountains to move an historic house.

His commitment to the Montclair Historical Society lasted a lifetime.  He served several terms on the Board of Trustees, became our fourth President, led many trips, and wrote the monthly newsletter for 17 years.

He was also involved in other organizations dedicated to local history and preservation.  Over the years, he served on Montclair’s committee for the New Jersey Tercentenary, and was active in the North Jersey Highlands Historical Society, the Canal Society of New Jersey, and the League of Historical Societies of New Jersey.  He served on the New Jersey Council for the Humanities and received an award from the New Jersey Historical Commission in 1984.

According to his full obituary in the Montclair Times, a memorial service will be held on February 25 at Union Congregational Church, 176 Cooper Ave, Montclair, at 2:30 p.m.  Memorial gifts may be made to the Montclair Historical Society, 108 Orange Road, Montclair NJ 07042 or the North Jersey Highlands Historical Society, PO Box 248, Ringwood NJ 07456.

On behalf of the thousands of people who have visited the Israel Crane in the last 47 years and all of Montclair’s history community:  Thank you, Jack Chance.

At the altar of St. James’ Church, a painting depicts the Biblical scene of Jesus calling the fishermen James and John.  The painting is one of the creations of Hildreth Meière (1892-1961), an influential and creative artist of the 20th century, and one of just a few women [Read more...]

Unfortunately, the Newark Museum and the City of Newark has to demolish the Polhemus House in Washington Street this winter due to instability of the structure. They are offering architectural elements as salvage to individuals and groups who can use them.  However, you have to follow appropriate procedures and make your request, in writing, before January 23 to Peggy Dougherty (pdougherty@newarkmuseum.org).

The Polhemus House was built in 1859 and served as the manse for the North Reformed Church. It may have served as a stop on the Underground Railroad as well.

Click on the files below for an inventory of the interior and exterior elements that are available.

Salvage Process & Inventory

PH Exterior _Salvage

Want to visit us this winter?  Here’s the scoop:

During January and February:  Although we do not have regularly scheduled public tours on Sunday, we are happy to arrange individual and public tours to view the Israel Crane House and Nathaniel Crane Houses by appointment. Please call 973-744-1796 or send a note to mail@montclairhistorical.org. The Charles Shultz House is closed until April. During March: The Israel Crane and Nathaniel Crane Houses will be open the first Sunday of March from 1 to 3 pm, every Thursday in March from 9:30 to 12 noon, and by appointment at other times during the month.  

It is with a mixture of sadness and pleasure that we announce that the French Institute, which shared our space in the Clark House for the last several years, moved to new quarters at the end of December. We’re sad because we will miss them and the lilting sounds of the French language that drifted through our halls, but pleased because they have moved so they can continue to build on the growth they have experienced at the Montclair Historical Society. Their new location gives them dedicated classrooms and meeting space to expand their programs to an even wider community.  Check www.fiaf.org

FIAF logo

for more information. Interestingly, they have found another historic  location as their new home –  The Carriage House of the Georgian Inn, 37 North Mountain Avenue, Montclair. This beautiful structure was built in the 1890s and is a classic example of Georgian Revival architecture.  We love a great example of adaptive reuse! Bonne chance, mes amis!

The offices of the Montclair Historical Society will be closed until January 3 for the holidays. Our best wishes for a wonderful holiday season and a great New Year!

We’re pleased to introduce a new program specifically designed for the youngest school students — preschoolers!  This 1-hour program introduces children to history in an age-appropriate way.  We begin with a story about life in the late 18th century and the house they are about to see.  Then, using a modified “I Spy with My Little Eye” game to introduce them to some of the artifacts throughout the Israel Crane House.  The visit concludes in the exterior kitchen where the children learn about the chores children performed and how people cooked over an open fire. Because your group is the only group at the museum at the time, we can tailor the program to meet your needs and your students’ abilities.  Admission is $5 per child.   Please call 973-744-1796 for more information or send a note to mail@montclairhistorical.org to let us know you are interested.

We’d like to thank the Essex County Division of Cultural and Historic Affairs for organizing the Essex County Historic Holiday House Tour this past weekend.  What a great time we had sharing our decorated houses with many, many visitors, some of whom had been here before, but many who were seeing the Israel Crane, Nathaniel Crane, and Charles Shultz House (Evergreens) for the first time.

Remember, the houses are only open and decorated until this Sunday, December 18. Our Orange Road location (Israel Crane House and Nathaniel Crane House) are open from 1 to 3; a tour of the Charles Shultz House, accompanied by caroling by the Verona High School Jazz Choir, takes place at 3:30.

Amid all the hustle and bustle, consider making time for tea at Kip’s Castle and a stroll through the Ballantine House (part of the Newark Museum) to experience the holidays with a historical twist. [Read more...]

The Montclair Historical Society will be closed on Sunday, November 27, as we prepare our sites for the holidays.  Please join us on Sundays during December or during the Essex County Holiday House tour to see the houses decorated for the holidays.