Gallery of Articles

Conti to build

12.01.1971

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NEW PROVIDENCE - The Board of Adjustment has granted the Conti Construction Co. a variance to construct a building for office and general shop use next to the Jersey Central substation on Spring St Located in a light industrial zone, the property is a shaped lot, with a front yard width 100 ft. below the minimum required 300 ft: width. The Board approved the application subject to regulations regarding screening, parking, lighting, fencing and drainage.

The Yarn Peddler to open May 1st

04.24.1974

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May 1st will mark the four day grand opening of The Yarn Peddler at the Historic Murray Hill Square opposite the Murray. Hill RR Station. Area residents know the building as the former Baldwin Seed and Feed Depot where they purchased fertilizer, plants, bulbs and grains since the early 1800s.

Restoring the building which in part will house. The Yarn. Peddler encompassed over a year of research and study with the use of material from many sources including the New Providence Historical Society.

Every detail was given painstaking attention. The hand hewn beams, two hundred yr. 'old barn beams, the floors are the original planks, the chair rail is of corn crib siding, the fixtures. are antiques or. reproductions of antiques. To further insure retaining the charm of the early 1900s, the cash register at The Yarn Peddler is complete with ball, rod and space for silver dollars - and is 150-170 years old.

Continuing the Colonial emphasis, the refreshments during the Grand Opening will be from Colonial recipes-punch and cookies.

The first 25 customers on May 1st will receive tiny May baskets. Door prizes will include: first prize, a lovely Brunswick skirt and sweater kit, and second, third and fourth. prizes, three May baskets filled with a gift certificate, yarn and flowers.

Brainstorming all this is Jane Dee Mawhinney of Chatham Township, and Virginia Johnson of Chatham Borough.

Both stitchwork afficonados, opening up a yarn shop is something they always wanted to do. Then one day, Mrs. Mawhinney happened to see the Historic Murray Hill Square under construction, and that was it.

The accent on Colonial days at the Historic Murray Hill Square is a happy one for both women. Mrs. Johnson is a member of the Trowbridge family which inter-married with the Lums and Budds, founders of Chatham.

Her background includes St. Lawrence University and needlework taught by grandmother and mother plus a stint in two yarn shops. She also was representative for Brunswick Yards and taught bargallo. She is well known for her sense of color so important in this craft. Her husband and three children, Kathy, Gail and Chip provide the moral support.

Mrs. Mawhinney's husband provides more colonial background: three ancestors on his maternal side participated in the American Revolution. His ancestor Nicholas Holt came shortly after the Mayflower landed to settle in what is now Andover, Mass.

One ancestor is a direct participant in The Yarn Peddler, since the financing is from the estate of William Thomas Holt, an attorney in Kingston, N.Y., who later moved to Staten Island where he was City Solicitor for many years. The bell on the interior of the front door of the Yarn Peddler is from Mr. Holt's office. The Fireman's Certificate dated circa 1877 of William T. Holt will decorate one wall.

Many of the Yarn Peddler furnishings including an old English wall clock are antiques which were in the Holt family. "These are for others to enjoy with us -- not for sale," explained Mr. Mawhinney.

"This is what I would like to do when I retire," said Mr. Mawhinney who is associated with Worthington Pump. The couple have children: Kammie, Mary and William Jr.

Rounding out the staff is part. time member Linda Duke of Berkeley Heights. A teacher at Governor Livingston Regional High School, she also knows needlework in all its variety.

One-to-one instruction at any time will be a regular feature of the Yarn Peddler. Staff. members will also be available for talks and demonstrations.

The Yarn Peddler will direct the needlecraft badge for Chatham Township Girl Scouts.

The Yarn Peddler will feature Brunswick Yarns, Bargello, Elsa Williams Crewel, needlepoint, original painted canvases, unique needlepoint items, samplers, small canvasses for children, and all needlework supplies.

'Hours are daily 9:30 to 5 and a cordial welcome in in an atmosphere which makes shopping a pleasure awaits you at The Yarn Peddler, beginning Wednesday, May 1st.

A New Shopping Center

Dispatch 07.25.1974

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It is expected that the Planning Board in New Providence will come forth with a recommendation to establish a new retail zone by the Murray Hill Station on Monday night.

This will require a significant change in the Master Plan which designed in 1961 that there would only be one major shopping area in the Borough. The importance of such a recommendation will have an impact on most residents whether they support it or object to it. This is a major departure from what was designed and has been held for the past 13 years and we hope residents will express their opinions.

Before making any recommendation, the Planning Board must hear the views of the public. Whatever the position, the public should attend this meeting. It has to do with the future planning of the final stages of the development of New Providence.

Attention!!! Citizens of New Providence

Flyer - September 1974

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Attention!!! Citizens of New Providence

Are you really aware of what's going on in town?

