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 Rail Road 
 OF 
 
 NEW JEffl 
 
 New York: 
 
 1873. 
 
 Entered accordirij^ to Act oi Congress, by George L. Cati.in, in the j-ear 1873, 
 in the Uffice ot the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 
 
11 
 
 w 
 
 (See Page n.) 
 
 LOTS, PLOTS & VILLA SITES ! 
 
 Or Land hy the Acre. 
 
 ' {^^ New York Business Men can secure at this point 
 
 Beautiful Scenery, 
 
 Good'Churches, Schools & Stores, 
 Beautiful Surroundings, 
 
 AND 
 
 Moderate Taxation, 
 
 WITHIN THIRTY MINUTES OF WALL STREET, 
 
 AND REACHED BY 
 
 COMMUTA TION $i5 PER ANNUM. 
 
 i^° Tbis property is situated in the Third Ward ("f tiie City of 
 Bayonne, only Five minutes from Pamrapo Station. 
 
 I Terms Moderate and to suit purchasers. 
 
 The constant and rapid development of the City of Bayonne renders the pur- 
 chase of property at this point 
 
 A SAFE AND PROFITABLE INVESTMENT ! 
 
 For Maps and full particulars address 
 
 WILLIAM CURRIE, Executor, 
 
 GREENVILLE, N. J. 
 
i^ 
 
 a3S T ^^ BLIS :E3: B3ID I3>T 18-9:3. 
 
 THE PHILADELPHIA LAWN MOWER. 
 
 EVERY REQUISITE FOR A 
 
 Lawfl, earilen, Fam or Coitry Estate 
 
 R. H. ALLEN & CO. 
 
 • i 
 
 MANUFACTUREKS OT EVERY VARIETY OP 
 
 AgricTillural Implements and Machinery, 
 
 AKD DEALERS IN 
 
 FERTILIZERS, SEEDS AND HORTICULTURAL TOOLS. 
 
 The Allen Works, Cor. Plymouth, Jay & John Sts., Brooklyn. 
 Agricultural Warehouses, 189 & 191 Water St., 
 
 p o Box 376 iggy^ YORK. 
 
HOMES 
 
 So.w ""*"'" 
 
 mm^^ a©i« 
 
 A DESCRIPTION OF THE REGION TRAVERSED BY THE CENTRAL JIaILROAD OP 
 
 New Jersey, and its branches and connections from New 
 York to Mauch Chcink, embracing a statement of the in- 
 ducements AND .conveniences. HELD OUT CONJOINT- 
 LY BY THE Railroad Company and property 
 
 OWNERS AND OTHERS ALONG THE LINE 
 to THOSE DESIROUS OF SECURING 
 
 EITHER 
 
 PERMANENT OK TRANSIENT HOMES OUTSIDE DF p^?Ollt 
 
 Gofti 
 
 l\ 
 
 " Scorn not the muse because 'mid scenes like the^gk. ^/ 
 
 She loves to wander; and with calm deliglit ^t, , t,,-^-^-^ 
 
 Prefers to dwell among the rustic homes ^ ^* WafVi'^*' 
 
 Where sweet Content beside the well swept hearth 
 "Sits like an Angel, and will not depart." 
 
 •T. Buchanan Read. 
 
 — BY — 
 
 GEORGE L. CATLIN. 
 
 PUBLISHED FOR GRATUITOUS DISTRISUTIOM 
 
 BY THE 
 
 Central Railroad Company of New Jersey. 
 
 NEW YORK: 
 
 1^73. 
 
 /I 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 While New Yorkers are jostling and crowding one another 
 with their marble palaces and brown stone fronts, until Man- 
 hattan Island bids fair in a few years to become covered with 
 brick and stone from end to end ; while the wearisome prob- 
 lems of rapid transit and the East River bridge, are still un- 
 solved, leaving Westchester County and Long Island no 
 nearer New York, in point of time and convenience, than 
 they were two decades ago ; while thousands of people who 
 seem never to look farther than their noses, and, worse still, 
 who don't care to, are delving away all day long in stores and 
 offices down town, and huddling themselves away at night in 
 close, expensive quarters up-town ; while hungry city land- 
 lords are raising rents and the deuce with their tenants at 
 the same time. While all this is taking place, reader, remem- 
 ber that just across the Hudson, in fair, fertile, well governed 
 Jersey, are thousands of dells and knolls and pretty villages, 
 where a business man can, almost for the asking, secure a 
 neat, convenient and healthful home, no further from his 
 office than an up-town residence, and surrounded by scenes 
 and influences that will give a lightness to his cares, and a 
 halo to his domestic happiness. To a contemplation of faxts 
 and places such as these, it is that the reader's attention is 
 
 invited. 
 
 G. L. C. 
 
 
HOMES ON THE CENTRAL 
 
 Railroad of New Jersey, 
 
 We shall take it for granted that the reader has made up 
 his mind to secure a home in New Jersey. The inconven- 
 iences, expenses and trials attendent upon the life in the city 
 of any young married man dependent simply upon a salary 
 or a moderate income, have been too often dwelt upon, and 
 by too many experienced to require repetition here. A fare- 
 well then, once for all and forever, to exorbitant rents, foul 
 streets, long rides in the horse cars, expensive marketing, 
 and doctors' bills. Let us go out into the country, buy cr 
 rent a cottage or villa in some breezy, healthful spot, remote 
 from the city's din and dust, where we may rear about us 
 fresh comforts and beauties as life goes on, and in old age, if 
 Providence permits, be gladdened by the sight of our chil- 
 dren's children playing under the leafy shadows of great trees, 
 which, as tender sapHngs, we ourselves planted. 
 
 But whither shall we go ? There are a score of routes 
 radiating from the Metropolis, over each of which thousands 
 daily pass from and to their homes. Which shall we choose 
 as offering the most extended facilities for communication at 
 moderate rates, and as traversing a region of continuous cities 
 and charming villages for miles away; as landing its passen^ 
 
4 HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 
 
 gers in New York at a point within five minutes walk of the 
 great mercantile and financial center of the city ; as con- 
 ducted and managed with the systematic precision of clock- 
 work ; in short, as a model railroad for local or excursion 
 travel ? Why, by all means, the Central Railroad of New 
 Jersey, with its forty trains each way daily, with no Sunday 
 trains to bring the rabble of. Sabbath breakers, as on many 
 other lines, to mar the quiet of your suburban home ; with 
 its palatial and fleet ferry boats, its prompt time in starting 
 and arriving, and its numbers of beautiful landscapes, await- 
 ing the coming of man's hand to dot them with smiling 
 peaceful homes. 
 
