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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”

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We honor the town of Westfield, New Jersey, with a Historic Greatest of All Time (H-GOAT) game, the Westfield Edition – Click Here

Featured Stories

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

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

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

Coloring Contest: Bernardsville Centennial

Color the Bernardsville Centennial Emblem and Enter for a Chance to Win Prizes 2024 brings the honor of celebrating the 100th anniversary of the official founding of Bernardsville,

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

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

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

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

Unique Municipal Flag Honors Bernards Township’s History

For the First Time in 62 Years, Fundraiser Offers Exclusive Large Bernards Township Flag Made by the Annin Flag Company, the world’s largest and most prestigious flag maker. For the first time in 62 years, an original Bernards Township flag by the Annin Flag Company is available as a fundraiser where you can share your… Read More »Unique Municipal Flag Honors Bernards Township’s History

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

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

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

Bernardsville 100 – A Birthday Party – Ah the History
Views: 291 Last 7 Days: 41924 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… 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: 9,596 Last 7 Days: 41HUGE 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,… 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: 14,552 Last 7 Days: 18Special 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… Read More »#911neverforget-Somerset Hills Family Friends and Neighbors & Their Stories
Top 10 Trending Posts Right Now Mr. Local History
Views: 539 Last 7 Days: 7 The Mr. Local History Project has published over 450 researched history posts honoring Jersey history. Top Weekly Posts Top Stories 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.… Read More »Top 10 Trending Posts Right Now Mr. Local History
#911neverforget in the Somerset Hills
Views: 5,394 Last 7 Days: 10On 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… Read More »#911neverforget in the Somerset Hills

Recent Comments

Mr. Local History Project on Westfield’s Lost Business List Is Largest Ever Assembled
This is a google sheet embedded into the story as updates are made live to the data, thus making updates…
Melissa on Westfield’s Lost Business List Is Largest Ever Assembled
CitySports Westfield (may have the spelling wrong here) East Broad Street Sports Equipment and Clothing
Ally on Westfield’s Lost Business List Is Largest Ever Assembled
The Golden Egg on Elm Street from the late 80s early 90s. A children’s clothing and items boutique. Also I…
Bill Bentley on Jersey’s Jared Isaacman – A High School Dropout Who Went to Outer Space (AGAIN)
Wow.
Glenn O’Neil on Retrospective: Westfield’s Iconic Jolly Trolley
My brother, Dan O’Neil and Jay Jones (Jeffrey) Would hide their books outside and get served at the Plaza When…
maddie on Westfield’s Lost Business List Is Largest Ever Assembled
also! bath junkie, 221 N Ave E. another core middle school memory where you could make custom body mists and…
maddie on Westfield’s Lost Business List Is Largest Ever Assembled
melinda lane!!!! where they would sell sugar lips and “butter” sweatshirts. defining store for my middle school fridays downtown. Was…
Leonard Fooshkill on Historic Fires in the Somerset Hills
August 1968 Somerset Grain and Feed fire.
Denise Sherwood on Westfield Penny Postcards
Too bad there is no longer an overhang at the Northside train station. It was such a beautiful building with…
Lisa on Loved Businesses Lost In Westfield – The H-GOAT GAME Continues
I am surprised that The Party Stop was not voted for. Everyone rented all of their costumes and party supplies…
bloons tower defence 5 on Daytona 500 Ticket Price History – Going Up In a Brandon Economy
Great insights on the ticket price trends for the Daytona 500! It’s fascinating to see how the economy influences such…
Gregg Harris on Retrospective: The Acclaimed Kiwanis Community Fair in Basking Ridge
The Kiwanis Fair was an icon of Bernards Township culture throughout the 60s and 70s. I remember the pony rides…
Scott Keeler on Retrospective: The Acclaimed Kiwanis Community Fair in Basking Ridge
My father, William Keeler, shown at the center of the above group photo, (dark shirt), volunteered at the Raritan Valley…
Paul Diffenderfer on The Lost Somerset Hills Airport in Basking Ridge
On my visits to NJ to see family, we have driven out to Basking Ridge a few times to try…
Susan Early on Westfield’s Lost Business List Is Largest Ever Assembled
New Norris North Ave. Car dealer The Elephants Trunk. East Broad Street. Personalized gifts Douglass Central Ave Cosmetics, makeup
Adrienne Brown on The World’s Largest Glitter Factory Started in Bernardsville, New Jersey
Was there another brother, Rudy? We haven’t seen Henry in a year or two. Hope he is well. Love his…
Mr. Local History Project on Retrospective: Jackie Kennedy Onassis’ Time in Bernardsville & Peapack in the Somerset Hills
Did you also see our story about Mr. Ruschmann? https://www.mrlocalhistory.org/meadowbrook-glitter-bernardsville/
Mr. Local History Project on Westfield’s Lost Business List Is Largest Ever Assembled
Could that also have been Candy Kitchen? or also known as New York Candy Kitchen and Soda Fountain? Was near…
Adrienne Brown on Retrospective: Jackie Kennedy Onassis’ Time in Bernardsville & Peapack in the Somerset Hills
Does anyone recall Ruth Earle who had a large property on a hill near the Starr’s (Vanderbilt) on Rt 206…
Duke on Westfield’s Lost Business List Is Largest Ever Assembled
Westfield Sweet Shoppe. 219 East Broad Street. Served Breakfast , lunch and dinner. Homemade ice cream and candy.

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 Summer 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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