Why is the Planning Board hastily creating a new commercial area approximately 77% as large as the one downtown?

HOW WILL THIS AFFECT YOU?

How many more cars will this bring in front of your home? How much litter? How much noise? What about the safety of our children?

Who will shop in this area? How far will they drive to get here? Can N.P. support these extra stores alone?

Why is the Master Plan suddenly so flexible? Do we have any proof that we need a second commercial center in town?

WHY THE RUSH? WHAT IS REALLY GOING ON? BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE!

Come to the September 9 Borough Council meeting... 8 p.m. ... BOROUGH HALL.

MAYBE WE CAN GET SOME ANSWERS!!!!

There May Not Be A....

Flyer - September 1974

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There May Not Be A....
Historic Murray Hill Square
in our future if we don't turn out in support of the re-zoning of this section of the Murray Hill area
Monday - September 9 - Lincoln School - 8:00 p.m.
.....opposition is strong and vocal.....
Let's show support the only way concerned citizens can.
Stand up! Speak out! Be there! most of all ..... Be there
New Providence needs you
Don't just wish you had!
....Supporters of Historic Murray Hill Square

New Look for Murray Hill

New York Times 11.10.1974

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By VALERIE BARNES
Special to The New York Times

MURRAY HILL-There's a new view for commuters at "the railroad station here. A. cluster of buildings about 25 feet from the Erie-Lackawanna tracks are being converted into a picturesque shopping complex.

The project has drawn praise not only from Murray Hill commuters themselves, but also from those observing the transformation from the windows of their passing trains. In fact, they have written and telephoned their approval to Nat Conti, owner of the project.

"They have taken an interest in the future plans, thanked me for the improvements and beautification and often want to know my color combination and sources, for 'exterior accessories," Mr. Conti said.

The 37-year-old Mr. Conti estimates that Historic Murray Hill Square, as the project is known, will be completed in mid-1976 at a cost of $2.5-million, The result will be a Williamsburg-inspired business and professional center on four acres.

Bricks From Morristown

The layout will incorporate hand-hewn beams and siding from 10 barns in Califon, Chester and Chatham. The mellowed bricks for the walkways have been rescued from Spring Street, Morristown, and the street lights, with their cast-iron posts and copper tops, were acquired from Philadelphia. A three-story former grain mill a few feet from the railroad tracks has been completely renovated into shops and offices. Mr. Conti also will repaint an unsightly concrete coal tipple and its seven chutes, and landscape the area near the station with Colonial flower beds.

The first step was completed recently with the renovation of a 70-year-old house that had been abandoned for a dozen years and had deteriorated into "neighborhood eyesore." "I just couldn't look at it any longer," said Mr. Conti, who lives in Murray Hill.

Murray Hill, a residential. section of the Union County borough of New Providence, is situated on a slope of the Watchung Mountains. It was named for the Murray Hill section of New York by a group of wealthy Manhattan. brownstone owners who spent their summers here a century ago.

The early commuters refused to use the New Providence station - it is one and one-half miles away - and were successful in persuading the railroad, then the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western, to add a depot.

Since then, the Murray Hill station has been a busy one.

Mr. Conti also plans to refurbish the tiny rundown station itself to its original 1870 condition. The project is estimated to cost $27,000. It will involve reinforcement of the roof rafters, replacement of a slate roof and the construction of a big wooden platform.

A huge pot-bellied stove inside the station-it is still used to warm passengers on cold winter months-will remain.

As for Historic Murray Hill Square, it is now occupied by four shops (greeting cards, paper and party accessories and books, arts and crafts, yarns and plants).

Yuletide Celebration at Historic Murray Hill Square

Press 12.04.1974

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Heap on more wood!
The wind is chill
But let it whistle as it will We'll keep our Christmas merry still!
Sir Walter Scott

Flames flickering against the fireplace wall in the Nicolson Shop. Tables laden with gingerbread men, cheeses, fruits and punch. Simple garlands and wreaths decorated with fruits. A Christmas tree resplendent in its natural beauty.

Carolers singing - silhouetted against an Old English lamp post. Costumed maids greeting visitors-and men in colonial attire moving from shop to shop serving refreshments on silver platters!

All this and more will greet visitors at Historic Murray Hill Square in Yuletide Colonial Hospitality on Friday, December 6th from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The pineapple - the traditional symbol of colonial congeniality and friendship, is also the symbol for Historic Murray Hill Square. A pineapple surrounded by apples and green magnolia leaves will decorate the lintel over the front door at Nicolson House.

"Murray Hill Square has used this symbol because we hope to welcome you, not as a stranger, but as a friend and to see you again this evening to be a memorable occasion - one that will become your own Christmas tradition," he said. Mr. Conti plans to complete the entire Square of shops in 1976 when the United States celebrates its bicentennial.

