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By 1925, Martha Bell had been replaced by Louis C. Day (1878-1945) and his truck.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.
Hello, I bet we are relatives, Was your father a descendant of Martha Ryan married to James Buckingham?
There are original drawings for the parish house that suggest future additions, changing its shape from a "T" to an…
Hi Nancy, It is nice to meet you. We are going to be in Pittsburgh, PA towards the last of…
Hello all, my name is Nancy Leight Malick. I also am a direct decendent of Johannes and Mariah Moelich, 8th…
My father, Cole Vanderbeek Nevius (born in 1916), and his siblings all attended this school! I’d love to know if…
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 🙂