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Summer Reading Book & Film Club – Central Jersey History

Summer is a great time for readers to take a book to the beach or just sit in a lounge chair in the backyard and read a good book. With history in our DNA, we’ve worked to create a great list of books for consideration. The Mr Local History Book & Film Club partners with local libraries and area authors and filmmakers to showcase films and stories from the Somerset Hills. Have an author or filmmaker to share? Let us know.

Our Summer Top Favorites

  1. Colonial Taverns of New Jersey by Michael Gabriele
  2. Recollations of Bernardsville 1871-1945 by A. Wright Post (Digital)
  3. Kidnapping the ENEMY by Christian McBurney
  4. The Idea Factory by John Gertner
  5. Finding Kate: The Unlikely Journey of 20th Century Healthcare Advocate Kate Macy Ladd by Meryl Carmel
  6. Jersey Stories by Fred Rossi
  7. The Story of an old Farm; or, Life in New Jersey in the Eighteenth Century  by Andrew Mellick
  8. The Idea Factory by John Gertner

These are just a few of our selections. Take a look at the entire list and see what interests you.

Great Reads with History Around Central Jersey

TitleCover / AuthorTown/AreaSummary
The Gilded Frame (Fiction)BernardsvilleThe Gilded Frame is a historical mystery set in New Jersey’s Bernardsville Mountain Colony, 1912-13, where wealthy, famous, and powerful New Yorkers established country estates around the turn of the 20th century.
Kitt and Polly fall in love during a fox hunt, but their romance is put on hold when her brother reveals he is homosexual. Shocked and wounded by the news, their father wants to disinherit them. Dying of cancer and on heavy doses of morphine, however, his competence to do so is questionable.
Recollections of Bernardsville 1871-1945 (Non-Fiction)
Allison Wright Post
BernardsvilleThis is a fantastic look into the history of the Bernardsville, NJ, mountain colony through the eyes of a wealthy Gilded Age family member at the turn of the 19th century. And we have a digital copy here for your reading pleasure.

