Rutherfurd Hall facts for kids
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Rutherfurd Hall
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 Location in Warren County, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1686 Route 517, Allamuchy Township, New Jersey |
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| Area | 34.4 acres (13.9 ha) |
| Built | 1902 |
| Architect | Whitney Warren |
| Architectural style | Tudor Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 11000592 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | April 24, 2013 |
Rutherfurd Hall is a beautiful old house in Allamuchy Township, New Jersey. It is located in Warren County, New Jersey, in the United States. This special property was added to the National Register of Historic Places on April 24, 2013. It was recognized for its important architecture and interesting social history.
Contents
History of Rutherfurd Hall
Rutherfurd Hall was once the large home of Winthrop Rutherfurd and his wife, Alice Morton Rutherfurd. After Alice passed away, Winthrop married his second wife, Lucy Mercer Rutherfurd.
Building the Estate
Construction of the estate began in 1902. It was a very big project! The property included a grand mansion, lovely gardens, a boathouse, and even a swimming beach. There was also a special power station that used water to make electricity. For fun, the estate had a 9-hole golf course and kennels for dogs.
A Special Country Home
Rutherfurd Hall is one of the last big country estates left in New Jersey from the early 1900s. At that time, many wealthy families built large homes in natural areas. They wanted to enjoy country life close to major cities.
Famous Visitors
In the 1940s, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who was the President of the United States, visited the estate. He came to meet with Lucy Rutherfurd.
Changes Over Time
In 1948, the property was given to a group of nuns called the Daughters of Divine Charity. They first used the estate as a quiet place for retreats and training. During this time, it was known as "Villa Madonna." Later, the nuns used the building as a rest home for their retired members. In 1959, another section was added to the mansion.
In 2007, the State of New Jersey and the Allamuchy Township School District bought the property. In 2013, the State of New Jersey gave $50,000 to the school district. This money was used to help preserve and take care of Rutherfurd Hall.
Design and Architecture
The main mansion at Rutherfurd Hall was designed by a famous architect named Whitney Warren. It is built from brick and stone in a style called Tudor Revival. This style often looks like old English country homes.
Inside the Mansion
The mansion has three floors and originally had about 38 rooms. Over time, it was expanded to include around 50 rooms!
The Beautiful Grounds
The outdoor areas and gardens were designed by the Olmsted Brothers. They were famous landscape designers. Their goal was to create a beautiful and neat landscape that looked simple and well-cared for.
Current Use of Rutherfurd Hall
Today, Rutherfurd Hall is owned and managed by the Allamuchy Township School District. It is used as a place for community education and cultural events. People can also rent it for private parties and gatherings. The Rutherfurd Hall Foundation helps support projects at the site.
The property is located right next to Allamuchy Mountain State Park, which is a large natural area.
See also
In Spanish: Rutherfurd Hall para niños
- Pine Grove Community Club
- Vander Wilt Farmstead Historic District
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Warren County, New Jersey
