Built about 1869 in the late Italianate style of of architecture, it was the summer home of Joseph H. Chapman who was a Wall St. insurance agent.  In 1868 a group of investors laid out streets and house lots and named the development Ridgewood Park.  As it was convenient to the Erie R.R. station, the area attracted commuters who contributed to the growth of Ridgewood.  The house exterior has had few changes over the years.

Build about 1789 by John M. Archibald on a 26 acre farm.  Later owned by peter J. Hopper who started a small store in the 1830's, the first on the avenue.  Victorian improvements were made in the 1880's.  William L. Vroom, a noted physician, purchased the house in 1892 and established Ridgewood's first hospital in the adjacent frame wing.  The old farmhouse has been expanded and remodeled over the years.

This building, constructed in 1894, housed all the school children of Ridgewood and vicinity.  A petition by the mothers of the village altered the design from wood to brick and stone.  One of New Jersey's first kindergartens was housed here.  The building is a fine example of the Romanesque Revival style of architecture.