Aqueduct
Mapleton Road in 1939, looking from Brunswick Pike towards Millstone River.
Overview
Bounded, roughly, by Brunswick Pike to the east and the Delaware & Raritan Canal to the west, and straddling the border of Plainsboro and West Windsor, Aqueduct was the site of one of the area's first grist mils, and one West Windsor's earliest villages.¹ It is named after the aqueduct by which the canal crosses the Millstone River, just at its intersection with Lake Carnegie.² This crossroads community provided a source of income and a focus for the surrounding agrarian context.³
The first known mill at this location was operated by Josiah Davison and was possibly constructed as early as the 1730s.⁴ In 1749, Jacob Scudder (after whom "Scudder's Mill Road is named) purchased the property, which included 100 acres of land, two gristmills, a sawmill, and a fulling mill.⁵ Through the years, the mill was handed down through the family until the mid-1800s, when it was sold.⁶ As a result of this family's longstanding operation of the mill, the community was colloquially known as "Scudders Mills."⁷
For another sixty years, the mill continued to operate, until it was torn down by a Dr. Hunt, and a new one built in its place by Alexander Gray. It was subsequently known as "Gray's Mill." In the early 1900s, with the construction of Lake Carnegie, the mill ceased operation.⁸
The chartering of Brunswick Pike in 1804 brought much prosperity to, and development of, the community. By the mid 1800s, the village was composed of 10 residences, a blacksmith, a wheelwright, a paint shop, a distillery, and a one-room schoolhouse and, of course, the mill.⁹ The hamlet served both the agrarian region around it as well as urban residents of nearby Princeton.¹⁰
Several of the aforementioned buildings still stand and retain their historic integrity.
An advertisement in 1809 carrying the names of "Cooley and Scudder" appeared in the Trenton Federalist with the following text:
"The business of breaking and carding wool will be carried on this season by John McDonald at Scudder's Mills, situated about 2 miles from Princeton and near the Turnpike Road leading from Trenton to New Brunswick." ¹¹
With the opening of the Delaware & Raritan Canal in 1834, the aqueduct carrying the canal over the confluence over Millstone River at its confluence with Stony Brook River was constructed.¹² After this point, the community acquired the name "Aqueduct."¹³ A few years later, the Camden & Amboy Railroad was established nearby.¹⁴ Like the construction of Brunswick Pike, both of these developments caused Aqueduct to flourish even more.
Aqueduct was a popular haunt for Princeton College students, who often got into tussles with bargemen and railroad workers alike. In once particularly notable incident, the president of the college, Dr. James Carnahan, along with various faculty members, rescued the students.¹⁵
Bounded, roughly, by Brunswick Pike to the east and the Delaware & Raritan Canal to the west, and straddling the border of Plainsboro and West Windsor, Aqueduct was the site of one of the area's first grist mils, and one West Windsor's earliest villages.¹ It is named after the aqueduct by which the canal crosses the Millstone River, just at its intersection with Lake Carnegie.² This crossroads community provided a source of income and a focus for the surrounding agrarian context.³
The first known mill at this location was operated by Josiah Davison and was possibly constructed as early as the 1730s.⁴ In 1749, Jacob Scudder (after whom "Scudder's Mill Road is named) purchased the property, which included 100 acres of land, two gristmills, a sawmill, and a fulling mill.⁵ Through the years, the mill was handed down through the family until the mid-1800s, when it was sold.⁶ As a result of this family's longstanding operation of the mill, the community was colloquially known as "Scudders Mills."⁷
For another sixty years, the mill continued to operate, until it was torn down by a Dr. Hunt, and a new one built in its place by Alexander Gray. It was subsequently known as "Gray's Mill." In the early 1900s, with the construction of Lake Carnegie, the mill ceased operation.⁸
The chartering of Brunswick Pike in 1804 brought much prosperity to, and development of, the community. By the mid 1800s, the village was composed of 10 residences, a blacksmith, a wheelwright, a paint shop, a distillery, and a one-room schoolhouse and, of course, the mill.⁹ The hamlet served both the agrarian region around it as well as urban residents of nearby Princeton.¹⁰
Several of the aforementioned buildings still stand and retain their historic integrity.
An advertisement in 1809 carrying the names of "Cooley and Scudder" appeared in the Trenton Federalist with the following text:
"The business of breaking and carding wool will be carried on this season by John McDonald at Scudder's Mills, situated about 2 miles from Princeton and near the Turnpike Road leading from Trenton to New Brunswick." ¹¹
With the opening of the Delaware & Raritan Canal in 1834, the aqueduct carrying the canal over the confluence over Millstone River at its confluence with Stony Brook River was constructed.¹² After this point, the community acquired the name "Aqueduct."¹³ A few years later, the Camden & Amboy Railroad was established nearby.¹⁴ Like the construction of Brunswick Pike, both of these developments caused Aqueduct to flourish even more.
