Closter’s Historic Lustron House Opens Saturday

CLOSTER, N.J.—The borough’s steel 1950s “House of Tomorrow”—the historic Harold Hess Lustron House, a new borough-owned historic site at 421 Durie Ave.—will be open Saturday, April 13 from noon to 2 p.m.

The house was saved from demolition, thanks to the efforts of many. It was purchased and assembled in 1950 by Harold Hess, a World War II veteran looking for an affordable way to provide a family home. Today, the prefabricated home represents the unique post-World War II housing boom.

A unique collection of 1950s photographs and newspaper articles representing local life will also be on display. It’s the collection of lifelong resident Orlando Tobia, which was donated to the Closter Historic Society.

“The articles chronicle the social and civic life of Closter at that time. Parties and pony shows and sports events are described, weddings, engagements and all kinds of social events are written up in detail,” the Friends of the Lustron Committee wrote. “Hundreds of photos are in the collection and many need identification. So if you or your relatives lived in Closter in the 1950s, please stop by to enjoy the stories and help us identify some of the people in the photos.”

The house is open on the second Saturday of every month with special exhibits and enjoyable events with a mid-century theme, the Friends wrote.

“All are welcome to come by and see what life was like in this amazing all-metal house with the first built in dishwasher/washing machine and other innovations of home life in 1950,” they said.

Anyone wishing to become more involved with the Friends of the Lustron Committee is encouraged to attend their meeting at 11 a.m., just prior to the open hours.