Mountain Avenue Historic District
Nestled in the heart of Princeton, New Jersey, the Mountain Avenue Historic District serves as a living gallery of 19th and early 20th-century residential design. Spanning 9 acres, this district is recognized for its architectural diversity and its role in the early community planning of the region. It encompasses the north side of Mountain Avenue, stretching from the west side of the Mountain Lakes Preserve to Quarry Lane.
The district is officially listed on both the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and the New Jersey Register of Historic Places (NJRHP), ensuring the preservation of its 14 contributing buildings.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Location: 73-143 Mountain Avenue, Princeton, New Jersey.
- Designation: Added to the NRHP on February 2, 1995, and the NJRHP on December 9, 1994.
- Period of Significance: Buildings date from 1840 to 1940.
- Architectural Styles: Features Queen Anne, American Foursquare, and Victorian styles.
- Total Area: 9 acres (3.6 hectares).
Historical Evolution
Early Land Ownership (1701–1863)
The land that now comprises the district was originally part of a tract sold by William Penn to the elder Richard Stockton in 1701. Mountain Avenue itself was established in 1793 as part of a larger road connecting Blawenburg to Princeton. By 1796, Peter Stryker owned an 80-acre parcel that would eventually become the Mountain Lakes Preserve and the site of the district's oldest residence.
During the early 19th century, the western portion of the district was owned by John Baptist Teissiere, a French refugee. In 1806, the Stryker property transitioned to Samuel Updike. While a frame house was built on the property in the 1840s (and later demolished by 1905), the current structure at 73 Mountain Avenue dates back to this same period, though it may have originally served as a secondary dwelling or been moved to its current spot.
Industrial Growth and Residential Expansion
Following Samuel Updike's death in 1863, the property changed hands several times before being acquired by Stephen Margerum Jr. in 1883. Margerum utilized the land for industrial purposes, damming a local stream to produce ice and founding the Princeton Ice Company. This operation continued until 1929, when the land was sold to Edgar Palmer and subsequently passed to Elizabeth Grant Clark.
Simultaneously, the Teissiere property was purchased by Philip Hendrickson in 1863. By 1895, the land was acquired by Rodman Henderson, a contractor and storeowner. Starting in 1900, Henderson began subdividing his land for residential development. This led to the construction of several key homes, including 81 Mountain Avenue, completed by Francis J. Reed in 1905. Between 1905 and 1919, Henderson provided lots to three of his sons for the construction of homes at 105, 107, and 111 Mountain Avenue.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]District Summary
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| NRHP Reference No. | 94001604 |
| NJRHP No. | 1750 |
| Contributing Buildings | 14 |
| Primary Styles | Queen Anne, American Foursquare, Victorian |
| Oldest Structure | 73 Mountain Avenue (built c. 1840) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Mountain Avenue Historic District significant?
The district is significant for its architectural variety and its representation of community planning in Princeton, featuring a collection of homes that span a century of design trends.
Which architectural styles are most prominent in the district?
The district is characterized by Victorian, Queen Anne, and American Foursquare architectural styles.
What is the oldest house in the district?
The oldest house is located at 73 Mountain Avenue, which was built around 1840.
What was the Princeton Ice Company?
Founded by Stephen Margerum Jr. in 1883, the Princeton Ice Company was an industrial operation that dammed a stream on the property to create ice for commercial use.
When was the district officially recognized as historic?
It was designated as part of the New Jersey Register of Historic Places on December 9, 1994, and added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places on February 2, 1995.