Princeton Junction
"Downtown" Princeton Junction c. 1957-1963. From L. Schafer.
Close-Up of 1875 Everts & Stuart Map
Overview
Princeton Junction, perhaps West Windsor's best-known historic cluster (outside of Grovers Mill), was the most recent of West Windsor's historic villages to develop. With the construction of what is now the Northeast Corridor rail line in 1863, after its relocation from the original Camden/Amboy Railroad route along the Delaware & Raritan Canal, this area underwent a major transformation from dispersed farmsteads and swamp to concentrated suburbia.¹
Princeton Junction's first businesses were located around the intersection of Washington Road and Station Drive, southeast of Bear Swamp.² Taking advantage of the railroad, a series of farms, commodities businesses, and even a hotel appeared to cater to rail workers and train passengers alike.³ One exception to this concentration was a gravel pit owned by Liscomb B. Reed, who also operated a sand pit off of Bear Brook road.⁴ It has since been converted into a township dump, a compost center, and finally, the Vaughn Parking Lot of the train station.⁵
In 1924, the construction of West Windsor's first dedicated residential development began, with the formation of Berrien City.⁶ Located adjacent to the train station, this community showcases a wide variety of architectural styles.⁷
In 1939, the current railroad bridge was constructed with Works Progress Administration funds to replace a dangerous predecessor, itself constructed c. 1903.⁸ Shortly afterwards, a local farmer - C. Lawrence Dey - sold off much of his property, which was converted into multiple businesses, including two service stations, a strip mall, a shopping center, and medical offices.⁹ A lumber company also occupied much of the area.¹⁰ These businesses all disappeared in the 2000s and 2010s, making way for newer shopping centers, banks, and other commercial establishment.¹¹
In the middle of the 20th century, two schools (Maurice Hawk in 1964 and what is now High School South in 1973) were constructed around the same time as the formation of the West Windsor-Plainsboro Board of Education's inception in 1969.¹² Both institutions, one built on a former farmstead, still stand today.
In 2020, several plans to redevelop Princeton Junction into a "downtown" area for West Windsor have never come to fruition. Currently, the area is best known for Berrien City, the train station, and the series of strip malls and banks along Princeton Hightstown Road. A plan to redevelop a large portion of the current Station Drive area conceptualizes a "transit village" that takes advantage of its proximity to the train station and anticipates the beginning of the Princeton Junction's revitalization.¹³
Princeton Junction, perhaps West Windsor's best-known historic cluster (outside of Grovers Mill), was the most recent of West Windsor's historic villages to develop. With the construction of what is now the Northeast Corridor rail line in 1863, after its relocation from the original Camden/Amboy Railroad route along the Delaware & Raritan Canal, this area underwent a major transformation from dispersed farmsteads and swamp to concentrated suburbia.¹
Princeton Junction's first businesses were located around the intersection of Washington Road and Station Drive, southeast of Bear Swamp.² Taking advantage of the railroad, a series of farms, commodities businesses, and even a hotel appeared to cater to rail workers and train passengers alike.³ One exception to this concentration was a gravel pit owned by Liscomb B. Reed, who also operated a sand pit off of Bear Brook road.⁴ It has since been converted into a township dump, a compost center, and finally, the Vaughn Parking Lot of the train station.⁵
In 1924, the construction of West Windsor's first dedicated residential development began, with the formation of Berrien City.⁶ Located adjacent to the train station, this community showcases a wide variety of architectural styles.⁷
In 1939, the current railroad bridge was constructed with Works Progress Administration funds to replace a dangerous predecessor, itself constructed c. 1903.⁸ Shortly afterwards, a local farmer - C. Lawrence Dey - sold off much of his property, which was converted into multiple businesses, including two service stations, a strip mall, a shopping center, and medical offices.⁹ A lumber company also occupied much of the area.¹⁰ These businesses all disappeared in the 2000s and 2010s, making way for newer shopping centers, banks, and other commercial establishment.¹¹
In the middle of the 20th century, two schools (Maurice Hawk in 1964 and what is now High School South in 1973) were constructed around the same time as the formation of the West Windsor-Plainsboro Board of Education's inception in 1969.¹² Both institutions, one built on a former farmstead, still stand today.
In 2020, several plans to redevelop Princeton Junction into a "downtown" area for West Windsor have never come to fruition. Currently, the area is best known for Berrien City, the train station, and the series of strip malls and banks along Princeton Hightstown Road. A plan to redevelop a large portion of the current Station Drive area conceptualizes a "transit village" that takes advantage of its proximity to the train station and anticipates the beginning of the Princeton Junction's revitalization.¹³
Frank B. Rogers at the PJ Parsonage c. 1912
Princeton Junction Parsonage School - 50 Southfield Road (mid-late 1800s)
Records indicate that this building was constructed in the mid-19th century at 297 Clarksville Road.¹⁴ Because Grovers Mill contained no school, it is likely that this institution served students from both this village and Princeton Junction.¹⁵ Like other early schools, this building consisted of one room and served students of a variety of ages.¹⁶ In 1994, when the property owner constructed a larger residence, it was relocated to the Schenck Farmstead at 50 Southfield Road and serves as a living memorial to the township's earliest educational efforts.¹⁷
Records indicate that this building was constructed in the mid-19th century at 297 Clarksville Road.¹⁴ Because Grovers Mill contained no school, it is likely that this institution served students from both this village and Princeton Junction.¹⁵ Like other early schools, this building consisted of one room and served students of a variety of ages.¹⁶ In 1994, when the property owner constructed a larger residence, it was relocated to the Schenck Farmstead at 50 Southfield Road and serves as a living memorial to the township's earliest educational efforts.¹⁷
Train station in the mid-late 1800s.
