Bernardsville’s Boylan House on New Jersey’s 10 Most Historic Endangered List

Preservation New Jersey announced the 2025 list of the 10 Most Endangered Historic Places, highlighting places across New Jersey that are at risk of being lost due to neglect, development pressures, lack of funding, or natural threats. For Bernardsville’s Boylan House, being one of the ten most endangered, as noted by Preservation New Jersey, recognizes that the Bernardsville historic property may be lost forever.

These places matter,” said President of Preservation New Jersey, Paul Muir. “They tell the stories of who we are and where we’ve been. By bringing attention to these threatened sites, we hope to inspire action, partnerships, and solutions that can save them.”

New Jersey’s 2025 10 Most Endangered Historic Sites include:

1. Boylan House – Bernardsville (Somerset County)
2. The Universal Building – Jersey City (Hudson County)
3. Cornelius Doremus House – Montville (Morris County)
4. 202 & 210 West Main Street – Moorestown (Burlington County)
5. Van Houten House – City of Paterson (Passaic County)
6. Perth Amboy Police Headquarters – Perth Amboy (Middlesex County)
7. Abbot Manor – Plainfield (Union County)
8. Monmouth Boat Club – Red Bank (Monmouth County)
9. Washington Wells Farm – Skillman (Somerset County)
10. Andrew Mershon Tavern – Titusville (Mercer County)

Now in its 30th year, the “10 Most” initiative spotlights cultural landmarks that face threats from neglect, development pressures, insufficient funding, or natural hazards. These sites, nominated by the public and selected by Preservation New Jersey’s board based on historical significance, urgency of threat, and community impact, serve as tangible links to New Jersey’s heritage.

The Boylan House is listed explicitly in Bernardsville’s Master Plan and the Somerset County Cultural Resource Survey as a historic building. Except for the Old Library Building, the Boylan House is far and away the oldest standing landmark structure in the borough’s downtown. The other historic building, Manker’s Hall, was built in 1895 and was the site of a reputed prohibition-era speakeasy and gambling hall, which was brazenly robbed at gunpoint by mobsters in the 1930s. (LTTE- Bville News Feb. 6,2024)

The Boylans – One of Bville’s First Families

The Boylans, who built one of the three structures about 1751, were among the founding settlers of what was then known as Vealtown at the base of Bernardsville Mountain. For your information, many have stated that the Boylan name is pronounced “Bullion.”

In addition to raising awareness, Preservation New Jersey works with local advocates, property owners, and community leaders to help develop strategies for preservation and reuse.

About Preservation New Jersey

Founded in 1978, Preservation New Jersey is a statewide nonprofit organization that promotes the economic vitality, sustainability, and heritage of New Jersey’s diverse communities through advocacy and education. In addition to other advocacy programs, Preservation New Jersey produces this annual list of New Jersey’s 10 Most Endangered Historic Places, provides educational workshops, publishes an interactive website, serves as a resource for technical assistance and general advice for the public, and addresses legislation and public policies that impact New Jersey’s historic places and communities. 

Visit Preservation New Jersey’s website at www.preservationnj.org/blog  for more information regarding the organization and the 10 Most Endangered program.

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