Rumson’s historic sites deserve to be protected
(An open letter to members of the Rumson Borough Council)

Since last February, I have been watching a tragedy unfold in Rumson as I drive up and down River Road. The red farmhouse at 105 River Road is a local historic landmark of great charm. It is a Greek revival structure built c.1840 — likely by the Hance family, early settlers of Rumson and well known locally for their extensive nurseries. It is about to be brazenly destroyed to make way for the new house being built so crassly right on top of it. One has to ask, will the new house stand the test of time for more than 160 years, like the red farmhouse? I doubt it.

Rumson — with all its history — is seeing its character unforgivingly altered by the dreadful tear-down trend which is pervasive throughout all our communities. Are the Borough Council and the Planning Board meeting the changing needs and desires of its present and future residents?

In 2002, the Planning Board reviewed the borough’s 1988 master plan and prepared a master plan reexamination report which they adopted Nov. 18. They reiterated the importance of borough policy which states "the conservation of historic sites and districts is a public purpose essential to promoting a desirable visual environment, good civic design, and establishing neighborhood and community well-being.

Sites of historic, archaeological, cultural, scenic and architectural significance should be identified, maintained, and conserved."

Now is the time to do something. Many of your residents care deeply about Rumson’s heritage. You possess the tools. I respectfully urge the Borough Council to seek the experienced advice of a qualified historic preservation consultant to help guide you.

Your master plan calls for the creation of a historic preservation commission. Its essential first task would be to compile an updated list of Rumson’s historic sites. The commission could also give helpful, significant advice to the Planning and Zoning boards on applications for development.

It could carry out educational programs for the benefit of all your residents.

It’s a shame it seems to take a disaster to wake us up. The loss of the Morford house in Red Bank for a Commerce Bank galvanized the Borough Council there to designate a historic preservation commission.

I think there is a widely shared belief that structures with special historic, cultural or architectural significance enhance the quality of life for all and deserve protection. Thank you for your consideration.

Mary Lou Strong

Locust section

of Middletown