The Olde Stone House, or the George (Jr.) and Sarah Morgan House, was built around 1765. It will use the recent funds for complete basement window repair and restoration.
The Washington Township Historic Preservation Commission will receive grant funds through the New Jersey Historic Trust in the amount of $72,000 to complete basement window repair and restoration at the Olde Stone House, including new areaways and masonry, as well as Phase 1B archaeology.
The Olde Stone House – also known as the George (Jr.) and Sarah Morgan House – was built around 1765 and is a two-story, side-gabled stone dwelling built in a vernacular expression of the Georgian style, according to its description for placement on the National Register of Historic Places, which was approved in 2019.
It is reportedly the oldest building in the township and the only one open to the public.
In 2019, the Ccmmission was awarded a Capital I grant to make necessary repairs on the house, the key feature of the Olde Stone House Village and a township icon. Much-needed repairs were made to the first floor windows and doors, but after COVID, prices increased to the point that other items in the grant scope of work were not possible at the time.
The state’s Historic Trust grant will provide the funding to complete the repairs and renovations.
“The commission is happy to have the support of the New Jersey Historic Trust, which has helped out in the past,” noted chairman Nick Appice. “These … funds will make it possible for the Olde Stone House to remain open to the public for some years to come.”
Repairs include regrading around the basement windows and replacing the windows to prevent water seepage that is damaging the wooden structural beams supporting the building. Archaeologic work is needed, as required by the state whenever ground is moved at a historic site.
Additional funds will be provided by the Friends of the Olde Stone House Village.
In June 1961, the property was rented to Frederick Powell, who turned the farm, barn and stables into the “Starlite Stables,” according to the preservation commission. He used the farm to raise, sell and board horses until the 1970s. In 1973, the then 400-plus acres were sold to Orleans Co., which gifted the Morgan House and 6.2 acres to the township.
A fire in December of 1980 destroyed the frame additions to the house, and the historical society then spent five years restoring it to its 1765 appearance.
The Olde Stone House Village is located at 208 Egg Harbor Road, Sewell. For more information, visit www.oldestonehousehistoricvillage.org and www.facebook.com/oldestonehousehistoricvillage
