Historic Community: Edinburg
Edinburg in 2020. Click to enlarge/download.
Surrounding the crossroads of Edinburg, Windsor, and Old Trenton Roads is a mid-1700s settlement called Edinburg. Initially named "Assanpink" - after the indigenous Lenape tribe that frequented this area - Edinburg originated as a stagecoach stopover but expanded into an industrial hamlet as well. Today, several of its old buildings remain, near agricultural land has been farmed for centuries. Explore Edinburg and its historical buildings below!
Historical Overview
Situated near the southern border of West Windsor, Edinburg is a well-preserved 18th century hamlet. The village sits at the crossroads of some of West Windsor’s oldest avenues – Old Trenton Road, Edinburg Road, and Windsor Road. These streets were part of a variety of stagecoach routes travelling between Trenton, Bordentown, Cranbury, Mercerville, Perth Amboy, and even New York City.¹
Much of Edinburg's buildings still stand and retain their architectural integrity. The oldest date back as far as the 1740s and evoke a slower-moving context of ages past amidst one of the township’s busiest intersections.²
The village sits on the site of a former Lenni Lenape encampment. Known as “Assunpink” or “Sanpink” – both derived from the river that runs to the west of Edinburg – the reservation, like most others in New Jersey, is long gone.³ However, artifacts such as axes, arrows, and grinding stones are still found on the land northeast of the bridge running over the Assunpink.⁴ From its founding in the mid-1700s until the mid-1800s, the hamlet used both names. Then, according to legend, the village was renamed in honor of one of its prominent citizens’ hometowns – Edinburgh, Scotland.⁵
Much of Edinburg's buildings still stand and retain their architectural integrity. The oldest date back as far as the 1740s and evoke a slower-moving context of ages past amidst one of the township’s busiest intersections.²
The village sits on the site of a former Lenni Lenape encampment. Known as “Assunpink” or “Sanpink” – both derived from the river that runs to the west of Edinburg – the reservation, like most others in New Jersey, is long gone.³ However, artifacts such as axes, arrows, and grinding stones are still found on the land northeast of the bridge running over the Assunpink.⁴ From its founding in the mid-1700s until the mid-1800s, the hamlet used both names. Then, according to legend, the village was renamed in honor of one of its prominent citizens’ hometowns – Edinburgh, Scotland.⁵
Close-up of 1875 Everts & Stuart West Windsor Map. Assunpink Creek runs through the center.
Edinburg’s convenient location gave rise to numerous businesses. The village housed a post office/general store, wheelright, blacksmith, distillery, cooper, cobbler, grocery store, basket shop, and hotel, among several other establishments!⁶ In the early 1800s, a blacksmith named Daniel Howell set up shop near the village.⁷ David Hill was hired on as a worker and carried on the business until 1870, when he was succeeded by his son Amos M. Hill. The shop operated until the early 1900s.⁸
Near Edinburg, on Old Trenton Road, Amos Tindall established a distillery and cider plant.⁹ So, too, did Joseph Mount.¹⁰ Doubtless, both had a symbiotic relationship with the tavern’s owners and many hotel patrons!
Around 1850, Aaron Furman established a cooper’s shop in the village.¹¹ Absalom Hart, later a basket weaver, operated a shoe-making business out of the same building.¹²
Other ventures included wheelwright (1878-1882), managed by Frank Hill, a shoemaker’s establishment operated by John W. Davis, a turning mill for chair parts managed by William Ogborn, a weaving shop operated by John Hutchinson, a broom factory, and a tanyard (where farmers took their beef skins to be converted to leather) managed by Major Vorhees.¹³
Today, the intersection retains vestiges of this crossroads community. Although the farmlands that once surrounded the hamlet are long gone, traffic piles up during rush hour, and several buildings have disappeared, it still stands as a reminder of West Windsor's history.
Near Edinburg, on Old Trenton Road, Amos Tindall established a distillery and cider plant.⁹ So, too, did Joseph Mount.¹⁰ Doubtless, both had a symbiotic relationship with the tavern’s owners and many hotel patrons!
Around 1850, Aaron Furman established a cooper’s shop in the village.¹¹ Absalom Hart, later a basket weaver, operated a shoe-making business out of the same building.¹²
Other ventures included wheelwright (1878-1882), managed by Frank Hill, a shoemaker’s establishment operated by John W. Davis, a turning mill for chair parts managed by William Ogborn, a weaving shop operated by John Hutchinson, a broom factory, and a tanyard (where farmers took their beef skins to be converted to leather) managed by Major Vorhees.¹³
Today, the intersection retains vestiges of this crossroads community. Although the farmlands that once surrounded the hamlet are long gone, traffic piles up during rush hour, and several buildings have disappeared, it still stands as a reminder of West Windsor's history.
