Grovers Mill
Grovers Mill c. 1910, showing mill, Grover House, and pond. Courtesy of Historical Society of Princeton.
Overview
Grovers Mill is a relatively intact hamlet centered around its eponymous mill that is serviced by Bear Brook. Dominating the village center, at the intersection of Clarksville and Cranbury roads, is a series of 18th and 19th century buildings, the largest and most infamous of them being the mill after which the village was named. Grovers Mill is unique in West Windsor for two reasons: it is possibly the earliest area in the township settled by Europeans and, predominately due to Orson Welles' 1938 "War of the Worlds" radio broadcast, is by far the most famous of West Windsor's villages.
The first families to settle in the hamlet were Van Nests and Bergens.¹ The Van Nests, descendants of Pieter Pieterson Van Nest (who settled in New Netherlands in 1646), bought much of the area from a Lenni Lenape woman named Idah.² Since then, the family has spread across the township, entrenched in West Windsor's history throughout the centuries.
Grovers Mill is a relatively intact hamlet centered around its eponymous mill that is serviced by Bear Brook. Dominating the village center, at the intersection of Clarksville and Cranbury roads, is a series of 18th and 19th century buildings, the largest and most infamous of them being the mill after which the village was named. Grovers Mill is unique in West Windsor for two reasons: it is possibly the earliest area in the township settled by Europeans and, predominately due to Orson Welles' 1938 "War of the Worlds" radio broadcast, is by far the most famous of West Windsor's villages.
The first families to settle in the hamlet were Van Nests and Bergens.¹ The Van Nests, descendants of Pieter Pieterson Van Nest (who settled in New Netherlands in 1646), bought much of the area from a Lenni Lenape woman named Idah.² Since then, the family has spread across the township, entrenched in West Windsor's history throughout the centuries.
Close-up of 1875 Everts & Stuart map
The mill after which the village was named was first operated by Daniel Wosley, and was reputedly constructed in 1759, along with the barn that faces it across Cranbury Road.³ It was one of West Windsors' villages' first two grist mills (only Scudder's Mill in Aqueduct was older; it is now gone). The mill still stands in the heart of the village, a vestige of centuries past.
The pond was a favorite haunt for locals, whether they were ice skating, fishing, or boating. Undoubtedly the most prominent people to frequent the pond were Grover Cleveland and Woodrow Wilson.⁴ Both Cleveland and Wilson were friends of Walter S. Grover, and enjoyed the tranquility of the hamlet's setting and the various game that made for a good hunt.⁵ Wilson, erstwhile president of Princeton University, could often be found bicycling to Grover's Mill.⁶
Below is an interactive 1805 reproduction of an even older (1794) map of Grovers Mill, showing the mill, pond, and Grover residence, among other long-gone edifices. Note the text on the bottom left that, after grammar and spelling corrections, reads: "A copy taken of the (illegible) of Benjamin, hereby deceased. Land as it was divided by Garret Schenck, Esquire, (illegible) Daveroon, and Jonathan Combes on June 28th 1794 and laid down by a scale of 6 chains to the inch. This was taken December 28th, 1805 for John Gover by Moses Morris." ⁷
The pond was a favorite haunt for locals, whether they were ice skating, fishing, or boating. Undoubtedly the most prominent people to frequent the pond were Grover Cleveland and Woodrow Wilson.⁴ Both Cleveland and Wilson were friends of Walter S. Grover, and enjoyed the tranquility of the hamlet's setting and the various game that made for a good hunt.⁵ Wilson, erstwhile president of Princeton University, could often be found bicycling to Grover's Mill.⁶
