Basking Ridge Church and 619 Year Oak Tree Honored in New Jersey Historic Village Collection

The Mr. Local History Project is so proud to share the release of the second in the historic New Jersey Historical Wooden Cat’s Meow collectible series, the 1718 Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church and the 619-year-old Basking Ridge Historic White Oak Cat’s Meow wooden keepsake collectible.

The Historic Somerset Hills Village keepsake collection is a new collectible series honoring iconic buildings, properties, and fixtures that are part of our community’s historic fabric. The second keepsake is the historic 1718 Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church and the iconic 619-year-old Basking Ridge Historic White Oak tree.

The Keepsake Series

Additional keepsakes will be added to the New Jersey Historical Wooden Keepsake village collection as part of a multi-year effort to promote and preserve history in the Somerset Hills, including Bedminster, Bernards Twp., Bernardsville, Far Hills, Peapack, and Gladstone. Brooks Betz, a resident of Basking Ridge, started the series. “There are so many great historic icons in the Somerset Hills, and we’re excited to launch the keepsake program. We plan on adding additional keepsakes throughout the year. We will even sponsor a contest where the public gets to vote for a future keepsake.” The keepsake is meant to be displayed on a counter, shelf, or above the door jam or window sill. It is made of a sturdy 3/4″ handmade block of wood 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 produced iconic wood ornaments for over 35 years.

How do I Get One?

Our online store accepts multiple forms of payment, including credit/debit cards and Paypal.
The collection is the ultimate local personal gift. It is great for those moving into the area or for those who’ve left the area. It also makes great gifts for those who just like to remember fond memories of the area.

The Cat’s Meow

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.

The Historic New Jersey Village Collection is supported and funded by T3 Consortium, which licenses production runs to various organizations for promotional and fundraising activities.

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