feature story / 25 Anniversary parties then and now. Top: Winchester Gardens' 50-year celebration when only bachelors and widowers were admitted. Above: Winchester Gardens' 90-year celebration, 2017. Photo credit: Alexander Halpin. Below: Beautiful walk- ing paths line the grounds. Photo credit: Joy Yagid. cated stone and slate, centered around a soaring Great Hall and detailed with leaded glass windows and hand-hewn stonework, quartersawn white oak paneling, and tile floors. There was even a bell tower to call guests in for meals, tolled most recently last au- tumn to celebrate the Homestead’s 90th anniversary. As those nine decades have passed, the Homestead has both shrunk and grown. A dozen or so acres were trimmed off in the l960s to accom- modate the Maplewood pool and First Aid Squad. In the l990s, 40 villas and two apartment buildings were added to the grounds. Its residents remain enthusiastic, attracted “by the grand quality of the original structures,” as long-time resi- dent/archivist Patricia Thornton puts it. “We truly appreciate the calm- ness and stateliness of our retirement home.” To which, Eva Samo would add another attraction that drew her and her late husband Harvey Samo from their Maplewood home of 42 years: “The residents. From 75 to 105, from Maplewood and South Orange to In- dia and Hong Kong. Never a dull mo- ment. There are always activities. Or – if you prefer – total privacy in your home.” Either way, Marcus Ward would be pleased with the long-term success of his extraordinary idea. Syndicated columnist Rose Bennett Gil- bert may cover lifestyles and interior de- sign world-wide but especially relished this excursion into Maplewood’s most historic homestead. Play.Imagine.Discover. Tours available for the 2018-19 school year. Limited Spots available. Call DirectorAlethea Randazza at 973-376-9303 for more information. opendoornurseryschool.com Open DOOr nursery schOOl WyOming presbyterian church • 432WyOming ave,millburn Scheduled Maintenance Tune-Ups Check Brakes Check Suspension & Alignment Check Tires NOW Doing NJ State Inspections! YOUR Family’s Safety is Important to Us. Leave the Job in Our Hands. 2058 Millburn Avenue Maplewood (973) 762-9788 Serving the Maplewood Area since 1987 We stay on top of the latest technology in servicing and repairing your vehicle. Foreign and Domestic Cars - Complete Service