Edinburg village center in 2020
1716 Old Trenton Road: Clayton's Grocery Store
(c. 1808)
This building was last owned by Issac Newton Mount.¹⁷ In 1905, Jacob Clayton purchased this property from James Taylor. Shortly afterward, he established a small grocery store in this building competing with the larger general store (see below, now Village Pantry) and later expanded into selling harnesses, cigarettes, and tobacco.¹⁸ The building passed to other Clayton family members in 1942, to Josephine & Madeline Taylor in 1945, and to its last owner - Isaac Newton Mount - in 1977. The building was town down in 2018, five years after Mount’s passing.¹⁹
(c. 1808)
This building was last owned by Issac Newton Mount.¹⁷ In 1905, Jacob Clayton purchased this property from James Taylor. Shortly afterward, he established a small grocery store in this building competing with the larger general store (see below, now Village Pantry) and later expanded into selling harnesses, cigarettes, and tobacco.¹⁸ The building passed to other Clayton family members in 1942, to Josephine & Madeline Taylor in 1945, and to its last owner - Isaac Newton Mount - in 1977. The building was town down in 2018, five years after Mount’s passing.¹⁹
1337 Old Trenton Road: Hart's Baskets (mid-1800s)
In 1873, Absalom Hart constructed a basket-weaving establishment on this property.²⁰ Gradually, his business expanded until he was able to employ five basket makers.²¹ This business competed with Melvin Sailley's enterprise which was founded a year later.²²
It is unknown whether this building was the actual structure in which basket-weaving took place. Township tax records list a date of construction of 1800, but the building doesn't show up on an 1849 map of West Windsor and does on an 1875 map.
In 1873, Absalom Hart constructed a basket-weaving establishment on this property.²⁰ Gradually, his business expanded until he was able to employ five basket makers.²¹ This business competed with Melvin Sailley's enterprise which was founded a year later.²²
It is unknown whether this building was the actual structure in which basket-weaving took place. Township tax records list a date of construction of 1800, but the building doesn't show up on an 1849 map of West Windsor and does on an 1875 map.
1933 photograph of the general store
1720-22 Old Trenton Road: General Store & Post Office (1790s-1810s)
Called “Village Pantry" in 2019, this is one of the hamlet’s most well-documented edifices. Although the building likely dates to the 18th century (township tax records fluctuate between 1790 and 1825 concerning a date of construction), according to Woodward’s “History of Mercer County, 1883,” the store’s earliest operator is thought to have been John T. Hutchinson around 1820.²³ Other store keepers have been Marco Krakakie, Job Silvers, Lucien Britton, Richard Waddy, Israel Baldwin, Richard R. Rogers, Isaac Rogers, Charles R. Hutchinson, Samual Tindall, and Joseph L. Watson (the storekeeper in 1883).²⁴ Mr. Hohenstein, shopkeeper before the 1920s, delivered groceries to customers three times a week via horse and wagon.²⁵
Called “Village Pantry" in 2019, this is one of the hamlet’s most well-documented edifices. Although the building likely dates to the 18th century (township tax records fluctuate between 1790 and 1825 concerning a date of construction), according to Woodward’s “History of Mercer County, 1883,” the store’s earliest operator is thought to have been John T. Hutchinson around 1820.²³ Other store keepers have been Marco Krakakie, Job Silvers, Lucien Britton, Richard Waddy, Israel Baldwin, Richard R. Rogers, Isaac Rogers, Charles R. Hutchinson, Samual Tindall, and Joseph L. Watson (the storekeeper in 1883).²⁴ Mr. Hohenstein, shopkeeper before the 1920s, delivered groceries to customers three times a week via horse and wagon.²⁵
Village Pantry Deli, 2018
In the mid-1900s, Duke Stultz managed the store.²⁶ Blind from birth, Duke nevertheless knew the location of everything in the shop, and could slice luncheon meats, give change for bills, and work as effectively as anyone else. His wife, Viola, also worked in the store.²⁷
The two pumps located in front of the Village Pantry reveal that the store’s owners expanded into gasoline to supplement their income from food and supplies.
In 1852, a post office was established in the building, with Richard R. Rogers as postmaster.²⁸ Woodward makes note that most of the store’s operators until 1883 also held the same title.²⁹ Mail arrived daily, and was transported to and from Trenton by stagecoach.³⁰ The post office was shut down around the turn of the century.³¹ As of 2019, the building still operates as a deli and convenience store under the name “Village Pantry”, alongside “Green House Graphics” one unit over.
The two pumps located in front of the Village Pantry reveal that the store’s owners expanded into gasoline to supplement their income from food and supplies.
In 1852, a post office was established in the building, with Richard R. Rogers as postmaster.²⁸ Woodward makes note that most of the store’s operators until 1883 also held the same title.²⁹ Mail arrived daily, and was transported to and from Trenton by stagecoach.³⁰ The post office was shut down around the turn of the century.³¹ As of 2019, the building still operates as a deli and convenience store under the name “Village Pantry”, alongside “Green House Graphics” one unit over.
Saille is the man on the left.
