Storm-driven flood ruined some N.J. antiques
Items dating to the 1600s were damaged in a museum along the Hackensack River.
RIVER EDGE, N.J. - Several antiques at a state-owned facility - including some that date as far back as the 17th century - were damaged or ruined by flooding last week, despite assurances that steps would be taken to protect the items before the nor'easter hit the region.
The Bergen County Historical Society contends it was told the Jersey Dutch artifacts kept in the Steuben House, which sits on the bank of the Hackensack River, would be moved to safer areas by state parks workers.
However, when society members went to the building Wednesday, they found many of the Revolutionary War-era artifacts had sustained serious water-damage, including some items that were beyond repair.
Damages are estimated at $1.5 million.
The historical group wants the state to cover the cost of restoring all items that were not lost, including a $30,000 cupboard from the 1600s, a seven-foot-tall clock case from the 1800s and a rare Revolution-era doll. It was not immediately known how much that work would cost.
"We entrusted the state with the finest of 300 years of Bergen County history," Timothy Adriance, a society representative, told the Record of Bergen County. "Who dropped the ball, I don't know. But I can say that this has never happened through the last 50 years the collection has been here."
Adriance said that when previous floods hit the area, he and other society members had helped move items to the second floor. But when the group told parks officials they would handle it again last week, he said they were told their help was not needed.
Parks officials were able to elevate the artifacts several inches by placing wooden planks under them, but more than two feet of water eventually deluged the house during the storm.
Darlene Yuhas, a spokeswoman for the Department of Environmental Affairs Division of Parks and Forestry, which runs the site in River Edge, said the agency did what it could to protect the artifacts during the nor'easter. She said the agency was still reviewing the damage.