The Rutherford Armory, built nearly 126 years ago, was a magnificent two-story brick and masonry structure located at what is now 92 Park Avenue. The property was purchased in 1898 by a unit of the New Jersey National Guard. The general contractor was Charles Dabinett, a sergeant with Company L. The interiors contractor was Louis Beck of East Rutherford but the tradesmen who performed the day-to-day carpentry on the building were brothers, Richard and Alfred King, two carpenters, born in Poplar, Middlesex County, England. Richard and Alfred led a crew of six to ten tradesmen to build the Armory, beginning in November 1896. The Armory announced its opening on March 11,1897 and functioned as the headquarters for Company L for less than five years. The Armory then became the official Borough Hall of Rutherford, providing space for some historically important events.

During that same time, Richard King purchased property in Rutherford on what is now Riverside Avenue and built a home for his family in May and June of 1896. The King house, located at 491 Riverside Avenue, was designated a historic home in November of 2022 due to Richard King’s involvement in the construction of the Armory.  The RHPS is proud to call the Richard King Historic Home their headquarters and is where the RHPS hosts most of their annual events.

Armory

RHPS Headquarters with
Richard King

Armory

(View of Park Ave facing North)