Building a house of cards is one thing, but the Montrose Parks Historic District Association (MPHDA) has gone one better: the group has crafted cards from houses. The second edition of the popular playing cards are now available, each card featuring a Montrose home.

Not only does each card face show a familiar house, explains Naoma Welk, President, but “the card notes the date the home was built and its style.” The back of each card features the Kip-Riker mansion, now part of Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel. This is the second edition of the cards, following on the success of the 2007 edition, also available.

Shuffling the deck is like a walk through Montrose Park with a knowledgeable guide. Who knew that a notable house was not only Tudor, but boasts Flemish gables? And what we call “Victorian” is a catch-all word that encompasses any number of homes, no two alike. The cards note that an 1895-built home is in the Second Empire style, not far from an 1870-crafted Italianate home and French Second Empire home, circa 1870. The splendors of Montrose have never been so convenient or compact as in these decks of cards.

It’s fitting then that the group, which aims to “promote, preserve and beautify the Montrose Park Historic District, maintain its integrity and enhance the quality of life for all residents,” is selling the cards as a fundraiser. The cards are a fine and fitting gift for architecture buffs, local historians, South Orange folk, or simply those who admire pretty homes. And they are a gift – whether for self or others – that starts a conversation about the past, about preservation, and about the beauty that surrounds in South Orange.  Talk about a winning hand!

A challenge for local history buffs: Each deck has a joker, a notable South Orange resident of the past. Each of those men has been profiled in South Orange Patch’s local history columns. For a gift card prize, answer one or both in the comments.  (Deadline: Wednesday, 12/21)

The first man lived from 1846-1895 and made life easier for commuters, even now. What was his name, what did he do, and on what street in South Orange did he live? (Hint: When did a day in South Orange have “two noons?”)

The second man, who lived 1843-1903, established a significant area in South Orange. In so doing, he named a street for an explorer. Name the local man, the explorer, and what was the explorer seeking? (Hint: “Dr. Livingstone, I presume.”)

To purchase cards: Cards are available for $10 per deck, or $18 for both. To order, please email info@MontroseParkSONJ.org.