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Welcome to the Mr. Local History Project

“A 501c3 Non-Profit Dedicated to Preserving and Promoting Jersey History with a Social Twist”

October means fall history road trips and local lore of Jersey witches and horror. We’ve got some great Jersey trips and tales. Click Here

Featured Stories

Blairsden- The Horror, The Nuns and Other Tales

Weird New Jersey launched an all out attack on the horrible tales of what went wrong inside the Blairsden Estate in Peapack, New Jersey. This article originally was posted on another site back in 2007. Read More »Blairsden- The Horror, The Nuns and Other Tales

Day Trips – Four Historic Fall Locations You Must See in and Around Jersey

Fall in New Jersey has always been one of the best times to traverse across the state and take in some of the most beautiful foliage anywhere in the country.. The leaves begin to change and the crisp fall air just begs you to get outside. Over the years, the Mr. Local History Project has researched the history of four fantastic places where you can take in the fall air and have a great walk. Read More »Day Trips – Four Historic Fall Locations You Must See in and Around Jersey

Haunted Tales and Urban Legends From Across Central New Jersey

Believe it or not, the dead is alive in central New Jersey. The question is not whether they are real or not, but more like are they disturbing or friendly.Read More »Haunted Tales and Urban Legends From Central Jersey

Day Trip – Historic Mohonk Mountain “House”, New Paltz, New York

Nestled in the Catskill Mountains in the southern portion of New York State lies the historic Mohonk Mountain Resort. Spend a glorious weekend as a guest or visit for a day trip

Haunted Roots – The Horror Tale of the Devil Tree in Basking Ridge, New Jersey

Their film HAUNTED ROOTS, “The Haunt of New Jersey’s Devil Tree and a farmhouse.” Residents publicly speak for the first time about what it’s like to live inside an urban legend.Read More »Haunted Roots – The Horror Tale of the Devil Tree in Basking Ridge, New Jersey

Loved Businesses Lost In Westfield – The H-GOAT GAME Cconcludes with a Champion

How about a game? A fun game. A game that mixes history and memories and will take you back to the simpler times growing up in Westfield, New Jersey. We take two businesses no longer in town and ask you which one you like more.

Remembering Lost Jersey Businesses is Fun History

Mr Local History loves history with a social twist. In fact, it’s our motto! So we got to thinking how fun would it be to share some of the most loved New Jersey businesses that have disappearedRead More »Remembering Lost Jersey Businesses is Fun History

Far Hills Race Meeting Honored with Painted Wooden Collectible

Celebrating over 100 years of New Jersey’s fall classic, the Far Hills Race Meeting, with this beautiful wooden hand painted collectible. Get yours now Read More »Far Hills Race Meeting Honored with Painted Wooden Collectible

REFLECTION: Somerset County Farms, Orchards, Dairies, Stables & Historic Preservation Landmarks

Note: 2024, MLHP increased the coverage to include all of Somerset County active farm stands, farmers markets, private farms, historic farms and farm preservation projects in the county. ; Read More »REFLECTION: Somerset County Farms, Orchards, Dairies, Stables & Historic Preservation Landmarks

Retrospective: Warren’s Schwaebische Alb

PREVIEW RELEASE: Still looking for photos of the beer garden or any photos post 1970. Also still researching the sale date to Warren Township and the final tear down date. Contact Us if you know so we can complete the post. Our retrospective begins just after prohibition after a chicken ranch was converted to Warren’s… Read More »Retrospective: Warren’s Schwaebische Alb

Sandwiches Invented in New Jersey

While watching an old episode of Man vs. Food Nation, food critic and comedian Adam Richman showed some awesome sandwiches from Jersey. Adam got us thinking, what are the sandwiches that define New Jersey? We’ve reached out to the public for their advice and we’ve hit the road to find answers across the state. Jerseyans… Read More »Sandwiches Invented in New Jersey

Seven Wonders of the World from Historic New Jersey

What are the seven most important historic things that New Jersey has given to the world over our illustrious history? What would rank as the seven wonders of the world that New Jersey has given. Read More »Seven Wonders of the World from Historic New Jersey

Peaches Means New Jersey

Peaches Peaches Everywhere Many don’t remember that New Jersey and particularly Somerset, Morris, and Hunterdon Counties were premiere peach orchards with some of the best in the United States. If you live in New Jersey you know that summertime in the Garden State produces an astounding crop of peaches throughout the state. But it wasn’t… Read More »Peaches Means New Jersey

History of the Jersey Tomato

It’s revered. It has its origins in Central and South America dating back to the 1500s and originated in the region that is now modern-day Mexico. Fast forward a few centuries, here in New Jersey the story of the tomato dates back to the late 18th century when tomatoes were introduced to the region. Initially, tomatoes were met with suspicion and considered poisonous by some, as they are part of the nightshade… Read More »History of the Jersey Tomato

