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Stillwater New Jersey is a Piece of History
Brendan Berls, NJ Herald

     Because of a simple project to replace a bridge, the old village of Stillwater is now on the verge of being listed nationwide as a historic landmark.
   According to Deputy County Administrator John Eskilson, a Stillwater resident, the county hired a historical consultant to conduct an “impact study” on the area surrounding Main Street before going ahead with its project to replace the Main Street Bridge. What the consultant’s research uncovered is, according to all involved, remarkable.
   “Not only the village of Stillwater but the surrounding rural cultural landscape is, potentially, the largest rural historic district in the state of New Jersey,” said Tom Jones, the historical consultant hired by the county.
   Speaking from his office in Easton, Pa., Jones said that the village, with the grist mill as its centerpiece and extending to the farms surrounding Main Street, is a “very well preserved” example of a Strassendorf (”street village”), a specific village type imported
from Germany’s Rhineland in he 18th century.
   “This is the best preserved example of a Strassendorf that I’m aware of in New Jersey,”
Jones said.
   The village’s oldest buildings date to the 1740s or 1750s, when the first Pennsylvania
German settlers arrived, attracted by the area’s fertile soil and its potential for water power. The most prominent member of the community was Casper Schaeffer, later spelled
“Shafer”, who would eventually serve on the council that drafted the state’s constitution.
   Jones conducted his research at “various points” throughout 2002, and at the end of the year submitted his report to the New Jersey Historic Preservation Office, which is contained within the Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of Parks and Forestry. The report soon attracted the attention of office member Andrea Tingey, who came to Stillwater to verify Jones’ findings.
     Tingey said that as much as eight square miles of Stillwater is eligible for inclusion on both the New Jersey and the National Register of Historic Places.
On Friday afternoon, she spoke from her Trenton office about the “incredible selection of historic buildings” in this “very remarkable and special” place.
“Many people here are still following the life patterns of the past hundred years,” said Tingey. “There are also very little alterations (such as screen doors or vinyl siding) to the buildings — remarkably little. The people of Stillwater have
been excellent stewards of their property.”  
     Jones’ research also uncovered a potential source of further study in a field which has attracted more and more attention from archaeologists in recent years — slavery in the north. Shafer himself apparently owned about a dozen African slaves — almost half the number of slaves in all of Northampon County, Pa. — and also
relied heavily on indentured servitude, both of which were highly unusual among Pennsylvania Germans, Jones said.  “This is a place where you can go and see where slaves operated in an integrated ‘northern plantation’ economy,” Jones
said.
   Jones’ findings occupy a report of two full volumes. The public will be able to learn more about these findings at the second of three presentations, which both Jones and Tingey will attend on Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Stillwater School.
   At present, the only historic site in Stillwater listed on the state and national registers is
the Harmony Hill United Methodist Church on Fairview Lake Road, which made the lists in
1977. (***Note:  This article is from 2003.  The Stillwater Grist Mill is also on the state and national historical register, 12/10/09)  Among the more well-known listed sites in Sussex County are the Sterling Hill Mine in Ogdensburg and the Old Monroe Schoolhouse on Route 94 in Hardyston.
   The Stillwater village, however, may prove to be among the most singular, not least
because of the manner in which it was “discovered.” As Eskilson said, “All this
information arose out of the bridge project.”


Town Council Minutes - what happened when we tried to get a historic district in Stillwater?
(extracted from the municipal website)


Township Committee Minutes
October 30, 2003

The Historic Preservation Workshop Meeting of the Stillwater Township Committee was held at the Stillwater Elementary School, Stillwater, New Jersey.

The meeting was started by Mr. John Risko, Sussex County Assistant County Engineer at 7:05 P.M.. Deputy Mayor Klimek and Mr. Sylvester were present. Mr. Risko introduced Andrea Tingey, Principal Historic Preservationist, NJ Historic Preservation Office, George Chidley, Administrative Analyst II, NJ Historic Preservation Office, Leile Hamroun, Senior Graduate Architect, Watson & Henry Associates and Wayne McCabe, PP,AICP, Wayne T. McCabe & Associates, Inc.

