Queenston
Close-up of 1849 J. W. Otley & J. Keily Map
Overview
Our township's current western border would seem unrecognizable to its earliest settlers. Prior to the mid-1800s, the township’s western boundary ran all the way to Nassau Street in present-day Princeton.¹ In fact, much of what is currently associated with the latter township – including the Stony Brook Meeting House, the Princeton Battlefield, and a little village called Queenston – belonged first to New Windsor, and then to West Windsor, upon its incorporation in 1797.²
Queenston sits at the intersection of Harrison Street and Nassau Street. It was one of a set of four “royal” municipalities scattered along the former Assunpink Trail – Princessville (in Lawrenceville), Princeton, Queenston, and Kingston. Queenston’s colloquial name – “Jugtown” – alludes to the high-quality ceramics that made the small hamlet regionally famous.³ From the 1770s to the 1870s, the pottery trade endured as one of the village’s defining characteristics, only declining due to the primacy of Rocky Hill’s ceramics establishments in the late 1800s and early 1900s.⁴
A decade before the construction of a Queenston's first pottery establishment, the Horner family - descendants of the area's first settler, John Horner, who arrived c. 1695/6 - provided materials for the interior treatment of Nassau Hall.⁵ In 1765, the Hornors established the area’s first pottery shed - a 60 foot by 25 foot thatched-roof timber building located at the intersection of Markham and Nassau Streets.⁶ 35 years after this edifice's construction, a thriving village was well-established at the crossroads of Nassau and Harrison.⁷ It was not until 1856 - a venerable 91 years after its inception - that the Horner family operation shuttered its doors, and 17 years after that that the building collapsed under its own immense weight.⁸
Our township's current western border would seem unrecognizable to its earliest settlers. Prior to the mid-1800s, the township’s western boundary ran all the way to Nassau Street in present-day Princeton.¹ In fact, much of what is currently associated with the latter township – including the Stony Brook Meeting House, the Princeton Battlefield, and a little village called Queenston – belonged first to New Windsor, and then to West Windsor, upon its incorporation in 1797.²
Queenston sits at the intersection of Harrison Street and Nassau Street. It was one of a set of four “royal” municipalities scattered along the former Assunpink Trail – Princessville (in Lawrenceville), Princeton, Queenston, and Kingston. Queenston’s colloquial name – “Jugtown” – alludes to the high-quality ceramics that made the small hamlet regionally famous.³ From the 1770s to the 1870s, the pottery trade endured as one of the village’s defining characteristics, only declining due to the primacy of Rocky Hill’s ceramics establishments in the late 1800s and early 1900s.⁴
A decade before the construction of a Queenston's first pottery establishment, the Horner family - descendants of the area's first settler, John Horner, who arrived c. 1695/6 - provided materials for the interior treatment of Nassau Hall.⁵ In 1765, the Hornors established the area’s first pottery shed - a 60 foot by 25 foot thatched-roof timber building located at the intersection of Markham and Nassau Streets.⁶ 35 years after this edifice's construction, a thriving village was well-established at the crossroads of Nassau and Harrison.⁷ It was not until 1856 - a venerable 91 years after its inception - that the Horner family operation shuttered its doors, and 17 years after that that the building collapsed under its own immense weight.⁸
A number of families besides the Horners wove their histories with Jugtown's development over the years - namely the Margerums, Scales, Cumings, Schencks, browns, and McIlvaines.⁹ The great-grandmother of Maria Scales, who married Enos Margerum, was reputedly the first European girl born in what would become Princeton.¹⁰ Another Margerum (by marriage), Timothy Webster, served as a spy for the Union during the Civil War.¹¹ His adventures were publicized by Allen Pinkerton (famed founder of the Pinkerton Detective Agency) in "The Spy of the Rebellion."¹² After forming a company of rebel cavalry, Webster gained the trust of numerous Confederate officers, eventually uncovering and foiling a plot to assassinate President Abraham Lincoln.¹³ Unfortunately, like many spies, he was captured. On April 13, 1862, Webster was executed in Richmond, Virginia, on the order of Jefferson Davis.¹⁴
One figure that "Old Princeton's Neighbors," published in 1939 by the Federal Writer's Project, makes an effort to note was William H. Leggett, cutely known as "Billiam."¹⁵ As the only police officer in Princeton in the early 1880s (and consequently its only Marshal), he was, according to the publication, "the terror of evildoers for miles around"..."and did not know what fear was. He never carried a weapon, relying wholly upon his prowess as a wrestler. On one occasion he arrested a modern Lady Godiva, and because of her advanced state of inebriation he was forced to transport her to jail, a distance of more than two miles, in a wheelbarrow. Another time he arrested a 'bad man' fro the West. At the Hullfish Street Jail the prisoner - then sobered - said: 'If I'd knowed I was in Princeton, I wouldn't have got drunk .The Marshal of Princeton is known as far as the Rio Grande!'" ¹⁶
Over time, Jugtown expanded all the way to Pine Street in the west, "Margerum's Quarry" on Harrison Street in the north, Wilton Street in the east, and Lake Carnegie in the south.¹⁷ A tanyard, leather shop, carriage shop, tavern/inn, meat-packing store, wheelwright, bakery, cooperage, several general stores, a blacksmith shop, paint store, two barbers' shops, an ice company, and even a silkworm raising establishment called Queenston home.¹⁸ So, too, did a stage-coach establishment, although this venture collapsed upon the establishment of the Camden & Amboy Railroad in 1839, which provided easy travel and market access as far north as New York City and as far south as Philadelphia.¹⁹
An unusual economic boom-and-bust phenomenon struck New Jersey, and consequently Queenston, in the 1830s. Around 1836, the state offered 15 cents for a pound of silkworm cocoons, giving rise to a rash of speculative entrepreneurs.²⁰ Within two years, 200,000 mulberry trees - an optimal plant on which to raise silkworms - had been planted across the state.²¹ The fervor grew so rampant that a dedicated "cocoonery" was constructed near Pine Street in the home of Bridget Muldoon.²²