A. (Allison) Wright Post (1867–1944) was the son of renowned American architect George Browne Post (1837–1913) and his wife, Alice Matilda Stone (1840–1909) . Born on July 25, 1867, in Westhampton, Long Island, New York, Allison would later pursue a career in law and real estate. He would raise his family at “White Lodge” in Bernardsville, New Jersey. Allison’s father, George Browne Post, was a prominent American architect who designed several notable buildings in New York City, including the New York Stock Exchange Building (NYSE), the New York Public Library, and the U.S. Custom House.
Finding Kate: The Unlikely Journey of 20th Century Healthcare Advocate Kate Macy Ladd
Meryl Carmel
PeapackThe Unlikely Journey of 20th Century Health Care Advocate Kate Macy Ladd reveals one woman’s life of faith, charity, and resilience. Born in New York City in 1863, Kate Everit Macy Ladd was raised in a loving Quaker family that exemplified the virtue of philanthropy. As a woman who faced many challenges, including frequent bouts of poor health and treatment by doctors who preferred to keep wealthy women under their care even when unnecessary, she ultimately devoted her time, energy, and wealth to improving the lives of others. From a young age, Kate was attracted to the concept of convalescence through her family’s involvement with hospitals in New York. This led her to create Maple Cottage, a free convalescent home for women on the grounds of Natirar her 1000-acre estate in New Jersey’s storied Somerset Hills. Maple Cottage was the precursor to a large, state-of-the-art convalescent facility for women established in her mansion house after her death. Known as The Kate Macy Ladd Convalescent Home, the facility welcomed thousands of women who received unparalleled health care without charge for more than three decades.
The Infamas Governor – Francis Bernard
Colin Nicholson
New Jersey/MAAs the governor of Massachusetts from 1760 -1771, Bernard was the local representative of the King of England during the American Revolutionary War. It was he who brought British troops to Boston in 1765, and he who eventually persuaded the king, his ministers, and the Parliament that his colony was on the brink of a revolution. This book, a political biography, seeks to reconstruct the process that led the colonists to justify their opposition to Britain by excoriating Bernard as a tyrant
Colonial Taverns of New Jersey
Michael Gabriele
New JerseyTake a look at all of the Colonial Taverns around New Jersey, including many that are still open today.
George Washington’s NEMESISAmazon.com: George Washington's Nemesis: The Outrageous Treason and Unfair  Court-Martial of Major General Charles Lee during the Revolutionary War  (9781611214659): McBurney, Christian: Books
Christian McBurney
Basking RidgeThe outrageous treason and unfair court-martial of Major General Charles Lee during the Revolutionary War
Jersey StoriesJersey Stories – Scotch Plains Public Library
Fred Rossi
New JerseyGet Fred Rossi’s Jersey Stories Book today – write him directly at Fred T. Rossi [email protected] or find him on Facebook – Click Here
Kidnapping the ENEMYKidnapping the Enemy: The Special Operations to Capture Generals Charles  Lee and Richard Prescott: McBurney, Christian M.: 0884184082911:  Amazon.com: Books
Christian McBurney
Basking RidgeThe Special Operations to capture Generals Charles Lee and Richard Prescott
VIRTUAL EVENT:
The Deadly Spawn
Thedeadlyspawn.jpgPeapackIt is a horror film for the ages that has become a cult classic.
The Basking Ridge Historic Oak Tree ProjectThe Basking Ridge Oak Tree Project Book - Mr. Local History Project
Brooks Betz
Basking RidgeThe keepsake book is a fundraiser that not only includes some of the most touching writings and images, but it also gives back to the community.
Somerset Hills History Coloring BookAmazon.com: Somerset Hills History Coloring Book (9781544274713): Betz, Mr.  Brooks H, Arnold, Linda, American Association of University Women: Books
Brooks Betz, Linda Arnold, AAUW
Bedminster, Basking Ridge, Far Hills, Bernardsville, Peapack, GladstoneThe Somerset Hills is a group of five beautiful towns in the northern section of Somerset County, New Jersey including Bedminster, Bernards Township, Bernardsville, Far Hills, Peapack & Gladstone. New Jersey is often referred to as the “Cockpit of the American Revolution” and many of these images tie back to the history of the Revolutionary War and the birth of the great American Experience. 
History of the Reformed Church at Peapack, N.J
Digitally available
History of the Reformed Church at Peapack, N.J.: Buy History of the Reformed  Church at Peapack, N.J. by Thompson Henry Post at Low Price in India |  Flipkart.com
Henry Post Thompson
PeapackScholars have selected this work as culturally important. It is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact and remains as true to the original work as possible.
A Bit of Earth in the Somerset Hills: Growing Up in a Small New Jersey TownAmazon.com: A Bit of Earth in the Somerset Hills: Growing Up in a Small New  Jersey Town (9781596293823): Ward, Gordon Thomas: Books
Gordon Thomas Ward
Bedminster, Basking Ridge, Far Hills, Bernardsville, Peapack, GladstoneCombining the enchantment of youth with nostalgic memories of the landscape of Somerset, New Jersey, author Gordon Ward recalls in brilliant detail the Bernardsville neighborhood in which he grew up. While the world beyond grappled with Woodstock, Vietnam, Watergate and the era s other great dramas, Ward went to school, played, explored the surrounding terrain, developed friendships, celebrated holidays, found a niche for himself within his family and much more. A Bit of Earth in the Somerset Hills, is a neighborhood tale that will resonate with all whose growing up years were filled with a sense of place
Schoolhouses of Early Bernards Township: A Photographic History of SchoolsSchoolhouses of Early Bernards Township, A Photographic History of Schools  – The Official Site for The Historical Society of the Somerset Hills (THSSH)
Josephine M. Waltz 
Bernards TownshipA pictorial history of the early schoolhouses of the Bernards Township (NJ) school district, which dates to 1853. Several of the schoolhouses continued in use into the early 1900s and still stand today.
New Jersey Country Houses – The Somerset Hills – Volume 2New Jersey Country Houses - The Somerset Hills - Volume 2 by John K. Turpin  and W. Barry Thomson (2005-05-03): John K. Turpin, W. Barry Thomson:  9780974950419: Amazon.com: Books
John K. Turpin , W. Barry Thomson
Bedminster, Basking Ridge, Far Hills, Bernardsville, Peapack, GladstoneLavishly illustrated, The Somerset Hills provides a rare glimpse into some of New Jersey’s finest country houses and estates, and the fascinating people who designed and built them. Volume 2 of this stunning series is also now available.
New Jersey Country Houses – The Somerset Hills – Volume 1New Jersey Country Houses - The Somerset Hills - Volume 1 by John K. Turpin  and W. Barry Thomson (2004-05-03): Turpin, John K. and W. Barry Thomson:  9780974950402: Amazon.com: Books
John K. Turpin , W. Barry Thomson
Bedminster, Basking Ridge, Far Hills, Bernardsville, Peapack, GladstoneThe popular series continues capturing great images from Somerset Hills’ history.
In the Somerset Hills (Images of America)In the Somerset Hills: The Landed Gentry (Images of America): Schleicher,  William A., Winter, Susan J.: 9780738564227: Amazon.com: Books
Joan Williams
Bedminster, Basking Ridge, Far Hills, Bernardsville, Peapack, GladstoneSettled in the first half of the 1700s, Bedminster Township’s fertile fields attracted Dutch, German, and Scottish farmers. During the American Revolution,the town served as a safe haven for the American army. For over a century, following the war, Bedminster returned to its previous way of life as a sleepy little farming community.
Flight of PassageFlight of Passage: A Memoir: Buck, Rinker: 9780786883158: Amazon.com: Books
Rinker Buck
Basking RidgeThe true story of a 1966 flight of two Basking Ridge brothers. In the Summer of 1966, Rinker and Kernahan Buck – two teenaged schoolboys from New Jersey – bought a dilapidated Piper Cub airplane for $300, rebuilt it, and piloted it on a record breaking flight across America – navigating all the way to California without a radio, because they couldn’t afford one

