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• 1782 – William Willet supplied grain to Washington's Army, but was bankrupted by the devaluation of Continental Currency. He sold his mills to Captain Samuel Potter. Captain Samuel's grandson, Serring, played an important role in the growth and development of the Pottersville. The town became known as "Potter's Mills," and was later officially named "Pottersville." The village is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
• 1961 - Ridge High School in Bernards Twp opened in September 1961 with a student population of 492 students in grades 9 through 12. The rising seniors were brought back from Bernardsville High School to become the first graduating class of the new high school. The remaining grades 9, 10, and 11 came from Oak Street Junior High. On October 6, 1959, the voters of Bernards Township approved the referendum calling for a bond issue of $1,532,000.

Virtual Walking Tour of Historic Basking Ridge

Walking Tour of Historic Basking Ridge Village now mashed with Google Maps

Two versions are now available - online and downloadable.

A great way to see some of the most noted historical sites in and around the downtown Basking Ridge area.

Taken from the historic pamphlet from our online archives, here's a new way to get a virtual look at the historic hamlet of Basking Ridge.

Start at the Brick Academy, home to the Historical Society of the Somerset Hills (it's marked with a "Circled Question Mark".) Created by Trustee member Brooks Betz, "the interactive map allows people to recognize some of the historic buildings in the township without going outside". "Guided tours are given periodically by local historians, but we felt this might be a good way to allow visitors to familarize themselves witht the logistics of the tour before they visit," stated Betz.

The interactive map includes 27 historic buildings, three dining establishments, restroom stops, parking, and the best photo areas. The original tour book, written/published in 2004, is still available for download and available in the Historical Society's gift shop. "But nothing takes the place of a nice walk. So come spend a few hours, have lunch, and enjoy the historic village of Basking Ridge, New Jersey."

Click Here to be directed to the online interactive map and tour.

Walking Tour of Historic Basking Ridge Village

The Walking Tour of Historic Basking Ridge Village is the first of a planned series of local walking and driving tours. The easy tour takes in the village center, which remains a favorite Bernards Township gathering place, with attractive shops and restaurants, including outside dining during warm weather.

Click Here

You may download a pdf version of the tour here or you may visit the Brick Academy to pick up a printed copy.

Guided Walking Tours

Bernards Township Historian June Kennedy conducts walking tours that span 250 years of Basking Ridge village history. The earliest structures date back to when the name “Baskenridge” first appeared in the records of the Presbyterian Church in 1733. Many of the buildings were initially erected as private residences and are based on “vernacular” architecture while others are impressive examples of formal architectural styles. Highlights include the Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church; the hat shop of Aunt Carrie Cross assumed to be the oldest building in the village, the grand manor house of Dr. Horatio G. Whitnall who served as the Chief Surgeon of the Union Army and many other historic sites.

Limited Engagement:
Please contact THSSH for updates on when we will schedule Guided Walking Tours of Historic Basking Ridge!

Other historical tours can be found at:

 

Submitted – February 6, 2009