Below is an interactive 1805 reproduction of an even older (1794) map of Grovers Mill, showing the mill, pond, and Grover residence, among other long-gone edifices. Note the text on the bottom left that, after grammar and spelling corrections, reads: "A copy taken of the (illegible) of Benjamin, hereby deceased. Land as it was divided by Garret Schenck, Esquire, (illegible) Daveroon, and Jonathan Combes on June 28th 1794 and laid down by a scale of 6 chains to the inch. This was taken December 28th, 1805 for John Gover by Moses Morris." ⁷
Unlike West Windsor's other towns, no, school, church, general store, or post office existed within the village. As a result, villagers likely traveled nearby hamlets to satisfy their need for food, goods, education, and worship. This was partially aided by the establishment of the Trenton-New Brunswick Railroad (the "Fast Line"), and a trolley station near Grovers Mill (where Wildflower Farms is located at the time of this writing in 2020).⁸
249 Cranbury Road, on the outskirts of the village, was likely once home to Dr. Enoch Wilson, who in 1816 was made vice president of the New Jersey Medical Society.⁹ Near the house lie James and Hannah Ashley, who died in 1774 and 1777, respectively.¹⁰
249 Cranbury Road, on the outskirts of the village, was likely once home to Dr. Enoch Wilson, who in 1816 was made vice president of the New Jersey Medical Society.⁹ Near the house lie James and Hannah Ashley, who died in 1774 and 1777, respectively.¹⁰
Starting at 8 pm on October 30, 1938, Orson Welles gave a now-infamous radio address to the nation - a reenactment of H.G. Well's "War of the Worlds."¹¹ As there were only four announcements made throughout the program telling the audience that the radio play was merely fiction, and Welles' reenactment was so realistic and animated, the broadcast caused cross-continental tensions and fooled much of the populace, who had not heard these disclaimers, into thinking that an alien invasion was underway.¹² This event permanently entrenched the hamlet of Grovers Mill in the annals of history as a case study in the powers of media to warp perceptions and affect action. A water tower behind the Grover Family house at 175 Cranbury Road stands as a testament to this event. According to (disputed) town legend, its water tank had to be replaced after being shot by a drunken farmer who thought it an extraterrestrial!¹³
In 1962, Van Nest park was established after a land donation by the Van Nest family.¹⁴ A large plaque installed in 1988 commemorates the 50th anniversary of Orson Welles' broadcast.¹⁵
In 2012, the red barn at 163 Cranbury Road was converted into apartments and office space, its exterior largely kept preserved, safeguarding the building's, and hamlet's historical integrity.¹⁶ As of 2019, the mill at Grovers Mill is also being renovated.¹⁷ The design of the exterior has been largely preserved, and the interior is being turned into apartments. The largest change has been the removal of the mill's wheel mechanism on the south side of the mill due to its deteriorating condition.
Throughout the 20th century, the area surrounding the hamlet, once farmland, increasingly gave way to suburban development. However, the heart of Grovers Mill has been largely preserved. One can still amble along Cranbury and Clarksville Roads, entrenched in a village evoking centuries of memories.
In 1962, Van Nest park was established after a land donation by the Van Nest family.¹⁴ A large plaque installed in 1988 commemorates the 50th anniversary of Orson Welles' broadcast.¹⁵
In 2012, the red barn at 163 Cranbury Road was converted into apartments and office space, its exterior largely kept preserved, safeguarding the building's, and hamlet's historical integrity.¹⁶ As of 2019, the mill at Grovers Mill is also being renovated.¹⁷ The design of the exterior has been largely preserved, and the interior is being turned into apartments. The largest change has been the removal of the mill's wheel mechanism on the south side of the mill due to its deteriorating condition.
Throughout the 20th century, the area surrounding the hamlet, once farmland, increasingly gave way to suburban development. However, the heart of Grovers Mill has been largely preserved. One can still amble along Cranbury and Clarksville Roads, entrenched in a village evoking centuries of memories.
