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HIGHTSTOWN: Architectural history explored in new book

By Christina Whittington, Special Writer
   HIGHTSTOWN — His editorial journey started in the late 1990s while renovating the exterior of his own historic home on Stockton Street.
   ”I was finding it difficult to get old photos of the outside of my house. It hadn’t been ornate enough to call attention to itself for photographers of the time,” said Richard Harlan Pratt, borough resident and architect said. “It was around this time that I began an effort called the ‘Photographic Archive’ to photograph all the built structures in Hightstown for the Historical Society so that future generations would not have the difficulty that I had.”
   Mr. Pratt’s book, “A Guide to the Architecture of Hightstown Homes,” showcases architecture of borough houses between 1785 to 1970.
   It contains descriptions and photographs of various architectural styles.
   The book also contains a history of John and Mary Hight, of which Hightstown was named after.
   Mr. Pratt said that material in the book took approximately three years to compile, and was completed with input from Mark Alan Hewitt, Bob Craig, Julie Ely, Douglas Mariboe and Christian Kirkpatrick.
   On Sept. 11, Mr. Pratt held a book launch and signing at the Hightstown-East Windsor Historical Society. More than 80 people attended.
   ”The Hightstown-East Windsor Historical Society was delighted to host Rick’s book signing event. His book is a treasure that any resident of Hightstown will be interested in reading. Rick proves once again that Hightstown is a very special place in which to live, one that combines the respect for the past and a celebration for what remains and currently exists,” said Bob Patten, president of the Hightstown-East Windsor Historical Society and former borough mayor, on Sept. 12.
   ”It’s just fantastic,” said Robert Thibault, who is a Hightstown councilman, while flipping through the pages of the book.
   ”He did a beautiful, beautiful job and I am so proud of him,” said Lois Pratt, Mr. Pratt’s mother.
   ”Rick’s book is a much needed resource for anyone who loves our local, historic homes. Those who are considering adding on to a home or renovating its exterior will find it a useful starting point. Those who simply love Hightstown and its residential architecture will enjoy browsing through its beautiful photographs and reading its essays on local history,” said Christian Kirkpatrick, past president of the Hightstown-East Windsor Historical Society, on Sept. 12.
   ”It’s a great addition to the town and will help a lot of people understand what they have,” said Bob Craig, a historian and East Windsor resident.
   Mr. Pratt who has lived in the borough since July of 1995, and has been a licensed architect for 18 years with 28 years of experience in the field, has been renovating houses since he was a teenager. Mr. Pratt is also a partner with OGP Architects, a Hightstown based architectural firm. He recently started his own consulting business called Stockton Street Solutions.
   Another book signing set to feature a longer discussion is scheduled for 8 p.m. Nov. 2 at the Cranbury Presbyterian Church. Copies of Mr. Pratt’s book will be available for purchase at the event for $25.
   
To learn more, visit www.stocktonstreetsolutions.com.