In the early years of the 20th century, mail was delivered in Basking Ridge by horse and cart. The inscription reads “ ‘Martha Bell’ after 6 years service on Route 1, Basking Ridge, NJ” (Nettie Allen Collection). The post office started experimenting with Rural Free Delivery (RFD) in the late 19th century and expanded it in 1902.
By 1925, Martha Bell had been replaced by Louis C. Day (1878-1945) and his truck. Day, a native of Stirling, lived on Conkling Street in Basking Ridge.
Hi Vincenzo and Jim, We checked with the school and there is a memorial--they sent a photo. We've added it…
I am also amazed there was never a memorial, I was in the 7th grade there at the time. Before…
I went to school there and it is s a shame that was never taught to us and there was…
Hello, I'm a decendant, they are my 8th great grandparents. Thank you for placing flowers. My maiden name was spelled…
Hi Marilyn, Locally, try contacting the National Park Service at Washington’s Headquarters Museum in Morristown. They may have a curator…
She was a beautiful horse.
Where exactly was Rt 1 in Basking Ridge?
Hi Mary Ann, We don’t know where RFD Route #1 was, perhaps wherever Martha Bell decided to go 🙂