Sussex County Lost, May 7: Waterloo Hotel – New Jersey Herald

Posted: May. 7, 2017 12:01 am

The Waterloo Hotel is interestingly notable not only because of its multiple uses over the years but also because of its complex construction history. The stone building was constructed in the 18th century in two different building efforts. During the middle and late 19th century, two separate wood-framed additions were made in the rear. It also appears that modifications were made in the mid-20th century when the building was converted to be used as a nursing home. During the mid-1970s, the Waterloo Foundation for the Arts made alterations to refit the hotel as a stagecoach inn for its programming.

During what is referred to as the forge era (1760-1830), the building was constructed as paired residences, which were converted into a hotel in the mid-19th century, following the opening of the Morris Canal, which passed through the village of Waterloo.

The hotel also served as a stop for a local stagecoach line that carried passengers from Morristown up into Sussex County. While the village of Waterloo is about a mile and a half off the Morris Turnpike, the stage would pass through here to make the connection with the Morris Canal and bring mail to the village.

While being used as a hotel, it appears the east rear frame addition was constructed. Found here was a fireplace similar to others in the Tenant House and Shumann House, which appear to have been built in the late 1840s. The construction date of the west rear frame addition is unknown; however, 19th-century features can be found in the style of windows that was used. The addition of the rear frame sections may have resulted in the reconfiguration of the interior of the structure. Late 19th-century photographs reflect separate one-story porches on each masonry section, elements of the period of restoration (1870-1880), which are now lost.

During the period of World War II, the building was reverted back to use as a two-family structure. One family with several children lived in the larger left half while two retired gentlemen lived in the small right side of the building. It should be noted that the general store, blacksmith shop, gristmill and saw mill were all permanently closed by this point. Only a few of the houses in Waterloo were occupied at this time.

The complete scope of the changes made in the last half of the 20th century is unknown, but a few are documented through both photographs and physical evidence. In the 1950s, the building was converted to a retirement home and the first of the 20th-century changes were instituted. The front porches were removed and a two-story veranda was added, which has since been eliminated. Both levels appear to have been reconfigured, with new interior partitions added on the second floor to create more rooms. The existing brick veranda is not historically appropriate, as it dates to the period when the Waterloo Foundation for the Arts renovated the building. Other changes during this time are less obvious and appear to primarily be efforts to remove interior finishes and features to make it look more "Colonial."

It is hoped that ultimately this building will be restored to its appearance during the period of 1870-1880 to give the public a better understanding of life in Waterloo Village.

Sussex County Historian Wayne T. McCabe may be contacted at sussexhistorian@juno.com.

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Sussex County Lost, May 7: Waterloo Hotel - New Jersey Herald