1912 Astor Estate in Basking Ridge Selected as 6th Wooden Historic Village Keepsake

Exclusively Sold by the Mr. Local History Project. Order yours online now.

Mr Local History is proud to announce the release of the 6th in the collectible series, the 1912 Samuel Owen home now known as the Astor Estate is the new Somerset Hills Historic Cat’s Meow collectible. Orders are now being taken online. Only a limited number will be produced.

Over 25 New Jersey collectibles in the collection.

The Astor Estate in 1968 just after Bernards Township acquired the property.
Read the entire story of the property as Mr. Local History profiled the Historic Astor Estate – Click Here Source: Courier News.

The New Jersey Historic Wooden Keepsake is a collectible series honoring historic iconic buildings, properties, and fixtures that are part of the historic fabric of our communities in New Jersey. The sixth keepsake was selected based on community feedback and a voting process. Brooks Betz stated, “the Astor Estate is one of the most iconic historic properties in the Somerset Hills in northern Somerset County, New Jersey.”

The historic English Tudor on the top of the hill in the Basking Ridge section of Bernards Township, New Jersey

This edition was created for the community to honor one of its most historic icons which now serves as the Bernards Township Town Hall. This is the history on the back side of the keepsake.

The Historic Keepsake Series

Additional keepsakes will be added to the New Jersey Historic Village Collection as part of a multi-year effort to promote and preserve history in New Jersey. The series was started by Brooks Betz, the Bernards Township official historian and resident of Basking Ridge. “There are so many great historic icons in the Somerset Hills of New Jersey and the Mr. Local History Project is very excited to launch our keepsake program . We plan on adding additional keepsakes throughout the year and will even sponsor a contest where the public gets to vote for a future keepsake.” 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 in 2018. Each year, we launch new additions based on community input.

Many people collect other village pieces and build a village collection. The creations are part of the historic Cat’s Meow Village Collection, which has produced iconic wood ornaments for over 35 years.

Local organizations and businesses will produce limited batches of selected New Jersey Keepsake Village collectibles. All collectibles will be available online via the Mr. Local History Gift Shop.

How do I Get One?

Our online store accepts multiple forms of payment including credit/debit cards and Paypal. Orders are now being taken online. The collection is the ultimate local personal gift. Great for those moving into the area or those who’ve left the area. They also make great gifts for those who just like to remember the fond memories of the area.

The Mr. Local History Gift Shop is always OPEN. Just click the store

The Cat’s Meow Village Company of Wooster, Ohio

The Cat’s Meow Village is a small company founded in Wooster, Ohio in 1982 from one simple wooden house Faline cutout on her grandfather’s saw in the loft of the hog barn. 35 years later, Jones with her crew continues to craft “little wooden buildings” of local, national, and international landmarks that spark memories and kindle smiles on the faces of “real life adventurers” like you.