Proud Neighbors Host Knight Park House Renovation

One home stands alone inside of , unused, uninhabited. 

Built in 1888 by Atlantic City-based carpenter Andrew H. K. Doughty, the home was constructed as a resident for the park's superintendent, William Collings. 

The house was later inhabited by former park superintendent Carl W. Jubb Sr.

But now it sits, empty, holding only its deep historic value. 

And its restoration was just the sort of project that the Proud Neighbors of Collingswood stand for. 

"It's part of (Proud Neighbors') bylaws," said Proud Neighbors of Collingswood President Marlene Granitz, of the group choosing this project. "We encourage preservation of the historic character of Collingswood. And this particular home is on the national, state and local historical registers."

Granitz said Proud Neighbors are donating $25,000 to restore aspects of the historical home. 

"(The $25,000) is seed money, for the restoration of this historic property in The Knight Park. Seed money, meaning we're donating to try and encourage other organizations to help us restore the entire property."

Granitz said the $25,000 will only cover some of the restoration costs. 

"Proud Neighbors will be focusing on exterior restoration of historic components," said Granitz, who said she couldn't yet provide specific areas the group will focus on. "We're still looking into what needs to be done, and getting estimates."

According to Granitz, Proud Neighbors members voted unanimously to take on The Knight Park house restoration project this past June.

"In order to actually begin working on the project, we have to get approval from The Knight Park Trustees. The trustees were present at a historic overview and presentation we gave in July," she said. "It was open to the public. Trustees were there, as well as borough commissioners. We were making people aware of the historic significance of this home, and its historic components."

Granitz said Proud Neighbors will continue to hold educational seminars about the home. She said the next will likely be held in September, and interested members of the public may check the borough website for updates. 

"This isn't the first project Proud Neighbors has done in The Knight Park," said Granitz. "We've donated trees, and did the park pavilion. But this particular project (the house) is a big commitment."

The borough-published Centennial book contains an old West Jersey Press quote about the house. 

"The present house standing in the park, built as the superintendent's residence and club house in 1888, is the only remaining structure from the original park," it reads. 

Granitz said those interested in becoming a Proud Neighbors member may email info@proudneighborsofcollingswood.org. Those interested in donating to the house project may contact Proud Neighbors or The Knight Park Trustees.