Historic Village Collection

Gilded Age New Jersey Mansions Honored for Their Historic Design

Honoring Two Stories – Two Men – Two Estates

Kate Macy and Walter Ladd
Charles Ledyard Blair in his 30s

Natirar and Blairsden Cat’s Meow Mr. Local History Keepsakes – two of the most famous mansions in the Somerset Hills of northern Somerset County, New Jersey. Learn more…

A key mission statement of the Mr. Local History project is to find new ways to “Share History with a Social Twist,” which means we try to incorporate the social aspects of people, places, and things that tie back to tell their history at the same time. This is why we partnered with the Cat’s Meow Village to commission them to create art on wood on the front side, along with the history on the back. Then we hope you like them so much that you display them in your home and continue to tell the stories.

This story brings the history of the Gilded Age, also known as the Golden Age of America, where wealthy Americans built some of the most lavish mansions and estates in America from the late 1800s to the post-depression era. Since we cover mainly New Jersey, we have two to share: Blairsden and Natirar. And isn’t it funny that they’re both in New Jersey AND were next-door neighbors? TRUE.

The Mr. Local History Project is SOOOO excited to introduce the expansion of our Historic New Jersey Historic Cat’s Meow Village, the  Natirar Estate in Peapack and Far Hills, New Jersey, and the Blairsden Estate right next door! Only a limited number will be produced.

Natirar Estate – Peapack, New Jersey, is one of the most iconic estates in New Jersey. Welcome to the New Jersey Historic Keepsake collection

Here are just a few photos from then and now. Complete stories about Jersey Mansions are at the end of this post.

The beautiful estate of Natirar formerly known as Kate Macy Ladd estate in Peapack.
C. Ledyard Blair built the famed Blairsden Estate in Peapack, New Jersey.

Mr. Local History Project

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