Aqueduct was a popular haunt for Princeton College students, who often got into tussles with bargemen and railroad workers alike. In once particularly notable incident, the president of the college, Dr. James Carnahan, along with various faculty members, rescued the students.¹⁵
Close-Up of 1849 J. W. Otley & J. Keily Map.
Around the turn of the 20th century, the First Baptist Church of Princeton used the Millstone River near Gray's Mill for baptisms.¹⁶
Before the construction of Lake Carnegie in the early 1900s, and the subsequent flooding of Millstone River, the area in between Lower Harrison Street and Mapleton Road was primarily meadow lands. A road connected Logan Drive (now the long-abandoned "Eden Way") to the corner of Mapleton Road near the Benjamin Grey House, and Harrison Street did not extend to Brunswick Pike. Rather, it re-routed through Logan Drive. A small bridge spanned the then much-narrower Millstone River that ran until its intersection with Stony Brook.¹⁷
Aqueduct slowly died out as a community due to several trends and developments: the decline of trade on, and eventual closing of, the canal in 1934, the creation of Carnegie Lake (and the consequential flooding of Millstone River), and the relocation of the railroad in the mid-1800s.¹⁸
As of 2019, the topographical context of Aqueduct is only somewhat recognizable: Brunswick Pike has been paved over and widened; a large hospital has been constructed across the Pike; and shopping centers have been built to the north. To the south, the village of Penns Neck has seen most of its buildings disappear, as well.
However, several of Aqueduct' buildings from the 1700s, 1800s, and 1900s still stand and retain their historic integrity inside and out. While it is impossible to physically recover what once was, and many of the houses in this village are difficult to date, an exploration of what still is may evoke the memories of this once-thriving village.
Before the construction of Lake Carnegie in the early 1900s, and the subsequent flooding of Millstone River, the area in between Lower Harrison Street and Mapleton Road was primarily meadow lands. A road connected Logan Drive (now the long-abandoned "Eden Way") to the corner of Mapleton Road near the Benjamin Grey House, and Harrison Street did not extend to Brunswick Pike. Rather, it re-routed through Logan Drive. A small bridge spanned the then much-narrower Millstone River that ran until its intersection with Stony Brook.¹⁷
Aqueduct slowly died out as a community due to several trends and developments: the decline of trade on, and eventual closing of, the canal in 1934, the creation of Carnegie Lake (and the consequential flooding of Millstone River), and the relocation of the railroad in the mid-1800s.¹⁸
As of 2019, the topographical context of Aqueduct is only somewhat recognizable: Brunswick Pike has been paved over and widened; a large hospital has been constructed across the Pike; and shopping centers have been built to the north. To the south, the village of Penns Neck has seen most of its buildings disappear, as well.
However, several of Aqueduct' buildings from the 1700s, 1800s, and 1900s still stand and retain their historic integrity inside and out. While it is impossible to physically recover what once was, and many of the houses in this village are difficult to date, an exploration of what still is may evoke the memories of this once-thriving village.
Gray's Mill, c. 1890. From Esther Engelke.
Scudder's Mill (Mid-1700s)
This grist mill was located approximately at the bend in Mapleton road, along what was once a much narrower Millstone River. It was constructed some time between 1737, when Josiah Davison bought the land from his brother Dr. Daniel Brinton Davison, and 1749, when he sold it to Jacob Scudder (who had moved to Princeton with his family from Long Island) for 1,400 pounds.¹⁹
Jacob Scudder left his mill and surrounding property to his son William, in a will dated November 7, 1773.²⁰ Three years afterwards, in December 1776, the mill was severely burnt by the British during the American Revolution.²¹ A 1782 claim by William, who had become a lieutenant colonel in the Continental Army, stated the value of his property at £1,188.60, including a six-room frame dwelling, which was also burned by the British.²²
The mill was passed down through the Scudder family until 1836, when Isaac Scudder sold the property.²³ A real estate advertisement in the Princeton Whig on February 26, 1836 made note of the access to the newly-constructed Delaware & Raritan Canal, the Millstone River, and the soon-to-be established Camden & Amboy Railroad:
This grist mill was located approximately at the bend in Mapleton road, along what was once a much narrower Millstone River. It was constructed some time between 1737, when Josiah Davison bought the land from his brother Dr. Daniel Brinton Davison, and 1749, when he sold it to Jacob Scudder (who had moved to Princeton with his family from Long Island) for 1,400 pounds.¹⁹
Jacob Scudder left his mill and surrounding property to his son William, in a will dated November 7, 1773.²⁰ Three years afterwards, in December 1776, the mill was severely burnt by the British during the American Revolution.²¹ A 1782 claim by William, who had become a lieutenant colonel in the Continental Army, stated the value of his property at £1,188.60, including a six-room frame dwelling, which was also burned by the British.²²
The mill was passed down through the Scudder family until 1836, when Isaac Scudder sold the property.²³ A real estate advertisement in the Princeton Whig on February 26, 1836 made note of the access to the newly-constructed Delaware & Raritan Canal, the Millstone River, and the soon-to-be established Camden & Amboy Railroad:
Plaque erected in 1982 to commemorate Scudder's Mill
