Historic inventory minus two structures
BY LAYLI WHYTE
Staff Writer

RED BANK - Two properties were recently withdrawn from the borough's inventory of historic places, much to the dismay of Historic Preservation Committee Chairman George Bowden.

Bowden told the Borough Council at its Sept. 25 meeting that it is the property owner's prerogative as to whether or not the property is listed on the borough's inventory of historic structures, which includes some 80 properties.

The two properties that were withdrawn, according to Bowden, are Trinity Episcopal Church at 65 W. Front St. and a private residence at 20 Alston Court.

Bowden said Trinity Episcopal Church, which was dedicated in 1851, has a fascinating history.

"It's the oldest church in Red Bank," he said. "It used to be the mission church for Christ Church in Shrewsbury, back when Red Bank was a part of Shrewsbury. The rectory for the church was located on Rector Place, which was named Rector Place because of the rectory."

Bowden said that the former rectory building is still standing at 31 Rector Place and has been listed on the borough historic inventory for many years.

Bowden said that he understands that the concern of the church vestry is that being listed on the inventory might be prohibitive if any changes are planned for the building.

"That is certainly not the case," he said. "I will be meeting with the vestry in mid-October, and I hope to have them on the 2006 inventory."

Bowden said that the church has been on the Monmouth County Inventory of Historic Places since 1981.

The residence at 20 Alston Court, the home of Arthur and Leslie Parent, was built in 1894.

"The Parents sent me a letter," said Bowden, "saying that they feel their house is just another Victorian-style house on the river."

Bowden said that he believes the Parents' house is one of the most sensational private homes in Red Bank and the best representation of the Queen Anne-style of architecture in the borough

"It's one of the substantial second homes built along the Navesink River by wealthy New Yorkers," Bowden said. "It is not just another Victorian house. Architecturally, it's a very unique design in excellent taste, and it represents the highest quality of Red Bank housing."

Bowden said that there is nothing he can do except attempt to convince the Parents that their home is historically significant.

The Parents are also the owners of the Tredwell House property in Rumson, which formerly was the site of a 300-year-old home, considered the oldest home in Monmouth County.

The Tredwell House was destroyed by a fire in June, and the investigation into the fire by the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office is ongoing.