Then and Now: Walnut Street

In this edition of “Then and Now,” we take a look down at Walnut Street from Valley Road.

This undated postcard captures Walnut Street much as we know it today—lined with stately homes that have stood the test of time. Many of these residences date back to the late 1800s, when Montclair’s architectural character took shape. Prominent architects like Effingham R. North crafted some, while others are examples of vernacular architecture—homes built using local materials, shaped by the styles and needs of the era. Often referred to as “architecture without architects,” these unassuming designs tell a rich story of everyday life. And in Montclair, where the standard for “everyday” in the 19th century was often grand, even the most modest homes are architectural gems.

“Then and Now,” a series, is a collaboration between Montclair History Center and Montclair Local.