BY MICHAEL OLOHAN
OF NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS
CLOSTER, N.J.—With a new heating system and water turned on for guests, the long-awaited public opening of Closter’s Harold Hess Lustron House—built in the 1950s by a returning World War II veteran—was scheduled for Dec. 8 from noon to 2 p.m., according to local officials.
Closter Historical Society President Irene Stella said the historical house, under renovation for almost three years, will be decorated for the holidays circa 1950, including an aluminum tree, and period ornaments.
Moreover, she said future events may include pinochle night, guitar night, “Learn to Lindy Night,” and events appealing to all age groups.
She said though the house is on state and national historic registers, it is not yet designated locally although that may be in the works as restoration continues.
The historical structure, primarily made of steel panels and only one of two such existing homes in Bergen County, was acquired by the borough in 2015 when it made an agreement to acquire it with a developer who purchased an adjoining property.
A $25,000 grant from the state Historic Preservation Commission helped guide upgrades for restoration of the historical home. Over the last few months, the borough council and historic preservation commission have repaired the house’s heating system in hopes of opening it over the winter, and added period furniture, kitchen unit and household items circa 1950s, when the home was built.
When Closter acquired the structure in 2015 its inhabitants were a family a raccoons, said Michael Pisano, a volunteer caretaker and local painting contractor, who has worked countless hours to help restore the structure.
“We have a strong local presence in historic preservation,” said Mayor John Glidden. “It’s great to see this coming together and so much interest in it,” he said.
The mayor noted community groups will also use the house for meetings when officially opened. Glidden said thanks to numerous dedicated individuals and volunteers, the borough spent a minimal amount restoring the home.
As a historical note, he said when originally built, the Lustron homes went for under $4,000 compared to normal homes costing approximately $35,000.