By Sunayana Prabhu
The history and charm of old houses is undeniable but so is the commitment it takes to preserve them. And whether tucked far down hidden driveways or standing amid urban sprawl, the history of Monmouth County is evident in centuries-old houses, barns and farmsteads.
The Monmouth County Historical Commission recently recognized individuals and organizations that have undertaken the restoration and preservation of historic buildings throughout the county and Two River-area residents are major winners.
Nothing about the 1850 Toll House that sits unobtrusively across from the Middletown Train Station dissuaded Dina Totaro from buying it in 2012 “I bought this house because of the character,” said Totaro, a 2023 Historic Preservation Award winner. Maintaining old historic structures, like Totaro’s at 2185 Middletown-Lincroft Road, is a steady commitment that sometimes gets passed on from one generation to another but, if not in the family, then homeowners ready to sell try to find those who appreciate the history. “You’ve got to restore everything,” Totaro said about a historic house, noting the previous owners “gave me the baton.”
In addition to Totaro, the other winners recognized for their commitment to preserving and living with history included: Lynda and Christian Cloud for restoring the 1889 Borden Carriage House, known as the “Clock House,” at 68 West River Road, Rumson; Veronica and Tom Sullivan for fully restoring the mid-19th century Daniel Rezeau Conover Barn at 180 Heyers Mill Road, Colts Neck; and Roseann M. Eteson for restoring the late-19th century Victorian House at 408 Conover Ave., Middletown.
Built in 1895, the Clock House has been restored with “extraordinary precision and detail by homeowners Christian and Lynda Cloud,” according to the Borough of Rumson website. The Clouds bought the property in 2020. According to the borough, the Clouds installed a “custom handcrafted diamond copper roof over the turret,” new siding and a new “E. Howard replica working clocktower.”
“The Preservation Awards continue to be a fabulous way to express our appreciation to the individuals and organizations who have dedicated their time and money to preserve historic buildings in Monmouth County,” said Commissioner Lillian G. Burry, liaison to the Historical Commission, in a June 19 release.
The commission grants funds on a competitive basis to eligible applicants – which can include municipalities and nonprofit organizations – in need of financial help to preserve or restore historic structures. Funds are allocated on a dollar-for-dollar matching basis. There is a $500 minimum and a $10,000 maximum grant per applicant, which was increased in 2022 to encourage participation.
Preserving aging structures “takes a significant amount of patience and determination,” Burry said. “I am truly grateful to those who have committed themselves to helping preserve Monmouth County’s history.”
The historical commission is an official government body created by the Board of County Com- missioners for the promotion of the preservation of Monmouth County history. According to the county website, the commission’s historic preservation grants recognize “the acute need for funding” to preserve Monmouth County’s rich and diverse environment.
The article originally appeared in the July 6 – 12, 2023 print edition of The Two River Times.
