James Peter Allaire | Calicia Allaire Tompkins | Hal Allaire | Arthur Brisbane | The Huguenots | John Roach | Rev. Thomas Tanser | Rev. George W. Doanne | Allaire Family Cemetery
ARTHUR BRISBANE - While the Historic Village at Allaire celebrates the life and times of James Peter Allaire, renowned New York marine engine manufacturer, as well as life at the Howells Works Company, Arthur Brisbane is a man of great importance in the History of the Historic Village and Allaire State Park. Professionally, Arthur Brisbane was one of the greatest journalists, editors, orators and public relations practitioners of our time. He contributed greatly to the rise of modern journalism and mass communication. Through his editorials, speeches and philosophizing, and humanitarian efforts he touched the lives of many people.
His real estate holdings were extensive and Allaire was among his favorites. Brisbane brought new life to the Village during his ownership from 1907 to 1936. Upon his 6,000 plus acre estate at Allaire, Brisbane built a contemporary house and towering library. In the latter years of his life this became his permanent abode. Commuting daily by train to his office overlooking the East River in New York City, he became the highest paid newspaper editor and journalist of the time, earning a salary of $260,000 per annum by 1923. His Allaire home today is the main administration building for the Arthur Brisbane Child Treatment Centre, a facility that has helped many since its inception.
A working model farm was developed on his luxury estate, Allaire. In addition Allaire would play host to Camp Burton, a camp for the Boy Scouts of America and include a restored church for the local farmers, an inn for motorists and sightseers, a toy factory, a military training grounds, a site for filming silent movies, a safe haven for victims of the Great Depression and much, much more. Had it not been for Brisbane's generosity in allowing various clubs and organizations to use the buildings of the former Howell Works Company during his ownership, the buildings would have suffered severe damage or even complete devastation before the State of New Jersey was entrusted with the care of the site. Moreover, during his ownership, Brisbane kept Allaire maintained and active, at great personal expense and, in keeping with the wishes of James Allaire's son Hal that the property remain a memorial to his father. Brisbane employed a large staff for this purpose, many of whom lived and worked in the village, living in the same homes that were once occupied by the James P. Allaire's Howell Works employees.
As early as 1927, Arthur Brisbane had the intention of making a recreational park and history museum out of his property at Allaire, which of course included James P. Allaire's former Howell Works site. Prior to his death in 1936, negotiations were underway with the State of New Jersey. However it was not until 1940 when Brisbane's widow Phoebe Brisbane, saw her husband's dreams realized by the deeding of the Historic Village proper to the State. By 1944 the Brisbane family had donated over 1,200 acres to the State of New Jersey, the heart of Allaire State Park.
With the US involvement in the war in Europe, restoration of the Village was halted and did not begin again until almost a decade after WWII. By then 20 years had passed and, sadly, Mother Nature had taken her toll on the Village buildings and grounds. But, nonetheless, Brisbane's vision was being realized by 1957 when, in accordance with Brisbane's wishes, a group of concerned citizens led by several of James P. Allaire's own descendants formed Allaire Village, Inc.; a non-profit, educational organization; to act as trustees of the Historic Village, in cooperation with the State of New Jersey. Because of the dedication of Allaire Village, Inc. and the State of New Jersey, Brisbane's visions continues on today.
Brisbane is a man commonly forgotten in the history of the Historic Village at Allaire, but, he is clearly an important man, the very Village owing its existence to him today. He can be considered the founder of Allaire State Park, just as James Allaire can be considered the founder of the Howell Works Company. Arthur Brisbane and his family spared Allaire from any future commercial and residential development. Simply put, Allaire State Park and the Historic Village at Allaire would not be here today without him. - Courtesy Hance M. Sitkus *6