"No. 1. That noted Grist Mill, Dwelling House, & Store Houses - long known as Scudder's Mills, together with dwelling-houses for tenants - and also, about One Hundred Acres of valuable land - situate at the juncture of the anticipated Railroad, commonly called the Monmouth Agricultural Railroad, and the Delaware and Raritan Canal, and the expected Railroad from New Brunswick to Trenton - which no doubt will run through this property. As this property possesses one of the most desirable advantages in regard to the site, of any heretofore offered for sale in this part of the country, it being two miles south-east of Princeton, on the Straight Turnpike, about half way from New York to Philadelphia, the Delaware and Raritan Canal running through the same; and also at the junction of the aforesaid railroads, when constructed. It lies on the Mill Stone River, a never failing stream of ware, and adjoining the aqueduct, which is only a few rods below the mill - at which place is a good landing, for receiving or loading grain. The land being of the first quality, about twenty-five acres of which is wood land, well covered with hickory and oak timber, which, when the timber is taken off, will make excellent tillable land. It is hoped capitalists and men of business will be attracted by it." ²⁴
The mill changed several hands until it was purchased by a Dr. Hunt, who tore down the building.²⁵ Alexander Gray and his wife Jane bought the property at an auction on February 28, 1885, and rebuilt the mill.²⁶ The couple lived in a house that was torn down to make way for the Ruby Tuesdays that stands nearby at 3817 Brunswick Pike.²⁷ The building, now known as "Grays Mills," operated until the early 1900s, with the construction of Lake Carnegie and the flooding of Millstone River.²⁸ After that point it was only very briefly used to manufacture ice blocks.²⁹
The mill was left to deteriorate until it was torn down in the 20th century.³⁰ Its namesake road, Scudders Mill Road, still functions as a busy avenue for Plainsboro residents. A plaque was erected near the aqueduct at the entrance to the Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park to commemorate the mill's history.
The mill changed several hands until it was purchased by a Dr. Hunt, who tore down the building.²⁵ Alexander Gray and his wife Jane bought the property at an auction on February 28, 1885, and rebuilt the mill.²⁶ The couple lived in a house that was torn down to make way for the Ruby Tuesdays that stands nearby at 3817 Brunswick Pike.²⁷ The building, now known as "Grays Mills," operated until the early 1900s, with the construction of Lake Carnegie and the flooding of Millstone River.²⁸ After that point it was only very briefly used to manufacture ice blocks.²⁹
The mill was left to deteriorate until it was torn down in the 20th century.³⁰ Its namesake road, Scudders Mill Road, still functions as a busy avenue for Plainsboro residents. A plaque was erected near the aqueduct at the entrance to the Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park to commemorate the mill's history.
31 Logan Drive: Covenhoven/Silvers/Logan House (Mid-1700s)
Before it was torn down, this building, located at the bend in the now-abandoned Eden Way (formerly "Logan Drive), was almost certainly the oldest on Logan Drive.³¹ It was a two-story wood-framed farmhouse of Dutch architecture, whose earliest portion was constructed some time in the mid-18th century, and evokes two different eras of architecture, as evidenced by the two "halves" of the house, each with their own distinct characteristics.³²
Susanne C. Hand's 1988 survey of West Windsor described the house as "a rare surviving example of eighteenth century Dutch farmhouse" and notes that elements such as the steep gable are characteristic of mid-17th century Dutch architecture.³³
Records from 1754 suggest that William Covenhoven, a member of one of the pioneer families of the Penns Neck area, owned the property at the time and may have erected the original portion of the house. This section, thought to date from the 1750s, consisted of the two west bays and initially comprised a single first story room with a loft above.³⁴ Some time later in the late 18th century, this modest two room house was converted into a side hall plan dwelling with the addition of a third bay northeast of the two original bays.³⁵ Further additions in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries enlarged the house to what is pictured in the adjacent photograph.
Before it was torn down, this building, located at the bend in the now-abandoned Eden Way (formerly "Logan Drive), was almost certainly the oldest on Logan Drive.³¹ It was a two-story wood-framed farmhouse of Dutch architecture, whose earliest portion was constructed some time in the mid-18th century, and evokes two different eras of architecture, as evidenced by the two "halves" of the house, each with their own distinct characteristics.³²
Susanne C. Hand's 1988 survey of West Windsor described the house as "a rare surviving example of eighteenth century Dutch farmhouse" and notes that elements such as the steep gable are characteristic of mid-17th century Dutch architecture.³³
Records from 1754 suggest that William Covenhoven, a member of one of the pioneer families of the Penns Neck area, owned the property at the time and may have erected the original portion of the house. This section, thought to date from the 1750s, consisted of the two west bays and initially comprised a single first story room with a loft above.³⁴ Some time later in the late 18th century, this modest two room house was converted into a side hall plan dwelling with the addition of a third bay northeast of the two original bays.³⁵ Further additions in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries enlarged the house to what is pictured in the adjacent photograph.
