Richardson History
House Museum
Richardson History House
About the History House
The Mount Tabor Historical Society acquired one-third of this unique triple cottage in August 2007 as a generous bequest from Evelyn Blackford Clark (Aug. 6, 1911 – Oct. 17, 2005). Mrs. Clark was a member of the Historical Society and had lived in the right-third of the triple cottage since 1948. Her great uncle was J. Smith Richardson, the first owner of the unit, and she carried many memories of the house long before it was handed down to her.
She had always wanted the house to become a "History House." The Society is honored to carry out Mrs. Clark's wish to educate residents and visitors on the proud history of both the J. Smith Richardson Cottage and Mount Tabor. From its original stenciled recessed-panel walls to its expansive glass doors, we truly believe — these walls can talk.
Our gratitude goes to Evelyn Clark and the entire extended Blackford family who entrusted us with this mission.
The Cottage
The triple cottage was built in 1873. When the three men who owned the tent lots planned to build their cottages, it was decided to join them together to take best advantage of the small tent lots — resulting in a charming version of the townhouse.
The History House occupies the portion owned by J. Smith Richardson of Jersey City, who served as treasurer of the Camp Meeting Association for 22 years, ending in 1907. On his retirement, the CMA issued a resolution lauding his service and presented him with a Morris chair, which is on display in the parlor today. This is the only cottage in the old section of Mount Tabor that has never been sold outside the family.
The Society illustrates early Mount Tabor life through this largely unchanged and intact camp meeting cottage. We continue to search for period furniture and accessories appropriate to the house, and will add family history to our collection through pictures showing how life was spent during summer camp meeting days.
Drew University in Madison, NJ maintains an archive of the Mount Tabor Daily Record.
You can view the entire collection here
Architecturally this is one of the prettiest buildings on the grounds, and the very appearance denotes taste and refinement. It is ornamented by a French roof, bay windows and plate glass door, and is in every essential a beautiful place of residence.— The Mount Tabor Daily Record, 1877
Their main front is on Trinity Place. In fact they have two fronts, the property running through to Wesley Place, a park enclosed by a neat fence, built more for ornament than protection. This farm, which is but just laid out, is traversed by paths laid in blue stone. The dwellings are furnished in most excellent taste, we may say luxuriantly. They are provided with bath rooms, lavatories, and other modern improvements on both floors.— The Mount Tabor Daily Record, 1882
Admission & Museum Hours
The museum is open the second Sunday of each month from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm, and also by appointment.
Please call 973.975.0001 to arrange individual or group tours.
Admission is free, but donations are always gratefully accepted.
Historic Preservation of the Richardson History House
The Society has proudly partnered with the Morris County Historic Preservation Trust (MCHPT) in the ongoing preservation of the Richardson History House since 2011. Over the course of this partnership, the MCHPT has invested more than $400,000, with the Society raising $80,000 in matching funds — a testament to our shared commitment to preserving local history.
Interior Work Begins
Upon taking ownership, the Society began uncovering the house's original character. Linoleum was removed from the living and dining room floors to reveal the original pine beneath, which was then sanded, oiled, and sealed — producing a warm tone that complements the striped wainscoting. In the kitchen, sheet rock and a suspended ceiling were removed to expose the original bead-board paneling, and the damaged linoleum floor was replaced.
Exterior Painting Completed
The exterior painting project was completed in July, following careful carpentry repairs, prep work, and digital exploration of historic paint colors — always with an eye toward appropriateness to time and place. The Society is grateful to Painten' Place of Denville, whose generous donation of Benjamin Moore Paint helped make this project possible.
A Preservation Plan Takes Shape
In partnership with HMR Architects, the Society commissioned a comprehensive Preservation Plan covering structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and paint analysis evaluations. Funded by a grant from the MCHPT, this document established preservation priorities, serves as a roadmap for future work, and is essential to securing ongoing grant funding.
Construction Documents Funded
An MCHPT grant funded the creation of construction documents to address the immediate needs identified in the Preservation Plan, including structural issues, securing the building envelope, electrical and mechanical systems, and safety.
Roof and Structure Repaired
A construction grant from the MCHPT supported roof structure repair, framing for the basement and front porch, and full replacement of the roof, flashing, gutters, and leaders.
Envelope, Safety, and Accessibility
With further MCHPT support, the Society completed building envelope repairs, electrical upgrades, life-safety and alarm installation, reconstruction of the rear porch, and installation of an accessible ramp. Interior work during this period included painting the upstairs rooms and kitchen using colors matched to the original paint analysis.
Planning the Next Phase
An MCHPT grant produced construction documents for the next phase of work, encompassing slate roof replacement, restoration of exterior finish carpentry, doors and windows, interior finishes and bathroom fixtures, repair of the stone foundation, and a new HVAC system.
2020–2024
Major Exterior Rehabilitation
A major exterior rehabilitation was completed with MCHPT support, including foundation repair, replacement of the slate roof matching the color and pattern of the original, box gutters, and a complete front porch restoration — faithfully recreated using the original baluster design.
