Historical Society new owners of Stephen Crane House
Restoration fundraiser kicks off - Open House slated for Nov. 1
The former home of American author and journalist Stephen Crane is now the property of the Asbury Park Historical Society.
“For the first time in the society’s 14-year history we now have our own home and a headquarters from which to operate,” Society President Don Stine said.
The house was sold free-of-charge to the Historical Society by Frank D’Alessandro, who purchased the home in 2001. The official closing took place Sept. 24, Stine said.
The acquisition was a group effort among trustees, members, and several generous benefactors, including Society Vice President Jim Henry and Freehold-based attorney Mark Williams.
The Society wants to thank them particularly for their “lengthy and tireless efforts” to prepare and file the proper deeds and paperwork, Stine said. “And, of course, we would not be here at all without the generosity of Frank D’Alessandro, who has been a good caretaker of the house for the past 14 years.”
The Stephen Crane House, located at 508 Fourth Avenue, was officially placed on the New Jersey State Register of Historic Places on Dec. 16, 2014 and on the Federal Register in August.
The Crane House, built in 1878, is believed to be the oldest house in Asbury Park.
D’Alessandro said he is ‘very grateful’ for the efforts of the Asbury Park Historical Society, particularly Dave Sobotka, Tom Chesek, and Susan Rosenberg, whose prodigious amount of work helped get the house on the State and Federal Registries of Historic Places.
“It is fitting now that the Historical Society should take possession and make the Crane House their home,” D’Alessandro said. “The wonderful Hayes family, Tom and Regina and their kids, made this all possible 20 years ago by saving the decaying house from the wrecking ball. In a city that often does not place any value on its own fascinating history, this is a step forward.”
While immediate donations are needed to help fund next month’s scheduled ceiling, window, roof, and exterior repairs, a larger $250,000 fundraising campaign has launched to help fully restore the over 100-year-old home, Stine said.
A special open house/fundraiser for the public will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Nov. 1 – Stephen Crane’s 144th birthday.
Stephen Crane [1871- 1900] was a prolific American writer who began his literary career in Asbury Park as a teenager. Throughout his short life, Crane penned notable works in the ‘Realist’ tradition as well as early examples of ‘American Naturalism and Expressionism.’ His work include “The Red Badge of Courage,” “Maggie: A Girl of the Street,s” and many other works of fiction, poetry and essays.
For more information, visit www.aphistoricalsociety.org.
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