Bedminster (Images of America)Amazon.com: Bedminster (Images of America) (9780738589930): Schleicher,  William A., Schleicher, Amanda R.: Books
William A. Schleiche
BedminsterJoin local historians William and Amanda Schleicher on a visual tour of Bedminster’s heritage as they celebrate the town’s history.
Settled in the first half of the 1700s, the fertile fields of Bedminster Township attracted Dutch, German, and Scottish farmers. During the American Revolution,the town served as a safe haven for the American army. For over a century, following the war, Bedminster returned to its previous way of life as a sleepy little farming community. In 1890, the area became home to Charles Pfizer’s exclusive Essex Hunt Club. 
The Shooting of Rabbit WellsAmazon.com: The Shooting of Rabbit Wells: A White Cop, a Young Man of  Color, and an American Tragedy eBook: Loizeaux, William: Kindle Store
William Loizeaux
BernardsvilleA White Cop, a Young Man of Color, and an American Tragedy. On a frigid winter’s night in 1973, William “Rabbit” Wells, a young man of mixed race, was shot and killed by a white policeman named William Sorgie outside a bar in Bernardsville, New Jersey
Around and About Basking Ridge, Liberty Corner, and Lyons (Images of America)Around and About Basking Ridge, Liberty Corner, and Lyons (Images of America):  Kennedy, June O.: 9780738586557: Amazon.com: Books
June Kennedy
Bernards TownshipBasking Ridge, Liberty Corner, and Lyons form the nucleus of Bernards Township, a region with a fascinating and long history. 

A Journey through Peapack and GladstonePeapack Gladstone – The Official Site for The Historical Society of the  Somerset Hills (THSSH)
Jacqueline Tutton
Peapack & GladstoneA great history of Peapack and Gladstone with images.
Among the Blue Hills: Bernardsville, A HistoryAmong the Blue Hills . . .Bernardsville . . . a History: Bearnardsville  History Book Committee: Amazon.com: Books
Bernardsville History Book Committee
Bernardsville, Bernards TownshipThe Somerset Hills; Being a brief record of significant facts in the early history of the hill country of Somerset County, New Jersey and contains stories from the Millington native. New Amsterdam Book Company
The Somerset HillsThe Somerset Hills: Being a Brief Record of Significant Facts in the Early  History, of the Hill Country of Somerset County New Jersey (Classic  Reprint): Schumacher, Ludwig: 9780332628899: Amazon.com: Books
Ludwig Schumacher
Bedminster, Basking Ridge, Far Hills, Bernardsville, Peapack, GladstoneDespite the great numbers of local histories that have recently appeared as by-products of the celebration of New Jersey’s tercentenary, we feel no need to apologize for offering one more. New Jersey, more than any state in the Union, can trace its history only through studies of its individual communities. The complexity and diversity of the state is clearly seen in the small area about twenty miles in length in which Bernardsville is centered
The Story of an old Farm; or, Life in New Jersey in the Eighteenth Century 
Andrew D. Mellick
Bedminster, Peapack, GladstoneScholars have selected this work as culturally important and as part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. It was reproduced from the original artifact and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.
Centennial History of Somerset County1878
Andrew Messler
Bedminster, Basking Ridge, Far Hills, Bernardsville, Peapack, GladstoneThe 212-page book is a historic look back at people, places, and activities that we all take for granted as New Jersey citizens today. Many of the names have been honored with township and county names like Carteret, Penn, and more. The journey starts back in 1681. The bound brook, the Middlebrook, the north branch, Pluckemin, and the chimney rock are called out as they become colonized over the next century.
Crystal Fire
Michael Riordan and Lillian Hoddeson
Somerset HillsOn December 16, 1947, John Bardeen and Walter Brattain, physicists at Bell Laboratories, jabbed two electrodes into a sliver of the metalloid geranium. The power flowing from the geranium far exceeded what went in; in that moment the transistor was invented and the Information Age was born. No other devices have been as crucial to modern life as the transistor and the microchip it spawned. 364 Pages
The Idea FactoryThe Idea Factory: Bell Labs and the Great Age of American Innovation:  Gertner, Jon: 0884819703136: Amazon.com: Books
John Gertner
Somerset HillsThe definitive history of America’s greatest incubator of technological innovation. In this first full portrait of the legendary Bell Labs, Gertner takes readers behind one of the greatest collaborations between business and science in history.

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