SCCC students help renovate historic Horton Mansion on campus

Sussex County Community College students in the Building Construction Technology program are getting first-hand experience by working on a historical project.

They are participating in the restoration of the 1858 Horton Mansion on the college’s main campus in Newton.

The project, which started in September, is expected to take two to three years and is being done in multiple phases.

The four-story mansion was built by John Horton, a county native, who made his fortune in saddlery and harness making. He died shortly after it was built.

It remained in the family until 1921, when it was sold to several members of the Galente family, who quickly sold the property to the Missionary Society of the Salesian Congregation.

For many years, it was Don Bosco Prep, where priests and educators were trained.

In 1984, the county purchased the property, including the Gothic Revival mansion, which is a centerpiece of the campus, standing in contrast to the red brick buildings surrounding it.

The college faculty and about 10 students are working to bring the mansion back to its former glory.

The project gives students real-time construction experience and allows them to work effectively with tools and materials necessary for the trade.

The students are doing “a little bit of everything from framing, sheet rocking and carpentry,” said adjunct instructor Frank Semplenski.

“They love this project and are learning many new skills. They look forward to getting into the building to work.”

Semplenski, who also owns a company, FMS Construction, called the mansion “just a beautiful building.”

It’s important for students to work on a historical building because “you are not always going to get the new jobs.”

Two of the goals of the Building Construction Option, which results in an associate of applied science degree, are to demonstrate effective problem-solving skills based on knowledge and practice and understand, integrate and apply construction knowledge and skills professionally.

The Horton Mansion project is a perfect way to meet these goals.

Building Construction is only one of several technical programs offered at the college. Others include baking and pastry, cosmetology, culinary arts, diesel service, electrical linesworker, machine tool, optics, robotics, technical theater and welding.

For information about the Building Construction or other technical programs, go online to www.sussex.edu/apply

Registration is open for the spring semester. Classes start Jan. 23.