Pierson Mansion

Built in 1874, this house was once the residence of Israel C. Pierson, a prominent actuary in the life insurance industry. His previous addresses included 115 Broadway, which was changed to 733 Broadway in 1893, and later to 733 Watchung Avenue in 1899. This structure is a fine example of clapboard Italianate architecture, despite having undergone minor alterations over the years. Upon viewing the house, one can observe various decorative elements, such as brackets in the eaves adorned with bullseyes, as well as a carved panel on the second-floor bay. The house features a screened porch, which may have served as a sleeping porch during the Victorian era, a time when air conditioning was not available. These balconies and porches were intended for the family’s use rather than for the household staff.  Bedding would be brought out to these areas to enhance comfort while sleeping on hot summer days.