Cabinet in southwest corner of southwest room, first floor. The cabinet may have dated from the 1700s.
The inside of the house also reflected centuries of expansion: from wide-plank 18th-century floors to a 19th century mantle-piece to a 20th-century brick restoration of the hearth, many different decades of personalization evinced themselves through the building's architecture.
Over 8 decades after Covenhoven's reputed ownership, in 1836, Elias Silvers purchased this property from Isaac Silvers for $500.³⁶
The 1855 deed is the first actual record of existence of this house, and shows that Samuel Logan purchased both building and property from Elias Silvers.³⁷ The deed suggested that Silvers owned a carpenter's shop on the property, which may or may not have constituted a portion of the house.³⁸ The Logan family then owned the house for nearly a century, when they sold the property in 1950 to Vincent H. and Mildred B. Liptak. The Liptaks subsequently subdivided the property into a series of parcels.³⁹ The house parcel was sold to Frederik S. and Anne V. Gallager, whose heir, Frank C. Gallager, sold the property to Princeton University.⁴⁰ Until late 1996, the northeast end of the house was used as apartments.⁴¹
Various houses (all long gone) sprang up on Logan Drive in the mid-20th century, forming a small development, but this building, significantly older than any other, outlasted them all, until it was demolished around the turn of the 21st century.
Over 8 decades after Covenhoven's reputed ownership, in 1836, Elias Silvers purchased this property from Isaac Silvers for $500.³⁶
The 1855 deed is the first actual record of existence of this house, and shows that Samuel Logan purchased both building and property from Elias Silvers.³⁷ The deed suggested that Silvers owned a carpenter's shop on the property, which may or may not have constituted a portion of the house.³⁸ The Logan family then owned the house for nearly a century, when they sold the property in 1950 to Vincent H. and Mildred B. Liptak. The Liptaks subsequently subdivided the property into a series of parcels.³⁹ The house parcel was sold to Frederik S. and Anne V. Gallager, whose heir, Frank C. Gallager, sold the property to Princeton University.⁴⁰ Until late 1996, the northeast end of the house was used as apartments.⁴¹
Various houses (all long gone) sprang up on Logan Drive in the mid-20th century, forming a small development, but this building, significantly older than any other, outlasted them all, until it was demolished around the turn of the 21st century.
Williamson shops along Brunswick Pike, 1800s. Photograph courtesy of Historical Society of Princeton
Blacksmith's Shop/Paint Shop/Wheelwright Shop (Dates Unknown)
These three buildings facing Brunswick Pike were located directly adjacent to the road and connected to one another. These establishments flourished with the construction of Brunswick Pike in 1807, the canal in 1836, and the Camden & Amboy Railroad in 1839.⁴² The blacksmith was a two-story brick building and the wheelwright shop a two-story wood-frame building. Both were connected by a ramp that allowed access to the paint shop on the second floor of one of the buildings.⁴³
The last blacksmith in the building, as noted by "Old Princeton's Neighbors," was Frank B. Williamson. Charles Williamson was the last wheelwright and Thomas Thompason was the last storekeeper.⁴⁴
These three buildings facing Brunswick Pike were located directly adjacent to the road and connected to one another. These establishments flourished with the construction of Brunswick Pike in 1807, the canal in 1836, and the Camden & Amboy Railroad in 1839.⁴² The blacksmith was a two-story brick building and the wheelwright shop a two-story wood-frame building. Both were connected by a ramp that allowed access to the paint shop on the second floor of one of the buildings.⁴³
The last blacksmith in the building, as noted by "Old Princeton's Neighbors," was Frank B. Williamson. Charles Williamson was the last wheelwright and Thomas Thompason was the last storekeeper.⁴⁴
3 Mapleton Road: Unknown Barn (Date unknown)
This barn was converted to office space recently.⁴⁵ However, the rubble construction at its base is clearly visible. This building sits on the Grays' former property. Its heavy timber construction is exposed throughout the interior.
This edifice may be one of the unmarked buildings to the north of Mapleton Road that shows up on the 1875 Everts & Stuart map.
This barn was converted to office space recently.⁴⁵ However, the rubble construction at its base is clearly visible. This building sits on the Grays' former property. Its heavy timber construction is exposed throughout the interior.
This edifice may be one of the unmarked buildings to the north of Mapleton Road that shows up on the 1875 Everts & Stuart map.