Princeton Junction Train Station (1863)
In 1839, the Camden & Amboy Railroad Transportation Company ran tracks through West Windsor, as part of a decades-long construction of one of North America's earliest railroad lines.¹⁸ This railroad, running parallel to the Delaware & Raritan Canal, serviced two of West Windsor's villages - Princeton Basin and Port Mercer - until its relocation in 1863, and the subsequent construction of the Princeton Junction Train Station.¹⁹ Soon after, the "Dinkey" line was established, servicing passengers wishing to travel to Princeton.²⁰
In 1863, the Princeton Junction train station opened, heralding a new era of transportation for the township.²¹ At first, the station was mainly used by Princeton residents and Princeton University students, hence Princeton Junction's etymology. However, over the centuries, this trend has shifted, and in 2020, the station primarily services trains travelling along the Northeast Corridor - one of North America's most heavily trafficked rail lines.²²
In 1839, the Camden & Amboy Railroad Transportation Company ran tracks through West Windsor, as part of a decades-long construction of one of North America's earliest railroad lines.¹⁸ This railroad, running parallel to the Delaware & Raritan Canal, serviced two of West Windsor's villages - Princeton Basin and Port Mercer - until its relocation in 1863, and the subsequent construction of the Princeton Junction Train Station.¹⁹ Soon after, the "Dinkey" line was established, servicing passengers wishing to travel to Princeton.²⁰
In 1863, the Princeton Junction train station opened, heralding a new era of transportation for the township.²¹ At first, the station was mainly used by Princeton residents and Princeton University students, hence Princeton Junction's etymology. However, over the centuries, this trend has shifted, and in 2020, the station primarily services trains travelling along the Northeast Corridor - one of North America's most heavily trafficked rail lines.²²
Train station c. 1910 - from Elmer Fry
Throughout the decades, the station building itself has undergone several transformations. In the 1870s, a one-story building with a large gabled roof stood on the north side of the tracks.²³ In the 1890s, a second building was constructed, and included a waiting room, a ticket office, an express office, and a six-room apartment on the second floor in which the ticket agent lived.²⁴ At this time, there was a platform on the south side of the tracks but no ticket agent. After this building burned in 1953, a more utilitarian waiting room was constructed, and still stands today on the north side of the tracks.²⁵ In 1987, the current station building was constructed, finally placing an edifice on the south side of the tracks.²⁶
Several ticket agents' names are known: Thomas Perrine (1897), W.H. Smith (1902), and Thomas Carlon (1906). From 1913 to 1915, Walter Conover, Sr. was the ticket master and resided in the apartments above the ticket booth.²⁷ Nellie L. Cox (aka "Mom Cox) operated the newsstand and made the apartment her home from 1935 until her passing in 1944.²⁸
The Nassau Interlocking Tower was constructed in the 1930s and served as a signal tower for the railroad.²⁹ John Ward is remembered as one of its operators.³⁰
Several ticket agents' names are known: Thomas Perrine (1897), W.H. Smith (1902), and Thomas Carlon (1906). From 1913 to 1915, Walter Conover, Sr. was the ticket master and resided in the apartments above the ticket booth.²⁷ Nellie L. Cox (aka "Mom Cox) operated the newsstand and made the apartment her home from 1935 until her passing in 1944.²⁸
The Nassau Interlocking Tower was constructed in the 1930s and served as a signal tower for the railroad.²⁹ John Ward is remembered as one of its operators.³⁰
Princeton Junction train station, 2019
On June 8, 1968, Robert ("Bobby") Kennedy's funeral procession traveled between New York City and Washington, D.C., where he was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery, three days after his assassination by Sirhan Sirhan.³¹ A set of photographs taken along the journey includes one of dozens of mourners waving the national figure one last goodbye at the Princeton Junction Train Station.³²
Several legends have left their mark on the station. Renowned physicist and Princeton Resident Albert Einstein often sat next to the tracks and watched trains pass by, often using them to explain part of his General Theory of Relativity.³³ John D. Rockefeller, Sr., President Grover Cleveland and his wife, and Henry VanDyke all passed through the station.³⁴ The township's 1964 tercentenary noted that "old timers remember President "Teddy" Roosevelt attending an Army-Navy football game.³⁵
Since its construction, the railroad and station have brought much commerce, population growth, and life to both Princeton Junction and West Windsor. The station continues to be one of the busiest transportation hubs in the state, centuries after its establishment.
