Somerset Hills Area: Far Hills
Written by: TBD
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While we continue to expand our website, we will post the information as soon as it is gathered, edited and posted.
Until this happens, while not an official HSSH site, here is a good site that provides a great history of Far Hills. Click Here
Rising taxes led the 200 residents of Far Hills to decide to separate from Bernards Township and to incorporate as a Borough. The local property tax rate jumped from $2.72 in 1919 to $3.53 in 1920. Both the villagers and Far Hills estate owners objected to having to share the costs of road upkeep in the 60 square mile township with its population of 5,100 and also to the school taxes for educating the township's 800, of which only 90 were from Far Hills. Further, they protested the lack of police protection.
Twenty new boroughs had been formed in New Jersey at this time. The
advantage was said to be the consolidation of ratables within a smaller
area resulting in lower municipal costs. Public meetings were held in
Far Hills to promote the idea, which was enthusiastically received.
A committee was formed to chart the course for succession. Its members
were the cousins, Reeve and Kenneth B. Schley, Milton Dillon, L.V. Ludlow,
William B. Flomerfelt and Alfred C. Arnott.
A bill, Senate 332, authorizing the incorporation of the Borough of
Far Hills was introduced into the Legislature by state Sen. Clarence
E. Case. Fifty residents went to Trenton to cheer for the favorable
action. In a 30 minute session on March 28, 1921 the Far Hills bill
was "introduced, heard and first and second readings, referred
to committee, voted out, and passed by the Senate." The Assembly
concurred a week later.
In a local referendum on MAY 12 1921 Far Hills voters approved the incorporation
of the borough by a vote of 117-15. "Far Hills is now a fact",
announced The Bernardsville News.
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