One figure that "Old Princeton's Neighbors," published in 1939 by the Federal Writer's Project, makes an effort to note was William H. Leggett, cutely known as "Billiam."¹⁵ As the only police officer in Princeton in the early 1880s (and consequently its only Marshal), he was, according to the publication, "the terror of evildoers for miles around"..."and did not know what fear was. He never carried a weapon, relying wholly upon his prowess as a wrestler. On one occasion he arrested a modern Lady Godiva, and because of her advanced state of inebriation he was forced to transport her to jail, a distance of more than two miles, in a wheelbarrow. Another time he arrested a 'bad man' fro the West. At the Hullfish Street Jail the prisoner - then sobered - said: 'If I'd knowed I was in Princeton, I wouldn't have got drunk .The Marshal of Princeton is known as far as the Rio Grande!'" ¹⁶
Over time, Jugtown expanded all the way to Pine Street in the west, "Margerum's Quarry" on Harrison Street in the north, Wilton Street in the east, and Lake Carnegie in the south.¹⁷ A tanyard, leather shop, carriage shop, tavern/inn, meat-packing store, wheelwright, bakery, cooperage, several general stores, a blacksmith shop, paint store, two barbers' shops, an ice company, and even a silkworm raising establishment called Queenston home.¹⁸ So, too, did a stage-coach establishment, although this venture collapsed upon the establishment of the Camden & Amboy Railroad in 1839, which provided easy travel and market access as far north as New York City and as far south as Philadelphia.¹⁹
An unusual economic boom-and-bust phenomenon struck New Jersey, and consequently Queenston, in the 1830s. Around 1836, the state offered 15 cents for a pound of silkworm cocoons, giving rise to a rash of speculative entrepreneurs.²⁰ Within two years, 200,000 mulberry trees - an optimal plant on which to raise silkworms - had been planted across the state.²¹ The fervor grew so rampant that a dedicated "cocoonery" was constructed near Pine Street in the home of Bridget Muldoon.²²
The craze did not stop there, however. T. A. Dwight of Princeton advertised that he would exchance 500 acres of land in Clarefield, Pennsylvania, for an unspecified number of mulberry trees.²³ Allen M. Jerome, also of Princeton, offered ten to twenty million silkworm eggs for sale in a local paper: "Two Crop White, very superior"..."The cocoons are the largest of the kind that have been raised in this vicinity." ²⁴
Even The Whig (a local paper), which at the start of the craze denounced the speculation, eventually caught the bug. They hopped on the bandwagon by advertising silkworm eggs for sale at their office, and even went so far as to issue a special publication - "The Extra and Silk Worm Multicaulis Advertiser" - which was to be sold throughout the country.²⁵
Of course, all bubbles must burst at some point. Speculative growers, instead of trying to produce silks, only attempted to raise more and more silkworms and grow more and more mulberry trees.²⁶ When prices plummeted and investors fled, farmers were left with fields of otherwise useless mulberries, forcing them to absorb the loss and raze thousands of acres of unusable trees.²⁷
The Queenston Chapel, constructed in 1832, was long the center of religious life in Queenston.²⁸ It began to be used as a day school around 1850.²⁹ Town legend says that a large sundial determined dismissal, causing arguments about the end of class on cloudy days.³⁰ The chapel was eventually converted into a garage in 1929 or 1930, whereupon its bell was donated to an Arkansas mission, its organ to a mission on Witherspoon seat, and the benches and Bible to Mr. Ogden Roberson, a descendent of erstwhile Queenston resident John C. Schenck.³¹
Before the chapel (now gone) was constructed, the Queenston Sunday School (which would eventually move into the chapel around 1850) was hosted in what was previously a local pottery establishment.³² Begun in 1820, the Sunday School was one of the first of its kind in the entire state.³³ Among the myriad of theological students who assisted in the school's operations were John Maclean (later a President of the College of New Jersey) and Albert B. Dod, a member of the same institution's faculty.³⁴
Some of the Sunday School's teachers were Sarah Burke, Cornelia Blackwell, Emma Napton, Willima H. Hornblower, John D. Whitham, John O. Proctor, John M. Rogers, and Daniel L. Hughes.³⁵ Mr. Hornblower's son, William, was unsuccessfully nominated as an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court by President Grover Cleveland in 1893.³⁶
Even The Whig (a local paper), which at the start of the craze denounced the speculation, eventually caught the bug. They hopped on the bandwagon by advertising silkworm eggs for sale at their office, and even went so far as to issue a special publication - "The Extra and Silk Worm Multicaulis Advertiser" - which was to be sold throughout the country.²⁵
Of course, all bubbles must burst at some point. Speculative growers, instead of trying to produce silks, only attempted to raise more and more silkworms and grow more and more mulberry trees.²⁶ When prices plummeted and investors fled, farmers were left with fields of otherwise useless mulberries, forcing them to absorb the loss and raze thousands of acres of unusable trees.²⁷
The Queenston Chapel, constructed in 1832, was long the center of religious life in Queenston.²⁸ It began to be used as a day school around 1850.²⁹ Town legend says that a large sundial determined dismissal, causing arguments about the end of class on cloudy days.³⁰ The chapel was eventually converted into a garage in 1929 or 1930, whereupon its bell was donated to an Arkansas mission, its organ to a mission on Witherspoon seat, and the benches and Bible to Mr. Ogden Roberson, a descendent of erstwhile Queenston resident John C. Schenck.³¹
Before the chapel (now gone) was constructed, the Queenston Sunday School (which would eventually move into the chapel around 1850) was hosted in what was previously a local pottery establishment.³² Begun in 1820, the Sunday School was one of the first of its kind in the entire state.³³ Among the myriad of theological students who assisted in the school's operations were John Maclean (later a President of the College of New Jersey) and Albert B. Dod, a member of the same institution's faculty.³⁴
Some of the Sunday School's teachers were Sarah Burke, Cornelia Blackwell, Emma Napton, Willima H. Hornblower, John D. Whitham, John O. Proctor, John M. Rogers, and Daniel L. Hughes.³⁵ Mr. Hornblower's son, William, was unsuccessfully nominated as an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court by President Grover Cleveland in 1893.³⁶
