: 1255030753

Nestled in a row of factories and warehouses on Flushing Avenue, stands the Vander Ende-Onderdonk House, the oldest Dutch Colonial stone house in New York City. Built in 1709, this NYC landmark serves as a historic sanctuary in an area that has been almost entirely urbanized, offering Queens residents a peek into the past as well as an open outdoor space for community gatherings, a rare commodity across the borough.

Unfortunately, this 300-year-old Ridgewood relic’s ability to survive is being threatened by a badly-decaying roof in desperate need of repair. In the house’s attic, a room which formerly served as a meeting space for class visits or colonial dinners, natural light streams in through dozens of gaps and cracks speckled across the ceiling. The space has been out of commission for the past few years; during rainstorms water seeps into the room.

The house’s librarian and archivist George Miller said the roof, which was constructed with cedar shingles after a fire in the late 1970s, is in dire need of renovations.

“It’s bad because almost all the shingles are split or curled up, and every time we have a wind storm, you can walk around the grounds and find parts of shingles or entire shingles,” Miller said.

Curator Richard Asbell said the problem with the roof has gotten progressively worse in recent years. He said he dreads the upcoming winter and fears the structure will not make it if the season is particularly harsh.

“If we get an ice storm or heavy snow and wet snow gets up there, I think were in for a disaster,” Asbell said. “Everything will be ruined down here.”

Fortunately, a number of community leaders and local businesses have joined forces to come to the house’s rescue by creating “Let’s Raise the Roof at the Vander Ende-Onderdonk House,” an event geared towards raising proceeds to be donated to repairing the house’s rotting roof. On Oct. 23, there will be a cocktail reception complete with catered food, live music, a bonfire and party favors. Later in the evening, there will be a presentation honoring Assemblywoman Cathy Nolan (D-Astoria) and community leader Paul Kerzner. Mayor Mike Bloomberg will also be in attendance and recognized as a special guest.

Event co-chair Steven Monte said he expects around 200 people to attend the fundraiser and as of now, the goal is to raise $200,000, which is the amount the group estimates it will take to revamp the roof. Guests can choose from sponsorships ranging from the patriot level at $80 a ticket or the royal colonial benefactor level for $5,000, which includes a number of perks like 10 event tickets, the largest placement on a commemorative plaque and a lifetime membership to the Vander Ende-Onderdonk House.

Corporations like Waste Management and Exxon Mobil have already committed to support the event. In fact, Waste Management’s Market Area Community Relations Specialist Rachael Amar is a co-chair for the fundraiser.

She said after Waste Management had a company gathering at the house, members of staff began to take a personal interest in the project. WM has already committed to donating $15,000 to the project. Amar said the project supports WM’s mission to create positive community relations, serve as a “good neighbor” and contribute to sustainability missions citywide.

“This is sustainability,” Amar said. “You’re sustaining a historic house that’s 300 years old. It doesn’t get more sustainable that that.”

Amar said there seems to be a lack of community corporate responsibility in the area and she hopes this partnership will encourage other companies take an active role in the community.

Monte also emphasized the importance of local residents coming together in support of the landmark.

“People from the neighborhood, especially, I think should take an interest in preserving a historic house that’s the only one left,” Monte said.

The Vander Ende-Onderdonk House was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977 after being protected from demolition by a group of local residents, who then established The Greater Ridgewood Historical Society in 1975. In 1982, the house opened to the public. It offers guided house tours, history lectures, a genealogy library, exhibits, craft classes and special events like St. Nicolas Day and other Dutch celebrations.

The house’s staff stressed the fact that this piece of history should be saved so it can be enjoyed for another three centuries.

“You pass by with all these factories and you come in here and your jaw drops, literally,” Asbell said. “It’s like a little jewel and it should be preserved. It definitely has to be preserved for future generations.”

“The people in this community and surrounding communities saved this place 30 years ago. Now, it’s time for renovation and rehabilitation and it’s up to the current generation of business people and residents to do their share to preserve it for another generation, too,” Miller said.

Reach Reporter Kaitlyn Kilmetis at kkilmetis@queenstribune.com, or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 128.