Upon arrival of Mayor Scott and Mr. Kolody at 7:20 P.M. a quorum of Township Committee was established. This meeting has been duly published and notice posted in public places.

Mr. Chidley gave a presentation on becoming an Historic District and the process that needed to be followed.

Ms. Hamroun was present to explain how Cape May is a unique Historic District and how they are trying to expand the district.

Mr. McCabe stated that Newton has an Historic District but Stillwater would be much different.

Several questions were asked of the panel and the audience was advised that another meeting would be held in December. The panel advised the audience that the Planning Board and Zoning Board would have a lot of input in the process.

Mayor Scott thanked the panel for coming to the meeting.

Mr. Risko closed the meeting at 9:03 P.M..


Township Committee Minutes

December 2, 2003


Historic District Committee: Mayor Scott stated the Historic District Committee should be set up the same way the original Bridge Committee was set up.

Mr. Kolody stated that this involves a more structured committee consisting of a member of the Planning Board, Township Committee member, Mayor, State Historical Society, and two citizens from the district or outside the district. Mr. Sylvester stated he thought a member from the Zoning Board should be appointed. Mr. Kolody stated the Zoning Board only comes in when people don’t comply with certain issues; this committee is only advisory board. Mr. Maselli informed the Township Committee that he is interested in serving on the Historic District Committee.



Township Committee Minutes

January 6, 2004


COMMITTEEMAN MR. KOLODY’S STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR 2004: Mr. Kolody stated there are some changes regarding office procedures that he would like to make and he’ll work with Mr. Fuoco on that. In the budget process make sure appropriate monies are put aside for Capital Improvements. To amend the Zoning Ordinance to move forward on a Historical Preservation Committee and he would like to take part in that. To move forward on getting the chief of police position filled and direct the negotiations to making the police department stable in the employment area. To support the township volunteer organizations and to see that the Stillwater Rescue Squad building be built and proceed onto the other items discussed two years ago.



Township Committee Minutes

February 3, 2004

Stillwater Historic Preservation Advisory Committee: Mayor Klimek read the announcement for the formation of the Stillwater Historic Preservation Advisory Committee. The members of this committee are: Elsie Roof, Roy Knutson, Lou Calisebetta, Fred Schultz, Don Meister, Jamie Brown, and Joanne Teare. Mr. Fuoco and Mr. Sylvester will represent the Township Committee and Mr. Schultz will chair the Stillwater Historic Preservation Advisory Committee.



Township Committee Minutes

February 17, 2004


Mayor Klimek stated this portion of the meeting for the next hour will be devoted to finalizing the budget.

1205 Historical Preservation Advisory Committee: The Township Committee appropriated the following line items for the Historical Preservation Advisory Committee, Secretary $1,250.00, Stationary $75.00, and Consultant $600.00.



Township Committee Minutes

March 2, 2004


Historic Preservation Commission Advisory Committee: MOTION was made by Mr. Fuoco and seconded by Mr. Scott for the Clerk to advertise a meeting for the Historic Preservation Commission Advisory Committee for March 10th, 2004 at 7:00 P.M. at the Municipal Building. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.



Township Committee Minutes

April 6, 2004


ORDINANCE #2004-10: This being the 1st reading, MOTION was made by Mr. Sylvester and seconded by Mr. Fuoco to introduce Ordinance #2004-10. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

ORDINANCE #2004-10

 

AN ORDINANCE TO CREATE THE POSITION

OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION ADVISORY

COMMITTEE SECRETARY


Mr. Charles Gross 912 Stillwater Road spoke to the Township Committee on different line items in the budget.


Stillwater Historical Preservation Advisory Committee: Mr. Fuoco stated the Stillwater Historical Preservation Advisory Committee met on March 10th which was primarily an organizational meeting and they also met on March 23rd and was given a presentation by Andrea Tinghey of the State Office of Historic Preservation.