President Trump’s Historic Summer White House in Bedminster, New Jersey

In a sleepy area in the Somerset Hills of central New Jersey, the former President of the United States still comes to summer at a house with a storied history. The Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey, known as President Trump’s Summer White House, occupies 535 acres of beautiful countryside in central New Jersey...more

The Lost New Jersey Drive Ins

New Jersey has a rich history of drive-in theaters, and what you maybe didn’t know, Drive Ins actually started in New Jersey. Read More »The Lost New Jersey Drive In

How Raritan, NJ Was the Venue Officially Ending World War I

Somerset County is well known for its importance regarding the Revolutionary War, but many may not know the impact Somerset County had on World War I.
Read More »How Raritan, NJ Was the Venue Officially Ending World War I

Everyone in Jersey – Fly This American Flag

Like me, many of us in Somerset County, New Jersey drive back and forth down Route 287 then east on Route 22 day in and day out never thinking that just off the highway on the hillside by Vosseller Avenue in Bridgewater, New Jersey is a small 16 acre property that has the distinct honor… Read More »Everyone in Jersey – Fly This American Flag

New Jersey Rev War Series Mr. Local History Project

New Jersey is known as the “Cockpit of the American Revolution” for a reason – because it was. More battles, more encampments, more strategies took place in New Jersey than in any other colony of the original thirteen. Bookmark the page and come back over time. If you have a topic that you’d like us… Read More »New Jersey Rev War Series Mr. Local History Project

Jersey’s History with Bar Room Shuffleboard

We bring you the history and the current state the bar room shuffleboard table. A Jersey classic! Shuffleboard History Don’t get us wrong, I LOVE shuffleboard. Leveraging… Read More »Jersey’s History with Bar Room Shuffleboard

Paterson’s Awesome History

If you live in New Jersey, you can’t but help falling over history. Since the early days of the founding of our country, Paterson, New Jersey has been in the discussion. Read More »Paterson’s Awesome History

Jersey’s History Bucket List

Wow, this story was one of our most controversial and difficult stories we’ve ever prepared. Just the thought of picking only 10 Jersey historic sites is an insane task. But I think we’re up to it. The 10 most historic things you need to see in Jersey before you kick the bucket. Gathered over the… Read More »Jersey’s History Bucket List

That 4.8 Earthquake was New Jersey’s Ramapo FAULT

On a cool spring morning on Friday, April 5, 2024 at 10:23am history was made as about 1/4 mile below the earth’s surface in the quiet Hunterdon County town of Tewkesbury, Read More »That 4.8 Earthquake was New Jersey’s Ramapo FAULT

Jerolaman’s General Store- A Bernardsville Store That Won’t Be Forgotten

Sometimes history creeps up on you when you least expect it. A few years ago our project wanted to honor a small multi-generational store that had been around for generations and then it was gone. Not only is the business gone, but so is the innocence that so many people cling to as part of… Read More »Jerolaman’s General Store- A Bernardsville Store That Won’t Be Forgotten

Three Local Quizzes Test Your Localness

Do you live in Bedminster, Bernards Township or Bernardsville and think you know your local history? If you do, we’ve got a few brain teasers for you to see just how much you know about your town’s local history. Post your score in the comments section for your chance to win a New Jersey Historic Village keepsake. Prepared by the research team at the Mr. Local History Project, the match game uses the Edunet platform to test your knowledge. Just click the image below for the quiz you’d like to take. Take all three if you’re from the area. Enjoy

The Brothers’ Bridges and Their Family’s New Jersey Burger Dynasty

THIS IS A DRAFT to gather notes and share with interested parties. It is not a final publish and remains a work in progress. Introducing Louis, Abner “Al” A.L, and Webster Bridges – Once a family of farmers from Cordele, Georgia, they came north and became Jersey burger royalty. As with all Mr. Local History… Read More »The Brothers’ Bridges and Their Family’s New Jersey Burger Dynasty

Retrospective: English Farm – Liberty Corner’s Historic Gem

Quiet Jersey Farm Hosts French Army on Way to Yorktown It’s a walk back in time. The farming techniques are new featuring organic fruit, vegetables, and other natural products but the farm is pretty much the same as it was is 1781 when Rochambeau and 10,000 French and Continental Army soldiers marched from Newport to… Read More »Retrospective: English Farm – Liberty Corner’s Historic Gem