Brunswick Pike Bridges (1807)
Brunswick Pike originally crossed the Millstone River by way of two wooden bridges, the larger of which had high side walls.⁴⁶ These constructs were eventually replaced by a steel structure, and then by the present concrete bridge, as traffic along the Pike increased.⁴⁷
Brunswick Pike originally crossed the Millstone River by way of two wooden bridges, the larger of which had high side walls.⁴⁶ These constructs were eventually replaced by a steel structure, and then by the present concrete bridge, as traffic along the Pike increased.⁴⁷
43 Lower Harrison Street: John Applegate House
(pre-1827)
This small, two-story wood-framed building sits near the corner where the oldest iteration of road connecting Logan Drive and Mapleton Road angled off the intersection of Lower Harrison Street and Logan Drive. It fronts Harrison Street and its backyard has direct access to Millstone River.
John Applegate purchased this lot and the adjoining lot to the west from David Schenck in 1827.⁴⁸ The deed shows a house already existing on the property. In 1846, the Applegate family sold both lots to Robert D. Thompson, whose family owned the property until 1884.⁴⁹ Various others have owned the property since the, including the Berriens, Williamsons, Littles, and Worms. It is now a private residence.⁵⁰
(pre-1827)
This small, two-story wood-framed building sits near the corner where the oldest iteration of road connecting Logan Drive and Mapleton Road angled off the intersection of Lower Harrison Street and Logan Drive. It fronts Harrison Street and its backyard has direct access to Millstone River.
John Applegate purchased this lot and the adjoining lot to the west from David Schenck in 1827.⁴⁸ The deed shows a house already existing on the property. In 1846, the Applegate family sold both lots to Robert D. Thompson, whose family owned the property until 1884.⁴⁹ Various others have owned the property since the, including the Berriens, Williamsons, Littles, and Worms. It is now a private residence.⁵⁰
65 Lower Harrison Street: Edward S. Patterson House (c. 1820)
This 3 bay Greek Revival/Colonial Revival side hall plan clapboard house features several 1940s additions to either side of the main block. The original house, one room deep, was originally located at the rear of the property at 51 Lower Harrison Street.⁵¹ It was moved to its current location in the early 1900s after the creation of Lake Carnegie and the flooding of the Millstone River.⁵²
One noteworthy feature of this house is the porch at its rear - a holdover from when the house stood at its original location, fronting on the Millstone River.⁵³ This entrance let out onto the oldest iteration of street that connected Mapleton Road and Lower Harrison Street.
This 3 bay Greek Revival/Colonial Revival side hall plan clapboard house features several 1940s additions to either side of the main block. The original house, one room deep, was originally located at the rear of the property at 51 Lower Harrison Street.⁵¹ It was moved to its current location in the early 1900s after the creation of Lake Carnegie and the flooding of the Millstone River.⁵²
One noteworthy feature of this house is the porch at its rear - a holdover from when the house stood at its original location, fronting on the Millstone River.⁵³ This entrance let out onto the oldest iteration of street that connected Mapleton Road and Lower Harrison Street.
Photograph taken during ownership of house by Theodore Williamson.
51 Lower Harrison Street: Isiah Jemison House (c. 1850)
This 2-story wood-framed building with a smaller 2-story wing sits far back from Lower Harrison Street, hidden by a series of trees. Like its neighbors, it has direct access to Millstone River via its backyard.
In 1848, Isiah Jemison purchased this property and most of the land on the north side of Lower Harrison Street from the heirs of William Beekner.⁵⁴ 23 years later, Jemison sold this lot to Henry D. Blackwell.⁵⁵ While much of the house appears to date from the period of Jemison's ownership, the earliest part of the house may have been constructed by Beekner.⁵⁶ Along with the Robert D. Thompson and John Applegate houses, this edifice also fronted the oldest iteration of road that connected Logan Drive to Mapleton Road, until its relocation around the turn of the 20th century.
This 2-story wood-framed building with a smaller 2-story wing sits far back from Lower Harrison Street, hidden by a series of trees. Like its neighbors, it has direct access to Millstone River via its backyard.
In 1848, Isiah Jemison purchased this property and most of the land on the north side of Lower Harrison Street from the heirs of William Beekner.⁵⁴ 23 years later, Jemison sold this lot to Henry D. Blackwell.⁵⁵ While much of the house appears to date from the period of Jemison's ownership, the earliest part of the house may have been constructed by Beekner.⁵⁶ Along with the Robert D. Thompson and John Applegate houses, this edifice also fronted the oldest iteration of road that connected Logan Drive to Mapleton Road, until its relocation around the turn of the 20th century.
View from the Aqueduct (Left to Right): Lake Carnegie, Canal, Millstone River.
Aqueduct (1834)
The aqueduct that exists today is not the original. The original, constructed in 1834, allowed the waters of the canal to pass over the Millstone River, which ran perpendicular to it. Some time after 1892, the current aqueduct was constructed, somewhat north of the old aqueduct in order to eliminate a curve.⁵⁷
The current construct, wedged in between the now-flooded Millstone River and Lake Carnegie, provides access to the Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park.
