Stories
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 Wonders of the World from Historic New Jersey
As with all Mr. Local History retrospectives, we often update the post as we continue to review info…
Three Local Quizzes Test Your Localness
Do you live in Bedminster, Bernards Township or Bernardsville and think you know your local history?…
Our Holiday History Boutique is Open
The Mr Local History Holiday Boutique is OPEN 24/7 and ready to spread history and cheer this holida…
Exclusive Holiday Cards – Basking Ridge & Bernardsville Villages
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, but gave up his commission in 1761 to become a hi…
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…
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…
Historic Bendix Diner in Jersey Will Blow Your Mind
For those that follow the Mr. Local History Project, there is one trustee that’s obsessed with New J…
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 st…
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
How do I Get One of These Historic Limited Edition Keepsakes? The easiest way to get one is to or…
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 re…
Get a Bernards Township Flag – MLH Donates 15 to Project Local History Ambassador
Project Local History Ambassador – IT’s been three years in the making and is finally starting. PLHA…
The New Jersey Historic Miniature Village Keepsake Collection
The MLH Project is proud to be the EXCLUSIVE reseller of the entire New Jersey Historic Wooden Keeps…
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 so…
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 who follow the Mr. Local History Project know that we also love Jersey food and iconic food ou…
Best Crumb Cake in New Jersey – Discuss Now
Maybe we’re taking this way to seriously, but we’ve been searching for bakeries that serve New Jerse…
LIV Golf Bedminster NJ and The History of Former President Trump’s Summer White House
In a sleepy horse and farming area in the Somerset Hills of central New Jersey, the former President…
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. To promote these efforts they lo…
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 – Serving the Community for Three Generations
UPDATE: Dec. 6, 2023 – We have learned from our sources that the third generation Brush’s Deli in Ba…
Independence Day – Kudos to New Jersey Signers #jersey5
The Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. It was engrossed o…
What’s the Official Sandwich of Basking Ridge? We Have a Winner
WE HAVE A WINNER. How often do you get to actually participate in history? Now you do. There is a ba…
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 knew about something only to find out that someone else has showed…
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 takes a look back at the history of the USGA Headquarters including the Frothingham …
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
As with all Mr. Local History retrospectives, we often update the post when we learn stories and are…
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…
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…
Retrospective: The Siblings of a 619 Year Oak Tree
On the 5th anniversary of Basking Ridge, New Jersey losing its 619 year oak tree, the Mr. Local Hist…
The Besties – The Best of the Best in Basking Ridge, Bernardsville, Bedminster in Northern Somerset County
Bedminster, Bernardsville, Basking Ridge, Far Hills, Peapack/Gladstone also known as The Somerset Hi…
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
As with all Mr. Local History retrospectives, we often update the post when we learn stories and are…
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 thru WW2, the Riots, and gentrification, the fo…
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 local history since th…
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 – The Day that Altered American History Happened in Basking Ridge, New Jersey
If it wasn’t for this event, the world might have had a different look. Basking Ridge, New Jersey…
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…
Family Fun and Tree Lighting Dec. 4, 2021
Join friends and family with the Mr. Local History families for an afternoon that will put you in th…
TROG – The Race of Gentlemen – Pure Jersey History Right in Front of Your Eyes
Known as The Race of Gentlemen, the event has been a resurrected event dating back to the 50s by a l…
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…
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…
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. One of the things th…
Summer Reading Book & Film Club – Mr. Local History
Summer is a great time where readers love to take a book to the beach, or just sit in a lounge chair…
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 your pride in the Jerseyans that signed the Declaration of Independence. Back f…
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 #summerwhitehouse
New Keepsake: Preserving Bedminster’s History – The Mr. Local History Project (MLH) has been preserv…
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!
Here’s to a lifetime of living in Jersey. Here’s the map. It’s simple. It may not be the healthiest,…
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…
Somerset Hills Historic Cat’s Meow Village Collection has Joined the New Jersey Historic Village Miniatures Collection
The Cat’s Meow is one of the world’s most iconic collectible series. Mr. Local History started creat…
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 mo…
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…
SHOP LOCAL – Small Business Saturday is Everyday!
The Mr. Local History Project is probably the “smallest of small businesses” and needs your support.…
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, hig…
A Tribute in Bronze – Millicent Fenwick
It’s strange on how you can walk back and forth a hundred times and never notice something and then …
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…
Retrospective: Belcher- Moggy Hollow – Buck Gardens and the Far Hills Fairgrounds
The 12-acre locale in Far Hills, New Jersey, known as the J. Malcolm Belcher Fairgrounds, holds a si…
MLH Honors Back to School with Historic School Images From the Somerset Hills
Schools in the Somerset Hills area of northern Somerset County have been a mainstay back to the mid-…
ROADTRIP: Waterloo Village Concept Post COVID-19 Might Work
Here’s an idea. How about a fresh air compound. Great open space. Historic homes, beautiful rolling…
Retrospective: The Acclaimed Kiwanis Community Fair in Basking Ridge
As with all Mr. Local History retrospectives, we often update the post when we learn stories and are…
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