Several legends have left their mark on the station. Renowned physicist and Princeton Resident Albert Einstein often sat next to the tracks and watched trains pass by, often using them to explain part of his General Theory of Relativity.³³ John D. Rockefeller, Sr., President Grover Cleveland and his wife, and Henry VanDyke all passed through the station.³⁴ The township's 1964 tercentenary noted that "old timers remember President "Teddy" Roosevelt attending an Army-Navy football game.³⁵
Since its construction, the railroad and station have brought much commerce, population growth, and life to both Princeton Junction and West Windsor. The station continues to be one of the busiest transportation hubs in the state, centuries after its establishment.
Station Drive (mid-1800s)
With the construction of what is now the Northeast Corridor and Dinkey train lines in the 1860s, a small cluster of houses adjacent to the tracks manifested at the intersection of Station Drive and Washington Road.³⁶ This small cluster, now ostensibly cut off from the rest of Princeton Junction by the rail line, represents, like Berrien City, how residents of the township took advantage of this interstate transportation system.³⁷ Explore the historic cluster and discover how this small hamlet within Princeton Junction functioned as the village's first concentrated "business center!"
With the construction of what is now the Northeast Corridor and Dinkey train lines in the 1860s, a small cluster of houses adjacent to the tracks manifested at the intersection of Station Drive and Washington Road.³⁶ This small cluster, now ostensibly cut off from the rest of Princeton Junction by the rail line, represents, like Berrien City, how residents of the township took advantage of this interstate transportation system.³⁷ Explore the historic cluster and discover how this small hamlet within Princeton Junction functioned as the village's first concentrated "business center!"
Schafer's Service Station. c. 1962. Photo courtesy of West Windsor Township.
Schafer's Service Station (1920s)
In the 1920s, Conrad Schafer opened the first Schafer's Service Station at 29 Washington Road (now a private residence).³⁸ In 1940, a year after the second Washington Road railroad bridge was constructed, his son, Henry Schafer, moved the business to the southeast corner of the intersection of Cranbury Road and Princeton Hightstown Road.³⁹
Schafer's shop was more than just an automobile service business. It was a general store of sorts, selling newspapers, magazines, greeting cards, and even jewelry and household goods.⁴⁰ A display case full of candy attracted local children, and Henry's wife, Mary, enticed hungry patrons with sandwiches, cookies, snacks, and ice cream.⁴¹
Larry, Henry's son, took over the business from his father and ran it with his wife Joan from 1968 to 1979.⁴² Then, they rented it to Dennis McClenahan.⁴³ In 1987, Al and Patti Swingle, founders of the Sunoco gas station next to the Windsor Plaza strip mall on Princeton-Hightstown Road, purchased the station and turned it into a car repair shop.⁴⁴ The couple operated both establishments until well into the 21st century.
Between 2010 and 2012, the repair shop and adjacent strip mall, were torn down.⁴⁵ In 2020, a field next to the Rite Aid marks the location of the service station.
In the 1920s, Conrad Schafer opened the first Schafer's Service Station at 29 Washington Road (now a private residence).³⁸ In 1940, a year after the second Washington Road railroad bridge was constructed, his son, Henry Schafer, moved the business to the southeast corner of the intersection of Cranbury Road and Princeton Hightstown Road.³⁹
Schafer's shop was more than just an automobile service business. It was a general store of sorts, selling newspapers, magazines, greeting cards, and even jewelry and household goods.⁴⁰ A display case full of candy attracted local children, and Henry's wife, Mary, enticed hungry patrons with sandwiches, cookies, snacks, and ice cream.⁴¹
Larry, Henry's son, took over the business from his father and ran it with his wife Joan from 1968 to 1979.⁴² Then, they rented it to Dennis McClenahan.⁴³ In 1987, Al and Patti Swingle, founders of the Sunoco gas station next to the Windsor Plaza strip mall on Princeton-Hightstown Road, purchased the station and turned it into a car repair shop.⁴⁴ The couple operated both establishments until well into the 21st century.
Between 2010 and 2012, the repair shop and adjacent strip mall, were torn down.⁴⁵ In 2020, a field next to the Rite Aid marks the location of the service station.
Berrien City (1924-1929 & Post-WWII)
Berrien City, located primarily around Alexander Road, Scott Avenue, and Berrien Avenue, was West Windsor's first major residential development.⁴⁶ It is emblematic of the township's rapid and transformative post-World War I growth. Constructed primarily in the mid-1920s next to the Northeast Corridor train line, it was the brainchild of Alexander Lawrence Berrien (known to friends as "Judge"), son of Scott Berrien, who managed the general store in Princeton Basin.⁴⁷
Berrien City evokes a particularly prosperous era for both the township and the nation - the "Roaring Twenties." Explore the village and see how its construction, reflected changing needs for the township throughout the 20th century and beyond!
Berrien City, located primarily around Alexander Road, Scott Avenue, and Berrien Avenue, was West Windsor's first major residential development.⁴⁶ It is emblematic of the township's rapid and transformative post-World War I growth. Constructed primarily in the mid-1920s next to the Northeast Corridor train line, it was the brainchild of Alexander Lawrence Berrien (known to friends as "Judge"), son of Scott Berrien, who managed the general store in Princeton Basin.⁴⁷
Berrien City evokes a particularly prosperous era for both the township and the nation - the "Roaring Twenties." Explore the village and see how its construction, reflected changing needs for the township throughout the 20th century and beyond!