In 1839, Walter M. Lowerie was elected superintendent, presiding over a class of roughly two hundred students.³⁷ Sadly, "Old Princeton's Neighbors" mentions that after his two-year tenure, "...he was invited to take an active part in preparing a revised translation of the New Testament into the Chinese Language. Traveling from Shanghai to Ningpo by water, his ship was attacked by pirates; he was thrown into the water and drowned." ³⁸
In the 1880s, two bands - the Jugtown Brass Band and the Jugtown Fife and Drum Corps - were formed in anticipation of the 1880 and 1884 presidential campaigns.³⁹ Although the latter only lasted for those campaigns, the former band held on for longer, and thus is better recorded. The Brass Band, at only 12 regular members but equipped for 25, frequently accepted volunteers into their ranks.⁴⁰ However, they would often pull pranks on their unwitting compatriots; the musical instruments they lent to the new inductees were often cleverly plugged up such that no matter how hard they played, they were perpetually confounded with their ostensible lack of musical prowess.⁴¹
Although Princeton Borough was incorporated in 1813, it was merely a legal entity that was created to oversee certain public functions, such as police protection and public works.⁴² Thus, Queenston remained partially within West Windsor (then part of Middlesex County) and partially within Montgomery Township (Somerset County). Thirty five years later, upon the incorporation of Mercer County in 1838, West Windsor, and thus Queenston, called a new county home.⁴³ However, it was not until 1843, when the state legislature transferred West Windsor’s portion of Princeton Borough to Princeton Township (which had also been incorporated in 1838), that Queenston was fully outside of West Windsor’s domain.⁴⁴ In 1853, the boundary between Princeton Township and West Windsor shifted to the Delaware & Raritan Canal, after which West Windsor did not even border Queenston.⁴⁵
Finally, in 2013, Queenston experienced its last (as of 2019) municipal shift: Princeton Borough and Princeton Township, previously two separate entities, merged, forming Princeton.⁴⁶
As of 2019, Queenston remains a well-preserved hamlet, showcasing architecturally diverse, venerable buildings that once housed the hamlet’s aforementioned businesses. Stroll down Nassau Street and you will find yourself immersed in centuries long gone, amidst a still-thriving crossroads community.
In the 1880s, two bands - the Jugtown Brass Band and the Jugtown Fife and Drum Corps - were formed in anticipation of the 1880 and 1884 presidential campaigns.³⁹ Although the latter only lasted for those campaigns, the former band held on for longer, and thus is better recorded. The Brass Band, at only 12 regular members but equipped for 25, frequently accepted volunteers into their ranks.⁴⁰ However, they would often pull pranks on their unwitting compatriots; the musical instruments they lent to the new inductees were often cleverly plugged up such that no matter how hard they played, they were perpetually confounded with their ostensible lack of musical prowess.⁴¹
Although Princeton Borough was incorporated in 1813, it was merely a legal entity that was created to oversee certain public functions, such as police protection and public works.⁴² Thus, Queenston remained partially within West Windsor (then part of Middlesex County) and partially within Montgomery Township (Somerset County). Thirty five years later, upon the incorporation of Mercer County in 1838, West Windsor, and thus Queenston, called a new county home.⁴³ However, it was not until 1843, when the state legislature transferred West Windsor’s portion of Princeton Borough to Princeton Township (which had also been incorporated in 1838), that Queenston was fully outside of West Windsor’s domain.⁴⁴ In 1853, the boundary between Princeton Township and West Windsor shifted to the Delaware & Raritan Canal, after which West Windsor did not even border Queenston.⁴⁵
Finally, in 2013, Queenston experienced its last (as of 2019) municipal shift: Princeton Borough and Princeton Township, previously two separate entities, merged, forming Princeton.⁴⁶
As of 2019, Queenston remains a well-preserved hamlet, showcasing architecturally diverse, venerable buildings that once housed the hamlet’s aforementioned businesses. Stroll down Nassau Street and you will find yourself immersed in centuries long gone, amidst a still-thriving crossroads community.
From the Minnesota Historical Society
Horner Pottery Establishment (1765)
The pre-eminent family of Queenston, the Horners, established this now-long gone pottery business at the intersection of Markham and Nassau Streets.⁴⁷ Composed of large timber beams, the edifice was 60 feet by 25 feet and 15 feet high with a thatched roof.⁴⁸ This establishment produced pottery for much of the surrounding area, however, despite its fame, the business largely produced unmarked jugs, crocks, and pie plates.⁴⁹ The Horners were descendants of John Horner, who in 1695 purchased a 400 acre tract at the eastern end of Princeton.⁵⁰ This early settler, along with Thomas Leonard, John Stockton, and Nathaniel FitzRandolph, convinced the trustees of what was then known as the College of New Jersey to relocate their institution to Princeton in 1756.⁵¹
Some of the clay that the Horners used came from the rear of 85 Harrison Street (described in “Old Princeton’s Neighbors” as Frank Bayles’ property).⁵² The byproduct of this excavation was a popular swimming hole/ice skating rink of which the village’s youth took full advantage until 1925, when the pit was filled in and a row of houses for Princeton faculty was constructed.⁵³
In the 1800s, the Horners also operated a tanyard and leather shop, but these were eventually sold off to other proprietors.⁵⁴ By 1840, only Robert E. Horner (1800-1851) remained in the village. He became locally known as the editor of the Princeton Whig from 1832 until his death.⁵⁵
The last operator of the plant was Abraham Hartwick (until its closure in 1856); the last potter was David Lake, who died in 1876.⁵⁶ Three years prior to his passing, the former pottery barn collapsed under its own weight.⁵⁷
The pre-eminent family of Queenston, the Horners, established this now-long gone pottery business at the intersection of Markham and Nassau Streets.⁴⁷ Composed of large timber beams, the edifice was 60 feet by 25 feet and 15 feet high with a thatched roof.⁴⁸ This establishment produced pottery for much of the surrounding area, however, despite its fame, the business largely produced unmarked jugs, crocks, and pie plates.⁴⁹ The Horners were descendants of John Horner, who in 1695 purchased a 400 acre tract at the eastern end of Princeton.⁵⁰ This early settler, along with Thomas Leonard, John Stockton, and Nathaniel FitzRandolph, convinced the trustees of what was then known as the College of New Jersey to relocate their institution to Princeton in 1756.⁵¹
