Colts Neck house tour provides taste of history
BY PATRICIA YOCZIS Correspondent

COLTS NECK - History lessons will come to life when the Colts Neck Historical Preservation Committee presents its eighth annual house tour on Oct. 6. Historic homes, a schoolhouse and even a barn that was built in the 1880s will be open for public inspection.

"This house tour is an enjoyable way to appreciate the importance of historic houses and property in Colts Neck," said Linda Bremer, house tour chairwoman and member of the preservation committee. "It offers a view of what a historic home has to offer. Plus, once these houses are gone, their history goes with them."

She said the Historical Preservation Committee was initiated nine years ago by Lillian Burry, now its chairwoman. In addition to the house tours, Bremer said the committee is responsible for the maintenance of the 9/11 memorial at town hall, presenting plaques to Colts Neck houses dating from 1865 or earlier and for the restoration of the Montrose School.

"The proceeds from the house tour will go to these functions," said Bremer, whose historic home was on the tour several years ago. "Every year there are different houses on the tour. This year there is the Montrose School, four homes and a barn. Guides at each site will instruct the visitors on the historical significance of the what they are viewing."

The Montrose School, a one-room schoolhouse, was built about 1812 and was in operation until 1922. It was one of six one-room schoolhouses in the township that served students of all ages.

The Carey House dates from 1853 and purports to have a former owner as a resident ghost. Keeping its historic character, additions have been made to the house that also contains murals.

The resident house at Stillwell Stables was built around 1775 and still retains its original features such as wide plank floors, a fireplace with a Dutch oven and hand hewn beams, some with bark. Originally, the property was 108 acres, but today serves as a 12-acre working horse farm.

The DeSaye Residence on 4.6 acres is an example of contemporary Colts Neck architecture, complete with vaulted entry foyer, wine cellar, music room and theater room. Also, it contains a carriage house.

The Van Sickle house was built around 1925 on property that dates back to 1796. It retains most of its original features and the living room was a chapel that was incorporated into the structure. Now, it is an 8-acre active horse farm called the Sunrise Stud Farm.

The Point of View barn dates to about 1835 and was used as a polling place during the election of Abraham Lincoln. An antique ballot box and other historic items will be on display.

"All of the houses on the tour are checked for authenticity," said Bremer. "The owners of historic homes are quite knowledgeable, too. In addition, Harold Kilbride, a preservation and house tour committee member, is our group's designated historian."

She said some of the houses are volunteered for the tour while others are asked to participate.

"I've even knocked on doors and asked if the owners would be interested," said Bremer. "It's really very exciting to participate in any way in this house tour. I'm grateful to Delicious Orchards for cider and donuts and for the help of the members of the house tour committee."

Jane Davis, a preservation committee member and a house tour committee member, is responsible for the programs that serve as a ticket and information on the houses. She has participated as a guide on the house tours for the last seven years and will again this year.

"First, I attended the preservation meetings and then was asked to join," Davis said. "I enjoy being part of the house tours. It's really interesting meeting people and learning from them, too, about historic homes."

Other members of the house tour committee are Mary Fournier, Peggy Joline and Betty Reilly.

In keeping with the historical theme, Bremer said Huddy's Inn, Route 34, will present a Colonial luncheon menu on the date of the house tour. There will be two seatings, one at noon and one at 1:30 p.m. The cost for the luncheon is $15.

The house tour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. will be held rain or shine. A self-guiding map will be provided. The house tour tickets are $25 and $15 for seniors and students. For more information or tickets call (732) 462-6888 or (732) 462-5427. Tickets may be bought on the day of the house tour and are available at Colts Neck Realty, 30 Route 537 West.