Top 10 Trending Posts Right Now Mr. Local History
Views: 585 Top Posts This Week The Mr. Local History Project has published over 460 researched history posts honoring Jersey history. Top History All Time #5 Post – All Time #4 Post – All Time #3 Post All Time #2 Post – All Time #1 Post – All Time Additional Stories: Mr. Local History’s #growlocalhistory… Read More »Top 10 Trending Posts Right Now Mr. Local History
Wildwood History and the Doowop Museum
Views: 119 Wildwood, New Jersey, is known as the “Doo Wop Capital of the Galaxy. The definition of Doo Wop? is a group singing style, especially during the 1950s, involving a lead singer supported by a chorus of singers and, often, instruments with a strong, rhythmic beat. And then, doo-wop turned into a cultural and… Read More »Wildwood History and the Doowop Museum
The New Jersey Historic Wooden Village Keepsake Collection
Views: 14,367 The MLH Project is proud to be the largest reseller of the New Jersey Historic Wooden Keepsake Collection, created by the world-famous Cat’s Meow Village. Made in the USA!!! The New Jersey Historic Village Collection The New Jersey Historic Village keepsake collection is a wood-painted collectible series honoring historic iconic buildings, properties, and… Read More »The New Jersey Historic Wooden Village Keepsake Collection
Mr. Local History 2024 Fall Magazine Vol 6. Issue 3
Views: 35 Vol.6 Issue 3 is available now. Our Fall 2024 cover photo honors the history of the Somerset Hills area of Northern Somerset County, New Jersey, and the iconic Blairsden Mansion & Estate. Over the years, the estate has also been a private residence, an orphanage, and a religious retreat. Put those two together… Read More »Mr. Local History 2024 Fall Magazine Vol 6. Issue 3
Bernards Township Historic Wooden Village Keepsake Collectibles
Views: 160 The MLH Project is proud to be the largest reseller of the New Jersey Historic Wooden Keepsake Collection, created by the world-famous Cat’s Meow Village. Made in the USA!!! Basking Ridge & The New Jersey Historic Village Collection Welcome to the Bernards Township, New Jersey, section of the New Jersey Historic Wooden Village… Read More »Bernards Township Historic Wooden Village Keepsake Collectibles
The Lost Westfield Airport In Union County
Views: 598 Just like the racetrack that was on the southern end of Westfield in the 1930s, another lost icon, the Westfield Airport, sits at the coordinates 40°36’36.0″N 74°19’08.4″W. Our research started here. As with all Mr. Local History retrospectives, updates are made to this post when we learn additional information. We will continue to expand… Read More »The Lost Westfield Airport In Union County
Vote For Bernardsville’s Most Historic Venues
Views: 19 Take the Survey – What are the Most Historic Icons in Bernardsville? Olcott School, The Old Library, Jerolaman’s, the Bernards Inn, the Old Stone Hotel, Dunster Squibb house, Bernardsville Cinema, and Kenilwood, NJ Brigade are some of the most iconic and historical icons in Bernardsville, New Jersey. Please take the survey and tell… Read More »Vote For Bernardsville’s Most Historic Venues
Lost Racetrack Series: Auto Racing’s 10,000 Seat Track In Union, New Jersey
Views: 481 Jersey Lost Racetrack Series We found a story in the Paterson Call newspaper on April 22, 1936, stating that on May 15, 1936, after spending over $100,000, the Union (Township) Speedway would open with a 1/2-mile oval, including floodlights for night racing and seating capacity for up to 10,000 racing fans. According to… Read More »Lost Racetrack Series: Auto Racing’s 10,000 Seat Track In Union, New Jersey
Retrospective: Auto Racing on Jersey’s Westfield-Clark Border
Views: 373 Jersey Lost Racetrack Series For a short period, racecar drivers from all over the tri-state area gathered just off Raritan Road on the Westfield/Clark border for the most exciting spectacles of the time, sanctioned midget dirt car racing. Races were typically held on weekends at 2 p.m. and Tuesday Nights at 7:45 p.m.… Read More »Retrospective: Auto Racing on Jersey’s Westfield-Clark Border
Bernardsville 100 – A Birthday Party – Ah the History
Views: 305 1924 is the year Bernardsville passed a resolution to separate from Bernards Township and form an independent borough. Just a year after Far Hill did it in 1921, Bernardsville had to try once previously before succeeding the second time. There are so many ways to honor Bernardsville’s history. On September 14, 2024, “Bernardsvillers”… Read More »Bernardsville 100 – A Birthday Party – Ah the History
Jersey’s Jared Isaacman – A High School Dropout Who Went to Outer Space (AGAIN)
Views: 9,646 HUGE UPDATE: September 12, 2024—Tech entrepreneur Jared Isaacman conducted the first private spacewalk with SpaceX, marking a significant milestone in space exploration. The mission, part of the Polaris Dawn program, tested new spacesuits and involved extensive training. Isaacman and his crew launched from Florida and orbited 460 miles above Earth, demonstrating the potential… Read More »Jersey’s Jared Isaacman – A High School Dropout Who Went to Outer Space (AGAIN)
#911neverforget-Somerset Hills Family Friends and Neighbors & Their Stories
Views: 14,621 Special Community Ask: MLH would love to know any positive outcomes that have come since this tragid day in American history. If you have a story to share, please post at the end of this story (e.g. did you know four children were born after the tragedy? True. 2019, 2020 and 2021 were… Read More »#911neverforget-Somerset Hills Family Friends and Neighbors & Their Stories
#911neverforget in the Somerset Hills
Views: 5,410 On the clear crisp morning at 8:46 am on September 11, 2001, the first plane hit the North Tower, and our community was changed forever. Please take a moment to remember those 21 residents from Basking Ridge, Bernardsville, and Peapack who never came home that day. This is our tribute to the families.… Read More »#911neverforget in the Somerset Hills
Westfield Penny Postcards
Views: 610 Walk down memory lane as we journey back to a time when Westfield was a much younger community. “Penny postcards” were primarily used in the early 1900s when you wanted to write to your family and friends from where you were visiting. Taking a weekend trip and sending a few cards from your… Read More »Westfield Penny Postcards
Wearing Lost Westfield Area Businesses is Fun History
Views: 504 Mr Local History loves history with a social twist. It’s our motto! So we thought: How fun would it be to share some of the most loved Westfield, New Jersey businesses that have disappeared? (Two of our Trustees grew up in Westfield, in case you’re wondering why us.) We started researching and then… Read More »Wearing Lost Westfield Area Businesses is Fun History
Vote for Westfield’s Most Historic Icons
Views: 571 Time to see what Westfielders feel are the most historic icons in town. Is it The Westfield train station, Rialto Theater, Tamaques Park, Stoneleigh Park, Westfield Fire Department, Jolly Trolley, WWI Memorial, Kehler Field House, Westfield High School, Miller Corey House, the Presbyterian Church, Echo Lake Country Club, or something else? We’d love… Read More »Vote for Westfield’s Most Historic Icons
Loved Businesses Lost In Westfield – The H-GOAT GAME
Views: 14,635 How about a game? A fun game. A game that mixes history and memories and will take you back to the simpler times growing up in Westfield, New Jersey. We take two businesses no longer in town and ask you which one you like more. Then everyone votes. The one with the most… Read More »Loved Businesses Lost In Westfield – The H-GOAT GAME
The Hall-Mills Murder: The Country’s First Sensationalized Trial
Views: 963 Television executives have always known people have an obsession with true crime. It is quite possible that this obsession can trace its roots back to an unfortunate event that occurred in Somerset County. On the night of September 14, 1922, a New Brunswick church rector named Edward Hall and a churchgoer named Eleanor… Read More »The Hall-Mills Murder: The Country’s First Sensationalized Trial