Some of the clay that the Horners used came from the rear of 85 Harrison Street (described in “Old Princeton’s Neighbors” as Frank Bayles’ property).⁵² The byproduct of this excavation was a popular swimming hole/ice skating rink of which the village’s youth took full advantage until 1925, when the pit was filled in and a row of houses for Princeton faculty was constructed.⁵³
In the 1800s, the Horners also operated a tanyard and leather shop, but these were eventually sold off to other proprietors.⁵⁴ By 1840, only Robert E. Horner (1800-1851) remained in the village. He became locally known as the editor of the Princeton Whig from 1832 until his death.⁵⁵
The last operator of the plant was Abraham Hartwick (until its closure in 1856); the last potter was David Lake, who died in 1876.⁵⁶ Three years prior to his passing, the former pottery barn collapsed under its own weight.⁵⁷
General Store (1845)
This building, located at the east corner of Harrison and Nassau Streets, was in operation as a shop as early as 1845.⁵⁸ Its first proprietor was John Van Dyke Bergen.⁵⁹
This building, located at the east corner of Harrison and Nassau Streets, was in operation as a shop as early as 1845.⁵⁸ Its first proprietor was John Van Dyke Bergen.⁵⁹
Hotel (1833)
On the north side of Nassau Street stood a tavern operated by Ager Thorn in the early 1800s.⁶⁰ Upon its closing in 1833, a hotel was opened up in a nearby building.⁶¹ In 1882, Stephen Margerum (great-great grandson of Stephen Scales, who ran a pump-boring business in the early 1800s) acquired the business, whereupon the establishment passed through the family until it was acquired by his grandson, Stephen W. Margerum (erstwhile postmaster of Princeton) in 1930.⁶² In 1939, “Old Princeton’s Neighbors” described it as having been converted into the “Jugtown Store.”⁶³
On the north side of Nassau Street stood a tavern operated by Ager Thorn in the early 1800s.⁶⁰ Upon its closing in 1833, a hotel was opened up in a nearby building.⁶¹ In 1882, Stephen Margerum (great-great grandson of Stephen Scales, who ran a pump-boring business in the early 1800s) acquired the business, whereupon the establishment passed through the family until it was acquired by his grandson, Stephen W. Margerum (erstwhile postmaster of Princeton) in 1930.⁶² In 1939, “Old Princeton’s Neighbors” described it as having been converted into the “Jugtown Store.”⁶³
344 Nassau Street: Horner Residence (Date Uncertain)
Located at the corner of Nassau and Harrison Streets, this house was, according to "Old Princeton's Neighbors," constructed in 1824 – the same year as The Marquis de Lafayette’s ceremonial visit to Princeton.⁶⁴ However, this date may actually be indicative of the construction of the central part of the house; the oldest parts of this building may in fact date from around 1760!⁶⁵ It stands on part of the original tract that John Horner bought in the late 1600s.⁶⁶ The lower story of the building contained a candle and yeast shop operated by Mrs. Rebecca Pierson for some time, and was also at one point the residence of Robert E. Horner, erstwhile editor of the Princeton Whig.⁶⁷
Although Mercer County tax records indicate construction in 1900, this may be an indication of renovations or additions, rather than a new building being erected.⁶⁸
Located at the corner of Nassau and Harrison Streets, this house was, according to "Old Princeton's Neighbors," constructed in 1824 – the same year as The Marquis de Lafayette’s ceremonial visit to Princeton.⁶⁴ However, this date may actually be indicative of the construction of the central part of the house; the oldest parts of this building may in fact date from around 1760!⁶⁵ It stands on part of the original tract that John Horner bought in the late 1600s.⁶⁶ The lower story of the building contained a candle and yeast shop operated by Mrs. Rebecca Pierson for some time, and was also at one point the residence of Robert E. Horner, erstwhile editor of the Princeton Whig.⁶⁷
Although Mercer County tax records indicate construction in 1900, this may be an indication of renovations or additions, rather than a new building being erected.⁶⁸
343 Nassau Street (1872)
Located at the back of this property (fronting Harrison Street) was a small building which, according to "Old Princeton's Neighbors," was constructed in 1872 by Stephen Margerum.⁶⁹ It operated as a bakery for 40 years.⁷⁰ This building has since been torn down.⁷¹ Nearby was a cooperage operated around 1850 by John Quincy Adams Packer, Sr.⁷²
Located at the back of this property (fronting Harrison Street) was a small building which, according to "Old Princeton's Neighbors," was constructed in 1872 by Stephen Margerum.⁶⁹ It operated as a bakery for 40 years.⁷⁰ This building has since been torn down.⁷¹ Nearby was a cooperage operated around 1850 by John Quincy Adams Packer, Sr.⁷²
Stephen Scales' Pump-Boring Establishment (Early 1800s)
Also near to Margerum’s bakery was Stephen Scales’ (the great-grandfather of Margerum) pump-boring establishment, in operation at least as far back as the 1830s.⁷³ In fact, a December 3, 1801 act of legislature allowed Scales to “…convey the water from his spring through the several streets of the city of Trenton.”⁷⁴ In 1803, Scales sold this franchise to Thomas M. Potter, Gershom Craft, and Alexander Cummings.⁷⁵
Also near to Margerum’s bakery was Stephen Scales’ (the great-grandfather of Margerum) pump-boring establishment, in operation at least as far back as the 1830s.⁷³ In fact, a December 3, 1801 act of legislature allowed Scales to “…convey the water from his spring through the several streets of the city of Trenton.”⁷⁴ In 1803, Scales sold this franchise to Thomas M. Potter, Gershom Craft, and Alexander Cummings.⁷⁵
Alexander Cummings & Company (Early 1800s)
Cummings, in turn, operated a stagecoach business in the early-mid 1800s in Jugtown.⁷⁶ The price of a round trip to New Brunswick was 75 cents, to New York was $1.50, to Trenton was 50 cents, and to Philadelphia was $1.50.⁷⁷ Surely, the reader of this note must feel at least a slight tinge of jealousy!
Cummings, in turn, operated a stagecoach business in the early-mid 1800s in Jugtown.⁷⁶ The price of a round trip to New Brunswick was 75 cents, to New York was $1.50, to Trenton was 50 cents, and to Philadelphia was $1.50.⁷⁷ Surely, the reader of this note must feel at least a slight tinge of jealousy!
