Civil War-era doctor's office in South Brunswick designated as historic landmark

SOUTH BRUNSWICK – The home and office of the first physician to practice in the Dayton section of the township has been recognized for its historical significance.

The Township Council late last month passed a resolution declaring the Slack-Carroll House at 354 Georges Road a historic landmark. The 2 ½-story home is believed to have been built in the mid-1860s.

The Dayton Village Citizen's Coalition (DVCC) urged the township’s Historic Preservation Commission to push for the designation.

"We are extremely glad that the South Brunswick Township Council has declared the Slack-Carroll House a Historic Landmark," said Barbara Lee, vice president of the DVCC, a nonprofit organization made up of local volunteers which helped spearhead the effort.

Lee said the DVCC are concerned neighbors building a community coalition with the goal of improving the quality of life and preserving history in Dayton and South Brunswick.

Dr. Clarence Slack returned to Dayton from the Civil War, where he served as a naval surgeon, to practice medicine and acquired the house, according to the resolution. In addition to locating his medical practices in the home, he also maintained a two-room hospital there, the resolution says.

During his years in Dayton, Slack also served as a medical examiner for the county, freeholder, county clerk and president of the Middlesex County Medical Society, according to the DVCC.

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In 1887, Slack sold the home and practice to Dr. Edgar Wallace Carroll, who lived there until his death in 1934, according to the DVCC.

The township in 1983 designated the house as locally significant and listed it with the state as a historic site.

Wawa donated the property which serves as the DVCC's meeting place and operates as a house museum and learning center, as well as a private home.

There are exhibits that reflect medicine during the Civil War and post-Civil War era, according to the resolution.

The Slack-Carroll House is one of only three Civil War and post-Civil War country doctor museums in the nation, the resolution says.

Email: sloyer@gannettnj.com

Susan Loyer covers Middlesex County and more for MyCentralJersey.com. To get unlimited access to her work, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Slack-Carroll House in South Brunswick designated as historic landmark