Skip to content

1777 Boudinot – Southard- Ross Farm in Basking Ridge Enshrined in Wooden Historic Village

Mr. Local History is proud to announce along with a partnership with The Ross Farm the release of the 6th in the collectible series, the Somerset County 1777 Boudinot Southard Ross House. The collectible is part of the New Jersey Historic Village collection. Ordering is simple and available while supplies last.

The keepsake is made of wood and then painted.
The final dimensions are 3 3/4in. high x 7 1/4 in. long

The Ross Farm property is surrounded by preserved open space and offers wonderful panoramic views and is known locally as The Ross Farm.

1777 – Elias Boudinot House

The sixty one acre Boudinot-Southard-Ross estate, which borders Lord Stirling Park and the Great Swamp was built by Elias Boudinot (Boo-de-no), born in Philadelphia, he moved to Basking Ridge in 1771. Boudinot served as the 2nd President of the Continental Congress (1783) and was a US Congressman. Washington later appointed Elias as Director of the U.S. Mint.  

Later owners include Samuel Lewis Southard , a U.S. Senator, Secretary of the Navy under Presidents James Monroe and John Quincy Adams, N.J. Attorney General, and New Jersey Governor.  Next was John C. Spooner, former U.S. Senator from Wisconsin who used it as a summer home; William D. Bancker, and the Ross family until May 2005 when the property was acquired by Somerset County for $6.79 million.

The Ross Farm is the official non-profit caretaker of the Boudinot House.
Somerset County Parks Commission
Special thanks to the Somerset County Parks Commission who made the restoration possible.
The site is operated by the Somerset County Park Commission.

The Historic Keepsake Series

The MLH Project is proud to announce that the Somerset Hills Historic Village has joined the New Jersey Historic Village Collection as part of the world famous Cat’s Meow Wooden Keepsake Collection.

The Cat’s Meow is one of the world’s most iconic collectible series. Mr. Local History started creating the Somerset Hills Historic Village back in 2018.

The New Jersey Historic Village keepsake collection is a wood painted collectible series honoring historic iconic buildings, properties, and fixtures that are part of the historic fabric of New Jersey’s history. Each keepsake was selected based on community feedback and a voting process. Brooks Betz stated, “we’re really excited to see how the public reacts to the next additions to this historic series.” The Mr. Local History Project plans to introduce at least four new keepsakes in 2021. Simply sign up to receive updates when the new pieces will become available.

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 Collection back in 2018. Each year we launch new additions based on community input.

Many people collect other village pieces and build their own personal village collection. The creations are part of the historic Cat’s Meow Village Collection, which has been producing iconic wood ornaments for over 40 years. Once they sell out, they’re typically gone forever, unless you find them at a garage sale or maybe on eBay. Happy collecting!

The keepsake is made of wood and then painted. the final dimensions are 3 3/4in. high x 7 1/4 in. long

Order online now to be part of this limited run.

The Mr Local History Gift Shop is ALWAYS OPEN. Just click the store to go to our online store.
The Mr. Local History Gift Shop is always OPEN. Just click the store.

Additional keepsakes will be added to the New Jersey Historic Wooden Village collection as part of a multi-year effort to promote and preserve history throughout New Jersey. The series was started by Brooks Betz, a resident of Basking Ridge. “There are so many great historic icons in our area and I’m so proud to be able to work with this historic recognition of some great historic properties and icons in New Jersey.” Betz added, “We plan on adding additional keepsakes throughout the upcoming years 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 and are made of a sturdy 3/4″ wooden block and then painted.

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 been producing iconic wood ornaments for over 35 years. Local non- profit organizations and businesses will be producing limited batches of selected Somerset Hills Keepsake Village collectibles. All collectibles will be available online via the Mr. Local History Gift Shop.

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.

How do I Get One?

The easiest way to get one is to order online via our Etsy Store.
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 for those who’ve left the area. They also make great gifts for those who just like to remember the fond memories of the area.

Please also add your address. While supplies last. Shipping will be added (approximately $4.50). Please allow up to two weeks to process.

[contact-form-7 id=”12782″ title=”Contact form With Attachment”]

Additional Information

Print Friendly, PDF & Email