Nassau Interlocking Tower (1930s)
Located behind the power station and along the railroad tracks, this 2-story brick building with a proportionately large ceramic hip roof was constructed circa 1930, and served to monitor traffic on the Nassau interlocking -the junction of the Pennsylvania Railroad, New York-Philadelphia Main Line, and Princeton Branch (Dinkey).⁴⁸ Although it no longer retains its signals, its architectural character is still largely preserved. The Tercentenary lists John Ward as having been in charge at some point before 1964.⁴⁹ The National Register eligibility of this building was assessed as part of a larger Pennsylvania Railroad Historic District.⁵⁰
Located behind the power station and along the railroad tracks, this 2-story brick building with a proportionately large ceramic hip roof was constructed circa 1930, and served to monitor traffic on the Nassau interlocking -the junction of the Pennsylvania Railroad, New York-Philadelphia Main Line, and Princeton Branch (Dinkey).⁴⁸ Although it no longer retains its signals, its architectural character is still largely preserved. The Tercentenary lists John Ward as having been in charge at some point before 1964.⁴⁹ The National Register eligibility of this building was assessed as part of a larger Pennsylvania Railroad Historic District.⁵⁰
c. 1937
Washington Road/Washington Road Bridge (1939)
Around 1903, a bridge was constructed to replace Washington Road's at-grade crossing (it once ran through where the West Windsor-Plainsboro School District's school buses now park).⁵¹ Station Drive has remained physically isolated from the rest of Princeton Junction ever since. However, the advent of car travel soon made this bridge, with its sharp curves and blind spots, a danger to the community and a second, permanent bridge was constructed over the tracks in 1939.⁵²
Around 1903, a bridge was constructed to replace Washington Road's at-grade crossing (it once ran through where the West Windsor-Plainsboro School District's school buses now park).⁵¹ Station Drive has remained physically isolated from the rest of Princeton Junction ever since. However, the advent of car travel soon made this bridge, with its sharp curves and blind spots, a danger to the community and a second, permanent bridge was constructed over the tracks in 1939.⁵²
Dey Farm, c. 1940. Courtesy of Lolly Dey.
Dey Farm & Sherbrook Estates (1938)
Around 1934, the house in the photograph to the left was constructed to replace an older farmhouse that burned down.⁵³ Located at 61 Princeton Hightstown Road, this house, owned by the Watlington family, was located on a 120-acre farm upon which chickens were raised and produce (including potatoes and wheat) reaped.⁵⁴ Some of these chickens, as well as alfalfa, were sold to Walker Gordon, owner of the restaurant "The Gate House" at the corner of Brunswick Pike and Plainsboro Road, as well as Walker Gordon Farms (whose own claim to fame was one of its most hefty residents, Elsie the Cow).⁵⁵
In 1938, C. Lawrence Dey purchased the farm from Mrs. Alice Wyckoff Russel.⁵⁶ The total acreage included all the land east of Princeton Hightstown Road, from Cranbury Road in the north to Clarksville Road in the south, as well as a parcel on the west side of Route 571, bounded by Clarksville Road to the south, Alexander Road to the north, and Kmenta's property (323 Clarksville Road) and Berrien City to the west.⁵⁷
Around 1934, the house in the photograph to the left was constructed to replace an older farmhouse that burned down.⁵³ Located at 61 Princeton Hightstown Road, this house, owned by the Watlington family, was located on a 120-acre farm upon which chickens were raised and produce (including potatoes and wheat) reaped.⁵⁴ Some of these chickens, as well as alfalfa, were sold to Walker Gordon, owner of the restaurant "The Gate House" at the corner of Brunswick Pike and Plainsboro Road, as well as Walker Gordon Farms (whose own claim to fame was one of its most hefty residents, Elsie the Cow).⁵⁵
In 1938, C. Lawrence Dey purchased the farm from Mrs. Alice Wyckoff Russel.⁵⁶ The total acreage included all the land east of Princeton Hightstown Road, from Cranbury Road in the north to Clarksville Road in the south, as well as a parcel on the west side of Route 571, bounded by Clarksville Road to the south, Alexander Road to the north, and Kmenta's property (323 Clarksville Road) and Berrien City to the west.⁵⁷
This photograph, taken from Dey's plane, shows the intersection of Cranbury Road and Rt 571 in the 1940s. To the left is his farm.