Township Committee Minutes

April 27, 2004


ORDINANCE #2004-10: This being the 2nd reading, MOTION was made by Mr. Scott and seconded by Mr. Fuoco to open Ordinance #2004-10 to the public. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

Mayor Klimek opened this portion of the meeting to the public.

Seeing no one wished to speak, Mayor Klimek closed this portion of the meeting to the public.

ORDINANCE #2004-10

 

AN ORDINANCE TO CREATE THE

POSITION OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION

ADVISORY COMMITTEE SECRETARY

 

BE IT ORDAINED by the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater that the following position be created:

1. Historic Preservation Advisory Committee Secretary

This ordinance shall take effect after publication and passage to law.


Stillwater Historical Preservation Advisory Committee: Mr. Fuoco stated the Stillwater Historical Preservation Advisory Committee meeting is being held on April 27th, 2004 and will have a report available by the next meeting.


Township Committee Minutes

June 1, 2004


Historic Preservation Advisory Committee report: Mr. Fuoco stated at the Historic Preservation Advisory Committee meeting was held on May 25th, 2004 and the following was discussed.

It was decided to form two sub-committees. One sub-committee will identify contributing structures in the newly drawn Stillwater Village District. The other will study the Historic Preservation element of other municipalities’ master plans.

The sub-committees are to report back to the full committee at the June 22nd, 2004 meeting.



Township Committee Minutes

June 15, 2004


Historic Preservation Advisory Committee report: Mr. Fuoco stated the Historic Preservation Advisory Committee will be meeting on June 22nd, 2004.


Township Committee Minutes

July 20, 2004


Historic Preservation Advisory Committee report: Mr. Fuoco stated the Historic Preservation Advisory Committee meeting was held on June 22nd, 2004.


Township Committee Minutes

August 3, 2004


Historic Preservation Advisory Committee report: Mr. Fuoco stated the Historic Preservation Advisory Committee meeting was held on July 27th, 2004.

There was considerable public input, neighbors having received a letter informing them of the committee’s work. Although, only a few people attended they had a number of questions.

The Policy Statement, which was circulated, was approved and now the all-important work of developing the ordinances commences. The committee hopes to have recommended ordinances by the end of November.


Township Committee Minutes

August 17, 2004


Historic Preservation Advisory Committee report: Mr. Fuoco stated the Historic Preservation Advisory Committee meeting will be held on August 24th, 2004.

Historic Preservation Committee: Mayor Klimek stated a letter was received from the Historic Preservation Committee requesting comments from the Stillwater Township Committee members. The township committee agreed to contact Mr. Fred Shultz individually with regards to their comments to the Historic Preservation Committees letter.



Township Committee Minutes

September 7, 2004


Historic Preservation Advisory Committee report: Mr. Fuoco stated the Historic Preservation Advisory Committee meeting was held on August 24th, 2004 and the public expressed their concerns regarding Rights to the Exclusion from the district.

Township Committee Minutes

September 21, 2004


Historic Preservation Advisory Committee report: Mr. Fuoco stated there was no Historic Preservation Advisory
Committee meeting.

Township Committee Minutes

October 5, 2004


Historic Preservation Advisory Committee report: Mr. Fuoco stated he was unable to attend the Historic Preservation Advisory Committee meeting. Mr. Sylvester attended in his absence and would report on the meeting.

Historic Preservation Advisory Committee report: Mr. Sylvester stated

Mr. Tom Jones a Historic Preservationist attended the Historic Preservation Advisory Committee meeting on September 28th, 2004 to answer questions and to give a brief presentation. He also stated that there were approximately forty seven people in attendance.


Carmilo Maselli, of 927 Main Street, questioned the township committee regarding the Historical Preservation Advisory Committee meeting that was held on September 28th, 2004.

Rich Kelsky, of 915 Cedar Ridge Road, commented on the Historical Preservation Advisory Committee meeting that was held on September 28th, 2004.


