Food and beverages will be served, and guests will be welcome to tour the building and the displayed art.
For three years Lambertville residents and visitors have watched the progress intently. Dog walkers have lingered, tourists have peered into the darkened windows, and commuters have looked on inquisitively as they hurried past. All have followed the renewal of an historical 19th century home on one of the town’s most traveled streets, and with growing anticipation, they have wondered about the building’s fate.
Now, after its award-winning restoration, the Alexander Coryell House at 39 N. Main St. will be opened to the public during a reception 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15. Papier Sun Fine Framing & Art Gallery, which is located in the house, will host the event. Food and beverages will be served, and guests will be welcome to tour the building and the displayed art.
Papier Sun owner Susan Twardus understands the town’s interest. Having previously operated her business just two blocks south of the house, she frequently walked by the dilapidated structure and admired the restoration efforts. "Even at its worst you could see that it was once a grand old home," she said. "It’s gratifying to see such a valuable piece of local history revived and preserved."
Property owner Steve Gray began an ambitious restoration effort shortly after purchasing the house in 1998. Some of the many challenges he faced included refurbishing the parlor’s original parquet floor, removing the plumbing that obscured the cooking fireplace and bake oven, and extensive repairs to the exterior’s plaster, woodwork and Victorian porch.
Mr. Gray’s work was recognized in 2000 when the Lambertville Historical Society presented him with its Narducci Award for Historical Preservation.
The rubble stone house was built after Alexander Coryell bought the property in 1844. Coryell was a direct descendent of Emanuel Coryell, a founder of Lambertville who operated the business that was the town’s original namesake Coryell’s Ferry. The Groginsky family, who operated Groginsky’s Daylight Department Store in the adjacent red brick building, took over the home in the early 20th century. After losing it in a sheriff’s sale in the aftermath of the Great Depression, the Groginsky family reclaimed the house in 1936 and held it until Frances Groginsky’s death in 1998.
Papier Sun Fine Framing & Art Gallery relocated to the Alexander Coryell House in the beginning of August 2001. The gallery provides decorators, art and design professionals and collectors with custom framing, gilt and hand-carved frames, and works by area artisans, artists and sculptors. Hours are Wednesday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday 11 a.m. 8 p.m., or call (609) 394-1685 to arrange an appointment.

