The End of an Era

As crews tear down the landmark Chanticler and its more than 150 years of history, each layer demolished reveals a part of its past – the maroon and gold patterned carpet, framed paneling, faded wallpaper. Stairs that now lead nowhere.

From the front of the building while the marble walls and entryway were still intact, you could almost hear the swing bands playing, almost see couples dancing and almost feel the excitement of the thousands of weddings and receptions that filled the halls through the years.

If you grew up in the area, it’s likely you have a memory or two of the Chanticler: a special date, a first kiss, a dinner-dance, a bar or bat mitzvah. For years, the Chanticler was the place to throw a party.

And by the end of the week, all that history will be gone. And eventually condos will take its place.

 “While I recognize that not every historic site in Millburn can be preserved forever, it nonetheless saddens me greatly to see another as the Chanticler is demolished too," said Historical Society Museum curator Lynne Ranieri, speaking as a resident and not in her role with the society.

News of the imminent demolition of the landmark brought the to the January auction of the building’s contents. The society scoured the site for Chanticler memorabilia and artifacts of the original Wellington Campbell mansion entombed inside the restaurant and catering addition, she said.

 “I am very grateful to the former and current owners of the site that the historical society was given permission to salvage interesting architectural elements of the original and entombed mansion that was inside," Ranieri said.

Historical Society members came away from the auction with a number of late-1950s to early-1970s gilt-decorated dinner plates – two of which they will keep and the rest they will sell as souvenirs to raise money toward a plaque for that corner, commemorating the significant contribution of the building to town history.

Prices range from  $2.50 per plate to $10 per plate and each plate is embellished with gilt filigree around the outside edge and a gilt rooster (the Chanticler logo) in the center.

Quantities are limited. So if you want any of these dishes for nostalgic reasons, call or visit the historical society soon. Museum hours are Tuesdays from 1 to 3 p.m., Wednesdays from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., Thursdays from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and the first Sunday of the month from 2 to 4 p.m. For more information call the museum at 973-564-9519.