Let's begin with its name "Acorn Hall", this name came from one of the oldest and largest red oak trees in New Jersey. The style of the mansion is Italiante and built in 1853. Only two families have owned the home, both from New York City.
The house was built by Dr. John Schermerhorn in 1853 and sold it to Augustus Crane of New York in 1857. The house remained in the Crane-Hone families from that time until Mary Crane Hone gave it to the Historical Society in 197l.
The house is considered a Victorian Italianate style because of the tower structure, along with the decorative railing along the roofline to simulate Italian palazzos. Other key features are the round headed windows and brackets. The tower is unique because of its octagon shape which is presumably a fabrication of the builder. The Italianate style became one of the most popular architectural styles in the United States, which originally came from rural architecture of Northern Italy.
So, before you even enter Acorn Hall you will be pleasantly pleased with the fine example of a Victorian Italiante architecture style it offers
One of our favorite rooms in the mansion is the dining room. Many visitors would spend hours here feasting on seven to twelve course meals. It is decorated in rich, warm, dark colors. The dining room was part of the Augustus Crane addition of 1860. When you walk into the room you probably will notice the impressive epergne on the dining table. This was made in England in the 1840's. It has an Oak tree form with six detachable branches and seven cut-glass bowls. It also has applied ferns, rabbits and grasses. This piece is sure to be a pleasant site for any visitor.
Another intriguing room is the music room. Many members of the families who owned the home were very musical, so it became an important part of the house. This room is great to introduce to your younger family members since I don't think many of us have a music room today.