Grovers Mill village center in 2020
View of pond looking northwest
Grovers Mill Pond (c. 1759)
The pond around which Grovers Mill is centered is historic in its own right. Excavated in the eighteenth century to power the grist mill, it provided both a source of livelihood and recreation.¹⁸ From swimming to fishing to ice skating to boating, the pond was frequented by locals and out-of-towners alike. The most famous of these recreationists were Grover Cleveland and Woodrow Wilson, both friends of Walter S. Grover.¹⁹
Over the centuries, the pond has experiences several name changes: From Bergen's Pond in 1776, to Bear Pond, then Schwenger's Mill Pond, and finally Grover's Mill Pond.²⁰
Tragedy struck in June of 1856 when the youngest son of the Rossell family snuck out of his family's house at night to join his friends in play. In his haste to catch up to them, he leaped from the bank of the pond, landing on the floor of a flimsy boat, broke through, and downed.²¹
The pond around which Grovers Mill is centered is historic in its own right. Excavated in the eighteenth century to power the grist mill, it provided both a source of livelihood and recreation.¹⁸ From swimming to fishing to ice skating to boating, the pond was frequented by locals and out-of-towners alike. The most famous of these recreationists were Grover Cleveland and Woodrow Wilson, both friends of Walter S. Grover.¹⁹
Over the centuries, the pond has experiences several name changes: From Bergen's Pond in 1776, to Bear Pond, then Schwenger's Mill Pond, and finally Grover's Mill Pond.²⁰
Tragedy struck in June of 1856 when the youngest son of the Rossell family snuck out of his family's house at night to join his friends in play. In his haste to catch up to them, he leaped from the bank of the pond, landing on the floor of a flimsy boat, broke through, and downed.²¹
Ice skating on the pond; 1948: Linda, Alan, and Charles Dey, Grant Chamberlin, Jean Reed. Photo courtesy of Mrs. C.L. Dey
Thirty one years later, a man by the name of "Scud" Berrien experienced a similar fate. While picking flowers from the pond's perennial water lilies (to sell at commencement at Princeton University) , his canoe overturned and Berrien drowned. According to town legend, his body, upon retrieval, was found still clutching a handmade bouquet of lilies.²²
In 1931, the bridge spanning Bear Brook was constructed. In the late 20th century, the pond was donated to the township by members of the Dey family.²³
In 2008, the pond was dredged to remove a dangerous build-up of algae.²⁴ The result was more pristine water that could support a greater diversity of flora and fauna (including the majestic - and threatened - great blue heron, as well as painted turtles), a new boat ramp at the docks at Van Nest park, the restocking of the pond's fish.²⁵ In fact, it is not unusual to see multiple people at a time fishing from Clarksville or Cranbury Roads, or Van Nest Park, hoping to catch their next big story!
In 1931, the bridge spanning Bear Brook was constructed. In the late 20th century, the pond was donated to the township by members of the Dey family.²³
In 2008, the pond was dredged to remove a dangerous build-up of algae.²⁴ The result was more pristine water that could support a greater diversity of flora and fauna (including the majestic - and threatened - great blue heron, as well as painted turtles), a new boat ramp at the docks at Van Nest park, the restocking of the pond's fish.²⁵ In fact, it is not unusual to see multiple people at a time fishing from Clarksville or Cranbury Roads, or Van Nest Park, hoping to catch their next big story!
429 Clarksville Road - "Ladyfaire"
(Late 1600s/Early 1700s)
This 5-bay, 2-story house with a 1.5-story Dutch wing was first constructed prior to 1758 (the earliest year that tax records exist for the edifice).²⁶ According to various owners, including David O. Wright (who owned and restored the house in 1984-1985), the building - nicknamed "Ladyfaire" - is the township's oldest structure by several decades, dating back to the 1690s.²⁷ If true, then this makes the house even older than Windsor (the predecessor of East and West Windsor) itself, which was created on March 9, 1750!
