Community Corner

Scout Helps Preserve History for Service Project

Chad Raess constructed a new display case for an old water pipe at the Van Riper-Hopper House Museum.

An Eagle Scout candidate has worked to preserve some history at the Van Riper-Hopper House Museum for his community service project.

Chad Raess created a new display case for a wooden water pipe that used to exist on Preakness Avenue. Raess had to procure the wood, Plexiglas, and other materials for the case.

Raess, a Boy Scout with Troop 107 in Pompton Lakes, has an appreciation for history and visited the museum as a Cub Scout. The museum was built in 1786. The Dutch Colonial is one of old buildings in the state.

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“This place really shows you how people lived back then,” Raess said. “I felt like I had a responsibility to take on a project like this.”

Raess, a sophomore at Wayne Valley High School, also cordoned off grinding stone that rests against one walls behind the house and placed a commemorative plaque on it.

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An Eagle Scout candidate must earn a minimum of 21 merit badges before he can attempt to earn the rank of Eagle Scout. Raess has earned more than 30 merit badges.

Raess led a team of 10 Scouts and four adults to complete the project. The team worked about 150 hours to complete the project.

“It was a fun project to work on,” Raess’ father Charlie said. “This place needs a lot of help and it’s a fun place to come and learn about local history.”

Carol D’Alessandro, museums coordinator for the township, said she is grateful to Raess and his team for the work they did.

— Have a question or news tip? Contact editor Daniel Hubbard at Daniel.Hubbard@patch.com or find us on Facebook and Twitter. For news straight to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.


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