The aqueduct that exists today is not the original. The original, constructed in 1834, allowed the waters of the canal to pass over the Millstone River, which ran perpendicular to it. Some time after 1892, the current aqueduct was constructed, somewhat north of the old aqueduct in order to eliminate a curve.⁵⁷
The current construct, wedged in between the now-flooded Millstone River and Lake Carnegie, provides access to the Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park.
47 Lower Harrison Street: Robert D. Thompson House (1849-1875)
This two-story wood-framed edifice with a 1.5-story addition and two 1-story additions displays multiple centuries of expansion. The 1.5-story addition is perhaps the oldest part of the house.⁵⁸ The 2-story section was reputedly added in 1930, according to a previous owner of the residence.
In 1827, John Applegate purchased this property, as well as that of 43 Lower Harrison Street, from David Schenck.⁵⁹ In 1864, the heirs of Applegate sold both properties to Robert D. Thompson, a local shoemaker.⁶⁰
In 1982, both lots were legally separated by Sarah B. Worm.⁶¹ Like the John Applegate House, this building has remained a private residence.
This two-story wood-framed edifice with a 1.5-story addition and two 1-story additions displays multiple centuries of expansion. The 1.5-story addition is perhaps the oldest part of the house.⁵⁸ The 2-story section was reputedly added in 1930, according to a previous owner of the residence.
In 1827, John Applegate purchased this property, as well as that of 43 Lower Harrison Street, from David Schenck.⁵⁹ In 1864, the heirs of Applegate sold both properties to Robert D. Thompson, a local shoemaker.⁶⁰
In 1982, both lots were legally separated by Sarah B. Worm.⁶¹ Like the John Applegate House, this building has remained a private residence.
864 Mapleton Road: General Store (mid-1800s)
This edifice once functioned as the village's general store, taking advantage of the nearby canal, railroad, and Brunswick Pike.⁶² After the store was shut down, the edifice was used as a Wednesday night prayer meeting place for students from the nearby Princeton Theological Seminary.⁶³
When Lake Carnegie was constructed, the store was given to George Williamson who relocated it to its current location. It now functions as an architect's office.⁶⁴
To the east of the building is a dry-laid stone wall separating its property from the property of the now-disappeared edifice that once sat between George and Frank Williamson's respective houses.
This edifice once functioned as the village's general store, taking advantage of the nearby canal, railroad, and Brunswick Pike.⁶² After the store was shut down, the edifice was used as a Wednesday night prayer meeting place for students from the nearby Princeton Theological Seminary.⁶³
When Lake Carnegie was constructed, the store was given to George Williamson who relocated it to its current location. It now functions as an architect's office.⁶⁴
To the east of the building is a dry-laid stone wall separating its property from the property of the now-disappeared edifice that once sat between George and Frank Williamson's respective houses.
870 Mapleton Road: Frank Williamson House (1800s)
This building, now a dentist's office, is one of four buildings off of Mapleton Road that are original to Aqueduct.⁶⁵ Adjacent to the property, along Route 1, is the Mapleton stone wall.
Behind the house stand two mall wood-frame outbuildings, one of which may have belonged to the property in between Frank and George Williamsons' properties.⁶⁶
This building, now a dentist's office, is one of four buildings off of Mapleton Road that are original to Aqueduct.⁶⁵ Adjacent to the property, along Route 1, is the Mapleton stone wall.
Behind the house stand two mall wood-frame outbuildings, one of which may have belonged to the property in between Frank and George Williamsons' properties.⁶⁶
Mapleton Stone Wall (mid-1800s)
This dry-laid stone wall extends along the southwest side of Mapleton Road, wrapping around to follow parallel to Brunswick Pike. Generally around seven courses high, it consists of a variety of stone slabs.
The wall likely appeared at the same time as the surrounding buildings and was used to demarcate property lines.⁶⁷ A similar wall exists just east of the George Williamson House.
This dry-laid stone wall extends along the southwest side of Mapleton Road, wrapping around to follow parallel to Brunswick Pike. Generally around seven courses high, it consists of a variety of stone slabs.
The wall likely appeared at the same time as the surrounding buildings and was used to demarcate property lines.⁶⁷ A similar wall exists just east of the George Williamson House.
5 Mapleton Road: Benjamin Gray House
(c.1850-1873)
Between 1850 and 1873, Alexander Grey's son Benjamin constructed this three-story house adjacent to his parents' 1850s home.⁶⁸ Over the centuries it has undergone numerous expansions, including its integration with the adjacent two-story rooming house that now connects to it.⁶⁹ In the 1800s, this two-story house provided accommodations for mill workers.⁷⁰
In the mid-20th century, the Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research purchased both the Benjamin Grey house and that of his parents.⁷¹ Both were used as graduate housing for Princeton University students.⁷² As of 2019, the now-enormous Benjamin Grey building houses a few business and retains its architectural integrity.