Legend says that this house has hosted both Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette, and Aaron Burr, who carved his initials into a cabinet.²⁸
The 1849 J.W. Otley & J. Keily map of West Windsor shows ownership by "J.B.B. Van Nest."²⁹ the Everts & Stuart map of 1875 shows that "J.C. Van Nest" lived in the house. The original owners of the building were reputedly the Schwenger family.³⁰
Ladyfaire's 1.5-story wing (closest to Clarksville Road) is the house's oldest, possibly dating to 1690, and reveals the building's Dutch origins.³¹ On the side of this wing is a large section composed of rubble, rebuilt in a mid-20th century renovation from the remnants of an old chimney.³² The middle section of the building is reputedly from the mid-1700s (which likely explains the 1758 tax record), and until the late 2010s, showcased a large screened porch protecting its front entrance.³³ The furthest section is from the early to mid-1800s.³⁴
Behind the house is a small barn, now used as a garage.³⁵
Ladyfaire abuts Rogers Preserve (AKA Millstone River Preserve) to the south and Bear Brook to the North. Rogers Preserve contains several walking trails that traverse scenic terrain.³⁶
(Late 1600s/Early 1700s)
This 5-bay, 2-story house with a 1.5-story Dutch wing was first constructed prior to 1758 (the earliest year that tax records exist for the edifice).²⁶ According to various owners, including David O. Wright (who owned and restored the house in 1984-1985), the building - nicknamed "Ladyfaire" - is the township's oldest structure by several decades, dating back to the 1690s.²⁷ If true, then this makes the house even older than Windsor (the predecessor of East and West Windsor) itself, which was created on March 9, 1750!
Legend says that this house has hosted both Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette, and Aaron Burr, who carved his initials into a cabinet.²⁸
The 1849 J.W. Otley & J. Keily map of West Windsor shows ownership by "J.B.B. Van Nest."²⁹ the Everts & Stuart map of 1875 shows that "J.C. Van Nest" lived in the house. The original owners of the building were reputedly the Schwenger family.³⁰
Ladyfaire's 1.5-story wing (closest to Clarksville Road) is the house's oldest, possibly dating to 1690, and reveals the building's Dutch origins.³¹ On the side of this wing is a large section composed of rubble, rebuilt in a mid-20th century renovation from the remnants of an old chimney.³² The middle section of the building is reputedly from the mid-1700s (which likely explains the 1758 tax record), and until the late 2010s, showcased a large screened porch protecting its front entrance.³³ The furthest section is from the early to mid-1800s.³⁴
Behind the house is a small barn, now used as a garage.³⁵
Ladyfaire abuts Rogers Preserve (AKA Millstone River Preserve) to the south and Bear Brook to the North. Rogers Preserve contains several walking trails that traverse scenic terrain.³⁶
160 Cranbury Road (c. 1758-1762)
This 2-story side hall plan house has a mid-20th century "colonial" appearance, a 1.5-story addition (with a garage), and a brick facade due to a 1960's renovation.⁴⁴ However, don't let these "modern" modifications fool you - along with the mill, barn, Ladyfaire, and, potentially, the Grover House, it is one of the township's oldest structures! Historical photos show a porch attached to the house.
According to Vivian and Ron MacPherson (owners in 1986), the house (or really, a now-disappeared carriage house behind it) was one of several structures in the area that quartered Hessian soldiers.³⁸ In addition, Walter S. Grover was born in this house decades later.³⁹
In the 1960s, the MacPhersons had the old porch removed and a local mason, Charles Aversano, added the brick facade. roughly 3 decades earlier, Charles Dey stuccoed the house.⁴⁰
This 2-story side hall plan house has a mid-20th century "colonial" appearance, a 1.5-story addition (with a garage), and a brick facade due to a 1960's renovation.⁴⁴ However, don't let these "modern" modifications fool you - along with the mill, barn, Ladyfaire, and, potentially, the Grover House, it is one of the township's oldest structures! Historical photos show a porch attached to the house.
According to Vivian and Ron MacPherson (owners in 1986), the house (or really, a now-disappeared carriage house behind it) was one of several structures in the area that quartered Hessian soldiers.³⁸ In addition, Walter S. Grover was born in this house decades later.³⁹
In the 1960s, the MacPhersons had the old porch removed and a local mason, Charles Aversano, added the brick facade. roughly 3 decades earlier, Charles Dey stuccoed the house.⁴⁰
The Mill overlooking Bear Brook
164 Cranbury Road: Grovers Mill
(c. 1759)
This large, multi-level building set on a stone foundation was constructed in several sections over numerous years, resulting in an unusual roof profile that varies from 1 to 3 stories tall.⁴¹ Numerous windows dot the north and south facades.
