Built about 1869 in the late Italianate style, this house was the summer home of Joseph H. Chapman, a Wall St. insurance agent. In 1868, a group of investors laid out streets and house lots and named the development Ridgewood Park. Because it was convenient to the Erie R. R. station, the area attracted commuters who contributed to the growth of Ridgewood. The house exterior has had few changes over the years.