Fair Lawn Secures $537K Grant to Restore Historic Naugle House, Aiming for 2026 Completion

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Fair Lawn NJ, Fair Lawn has received a significant boost for the restoration of its historic Naugle House with a $537,000 state grant. This funding will support ongoing efforts to transform the Dutch Colonial-era home into a community meeting space and educational center focused on the American Revolution and the region’s underserved communities.

The grant, awarded by the New Jersey Historic Trust, marks the beginning of phase two of the restoration for the house, which was built in 1740. The funds will go toward interior renovations of the stone structure, with additional resources from a $120,000 Bergen County award being used to finish exterior repairs. Fair Lawn’s Mayor Gail Rottenstrich expressed excitement about the project, noting that further grants will be sought to enhance the landscaping around the property.

A Piece of Revolutionary War History

The Naugle House, located on Dunkerhook Road, has deep roots in American history. Once home to a paymaster for the Marquis de Lafayette, a key figure in General George Washington’s inner circle, the house is believed to have hosted Lafayette himself during a visit in 1824. The property, originally owned by the Vanderbeck family, later became known as the Naugle House through its 19th- and 20th-century owners.

While the house sat vacant for years, deteriorating with time, Fair Lawn took control of its restoration in 2018. Phase one of the restoration focused on structural repairs, including a new roof with cedar shakes, restored windows and doors, and repairs to the front porch and foundation. The next phase will focus on restoring the home’s interior, making it usable for public events and local organizations.

A Community Hub Along a Scenic Bike Trail

One of the Naugle House’s unique features is its location along a county bicycle trail that runs by the Saddle River, connecting Fair Lawn to neighboring towns like Ridgewood, Glen Rock, Saddle Brook, and Rochelle Park. Local officials envision the site as a midpoint where cyclists can stop, rest, and enjoy the history of the area. Plans even include installing a tune-up station for bikers to maintain their bikes during rides.

Mayor Rottenstrich also imagines adding a small concession area, perhaps a coffee shop, alongside educational exhibits that highlight the history of the area’s underserved communities, including the Lenni Lenape Native Americans and a nearby Black community that once thrived in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

Historical Significance and Future Plans

Leslie Frucht, vice chairwoman of the Fair Lawn Historic Preservation Commission, emphasized the rich history of the surrounding area. The Vanderbeck family, who originally owned the Naugle House, had several properties along the Saddle River. Across the river, in what is now Paramus, the Zabriskie family owned farmland and a home, and a free Black population once lived nearby.

The borough’s vision for the Naugle House restoration is to have it completed by 2026, in time for the United States’ 250th anniversary. Fair Lawn plans to open the house six days a week, offering meeting rooms for local organizations and creating an educational resource for residents and visitors alike.

Mayor Rottenstrich stressed the importance of preserving Fair Lawn’s historical assets: “The Naugle House is one of the most important historical assets not just in Fair Lawn, but in Bergen County. It’s part of our mission to restore that, use it, and bring the history to the residents.”

Though the house is currently closed due to its fragile condition, the restoration efforts aim to ensure it stands as a community hub and historical landmark for years to come.

 

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