By Lea Kahn, Staff Writer
It has been nearly two years in the works, but a revised edition of “A Guide to Lawrenceville’s Historic Landmarks” was officially released to the public Sunday afternoon at Community Day.
Copies of the book were presented to Township Council at its meeting Tuesday night by Township Historian Dennis Waters, graphic designer Paul Schindel and Daniel Ben-Asher, who served as editor and photographer.
“It is a great honor and privilege to present this book to Township Council,” Mr. Waters said. The book “exemplifies” the history of the township that brings it together and ties it to the many generations of residents who have made Lawrence what it is today, he said.
Mayor Pam Mount said it is “really to the credit of the people who own the houses” to allow others “a little insight” into how they own and enjoy those houses. It’s not just a book — it really represents the “pulse” of Lawrence Township, she said.
Councilmen Bob Bostock and Greg Puliti praised the book for its well-written text and “beautiful” photographs, and the graphic design that sets off the book.
The 70-page book replaces a slim, 45-page book of the same name — informally known as “the green book” because of its green cover — which was issued in 1992 as a joint project between the Historic Preservation Advisory Committee and the defunct Cultural and Heritage Advisory Committee.
The original book, which went through two printings in 1992 and 1993, contained black-and-white photographs and a short description of the 57 properties included in the book.
Two additional sites — Meadow Road, which is the only unpaved road in the township, and the Van Cleve House at 24 Carson Road — have been added to the new book, bringing it to 59 properties or sites.
The 2009 edition contains new, color digital photographs of the properties taken by Mr. Ben-Asher, who also edited the book. Mr. Ben-Asher was involved in the publication of the original book.
Mr. Waters, the township historian, credited Mr. Ben-Asher as the “motivating force” behind the updated book. Mr. Ben-Asher found that money was available for the book through a federal grant. The Lawrenceville School also contributed toward the cost of the book, he added.
The architectural and historic descriptions of the 59 houses, buildings and other sites in the book were drawn largely from research surveys, inventories and locally published articles, according to the book’s introduction.
The guidebook, which is about the size of a standard piece of paper, can be carried along on tours of the township but also is large enough to be displayed at home or given away to friends, neighbors, visiting out-of-towners or customers who may have an interest in the township’s architecture and history, Municipal Manager Richard Krawczun said in a press release.
“The attractive guide will make local residents proud, contribute to their appreciation of the community’s treasured resources and help make the town’s landmarks come alive when used for self-guided walking and driving tours,” Mr. Krawczun said.
Three color-coded maps, including two pullout maps, will assist in taking five different tours to landmarks in different parts of town, he said. The selection and inclusion of landmarks on the various tours is based on touring convenience.
Copies of “A Guide to Lawrenceville’s Historic Landmarks” cost $7 and may be purchased at the municipal clerk’s office weekdays, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Additional distribution locations will be determined later.
lkahn@centraljersey.com
