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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”

As 2024 draws to a close, our gift to you is some of the great traditions and local history around New Jersey.
It’s also a great time for Jersey History gifts as we open our Mr. Local History Holiday History Boutique.
Please also consider an end-of-year donation to our 501c3 efforts, as they are tax deductible!
Happy Holidays, everyone!

Featured Stories

Who Brings Their Jersey Village Collectibles out Just for the Holidays?

We have been told a terrible rumor. Is it true? Do some people bring out their Jersey Cat’s Meow collectibles only for the holidays?

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

Keepsake: 100th Anniversary of the Basking Ridge Christmas Eve Carolling

The 100th Year Anniversary! Every year on December 24th for 100 years at 7pm on “The Town Green”, residents, families, friends, and guests gather in Basking Ridge, New Jersey for around 30 minutes to sing Christmas carols, wish good tidings, then move on to… Read More »Keepsake: 100th Anniversary of the Basking Ridge Christmas Eve Carolling

MGM’s Lion Rests in Gillette, New Jersey

His stage name was Leo, but his real name was Slats. He was a 750-pound lion born and now rests peacefully in Gillette, a small New Jersey town. Meet MGM’s first lion mascot.

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

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

Remebering the Waterloo Village Concert Series

In 1977, Waterloo Village opened an open-air concert field about a mile down the road from the historic village to raise restoration funds. The advertisements on WDHA, WNEW, WPL, WLIR, WDRE shared....

Wildwood's History, Architecture, Neon, Beach and that DOO WOP!

Wildwood, New Jersey, is known as the “Doo Wop Capital of the Universe. Take a trip back in time as MLH shares Wildwood's history, architecture, boardwalk, beach, neon, and yes DOO WOP!

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

Bernards Township & Bernardsville Honor Veterans and The Fallen

Each Memorial Day and Veterans Day Bernards Township and Bernardsville honors our military veterans with a banner salute around the Bernards Township Municipal building and in downtown Bernardsville area. The banners usually stay up between the two holidays and grace our townships with honor and sacrifice and a true sense of what these people mean… Read More »Bernards Township & Bernardsville Honor Veterans and The Fallen

