Barron Arts Center
Barron Library
Dedicated in 1877, as the Barron Library, it was the first library in Middlesex County. Donated by Thomas Barron, an entrepreneur and philanthropist who considered Woodridge his native town, this building served as a library until 1977. When the deed was conveyed to the Township of Woodbridge, it was with the understanding that the building would be used as a center for the arts.Listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places in November 1977, the structure looks much as it did when it was designed by architect J. Cleveland Cady. This Richardsonian Romanesque Revival style construction, of Belleville stone, is distinguished by its Roman arch and pier. The upright gables and clock tower along with the copper studded roof peak are enlightened by ornate finials at the pinnacle and cable ends. The semicircular apse, derived from the Roman Basilica, is one of the outstanding features of the building’s interior as are the stained glass windows of different sizes and designs that are found throughout. A stained glass rose window is the focal point of the room that once housed the library stacks. Floral designed terra cotta panels
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This Historic Marker is a gift to the people of Woodbridge from the Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders, 2007.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Arts, Letters, Music. A significant historical year for this entry is 1877.
Location. 40° 33.662′ N, 74° 16.441′ W. Marker is in Woodbridge, New Jersey, in Middlesex County. Marker is on Rahway Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 582 Rahway Avenue, Woodbridge NJ 07095, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Barron Estate (a few steps from this marker); Barron Library (a few steps from this marker); Fitz Randolph-Csaki House (within shouting distance of this marker); Barron House (within shouting distance of this marker); First Presbyterian Church (within shouting distance of this marker); First Presbyterian Church of Woodbridge (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named First Presbyterian Church (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Aaron Dunn Homestead/Jost-Keating House (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Woodbridge.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 13, 2017. It was originally submitted on April 16, 2016, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 467 times since then and 80 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on April 16, 2016, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