 So, reader, let us together stroll down Liberty Street 
 this bright summer morning, and we shall find the ferry-boat 
 in waiting. A staunch, noble craft she is, handsomely as well 
 as comfortably fitted up within. The saloons are spacious 
 and well ventilated, lit with gas, warmed by steam, and kept 
 as clean and neat as a good housewife's pantry. There are 
 three others exactly like her, too. And notice how commo- 
 dious is the ferry house on the wharf. Everything tells of 
 system and a zealous regard for the comfort and safety of the 
 traveUng public. But hark ! there goes the gong. Now we 
 are off. Suppose we go out forward, catch the morning 
 breeze and get a view of the river and bay. Here on our 
 left are the Battery and Castle Garden, swarming with newly 
 arrived representives of half the nationalities of Europe ; be- 
 yond there are Governor's Island and Fort William Henry ; 
 further on, Brooklyn and the wooded shores of Bay Ridge, 
 and, in the hazy distance. Fort Lafayette and the Narrows. 
 Then following the line of vision westward, we see the 
 rounded blue hills of Staten Island, Robbins Reef Light, 
 
HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 5 
 
 Bedloes and Ellis Islands, and about them the rippling 
 waters of the bay dotted with every variety of craft. A 
 glorious spectacle this on a summer morning, before the 
 burden and heat of the torrid day have begun. Or, if we turn 
 about, and glance up-stream, the scene is none the less in- 
 spiring. There are the Cunard Docks, and above them those 
 of the White Star Line. What a fleet of ferry boats, aUve 
 with people, are hurrying cityward. In the distance we can 
 see the Bremen and Hamburg Steamers, beyond them again 
 the Stevens Castle and Weehawken, and in the mist above, 
 may be discerned the bold outlines of the Palisades. But 
 we have scarcely begun to enjoy the exhilarating scenery, 
 when again the gong sounds, our speed slackens and we are 
 in the ferry slip at Jersey City. As we land, the depot is 
 just before us, and see, there is the train in waiting, the loco- 
 motive at its head, with steam up and impatient for a start. 
 " This way for Elizabeth," cries the brakeman. " All aboard " 
 shouts the conductor, and in another moment we are off. 
 
 Nice comfortable cars these, and then they start so 
 promptly; there is not a moment's delay. Now, we are whiz- 
 zing away over a wilderness of tracks, and presently come in 
 sight of the bay again, along the western shore of which lie 
 the next few miles of our journey. 
 
 Now, let us consult the time table for a moment or two, 
 for from it we may gain some interesting and valuable facts. 
 We left the corner of Wall Street and Broadway at ten min- 
 utes before eight o'clock. Here we are at ten minutes after 
 eight whizzing away from the Jersey City Depot. Now let 
 us suppose that a third party, A, set out from Trinity Church 
 at the same time with us, to take the Sixth Avenue cars to 
 Central Park. A comparative statement of his position and 
 
6 HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 
 
 our own at short intervals on our respective routes, will en- 
 able us to arrive at a clear understanding of the convenience 
 and proximity to New York of these different stations along 
 this portion of our line. When A, for instance, has reached 
 the corner of Chambers Street and West Broadway, we are 
 at Jersey City ; when he is at Canal Street we are at Commu- 
 nipaw ; as he crosses Broome Street, we reach Claremont } 
 when he is at Clarkson Street, we are at Greenville ; we pass 
 Pamrapo, Bayonne, and Centerville, severally, as he passes 
 Bleecker Street, Fourth Street and Waverley Place. Our 
 arrival at Bergen Point is simultaneous with his at Ninth 
 Street ; wc come to Elizabethport, as he comes to Fourteenth 
 Street, and as our engineer whistles down brakes for EUz- 
 abeth, the slow coach horse car will have done well if it is 
 within the shadow of Booth's Theater at Twenty-Third 
 Street. 
 
 So here we have traveled twelve miles, while A has trav- 
 ersed scarcely two-thirds of the distance to Central Park. 
 We have, moreover, had comfortable seats, a pleasant 
 breeze, charming scenery, and a chance to smoke our cigars 
 if we wished, while he has been sitting, or, perhaps standing, 
 in a crowded horse-car, moving at a snail's pace over the 
 pavements. He, too, has been jostled by the squaUd, the 
 lame, the halt and the blind. We, on the other hand, have 
 had our choice of company. Nor have we, either, it may 
 be remarked, during our entire ride to Elizabeth, been out- 
 side of incorporated city limits, for our route has lain through 
 the three successive cities of Jersey City, Bayonne and Eliza- 
 beth, each of them regularly laid out in streets and avenues, 
 and possessing all the conveniences of modern civilization. 
 
 Elizabeth, then, is no further in point of time than Twenty 
 
HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 7 
 
 third Street from the financial center of New York • and 
 Plainfield is about equi-distant therefrom with Central 
 Park. Let these facts, and the superior convenience and 
 comfort of the out of town route, be borne in mind by those 
 who are still undecided in their choice of homes. Nor should 
 mention be omitted of a liberal system of package delivery 
 established on this road alone of all centering in the Metropo- 
 lis, by vfhich pafer familias may make his morning purchases 
 in Waslnngton Market, or the ladies do their shopping up- 
 town, and at the ridiculously small charge of fifteen cents 
 find the package awaiting them at the depot at home on 
 arrival. Can any up-town conveniences excel this ? 
 And, now, here we are at 
 
 COMMUNIPAW AVENUE, 
 
 (15 minutes ; 26 trains each way daily.) 
 
 the point at which the Newark and New York road diverges 
 from our main line. Ascending the stairway which connects 
 the platform with the avenue, (for our roadway passes under 
 the grade of the latter), we shall find that we are still in the 
 midst of the populous city, surrounded by churches, rows of 
 brick dwellings and well graded streets. From Pacific Ave- 
 
 FOR HOMES IN COMMWTIPAW 
 
 APPLY TO 
 
 BEAL ESTATE k INSDEANCB AGENTS, 
 
 No. 15 Montgomery 8t., Jersey City. 
 
 B^ Particular attention given to Negotiating Loans on Bond and Mort^ajre in 
 
 Hudson County. ^B"-h>^ ^u 
 
 R. W. Woodward. T. P. Sherwood. 
 
8 HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 
 
 nue, a few squares west, the horse-cars run direct to the Jer- 
 sey City ferry. 
 
 Communipaw, which is now the Sixth District of the city, 
 first began to be made available for residences about sixteen 
 years ago. It was then an open country, but has developed 
 rapidly, and now embraces some of the most attractive 
 building sites within the city limits. A city house, with all 
 the modern improvements, can be rented at $500, while lots 
 can be purchased on easy terms of payment, and within five 
 minutes' from the depot, at prices varying from $500 to 
 $3,000. The card of Messrs. Woodward & Sherwood 
 will direct the reader's attention to their faciUties for giving 
 accurate information regarding property at this point. 
 
 CLAREMONT AVENUE 
 
 (17 minutes ; 19 trains each way daily.) 
 
 is our next stopping place, and is the outlet for a populous 
 section of the city, lying between our line and that of the 
 Newark Railroad. Upon the high, wooded ridge, a short 
 distance west of the road, may be found some admirable 
 sites for homes, cammanding a fine view of the neighboring 
 cities and the Bay. 
 