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

The New Jersey Historic Wooden Village Keepsake Collection

The New Jeresey Historic Keepsake Collection Keeps Growing

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

Mr. Local History 2024 Holiday Magazine Vol 6. Issue 4
Views: 131 The holiday season in New Jersey is one of the most magical seasons of the year. Our annual holiday edition takes the board of trustees on a journey to tell the history of events and history from our hometown of Basking Ridge, New Jersey. Join us and enjoy the history of the area.… Read More »Mr. Local History 2024 Holiday Magazine Vol 6. Issue 4
Keepsake: 100th Anniversary of Basking Ridge Christmas Eve Carol on the Green
Views: 7,174 The Mayor of New Jersey’s Historic Keepsake Village has decreed a new icon be added to the New Jersey Historic Wooden Village Collection expanding the exclusive set of New Jersey collectible icons. Introducing the “Winter and Christmas Eve on the Green in Basking Ridge, New Jersey. The 100th Year Anniversary! Every year on… Read More »Keepsake: 100th Anniversary of Basking Ridge Christmas Eve Carol on the Green
Colonial Christmas Shines at Bedminster’s Vanderveer House
The Jacobus Vanderveer House in Bedminster, New Jersey, is celebrating its 22nd Colonial Christmas, an annual fundraiser event that combines history, tourism, tradition, and Christmas spirit. It offers an array of activities including music, reenactments, crafts, and holiday shopping. The event typically takes place on the last weekend of November and the first week of December.
Live Stream 2024 – Basking Ridge Caroling On the Green
The town of Basking Ridge, New Jersey, welcomes its 100th anniversary Christmas Eve Sing on The Town Green at 7pm on Dec. 24, 2023. The town’s residents, friends, and guests gather to sing traditional carols and celebrate local history, documented by the Mr. Local History Project.
Top 10 Trending Posts Right Now Mr. Local History
Views: 782 400+ Posts Honoring Jersey History Top Weekly Posts 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 Project December 13 – The Day that Altered American History Happened… Read More »Top 10 Trending Posts Right Now Mr. Local History
Bucket List Invitation – Basking Ridge Christmas Eve Sing 100th Anniversary
The town of Basking Ridge, New Jersey, welcomes its 100th anniversary Christmas Eve Sing on The Town Green at 7pm on Dec. 24, 2023. The town’s residents, friends, and guests gather to sing traditional carols and celebrate local history, documented by the Mr. Local History Project.
SHOP LOCAL – Small Business Saturday is Everyday at Mr. Local History!
Views: 1,878 The Mr. Local History Project is probably the “smallest of small businesses” and needs your support. We have great gifts that bring fun and memorable local history to all! Please consider #justoneitem. It makes a big difference and shows you care. Historic gifts as low at $2! ALL of our historic keepsake items… Read More »SHOP LOCAL – Small Business Saturday is Everyday at Mr. Local History!
Mom & Pop Hardware Stores are Disappearing Across Jersey
Views: 223 We were reading a story on social media about a town losing its local hardware store after over 100 years of operation. The place you’d go to have a nice chat about local things and grab a bunch of screws and some drain cleaner is being lost to changing times. This story is… Read More »Mom & Pop Hardware Stores are Disappearing Across Jersey
Our MLH Holiday Boutique is Open
Views: 2,483 We’ve been spending all year creating some of the most unique Jersey history gifts this holiday season. The Mr Local History Holiday Boutique is OPEN 24/7 and ready to spread history and cheer this holiday season. Give the gift of locally made limited edition keepsakes and collectibles to give or decorate your home.… Read More »Our MLH Holiday Boutique is Open
Who Brings Their Jersey Village Collectibles out Just for the Holidays?
Views: 24 We have been told a terrible rumor. Is it true? Do some people bring out their Jersey Cat’s Meow collectibles only for the holidays? Read on…. Yes, we have been told many people bring out their Cat’s Meow Village keepsakes specifically for the holiday season. These collectible wooden village pieces, often depicting nostalgic… Read More »Who Brings Their Jersey Village Collectibles out Just for the Holidays?
MGM’s Lion Rests in Gillette, New Jersey
Views: 682 His stage name was Leo, but his real name was Slats. He was a 750-pound lion born on March 20, 1919, in Dublin, Ireland, and now rests peacefully in Gillette, a small New Jersey town. Meet MGM’s first lion mascot. Preview Release: Looking for more local connections to this story. More updates are… Read More »MGM’s Lion Rests in Gillette, New Jersey
Jersey Presidental Legacy: Grover Cleveland and Now Donald Trump
Views: 222 Presidents #22 and #24 and Now #45 and #47 – Only Two Presidents to Serve Non-Consecutive Terms. Here’s how four presidential elections went down. Grover Cleveland, a Democrat, defeated Republican James G. Blaine of Maine and became the first president after the Civil War. The 21st President, Chester Arthur, did not seek reelection.… Read More »Jersey Presidental Legacy: Grover Cleveland and Now Donald Trump
President Trump’s Historic Summer White House in Bedminster, New Jersey
Views: 159,082 In a sleepy equestrian 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. UPDATE: Congratulations to Present-Elect Donald John Trump on his victory. There has been tremendous demand for our New Jersey Historic wooden collectible… Read More »President Trump’s Historic Summer White House in Bedminster, New Jersey
Museums and Historical Societies Must Change or Die
Views: 11,835 Several museums are closing permanently, including the Rubin Museum of Art in New York City, the 9/11 Tribute Museum in New York City, and the Texas Civil War Museum. It’s funny how things work. Museums and historic sites are created to preserve landmark works for the public to view and enjoy. However, with… Read More »Museums and Historical Societies Must Change or Die
Wearing Lost Jersey Motorsports Icons is Fun History
Views: 151 Mr Local History loves history with a social twist. In fact, it’s our motto! So we thought how fun it would be to share some of the most loved New Jersey businesses that have disappeared. We started researching and putting our artists to work to recreate an offering of vintage retro clothing and… Read More »Wearing Lost Jersey Motorsports Icons is Fun History
1928 – Woodbridge Speedway – The Fastest 1/2 Mile Track in the World
Views: 235 This is a tale about auto racing legends of the early 1920s, known as daredevils and speed freaks, who traveled to a tiny new track built outside New York City in the small town of Woodbridge, New Jersey. What opened as a spectacle and a death-defying event, this Woodbridge Speedway quickly became the… Read More »1928 – Woodbridge Speedway – The Fastest 1/2 Mile Track in the World
Samuel Southard of Basking Ridge – A US Vice President
Views: 282 While researching the Southard family of Basking Ridge, New Jersey, we uncovered something we never knew about Samuel Southard. MLH believes Basking Ridge’s own Samuel Southard was the Vice President of the United States for over a year after President William Henry Harrison died in 1841. Was he? Check out the research we’ve… Read More »Samuel Southard of Basking Ridge – A US Vice President
Does Another Jersey Hot Dog Icon Deserve a Historic Collectible? VOTE
Views: 198 Does the hot dog (not the Italian one) get a place in New Jersey’s Historic Foodie Wooden Collectible series?What about Rutt’s Hut, or any other of a handful of iconic hot dog eateries? The Mr. Local History Project researchers LOVE stories about Jersey food. It’s not automatic. They have to be voted in… Read More »Does Another Jersey Hot Dog Icon Deserve a Historic Collectible? VOTE

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 250 designs of iconic 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 Holiday 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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Welcome to the Mr. Local History Project

Featured Stories