Van Houten-Hillman House, United States historic house in New Jersey
The Van Houten-Hillman House is a historic stone home on River Road in Elmwood Park built with local stone that shows solid craftsmanship from the 18th century. The building has a simple, sturdy appearance with thick walls and small windows typical of early residential construction.
The house was probably built in the mid 1700s, possibly by Cornelius J. Van Houten, and is one of the oldest homes in Bergen County. In 1888, Herman Hillman purchased the house and had it remodeled in 1901, adding new windows and other features.
The house carries the names of families who lived here for generations and shaped the building. The stone walls and small windows show how early residents built with practicality in mind, creating spaces designed for warmth and shelter.
The house sits on River Road, a quiet street with a history as a route for trade and travel that is easy to reach on foot today. Visitors can explore the exterior and grounds without needing special equipment or preparation.
The house shows layers from different time periods, from its original construction in the 1700s to the remodeling of the early 1900s. These visible changes tell the story of how later owners adapted and updated the original structure.
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