The Many Unique Features of Veblen House -- a 1920s Prefab

Below are compiled writings and photos of the many special features of the Veblen House--a prefab of unusual construction and style that was moved from Morristown, NJ to Princeton in 1930 by the Whiton-Stuarts, then bought and augmented by the Veblens in 1941. 

It was bequeathed to Mercer County in 1974, to be added to Herrontown Woods. The will states the Veblens' vision for the house: "and in addition thereto I give and bequeath all of my pictures, radio receivers and phonograph records to the said County, to be kept by it in the house herein devised as a part of the proposed library and museum of Herrontown Wood."

That vision was not realized by Mercer County. Instead, the house was rented out, then closed down and largely abandoned in 1998. In 2017, the Friends of Herrontown Woods fought off demolition, facilitated safe transfer of ownership to Princeton municipality, and now lease the House with the goal of rehabilitation as a place for meetings, small concerts, talks, museum exhibits, and nature learning.

THE HOUSE

1939 Description of the House

Veblen House in the 1950s 

Some Beautiful Features of Veblen House

Distinctive Windows of Veblen House

A Roof That's Lasted 85 Years

• The Durable Tin Top

Balusters from "It's a Wonderful Life"

The Double Walls

Ornamentation on the Outside

1930s Insulation 

Housewrap Made of Sisal

Fun little clues found inside the walls of Veblen House

• Writings on the Inner Walls
• Who Was James Demarest?
• Initials in Old Bricks

The Wallboard

The Veblens' Furnishings, including Einstein's Chests

The Artwork on the Walls

• Charles Oppenheimer 
• Kate Cory

An Antique Septic Tank

Exterior Drainage

THE GARDEN AND GROUNDS

Spring flowers

Elizabeth's daffodils

The Longtime Caretaker

The Horse Run

The Hay Barrack

Related Post:

The Veblens' Original Vision for Herrontown Woods, Veblen House and Cottage