(above) The 1850 Colonial home at 1737 Nevada Street, former home of town historian John Frazee, has been designated an official landmark by the Westfield Historic Preservation Commission. Photo by Carol Nolde.
Nevada Street Home Becomes Westfield’s Latest Landmark
Submitted by Jennifer Jaruzelski
Westfield has gained another local landmark with the official historic designation of 1737 Nevada Street, the former home of John Frazee, first town historian. The house is the fourth property and second private residence to be proposed for landmark status this year by the Westfield Historic Preservation Commission. Built in 1850 as part of the Scudder and Ross estates, which covered much of the south side of Westfield, the carefully preserved home is both a model of traditional Colonial architecture and a remarkable example of local life in the mid-19th century.
John Frazee purchased the home in 1927 for his family and carefully maintained it until his death in 1972. The property was sold to a developer, who subdivided it into two building lots. Current owners Frank and Carol Nolde, former Westfield school teachers, purchased both parcels in 1973 and spent the next 46 years restoring the home. With more than 200 years of property records, the Noldes have also documented the ownership of the home and land from the early foundations of the community.
The house is distinguished by its graceful front porch and Colonial front door with transom and sidelights leading to a wide center hall with 12’ ceilings. The home retains all its original doors, windows, hardware and molding. Five chimneys serve the homes 9 original fireplaces, each with their original marble or wood mantels.
The kitchen wing with former servant’s quarters above boasts its original brick open hearth, beehive oven and cast-iron stove, still in working condition. The side yard retains the original well and cast-iron hand pump. Two outbuildings that once stood on the property were relocated to the Miller-Cory House by John Frazee.
In a statement prepared for the Council, the Noldes said: “John Henry Frazee, noted Westfield town historian, had seen developers destroy a historic house of great architectural importance just across the street from his house in what is now Frazee Court. We are confident that Mr. Frazee would have been happy to know that a young couple with two small children and just enough money to buy the house and the front lawn, now a separate building lot, would spend the next forty-six years restoring his 1850 house. He would be doubly grateful as are we that the Westfield Historic Preservation Commission and the town of Westfield have recognized the importance of protecting our architectural inheritance.”
Maria Boyes, chair of the Historic Preservation Commission, said, “As a member of the historic preservation commission, and as a resident of this town, I’d like to wholeheartedly thank the Noldes for being responsible stewards of their historic home. The Noldes first came to one of our Speaker Series and were inspired by the direction that the Commission and the Town is taking towards historic preservation. Both Mr. and Mrs. Nolde have given back to this community, for years as teachers in the Westfield Public School system and now by preserving their beautiful home and property for the future generations of Westfield.”
Established by municipal ordinance, Westfield’s Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) is charged with preserving historical sites and structures while fostering an appreciation for these landmarks as an essential element of the town’s unique character. For more information or to inquire about designating an historic property, please visit westfieldnj.gov/historicpreservation or email HPC@westfieldnj.gov.
