DODD HOUSE

AMONG the houses built in the early 1800’s, the residence of Harry H. Fletcher of 90 Vreeland Avenue has the most colorful history.

The house whose front entrance is flush with the the sidewalk, bears many reminders of early Colonial living. Until purchased by Mr. & Mrs. Fletcher in March 1944, the property was owned by the well-known artist, Irwin Smith, who with his family, now resides in Garden City, Long Island.

For a number of years previous to Mr. Smith’s residence, the Vreeland Avenue house is well-remembered by contemporary artists and writers as the home of artist Arthur J. Elder. Here also William McFee, the popular novelist, made his home.

While many changes have been made by the various owners, the house served its longest term as the homestead of the well­known Dodd family. The property according to old deeds reviewed by the Nutley Historical Society, extended to and beyond the present Erie Railroad and was purchased by John T. Dodd on July 5, 1828, from John V. Brown, his wife Keziah Brown, and his sister Leah Brown. John T. Dodd is mentioned in the early records of the Vincent Methodist Church and according to the history of the Franklin Reformed Church Sunday School, he also was active in organizing a Sunday School class for the Franklin Church. This class met in his own residence prior to his purchase of the Vreeland Avenue property in 1828.

No direct descendant has been found who lives in Nutley today. A granddaughter Anna M. Dodd, made her home in the Methodist Home for the Aged in Ocean Grove. She was one of five children by the fourth wife of John T. Dodd’s only son, James.

James Dodd, who is buried in the Nutley Methodist Cemetery, was born in 1815 and died October 30, 1879. By his first wife, Elizabeth F. Long, there were five children, one of whom was Joshua who was killed in the Civil War. Elizabeth died in 1847; his second wife, Gemima and child died in 1849; his third wife, Angelina and child died in 1853. By Mary, his fourth wife, there were five children, three sons, by name: Thomas Wesley, Franklin M., William H. who went to New Zealand to live, and two unmarried daughters: Jennie E. and Anna M. These two elderly ladies are remembered by neighbors as the last occupants of the Dodd house before its occupancy by present day artists and writers.