Structures like this one used to be common across the Somerset Hills. Does anyone know what it is? This photo is fairly recent—February 1971. We’ll post the answer in a few days. ANSWER: The building is a wellhouse. Wellhouses covered wells so no one accidentally fell in. They also provided a framework for a crank
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Who knows where this impressive gate is? Hint: It still stands on a main road in the Somerset Hills. We’ll post the answer in a few days. ANSWER: The gate is found on Route 202 in Far Hills. Going north toward Bernardsville, it is on the right before you get to Lake Rd. The gate
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After philanthropist Frederic P. Olcott died in 1909, many placenames in Bernardsville, NJ, were renamed in his honor, including Olcott Square, the Olcott building, and Olcott Avenue. Do you know what Olcott Avenue was called before it was renamed? For the answer, go to the THSSH Archives. Note, the archive document dates to 1914, when
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Bedminster Township was formed in 1749 through a royal charter during the reign of King George II. The original charter is beautifully framed and displayed in the Bedminster town hall thanks to a donation (2019) by Forbes Newspapers (see attached photos). The accompanying writeup says that it is one of only two extant royal charters
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Can you put these five Somerset Hills towns in order by date of creation (oldest to newest)? –Peapack-Gladstone–Bernardsville–Bernards Township–Bedminster Township–Far Hills If you need help, consult the Somerset Hills Timeline: https://somersethillshistoricalsociety.org/local-history/somerset-hills-history-101/ We’ll post the correct answer in a few days.
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Everyone knows General Charles Lee was captured in Basking Ridge during the Revolutionary War, but who was his second in command? In 1776, American General Charles Lee was taking his time moving his division across New Jersey to join the main army of George Washington, who he resented serving under. Lee stayed too long at
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