Miss Sarah A. Stewart

107 Norwood Avenue, Avon-by-the-Sea, NJ

1890 | Residence | Extant

“Minerva Parker, architect, 14 S. Broad street, has made plans for a fine frame cottage at Avon-by-the-Sea, for Miss Stewart, to be two-stories high, shingle roof, wood mantels, stained and plate glass, with all modern conveniences.” (August 27, 1890)

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Sarah Stewart was an advocate for kindergarten, at a point in the mid- to late-19th century when such educational institutions were not yet commonplace in the United States. Born c. 1840, she likely intended this house to be a residence for her (semi-)retirement years after decades of traveling the country to build support for early childhood education—and its benefits for women.