The Historic Murray Hill Square shops are:

The Art and Craft House has a complete stock of materials and kits for making gifts, candle wax, Christmas candle molds, stained glass for creating lamps, plaques; artists' materials and instructional booklets to help you along. Perfect for the do-it-yourself decorator.
The Plant Shop has created an inviting setting for exquisite plants of all shapes and sizes, hanging baskets, planters, imported cachepots, natural woodland terrariums with partridge berries and poinsettas! And for something beautiful to enhance your plants - Mary Starace has them! In ceramic stone, straw, glass. Enjoy!

The Yarn Peddler features exclusive heirloom petit point Nativity scene - unlimited supply. Christmas ornaments, decorations, knitting bags and stands. Fine leatherette women's handbags and watchbands to needlepoint or Bargello. Plus small Christmas canvasses. Also an unlimited supply of hand knitting yarns and instruction books on knitting, needlepoint and Bargello. All against a background of beautiful antiques!

The word for party goods and cards at Vance's shop is unique, and hard-to-find. Here is the answer for host and hostess who want something different. Their Christmas and party decorations come from all over the world their mobiles and party centerpieces spell gaiety. All those little touches that make a party a success. Browse through the cards and stationary - and books for giving enjoyment. Lots of treasures to discover on your own!

To reach this charming recreation of Colonial America: From Summit-take Springfield Ave. to South St., in the business district, turn left on South St., and before reaching the RR underpass, turn right on Floral Ave. and you're there!

From Berkeley Heights and Passaic Township, take Springfield Ave. to South St. in the New Providence business. district, turn right on South St. and before reaching the underpass, turn right on Floral Ave. and you're there!

From Chatham Township, take Southern Blvd. then left on River Road to the bridge across the Passaic; stay on Passaic Ave. which turns into South St. and before reaching the underpass, turn right on Floral Ave. and you're there!

Merry Christmas!

Various 1970s

Assorted photos and captions

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GROUND WAS BROKEN last Wednesday morning for Phase II of Historic Murray Hill Square which will be the site of 11 small stores. Mayor Bien wielded the shovel while Nat Conti (1.) sponsor of the Colonial shopping square, and Jim Davies, chairman of the Boro Planning Board looked on. Estimated completion date is in time for this country's Bicentennial in 1976 but the next three buildings are expected to be ready for occupancy this spring.

NEW SHOP - Dennis Delle Fave talks about a Diane Von Furstenburg creation at the grand opening of Delle Fave Fashions for Women last Saturday. Located in Historic Murray Hill Square, Delle Fave Fashions for Women also includes items from the collections of Unzarra and Albert Capraro for Jerry Guttenberg. Mr. Delle Fave and his wife live in Murray Hill.

Nat Conti and Robert K. Berry

PLANNING NEW STORE. Terry Castellano and Edith Isoldi go over plans for their new shop with Historic Murray Hills Square architect and manager Al Bol. The shop, Dorian House Ltd., is located in the Crane Building n Historic Murray Hill Square and specializes in dried, silk and fresh flower arrangements and related acces-

Fashion Shop opens at Historic Murray Hill Square

Press 04.09.1975

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MURRAY HILL - Contemporary fashion designers such as Albert Capraro for Jerry Guttenberg and Diane Von Furstenburg have found a home for their creations amidst the Historical past as Dennis Delle Fave opened his "Delle Fave Fashions for Women" at Historic Murray Hill Square Saturday.

The blend of contemporary chic and the elegant past create a shopping atmosphere un- surpassed for enjoyment and practicality.

Delle Fave Fashions for Women also includes items from the collections of Unzarra sportswear and Addenda. And for the look of the "total woman", there is a line of accessory jewelry including pendants, neck and wrist chains and pins.

Mr. Delle Fave has had many years experience in the fashion world, first as a group manager for Bloomingdale's in Short Hills and then as vice-president of Sales and Operations for Medici Inc. of New York.

His flair, for the dramatic stems from a career in show business as public relations man and manager for the famous Italian recording artist, Jimmy Roselli. "I still keep my hand in," says Mr. Delle Fave, "by doing comedy routines and master of ceremonies at local social events."

Mr. Delle Fave and his wife live in Murray Hill.

Say it with Flowers

04.25.1975

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SAY IT WITH FLOWERS. Edith Isoldi and Terry Castellano, owners of Dorian House Ltd., discuss some of their wares with Historical Murray Hill Square owner Nat Conti in preparation for their grand opening at the Square on May 1. Dorian House Ltd. specializes in cut and dried flower arrangements and accessories.

Anniversary Celebrations At Murray Hill Square

04.29.1975

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Yarn Peddler Marks Anniversary

05.01.1975

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