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Mr-Local-History-Holiday-Boutique

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?
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
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
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
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
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
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
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'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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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

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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


Mr. Local History Scholarship Fund

Stories, Stories, and More Stories

Researched by Mr. Local History himself, see over ten years of research on the internet to share the history.

The Mr. Local History 2024 Fall Magazine

See our quarterly digital magazine for FREE. Full of great local Jersey History.

Events Calendar

Signature Events, Tours, Fundraisers, and Speaking engagements.

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.

Like Historic Photos?

Over the years our researchers have gathered some great historic photos. Take a look as we “Dig In 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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