What needs to be done? The Collins House was saved from deterioration for many years by being occupied by the last caretaker of the Marcal papermill and his wife.  Although the house was in need of restoration, when it was occupied it was not prone to vandalism. Unfortunately, since it became vacant, vandals have broken into the house, broken many of the windows, broken the Federal era stair rail, and thrown debris around the house.  The roof has begun to leak and the outside has continued to deteriorate. A report by the township's contractor, Schoor DePalma, in July of 2006 reported the house is basically sound but in need of emergency stabilization to prevent further deterioration.  Since then the township has boarded up many of the windows and put a tarp over the roof to prevent further water damage, but more needs to be done. The town is applying for an emergency grant from the New Jersey Historic Trust but this will take time. In order to stabilize and protect the house, it will need a new roof, new windows, replacement of deteriorated siding, termite treatment, installation of security doors and an alarm system, and preservation of important historic architectural elements such as the fireplace mantels, pending a full restoration. Why is it important to save the Collins House?  The Collins House is one of the few remaining examples of an "East Jersey Cottage," a type of vernacular architecture quite common in the 18th and early 19th century.  Because these houses were made of wood, very few have survived, unlike the Dutch and German stone houses in other parts of the state, or the brick houses in southern New Jersey. The Collins House is a living reminder of what the town was once like during the time of the Morris Canal and before.  Unlike many other surviving houses from earlier eras, it is still surrounded by a part of its original landscape.  It is still in the same location it always was, silently watching the town and the world change around it. If it is allowed to succumb to neglect it would be a tragic loss, not only for Bloomfield, but for the whole state, including the many people who are interested in the history of the Morris Canal.
View of northern side of house.	Eastern side of house, showing boarded up windows and tarped roof.
Southern exposure of house.	Western exposure, showing front porch with screen door ripped off.