Frazee House Receives Grant
Submitted by Maria LaMorte-Wright
On Friday, June 24, the Rotary Frazee House board observed the 245th anniversary of the Battle of Short Hills. In attendance were representatives from Scotch Plains Township (including Mayor Josh Losardo and Township Manager Al Mirabella), NJ Historic Trust, the County Board of Commissioners, several historic organizations, the Frazee House Board and the FSP Rotary Club.
An oversize check for $337,161 was presented to Andy Calamaras by Dorothy Guzzo, Executive Director of the New Jersey Historic Trust. Linda Stender, who is now a board member of that organization, was also in attendance.
Calamaras noted that “the SPF Rotary Frazee House Board has achieved tremendous progress over the past 15 years. The Frazee House is a local Scotch Plains treasure, and we are proud to save it for future generations.” He also thanked the Scotch Plains township and NJ Historic Trust for their support over the years.
The funds will be applied toward the second phase of the Frazee House restoration project. A bathroom cottage will be built adjacent to the house and will include two bathrooms and a utility area where the meters for the gas, electric and water will be located. An ADA accessible ramp will allow access to the bathrooms and to the house. The two rooms in the West wing of the house will also be finished, including power, data ports, heat and air conditioning. The restoration work will be done by a certified conservator, yet to be determined.
There was also a brief presentation about the Battle of the Short Hills and the Legend of “Aunt Betty”, given by former Scotch Plains Councilman Ted Spera.
The Frazee Board is planning a number of events this October to raise additional funds: the annual Harvest Festival, the Great Pumpkin Patch, and the Ghost Walking Tour. For further information about the history of the Frazee House and the planned events, go to frazeehouse.org.
Courtesy photo
