Stories
Largest Antique Truck Collection in the World is in Basking Ridge, New Jersey
You wouldn’t think, but in a quiet suburb of New York City, a man has amassed what is often referred…
SHOP LOCAL – Small Business Saturday is Everyday at Mr. Local History!
The Mr. Local History Project is probably the “smallest of small businesses” and needs your support.…
Our MLH Holiday Boutique is Open
We’ve been spending all year creating some of the most unique Jersey history gifts this holiday seas…
President Trump’s Historic Summer White House in Bedminster, New Jersey
In a sleepy equestrian area in the Somerset Hills of central New Jersey, the former President of the…
The New Jersey Historic Wooden Village Keepsake Collection Keeps Expanding
What started with one keepsake has grown to 35, celebrating the premiere New Jersey Historic Wooden …
Summer Reading Book & Film Club – Central Jersey History
Summer is a great time for readers to take a book to the beach or just sit in a lounge chair in the …
Take 2 Minutes and 18 Seconds to Celebrate America
It takes around two minutes and eighteen seconds to sing God Bless America. Mr. Local History took a…
Independence Day – Kudos to New Jersey Signers #jersey5
The Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. It was engrossed o…
1905 – New Jersey Automobile Beach Racing Rivaled Florida’s Daytona Beach
Yes, it’s true. While motorsports history has been very kind to the Daytona and Ormond Beaches in Fl…
Wildwood’s Motorcycle Wall of Death is Back in New Jersey
Get yourself a piece of Jersey history – the Mr. Local History Project “Wear Jersey History Collecti…
Top 10 Jersey Shore Historic Places and Events
The term “Jersey Shore” is a term used to describe the coastal region of New Jersey that is famous f…
Retrospective: The Siblings of a 619-Year Oak Tree
On the 7th anniversary of Basking Ridge, New Jersey, losing its 619-year-old oak tree, the Mr. Local…
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, farme…
The Lost New Jersey Drive Ins
New Jersey has a rich history of drive-in theaters, and what you maybe didn’t know is that drive-ins…
International Women’s Day Honors Trailblazers from the Somerset Hills
Honoring International Women’s Day, we thought it would be an honor to research and share the storie…
Seven Historic Wonders of the World from New Jersey
There are all kinds of interpretations of the term “Seven Wonders of the World,” including mother na…
Three Local Quizzes Test Your Localness
Do you live in Bedminster, Bernards Township or Bernardsville and think you know your local history?…
Holiday Cards – Basking Ridge & Bernardsville Villages Support Non-Profit
The Mr. Local History project offers exclusive holiday cards, with artwork by local resident Linda A…
The Blessing of the Hounds – A Countryside Tradition
An annual tradition for the Essex Fox Hounds of Peapack, New Jersey Blessing of the Hounds Bac…
Thanksgiving Meet – Horses, Hounds and Foxes Before Turkey – A Countryside Tradition
President George Washington proclaimed Nov. 26, 1789, the last Thursday of November that year, to be…
Origins of Cold as Balls and Cold as a Witch’s Teet
The phrase “cold as balls” reportedly comes from the contraction of metal on ship’s cannons, causing…
John Morton – General Washington’s Rebel Banker Hid in Basking Ridge
John Morton was a Colonel in the Continental Army. Still, he gave up his commission in 1761 to becom…
Jersey’s History with Bar Room Shuffleboard
Isn’t it interesting how history becomes history. Take for example pay phones. When you were using t…
Make a Donation – Get a Historic Map as our Gift
Make a Tax Deductible Donation – Get a Frameable Map Finding New Ways to Share Local History.We c…
10 More Haunted Tales From Central New Jersey
Believe it or not, the dead is alive in central New Jersey especially in northern Somerset County. T…
Historic Bendix Diner in Jersey Will Blow Your Mind
The Hasbrouck Heights Bendix Diner, which opened in 1947 in the center of Route 17, was built by the…
