The Quiet Hands Behind Mountainside’s Historic Homes: Scott Daniels Honored for Decades of Service

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ — When guests arrive at the historic Levi Cory House for Steeped in History, “Boston Tea Party,” on May 17 honoring the nation’s 250th anniversary, they may notice the charm of the historic home, the welcoming back porch, the shade of the awnings, the beautiful Amish shutters on the windows, and the carefully tended grounds.There is a feeling that every detail has been thoughtfully cared for.What many may not know is that much of that care comes from a humble volunteer who has spent decades helping preserve Mountainside’s historic homes with quiet pride and exacting attention to detail.Scott Daniels, a Mountainside resident for 73 years and longtime president of the Mountainside Restoration Committee, was recognized by fellow committee board members this week with a plaque honoring his decades of service to the historic houses. His work includes helping raise donations for the patio and awnings that now make the back of the Levi Cory House a welcoming place for tea parties, gatherings and other community events.Daniels, who has been involved with the committee and has served as its Chairman for more than 20 years, joked that his service began when he made an offer to his longtime friend and previous committee Chairman Artie Braun that “If he ever needed any help down there, I'd be happy to help,” he gave a sheepish smile, and said, “that was my downfall. I’ve been here ever since.”But Daniels also made clear that the work has become something deeply meaningful to him.“I enjoy this committee so much,” Daniels said. “I just love working on stuff here, this is my home away from home.”For Alice Cowell, a board member of the Mountainside Restoration Committee for at least 15 years, the recognition was personal and heartfelt. Cowell, who has also helped lead and launch several community efforts over the years, including the Garden Club and Beautiful Mountainside, said she wanted Daniels to understand how deeply his service is appreciated by the people who work beside him.More than anything, Cowell said, Daniels brings a rare level of care, precision and pride to the historic properties.“As I said to everyone,” Cowell told the group, “I believe people should be honored when they’re alive, and not a plaque when they’re gone.”Presenting the plaque to Daniels, Cowell said the gesture came from the entire committee’s deep gratitude and appreciation for his dedication.Daniels then read the card aloud to the group. “You make a difference,” he started. “You’ve got a real way with people. You give your best and help others to do their best. That makes the people around you feel pretty lucky and very grateful. Thanks for doing what you do so well.”Daniels smiled and humbly stated, “I do feel pretty lucky. This was unnecessary… I enjoy this committee so much.”Cowell responded by making clear just how much his work has meant to the group.“Scott, you are so special to all of us,” Cowell said. “The time you take and the effort you put in, I’ve never seen anyone like it. The plaque will go in the garden. It’s a reminder of all the wonderful things you do for us that make us proud to have you as our president. This comes from our hearts.”Committee members described Daniels as the person who fixes what needs fixing, lifts what needs lifting and tends to the details that help keep the Hetfield and Levi Cory houses ready for visitors, programs and community events.“We just all appreciate what Scott has been doing for us,” one committee member said. “I call him MacGyver because he can fix anything around here.”Ethel Ward, another longtime board member, spoke directly about the pride Daniels takes in the house and the quality of his work.“He takes care of every bit of this place to perfection,” Ward said.Ward also said Daniels is always willing to help, offer guidance and keep the houses in good order.“He’s been so helpful, gives us pointers, he fixes things, and he is one in a million,” Ward said.That care is visible throughout the properties, from the porch and patio to the countless behind-the-scenes details that help make the historic homes gathering places for the community.For the Restoration Committee, the plaque was more than a thank-you for Daniels’ years of service. It was a way to recognize the quiet work, pride, and friendship that have helped keep Mountainside’s history alive.The appreciation was evident not only in the words spoken, but in the affection of a group that knows how much of the house’s beauty and care has passed through Daniels’ hands.Cowell, who has lived in Mountainside for 30 years, said the community has been in her heart since the day she moved here. For her, honoring Daniels was a way to make sure a friend, volunteer and longtime steward of Mountainside’s history knows how much his work matters.The committee will welcome the public to experience that care firsthand during the Steeped in History “Boston Tea Party” on Sunday, May 17, 1:30-3:00 pm, at the historic Levi Cory House. According to the committee, tickets are still available for the event, which will include tea, community and a chance to enjoy one of the Mountainside’s historic treasures. Reservations are required. https://www.mountainsidehistory.org/events/2026/5/17afternoon-tea-on-the-levi-cory-house-porch-e3al8-eg5lc-bcsb7