“A gilded age chateau-style country house”. That’s how Iviswold Castle was described. Today, we explore this unique building. It stands on the Rutherford campus of Felician University in New Jersey. Many people simply call Iviswold “The Castle”.
Iviswold’s story began in 1869. New York newspaperman Floyd W. Tomkins built a two-story stone house. He called it “Hill House”. Tomkins sold the house and surrounding land in 1887. David Brinkerhoff Ivison bought it. Ivison was the president of the American Book Company.
Ivison hired architect William Henry Miller. Miller expanded and redesigned the house. The design was inspired by the Chateau de Chaumont in France. Local brownstone was used for the exterior walls. In 1889, Ivison renamed his home Iviswold.
Iviswold became a grand mansion. It had 25 rooms and many impressive features. These included balconies, a music room and a porte-cochere.
After Ivison died in 1903, Iviswold changed hands several times. It even served as the Rutherford Union Club. In 1930, the Rutherford National Bank owned the building. Fairleigh S. Dickinson headed the bank.
Fairleigh Dickinson University was founded in 1942. The first classes were held at Iviswold. The university grew and built more buildings around the castle. But by the late 1980s, the campus was too small. The Rutherford campus closed in 1994.
Felician University bought the campus in 1997. It began a major renovation of Iviswold. The project cost nearly 12 million dollars. The New Jersey Historic Trust contributed $1,550,000. The renovation was completed in 2013.
Interestingly, Iviswold once had an indoor swimming pool. It was installed in the 1930s. A water tower supplied the pool. When Fairleigh Dickinson used the building, the pool was covered. It became a classroom.
In the 1970s, the college covered many original interior features. Drop ceilings and partition walls hid ornate woodwork. They also hid Tiffany windows and Italian marble fireplaces.
Today, Felician University protects Iviswold’s integrity. The university has taken steps to preserve this important structure. Heritage Consulting Group advises the university on preservation.
Felician University is proud to care for Iviswold Castle. The university returned the Castle to its original grandeur. The location of a new Wellness and Recreation Center was designed to showcase Iviswold Castle.
Iviswold stands as a testament to history and architecture. It shows the dedication to preserving our heritage. As we conclude our visit, remember the many lives and stories that have unfolded within the walls of Iviswold Castle.