Mr. Fuoco made a minor point that the Historical Preservation Advisory Committee "is a committee and not a commission. Under New Jersey law, a Historic Commission is a statutory body, with a specific membership. The term "committee" and "commission" should not be used interchangeably."

 

Mr. Scott hopes the Historical Preservation Advisory Committee listens to the people.

 

Mr. Kolody asked Mr. Fuoco if the Historical Preservation Advisory Committee could come up with a timetable to present to the township committee.


Township Committee Minutes

October 19, 2004


Historic Preservation Advisory Committee report: Mr. Fuoco had no reports to make at this time. The Historic Preservation Advisory Committee meets again on October 26th, 2004.

Historic District: Mayor Klimek reported that he has received about seven letters from residents who are against having their property listed in a Historic District. Mayor Klimek went on to state that he will be drafting a letter to notify these residents that we are just in the preliminary process of deciding whether to establish a Historic District, this process relies on public input. Mayor Klimek finished by saying the residents’ letters will be sent to the Historic Preservation Advisory Committee so that the committee will have all information necessary to make a decision.

Township Committee Minutes

November 9, 2004


Historic Preservation Advisory Committee report: The Historic Preservation Advisory Committee met on October 26th, 2004.

Approximately thirty four property owners were present.

Most of the meeting was devoted to public session.

A budget of approximately $2,000 will be submitted to the Township Committee from the Historic Preservation Advisory Committee for the year 2005 of which half will be going to hire a consultant to help redefine boundary lines on the district.


Richard Kelsky, of Cedar Ridge Road, questioned Mr. Fuoco on the proposed historic district.

Township Committee Minutes

November 23, 2004


Historic Preservation Advisory Committee report: The Historic Preservation Advisory Committee meeting will be held on November 30th, 2004.

Township Committee Minutes

December 7, 2004


Historic Preservation Advisory Committee report: The Historic Preservation Advisory Committee met on November 30th, 2004.

Township Committee Minutes

December 21, 2004


RESOLUTION #2004-113

 

WHEREAS, the appears to be insufficient funds in the following account (excepting the appropriation for Contingent Expenses or Deferred Charges) to meet the demands thereon for the balance of the Current Year,

Department of Public Works-Vehicles 024-0122-910

Historical Preservation Committee-Salaries & Wages 024-1205-101

WHEREAS, there appears to be a surplus in the following account (excepting the appropriation for Contingent Expenses, Deferred Charges, Cash Deficit of Preceding year, Reserve for Uncollected Taxes, Down Payments, Capital Improvement Fund, or Interest and Debt Redemption Charges) over and above the demand deemed to be necessary for the balance of the Current Year,

Department of Public Works-Salaries & Wages 024-0121-102

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY, (not less than two-thirds of all the members thereof affirmatively concurring) that in accordance with the provision of R.S.40A:4-58 part of the surplus in the account heretofore mentioned be and the same $1,227.00 hereby transferred to the account (excepting the appropriation for Contingent Expenses or Deferred Charges) mentioned as being insufficient, to meet the current demands, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the CFO is hereby authorized and directed to make the following transfers:

FROM TO

Department of Public Works-S&W $1,200.00 Department of Public Works-Vehicles

Department of Public Works-S&W $ 27.00 Historical Pres. Committee-S&W


Township Committee Minutes

January 1, 2005



2005 TEMPORARY BUDGET RESOLUTION

 

WHEREAS, 40A:4-19 Local Budget Act provides that where any contracts, commitments or payments are to be made prior to the final adoption of the 2005 Budget, temporary appropriations be made for the purpose and amounts required in the manner and time therein provided,

WHEREAS, the date of this resolution is within the first thirty days of 2005, and

WHEREAS, total appropriations in the 2004 Budget, less appropriations made for capital improvement fund, debt service and relief of the poor (public assistance) are as follows:

General $2,764,094.00

WHEREAS, 26.25 percent of the total appropriations in the 2004 Budget less appropriations for capital improvement fund, debt service and relief of the poor (public assistance) in the said 2004 Budget is as follows,

General $725,575.00

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater, County of Sussex that the 2005 Temporary Budget be adopted and that a certified copy be transmitted to the Chief Financial Officer for her records.