19 Harrison Street (Date Unknown)
In the late 1800s, an Arthur Brown lived in this residence.⁷⁸ He was in charge of the Princeton and Trenton Express – a horse-based shipping company which carried goods between the two towns after which it was named.⁷⁹ The building has since been torn down.
In the late 1800s, an Arthur Brown lived in this residence.⁷⁸ He was in charge of the Princeton and Trenton Express – a horse-based shipping company which carried goods between the two towns after which it was named.⁷⁹ The building has since been torn down.
Woodhull General Store (1871)
This business, established at the intersection of Nassau and Harrison Streets by G.E. and J. Woodhull, specialized in a now-rare form of trade.⁸⁰ Bartering, rather than cash, was still popular in the 1870s, and the proprietors of this establishment proclaimed that they would take country produce in exchange for goods or cash.⁸¹
This business, established at the intersection of Nassau and Harrison Streets by G.E. and J. Woodhull, specialized in a now-rare form of trade.⁸⁰ Bartering, rather than cash, was still popular in the 1870s, and the proprietors of this establishment proclaimed that they would take country produce in exchange for goods or cash.⁸¹
David Petriken's Gravestone Establishment (1836)
In 1836, Petriken, a local resident, took out an advertisement in the Princeton Whig to make known his expertise in stonecraft.⁸² He was skilled in sculpting monuments, tombs, and headstones.⁸³
In 1836, Petriken, a local resident, took out an advertisement in the Princeton Whig to make known his expertise in stonecraft.⁸² He was skilled in sculpting monuments, tombs, and headstones.⁸³
John C. Schenck's Country Store (Early 1800s)
This establishment, at the corner of Nassau and Harrison Streets, was indeed a very “general store.” The business contained a shop, storehouse, pork house, hay scales, granary, stagecoach house, barn, sheds, and a 2-story brick house.⁸⁴ In 1844, Schenck advertised the property for sale.⁸⁵
Schenck, an elder in the local Presbyterian Church, rented out, for a time, a room in this store for congregation meetings before the church's construction in 1832.⁸⁶
This establishment, at the corner of Nassau and Harrison Streets, was indeed a very “general store.” The business contained a shop, storehouse, pork house, hay scales, granary, stagecoach house, barn, sheds, and a 2-story brick house.⁸⁴ In 1844, Schenck advertised the property for sale.⁸⁵
Schenck, an elder in the local Presbyterian Church, rented out, for a time, a room in this store for congregation meetings before the church's construction in 1832.⁸⁶
387 Nassau Street - Oaklyn (1880)
Once the residence of Princeton University president James McCosh, this edifice was originally located at Prospect Avenue.⁸⁷ Following McCosh’s death in 1894, the building was moved to its present location at the intersection of Nassau Street and Markham Road. In 1939, “Old Princeton’s Neighbors” indicated that it was owned by Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd W. Grover.⁸⁸ Mr. Grover was listed as the president of the Princeton Building and Loan Association and of the Princeton Water Company in "Old Princeton's Neighbors." Clearly not one to laze about, he was also director of the Princeton Bank and Trust Company!⁸⁹
While this building is not recognized within the boundaries set forth by the 1986 application to the National Register of Historic Places for the recognition of the Jugtown Historic District, nor is it recognized on the Princeton government's webpage about the District, it is located close enough to have been considered within the scope of Queenston's cultural sphere of influence by Old Princeton's Neighbors.⁹⁰
Once the residence of Princeton University president James McCosh, this edifice was originally located at Prospect Avenue.⁸⁷ Following McCosh’s death in 1894, the building was moved to its present location at the intersection of Nassau Street and Markham Road. In 1939, “Old Princeton’s Neighbors” indicated that it was owned by Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd W. Grover.⁸⁸ Mr. Grover was listed as the president of the Princeton Building and Loan Association and of the Princeton Water Company in "Old Princeton's Neighbors." Clearly not one to laze about, he was also director of the Princeton Bank and Trust Company!⁸⁹
While this building is not recognized within the boundaries set forth by the 1986 application to the National Register of Historic Places for the recognition of the Jugtown Historic District, nor is it recognized on the Princeton government's webpage about the District, it is located close enough to have been considered within the scope of Queenston's cultural sphere of influence by Old Princeton's Neighbors.⁹⁰
13 Chestnut Street
13 Chestnut Street: Princeton Fire Engine Company (1794)
This organization, originally known as the “Volunteer Fire Company,” can trace its origins as far back as 1794.⁹¹ However, “Old Princeton’s Neighbors” indicates that is official history really began with a meeting held on June 8, 1866.⁹² Three years later, a firehouse was constructed on Nassau Street close to its intersection with Harrison Street.⁹³ The company later relocated to its present location at 13 Chestnut Street in 1879, whereupon Stephen Margerum purchased the old edifice for $135.⁹⁴
This organization, originally known as the “Volunteer Fire Company,” can trace its origins as far back as 1794.⁹¹ However, “Old Princeton’s Neighbors” indicates that is official history really began with a meeting held on June 8, 1866.⁹² Three years later, a firehouse was constructed on Nassau Street close to its intersection with Harrison Street.⁹³ The company later relocated to its present location at 13 Chestnut Street in 1879, whereupon Stephen Margerum purchased the old edifice for $135.⁹⁴
T. V. Bainbridge's School (1843)
Located on Nassau Street near its intersection with Harrison Street, this institution was opened in the mid-1800s by T. V. Bainbridge.⁹⁵ In his initial advertisement for the institution, Bainbridge stated, rather hopefully, "Believing not in bombastic puffs, nor prosing advertisements, he hopes, by an assiduous and punctual attention to his duties to meet with a liberal support." ⁹⁶ It is not known whether his establishment was supported so fervently by the community.
Located on Nassau Street near its intersection with Harrison Street, this institution was opened in the mid-1800s by T. V. Bainbridge.⁹⁵ In his initial advertisement for the institution, Bainbridge stated, rather hopefully, "Believing not in bombastic puffs, nor prosing advertisements, he hopes, by an assiduous and punctual attention to his duties to meet with a liberal support." ⁹⁶ It is not known whether his establishment was supported so fervently by the community.
