So many of our beautiful historic homes were designed by prominent architects in the Philadelphia and South Jersey area. And, as land becomes increasingly scarce in Moorestown, the lots that these homes sit on become more attractive to builders.   Imagine Main Street if the headquarters building of Bayada, Inc. was torn down rather than beautifully restored or if Perkins Center For the Arts did not stand so beautifully at Kings Highway and Camden Avenue. These buildings are what help make Moorestown such a beautiful town.  They help define the character of the heart of town.

The former home of Minnie and John Perkins, located at 334 Chester Avenue, is one of the homes that is in danger of being torn down or falling down due to neglect.  John Perkins was a cousin of Dudley Perkins, former resident of what is now known as the Perkins Center For the Arts.  His Chester Avenue home was designed by the Wilson Brothers Company who also designed The Reading Terminal, Franklin Institute and even the Basilica of St. Peter and Paul in Philadelphia.  So, an important part of the history of that home and of Moorestown is the architect who left an example of their craft in our town.

Born of their desire to save and rehabilitate the John and Minnie Perkins House, to preserve the town’s historic fabric and aesthetic charm, and to increase economic viability, more than 20 concerned citizens are forming a 501(c)(3) charitable organization called “Saving Historic Moorestown.” It is the goal of the members to raise enough funds to purchase easements on historic buildings and sites. This would preclude demolition and require what is seen from the street to maintain its historic appearance. Approved preservation minded applicants could receive significant grants from the organization, and properties will be renovated according to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Historic Preservation. The organization hopes to evolve its mission into a revolving fund. In this scenario, the corporation would acquire endangered properties and rehabilitate them for sale; any money earned from that sale would go directly back to the trust to continue the effort. This type of fund has been successfully implemented in cities like Charleston, South Carolina,Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Savannah, Georgia.

Mark Baida, who was instrumental in restoring the house on the corner of Mill and Main Streets said, “I am grateful and proud to have lived and worked in Moorestown for 40 years. I feel it is important to protect and preserve our unique Quaker and Victorian cultural and architectural history. The overwhelmingly positive community response to our faithful restoration of 1 West Main Street encouraged me to do more to help save Moorestown’s historic gems. 

The officers of the non-profit are President: Julie Maravich, President Julie has served on the board of the Historical Society of Moorestown for over 20 years; Vice President: Dorothy Guzzo, retired Director of the New Jersey Historic Trust, Treasurer: Jack Hall, retired PNC Wealth Management and secretary: Gregory R. Heleniak, Esq. of Rudolph Clarke, LLC, Fundraising: Lon C.Haines: JD, LLM, long time member of Rotary, and Janice Lovequist of Bayada Home Health Care, Dave Schill: MIA President, Kim Bunn, AIA, owner Bunn Architecture, author of Images of America: Moorestown,MIA Trustee and Lynne Brill: long-time Trustee for the Historical Society round out the board. Each of these wonderful volunteers has already dedicated many many hours to planning and strategizing!

Everyone’s taste for architectural styles is different.  Whether a building was built in the late 1800s, is considered to be Mid-Century Modern, or brand-new construction with all state of the art amenities, each reflects a period in time so important to the town where they exist.  They can tell the story of the architect, a family who lived there, or be home to an historical event.  In any case, we live in a beautiful and exciting historic town and these homes should be preserved.

To be a part of this groundbreaking group please contact Julie Maravich at Juliemaravich@gmail.com or savingmoorestown@gmail.com