Grab Bag

Basking Ridge Historic White Oak Tree Honored as 3rd Keepsake in Series

Mr Local History is proud to announce the release of the third in the collectible series, the 619-year-old Basking Ridge Historic White Oak Cat’s Meow collectible, which is now available online.

The iconic historic Basking Ridge 619-year-old White Oak Tree was the oldest in North America.

Welcome to the New Jersey Historic Village Collection.

The New Jersey Historic Village keepsake collection is a collectible series honoring historic iconic buildings, properties, and fixtures that are part of the historic fabric of New Jersey. The third keepsake was selected based on community feedback and a voting process. Brooks Betz stated, “The tree was the oldest resident in our town. It was here 300 years before the church it stood next to. It truly was the icon of Basking Ridge.”

This collectible honors the history of the greatest white oak tree in North America. While the keepsake is NOT made from the tree’s original wood, it’s a perfect reminder of one of Basking Ridge’s greatest historic icons.

The Keepsake Series

Additional keepsakes will be added to the New Jersey historic wooden collectible series based on community input and voting. Brooks Betz, a resident of Basking Ridge, started the series. “There are so many great historic icons across New Jersey, and we’re excited to launch our keepsake program. We plan on adding additional keepsakes throughout the year and will even sponsor a contest where the public gets to vote for a future keepsake.” The keepsake is meant to be displayed on a counter or shelf. It is made of a sturdy 3/4″ handmade wood block and then painted.

Many people collect other village pieces and build a village collection. The creations are part of the historic Cat’s Meow Village Collection, which has produced iconic wood ornaments for over 35 years.

You can get your Basking Ridge Village collectible with a hanging ribbon and put it on the Christmas tree if you like.

How do I Get One?

The Mr. Local History Gift Shop is always OPEN. Etsy Store.

The easiest way to get one is to order online via our Etsy Store.

Our online store accepts multiple forms of payment, including credit/debit cards and PayPal. Orders are now being taken online. The collection is the ultimate local personal gift. It’s great for those moving into the area or for those who’ve left the area. It also makes great gifts for those who just like to remember fond memories of the area.

The Cat’s Meow Company

The Cat’s Meow Village is a small company founded in Wooster, Ohio, in 1982 from one simple wooden house Faline cut on her grandfather’s saw in the loft of the hog barn. Thirty-five years later, Jones and her crew continue to craft “little wooden buildings” of local, national, and international landmarks that spark memories and kindle smiles on the faces of “real-life adventurers” like you.