Jersey’s History Bucket List
Wow, this story was one of our most controversial and difficult stories we’ve ever prepared. Just th…
Basking Ridge’s Oldest Cemetery
NOTE: Warren, Far Hills and Bernardsville were all part of Bernards Township in the early 18th, 19th…
‘Buy A Veteran a Burger’ Fundraiser For Our Lyons VA Veterans
Again this year, we’re hoping that you will participate with the Mr. Local History Project and suppo…
Township Resolution Honors Bernards Township Day
The Bernards Township Committee passed Resolution #2023-0244 honoring Bernards Township Day of Commu…
Meet (Sir) Francis Bernard Esq. – New Jersey’s Royal Governor
Our curiosity started with a round-table discussion: Who is Francis Bernard, and should there be a s…
Sir Francis Bernard Honored With American Town Names
Sir Francis Bernard’s Legacy Carries On as Towns Honor the Royal Governor of New Jersey and Massachu…
Honoring Black History Month in the Somerset Hills
NOTE: As with many Mr. Local History retrospectives, we often update the post when we learn stories …
MLHP History Gift Shop
Jersey is all we do. We make each of these collectibles to promote New Jersey history as our motto s…
Art and Local History
Capturing History with Art in the Somerset Hills in Somerset County, New Jersey The Mr. Local His…
Retrospective: Building AT&T Headquarters Basking Ridge
NOTE: As with all Mr. Local History retrospectives, we often update the post when we learn stori…
‘Beautiful Bernards’ Honors Garden Club Centennial Anniversary
The Mr. Local History Project honors the centennial anniversary of the Basking Ridge Garden Club who…
Retrospective: Snowstorms and Sledding in Somerset County New Jersey
Snow is an interesting thing. Some love it. Some hate it. But when there’s a major storm in the area…
Bedminster Has A Tavern Serving Over 200 years of History
Bedminster, New Jersey is situated just 45 miles west of New York City but you are right int the mid…
Moonshining Bootlegging Speakeasies in Somerset County, NJ
A few friends got together and started talking about the fine art of distilling and how much it’s ch…
Get a Bernards Township Flag – MLH Donates 15 to Project Local History Ambassador
Project Local History Ambassador – Our second year is underway! Nicknamed to PLHA is a new program w…
Day Trips – Four Historic New Jersey Fall Locations You Must See
Fall in New Jersey has always been one of the best times to traverse the state and take in some of t…
Holiday Engagement? Historic Wedding Venues in Central New Jersey
T’is the season for engagements right? So why not share some of the most historic wedding venues in …
Historic Jimmy Buff’s and the Italian Hot Dog Honored With Miniature Wooden Collectible
The ancestors of the creator of the Italian Hot Dog continue to serve up Italian hot dogs every day.…
Remembering Howard Johnson’s
Introduced to America in 1925, it wasn’t until 1954 when the first HoJo’s motor lodge made it to the…
Legendary Jimmy Buff’s Italian Hot Dog – A Newark, New Jersey Invention
Those following the Mr. Local History Project know we love Jersey food and iconic food outlets. Alon…
Best Crumb Cake in New Jersey – Discuss Now
Maybe we’re taking this too seriously, but we’ve been searching for bakeries serving New Jersey’s be…
Tuskegee Medal Presentation Writes Final Chapter
BASKING RIDGE- JULY 21, 2022 – Robert and Estelle Terry who once lived in Basking Ridge across the s…
Bernardsville’s Radio Tavern Was a Hidden “Little Italy” Gem
You might have heard that Bernardsville, New Jersey, is on the move. Congratulations on your centenn…
Retrospective: Robert & Estelle Terry – Tuskegee Airmen and Basking Ridge Pilots
NOTE: As with all Mr. Local History retrospectives, we often update the post when we learn stori…
Brush’s Deli Served the Community for Three Generations and Now It’s Just a Memory
UPDATE: Dec. 6, 2023 – We have learned from our sources that the third generation Brush’s Deli in Ba…
The Official Sandwich of Basking Ridge – What Now?
