The significance of the Plume house and why it deserves to be preserved

The Plume House

·         The Plume house was built by John Plume prior to 1725 and is the second oldest house in Newark. It can be found resting next to interstate 280 on 407 Broad Street in Newark, NJ. It was built mostly from sandstone and hand-hewn timber framing.

It is important for you to know...

                                       http://newarkusa.blogspot.com/2009/02/plume-house-inside.html

This is a certificate recognizing the invention that took place in the house.

• The plume house is not only the second oldest house in Newark (Pretty Iconic) but also the birthplace of motion pictures invented by Reverend Hannibal Goodwin. Photography has changed drastically today because of the huge invention that took place inside that house. We would not be experiencing the joys of the camera if not for the innovative mind that created it. We also would not have cameras today if not for this house being home to the Reverend who in turn transformed a part of it into his science lab and as a result created a celluloid film that has revolutionized our lives today. Clearly, the plume house did not only benefit the Newark Community but also the life of the nation as a whole; it was the birthplace of a transformation.

http://newarkusa.blogspot.com/2009/02/plume-house-inside.html                     http://www.seidlerchem.com/newark.html

On the left is a sign in front of the house that gives a brief history of the house and on the right is a picture of an ancient bible.

·       The Plume house was also the home of priests and parishioners serving the church adjacent to the house. The church was a very important aspect in the lives of the early Newark Settlers thus the Plume house was an important landmark to the people and the community since it housed the most respected men in the city. Early Newark settlers held their religion close to their hearts because it was an important aspect that they were deprived of in their home countries. It would be fair to call it the holiest house in the city; it did not only house the Priest but had a huge ancient bible that laid close to the mantel and it still does today.

                                                                                        

http://www.revolutionarywarnewjersey.com/new_jersey_revolutionary_war_sites/towns/newark_nj_revolutionary_war_sites.htm#8

• The house was by passed by Washington and his army and there have been rumors that George Washington was a good friend of the Plume Family. This landmark holds a lot of value because it was passed by the first president of the United States and since he might have been a friend of the Plume family, there is a possibility of him entering the residence. Who would not want to brag about this? A house that was possibly touched by the president George Washington? If people of this modern era feel the urge to kiss the pavement Justin Bieber walked on, how much more the first President?

        

•       The house was home to the community’s children. The Reverend Hannibal Goodwin as the document on the left shows, was a lover of children and used his creative scientific mind to entertain the children while teaching them about the bible. Having   https://www.loc.gov/item/nj0498/                                            a place where children could learn and play as well was important since during that time they were a limited amount of recreational facilities. With the children being in the house with the priest parents would have been less stress since they were safe in the hands of the most trusted man.

                                       http://www.examiner.com/slideshow/visiting-the-plume-house#slide=4

• The plume house was of the community. As seen in this photo, the house was decorated for the celebration of the Patriot day: a day of remembrance for all those lives that were lost in the revolutionary war as well as those who served. This house was not only in Newark but also of the Newark community. Remembering and honoring the lives of the continental army men on a large scale was definitely a indicator of the importance of the community to the house (the owners). The huge display of patriotism could have been an influence on the people to either join the army or at least appreciate their country and freedom as well as the men who fought for it. It indirectly enforces patriotism.

https://www.loc.gov/resource/hhh.nj0498.photos/?sp=4                 

This is a picture of the mantel place inside the famous Plume house 

http://newarkusa.blogspot.com/2009/02/plume-house-inside.html

·         Only events and things of significance make it into the papers as symbols of a reminder of the value it holds to the community and since the Plume House made it to the newspaper, it shows that the house holds value to the community. In this newspaper clipping from the Star Ledger written by Charles Cummings, he classifies the Plume House as one of three homes that brought grandeur to Newark. The headline proves that the Plume house is and was an important part of the community and aided some how in the successful development of the Newark community. But why was it classified as grandeur? Maybe because it was the second oldest house in Newark or maybe because it was a house rich in religious principles.

http://www.oldnewark.com/photos/historical/displayimage.php?album=26&pid=217#top_display_media

·        This is a postcard of the Plume house. Important landmarks are often seen on postcards not only as souvenirs but also as an indirect way of telling a story of its significance. The Plume house was of great significance thus making it to the cover of a postcard. The only reason as to why there was a postcard of the house would be the same reason why we recognize and celebrate the fourth of July: it is a significant part of our history.

So Why Should The Plume House Be Preserved?

http://www.examiner.com/article/the-strong-house

This picture shows the closeness of the house to the highway

After going through the pictures and reading the highlights of the events that makes the Plume house of significance to the history of Newark, there is no doubt that this landmark needs to be preserved. It has the history of Newark  embedded in it and without it Newark’s History would be incomplete. There are recent discussions about the possibility of relocating the Plume House which is the last thing historians are looking forward to. The house is in constant danger of crumbling to the ground as a result of Newark’s constant urge for industrialization. The house is four feet away from interstate 280 and the constant vibrations from the heavy trucks speeding across the highway puts it at a constant risk. It is uncertain as to why the second oldest building in the city, one that was passed and possibly entered by the First President of the United States, one that was home to the most respected men(Priests) being that the church was a very important foundation of the City of Newark be put in constant danger and be treated with disrespect. I do not see any more reasons to give to those who are in support of the destruction of a valuable property in relation to the history of Newark. This house was of great importance to the community and come what may, this house must be preserved.