A MANSION PRESERVED: This house on the corner of Greenwood and South Clinton avenues in Trenton, likely familiar to those who travel in and out of Trenton Transit Center, is the site for the 20th annual “Stop the Wrecking Ball” on Saturday, November 22. (Pencil sketch by George A. Bradshaw) By Anne Levin The elegant Trenton brownstone known as The Bishop’s House is the site of the annual “Stop the Wrecking Ball” fundraiser for the Trenton Historical Society (THS) on Saturday, November 22, from 6-9 p. m. But this isn’t the first time the iconic residence has served as a location for the event. “There are just so many buildings you can have these parties in,” said Sally Lane, a longtime board member for the THS and its board secretary. “This one has an interesting history.” According to information from the THS, “After the Civil War and before the train station moved to Clinton, Greenwood Avenue became the street of the elite as newly rich pottery and mill owners commissioned mansions from the city’s architects. In February of 1875, the Rt. Rev. John Scarborough was consecrated fourth bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey. He decided to take up residence in Trenton, renting a home at State and Clinton. His relocation to Greenwood Avenue was the notion of Trenton’s richest citizen, woolen mill owner Samuel K. Wilson, a warden of St. Michael’s Church.” Wilson happened to live on the street. He donated the lot next to his, and promised to build whatever the bishop wanted. Henry E. Finch, designer of many houses as well as the Taylor Opera House, Immaculate Conception Church, Scottish Rite Cathedral, Fourth Presbyterian Church, and St. Stanislaus Church, was the architect. Bishop Scarborough and his family lived in the brownstone with a tower from 1878 until he died in 1914. His successor, Paul Matthews, also lived in the house, which the diocese retained until 1929, according to the THS. The house, along with its elegant neighbors, suffered from neglect in ensuing decades until Greenwood Inc. took it over from the City of Trenton in 1990. A day care center located in the neighboring house also uses space in the building. The annual ball is a gala fundraiser that supports Restore Trenton! grants. “Over the years, we have raised money and put them into mini-grants for Trenton homeowners to improve their facades,” said Lane. “We want to give people a little extra something to convince them that they should go for the right paint or the right detail. We get quite a number of applications, which the board reviews.” The $150-$200 ticket includes ample hors d’oeuvres, open bar, live music, and a silent auction of items related to Trenton history including works by local artist Tom Malloy, vintage pictures, books, posters, and more. Black tie is favored. “It’s a cocktail party for people who love old buildings,” said Lane. “While the caterer is fond of knowing how many people to expect, we always have walk-ins. And we welcome them.” Visit trentonhistory. org for tickets.
https://www.towntopics.com/2025/11/19/trenton-historical-society-hosts-fundraiser-at-bishops-house-behind-trenton-transit-station/
Trenton Historical Society Hosts Fundraiser at Bishop’s House Behind Trenton Transit Station
