Wheeler Corporation Builds New Jersey’s First Stran Steel Home in Basking Ridge – 1938

Bernardsville News – August 15, 2013

184 W. Oak Street in Basking Ridge. New Jersey’s first all steel framed home.

As part of the Bernardsville News history retrospective, this piece was recently reported to have occured 75 years ago. Based on the original article posted back on June 30, 1938, there seems to be truth to the story. The question remains; Is the house in Basking Ridge, New Jersey the first steel frame house in the state? Yes it is.

STEEL FRAME HOUSE OPEN TO INSPECTION IN OAK STREET

“What is believed to be the first steel frame house in New Jersey” was now under construction by the Wheeler Corporation on its new 60-acre development along West Oak Street in Bernards Township, The News reported on Thursday, June 30, 1938.

The framework for the two-bedroom, one-and-a-half story house “was started yesterday” and will be completed by Friday evening when it “will be open to public inspection,” the story said.

“The house will be practically fireproof throughout,” it added.

An advertisement said floors, walls and roof would be constructed of Stran Steel framing, which offers “strength, rigidity, durability, termite proof construction, fire safety and long life with freedom from plaster cracks, warping or shrinking of the framework and low maintenance costs.”

Bernardsville News – June 30, 1938

Posted in the Bernardsville News, July 30, 1938 for the home built at what was known as the “Oak Commons” or “Bernards Commons”. The home is now located at 184 W. Oak Street in the Basking Ridge section of Bernards Township New Jersey.

An advertisement in the June 30, 1938 Bernardsville News offering a viewing of New Jersey’s first steel framed home. The exterior was built using a new Thermax exterior – impervious to fire, termites, and rot.

Mr Local History has permission to post this piece since his family owns 184 W. Oak Street. Thanks for reading.