By Frank Mustac, Contributor
A pair of properties with buildings dating back to the 18th century have been designated as historic landmarks in Hopewell Township.
The Township Committee unanimously adopted two ordinances on Monday night that enable the designations for the Capt. John Stillwell House and the Stephen and Edwin Titus Farmstead.
Voting for the measures were Mayor Kevin Kuchinski and Committee members John Hart, Todd Brandt and Julie Blake. Deputy Mayor Vanessa Sandom did not cast a vote on either ordinance because she left the meeting early.
The Hopewell Township Planning Board recommended both landmark designations.
Certain changes to properties that have been designated historic sites must receive approval from appropriate boards and commissions, such as the township’s Zoning Board of Adjustment.
According to tax records, both properties are privately owned.
The Stillwell House belongs to Bonita C. Grant, of Hopewell Township, while Charles B. Katzenbach Jr., also a Hopewell Township resident, owns the Titus Farmstead.
The Titus Farmstead, located at 96 Lambertville-Hopewell Road, “is a prominent historic building integral to the Hopewell Township rural landscape,” according to officials.
The site “is comprised of a 1790 farm house, and later barn as part of a farmstead that operated throughout the 19th century,” with all of the existing structures maintaining a level of historical integrity.”
“Stephen and Edwin Titus, father and son, owned and farmed this property from 1836 to 1910, a period of 74 years, and of this family, several members served Hopewell Township and the region in civic and mercantile pursuits,” according to the corresponding ordinance.
Language in the ordinance adopted for the Capt. John Stillwell House reads that the site “is comprised of an mid-18th century unique farmhouse, a stone smoke house, open-sided wagon shed, and stone hitching post.” Like the Titus Farmstead, all existing structures have a “high degree of historical integrity.”
According to officials, the house was “probably built by and long occupied by Capt. John Stillwell, a soldier of the American Revolution, and an officer of the post war militia.”
