Historic Places
Image and text sourced from the Cultural and Heritage Commission, City Of Plainfield, The Splendor Of Plainfield pamphlet.
Drake House Museum |
The Society of Friends (Quaker)
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During the Revolutionary War, George Washington stayed at this 1746 farmhouse when visiting the Blue Hills Fort and Encampment. During the Battle of the Short Hills, he used the home as a command post. Additions and alterations were made in 1863. W. Front St. at Plainfield Ave.
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Built in 1788, this simple shingled, wrought-nail building is the oldest continuous house of worship in Plainfield. An old burial ground is in the rear. Watchung Ave. at E. Third St.
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Netherwood Railroad Station |
Main Firehouse |
Built in 1894, this Richardsonian Romanesque-Queen Anne style depot was one of the four original depots that served Plainfield and was an important factor in the growth of the area. South Ave. at Belvidere Ave.
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This central headquarters is an early and innovative design by the era's leading architect in firehouse design, George Ernest Robinson. It was completed in 1926. Central Ave. at W. Fourth St.
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YWCA
Designed by Arthur Ware, a noted architect of YWCA buildings, this Tudor Revival building was completed in 1924. The interior of the three-story building is of great interest, primarily for the octagonal Gothic revival entry hall, the swimming pool and the theatre. E. Front St. at Church St.
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Grace Episcopal Church
Built in 1892 in Gothic Revival-Richardsonian Romanesque style by Robert Gibson, the church features stained glass windows by Tiffany Studios. The 1922 carillon has 47 bells and is the second largest in New Jersey. E. Seventh St. at Cleveland Ave.
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St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church
Built in 1875-1880 by ecclesiastical architect Jeremiah O'Rourke, the church is an outstanding example of High Victorian Gothic design. W. Sixth St. at Liberty St.
Firehouse [Engine Company #4]
This Mission style engine house was built in 1888 and features a four-story drying tower. The stucco facade and Spanish roofing tiles are hallmarks of this architectural style. South Ave. at Woodland Ave.
Plainfield Railroad Station
Created for Central Railroad of New Jersey by noted railroad architect Bradford L. Gilbert, this 1902 building is of the Richardsonian Romanesque style, with wide overhanging eaves and a three-story pyramidal tower. E. Fourth St. at Watchung Ave.
Orville T. Waring House/Runyon Funeral Home
Built for Waring in 1882 by architect Charles Smith, this red brick Queen Anne with Romanesque features served as a funeral home from 1926 to 1982. Park Ave. at W. Ninth St.