(c.1850-1873)
Between 1850 and 1873, Alexander Grey's son Benjamin constructed this three-story house adjacent to his parents' 1850s home.⁶⁸ Over the centuries it has undergone numerous expansions, including its integration with the adjacent two-story rooming house that now connects to it.⁶⁹ In the 1800s, this two-story house provided accommodations for mill workers.⁷⁰
In the mid-20th century, the Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research purchased both the Benjamin Grey house and that of his parents.⁷¹ Both were used as graduate housing for Princeton University students.⁷² As of 2019, the now-enormous Benjamin Grey building houses a few business and retains its architectural integrity.
Bridge over Millstone River (Late 1800s)
Some time between 1875 and the 1890s, the street connecting Harrison Street and Mapleton Road was rerouted. It had previously run northward to provide access to the rear yards of 51, 47, and 43 Harrison Street, and then bent sharply eastward to meet up with what is now the sharp bend in Mapleton Road next to the Benjamin Gray house.⁷³ However, its rerouting in the late 1800s eliminated the aforementioned bend and provided a more direct line of travel between Logan Drive (now Eden Way) and the bend in Mapleton Road. As a result, a new wooden bridge was constructed.⁷⁴ The adjacent picture shows the bridge spanning the river in the 1800s.
This bridge is long gone, along with the aforementioned roads. Any evidence that is left is at the bottom of the Millstone River.
Some time between 1875 and the 1890s, the street connecting Harrison Street and Mapleton Road was rerouted. It had previously run northward to provide access to the rear yards of 51, 47, and 43 Harrison Street, and then bent sharply eastward to meet up with what is now the sharp bend in Mapleton Road next to the Benjamin Gray house.⁷³ However, its rerouting in the late 1800s eliminated the aforementioned bend and provided a more direct line of travel between Logan Drive (now Eden Way) and the bend in Mapleton Road. As a result, a new wooden bridge was constructed.⁷⁴ The adjacent picture shows the bridge spanning the river in the 1800s.
This bridge is long gone, along with the aforementioned roads. Any evidence that is left is at the bottom of the Millstone River.
Lake Carnegie (1906)
Before Lake Carnegie was constructed, Stony Brook ran in its place, perpendicular to Millstone River.⁷⁵ The two bodies of water met up where the aqueduct exists today.
Also prior to the lake's construction, Princeton University's varsity crew used the constricting Delaware & Raritan Canal for practice, running the risk of collisions with barges.⁷⁶ In 1902, one of their members, Howard Russell Butler, painted a portrait of Andrew Carnegie.⁷⁷ While the two were talking about the lochs Carnegie had built in Scotland, Butler suggested the idea that he and his teammates had thought of: building a lake adjacent to the canal.⁷⁸
Carnegie, interested, soon bought up property along the west side of the canal, bounded by Kingston to the north, Plainsboro and West Windsor to the west, Princeton to the east, and Princeton Basin to the south.⁷⁹ By 1905, Carnegie had the land he needed to start construction, and soon, excavation was underway.⁸⁰
The creation of the lake necessitated the clearing of forest, excavation of dirt, removal of several buildings, as well and construction of a few bridges: the Washington Road Bridge in Penns Neck, and the Harrison Road bridge in Aqueduct, in 1906.⁸¹ A dam was constructed on the Millstone River near Kingston in order to fill up the excavated area with water.⁸²
Before Lake Carnegie was constructed, Stony Brook ran in its place, perpendicular to Millstone River.⁷⁵ The two bodies of water met up where the aqueduct exists today.
Also prior to the lake's construction, Princeton University's varsity crew used the constricting Delaware & Raritan Canal for practice, running the risk of collisions with barges.⁷⁶ In 1902, one of their members, Howard Russell Butler, painted a portrait of Andrew Carnegie.⁷⁷ While the two were talking about the lochs Carnegie had built in Scotland, Butler suggested the idea that he and his teammates had thought of: building a lake adjacent to the canal.⁷⁸
Carnegie, interested, soon bought up property along the west side of the canal, bounded by Kingston to the north, Plainsboro and West Windsor to the west, Princeton to the east, and Princeton Basin to the south.⁷⁹ By 1905, Carnegie had the land he needed to start construction, and soon, excavation was underway.⁸⁰
The creation of the lake necessitated the clearing of forest, excavation of dirt, removal of several buildings, as well and construction of a few bridges: the Washington Road Bridge in Penns Neck, and the Harrison Road bridge in Aqueduct, in 1906.⁸¹ A dam was constructed on the Millstone River near Kingston in order to fill up the excavated area with water.⁸²
Horse Riders next to the Stony Brook River, at what would become Lake Carnegie
On December 5, 1906, Andrew Carnegie attended the opening ceremony. He was met by then-university president Woodrow Wilson, and with much fanfare, the lake was opened.⁸³
Over the next few decades, the lake experienced numerous flooding issues. Dredging occurred several times, most notably in 1971, when the lake finally achieved a sustainable depth.⁸⁴
After Lake Carnegie's construction, Aqueduct gradually vanished as a community. Millstone River became effectively unusable for the local mills, after what was previously meadow land flooded, forcing the relocation or razing of a few houses.⁸⁵ In addition, the community was now physically divided by the much-widened Millstone River.