 A short distance beyond Claremont we cross the Morris 
 Canal, spanned here, as at another point further on, by a 
 substantial bridge of iron, and gain a charming view of the 
 Bay on our left, while the green upland on our right is dotted 
 by the marble stones and monuments of Bay Cemetery. A 
 moment more, and we have reached the depot at 
 
HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 9 
 
 GREENVILLE, 
 
 (20 minutes ; 26 trains daily.) 
 
 where, as at Communipaw, the road passes below the level 
 of the streets, and where an ascent of the stairway to the 
 depot affords us at its summit a commanding view of the 
 surrounding scenery. But, if one would gain a true idea 
 of the natural beauty of this locality, let him stroll up Dan- 
 forth Avenue, from the depot to the summit of the ridge or 
 neck, here dividing New York and Newark Bays. For 
 there, looking westward, he will see the blue waters and wide 
 stretch of meadows, with distant trains creeping snail-like 
 across their surface, the spires and chimneys of Newark, and 
 in the blue distance, the Orange Mountains, while, turning 
 eastward, he may see, through the leafy vista, the villa-lined 
 shores of Long and Staten Islands, and the Narrows, alive 
 with craft. 
 
 POST OFFICE BUILDING, 
 GREENVILLE. 
 
 FiMM E^&wB mMM rmiLm biteb. 
 
 AVAILABLE FOR 
 
 Suburban Residences. 
 
 Amid such scenes as this, homes at Greenville may be se- 
 cured. Recently incorporated a part of Jersey City, it yet 
 retains many of its rural beauties, while offering many of the 
 city's conveniences. Horse-cars run direct to Montgomery 
 Street, while stores and market wagons supply residents with 
 
lO HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 
 
 the wants of daily life. The grand Boulevard projected by 
 the Jersey City authorities, to extend from the Palisades to 
 Bergen Point, will pass through Greenville and the adjacent 
 city of Bayonne, materially beautifying both, and adding 
 greatly to their direct communication with all points above 
 and below. 
 
 There are churches of nearly all denominations, a private 
 academy, and a first class public school, with a principal and 
 seven assistants. Market gardening is carried on here to a 
 considerable extent. In short, Greenville is a charming I'lis 
 in urbe, where the New York business man may find quiet 
 and repose at the close of his daily toil. 
 
 Property here is all of it high and desirable, and a man 
 of salary or moderate means can buy lots at $400 each, 
 have a house built for him, pay a small percentage down, 
 and leave the remainder on mortgage for five years. 
 
 JAMES R. WILLIAMS, 
 
 REAL ESTATE AGENT, 
 
 POST OFFICE BUtLDiNC, 
 
 GREENVILLE, HUDSON CO., N. J. 
 
 A ride of three minutes' more, during which we again 
 cross the Morris Canal, forming at this point the south- 
 ern boundary line of Jersey City, brings us within the Hmits 
 of the new and growing city of Bayonne, in which our first 
 stopping place is the station called 
 
HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. II 
 
 PAMRAPO, 
 
 (23 minutes ; 26 trains each way daily,) 
 
 deriving its singular title from a corruption of the old town- 
 ship name of Pembrepock. This is now the Third Ward of 
 the city of Bayonne, and is regularly laid out in streets and 
 avenues, the former, which extend across the neck, being 
 numbered ; the latter, which run lengthwise, or parallel with 
 the bay, being lettered. Pamrapo, or the Third Ward, ex- 
 tends from Division Avenue, or Thirty-fifth Street, to Fifty- 
 sixth Street, or the Jersey City line. 
 
 FOR HOMES IN PAMRAPO 
 
 APPLY TO 
 
 Cor. Bayonne Ave, & Aye. D., cr M. 1 ExcMnge PI, Jersey City. 
 
 Adjacent to this depot one finds an abundance of loca- 
 tions eligible for homes. The ground rises westward from 
 the railroad, and at almost any point commands a fine view 
 of the water. There are here an Episcopal Church, a fine 
 public school, and stores of all kinds. The Bayonne Yacht 
 Club has its club house here. The adjacent drives, too, are 
 pretty and varied. Half a mile from the depot is the quaint 
 little hamlet of Saltersville, a vestige of the days when city 
 limits hereabout were never dreamed of, while further back, 
 on the shores of Newark Bay, are some sylvan retreats which 
 cannot but charm the lover of natural beauties. 
 
 Upon the second page of the cover the reader will note 
 the advertisement of the estate of Jas. Currie, deceased, call- 
 ing attention to some desirable building sites, which are 
 offered for sale by lots, plots or the acre, -located on curbed 
 and flagged streets and avenues, within five minutes walk of 
 
12 HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 
 
 the depot. The property commands a glorious view of the 
 two Bays and Narrows, and of Long and Staten Islands, is 
 covered with a fine growth of shade trees, and has the addi- 
 tional advantage of horse car communication direct with 
 the Jersey City Ferry. The purchase of any portion of this 
 property may be safely recommended as an investment. 
 
 Not over a dozen squares beyond Centre Street, or Pam- 
 rapo station, we stop at Bayonne Avenue, where is located 
 the central station in 
 
 BAYONNE. 
 
 (25 minutes ; 26 trains each way daily.) 
 
 Close at hand, on Avenue D, are the City Offices and the 
 City Hall, where weekly assemble the City Fathers to discuss 
 measures for the improvement of their growing city. Bay- 
 onne was incorporated in March, 1870, has now a popula- 
 tion of about six thousand, with four public schools, three 
 post offices, churches of all the leading denominations, a 
 weekly paper, a Masonic Lodge (Bayonne No. 99), a gas 
 company, uniformed poHce force, and a good system of sew- 
 erage. Its avenues stretch in a magnificent sweep from the 
 Jersey City line to the Kill Von Kull, its flagged sidewalks 
 extend in all directions as far as the eye can reach ; its pub- 
 lic buildings are creditable in their size and architecture, and 
 its private dwellings are most of them models of beauty and 
 tastefulness. This description may be considered as apply- 
 ing to the entire city of Bayonne, for, throughout its whole 
 extent, there is apparent an infusion of energy, and a spirit 
 of improvement from which some larger and older cities 
 might well take example. 
 
 Lots in the vicinity of the Bayonne Avenue station can be 
 
HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 1 3 
 
 had at prices varying from $500 to $1200. The intending 
 purchaser can obtain accurate information as to particular 
 locahties by calHng at the Real Estate Headquarters of 
 Messrs. Bramhall & Seymour, one square from the depot. 
 
 FOR HOMES IN BAYONNE 
 
 APPLV TO 
 
 E6:FL.A.3VE oca. T iT ■ eft; SES-TCIVEOXJn., 
 
 Cor. Bayoee Ave. & Ave. D., or No. 1 Excliange Pi, Jersey City. 
 
