Parker Homestead Gets $250K From County for Restoration

Plans for restoring the Parker Homestead along Rumson Road in Little Silver continue to move forward with recent news of a $250,000 grant awarded from the county toward the project.

"This is a huge step forward," said Mayor Robert C. Neff, Jr. in an e-mail regarding the much-needed funding to restore the 300-year-old property. "We appreciate the support of our friends in Monmouth County for the preservation and rejuvenation of this historical and educational treasure."

The money, which will be matched in full by the borough, will be used to renovate many of the outbuildings of the site that was settled in 1667 by the Parker family, according to Monte Edwards, chairman of the Parker Homestead Board of Directors.

The grant money will be used to fully restore the cow barn, horse barn and wagon shed to their original early 19th century time period, he said, adding that the wagon shed had received some 20th century updates.

The board is working on the project with Mills Schnoering Architects, who specialize in historic preservation, said Edwards. "The Parker Homestead Board of Trustees will be overseeing the project, with input from the borough as needed," he added. 

Edwards said that fundraising should begin this year for the restoration project, which he would like to see completed in time for the Parker Homestead's 350-year anniversary in 2015.