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By 1925, Martha Bell had been replaced by Louis C. Day (1878-1945) and his truck.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 Dan, Paul W. Eberhardt (c.1896-1974) was apparently the son of George L. and Ella Eberhardt (see 1900 Census, Blair…
Then he wasn't directly related. The Ulrich Eberhardt family (son also named Paul) came from Newark. They might have been…
Hi Dan, Not sure. Paul W. Eberhardt (c.1896-1974) came from around Pittsburgh. Before moving to Liberty Corner, he lived in…
Was Paul Eberhardt related to the Bernardsville Eberhardt family on Olcott Avenue?
I did not realize it was where Grace Chapel is now. Thanks for that!
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 🙂