7-8 Evelyn Place: Evelyn College (1887)
This women-only institution was established in the late 1800s by Elizabeth D. McIlvaine and her father, Professor Joshua H. McIlvaine, with the dream that it would be associated with Princeton University (then an all-male school).⁹⁷ The institution achieved some success at having the University send professors to the smaller school, including Woodrow Wilson and Henry Fine.⁹⁸ In addition, Helen Magill White, the first woman in the United States to earn a Ph.D., also taught at the college.⁹⁹
In 1896, Harper's Bazaar noted in an article that "in the most conservative town, in the most conservative state, right under the shadow of Nassau Hall, a womens' college has evolved"..."our country shall"..."speak with equal pride of the sons and daughters of Princeton." ¹⁰⁰
Despite its relative success, the college would only last ten years.¹⁰¹ In a letter to the Boston Transcript in 1897, the principal, Miss Elizabeth D. McIlvaine, regretfully announced the college’s closing, attributing its end to “the opposition of Princeton University to work for the higher education of women.”¹⁰²
Women were not allowed to enroll in Princeton University until 1969.¹⁰³
The main building of Evelyn College (7-8 Evelyn Place, a c. 1881 Queen Anne Victorian-style building that was also known as the "Red House" during the college's existence) was sold to two professors in 1902 who divided it into two dwellings, one of which was occupied in 1939 by Professor and Mrs. Ulric Dahlgren at 7 Evelyn Place, and the other by the Reverend Paul Martin and his wife.¹⁰⁴ 8 Evelyn Place became the eventual home of Barbara Boggs Sigmund, former mayor of the now-dissolved Borough of Princeton.¹⁰⁵
This women-only institution was established in the late 1800s by Elizabeth D. McIlvaine and her father, Professor Joshua H. McIlvaine, with the dream that it would be associated with Princeton University (then an all-male school).⁹⁷ The institution achieved some success at having the University send professors to the smaller school, including Woodrow Wilson and Henry Fine.⁹⁸ In addition, Helen Magill White, the first woman in the United States to earn a Ph.D., also taught at the college.⁹⁹
In 1896, Harper's Bazaar noted in an article that "in the most conservative town, in the most conservative state, right under the shadow of Nassau Hall, a womens' college has evolved"..."our country shall"..."speak with equal pride of the sons and daughters of Princeton." ¹⁰⁰
Despite its relative success, the college would only last ten years.¹⁰¹ In a letter to the Boston Transcript in 1897, the principal, Miss Elizabeth D. McIlvaine, regretfully announced the college’s closing, attributing its end to “the opposition of Princeton University to work for the higher education of women.”¹⁰²
Women were not allowed to enroll in Princeton University until 1969.¹⁰³
The main building of Evelyn College (7-8 Evelyn Place, a c. 1881 Queen Anne Victorian-style building that was also known as the "Red House" during the college's existence) was sold to two professors in 1902 who divided it into two dwellings, one of which was occupied in 1939 by Professor and Mrs. Ulric Dahlgren at 7 Evelyn Place, and the other by the Reverend Paul Martin and his wife.¹⁰⁴ 8 Evelyn Place became the eventual home of Barbara Boggs Sigmund, former mayor of the now-dissolved Borough of Princeton.¹⁰⁵
341 Nassau Street: Queen's Court (c. 1800)
This house's earliest known owner was John C. Schenck, who sold the property in 1836.¹⁰⁶ From 1887 to 1897, it was an annex of Evelyn College, whereupon the building acquired the name "Queen's Court."¹⁰⁷ In 1939, "Old Princeton's Neighbors" noted that it belonged to Mrs. Alfred Hodder.¹⁰⁸
In the 1800s, weekly prayer meetings were held at this residence and surrounding buildings by the then-owners, the Sunderland Sisters.¹⁰⁹ These meetings, sometimes called "society," were popular gatherings for the village's residents.¹¹⁰
Robert E. Horner, editor of the Princeton Whig and a descendent of the family that put Queenston on the map, lived at this residence during the 1800s.¹¹¹ He died in 1851.¹¹²
This house's earliest known owner was John C. Schenck, who sold the property in 1836.¹⁰⁶ From 1887 to 1897, it was an annex of Evelyn College, whereupon the building acquired the name "Queen's Court."¹⁰⁷ In 1939, "Old Princeton's Neighbors" noted that it belonged to Mrs. Alfred Hodder.¹⁰⁸
In the 1800s, weekly prayer meetings were held at this residence and surrounding buildings by the then-owners, the Sunderland Sisters.¹⁰⁹ These meetings, sometimes called "society," were popular gatherings for the village's residents.¹¹⁰
Robert E. Horner, editor of the Princeton Whig and a descendent of the family that put Queenston on the map, lived at this residence during the 1800s.¹¹¹ He died in 1851.¹¹²
280 Nassau Street: The House of the Seven Gables (c. 1880)
This home was constructed by the Reverend William B. Harris.¹¹³ Harris' son, Professor Walter Butler Harris, worked for Princeton University for close to 50 years.¹¹⁴ A few years after the house's construction, Professor Alfred Goldsborough Mayor purchased the residence.¹¹⁵ Mayor, an honorary faculty member of Princeton University, was a renowned scientist.¹¹⁵ Director of Marine Biology of the Carnegie Institution for Science in Washington, D.C., he raised money to establish a laboratory on the Florida Keys.¹¹⁶ In addition, during World War I, he served as Instructor of the Naval Unit at Princeton.¹¹⁷
In 1939, the home was owned by Mayor's widow, Mrs. Alfred Goldenborough Mayor, then a well-known sculptor.¹¹⁸ Her studio was located in this house.¹¹⁹ Mrs. Mayor's father, Professor Alhpeus T. Hyatt, was another honorary faculty member, albeit of Harvard.¹²⁰ Hyatt was once an assistant to Louis Agassiz, who himself contributed immensely to humanity's modern understanding of natural science.¹²¹ During the Civil War, Hyatt founded a regiment of soldiers in Cambridge.¹²² If all of this were not enough, he was descended from the founders of Hyattsville, Maryland!¹²³
While this building is not recognized within the boundaries set forth by the 1986 application to the National Register of Historic Places for the recognition of the Jugtown Historic District, nor is it recognized on the Princeton government's webpage about the District, it was located close enough for Old Princeton's Neighbors to consider it within Queenston's cultural sphere of influence.