Jersey History Posts

Jersey history – over 450 researched stories.
From Fort Lee to Cape May and everywhere in between.
Take a look.

“Wear Local History” Collection
Brings Back Memories

MLH has digitally recreated lost businesses from the 1900s to the 1980s, producing over 200 designs of historic vintage logos.
Click Here

Jersey History Wooden Art Keepsakes

Preserving Jersey Icons on Wood
See the Collection

Stories, Stories, and More Stories

Researched by Mr. Local History himself, see over ten years of research on the internet to share the history.

Over 400 researched stories about New Jersey History

The Mr. Local History 2024 Fall Magazine

See our quarterly digital magazine for FREE. Full of great local Jersey History.

Get your copy now – Click Here

Events Calendar

Signature Events, Tours, Fundraisers, and Speaking engagements.

Signature Events

The New Jersey Historic Wooden Collection - Mr Local History Project

The New Jersey Historic Village Wooden Collection

30 iconic local Jersey Collectibles made exclusively for the Mr. Local History Project by the world famous “Cat’s Meow Village” of Wooster, Ohio. Once they sell out, they’re usually gone forever.

Collectibles Currently Available

Like Historic Photos?

Over the years our researchers have gathered some great historic photos. Take a look as we “Dig In the Archives”

See the Archives

“I love sharing stories about the history of Jersey food. If one thing people miss when they leave Jersey, it’s the food. We dig in!”

Brooks Betz aka Mr. Local History

“What is the point of being alive if you don’t know history?”

Meg Wastie – Education Team Lead

“The Mr. Local History Project covers some really unique stuff. I mean who digs into the history of Jersey Food? MLH does”

Ms. Paula Axt – Tour Guide and Education

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I join the Mr. Local History Project

The Mr. Local History Project is a 100% volunteer organization. Want to join us? No problem. There are no membership fees, and you only need to support one of our efforts. Programs include education, research, guided tours, or one of our many events.. You can even start something of your own. Visit our Contact Us page and drop us a note to get involved.

Are you a historical society?

No, but we are a 501c3 registered charity non-profit, meaning you can donate to the Mr. Local History Project, and your donation is 100% tax deductible. Every penny goes back into our programs.

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