How often do you get to participate in history? Now you do. There is a battle in the town of Basking…
Historic Tavern Pub Tours of New Jersey / PA / New York City
Self guided tours of some of the most historic pubs and taverns in the tri-state area. Who doesn’…
THE First American Flag and Middlebrook, New Jersey
Isn’t it great when you think you know about something only to find out that someone else has shown …
Art and History – Looking for Artists To Interpret History with Art
The Mr. Local History Project is looking for any artists to interpret our local history boards to cr…
History of the US Golf Association Headquarters and Museum
The MLH Project examines the history of the USGA Headquarters, including the Frothingham House and T…
Annin History Book Donated to Bernards Library
It took a bit, but finally the book of the 175 year history of the Annin Flag Company has finally ma…
Retrospective: The Soap Box Derby and Ties to New Jersey
The 15th annual 2024 High Bridge Soap Box Derby was Saturday, June 1, 2024. A beautiful day for a cl…
The American Flag Means Annin in Liberty Corner
Flag Day is celebrated every June 14, commemorating the adoption of the flag of the United States on…
The Knox Trophy – West Point’s Oldest Military Award
The Knox Trophy is an award that was established on October 8, 1910 and given annually by the S…
Flag Honors Bernards Township’s History
For the First Time in 64 Years, Fundraiser Offers Exclusive Large Bernards Township Flag Made by the…
The Besties – The Best of the Best in Basking Ridge, Bernardsville, Bedminster in Northern Somerset County
2024 Suggestions – Post your favs in CommentsWe dare to compare! Bedminster, Bernardsville, Baski…
Baseball’s Bobby Thomson’s 1951 ‘Shot Heard Round the World’ Had Ties to Basking Ridge, New Jersey
Many people know of the 1951 Shot Heard Round the World by a man named Bobby Thomson. No other play …
Retrospective: Newark’s McGovern’s Tavern- An Irish History Tale
Frank McGovern opened his tavern in 1936 selecting 58 New Street right in the central ward of downto…
History Matters to MainStreet Bernardsville
We are very happy to announce our partnership support to the MainStreet Bernardsville revitalization…
Newark’s 1932 Krug’s Tavern Wooden Collectible Honors Jersey’s BEST
Krug’s Tavern, a shot and beer joint that’s survived through WW2, the Riots, and gentrification, the…
The Historic Sand Pit in Basking Ridge, New Jersey
The lore of Basking Ridge’s Sand Pit – The History NOTE: STILL LOOKING FOR ANY PHOTOS!!!! A…
The Bernardsville Basking Ridge Speedway of 1907
PREVIEW READ: Mr. Local History took a ride down Washington Avenue in Bernardsville & Basking…
Krug’s Tavern Burger Album – The 100 “Best Burgers” in New Jersey
2022 is the 90th anniversary of Krug’s Tavern. So what better way to kick off the Burger Album by st…
Somerset Hills Rail Travel & Commuting Over the Last 150 Years
Ever wonder what it was like to travel on a train back in 1872 in the Somerset Hills? Train service …
Program Pilot: Local History Games/Puzzles
What better way to share New Jersey’s local history then with games. In an effort to create a fun an…
2021 Year In Review – Mr. Local History’s Top 10 Stories
For your consideration…… Late December and early January are great times to reflect on the ye…
Deep Dive: Krug’s Tavern – Preserving Newark’s History
The Mr. Local History Project (MLH) has been preserving and promoting Jersey’s local history since t…
Holiday Greeting Cards are all about Local
Join the community on Saturday, December 3, 2022 in Bernardsville and Basking Ridge as they kick off…
December 13, 1776 – The Day that Altered American History in Basking Ridge, New Jersey
The world might have had a different look if it wasn’t for this day’s event.December 13, 1776 in Bas…
Widow White’s Tavern in Basking Ridge was more than a Grog Stop
Basking Ridge, New Jersey’s Most Famous Incident Major General Lee – IF it wasn’t for what happ…
Basking Ridge Official Tree Lighting & Winter Market
Basking Ridge Tree Lighting – William Annin Carolers This update was from previous tree lighting…
TROG – The Race of Gentlemen – Pure Jersey History Right in Front of Your Eyes
Known as The Race of Gentlemen, the event has been revived since the 1950s by a local club called th…
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 beaut…
Bedminster History – Look To the Old Mellick Farmhouses
If you live in the Somerset Hills area around Bedminster and Tewksbury you hopefully have heard the …
History of The Bernards Township Flag
Bernards Township has an impressive history that dates back to the early 1600s. The Mr. Local Histor…
Pari Mandalapu Chosen 2021 Ridge High School Mr Local History Scholarship Winner
Ridge High School senior Pari Mandalapu is the recipient of the 2021 Mr. Local History Project Schol…
T-SHIRT OFFER: Jersey Signers of the Declaration of Independence
Order now to show pride in the Jerseyans who signed the Declaration of Independence. Back for The…
Basking Ridge’s Stirling Manor or Perth Amboy’s Proprietary House : Which Came First?