 At 
 
 CENTERVILLE, 
 
 (28 minutes ; 26 trains each way daily.) 
 
 which is another station established at 27th Street for the 
 convenience of residents of this portion of the city, including 
 Constables Hook, the prices of land are about the same as 
 those last quoted. Residents in this vicinity are within con- 
 venient distance of the churches, school house and stores. 
 
 And now, on our left, as we proceed, the view grows each 
 moment more varied. Close at hand is the Kill Von KuU, 
 and beyond it are the wooded hills of Staten Island, adorned 
 with cottages and country seats. Nearer still, we presently 
 see the company's great coaling depot and wharves at Port 
 Johnston, whence annually are shipped hundreds of thousands 
 of tons, brought direct from the great fields of the Lehigh 
 Valley. As an outlet from the coal regions to the seaboard, 
 the Central Railroad of New Jersey is the most available 
 of all routes. 
 
 BERGEN POINT, 
 
 (31 minutes ; 32 trains each way daily.) 
 
 But here we are at what is probably the best known, as it 
 is the most densely populated section of Bayonne, compris- 
 
14 HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 
 
 ing the first and fourth wards of the city, and long famous 
 as a summer resort for New Yorkers. 
 
 FOR HOMES IN BERGEN POINT 
 
 APPLY TO 
 
 :]BS=B.-A.3^^3E2:-A.Zj2j <*5 S53E33r33Wa:OTJ3F8., 
 
 Cor. Bayoniis Ay8. & Ave. D., or No. 1 Excliange Pi, Jersey Ciiy. 
 
 Upon alighting at this portion of the city, the visitor is at 
 once struck with the evidences of neatness, enterprise and 
 liberality visible on all sides. The streets are wide, well 
 paved, and kept in splendid condition, the sidewalks flagged 
 and lined at frequent intervals with handsome gas lamps, 
 while the beauty of the dwellings, public edifices, lawns and 
 shrubbery gives assurance that here both wealth and culture 
 abide. 
 
 Opposite the depot stands the commodious and elegant 
 building of the Young Men's Christian Association, and if, 
 after admiring this, the visitor will pass up Sixteenth Street 
 toward the high ground overlooking Newark Bay, he will 
 find it lined with costly villas, the abodes of prominent New 
 York business men, with here and there a broad roadway, 
 sewered and flagged, running to the water's edge, and offering 
 attractive sites for the erection of homes. The view at this 
 point, too, is superb. And now, let the visitor retrace his 
 steps, and pass through the more densely settled portion of 
 the ward. He will find Episcopal, Dutch Reformed, Roman 
 Catholic and Lutlieran churches, a brick school-house said 
 to have cost $20,000, an Institute for young ladies, a gymna- 
 sium, and stores of all varieties. And, passing all these, he 
 will reach the shores of the Kill Von Kull, skirted by a splen- 
 did drive, and lined with attractive residences. 
 
HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 1 5 
 
 Here is that famous summer resort, the Latourette House ; 
 here, too, the Club House of the Argonauta Rowing Associa- 
 tion, and here, on pleasant summer evenings, when the cool 
 breeze blows in from the bay, one may find in a stroll or ride 
 the perfection of quiet comfort and beauty. 
 
 Within the past few years Bergen Point, which, by the 
 way, derives its name from the fact of having been originally 
 (in 16 t6) settled as a trading port by some colonists of Nor- 
 wegian extraction, has been annually growing in importance 
 and popularity as a home for New Yorkers. Property is in 
 constant demand, lots within ten minutes of the depot sell- 
 ing at from $1000 to $1500, and at good points overlooking 
 Newark Bay at $1200. And yet, a Httle over two hundred 
 years ago the entire section which we have traversed from 
 the Jersey City ferry to this point, and the land covered by 
 the present Jersey City besides, was sold by the Indians for 
 80 fathoms of wampum, 20 fathoms of cloth, 12 brass kettles, 
 6 guns, 2 blankets, i double brass kettle and half a barrel of 
 strong beer. Poor Lo was a better fighter than speculator 
 in real estate. 
 
 But the train is here and we, must be off again. Now we 
 rush through a heavy cutting, crossed at intervals by street 
 bridges, and in another moment dash out upon the long 
 bridge spanning Newark Bay, and the view breaks upon us 
 in all its beauty. On the left we see the wide expanse of 
 water stretching away into Staten Island Sound, and amid 
 the numerous sails can discry the neat little lighthouse on 
 Shooters Island. Here, too, the hills of StaJ:en Island slope 
 away into fertile fields and meadow lands, dotted with farm 
 houses, and lined at the water's edge with successive villages. 
 Or, looking up the bay, we see Newark, stretching out her 
 
1 6 HOMES ON THE CENIRAL. 
 
 boundaries on all sides, while beyond loom up the uplands 
 of Morris and Passaic. Now we are fairly out on the bridge; 
 it is about two miles long, and we may almost imagine our- 
 selves skimming over the bay in a sail-boat, so novel is the 
 isolation, so distant seem the shores behind and before us. 
 Now we slowly pass the iron draw and are off again. Now 
 the western shore grows rapidly nearer, and, almost before 
 we know it, we are on terra firma again in the third success- 
 ive city on our route — the great city of Elizabeth ; and now 
 we dash under the shadow of the gr^t cluster of elegant 
 and substantial brick buildings which the Singer Manufac- 
 turing Co., have recently erected at this point, at the cost of 
 over two millions of dollars, with a view to combining in one 
 grand establishment all the various departments of their 
 enormous manufacturing business, hitherto carried on at 
 various widely separated points in this country and abroad. 
 When completed, this mammoth structure will cover nine 
 acres of flooring. The main building, fronting on First and 
 Trumbull Streets, is an imposing fire-proof edifice, iioo feet 
 long, 50 feet deep, four stories in height, and covered with a 
 sla'te mansard roof, from which rise stately towers. In magni- 
 tude the building reminds the observer of the much admired 
 Grand Central Depot at Forty-second Street, though the latter 
 in dimensions is much the smaller of the two. Then, in addi- 
 tion to the main building, we see the foundry, which, fronting 
 on the railroad, is 600 feet long, and 1 00 wide. As we 
 clatter by, we catch glimpses through the grated windows of 
 hundreds of Vulean's votaries, hurrying hither and thither 
 amid the glowing furnaces. Then we see, too, the building 
 used for cleaning castings, forging, japanning, etc., which is 
 530 feet long and 50 deep, with two wings of 75 by 130 feet 
 
HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 1 7 
 
 each, and last of all, a cabinet-case shop and a box factory, 
 each 200 feet long, 50 feet deep and three stories high. The 
 boilers, engines, elevators, hoistways and stairways, are all 
 outside the main buildings. About twenty miles of steam pipe 
 are used in heating the premises, together with twenty boilers 
 worked by engines of seventy-five horse power each. The 
 total frontage is about 3000 feet. On the grounds which 
 cover 32 acres, are five stationary engines, aggregating nearly 
 1000 horse power, and nearly two miles of railroad track, 
 connected by switches with those of the Central R. R., of 
 New Jersey. This, with a water frontage of more than a 
 thousand feet, gives the Company unusual facilities for re- 
 ceipt of iron and coal from the West, or the shipment of 
 material to all parts of the world. 
 