The mill was first operated by Daniel Wosley, and was reputedly constructed in 1759, along with the barn that faces it across Cranbury Road.⁴² It was one of West Windsors' villages' first two grist mills (only Scudder's Mill in Aqueduct was older; it is now gone).⁴³ In the same year as the mill's construction, the establishment of roads linking the hamlet to the rest of West Windsor were constructed, demonstrating its importance.⁴⁴ However, unlike Scudder's mill, the edifice at the village of Grover's Mill did little to spur the growth of its surrounding community.
Mahlon Wright bought the mill in the 1760s. In 1771, he advertised it for sale in the newspaper: "This is to give public notice that there is to be exposed to sale, by way of public venue, on the sixteenth day of April next, a Grist mill, with two water-wheels, two pair of stones, and bolts by water; it is situated on a very pleasant stream called Upper Barebrook (sic), in the township of Windsor, and County of Middlesex in New Jersey; also a tract of land, nearly adjoining the same, containing 174 acres, with a dwelling-house, kitchen and barn, and a young orchard of near two hundred trees. Mahlon Wright." ⁴⁵
(c. 1759)
This large, multi-level building set on a stone foundation was constructed in several sections over numerous years, resulting in an unusual roof profile that varies from 1 to 3 stories tall.⁴¹ Numerous windows dot the north and south facades.
The mill was first operated by Daniel Wosley, and was reputedly constructed in 1759, along with the barn that faces it across Cranbury Road.⁴² It was one of West Windsors' villages' first two grist mills (only Scudder's Mill in Aqueduct was older; it is now gone).⁴³ In the same year as the mill's construction, the establishment of roads linking the hamlet to the rest of West Windsor were constructed, demonstrating its importance.⁴⁴ However, unlike Scudder's mill, the edifice at the village of Grover's Mill did little to spur the growth of its surrounding community.
Mahlon Wright bought the mill in the 1760s. In 1771, he advertised it for sale in the newspaper: "This is to give public notice that there is to be exposed to sale, by way of public venue, on the sixteenth day of April next, a Grist mill, with two water-wheels, two pair of stones, and bolts by water; it is situated on a very pleasant stream called Upper Barebrook (sic), in the township of Windsor, and County of Middlesex in New Jersey; also a tract of land, nearly adjoining the same, containing 174 acres, with a dwelling-house, kitchen and barn, and a young orchard of near two hundred trees. Mahlon Wright." ⁴⁵
Jacob Bergen, son of a local farmer, became intrigued and bought the mill.⁴⁶ Via a deed dated September 30, 1775, he then sold the mill and adjacent house to Joseph Skelton, John Imley, Archibald Mercer, and John P. Schenck. This deed referred to the structure as the "Message Mill." On March 1 of the next year, Skelton, Imley, Mercer and Schenck sold 25 acres to George Bergen, Jr. Subsequently, the building was sold to Richard Thomas, around which point it took on a new name - Bear Mill!⁴⁸ On March 18, 1837, Thomas sold 24 acres, including the mill, to his cousin, Gottlieb Schwenger, for $3,000.⁴⁹
On March 31, 1868, Joseph H. Grover took over ownership of the mill. It was after this year that the village became colloquially known as "Grover's Mill," after Joseph's namesake.⁵⁰ Grover managed the mill until 1904, when his son Walter took over management.⁵¹ Three years later, Walter oversaw a lavish reunion of nearly 70 family members at the Grover House at 175 Cranbury Road.⁵² Walter operated the mill until his passing in 1929.⁵³ Both Walter and his father are buried in the cemetery at Dutch Neck.⁵⁴
Upon Walter's death, the property passed to Charles L. Dey.⁵⁵ Dey streamlined operations by adding electricity to the mill. At this time, the mill provided grist for a number of local establishments, including the Gordon Walker Dairy Farm.⁵⁶ It continued operation as a feed mill up through at least the 1960s.⁵⁷
