Neen O'Malley, Mendham, New Jersey

Mendham
(Morris County)

Picturesque is the way to describe Mendham Borough and Township. A concern for historic preservation is reflected in the Victorian and colonial frame dwellings along Main Street, and farms and estates dot the rolling hills and wooded landscape in the township.

In the borough, town hall is located in Phoenix House and touted as one of the finest examples of Federal architecture in Morris County. The Phoenix Hotel Road House, as the structure was originally called, was built in the early 1800s and was known for good food and lodging. Today, visitors and residents alike can find good food at the well-known Black Horse Inn, once the circa 1740 Ebenezer Byram house.

That the area was originally settled in the 18^th century is fact, but how the area earned its name remains a mystery. Perhaps the most engaging explanation attributes the derivation from a clergyman who learned of the settler’s bad habits and said, "Don’t worry, I’ll mend ‘em."

The township’s population is concentrated mainly in Brookside and Ralston. Brookside is the seat of the township’s municipal government. Ralston housed early industrial development and is on the Morris County Historic Sites list. The general store and the manor house are located at the corner of NJ Route 24 and Roxiticus Road. The general store was still in business through the 1920s, and the building served as the Ralston Post Office from 1892 to 1941.

Mendham Borough and Mendham Township share a number of civic associations such as the League of Women Voters, Community Club, Historical Society, Evening Guild, Garden Club and the Conservation Group. In general, both districts attract an upscale, upper income populous that commutes to New York City and other areas in the state.

Specialty shops in Mendham complement a 30-store shopping complex off Main Street. Morristown and the Mall at Short Hills are also a short ride away.

The borough maintains Mountain Valley Park for skating and hiking. A municipal pool is located at Brookside, and Roxiticus and Mendham golf clubs are available for private membership. Lewis Morris Park and a county cultural center are located on Route 24 towards Morristown. Several area private schools offer summer programs in arts, crafts and sports. Bridle paths for horseback riding, adult athletic activities and senior citizen programs are also available.

With picture postcard perfection, the Mendhams satisfy the requirements of upscale living in the nineties and capture the aura of an historically rich past.

Kathleen "Neen" O'Malley, ABR, CRS, GRI, IC, SRES RE/MAX Classic Group 68 North Finley Avenue Basking Ridge, New Jersey 07920 Office: 908-766-9300 x 120 Evenings: 908-766-2784 Neen@neenomalley.com