TENAFLY — Three historic borough properties, designed by recognized architects of their time, will soon be designated for their antiquity.

They include a Victorian-style laborer’s cottage for a country estate, an American gothic revival on Serpentine Road and an Italianate-style wood home on Engle Street.

Until now, few passers-by would know that the homes are more than 100 years old and have immense historical value to the borough.

Soon, however, Tenafly’s most senior homes will receive permanent markers recording their ages, thanks to the efforts of the Tenafly Historic Preservation Commission. The commission recently designed site markers that will be made available to the current homeowners for display at their entrances.

The first “Circa” site marker was presented in mid-March by the Historic Preservation Commission to Carol Klein, homeowner of 170 Thatcher Road. The Victorian home, which dates back to 1866 and is called the Lyman Browning Estate Cottage, was recently added to the borough’s historic register, thanks to Klein’s efforts. Klein, who celebrated her 90th birthday this month, has lived there for more than 50 years and has worked diligently to preserve it.

The residence is a picturesque cottage designed by nationally known architect George E. Woodward. Its most famous owners were George Lyman, manager of the New York Clearing House. Another owner was J. Hull Browning, the president of the Northern Railroad of New Jersey, which ran north through the county from Jersey City. Tenafly’s first librarian, Callie York, also lived in the cottage.

The historic marker is not being funded by taxpayers, but will be covered by individual homeowners who want the signage, said Gene Vinci, the borough’s chief financial officer. The plaques, priced at $225, are available at the Building Department to homeowners whose properties are at least 100 years old or listed on Tenafly’s Historic Sites Inventory. There are at least 81 such homes in Tenafly, and around 300 homes listed on the Historic Sites Inventory as having significance architecturally or historically. About 64 houses, as well as the Tenafly Railroad Station and the Theodore Roosevelt monument, are designated as local landmarks and are thus protected from being knocked down.

Karen Neus, a Historic Preservation Commission member, said she was inspired to have plaques in her hometown after seeing them in Ocean Grove, which is known for its historic homes. “It publicizes the history of the community and gives recognition to homeowners who have preserved their structures, and it helps the public appreciate the history of their community,” she said, adding that around 19 homes dating back to the 1850s have been demolished in recent years.

Rita Heller, a professor of history at the County College of Morris in Randolph, added, “We hope these markers will pique curiosity about the people and events associated with these houses and generate informed conversation about the town’s past.

“Having an imprimatur on it gives it additional recognition, which we hope would add protection to it,” and prevent it from being demolished, Heller added.