This home was constructed by the Reverend William B. Harris.¹¹³ Harris' son, Professor Walter Butler Harris, worked for Princeton University for close to 50 years.¹¹⁴ A few years after the house's construction, Professor Alfred Goldsborough Mayor purchased the residence.¹¹⁵ Mayor, an honorary faculty member of Princeton University, was a renowned scientist.¹¹⁵ Director of Marine Biology of the Carnegie Institution for Science in Washington, D.C., he raised money to establish a laboratory on the Florida Keys.¹¹⁶ In addition, during World War I, he served as Instructor of the Naval Unit at Princeton.¹¹⁷
In 1939, the home was owned by Mayor's widow, Mrs. Alfred Goldenborough Mayor, then a well-known sculptor.¹¹⁸ Her studio was located in this house.¹¹⁹ Mrs. Mayor's father, Professor Alhpeus T. Hyatt, was another honorary faculty member, albeit of Harvard.¹²⁰ Hyatt was once an assistant to Louis Agassiz, who himself contributed immensely to humanity's modern understanding of natural science.¹²¹ During the Civil War, Hyatt founded a regiment of soldiers in Cambridge.¹²² If all of this were not enough, he was descended from the founders of Hyattsville, Maryland!¹²³
While this building is not recognized within the boundaries set forth by the 1986 application to the National Register of Historic Places for the recognition of the Jugtown Historic District, nor is it recognized on the Princeton government's webpage about the District, it was located close enough for Old Princeton's Neighbors to consider it within Queenston's cultural sphere of influence.
342 Nassau Street (pre-Revolution, possibly c. 1730)
This edifice may be one of Queenston's oldest, reputedly constructed before the American Revolution.¹²⁴ A basement beam inscribed "1730" allegedly still exists in the former residence In 1939, "Old Princeton's Neighbors" indicated that it was owned by Mrs. William G. Chase.¹²⁵ Although tax records from Mercer County indicate construction in 1900, this date may indicate major renovations instead of a complete tear-down and new construction.¹²⁶
The wooden wing on the west side of the building was originally located on the east side, but was relocated when Harrison Street North (formerly Ewing Street) was widened after World War II.¹²⁷
This edifice may be one of Queenston's oldest, reputedly constructed before the American Revolution.¹²⁴ A basement beam inscribed "1730" allegedly still exists in the former residence In 1939, "Old Princeton's Neighbors" indicated that it was owned by Mrs. William G. Chase.¹²⁵ Although tax records from Mercer County indicate construction in 1900, this date may indicate major renovations instead of a complete tear-down and new construction.¹²⁶
The wooden wing on the west side of the building was originally located on the east side, but was relocated when Harrison Street North (formerly Ewing Street) was widened after World War II.¹²⁷
338 Nassau Street (Date Uncertain)
This residence, located directly next door to 342 Nassau Street, is reputedly one of Queenston's oldest. Although township tax records suggest construction in 1920, "Old Princeton's Neighbors," written only 19 years later, indicated that it was erected before the American Revolution Meanwhile, architectural considerations suggest a date of construction c. 1810-1830!¹²⁸ Like its neighbor, this house, according to the aforementioned book, may have been occupied at times be both British and American troops during the country's war for independence.¹²⁹ In 1939, the house was owned by Mrs. Wiliam G. Chase, who had moved to Jugtown in 1869.¹³⁰
This residence, located directly next door to 342 Nassau Street, is reputedly one of Queenston's oldest. Although township tax records suggest construction in 1920, "Old Princeton's Neighbors," written only 19 years later, indicated that it was erected before the American Revolution Meanwhile, architectural considerations suggest a date of construction c. 1810-1830!¹²⁸ Like its neighbor, this house, according to the aforementioned book, may have been occupied at times be both British and American troops during the country's war for independence.¹²⁹ In 1939, the house was owned by Mrs. Wiliam G. Chase, who had moved to Jugtown in 1869.¹³⁰
41 Harrison Street (c. 1800)
This early nineteenth century residence has been shaded by the same two "bride and groom" sycamore trees for centuries. In 1939, these trees appear in "Old Princeton's Neighbors," which indicated ownership by Mrs. Dorothy Loomis Daniels, who rented out the building to Mrs. Marguerite J. Wangler.¹³¹ This publication indicated that the planting of these trees was a common custom for a newly-wedded couple when establishing their home.¹³² Although a "local historian," in 1939, indicated that these trees were planted in the early 1800s, the house's occupants in that same year claimed a much more venerable date of planting - 1740!¹³³
This early nineteenth century residence has been shaded by the same two "bride and groom" sycamore trees for centuries. In 1939, these trees appear in "Old Princeton's Neighbors," which indicated ownership by Mrs. Dorothy Loomis Daniels, who rented out the building to Mrs. Marguerite J. Wangler.¹³¹ This publication indicated that the planting of these trees was a common custom for a newly-wedded couple when establishing their home.¹³² Although a "local historian," in 1939, indicated that these trees were planted in the early 1800s, the house's occupants in that same year claimed a much more venerable date of planting - 1740!¹³³
306 Nassau Street: Van Polanen Residence (1700s)
The original owner of this stunning edifice is unknown. "Old Princeton's Neighbors" indicates that on June 30, 1800, the building was deeded by James Moore to the Honorable Roger Gerard Van Polanen, Minister Resident of the Netherlands to the United States from August 1796 to October 1802.¹³⁴ Van Polanen reputedly planted most of the house's trees and shrubbery.¹³⁵ After 1802, he was transferred to South Africa, but returned to Princeton in 1808 when his daughter passed away.¹³⁶
Later, in the 1820s, Captain James Renshaw (later a Commodore), an organizer of the Trinity Church, acquired the property.¹³⁷ His daughters, popular with the village's residents, turned the house into a social destination.¹³⁸
In 1836, the building was bought by William Luttrel Rogers, a retired sea captain.¹³⁹ Rogers, who had served as a midshipman during the War of 1812, resided there for over 4 decades.¹⁴⁰ He passed away in 1866.¹⁴¹
The Colonial Club of Princeton first made this building its meeting house.¹⁴² They later moved to a building on Prospect Avenue.¹⁴³