The Mr. Local History Project is researching the thesis that another house known as Stirling Manor i…
Collectible: Preserving Bedminster’s History with a Special Keepsake – Trump’s Summer Whitehouse
#45-47summerwhitehouse Preserving Bedminster’s History – The Mr. Local History Project (MLH) has …
Retrospective: Westfield’s Excellent Diner – A Lost (and Found) Jersey Treasure
Or maybe we need to say: Give everyone the Disneyland Paris Café des Cascadeurs (Stuntman’s) diner …
Franklin Corners and William Childs Williamsburg-esqe Village
As with all Mr. Local History retrospectives, we often update the post when we learn stories and are…
Jersey Comfort Food – Mapping The Best of the Best!
UPDATE: MLHP just created a new map – Super Sized Pizzas of New Jersey – for those who want 24″ – 36…
Retrospective: Westfield’s Iconic Jolly Trolley
This is a personal story and what I’m calling a web gift from the WHS class of 1980 to all those who…
Basking Ridge Oak Tree Community Photo Album
On April 24-26, 2017 the New Jersey town of Basking Ridge lost its oldest resident, the Basking Ridg…
2021: Honoring Far Hills, New Jersey Centennial
NOTE: The Borough of Far Hills celebrates its 100th anniversary #farhills100, with Council President…
Comparing Basking Ridge’s Oak to the World’s Oldest Trees
On April 24-26, 2017 the New Jersey town of Basking Ridge lost its oldest resident, the Basking Ridg…
The Annins of Liberty Corner: Patriots, Flag Company and a Middle School
Update: February 16, 2024 – Thanks to you all, the BOE has taken the name change for William Anni…
Three Historic Moments That Changed Basking Ridge & America
On the internet, we’ve created the #3LOCALHISTORYEVENTCHALLENGE, where you share your town’s three m…
Holiday Cards for Veterans -#cardsforvets
In a year filled with challenge and heartache the Mr. Local History brought a little holiday cheer b…
Come Make a Wish: Community Wish Tree for the Holiday Season
COMMUNITY PROJECT – 2020 just keeps on giving. Our team was looking to create a great community tree…
America’s First Republican Vice President Nominee – Basking Ridge’s William Dayton Beats out Abraham Lincoln
Americans think the Biden/Trump election was one for the ages, exposing huge ideological beliefs, hi…
A Tribute in Bronze – Millicent Fenwick
It’s strange how you can walk back and forth a hundred times and never notice something, and then on…
VIRTUAL EVENT: Filmmaker Scott Morris Honors Saving the Great Swamp- The Fight to Defeat the Jetport
JOIN US THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3 for a VIRTUAL EVENT from 7-8pm. DID YOU KNOW BASKING RIDGE AND OTHER…
The Mr. Local History Historic Marker Scavenger Hunt
It’s time to grab your smartphone and head outdoors for a new adventure for history buffs. The Mr. L…
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