Since then, it was bought by William Dennison, transferred to his son (also named William), and over the years, has been used as an artist's studio (in the 1970s), apartments (1990s), and most recently, a chiropractor's office, until 2015.⁵⁸ It is now being converted into apartments, with pains being taken to preserve the edifice's historical integrity.⁵⁹
On March 31, 1868, Joseph H. Grover took over ownership of the mill. It was after this year that the village became colloquially known as "Grover's Mill," after Joseph's namesake.⁵⁰ Grover managed the mill until 1904, when his son Walter took over management.⁵¹ Three years later, Walter oversaw a lavish reunion of nearly 70 family members at the Grover House at 175 Cranbury Road.⁵² Walter operated the mill until his passing in 1929.⁵³ Both Walter and his father are buried in the cemetery at Dutch Neck.⁵⁴
Upon Walter's death, the property passed to Charles L. Dey.⁵⁵ Dey streamlined operations by adding electricity to the mill. At this time, the mill provided grist for a number of local establishments, including the Gordon Walker Dairy Farm.⁵⁶ It continued operation as a feed mill up through at least the 1960s.⁵⁷
Since then, it was bought by William Dennison, transferred to his son (also named William), and over the years, has been used as an artist's studio (in the 1970s), apartments (1990s), and most recently, a chiropractor's office, until 2015.⁵⁸ It is now being converted into apartments, with pains being taken to preserve the edifice's historical integrity.⁵⁹
163 Cranbury Road: Grovers Mill Co. Barn (c. 1759)
This large, long building is located diagonally across Cranbury Road from the mill, and was constructed around the same year as the mill.⁶⁰ Over the years, it has functioned as a warehouse for the storage of grist produced in the mill, a power equipment store, and, as of 2019, office and apartment space.⁶¹ The mill underwent a major renovation in 2012 to convert it to its latest usage, but fortunately, its historic integrity has been largely preserved.⁶²
This large, long building is located diagonally across Cranbury Road from the mill, and was constructed around the same year as the mill.⁶⁰ Over the years, it has functioned as a warehouse for the storage of grist produced in the mill, a power equipment store, and, as of 2019, office and apartment space.⁶¹ The mill underwent a major renovation in 2012 to convert it to its latest usage, but fortunately, its historic integrity has been largely preserved.⁶²
Note the water tower behind the house!
175 Cranbury Road: Grover House (Late 1700s)
Facing the intersection of Cranbury and Clarksville Roads is this 2-story house, whose front portion was constructed in 1852.⁶³ A large Colonial Revival porch was added c. 1890.⁶⁴ At the rear of the building is a 2-story ell; it is supposedly the oldest part of the house, dating from the late 1700s.⁶⁵ This part of the building still has its original fireplace and chimney crane.⁶⁶
The 1849 J. W. Otley & J. Keily map shows ownership by "G. Schwenger."⁶⁷ However, the 1875 Everts & Stuart map shows residence by "J. H. Grover."⁶⁸
Facing the intersection of Cranbury and Clarksville Roads is this 2-story house, whose front portion was constructed in 1852.⁶³ A large Colonial Revival porch was added c. 1890.⁶⁴ At the rear of the building is a 2-story ell; it is supposedly the oldest part of the house, dating from the late 1700s.⁶⁵ This part of the building still has its original fireplace and chimney crane.⁶⁶
The 1849 J. W. Otley & J. Keily map shows ownership by "G. Schwenger."⁶⁷ However, the 1875 Everts & Stuart map shows residence by "J. H. Grover."⁶⁸
In 1907, a Grover family reunion attracted nearly seventy people to the Grover Home. John G. Grover provided a second-hand account:
