Bernards Township Flag Needs Clarification

The official flag of Bernards Township

The Bernards Township flag, officially adopted in 1960 to commemorate the township’s bicentennial, was designed by resident James Fogelman. The flag features a simple yet meaningful design, quartered into four rectangles of red and gold, representing the township’s four historic hamlets: Basking Ridge, Liberty Corner, Lyons, and West Millington. But that part was omitted from the Township Resolution in 1960.

As you can see, the rectangles were NOT officially recognized. We are requesting the official recognition of four hamlets: Basking Ridge, Liberty Corner, Lyons, and Franklin Corners.

It’s time to officially recognize the four rectangles on the Bernards Township flag.
Mr. Local History Project

For decades, we’ve been working with the assumption that the four rectangles had a designation. Now, the unofficial rectangle designations we’ve been taught over time need to be “officially confirmed.”

The Bernards Township flag colors hold symbolic significance: red denotes the “blood of life,” gold signifies prosperity, and white, which borders the top and bottom of the flag, symbolizes purity. Two prominent oak leaves adorn the flag, paying homage to the township’s iconic Great Oak of Basking Ridge and representing the 200 years since the township’s founding at the time of the flag’s creation.

The flag was first raised on May 21, 1960, during the bicentennial celebrations, marking a significant moment in the township’s history. In recent years, discussions have emerged regarding the flag’s representation, particularly concerning the West Millington quadrant, the unofficial lower right-hand red rectangle. In the 1980s, West Millington’s postal identity was merged with Basking Ridge, which raised the question of the four-quadrant designations.

Why Franklin Corners Deserves the Nod

Franklin Corners, a historic section of Bernards Township, New Jersey, is a remarkably well-preserved example of an early American mill village. Its origins date back to the 18th century, when the Passaic River provided the necessary power for a gristmill built around 1768. Known historically as the Franklin Corners Mill and later as Childs Mill, this structure was central to the area’s agricultural economy, serving as a gathering place for local farmers who brought their grain for milling.

The hamlet developed gradually around this economic hub, forming a small rural community that maintained much of its original character well into the modern era. In recognition of its architectural and historical value, Franklin Corners was designated as the Franklin Corners Historic District and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. The district features a collection of stone and wood-frame houses, barns, outbuildings, and the mill itself, many of which reflect Colonial, Federal, and Greek Revival architectural styles. These buildings, largely concentrated along Childs Road and North Maple Avenue, create a vivid picture of 18th- and 19th-century rural life in Somerset County.

Today, Franklin Corners remains a quiet residential area with a strong connection to its past. The continued presence of original structures, the river, and the mill dam helps preserve the look and feel of the historic hamlet. Its significance lies not only in its physical preservation but also in its ability to convey the story of early industrial and agricultural development in New Jersey.

Teaching Students about Our Flag – Project Local History Ambassador

The Project Local History Ambassador is a five-year educational initiative launched in 2023 by the Mr. Local History Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting local history in the Somerset Hills region of New Jersey. This program aims to connect fifth-grade students in Bernards Township with their community’s heritage through interactive learning experiences.

Each year, the program conducts assemblies at all elementary schools in Bernards Township, including St. James School. During these sessions, students learn about the history and symbolism of the Bernards Township flag, which represents the township’s four historic hamlets: Basking Ridge, Liberty Corner, Lyons, and West Millington.

After the assembly, each student receives an official Bernards Township flag, manufactured by the renowned Annin Flag Company, along with an informational card detailing the flag’s significance. By May 2025, the program had entered its third year, distributing over 500 flags to fifth graders. The initiative is primarily funded through community donations and local business sponsorships, ensuring that each student receives their flag at no personal cost. The overarching goal of the Project Local History Ambassador is to instill a sense of pride and connection to local history among young residents, fostering a deeper appreciation for their community’s unique heritage.