What do you know about the history of Jersey City and the surrounding area? For instance, are you aware of the history of the Apple Tree House? It’s the oldest building in the Jersey City area, having been built in 1688. It takes its name from the fact that the site used to be an apple orchard which supplied the makings of cider. In the 1820’s an addition was built.
There is a lot of evidence to support the story that George Washington and General Lafayette met here in 1779, when it was owned by Hartman Van Wagenen, and dined under a large apple tree. It seems the tree was blown over by a storm in 1821. The citizens took a piece of it and fashioned a handsome, gold-mounted cane, inscribed it and presented it to General Lafayette in 1824.
In 1996, the house made the 10 Most Endangered Historic Sites list from Preservation New Jersey. In 1999, the city bought the house. For the past 15 years, the renovation has proceeded. However the work is at a standstill now because of some issues that have to be settled by the Law Department. It appears to be almost finished except for the landscaping.
Even thought there is a gated fence around the property, there have been a couple of recent break-ins. If the problems being worked on by the Law Department can be solved, and work can resume, that should prevent such violations. The final phase of the project is an ambitious plan for drainage improvements, a curbed driveway, a lighted parking lot, a retaining wall and ornamental fencing. Officials of the George Washington Commemorative Society are anxious for the work to resume and be finished.
Once it’s finished, the first floor will be run as a Historic House Museum, with limited access for the public. The use of the rest of the house has not been settled yet. Perhaps there will be some public input in to what should be done with it. It would certainly be of great benefit to our area to have it up and running, rather than standing idol.
What are your thoughts on the possible uses for this historic building?
Edward