Rutherfurd Hall Celebrates Completion of Project with ‘First Flush’- and the Rutherfurds

You never know where Charlie Fineran will capture his Photos of the Week! This week’s photos celebrate – ahem – rest rooms! Before you get any ideas read on!

It was last Thursday and we were at the historic Rutherfurd Hall in Allamuchy to celebrate the completion an important project there, two brand new – very important – ADA compliant restrooms. The ribbon cutting celebration was a private affair, held for all those individuals and organizations involved with the project. The event was the Rutherfurd Hall Foundation’s opportunity to formally “Showcase, Introduce and give a heartfelt THANK YOU!” to all those that worked so hard getting the project completed!

The event was named, which I really got a kick out of, was “‘FIRST FLUSH!” As stated, this was a project of the Rutherfurd Hall Foundation and had been in the works for quite some time as the two rest rooms needed to be overhauled to better accommodate guests, particularly those with disabilities.

There was never a doubt, about the necessity of the project, however, drawing up proper plans, obtaining the funding and then coordinating the actual work was a delicate and time consuming series of events, involving many hours of hard work by all. Throughout this project, there were challenges, delays and changes, all creating their own serious concerns and disappointments at the time! HOWEVER, looking back after completion, it was well worth the hard long process! What a wonderful, beautiful and IMPORTANT addition to Rutherfurd Hall!

(NOTE: During this process, we actually were able to extend our original plans, to incorporate and add necessary plumbing up to the second floor!! Thus in the future we may add bathrooms upstairs without disturbing the completed bathrooms on the first floor!)

What a nice ceremony, purposely kept simple, with guests offered champaign and finger snacks; no speeches, just an informal greeting by none other than Wynn and Guy Rutherfurd welcoming all to their former home on behalf of the Rutherfurd Hall Foundation and thanking all followed by the ribbon cutting ceremony at the new bathrooms! (In the photo above, center with scissors is Laurie Rapisardi, former Director of Rutherfurd Hall, with Guy and Wynn).

STORY BEHIND PHOTO OF THE WEEK

During the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Rutherfurd Hall last Thursday, I immediately knew what my next Photo of The Week article was going to be about. I figured a couple of photos and a fairly short and to the point article. My challenge now was, “When do I write the article?” I had several events and activities coming up so I figured I’d write it Sunday. Saturday, I attended the funeral of Frank H. Gibbs, well known, loved and respected lifetime resident of Allamuchy Township and the repast after the large funeral was at Rutherfurd Hall. This repast at Rutherfurd Hall was a large affair, filling three rooms with tables and chairs and was really a wonderful and fitting end to the celebration of Frank Gibb’s life! Rutherfurd Hall was beautiful as always and it was further decorated with various photos showcasing the many activities of Frank’s life, especially, his favorite pastime, various equestrian events involving his beloved Spring Valley Hounds! It was after attending the repast, my mind was beginning to go into overdrive, review facts and trying to connect “many dots”! Those dots I am referring to are the many similarities I am seeing between Frank Gibbs and Rutherfurd Hall, raising a question in my mind, “Is there a larger story here?” A larger story that would not only celebrate several events BUT will also showcase and educate the public’s knowledge about Allamuchy’s History and Culture!!” I always enjoy when different activities can be celebrated on their own terms, BUT ALSO add relevance and interest to other activities!!

WHAT IS ON MY MIND? Unfortunately (for me) it came to a peak at 3 a.m. Saturday night!

We just celebrated the ribbon cutting for our new bathrooms with the confidence they will make large events at RH all the more safe and comfortable for everyone! The repast for Frank Gibb was the first ‘LARGE’ event at Rutherfurd Hall since the official ribbon cutting! Our first real life test so to speak!!

Frank Gibbs had been involved with Rutherfurd Hall on many fronts, played an important role In the community’s decision to support the Board of Education to purchase same to expand our school system, thus saving and preserving Rutherfurd Hall. He was a founding member of Friends of Rutherfurd Hall, lifetime member/officer of the Allamuchy Historical Society and supportive of many activities and projects connected with Rutherfurd Hall.

Special Note: Frank Gibbs initiated the contact between his personal friend (anonymous) and the Rutherfurd Hall Foundation and that introduction overtime led to a major donation to the Capital Campaign to fund the restrooms!

Frank Gibbs was an iconic farmer, well educated in agricultural affairs, well known and respected throughout the State and region, active in many organizations promoting and assisting with farm practices. He was the third generation, over 100 years in Allamuchy and his sons are fourth generation!

Rutherfurd Stuyvesant and Winthrop Rutherfurd were both owners of large farm estates, world famous in agricultural practices. Their family had been in Allamuchy since ca 1760’s and they still have a connection with us through Guy and Winthrop Rutherfurd, both members of the RH Foundation.

Frank Gibbs was an avid sportsman. He was rated as a ‘Master Horseman’ and was very active over his life promoting, supporting and teaching equestrian activities through his affiliation with the Spring Valley Hounds. **Please see photo below and also my Flickr Site album links below for more photos and articles.**

Rutherfurd Stuyvesant and his brother Winthrop were both avid sportsman too! Rutherfurd Stuyvesant created Stuyvesant Park, a 1,000 acre enclosed game park, nationally famous, where the ‘Who’s Who of Society’ came from afar to visit and hunt. **Please refer to a previous insidewarren.com article posted below** Winthrop Rutherfurd had world famous dog kennels and was a founding member of the world famous Westminster Kennel Club in New York City where his dog Warren Remedy won the National Title three consecutive years, only dog ever to win three national titles.

Frank Gibbs loved his homeland and community as did both Rutherfurd Stuyvesant and Winthrop Rutherfurd; their ancestors many years ago gave this area the name of ‘Tranquility’. Now all three of our ‘Country Gentleman’ rest in Tranquility Cemetery.

My hope is that by expanding and weaving together these stories, interest may be generated for future visits to Rutherfurd Hall and Allamuchy Township’s wonderful Open Space Lands!! A deeper appreciation will be created through showcasing all the interesting places, stories and events that this area’s forefathers and present day citizens have created and sustained. Last but not least, a well-deserved THANK YOU & CONGRATULATIONS to all connected with Rutherfurd Hall!!!