Historic Preservation Celebrated at Oradell Mansion

In honor of Historic Preservation Month -- and as a way to acknowledge the efforts of several borough residents as well as incoming and outgoing state legislators -- the Water Works Conservancy held its annual Bergen History Brunch on Saturday.

“The Bergen history brunches began in 2006 as a way for the Hermitage and Water Works Conservancy to have a gathering of all those who are interested in history and historic homes,” Water Works member Maggie Harrer said. “The community in Bergen County is a strong history community. Bergen County citizens voted not once but twice for Open Space, Historic Preservation and Recreation funds to be set aside from their taxes. When voters vote on taxes, something important must be going on.”

During the event, the Conservancy honored Jeffrey and Bonnie Wells for their continued preservation of the Blauvelt Mansion. The Wells took control of the historic mansion in the late 1970s when Raymond and Betty Wells (Jeffrey's parents) moved the family-owned architecture firm to Oradell.

The Wells have resided in the Mansion since that time, but will be leaving the Oradell residence after July. The historic building is currently in foreclosure proceedings and the mortgage is now owned by CareOne. 

According to Wells, he and his family are looking to restore property they own in Paterson with the hope of opening a charter school in the future that specializes in teaching students various trades.

"Here in Oradell, we have a crown jewel not only to Oradell and Bergen County but all of New Jersey," Oradell Councilman Michael Harte said. "It's a very important landmark that holds a lot of history that this borough is proud of."

Also leaving Oradell will be District 39 Senator Gerald Cardinale and Assemblywoman Charlotte Vandervalk due to the new restricting map. Cardinale and Vandervalk were thanked for their dedication to historic preservation.

With the new legislative district maps, Oradell has moved to District 38 and will be represented by Sen. Robert Gordon and Assemblywoman Connie Wagner, who also were on hand to meet their new constituents.

The brunch was rounded out by Oradell Borough Historian Frank Vierling who shared the history of the Blauvelt's original owner, Kimball Chase Atwood and guest speaker author Clifford W. Zink, discussing the Roebling family, German immigrants to New Jersey and the innovations at the Hackensack Water Works.