1736 Old Trenton Road: Saille's Baskets (1700s?)
In 1874, a year after Absalom Hart opened his basket-weaving business, Melvin Saille established a similar shop in what was then believed to be the village's oldest building³². Unfortunately, the edifice was demolished in the 1980s and replaced with a new single-family house.³³ The Everts & Stuart map from 1875 also indicates that he also owned 1728 Old Trenton Road, the house next door.³⁴ Both Saille’s and Hart’s establishments operated well into the 1900s.³⁵
In 1874, a year after Absalom Hart opened his basket-weaving business, Melvin Saille established a similar shop in what was then believed to be the village's oldest building³². Unfortunately, the edifice was demolished in the 1980s and replaced with a new single-family house.³³ The Everts & Stuart map from 1875 also indicates that he also owned 1728 Old Trenton Road, the house next door.³⁴ Both Saille’s and Hart’s establishments operated well into the 1900s.³⁵
Edinburg Schoolhouse c. 1900
Old Trenton Road: Edinburg Schoolhouse
(Pre-1817)
This small structure was located west of Carson's grist mill, along the north side of Old Trenton Road (refer to the map at the top of the page). Like the other schoolhouses of its era, the Edinburg Schoolhouse at 1676 Old Trenton Road serviced local youth at a wide swath of grade levels, all packed into one chamber.³⁶ Eventually, it functioned as a barbershop operated by Benjamin Carlucci in 1964.³⁷ Carlucci later tore down the building, but a few images remain showing that the Edinburg schoolhouse was similar in scale and style to many of West Windsor's other schoolhouses, including the one rebuilt at the Schenck Farmstead.³⁸
(Pre-1817)
This small structure was located west of Carson's grist mill, along the north side of Old Trenton Road (refer to the map at the top of the page). Like the other schoolhouses of its era, the Edinburg Schoolhouse at 1676 Old Trenton Road serviced local youth at a wide swath of grade levels, all packed into one chamber.³⁶ Eventually, it functioned as a barbershop operated by Benjamin Carlucci in 1964.³⁷ Carlucci later tore down the building, but a few images remain showing that the Edinburg schoolhouse was similar in scale and style to many of West Windsor's other schoolhouses, including the one rebuilt at the Schenck Farmstead.³⁸
Edinburg Hotel, 1962
1719 Old Trenton Road: Edinburg Hotel & Tavern (c. 1895)
The largest building in Edinburg, the former Edinburg Hotel, sits at the southeast corner of the intersection of Windsor Road and Old Trenton Road. It replaced an older hotel which was built in the early 1800s.³⁹ That hotel replaced an even older establishment which was built in the 18th century.⁴⁰ This edifice was located about 300 yards from the current hotel’s location, and like the general store in Dutch Neck, was a long, low building with a front porch.⁴¹ The incentive to move the hotel was likely the construction of Old Trenton Road in 1801.⁴²
The second iteration of the hotel burned down in 1895.⁴³ At that time, it was operated by Edward Wright, who rebuilt the hotel and added an ice house.⁴⁴ He also redesigned the façade with Victorian-style architectural details, including intricate woodwork.⁴⁵ Post-fire, John H. Hutchinson was the building’s hotelkeeper.⁴⁶
The largest building in Edinburg, the former Edinburg Hotel, sits at the southeast corner of the intersection of Windsor Road and Old Trenton Road. It replaced an older hotel which was built in the early 1800s.³⁹ That hotel replaced an even older establishment which was built in the 18th century.⁴⁰ This edifice was located about 300 yards from the current hotel’s location, and like the general store in Dutch Neck, was a long, low building with a front porch.⁴¹ The incentive to move the hotel was likely the construction of Old Trenton Road in 1801.⁴²
The second iteration of the hotel burned down in 1895.⁴³ At that time, it was operated by Edward Wright, who rebuilt the hotel and added an ice house.⁴⁴ He also redesigned the façade with Victorian-style architectural details, including intricate woodwork.⁴⁵ Post-fire, John H. Hutchinson was the building’s hotelkeeper.⁴⁶
Edinburg Hotel, 2018
During Prohibition, the hotel functioned as a “speakeasy,” where patrons enjoyed alcohol away from the prying eyes of puritanical moralists.⁴⁷ Later, in the 1940s, it operated as a base for recreational hunters.⁴⁸ Bill McManus’ prized pheasants were among other game birds favored by hunters who came from far and wide.⁴⁹
In the 1950s, the hotel was purchased by Edward Bambos and the Zmudas, who gutted the upper floor and turned it into living quarters.⁵⁰ The tavern remained, but visitors could no longer stay the night. Around the same time, Bernice Tantum painted colonial-themed murals on its walls.⁵¹
Throughout the years, the building has changed many hands, and has undergone further renovations. Its wood siding has been replaced with stucco, and the former hotel now operates as an office building.⁵²
In the 1950s, the hotel was purchased by Edward Bambos and the Zmudas, who gutted the upper floor and turned it into living quarters.⁵⁰ The tavern remained, but visitors could no longer stay the night. Around the same time, Bernice Tantum painted colonial-themed murals on its walls.⁵¹
Throughout the years, the building has changed many hands, and has undergone further renovations. Its wood siding has been replaced with stucco, and the former hotel now operates as an office building.⁵²
Play the slideshow below to explore more of historic Edinburg!
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