"The Grover family reunion at Walter S. Grover's at Grover's Mills, Saturday, September 7th, was a very enjoyable affair. There were about 65 present, with a few special friends of the family added. They came from Cranbury, Hightstown, Trenton, Princeton, New Brunswick, Ocean Grove and Hoboken. Mr. Grover had excellent arrangements for bringing his guests from Princeton Junction and from Trenton and New Brunswick trolleys. Automobile and stage meeting the trains and trolleys from about 9 to 12 o'clock. Among the special invited guests was the Rev. A. L. Armstrong, who became pastor of the Dutch Neck Church nearly 50 years ago or more, and what is remarkable nearly all of this family have been members of the congregation some time during Mr. Armstrong's pastorate, consequently the sympathy and love between their old pastor and the Grover family is very strong. Mr. Armstrong's successor, Rev. Mr. Brown and Mrs. Brown were also present. In behalf of the Grover family, the writer extends their hearty good wishes to Mr. and Mrs. Brown with the hope that his pastorate may be long and attended with all the success that has crowned the labors of his predecessor. We think that when Mr. and Mrs. Walter Grover were remodelling their home a few years ago they must have had in mind an occasion for this kind in planning their house and porches, for when we were invited to dine we were all comfortable seated on the porch. I would like to tell of the good things provided but our host and hostess are too modest to have me do so. Suffice it to say there was almost everything to tempt the appetite. After a while we found outselves facing Mr. Rose from Princeton with his machine for a snap shot. Thus ended a delightful day's outing, one of the bright and happy occasions of our life." ⁶⁹
"The Grover family reunion at Walter S. Grover's at Grover's Mills, Saturday, September 7th, was a very enjoyable affair. There were about 65 present, with a few special friends of the family added. They came from Cranbury, Hightstown, Trenton, Princeton, New Brunswick, Ocean Grove and Hoboken. Mr. Grover had excellent arrangements for bringing his guests from Princeton Junction and from Trenton and New Brunswick trolleys. Automobile and stage meeting the trains and trolleys from about 9 to 12 o'clock. Among the special invited guests was the Rev. A. L. Armstrong, who became pastor of the Dutch Neck Church nearly 50 years ago or more, and what is remarkable nearly all of this family have been members of the congregation some time during Mr. Armstrong's pastorate, consequently the sympathy and love between their old pastor and the Grover family is very strong. Mr. Armstrong's successor, Rev. Mr. Brown and Mrs. Brown were also present. In behalf of the Grover family, the writer extends their hearty good wishes to Mr. and Mrs. Brown with the hope that his pastorate may be long and attended with all the success that has crowned the labors of his predecessor. We think that when Mr. and Mrs. Walter Grover were remodelling their home a few years ago they must have had in mind an occasion for this kind in planning their house and porches, for when we were invited to dine we were all comfortable seated on the porch. I would like to tell of the good things provided but our host and hostess are too modest to have me do so. Suffice it to say there was almost everything to tempt the appetite. After a while we found outselves facing Mr. Rose from Princeton with his machine for a snap shot. Thus ended a delightful day's outing, one of the bright and happy occasions of our life." ⁶⁹
Behind the house is a tall, weathered water tower, similar in shape and size to the one at the Schenck Farmstead. Town legend says that during Orson Welle's "War of the Worlds" broadcast in 1938, a local farmer (perhaps William Dock), drunk and terrified, shot at the tower, mistakenly believing that the construct was an alien come to wreak havoc.⁷⁰ The water tank had to be replaced, but otherwise the tower is the same as it was on that fateful night.
148 Cranbury Road: Old Snedeker Place (c. 1860)
The first mentions of this building are from 1860 tax records. It is said that this house was originally built as a tenant house for mill workers.⁷¹
From the 1920s to the 1970s, it was owned by the Snedeker family, and has since been given the name the "Old Snedeker Place."⁷²
This 2-story house showcases an enclosed front porch, part of a 1930 replacement of the building's former Victorian-style porch. This porch was originally of a spindlework style common on "Stick" and Gothic houses of the 1860s-1880s.⁷³ Another Victorian-style element of this house are the exposed rafter ends and prominent corner boards.