 In the construction and organization of the various works 
 of the Company, it should be stated that great credit is due 
 to the well directed energy of Mr. George R. McKenzie, who 
 is identified with the manufacturing department of the busi- 
 ness, and who superintends the construction and organization 
 of the various factories. He may be said to be in that de- 
 partment what Mr. Inslee A. Hopper, the President of the 
 Company, is in its extensive and successful commercial re- 
 lations. 
 
 The Singer Company will employ upwards of three thous- 
 and men here when the works are fully in operation, and 
 will be ready to turn out five thousand machines per week. 
 But even this immense supply will barely serve to keep pace 
 with the demand, as will be seen by a statement of their last 
 year's sales as compared with those of other companies, pub- 
 lished on the last page of this.work. 
 
 Nor is the indirect advantage of this magnificent piece of 
 
1 8 HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 
 
 enterprise to be overlooked, for it will probably increase the 
 population of Elizabeth by ten thousand, and its business by 
 hundreds of thousands of dollars, annually disbursed by the 
 Company to their employes. Here, too, the operatives will 
 find convenient homes for their families, and amid the health- 
 ful surroundings of this attractive . spot will recall brighter 
 days, and feel that they are beginning life anew, while about 
 the works, where now are open lots, will spring up a new 
 settlement of neat and tasteful dwellings. Lots which two 
 years ago sold here at $250 now command, in some instances, 
 from $1000 to $2000. 
 
 So then as we whiz by this little city on the shore, we can- 
 not but moralize a little on the fact that the Singer Manu- 
 facturing Company are true philanthropists in this, that 
 while enhancing their own interests, they do fully as much, 
 if not more, good to all about them. But we are startled 
 from our reveries by the harsh rattle of the brakes, and in a 
 moment more, have reached the station at 
 
 ELIZABETHPORT, 
 
 (38 min. 32 rains each way daily.) 
 
 the first of the four depots established by the company 
 within the limits of this great and growing city. Now, here 
 we shall alight, for aside from the claims presented by this 
 portion of the city as a place for residence, there is much 
 more of historic and local interest to entertain and instruct 
 .the visitor. North of the track, the meadows stretch away 
 in an almost unbroken sweep to the city of Newark in the 
 distance. But, turn about, and the scene is one of life and 
 improvement. Here is the hoi^e car in waiting to take us 
 if we please, to the other end of the city. But perhaps we 
 
HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 1 9 
 
 had better walk. Before us are innumerable cottages and 
 dwellings, the homes of the humble ; but beyond these 
 simple abodes, we shall find business streets with handsome 
 stores and offices, a public park, and then dwellings on all 
 sides, combining every element of luxury and taste. On 
 our left, we see the immense coal wharves which draw to 
 Elizabethport five million tonnage annually, and give it a 
 prominence as a commercial point, which promises ere long 
 to estabhsh it as an independent port of entry. A visit to 
 one of these, and an inspection of the rapid and systematic 
 manner in which vessels are loaded will repay the observer. 
 
 Elizabethport comprises the first three wards of the city, 
 yet retains its own name and Post Office. Its growth within 
 the past few years has been marvelous. The visitor of a 
 decade ago, will remember it as the point at which, after a 
 tedious steamboat sail from New York, he disembarked to 
 take the cars for Elizabeth and points beyond it. Now we 
 are whisked hither in less time than it would take Puck to 
 put a girdle round the earth, and lo, we find the quaint old 
 Elizabethport of the past replaced by a great active, bustling 
 city, full of life and industry, every day becoming more and 
 more a manufacturing and commercial center, and possess- 
 ing a water front or dockage of one and a half miles, with all 
 the prolific coal, iron and lumber regions of Pennsylvania at 
 its back, and directly connected with it by rail. 
 
 With such natural advantages, with good churches, schools 
 and stores, and with an enterprising people to avail them- 
 selves of them, it is not difficult to prophesy for this section 
 of the city of Elizabeth, a substantial and permanent com- 
 mercial prosperity. And with it, too, will come hundreds 
 of new seekers after homes, tired of the Metropolis, and 
 
 liiiiiMiliiiii 
 
20 homp:s on the central. 
 
 anxious to secure a quiet retreat in one of the many pleasant 
 streets in which this portion of the city abounds. Aheady 
 
 HOMES ON THE CENTRAL AT ELIZABETH PORT. 
 
 ROPES & POTTER, 
 
 Real Estate and Insurance Offices, 
 
 At CENTRAL RAILROAD DEPOT, 
 
 No. 50 FIRST STREET.^ ELIZABETHPORT, N. J. 
 
 Houses and Lots in Every part of ELIZABETH PORT and ELIZABETH. 
 Villa and Villa Sites, Building Lots, Farms, Manufacturing Property, and 
 Land by the acre throughout Central and Eastern New Jersey. 
 
 S^~ Ask for Ropes' Real Estate Register. 
 
 ELIHU H. ROPES. GEO. N. POTTER, 
 
 there are eight hundred daily travelers from this point to 
 New York, and three thousand from the entire city. What 
 will be the demand for transportation at no distant day when 
 all these available sites for homes are occupied by men doing 
 business in the Metropolis ? And in this connection the 
 reader's attention is directed to the foregoing card of Messrs, 
 Ropes & Potter, a firm dealing largely in real estate at this 
 point, and able therefore to give accurate and reliable in- 
 formation to purchasers regarding it. 
 
 SPRING STREET STATION 
 
 (40 min. 21 trains each way daily.) 
 
 is the depot estabHshed for the convenience of those residing 
 in the populous section lying midway between "the port" 
 and the original business center of the city. Within a square 
 or two about it may be found for rent good dwellings with 
 all the city conveniences, at four or five hundred dollars per 
 annum, while lots can be purchased at from $350 to $750. 
 And now, as we proceed, the great brick blocks close in 
 
HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 21 
 
 more closely about us, the indications of our approach to the 
 city's center rapidly multiply, and almost before we know- 
 it, we cross the track of the New Jersey R. R., which here 
 intersects with our own, and are at the depot at 
 
 ELIZABETH. 
 
 (36 min. by Express trains, 45 min, by Ace. 42 trains each way daily.) 
 
 And now, as we alight, and slowly stroll up the shaded side- 
 walks of Broad Street, past the long rows of store windows, 
 in their display rivaling those of the Metropolis, past the 
 brick and brown stone rows of dwellings, past Library Hall, 
 the churches, the Court House, and the pleasant lawns to the 
 quieter beauties of the hill beyond, let us recall a few of the 
 incidents and traditions which have combined to make this 
 ground on which we tread, historic* 
 
 The first white settlers, it seems, were three adventurous 
 Long Islanders, Bayley, Denton and Watson, who, in Octo- 
 ber, 1664, effected the purchase of some four hundred thous- 
 and acres lying between the Raritan and Passaic Rivers, for 
 a petty consideration in the shape of a few guns, kettles, and 
 other articles precious to the aboriginal heart. They estab- 
 lished a settlement forthwith, but, before they had enjoyed 
 possession for a twelve month. Lord Berkeley and Sir George 
 Carteret, under the grant of the Duke of York, assumed 
 control as Lord Proprietors. Two years later, the village 
 which had increased to four score families in population, was 
 called Elizabeth Town, in honor of Sir George's beautiful 
 wife. It enjoys the name of having been the third settle- 
 ment made in New Jersey, and the first by the English. 
 
