Lewis - Boudinot - Southard- Ross Farm in Basking Ridge

UPDATE:
Mr. Local History is proud to announce, in partnership with The Ross Farm, the release of the 6th collectible in the series, the Somerset County 1777 Boudinot Southard Ross House. The collectible is part of the New Jersey Historic Village collection. Ordering is simple and available while supplies last.

The keepsake is made of wood and then painted.
The final dimensions are 3 3/4in. high x 7 1/4 in. long

The Ross Farm property is surrounded by preserved open space and offers wonderful panoramic views, and is known locally as *The Ross Farm.*

1777 – Elias Boudinot House

The sixty-one-acre Boudinot-Southard-Ross estate, which borders Lord Stirling Park and the Great Swamp, was built by Elias Boudinot (Boo-de-no), born in Philadelphia. he moved to Basking Ridge in 1771. Boudinot served as the 2nd President of the Continental Congress (1783) and was a US Congressman. Washington later appointed Elias as Director of the U.S. Mint.

Later owners include Samuel Lewis Southard , a U.S. Senator, Secretary of the Navy under Presidents James Monroe and John Quincy Adams, N.J. Attorney General, and New Jersey Governor. Next was John C. Spooner, a former U.S. Senator from Wisconsin, who used it as a summer home. The property was also owned by William D. Bancker and the Ross family until May 2005, when Somerset County acquired it for $6.79 million.

The Ross Farm is the official non-profit caretaker of the Boudinot House.

The Historic Keepsake Series

The New Jersey Historic Village keepsake collection is a wood painted collectible series honoring historic iconic buildings, properties, and fixtures that are part of the historic fabric of New Jersey’s history. Each keepsake was selected based on community feedback and a voting process. Brooks Betz stated, “we’re really excited to see how the public reacts to the next additions to this historic series.” The Mr. Local History Project plans to introduce at least four new keepsakes in 2021. Simply sign up to receive updates when the new pieces will become available.

The keepsake is meant to display on a counter or shelf. It is made of a sturdy 3/4″ handmade wood block and then painted.

The Cat’s Meow is one of the world’s most iconic collectible series. Mr. Local History started creating the New Jersey Historic Village Collection back in 2018. Each year we launch new additions based on community input.

Many people collect other village pieces and build their own personal village collection. The creations are part of the historic Cat’s Meow Village Collection, which has been producing iconic wood ornaments for over 40 years. Once they sell out, they’re typically gone forever, unless you find them at a garage sale or maybe on eBay. Happy collecting!