The first mentions of this building are from 1860 tax records. It is said that this house was originally built as a tenant house for mill workers.⁷¹
From the 1920s to the 1970s, it was owned by the Snedeker family, and has since been given the name the "Old Snedeker Place."⁷²
This 2-story house showcases an enclosed front porch, part of a 1930 replacement of the building's former Victorian-style porch. This porch was originally of a spindlework style common on "Stick" and Gothic houses of the 1860s-1880s.⁷³ Another Victorian-style element of this house are the exposed rafter ends and prominent corner boards.
In 1945, the wing on the right was added to the house; it originally included an open porch on the first floor; this was later enclosed.⁷⁴ Earlier in the 20th century, a one-story shed-roof addition was made to the rear of the house, and was extended to the second floor in 1993.⁷⁵
The small garage to the left of the house is actually older than the house itself - likely dating to the early 1800s, in fact.⁷⁶ A 1995 description of this element in the Historical Society of West Windsor's "Broadside" depicts "wide plank floor and interior walls of vertical bead boards, some of which are still filled with sawdust, lending credence to the tradition that this building was originally located closer to the pond and served as an ice house at the mill."⁷⁷
In 1995, the house was owned by Cynthia Koch and Eliot Werner.⁷⁸
The small garage to the left of the house is actually older than the house itself - likely dating to the early 1800s, in fact.⁷⁶ A 1995 description of this element in the Historical Society of West Windsor's "Broadside" depicts "wide plank floor and interior walls of vertical bead boards, some of which are still filled with sawdust, lending credence to the tradition that this building was originally located closer to the pond and served as an ice house at the mill."⁷⁷
In 1995, the house was owned by Cynthia Koch and Eliot Werner.⁷⁸
152 Cranbury Road (c. 1888-1892)
As of 1995, the building was owned by Ann and Ralph Vierno.⁷⁹ Before that year, the house's owners removed the porch seen in the photograph adjacent to the description of 160 Cranbury Road.⁸⁰ Subsequently, a breezeway and garage, seen in the photograph adjacent to this description, were constructed.⁸¹
As of 1995, the building was owned by Ann and Ralph Vierno.⁷⁹ Before that year, the house's owners removed the porch seen in the photograph adjacent to the description of 160 Cranbury Road.⁸⁰ Subsequently, a breezeway and garage, seen in the photograph adjacent to this description, were constructed.⁸¹
85 Cranbury Road (c. 1910)
Situated to the south of Bear Brook on a slight rise along Cranbury Road, this side-hall plan house has an unusual chimney placement, with the hearth being located in the middle of the house instead of on one end.⁸² The edifice showcases a simple Federal-style frieze under the roof and a simple Colonial Revival porch. ⁸³
Situated to the south of Bear Brook on a slight rise along Cranbury Road, this side-hall plan house has an unusual chimney placement, with the hearth being located in the middle of the house instead of on one end.⁸² The edifice showcases a simple Federal-style frieze under the roof and a simple Colonial Revival porch. ⁸³
218 Cranbury Road - Van Nest Park (1962)
In 1962, Van Nest park was established after a land donation by the Van Nest family.⁸⁴ A large plaque installed in 1988 commemorates the 50th anniversary of Orson Welles' broacast.⁸⁵ At the edge of the park, abutting the pond, is a dock that is used for both fishing and boat launching. Along a nearby trail is a Boy Scout Eagle Project completed in the mid-2010s commemorating the War of the Worlds broadcast and educating residents about that infamous event.
In 1962, Van Nest park was established after a land donation by the Van Nest family.⁸⁴ A large plaque installed in 1988 commemorates the 50th anniversary of Orson Welles' broacast.⁸⁵ At the edge of the park, abutting the pond, is a dock that is used for both fishing and boat launching. Along a nearby trail is a Boy Scout Eagle Project completed in the mid-2010s commemorating the War of the Worlds broadcast and educating residents about that infamous event.
Play the slideshow below to explore more of historic Grovers Mill!