 * The author is indebted to Mr. E. H. Ropes' admirable little pamphlet entitled 
 '' Ehzabeth in Olden Time," for much of the i. formation here given. 
 
22 HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 
 
 The surrender of New York to the Dutch in 1673, also 
 brought Elizabethtown temporarily under the sway of the 
 Netherlands, but, in the following year, English rule was re- 
 stored, and Carteret reinstated. Thenceforward, the place 
 grew and prospered. In 1680, there were seven hundred 
 inhabitants, and thirty thousand acres under cultivation, and 
 glowing accounts of the fertility of the soil and healthfulness 
 of surroundings of this modern Canaan, were sent back to 
 the Old World by the settlers. In 1703, New Jersey became 
 a Royal Province, and in 1740 the "Free Borough and 
 Town of Elizabeth " was incorporated under a charter from 
 King George the Second. Twenty-four years later, Eliz- 
 abeth celebrated its centennial by a grand public barbecue 
 in the center of the town. 
 
 But it was when the troublous times that tried men's souls 
 dawmed upon the American Colonies, that the most heroic 
 pages of the history of EHzabeth were recorded. As early as 
 February, 1766, the people, it is stated, threatened to hang 
 without Judge or Jury, any one giving adherence to the 
 odious Stamp Act. And when the call to arms came ringing 
 from Lexington and Concord, this plucky little borough 
 sent not only a large supply of powder to the front, but fol- 
 lowed it with sixteen companies of infantry and OJie of cavalry. 
 The latter company, by the way, served as Lady Washing- 
 ton's escort on a portion of her purney to join her husband 
 at Cambridge. 
 
 As might have been anticipated, such a display of patriot- 
 ism provoked no small hostilities on the part of the enemy, 
 who held possession of New York and Staten Island, lying 
 directly opposite. On the night of the day on which the 
 Declaration of Independence was signed, a British sloop of 
 
HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 23 
 
 fourteen guns appeared off the town, but vias attacked by 
 the citizens, armed with two howitzers, and, after losing 
 several of her crew, was fired and destroyed. This exploit, 
 occurring within three hours after the birth of the United 
 States of America, is justly claimed to have been the first in 
 its military annals. 
 
 Here, in these memorable days, dwelt Governor Livingston, 
 the first Chief Magistrate of the State; here, that fiery 
 patriot Rev. James Caldwell, pastor of the old Presbyterian 
 church, from whose congregation went forth five Generals, 
 three Colonels, five Majors and a host of subaltern officers, 
 to take commands in the Continental army. Mr. Caldwell 
 Dy his fervor and zeal, became so odious to the enemy that 
 during his preaching it was necessary to post sentinels about 
 the church, and to keep his own pistols on the pulpit beside 
 him, to prevent, if possible, his surprise and capture. In 
 fact, in 1779, the British did essay to surprise the place by 
 crossing a detachment from Staten Island, but were repulsed 
 with severe loss. The good old church was however fired in 
 the following year by the torch of a refugee. Mrs. Caldwell 
 was murdered by Knyphausen's troops, and the reverend 
 gentlemen himself was, in 1781, shot and killed by an Irish 
 soldier of the American army, who was supposed to have 
 been instigated to the deed by the British authorities at New 
 York, and who was subsequently hanged for the crime. 
 
 After the close of the war, Washington en route to his in- 
 auguration at New York, passed thorough Elizabethtown, 
 and was met at the port by a flotilla with music and artillery. 
 The old hotel known as the Pountney House, at which he 
 breakfasted, still stands, being on Trumbull Street, within the 
 enclosure of the Singer factories previously spoken of. 
 
24 HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 
 
 Since the revolution the growth of Elizabeth has been 
 steady, and of the last few years all but incredible. In 1830 
 her population was 3445; in 1840, 4184; in 1850, 5583; in 
 1855, the city was incorporated ; in i860, she had 11,567 
 inhabitants; in 1865, 17,373; "^ i860, 20,848; and to-day 
 has about 25,000. 
 
 But, after all^ it is in the Elizabeth of to-day that the New 
 York business man in search of a home, is most interested. 
 These scenes and memories, 'tis true, give a flavor to the 
 enjoyment of a residence in their midst, yet serve but poorly 
 to supply the sound, practical information which the modern 
 business man desires in his selection of a spot where he and 
 his family may abide. So let us look at EHzabeth, not in 
 history, but as we see it with our own eyes. The name has 
 become, first and foremost among the New Jersey cities, the 
 synonym for all that is enterprising and progressive. Take 
 these figures for instance. The city covers an area of nearly 
 12 square miles, has over 69 miles of streets, about one-third 
 of which are paved, 31 J miles of sewers, and 85. V miles of 
 flagged sidewalks. There are between 90 and 100 manu- 
 facturing establishments of various kinds, and T4 coal ship- 
 ping docks. Then, turning to another side of the picture, 
 we find that there are thirty churches, (including the famous 
 Westminster church, costing $200,000), the best of schools, 
 both public and private, twelve hotels, three daily, one semi- 
 weekly, three weekly and one monthly newspaper, five insur- 
 ance companies, six banks, an eighty thousand dollar market, 
 an Arcade building which cost $150,000, an Orphan Asylum 
 costing $50,000, and hundreds of private dwelhngs, which in 
 elegance of style and construction would grace any city. 
 The ratio of taxation to the actual value of property is com- 
 
HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 25 
 
 puted to be only four-fifths of one per cent., an exceedingly 
 low rate for a city developing so rapidly. 
 
 Where, then, can one seeking a city home out of the city, 
 better seek it than amid such surroundings as these. Such 
 a one will find wide shaded avenues, paved and underlaid 
 with gas and water pipes and sewers, stretching away in all 
 directions antenn?e-like from the city's center ; and on these, 
 tasteful cottages and villas, built with every convenience of 
 modern times, awaiting his occupancy ; if he would rent, at 
 rates far lower than those in New York ; if he would i)ur- 
 chase, on terms so moderate that no man, careful of his own 
 and his family's future, would be justified in treating them 
 with unconcern. And such in brief are the claims of EHz- 
 abeth as a place for a Home on the Central Railroad of 
 New Jersey. 
 
 Upon resuming our ride westward, we pass on through the 
 thickly settled western section of the town, cross the Eliz- 
 abeth River, (which, passing through the city's center, finds 
 an outlet at Staten Island Sound), shoot under the Cherry 
 and Chilton Street bridges, which in turn span the track, 
 and presently come to a standstill at the depot at 
 
 WEST ELIZABETH. 
 