Dey subdivided the property and sold off two lots: one in 1940 to Henry Schafer at the southeast corner of the intersection of Cranbury Road and Princeton Hightstown Road, and the other in 1943 to Fred Hall at the corner of Alexander Road and Route 571 (where the "Valero" station operates in 2020).⁵⁸
In 1940, Lawrence married Mabel ("Lolly") MacKenzie, who had just graduated Princeton High School two weeks prior.⁵⁹ Both worked the farm for the first two years of their marriage, as farm help was hard to find.⁶⁰ In the late 1940s, Lawrence bought an airplane and built a hanger for it in front of their barn, effectively turning their farm into West Windsor's second airfield, along with Nassau Airpark.⁶¹
Dey recognized an opportunity when he realized how valuable his farm's proximity to the train station was. He hired Robert Hillier, then a recent graduate (and in 2020, a regionally-famous architect) to draw up plans for the property.⁶² Hillier, then working for Raymond Bowers (Lawrence's cousin), presented an unusual concept: A cluster of homes surrounding a swath of open space.⁶³ After the West Windsor Township Board turned down the project twice, the Deys decided to sell to a realtor, who turned the property into Sherbrooke Estates.⁶⁴
The main road running through the development, Sherbrooke Drive, was constructed exactly where Dey's airplane runway used to exist.⁶⁵
In 1940, Lawrence married Mabel ("Lolly") MacKenzie, who had just graduated Princeton High School two weeks prior.⁵⁹ Both worked the farm for the first two years of their marriage, as farm help was hard to find.⁶⁰ In the late 1940s, Lawrence bought an airplane and built a hanger for it in front of their barn, effectively turning their farm into West Windsor's second airfield, along with Nassau Airpark.⁶¹
Dey recognized an opportunity when he realized how valuable his farm's proximity to the train station was. He hired Robert Hillier, then a recent graduate (and in 2020, a regionally-famous architect) to draw up plans for the property.⁶² Hillier, then working for Raymond Bowers (Lawrence's cousin), presented an unusual concept: A cluster of homes surrounding a swath of open space.⁶³ After the West Windsor Township Board turned down the project twice, the Deys decided to sell to a realtor, who turned the property into Sherbrooke Estates.⁶⁴
The main road running through the development, Sherbrooke Drive, was constructed exactly where Dey's airplane runway used to exist.⁶⁵
The Building Center, June 30, 1962. From Howard E Schrader
Conover & Emmons Lumber Company (1939-1960)
This establishment operated out of a lot that stretched from the Cranbury Road/Princeton Hightstown Road intersection to 56 Princeton Hightstown Road (where the Sunoco gas station currently exists).⁶⁶ The establishment provided wood for many construction projects around town.⁶⁷ In 1960, the property was sold to S. Pillsbury, upon which the business changed its name to "The Building Center."⁶⁸ In 1969, the business closed, whereupon Al Carson and Joe Luthor, former Conover & Emmons employees who, six years prior, had established Lucar Hardware in the strip mall across the street, bought half of the land.⁶⁹ On this, they established a hardware store.⁷⁰ The other half of the property was bought by Jack Jannick, owner of Craft Cleaners.⁷¹
Until the mid-2000s, the Lucar Hardware and the "Lick It" ice cream kiosk operated on the corner of the Cranbury Road/Princeton Hightstown Road intersection.⁷² In 2020, both are gone, as well as Craft Cleaners. Rather, a series of banks, insurance companies, a home health care service center, and a gas station now operate on the former Conover & Emmons property.
This establishment operated out of a lot that stretched from the Cranbury Road/Princeton Hightstown Road intersection to 56 Princeton Hightstown Road (where the Sunoco gas station currently exists).⁶⁶ The establishment provided wood for many construction projects around town.⁶⁷ In 1960, the property was sold to S. Pillsbury, upon which the business changed its name to "The Building Center."⁶⁸ In 1969, the business closed, whereupon Al Carson and Joe Luthor, former Conover & Emmons employees who, six years prior, had established Lucar Hardware in the strip mall across the street, bought half of the land.⁶⁹ On this, they established a hardware store.⁷⁰ The other half of the property was bought by Jack Jannick, owner of Craft Cleaners.⁷¹
Until the mid-2000s, the Lucar Hardware and the "Lick It" ice cream kiosk operated on the corner of the Cranbury Road/Princeton Hightstown Road intersection.⁷² In 2020, both are gone, as well as Craft Cleaners. Rather, a series of banks, insurance companies, a home health care service center, and a gas station now operate on the former Conover & Emmons property.
Hall's Service Station, 1962. Section at right side of building was rented as an apartment. Service windows is in center of building; it was used to sell frozen custard. Photo courtesy of West Windsor Township.
Hall's Exxon Station (1943)
Shortly after Fred Hall bought this property in 1943, he constructed a Texaco gas station.⁷³ Seven years later, Joe Hall took over the property, converting it into an Exxon Station.⁷⁴ He operated this business into the 1960s.⁷⁵
Like Schafer's service station, Hall's gas station did not only offer gas and repairs. It also had a soda fountain and luncheonette, showcasing red upholstered booths in a large room occupying the front of the building.⁷⁶ Frozen custard was sold at a window in the front of the edifice, and a pool table in the basement provided casual entertainment.⁷⁷ An apartment was even rented out on the northwest side of the building!⁷⁸
The original building was torn down in 2013.⁷⁹ In 2020, this property operates as a Valero gas station with a convenience store, similarly selling food and drink.
Shortly after Fred Hall bought this property in 1943, he constructed a Texaco gas station.⁷³ Seven years later, Joe Hall took over the property, converting it into an Exxon Station.⁷⁴ He operated this business into the 1960s.⁷⁵
Like Schafer's service station, Hall's gas station did not only offer gas and repairs. It also had a soda fountain and luncheonette, showcasing red upholstered booths in a large room occupying the front of the building.⁷⁶ Frozen custard was sold at a window in the front of the edifice, and a pool table in the basement provided casual entertainment.⁷⁷ An apartment was even rented out on the northwest side of the building!⁷⁸
The original building was torn down in 2013.⁷⁹ In 2020, this property operates as a Valero gas station with a convenience store, similarly selling food and drink.
