Society, town dueling to buy 1744 landmark Published in the Asbury Park Press 8/08/02 By ALISON WALDMAN FREEHOLD BUREAUBill Conover has fond memories of his family's farm on Conover Road in Colts Neck and hopes to see the 1744 home preserved as a historic landmark.But efforts to save the property have pitted township officials against a local historical group, both of which want to preserve the site.The only child of Walter and Cora Conover, Conover, 81, helped to tend to the animals and garden at a young age. He was one of four generations living in the 18-room house, which was also occupied by his grandfather, his great-grandfather and his great-aunt. "I was very, very happy there," Conover said.In 1932, his father left farming to take a position as superintendent of roads in the county, and the family moved to Red Bank four years later. The Colts Neck Historical Research Society -- a newly formed nonprofit group of about 15 people -- is hoping to raise enough to purchase the house, which is listed for about $900,000, said Ed Piotrowski, a founding member. At the same time, township officials have also discussed the idea of saving the house on its own for the last five years, according to Township Committeewoman Lillian Burry. The Colts Neck Historical Research Society plans a fund-raising campaign to save the home, owned by the Trust Company of New Jersey. The campaign will kick off at the annual Colts Neck Fair next week, Piotrowski said.The group will also sell copies of "Colts Neck -- Old Houses and Families," by Elizabeth Makin Thompson, at the fair to raise money, he said.If the group raises enough to purchase the house, Piotrowski said they hope to turn the building into a community meeting place and museum, where they can display family heirlooms and pictures that Conover is willing to donate to the house. While Burry says the township will accept support, it will not give up control of the project.With access to the township's open space and historic preservation tax, which brings in about $400,000 a year, Burry said, "It stands to reason that the township is in a better position to do this."The township, which is discussing purchasing the property with the Trust Company of New Jersey, can also turn to the state Green Acres program to cover half of the purchase, said Burry, who serves as liaison to the Historic Preservation Committee.Piotrowski said that while the Colts Neck Historic Research Society is willing to work with the township to preserve the house, it will be more beneficial to maintain the group's independent status to take donations and apply for grants."We're willing to work with everybody," Piotrowski said.The property, which was originally a 396-acre farm, is now about six acres, Piotrowski said. It was built by Garrett Conover for his new bride and expanded twice, once in 1802 and again in 1863, Piotrowski said. The house still retains many of its original features including piano key molding on the ceilings, brick fire places and a bee hive oven in the kitchen, Piotrowski said. "It is one of the few Dutch structures in Monmouth County that is still in good condition," Piotrowski said. The original carriage house and outhouse are still on the property. A pool, a tennis court, and two small cabins were added by owners following the Conovers. As the last in his family to be raised in the house, Conover said he would like to see his family history and memories preserved. "Nothing would give me a more pleasure than to know it is a museum," he said.