 (42 min. II trains each way daily.) 
 
 Here we are still within the city limits, and, within a stones 
 throw of us, on Grand Street and Westfield Avenue, may be 
 seen rows of attractive dwellings, while here and there are 
 interspersed grateful reminders of the old regime when Man- 
 sard roofs were unknown, pleasant country seats, embowered 
 in foliage, fronting on shaded, close cropped lawns, and sur- 
 rounded with broad verandahs, where one may sit comfort- 
 
26 HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 
 
 ably ensconced, and watch the tide of travel pass and repass 
 before him. Possibly the following anecdote from a recent 
 number of Le Journal Aimisajit had its origin here. 
 
 "^ A friend paid a visit to a country house. 
 
 " The view from here leaves little to be desired," said he 
 to the proprietor. 
 
 " Do you think so ? It looks toward the railroad station." 
 
 '' Yes, I observed that That certainly does not add to 
 the charm of the thing." 
 
 " Pardon me. It is very funny. We see all the people 
 who miss the train." 
 
 We pause" but a moment at West Elizabeth, and then 
 with a shriek and a roar are off again. Now, for the first 
 time since leaving New York, we are out in the open coun- 
 try, among the clover and daisies and buttercups ; we whiz 
 past green fields, over water-courses, past substantial farm 
 houses, and barns and orchards, when suddenly the whistle 
 blows, and we find ourselves at the charming village of 
 
 ROSELLE. 
 
 (43 min. 16 trains each way daily.) 
 
 Here the arriving passenger finds his surroundings decidedly 
 novel and attractive. No dreary waste of dusty road 
 stretches away, no decrepit rows of grocery stores, and liquor 
 shops stare him into despair as he steps upon the platform 
 and takes his first glance around him. If first impressions, 
 as is generally conceded to be the case, are everything, the 
 visitor to Roselle will have been prepossessed with the place 
 before the train which brought him has disappeared in the 
 distance. The station grounds in front and rear are laid out 
 in lawns, flower-beds and serpentine walks, in the most ap- 
 
HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 2^ 
 
 proved style of landscape gardening, and are lavishly adorned 
 with flowers and shrubbery, while a picturesque bridge, ap- 
 proached by a stairway at each end, spans the track, thus 
 obviating any danger or detention from passing trains, (see 
 cut on page 28). In short, one might easily fancy he had 
 been set down upon some gentleman's private estate instead 
 of at a public depot. 
 
 But come, let us cross the track. From the bridge we 
 gain a commanding view of the road in both directions, of 
 the adjacent landscape, and of Staten Island and Elizabeth. 
 To the southward, not over two or three miles away, is the 
 village of Linden, on the New Jersey railroad, and this street 
 on which we are going runs directly thither. Here is the 
 Mansion House, a well patronized resort in the summer 
 season. Further to the left, and ahead, are many beautiful 
 dwellings, including those of Chancellor Ferris (deceased) of 
 the N, Y. University, Reuben Van Pelt, a retired merchant 
 of New York, and several gentlemen prominently identified 
 with the Central road and its interests. The streets are laid 
 out at right angles, and there are good side-walks which ever 
 way we turn. During our stroll we shall find churches of 
 the Episcopal, Presbyterian, Methodist, and Baptist persua- 
 sions, one private and two public schools, a public Hall, in 
 which Azure Lodge No. 129 F. and A. M. holds its com- 
 munications, well stocked stores of various kinds — but — 
 topers take notice and don't stop at Roselle— not a solitary 
 place where liquor of any kind is retailed. 
 
 To such salutary influences as these, doubtless combined 
 with its perfect drainage and consequent healthfulness, we 
 may mainly ascribe the magical growth of this beautiful vil- 
 
HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 
 
HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 29 
 
 Sosi M d Immd k 
 
 HAVE FOR SALE 
 
 HOUSES, 
 
 LOS AiB miM mm, 
 
 ADJACENT TO THE DEPOT, 
 O IX EASY T E R^ 3X S , 
 
 APPLY TO A. D. HOPE, 
 
 119 Liberty Street, JVew York. 
 
 OR W. W. DILTS, 
 
 3Iansion House, Moselle^ N. J, 
 
 lage upon a spot where but four or five years ago were only 
 woods or open farm land. Yet, within that short time 
 has sprung up a village of villas, with a population of about 
 one thousand cultivated well-to-do people. Nor does it stop 
 here. Building is constantly going on, seventeen buildings 
 having been erected during the last half year, and there is a 
 fair prospect that at no distant day this neat and select little 
 borough will find itself incorporated as a ward of the great 
 neighboring city. 
 
 Land at this point is seventy-five feet higher than at Eliz- 
 abeth. Building lots may be secured at prices varying from 
 $250 upwards, or villa plots at corresponding prices. The 
 Roselle Land and Improvement Company offer (see above) 
 a choice selection of property, well worthy the inspection of 
 the intending purchaser. 
 
30 HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 
 
 Beyond Roselle our line lies parallel with the old turnpike 
 road to Westfield, and presently brings us into the good old 
 village of 
 
 CRANFORD, 
 
 (53 min. 17 trains each way daily.) 
 
 Cranford is a pleasant and a pretty place of about two 
 thousand people, and has been growing rapidly of late years. 
 The Railway River, flowing directly through it, gives a beauty 
 and variety to its surroundings. The streets are well laid 
 out and kept, the sidewalks are planked from end to end of 
 the village, and among the private residences and grounds 
 are some that in rural beauties and elegance cannot fail to 
 arrest the visitors attention. 
 
 There are Episcopal, Presbyterian, and Methodist churches, 
 (the Roman Catholics will also shortly erect one) two schools, 
 one public and one private, where the idea of juvenile Cran 
 ford is taught how to shoot, and stores where may be pur- 
 chased all the necessities of daily life. 
 
 Should the visitor feel disposed to purchase here, he is 
 respectfully informed that he could not choose a healthier 
 locality, and that the price of lots varies between $400 and 
 $1500. 
 
 Off again through the fertile farm lands which line our 
 course to the ancient town of 
 
 WESTFIELD, 
 
 (59 min. 19 trains each way daily.) 
 
 which, though like Cranford founded in the olden time, has 
 like it, begun to feel the impetus of suburban travel, and has 
 of late attained a reputation for remarkable growth and 
 
HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 3 1 
 
 enterprise. As we dash up to the depot it is not difficult to 
 discover that we have reached an active, thrifty place. We 
 see mills and spires, and business streets, and out beyond 
 them attractive villas, just such as a city man vv'ould Hke to 
 occupy with his family, while about this depot, as that at 
 Roselle, the grounds are handsomely laid out and ornamented. 
 