However, the lake has also brought many benefits to the larger region - particularly recreation.⁸⁶ It remains an ideal place for Princeton's rowing team to practice, residents to fish and ice skate, and provides scenic vistas for the townships of Kingston, Plainsboro, Princeton, and West Windsor. In 2006, Lake Carnegie turned 100, with much fanfare.⁸⁷
Over the next few decades, the lake experienced numerous flooding issues. Dredging occurred several times, most notably in 1971, when the lake finally achieved a sustainable depth.⁸⁴
After Lake Carnegie's construction, Aqueduct gradually vanished as a community. Millstone River became effectively unusable for the local mills, after what was previously meadow land flooded, forcing the relocation or razing of a few houses.⁸⁵ In addition, the community was now physically divided by the much-widened Millstone River.
However, the lake has also brought many benefits to the larger region - particularly recreation.⁸⁶ It remains an ideal place for Princeton's rowing team to practice, residents to fish and ice skate, and provides scenic vistas for the townships of Kingston, Plainsboro, Princeton, and West Windsor. In 2006, Lake Carnegie turned 100, with much fanfare.⁸⁷
Old Harrison Street Bridge
Harrison Street Bridge (1906/1988)
This bridge was built c. 1906 when Lake Carnegie was created, becoming neighbor to an older wooden bridge than ran over the canal.⁸⁸ Its original form was a striking iron construct, reflecting the period's industrial-style, metal-based architectural endeavors. Unfortunately, this bridge collapsed in 1988, weighed down by construction equipment being used to dismantle it in what workers thought would be a less dramatic demolition.⁸⁹ It was soon replaced by the current construct that spans Lake Carnegie.
This bridge was built c. 1906 when Lake Carnegie was created, becoming neighbor to an older wooden bridge than ran over the canal.⁸⁸ Its original form was a striking iron construct, reflecting the period's industrial-style, metal-based architectural endeavors. Unfortunately, this bridge collapsed in 1988, weighed down by construction equipment being used to dismantle it in what workers thought would be a less dramatic demolition.⁸⁹ It was soon replaced by the current construct that spans Lake Carnegie.
Princeton Operating Station (1917)
This building, while not part of the Aqueduct historic community, was built nearby.⁹⁰ Located at 3794 Brunswick Pike at the road's intersection with Logan Drive (now Eden Way), the building was a single story, L-shaped brick structure with a large overhanging cornice.
This building was constructed c. 1917 by the American Telephone and Telegraph Company (AT&T).⁹¹ At the time it consisted of a singular rectangular block, one story high with a basement.⁹² In 1928, the building was expanded to its present L-shaped configuration, with a new addition designed to be architecturally identical to the original edifice. ⁹³
The late 1800s and early 1900s was a period of particularly rapid growth for the nation's long-distance communication systems and this building was a direct reflection of that trend. It was constructed as part of the infrastructure of AT&T's long distance phone system, incorporating newly-invented repeater technology and signal amplifiers using vacuum tubes.⁹⁴ Consequently, this building is associated with the development of the East Coast long-distance telephone network, and until it was demolished around the turn of the 21st century, it was one of only a handful of early 20th-century long-distance telephone repeater-test stations still extant in New Jersey.⁹⁵
This building, while not part of the Aqueduct historic community, was built nearby.⁹⁰ Located at 3794 Brunswick Pike at the road's intersection with Logan Drive (now Eden Way), the building was a single story, L-shaped brick structure with a large overhanging cornice.
This building was constructed c. 1917 by the American Telephone and Telegraph Company (AT&T).⁹¹ At the time it consisted of a singular rectangular block, one story high with a basement.⁹² In 1928, the building was expanded to its present L-shaped configuration, with a new addition designed to be architecturally identical to the original edifice. ⁹³
The late 1800s and early 1900s was a period of particularly rapid growth for the nation's long-distance communication systems and this building was a direct reflection of that trend. It was constructed as part of the infrastructure of AT&T's long distance phone system, incorporating newly-invented repeater technology and signal amplifiers using vacuum tubes.⁹⁴ Consequently, this building is associated with the development of the East Coast long-distance telephone network, and until it was demolished around the turn of the 21st century, it was one of only a handful of early 20th-century long-distance telephone repeater-test stations still extant in New Jersey.⁹⁵
Play the slideshow below to explore some more images of historic Aqueduct!