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Oakland Historical Society Seeks More Renovation Funding

OAKLAND, N.J. — Members of the Oakland Historical Society are seeking funds for the upkeep of the Van Allen House on Franklin Avenue.

The Oakland Historical Society seeks donations to repair the historic Van Allen House.

The Oakland Historical Society seeks donations to repair the historic Van Allen House.

Photo Credit: Rebecca Abma

The group has repaired parts of the roof that were damaged by leaks and threatened by raccoon intruders.

The roof above the parlor is finished, but the roof over the keeping room needs attention, then they may focus on the interior. But all projects need continuous funding.

“We want to maintain the house as the museum,” Historical Society Vice President Jerri Angermueller. said. 

Members are currently preparing the home for George Washington’s Feb. 22 birthday celebrations.

The 1 p.m. event on Feb. 21 will feature activities surrounding the first United States president.

The historic home was built in 1748 by Henrick Van Allen, and was registered as a historic site because of its association with George Washington and the letters he wrote there during a rainy summer.

“It’s not only about the past, but about some of the modern history as well,” Angermueller said of the structure.

“That includes some of the history from the Revolutionary war, but also Sydney Kingsley who lived in town and wrote many Broadway plays."

Angermueller would like to see volunteers help out with research, organizing files, the herb garden, and activities throughout the year.

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