Today is a historic day
in the history of the Passaic River Coalition
because for the first time in 40 years we now have
permanent headquarters. This morning our executive
director signed the deed to historic Willow Hall in
Morristown.
Fred Stradtman (former
owner of Willow Hall) and Ella F. Filippone
(Executive Director of the PRC)
The PRC purchased the
house for $1,875,000 with grants from the NJDEP
Green Acres Program, the Morris County Open Space
Preservation Trust Fund, and the Morris County
Historic Preservation Program.
When people we meet hear
of the preservation of the property, the standard
comment is, “that is what should be done.” Now we
must begin the gratifying effort of creating a world
class facility incorporating its historic
significance, its outstanding ecological niche, and
the enhancement of the architectural and landscaping
design, which make this one-of-a-kind.
Willow Hall is a symbol
of American entrepreneurship and invention as the
home of George Vail, owner of Speedwell Iron Works,
the premier manufacturing facility of its day, and
financier of Alfred Vail and Samuel F. B. Morse,
inventors of the telegraph. The building itself is
also a superb example of pattern book architecture
and the romantic style promoted by landscape
architect Andrew Jackson Downing.
The PRC is proud to join the long lineage of devoted
caretakers of this beautiful mansion and property.
Over the next several months our staff will begin
making preparations to move into Willow Hall; until
then we will continue operating from our office in
Warren.