Although the oldest parts of this structure likely date to the third quarter of the 1700s, the 3-story, 19th-century portico is undoubtedly the most iconic architectural feature in the entire historical district.¹⁴⁴
The original owner of this stunning edifice is unknown. "Old Princeton's Neighbors" indicates that on June 30, 1800, the building was deeded by James Moore to the Honorable Roger Gerard Van Polanen, Minister Resident of the Netherlands to the United States from August 1796 to October 1802.¹³⁴ Van Polanen reputedly planted most of the house's trees and shrubbery.¹³⁵ After 1802, he was transferred to South Africa, but returned to Princeton in 1808 when his daughter passed away.¹³⁶
Later, in the 1820s, Captain James Renshaw (later a Commodore), an organizer of the Trinity Church, acquired the property.¹³⁷ His daughters, popular with the village's residents, turned the house into a social destination.¹³⁸
In 1836, the building was bought by William Luttrel Rogers, a retired sea captain.¹³⁹ Rogers, who had served as a midshipman during the War of 1812, resided there for over 4 decades.¹⁴⁰ He passed away in 1866.¹⁴¹
The Colonial Club of Princeton first made this building its meeting house.¹⁴² They later moved to a building on Prospect Avenue.¹⁴³
Although the oldest parts of this structure likely date to the third quarter of the 1700s, the 3-story, 19th-century portico is undoubtedly the most iconic architectural feature in the entire historical district.¹⁴⁴
302 Nassau Street: Prevost Residence (c. 1812)
It is believed that this residence was owned in the 1830s by Theodosia Prevost, wife of Aaron Burr Jr. and relative of Princeton President Witherspoon.¹⁴⁵
This building was also once the home of Colonel Alexander M. Cumming, mayor of Princeton and public transportation entrepreneur.¹⁴⁶ Alexander's father, General John N. Cumming, operated a stagecoach business and delivered mail between New York and Philadelphia.¹⁴⁷ This business was (reputedly) the largest of its kind in the tri-state area.¹⁴⁸
Originally, the house showcased a monumental six-pillared portico, which was eventually replaced by a front porch.¹⁴⁹
Colonel Cumming's wife, Rosalie, planted a huge but unfortunately now-gone sugar maple in front of 55 Harrison Street, once the site of the Queenston chapel.¹⁵⁰ According to "Old Princeton's Neighbors," this tree was a Princeton landmark, and when Rosalie planted it in the early 1800s, a large ceremony attended by students and professors from Princeton University was held to commemorate the event.¹⁵¹
In 1882, General Joseph Kargé purchased the house.¹⁵² Kargé was born in 1823 in the Gran Duchy of Posen in the erstwhile Kingdom of Prussia.¹⁵³ After being educated at several European universities in his youth, he left Prussia in 1848 due to growing revolutionary movements advocating for Polish independence.¹⁵⁴ Kargé arrived in the United States in 1851.¹⁵⁵ A decade later, he fought in the Civil War for the Union, working his way up through the ranks and being awarded the rank of general.¹⁵⁶
Around 1871, Kargé resigned from the army, taking up a position as a professor of European languages and literature until his death in 1892.¹⁵⁷
In 1939, "Old Princeton's Neighbors" indicated that the current owner was Mrs. Elmer H. Loomis, widow of the then-deceased Professor Loomis of Princeton University.¹⁵⁸
It is believed that this residence was owned in the 1830s by Theodosia Prevost, wife of Aaron Burr Jr. and relative of Princeton President Witherspoon.¹⁴⁵
This building was also once the home of Colonel Alexander M. Cumming, mayor of Princeton and public transportation entrepreneur.¹⁴⁶ Alexander's father, General John N. Cumming, operated a stagecoach business and delivered mail between New York and Philadelphia.¹⁴⁷ This business was (reputedly) the largest of its kind in the tri-state area.¹⁴⁸
Originally, the house showcased a monumental six-pillared portico, which was eventually replaced by a front porch.¹⁴⁹
Colonel Cumming's wife, Rosalie, planted a huge but unfortunately now-gone sugar maple in front of 55 Harrison Street, once the site of the Queenston chapel.¹⁵⁰ According to "Old Princeton's Neighbors," this tree was a Princeton landmark, and when Rosalie planted it in the early 1800s, a large ceremony attended by students and professors from Princeton University was held to commemorate the event.¹⁵¹
In 1882, General Joseph Kargé purchased the house.¹⁵² Kargé was born in 1823 in the Gran Duchy of Posen in the erstwhile Kingdom of Prussia.¹⁵³ After being educated at several European universities in his youth, he left Prussia in 1848 due to growing revolutionary movements advocating for Polish independence.¹⁵⁴ Kargé arrived in the United States in 1851.¹⁵⁵ A decade later, he fought in the Civil War for the Union, working his way up through the ranks and being awarded the rank of general.¹⁵⁶
Around 1871, Kargé resigned from the army, taking up a position as a professor of European languages and literature until his death in 1892.¹⁵⁷
In 1939, "Old Princeton's Neighbors" indicated that the current owner was Mrs. Elmer H. Loomis, widow of the then-deceased Professor Loomis of Princeton University.¹⁵⁸
298 Nassau Street: Green Shutters (1830s)
Although Mercer County tax records suggest construction in 1830, "Old Princeton's Neighbors" claims that this residence, then known as "Green Shutters," was constructed in the early 18th century.¹⁵⁹ This claim may be buttressed by the fact that a building did exist around this location on a map drawn in 1776.¹⁶⁰ Admitting that "little is known of its history," the publication nevertheless makes observations about the edifice's appearance: "Two fluted white columns flank the fan-lighted entrance to the two-story white clapboard house. In the garden behind is the largest buttonwood tree in Princeton."¹⁶¹
Although Mercer County tax records suggest construction in 1830, "Old Princeton's Neighbors" claims that this residence, then known as "Green Shutters," was constructed in the early 18th century.¹⁵⁹ This claim may be buttressed by the fact that a building did exist around this location on a map drawn in 1776.¹⁶⁰ Admitting that "little is known of its history," the publication nevertheless makes observations about the edifice's appearance: "Two fluted white columns flank the fan-lighted entrance to the two-story white clapboard house. In the garden behind is the largest buttonwood tree in Princeton."¹⁶¹
Play the slideshow below to explore more of historic Queenston!
