Fall 2003 Edition 

PETITION TO SAVE THE NAUGLE-VANDERBECK HOUSE The historic Naugle-Vanderbeck house, located on Dunkerhook Road, adjacent to Dunkerhook Park in Fair Lawn, is for sale.     This property, approximately 2 acres, is on the State and National Historic Register and housed the Marquis de Lafayette’s paymaster during the American Revolution. Lafayette also visited it in 1824 during his return visit to the United States. It is an intrinsic part of Bergen County history, as well as that of our nation.     It would be a disgrace if this homestead were razed and the entire property used for commercial or residential development.  An historical registry listing held in private hands does not prevent this from happening.    We, the undersigned, urge our elected freeholders of the County of Bergen to acquire this property for the people of Bergen County.   As voters, we have consistently approved referendums creating funds for the preservation of open space. We believe this request to be an appropriate use of monies set aside by Bergen County Open Space Preservation Fund and the Garden State Preservation Trust.       Furthermore, we urge the County of Bergen to halt any possible commercial or residential development of this property.  It is a sensible addition to the county park already adjoining this property and its purchase as open space would act to arrest the negative impact that further large-scale commercial or residential development could have on the Borough.     Name Address                                         For more information, contact Pat Idone at spinner105@AOL.com or 201-791-4844. Pat is the Vice President and Trustee of the Garretson Forge & Farm Restoration.