Junction Liquor Store, 1962. Photo courtesy of West Windsor Township.
Ellsworth Center (1950)
The Ellsworth Center was founded in 1950 when John Ellsworth constructed a two-story cinder block building at the northwest intersection of Cranbury Road and Route 571.⁷⁹ It was built on the site of an older general store which had been operated by a Mr. Eighbaum since the late 1930s, and by Marie and John Janick before him.⁸⁰
John Ellsworth ran the Princeton Junction Liquor Store in one half of the cinder block building; the other half was occupied by a television shop which was operated by J. Nagy.⁸¹ Apartments upstairs provided rental income for Ellworth.⁸²
In 1957 Ellsworth added a new brick building to house Princeton Junction Liquors. It now houses a cleaning service.⁸³
Also in the 1950s was the construction of a two-story building along Cranbury Road adjacent to the Ellsworth Center.⁸⁴ The Janicks built this edifice to house Craft Cleaners, as well as a small restaurant and Thorne's Pharmacy.⁸⁵ Thorne's relocated to the strip mall on Princeton Hightstown Road in 1963, and two years later, the Janicks relocated Craft Cleaners to its current location in Princeton along Nassau Street.⁸⁶ In 2020, the building is occupied by a hair salon, an insurance business, and a skin care studio.
The Ellsworth Center was founded in 1950 when John Ellsworth constructed a two-story cinder block building at the northwest intersection of Cranbury Road and Route 571.⁷⁹ It was built on the site of an older general store which had been operated by a Mr. Eighbaum since the late 1930s, and by Marie and John Janick before him.⁸⁰
John Ellsworth ran the Princeton Junction Liquor Store in one half of the cinder block building; the other half was occupied by a television shop which was operated by J. Nagy.⁸¹ Apartments upstairs provided rental income for Ellworth.⁸²
In 1957 Ellsworth added a new brick building to house Princeton Junction Liquors. It now houses a cleaning service.⁸³
Also in the 1950s was the construction of a two-story building along Cranbury Road adjacent to the Ellsworth Center.⁸⁴ The Janicks built this edifice to house Craft Cleaners, as well as a small restaurant and Thorne's Pharmacy.⁸⁵ Thorne's relocated to the strip mall on Princeton Hightstown Road in 1963, and two years later, the Janicks relocated Craft Cleaners to its current location in Princeton along Nassau Street.⁸⁶ In 2020, the building is occupied by a hair salon, an insurance business, and a skin care studio.
Note the intersection of Cranbury Road and Rt 571 in this 1937 photograph showing the old general store!
In the 1970s, John Ellsworth was joined by his son Shawn.⁸⁷ In 1979, Princeton Junction Liquors was expanded and relocated within the complex.⁸⁸
In 1973, the Ellsworths purchased the Janicks' building and rented it to the West Windsor Township during their transition to a new location.⁸⁹ This occupancy, including that of the Tax Collector, Tax Assessor, and Building Departments, continued until 1976, when they fully moved into the new building, shortly before the old town hall was demolished in 1977.⁹⁰
In the 1990s, several other shops were added to the Ellsworth Center.⁹¹ Princeton Junction Liquors no longer operates.⁹² In addition, a complex added to the rear of the Ellsworth Center has sat vacant for decades, never occupied.⁹³
In 2019, two new buildings were added to the property next to the intersection of Cranbury and Princeton Hightstown Roads.
In 1973, the Ellsworths purchased the Janicks' building and rented it to the West Windsor Township during their transition to a new location.⁸⁹ This occupancy, including that of the Tax Collector, Tax Assessor, and Building Departments, continued until 1976, when they fully moved into the new building, shortly before the old town hall was demolished in 1977.⁹⁰
In the 1990s, several other shops were added to the Ellsworth Center.⁹¹ Princeton Junction Liquors no longer operates.⁹² In addition, a complex added to the rear of the Ellsworth Center has sat vacant for decades, never occupied.⁹³
In 2019, two new buildings were added to the property next to the intersection of Cranbury and Princeton Hightstown Roads.
Princeton Junction, 1963. Top (L-R): Princeton Junction Liquors, Schafer's Service Station, strip mall, Bohren's (now gone). Bottom: the Building Center (Conover & Emmons). Photo courtesy of Joan and Larry Shafer.
Strip Mall (1963)
The strip mall seen on the map above, built in 1963, housed a number of tenants upon its construction: The Thorne Pharmacy, Lucar Hardware Co., Gormet Delicatessen, and Windsor Toy and Hobby Shop.⁹⁴
The toy and hobby shop was operated by Ruth and Allen Schenck until 1970, when Michael Burak bought the store.⁹⁵ In 1978, upon the expansion of the Windsor Plaza Shopping Center and Acme Supermarket (later a "Mrs. Greens," and, in 2020, the "Woo-Ri Mart"), the store relocated across the street.⁹⁶ In 1995, Burak shuttered the business due to competition from much larger chain stores popping up along Brunswick Pike.⁹⁷
Albert "Shine" Ellsworth and his wife Dorothy owned the deli until 1968, whereupon they sold the store to Elvin and Dori Bowers, who ran a luncheonette for only a year.⁹⁸ In 1969, Al Macli, Sr. established the Gourmet Deli, which, in 1971, was inherited by his son, Al Macli Jr, who ran the business until 1988.⁹⁹ Al rebought the store in 1995 and sold it in 1998 to Robert Nini and Greg Costas.¹⁰⁰
Next to the strip mall stood a medical office.¹⁰¹ The office has since been purchased by a plumbing company; the strip mall demolished around the same time as the former Schafer's Service Station.¹⁰² A Rite Aid now stands in the strip mall's place.
