An aesthetically pleasurable archive of Dutch History, The Vander Ende-Onderdonk House.

A table supported by pistons made of oak, stands next to six-by-six window panels, casting sunshine upon inhabitants dressed in colonial Dutch formal wear. Those who enter are welcomed quite warmly and encouraged to take an interest in New York’s historical roots.

Linda Monte, the president of the Vander Ende-Onderdonk House organization, values the principles of hospitality and education for those ignorant to their neighborhood’s roots.

The Vander Ende-Onderdonk House holds Dutch history within its walls. It remains in its place supported by a small group of Ridgewood natives seeking to educate others of the Dutch presence surrounding them. This is a presence that commonly goes unrecognized to Ridgewood’s many inhabitants.

“We’re speaking English,” Monte said, “But the Dutch really founded New York. Their influence is still really prevalent but nobody realizes it so there was this whole movement to enhance everyone’s understanding of the Dutch. We’re essentially a part of that movement.”

The house was built in 1709 and functioned as a Dutch farmhouse during the colonial era. After being owned by several different owners and remodeled into a factory, Monte and head curator, Richard Asbell, bought the house as a means of preserving the history of Ridgewood through various educational tours and events. The organization collects an annual $20,000 from the state and the city to remain stable and flourish. Additionally, the House receives donations and charges entry fees for its various tours.

“This is the oldest house in all of Ridgewood,” Monte added, “We almost lost it because the previous owner stopped paying taxes.”

Monty expressed that while the house has flourished under her capable leadership, the house did not have the same presence until Asbell joined in 1999.

“The feeling you get when you come here is that of a typical Dutch home in the 18th century,” Asbell said of the house’s appearance, “It wasn’t like this 14 years ago when I came here,  but I worked that yard and conditioned these floors,” he added with a tone of pride and accomplishment as he polished a 18th century vase.

Among all of the authentic visuals within the Vander Ende – Onderdonk House, The only area that is off limits to the public is the “Victorian Room”. The room contains an authentic dining room as well as a late 18th century clock that chimes every hour.

“The Victorian room over there”, Asbell said, “It’s modeled in the period of 1860 and every thing in there is authentic. That Clock in the corner there is the oldest piece in this home. It’s a late 18th century clock,” he added.

“We had photographs of this room during the depression”, Monte added, “They realized that they were losing the history of America so they went and took photos of things like these.”

“There are people who’d love to tear down everything we have worked for,” Asbell said, “That rifle there was used in the American Civil War and I feel like using that on a few board members”, Asbell jokingly added.

In addition to the many sights and services that the Home provides, as well as city funding, wedding ceremonies remain the most profitable.

“We put up a tent in the summertime,” Monte explained, “We rent that out for weddings and we’re currently booked all the way into next year. That is a big dollar.”

“These walls hold something important to me,” Lauren Montclaire,  a 42-year-old Ridgewood Native, said of the home. Montclaire has been visiting the house for the last few months.

“The city tore down the Ridgewood Theatre and wanted to turn it into a shopping center,” Montclaire added, “I feared the same may happen here. There is little appreciation for history, it’s just awful.”

While Monte and Asbell remain positive for the future, Asbell stresses his fear that he will not accomplish all he hopes to in his lifetime.

“I just turned 76,” Asbell said, “I’ve enjoyed doing this. I hope to get the attic all cleaned up and turn it back into the bedroom it once was. I fear that won’t happen in my lifetime.”

Windows displaying vintage coffee tables give way to an endless realm of bargain hunting. The walls, painted with vinyl records, hold shelves littered with tea cups and a substantial supply of collectible VHS tapes.

Started in 2009, the Gotham Thrift shop on Myrtle Avenue has thrived under the management of 32-year-old Alberto Caseda and his wife but there have been hard times.

Caseda, a former accounting major at Baruch College, said that leaving his previous bank job was the best decision he ever made.

“You become your own boss with the position I’m in,” Caseda said, “There’s a brand new level of flexibility and freedom and people like junk. I mean, I like junk.”

Though starting a business selling “junk” might seem difficult in a neighborhood like Ridgewood where living costs are increasing exponentially, Caseda stressed the ease of his business’ beginning.

“Let’s face it, this is still a middle class, family oriented neighborhood,” Caseda said, as he polished a vintage cigar ash tray, “Everything is so expensive now that people are always looking for some kind of discount or deal.”

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“Sure, thrift shops carry the reputation of things that people see and think ‘hey that’s cool’,” Caseda explained, “but people need things too. They don’t always want to pay full price.”

Above all, Caseda said his business thrives because he holds his relationship with his customers high on his list of priorities.

“I had a guy in here who collected brass lamps. I had another guy in here who would buy vintage straight edged razors. Others can’t get a hold of that stuff but it’s those same guys who come in time after time who are greatly responsible for keeping us afloat.”

Susan Walsh, a 49 – year old baker, spoke of her professional dealings with Albert and his wife. “My grandson,” she said, “He’s just like his father, he likes to collect these silly Nintendo games.”

“So we come here a few times a month and Al is always smiling wide when he sees us,” Walsh said, “He shows me the new games he has and I clean him out. Then I go home with them and yell at my son because I feel like these things are rotting his brain.”

Caseda appreciates his customers. “People who want these types of things,” Caseda said, as he showcased his rare jazz records, “It adds a different dimension to this profession. I could get everything for everyone and I could get that one thing that a particular person wants.”

The customer base of Gotham Thrift Shop is the sole reason that Caseda goes to rummage sales and state auctions to find items at a premium or free of charge that he can then price up but keep within a reasonable price range.

“It’s challenging to price things sometimes,” Caseda explained, “Sometimes things are priced way down. Like the cigar trays we get for free from a monthly rummage sale in Brooklyn. All of a sudden, a $45 ash tray becomes $8. I’m always willing to work with people, though, to make things more affordable. Obviously, I have to profit but I don’t get greedy.”

There were no signs that the shop was struggling as customers packed the wide hall with old items to be sold, items to buy, and trinkets to be repaired. If there is a low point for business, it is during the winter in when Caseda cannot get inventory on account of there being fewer auctions and sales. Caseda made it clear that his business does very well and his family chips in when results are unsatisfactory.

“My dad chips in. I have two step kids and they chip in if I’m not profiting as much as I’d like to,” Caseda said, “Gotham isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. People will always want junk and they will always buy junk.”