MONTCLAIR, NJ — Good things can happen when people find common ground over their love of local history.
The Montclair Historic Preservation Commission recently honored several projects and people at its annual Preservation Awards.
The 2026 list of honorees included the Rotary Club of Montclair and the Friends of Howe House, who worked together to restore the gardens and grounds of the Howe House at 369 Claremont Avenue.
According to the Montclair Historic Preservation Commission, the Howe House is a historically significant residence once home to the family of James Howe, a free African American man. The property was deeded to Howe in 1831 by Nathaniel Crane, making the site an important part of Montclair’s local history and preservation efforts.
A crew of volunteers rolled up their sleeves and removed debris, raked in new topsoil, spread peat moss and mulch, and planted native and drought-resistant species. In addition, Noel Kelly – a local handyman – repaired exterior elements including gutters, downspouts and fencing.
“Sometimes small acts produce larger results,” said Bob Rinklin, president of the Rotary Club of Montclair.
“We want to thank the people, from high school students to octogenarians, who helped us begin beautifying this historic landmark,” Rinklin added.
Other local preservation efforts that were honored by the commission this year included:
CHURCH RESTORATION – Grace Presbyterian Church at 133 Grove Street was recognized for restoring, rebuilding, and rehabilitating the historic, 100-year-old structure, which suffered extensive damage in a fire on Aug. 15, 2023.
SHOWROOM CONSTRUCTION – Northeast Architectural was recognized for the design of its showroom at 208 Bellevue Avenue, which includes a distinctive façade that integrates with buildings in the local neighborhood.
ARCHIVIST HONORED – Paul Martinez, librarian and archivist at Montclair State University’s Harry A. Sprague Library, received a Preservation Service Award for the creation of the digital archive of MSU’s independent, student-run newspaper, which was first published as The Pelican (circa 1928) and later renamed as The Montclarion.
SCHOOL ARCHIVE – Sawyer Silberman, a student at Montclair High School, was recognized with a Preservationist of the Year award for the creation of the digital archive of each of the school’s Amphitheater Yearbooks since 1920.
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