The strip mall seen on the map above, built in 1963, housed a number of tenants upon its construction: The Thorne Pharmacy, Lucar Hardware Co., Gormet Delicatessen, and Windsor Toy and Hobby Shop.⁹⁴
The toy and hobby shop was operated by Ruth and Allen Schenck until 1970, when Michael Burak bought the store.⁹⁵ In 1978, upon the expansion of the Windsor Plaza Shopping Center and Acme Supermarket (later a "Mrs. Greens," and, in 2020, the "Woo-Ri Mart"), the store relocated across the street.⁹⁶ In 1995, Burak shuttered the business due to competition from much larger chain stores popping up along Brunswick Pike.⁹⁷
Albert "Shine" Ellsworth and his wife Dorothy owned the deli until 1968, whereupon they sold the store to Elvin and Dori Bowers, who ran a luncheonette for only a year.⁹⁸ In 1969, Al Macli, Sr. established the Gourmet Deli, which, in 1971, was inherited by his son, Al Macli Jr, who ran the business until 1988.⁹⁹ Al rebought the store in 1995 and sold it in 1998 to Robert Nini and Greg Costas.¹⁰⁰
Next to the strip mall stood a medical office.¹⁰¹ The office has since been purchased by a plumbing company; the strip mall demolished around the same time as the former Schafer's Service Station.¹⁰² A Rite Aid now stands in the strip mall's place.
The ever-mirthful Maurice Hawk. Photo courtesy of the estate of Annabelle Hawke
Maurice Hawk Elementary School (1964)
Opened in 1964, this school dwarfed the parsonage school right next door.¹⁰³ Built at the end of the baby boom, Maurice Hawk was a response to a rapid growth in the township's youth population. The school featured unique architectural features including a partial open space plan and dedicated library. In 2015, longtime resident Dick Snedeker recounted his memories as a PTA member at Maurice Hawk in celebration of its 50th year of operation.¹⁰⁴
In 2020, Maurice Hawk is undergoing a massive expansion in order to accommodate an expanding youth population.¹⁰⁵
Opened in 1964, this school dwarfed the parsonage school right next door.¹⁰³ Built at the end of the baby boom, Maurice Hawk was a response to a rapid growth in the township's youth population. The school featured unique architectural features including a partial open space plan and dedicated library. In 2015, longtime resident Dick Snedeker recounted his memories as a PTA member at Maurice Hawk in celebration of its 50th year of operation.¹⁰⁴
In 2020, Maurice Hawk is undergoing a massive expansion in order to accommodate an expanding youth population.¹⁰⁵
This c. 1917 photograph shows the Coward House and its residents. Left to right, they are: Estella Vorhees Coward, Major and Sarah Bergen Vorhees (parents of Estella), and Herbert Coward.
Coward House (mid-1700s) & High School South (1973)
Formerly named "West Windsor-Plainsboro High School," the institution that stands at 346 Clarksville Road was built in 1973 and features a unique open-space floor plan.¹⁰⁶ Prior to that year, the Coward family farmstead - a mid-1700s farmhouse - was located on the property (more farmland extended past Rt. 571 and into present-day Rogers Arboretum).¹⁰⁷ Despite intense opposition, the house was burned down in 1973 to make way for the school and provide local firefighters practice.
Before West Windsor-Plainsboro High School's construction, students attended Princeton High School.¹⁰⁸ For 24 years, West Windsor-Plainsboro High School functioned as the only high school in the West Windsor-Plainsboro school district, until High School North was built in 1997.¹⁰⁹ Thus, the older institution appended its name by adding "South."
Today, both institutions proudly hold titles as two of New Jersey's best-ranking schools.
Formerly named "West Windsor-Plainsboro High School," the institution that stands at 346 Clarksville Road was built in 1973 and features a unique open-space floor plan.¹⁰⁶ Prior to that year, the Coward family farmstead - a mid-1700s farmhouse - was located on the property (more farmland extended past Rt. 571 and into present-day Rogers Arboretum).¹⁰⁷ Despite intense opposition, the house was burned down in 1973 to make way for the school and provide local firefighters practice.
Before West Windsor-Plainsboro High School's construction, students attended Princeton High School.¹⁰⁸ For 24 years, West Windsor-Plainsboro High School functioned as the only high school in the West Windsor-Plainsboro school district, until High School North was built in 1997.¹⁰⁹ Thus, the older institution appended its name by adding "South."
Today, both institutions proudly hold titles as two of New Jersey's best-ranking schools.