Historical Preservation Commission-Salaries & Wages $ 383.00

Historical Preservation Commission-Other Expenses $ 168.00


Township Committee Minutes

January 26, 2005


Department #1205 Historic Preservation Advisory Committee: The township committee made no changes to this department.

Township Committee Minutes

February 1, 2005


Historical Preservation Advisory Committee: Mr. Fuoco stated the Historical Preservation Advisory Committee met on January 31st, 2005 and the following was discussed.

Establishment of a Historical Preservation Advisory Commission.

Definitive map on the Village of Stillwater with the boundaries.

Inventory of the key structures and elements of the historic district done by

Mrs. Roof and Mrs. Teare.


Township Committee Minutes

April 5, 2005


Mayor Sylvester added that the following items should be placed on the next agenda:

Historic District Commission


Township Committee Minutes
April 12, 2005

HISTORIC PRESERVATION ADVISORY COMMISSION PRESENTATION: 
Mr. Roy Knutsen, introduced himself and most of the Historical Committee, then presented a written report and background of the Historical Preservation Advisory Commission.  In his presentation he highlighted seven options for review-noting that they are looking at C-E and G.  Various presentations continued with an inventory and map, invitation to Schaffer family reunion on June 18t h  and explanation of signage. Then the township committee was asked to consider requesting from the planning board: a modification to the Master Plan and the development of a preservation ordinance.  Funding was requested to contract with a Preservation Historian to review and complete the inventory.  Lastly, consider creating a tax assessment deferral program.  After the presentation, Mayor Sylvester thanked the commission for all their hard work and efforts, also citing Kathy Wunder.  A question and answer period followed. Mayor Sylvester then asked the Clerk put the Historic Preservation Advisory Commission on the Agenda for May 17, 2005.

Mr. Maselli,,927 Main Street, Commend the Historical Society for all their hard work with the Historical District.  He wanted his statement known that his position remains the same, which is that he refuses the right to make his building a historical building and added that no one has the right to make that decision.


           Mr. Kelsey, 915 Cedar Ridge Rd, Explained the procedure that has followed thus far with the Historical Committee. From minutes dated January 31, 2005, Quote: “The HPAC determined the presentation will be provided on April 19, 2005 to the township committee and the secretary place said meeting on the agenda” Because of the confusion of dates, Mr. Kelsey demanded that the presentation be adjourned and proper advance notice be given to the public for the township meeting that will have this presentation.  He also would like a copy of the publication for the change of date for this meeting. As far as the matters for the Historical District tonight, if determined to proceed, Mr. Kelsey requested a full and accurate report of the reasons of the commencement of the process; and explained the scope of requirements.  He also asked the committee to recognize the attendance in opposition, the map being hard to read and the failure to send proper notice. He thanked the committee for their time and trusts that they will take all matters into consideration. 

Township Committee Minutes
May 17, 2005

HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION: Presentation on April 12th, Mayor Sylvester and Mr. Fuoco have spent over a year with many other people to formulate a plan. for a moderate Historical Preservation Commission.  Rules will be written by the Planning Board and included within the Master Plan.  It was placed on the agenda for discussion.  The Committee shared there views and a lengthy discussion followed.  All the information will be sent on to the planning department.

             Fred Schultz- Thank you for taking the time to discuss the Historical Preservation Commission.  He explained the district and his knowledge on the Historical Commission and that he Mr. Knudsen or Joan would be happy to answer any questions anyone may have.

            Carmelo Maselli-927 Main Street, Congratulated Mrs. Schlecter on her presentation: Why spend money if you don’t need to?  The same applies to the Historical Preservation Commission and added that no one has permission to include his property within the Historical District. 


            Mr. Kelsky- Appreciate interest of the viability of moving forward instead of just moving forward.  There was a referendum presented and there were thirty people in attendance for the meeting. He again raised the objection of the people for a historical commission.   He noted that the board has an obligation to the people to cancel proceeding with the creation of a Historical Preservation Commission. 


