Declare Slack-Carroll House A Historic Site, Residents Urge South Brunswick

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ – For years, residents of the Dayton section of the Township have fought to preserve the Slack-Carroll House located at 354 Georges Road.

And very soon the house will be declared a historic landmark in town. A discussion on a proposed ordinance was held during Tuesday's Council meeting.

Originally built sometime between 1860 to 1867, the Slack-Carroll house served as a county doctor’s home and office for over 100 years.

The Dayton Village Citizen’s Coalition, a nonprofit organization has been striving hard to preserve the structure.

The structure holds historic significance for Dayton as it was the first home built north of the intersection of Crossroads, which was the early name for Dayton.

It was also the first physician's office in the rural village, and it was known to be the first hospital in the area. The home had the first indoor plumbing in town with a zinc-lined wooden tub.

Bob Tucker, Vice President of the organization, told the council that it was important for the community that the township preserve the house.

Years ago, Wawa had acquired the home and had planned to demolish it. The Dayton Coalition then made an agreement with Wawa to acquire the home, but it included a revert clause.

“Over a year ago we hired an attorney to see if she could negotiate with Wawa and have the clause removed. Wawa essentially stonewalled us,” Tucker told Council.

“We think declaring the site a historic site will give some protection and help in getting the building preserved.”

Over the years, the local Girls and Boys Scouts have helped the Dayton Coalition in maintaining the property.

A member of the township’s Historic Preservation Commission told Council that the Dayton Coalition made a presentation to the commission after which it was decided to approve the historic declaration.

He asked Council to consider the Commission’s recommendation and give its approval.

The house is a 2.5-story, L-Plan vernacular Italianate. According to local historians, Dr. Clarence M. Slack, Dayton's first physician and later the Middlesex County clerk, likely built the home for himself.

In 1887 sold his practice to Dr. Edgar Carroll, who served as a country doctor. He lived there until his death sometime around 1934. After that, the house changed ownership many times.

Council will introduce an ordinance declaring the house a historic landmark during the next meeting.

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