271 Clarksville Road: West Windsor Municipal Complex (1975)
Opened in 1975 when the administrative center of the township was moved from the now-demolished town hall in Dutch Neck, the municipal complex is home to the town hall, police and court facilities, the Princeton Junction/West Windsor Post Office, Twin-W First Aid Squad headquarters, and a Senior Center.¹¹⁰ Also part of the municipal complex is the headquarters for the Princeton Junction Fire Co. No. 1, which relocated there from the firehouse in Berrien City in 2002.¹¹¹
Opened in 1975 when the administrative center of the township was moved from the now-demolished town hall in Dutch Neck, the municipal complex is home to the town hall, police and court facilities, the Princeton Junction/West Windsor Post Office, Twin-W First Aid Squad headquarters, and a Senior Center.¹¹⁰ Also part of the municipal complex is the headquarters for the Princeton Junction Fire Co. No. 1, which relocated there from the firehouse in Berrien City in 2002.¹¹¹
The Ronald R. Rogers Arboretum (2001)
Dedicated in April 2001, this field facing High School South containing preserved woodland and hiking trails therein commemorates township resident Ron Rogers, a life-long conservationist and founding Friends of West Windsor Open Space (FOWWOS) trustee.¹¹² His efforts led to a township-wide farmland/environmental conservation movement that still operates as one of the core drives of West Windsor's land use allocation to this day.¹¹³
The Arboretum showcases oak trees (Ron's favorite trees) along with groves of various other species of native trees.¹¹⁴ A walking path circumnavigates the field and contains both pavers commemorating residents of the township and bluestones identifying various trees throughout the Arboretum.
At the northeast corner of the field, where the woodland trails begin, is a granite obelisk topped by a bronze replica of Ron’s favorite hat.¹¹⁵
Following the attacks on the World Trade Center in 2001, a 9/11 memorial was constructed in the arboretum.¹¹⁶
Dedicated in April 2001, this field facing High School South containing preserved woodland and hiking trails therein commemorates township resident Ron Rogers, a life-long conservationist and founding Friends of West Windsor Open Space (FOWWOS) trustee.¹¹² His efforts led to a township-wide farmland/environmental conservation movement that still operates as one of the core drives of West Windsor's land use allocation to this day.¹¹³
The Arboretum showcases oak trees (Ron's favorite trees) along with groves of various other species of native trees.¹¹⁴ A walking path circumnavigates the field and contains both pavers commemorating residents of the township and bluestones identifying various trees throughout the Arboretum.
At the northeast corner of the field, where the woodland trails begin, is a granite obelisk topped by a bronze replica of Ron’s favorite hat.¹¹⁵
Following the attacks on the World Trade Center in 2001, a 9/11 memorial was constructed in the arboretum.¹¹⁶
A piece of one of the towers that was retrieved from Ground Zero rests in the park.
9/11 Memorial (2002)
The attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001 touched communities across the nation. West Windsor is no exception. On that fateful morning, several residents of the township were victims of the attacks.¹¹⁷
Shortly after the event that dramatically transformed how the United States confronted foreign policy, designs were drawn up for a memorial dedicated to preserving the memories of the tragedy, and those who died as a result of it.¹¹⁸ The result was a garden consisting of two reflecting pools composed of water, air, and vegetation. A verdant oasis of life, the memorial attempts to contrast the events of that day and provide a place of quiet healing. On the north side of the garden is a section of beam from one of the original towers.
The memorial was dedicated in April 2002.¹¹⁹ Donations from West Windsor residents and local developers made the project possible.¹²⁰ These same developers offered labor for the memorial's construction, and the bridge spanning the reflecting pools was designed by local resident Richard Snedeker, member of the FOWWOS.¹²¹ Harley Pickens, also a member of FOWWOS, contributed to the overall design and construction of the memorial.¹²² Township Landscape Architect Dan Dobromilsky helped integrate the memorial into the overall plan of the Arboretum.¹²³
Visit the memorial to reflect on one of the 21st century's most influential events, and see how it touched the lives of residents of our own township.
The attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001 touched communities across the nation. West Windsor is no exception. On that fateful morning, several residents of the township were victims of the attacks.¹¹⁷
Shortly after the event that dramatically transformed how the United States confronted foreign policy, designs were drawn up for a memorial dedicated to preserving the memories of the tragedy, and those who died as a result of it.¹¹⁸ The result was a garden consisting of two reflecting pools composed of water, air, and vegetation. A verdant oasis of life, the memorial attempts to contrast the events of that day and provide a place of quiet healing. On the north side of the garden is a section of beam from one of the original towers.
The memorial was dedicated in April 2002.¹¹⁹ Donations from West Windsor residents and local developers made the project possible.¹²⁰ These same developers offered labor for the memorial's construction, and the bridge spanning the reflecting pools was designed by local resident Richard Snedeker, member of the FOWWOS.¹²¹ Harley Pickens, also a member of FOWWOS, contributed to the overall design and construction of the memorial.¹²² Township Landscape Architect Dan Dobromilsky helped integrate the memorial into the overall plan of the Arboretum.¹²³
Visit the memorial to reflect on one of the 21st century's most influential events, and see how it touched the lives of residents of our own township.
Play the slideshow below to explore more of historic Princeton Junction!