            Tina Keppler, 909 Deer Run- The people that came out in opposition of the Historical Preservation Commission, do not know what they are opposing.  History is everyone’s responsibility to protect, would like to see Stillwater protect its History.  


MISCELLANEOUS COMMITTEE REPORTS:      

            Mr. Fuoco- The Historical Preservation Commission is to benefit of the entire community.  The avenue was created by the State of New Jersey to protect, and Stillwater has the duty to protect their Historic community.

Township Committee Minutes

June 14, 2005


Historical District should be placed on the next agenda; June 21, 2005

Township Committee Minutes
June 21, 2005

Mr. Richard Kelsky-Cedar Ridge Road, Echo Mr. Hammond’s suggestion, the board has the duty and right to stick to the vote of the people.  As far as listening to the people in the township in regard to the Historical District, Mr. Kelsky has not heard a plausible explanation for the Historical District in this town and for ignoring the loud voices saying they do not want a Historical District in Stillwater Township.  Most people would not put there homes on the list for a Historical District. It is important that it is realized that the township has a comprehensive zoning plan that adequately protects the residents against development that is unwanted.

Mr. Bud Teare-945 West Shore Drive, Served on the Historical Committee in Liberty Corners, New Jersey when they declared a Historical District.  As far as he could remember it has increased the value of homes in that area.  He has been a resident of Stillwater for quite a long time and is now the President of the Historical Committee in Stillwater.  He explained the benefits of a Historical District and what has been done to date in pursuit of a Historical District.  He also elaborated on the open house and events the Historical Committee has had.  He wishes the support of the Stillwater Township committee and the people of Stillwater.

HISTORICAL DISTRICT: Mayor Sylvester placed on the agenda for discussion.  The committee asked questions and commented on the subject.  The historic district highlights discussed are: bringing to a community vote, going to the planning board, developing an ordinance, the Master Plan designation, protecting Stillwater’s heritage, clarifying a home not listed within the historic division and the procedure, moving forward and the procedure.  MOTION made by Mr. Klimek and seconded by Mr. Fuoco to have the Planning Board review the recommendation of the April 12, 2005 report to see if a Historic District can be established.  Vote as follows:  Yes:  Mr. Fuoco, Mr. Klimek, Mr. Burd and Mayor Sylvester.  No:  Mrs. Schlecter.  Motion carried by majority vote.

Joan Teare-945 West Shore Drive, Thank you for continuing the Public Session on the agenda twice.  Looking for help with regard to the speed of motorcycles-there is a group here that comes, usually on Sunday. As far as the Historical Preservation, thank you for helping to move this along.  Joan explained the procedure the Historical District Committee has followed thus far.

Mr. Kelsky-One, observe and agree, as Mrs. Schlecter pointed out that the vote is not consistent with the advice of the attorney.  Two, There are two members of the Historical Committee and don’t believe that they should be able to vote.-will leave that to council to determine.

Township Committee Minutes
July 5, 2005

Mayor Sylvester appointed Mrs. Joan Teare to the Open Space Committee as a Historical component.  She does not represent the Historical Society or the Historical District.

Township Committee Minutes
January 1, 2006

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater, County of Sussex that the 2006 Temporary Budget be adopted and that a certified copy be transmitted to the Chief Financial Officer for her records.

Historical Preservation Commission-Salaries & Wages              $        0.00

Historical Preservation Commission-Other Expenses                 $        0.00


 ****After this point it seems the advisory commission for the historic district goes away.  This was in the middle of "Pond Brook" and the committee had bigger issues to deal with.  Kelsky seemed like he did a good job of bullying the committee on the issue and we probably didn't do a good enough job of arguing back for preservation.  There were other people in opposition to the project but it appears that they never actually got up and said that they were against it.  I would like to find the minutes that the paid secretary prepared for this commission.  They must exist somewhere.  I'd like to see who wrote the 7 letters to mayor Klimek.