18th Century Time Travel

The Van Voorhees- Quackenbush- Zabriskie House commonly known as the Zabriskie House was showcased as part of the Coalition of Northwest Bergen Historical Organizations’  History Day.  The Zabriskie House was one of eight 18^th and 19^th century homes open to the public on Saturday.

“We are one of the historic homes in Bergen County where Washington did not sleep,” laughs Jean Hildebrant, who was dressed in period clothing.  Hildebrant answered questions and served home baked cookies including lemon thyme, orange basil and Jan Hagel to visitors.

The classically Dutch home is under the care of trustees Judy and Jim Abma, Bill Bushman and Jean Hildebrant who were appointed by the Township and are responsible for its preservation.

The Zabriskie House was bequeathed to Wyckoff by Grace Quackenbush Zabriskie. Mrs. Zabriskie’s earlier donation to the town consisted of the pond and surrounding acreage in 1964.

Built in about 1730 the home was part of a 550 acre tract of land purchased by brothers William and John Van Voor Haze.  William built the original home and raised eleven children in the house.  His son Albert enlarged the house and a front door knocker bears an inscription A.V.V.H.  1824 providing a clue to the expansion date. 

The property was acquired by the Quackenbush family and was willed by Uriah Quackenbush to his granddaughter Grace. Grace married county judge John B. Zabriskie and lived in the house until her death in 1973.

Anne Dambach who lives in a historic home in town has carefully catalogued all items in the house and is the expert on the home’s contents and historical significance. “Everything in the house is in the exact place that Mrs. Zabriskie left it,” said curator Dambach. 

The first floor consists of a side hall, front parlor, library, kitchen and dining room where Mrs. Dambach educated guests on the rooms late 18^th and early 19^th century characteristics.

Visitors to the upstairs rooms could see handmade woven summer/winter coverlets, silhouettes of George and Martha Washington and inkwells among other historic treasures.  Linda Smith of Oakland was touring with her friend, daughter and grandson.  The ladies “enjoyed learning about history” and were “getting decorating ideas.”   

Outdoor demonstrations were presented by Cathy DeLuccia of Ridgewood, who worked a Saxony spinning wheel converting sheep wool into thread.  Next to her was Amparo Turiza creating the textile art of bobbin lace.  

In the “judge’s study” fireplace, Wyckoff resident Suse Bell was cooking ham and green beans and corn bread in cast iron pots aka Dutch ovens.  The beamed ceiling room connects to a laundry room with a nod to the past and present.  A historic clothes drying appliance sits next to a 1970’s dryer.   A door in this room leads to a cellar.

 “We are looking for residents to become involved with the Zabriskie House who care about preserving this historical treasure, said Mrs. Abma. Mrs. Abma will be meeting with Wyckoff schools superintendent Richard Kuder in hopes of revitalizing the school visitation program.  A brochure will be mailed to residents this Fall seeking volunteers and requesting tax-deductible contributions.

The trustees have recently overseen restoration of the roof, ceiling and basement repairs and wallpaper restoration.   “As every homeowner knows, especially owners of “older homes,” there is always lots of work that needs to be done,” said Mrs. Abma.

The three formal gardens, maintained by the Wyckoff Area Garden Club, were also available for touring.  Mrs. Zabriskie and friend Mrs.  H.A. Spencer designed the gardens which contain roses, perennials and a grape arbor.

The Zabriskie House will be open to the public for the annual holiday open house on December 3.

For more information about the Zabriskie House contact Jean at 891-9409.