 Westfield was first settled in 1720, but it was not until the 
 completion of the Central Railroad's all rail line to New York 
 that its progress actually began. Then, there were but 250 
 houses and 1500 inhabitants, where to-day there are 1000 
 houses and a population of over 5000, of whom two hundred 
 are daily commuters to New York. These figures need no 
 comment. 
 
 There are five churches in Westfield, (Episcopal, Presby- 
 terian, Methodist, Baptist, and Roman CathoHc), a well con- 
 ducted and equipped public school, a public hall and library, 
 and Masonic, Odd Fellow and Good Templar Lodges. The 
 healthfulness of the place is proved by the longevity of its 
 people, it being stated that in 1839 one half of the popula- 
 tion were over seventy years of age. 
 
 Lots sell here at from $250 to $750, and land by the acre 
 at from $2500 to $5000, according to location. 
 
 Leaving flourishing Westfield with its far stretching avenues 
 and pleasant homes behind us, we pass through a well settled 
 open farming country, then dash through two or three heavy 
 earth cuttings, and emerge from the last to gain suddenly 
 and for the first time, a glorious view of the Blue Ridge 
 Mountains of New Jersey, distant about two miles on our 
 right. And nestling 'neath their shadow in the intervening 
 valley, lies the pretty village of 
 
32 
 
 HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 
 
 FANWOOD PARK. 
 
HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 33 
 
 FANWOOD, (or scotch plains.) 
 
 (i hour. 14 trains each way daily.) 
 
 It is only a few moments' ride to the center of the place from 
 the station, and the agent has vehicles in waiting on the arri- 
 val of each train. The station itself is a cosy spot, shaded 
 by oaks, and commanding a most attractive view of the back 
 country. But we must see the village, so let us ride over. 
 Scotch Plains, the historian tells us, was settled in 1684 by 
 Scotch Emigrants, the spot being selected on account of its 
 peculiar fertility. Its more modern name of Fanwood has 
 been bestovved^ince the advent of the railroad, and Fanwood 
 Park (see engraving) is now, thanks to skillful landscape 
 engineers and its natural advantages, known as one of the 
 most beautiful and attractive suburban dwelling places about 
 New York. The land is gently undulating, and through it 
 flow the waters of Green Brook, a powerful tributary of the 
 Raritan. The adjacent mountain roads afford charming 
 drives and scenery. In the village we shall find a population 
 of five or six hundred, a fine public school and two churches 
 a Methodist and Baptist, the latter of which furnished to 
 Brown University its first President, Rev. James Manning, D. D. 
 There are also here a public hall, a Hook and Ladder Com- 
 pany, a Good Templar organization, two hotels, and a variety 
 of stores. The fine water power afforded by Green Brook 
 has been utilized by the erection of several mills along its 
 banks. 
 
 The spirit of improvement and development are visible 
 here as elsewhere along the line. The re-survey of ^this 
 portion of the road and other contemplated improve- 
 ments by the Company will bring Fanwood Park directly 
 upon the line, and place within a moment or two of the 
 
34 HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 
 
 depot some of the most eligible villa sites that even the most 
 fastidious purchaser could desire. Land already commands 
 here prices varying from $500 to $2000 per acre, and is in 
 demand at those figures. The Company will also shortly 
 erect a new depot at this point. 
 
 Beyond Fanwood, still following the line of the mountains 
 on our right, our course turns a little to the southwest, and 
 presently brings us to 
 
 PLAINFIELD, ^ 
 
 (i 1 our by exp., i hour, lo min. by ace 19 trains each way daily.) 
 
 with a population of ten thousand people, and justly claiming 
 in enterprise, convenience and beauty the foremost place 
 among New York's suburban cities. For though Elizabeth 
 'tis true, has her many miles of paved streets and her wide 
 spread improvements, Newark her railroads, and broad 
 avenues, Paterson her mills and her beautiful Falls, Bayonne 
 her majestic scenery and her Boulevard, Hackensack, her 
 quaint and interesting antiquities, it may yet, without dispar- 
 agement to either, be truly said of Plainfield, that proportion- 
 ally she is equalled by none of them in the substantial 
 character of her business streets, the extent and system of 
 her public improvements, and the uniform elegance and 
 beauty of her private dwellings and the grounds about them. 
 The business portion of the city, located to the right of 
 the depot, is compactly built up with brick and stone ; the 
 remainder of the place may be better described as one vast 
 park or flower garden, while so densely is it shaded with 
 maples as to have won for Plainfield the not inaptly applied 
 title of " The Maple City." 
 
HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 35 
 
 Cor. Second and Cherry Streets, Plaiufield, N. J. 
 
 GEORGE MILLER, Proprietor. 
 
 Guests will find here all the accommodations a first-class hotel can afford. 
 Billiard Room attached. 
 
 GOOD STABTjING. 
 
 One arriving at tlie depot, sees, it is true, little or nothing 
 of these attractive features. But, if he will cross North 
 Avenue, (which, by the way, with South Avenue, runs par- 
 allel with the railroad on either side, hence to Elizabeth), 
 and turning to his left pass on to Cherry Street, and thenee 
 to Front, he will in a moment or two find himself in the most 
 thickly built portion of the town. He will see the First 
 National Bank, and the City Hotel, a model and well kept 
 house, (see cut); the streets he will observe are lit with gas, 
 the sidewalks paved everywhere ; some of the new brick or 
 stone rows of stores on Front Street are Metropolitan in their 
 size and finish. And then, if with interest excited by these 
 evidences of thrift, he make inquiries of any intelligent by- 
 stander, he will learn that Plainfield is governed by a Mayor 
 and eleven Councilmen, has a Fire Department, (with two 
 steamers, one hand engine, Hook and Ladder and Hose 
 Company) a Police Force, good sewerage, three Newspapers, 
 two Banks, three Insurance Companies, fifteen churches, (one 
 of which, the Second Presbyterian, is built of Ohio sand 
 stone, and cost $75,000), a Masonic Lodge and Chapter, 
 Young Men's Christian Association, schools, both public and 
 
36 
 
 HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 
 
 iliiliiili 
 
HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 
 
 37 
 
 private of a high order, and the best of marketing facihties. 
 If he ask how the city is suppHed with water, he will learn to 
 his surprise and delight that underlying the gravelly subsoil 
 upon which he stands is an unfailing supply of clear, cool 
 water, which can be obtained in any quantity and at all times 
 by simply sinking a pipe to the distance of about twenty feet. 
 The gravelly formation, moreover, ensuring a natural drain- 
 age renders Plainfield the healthiest of all healthy places, and 
 entirely banishes those domestic pests, the mosquitoes, while 
 its southerly and westerly exposures give it a genial tempera- 
 ture at all seasons. 
 
 PARTIES FITTING UP 
 
 HOMES ON THE CENTRAL 
 
 CAN PURCHASE THEIR 
 
 Harliare aM House Faraisliiiii Goois 
 
 — OP — 
 
 F. T. £ J. VETTERLEIN, 
 
 (SIGN OF THE BIG PADLOCK,) 
 
 Front Street, near Somerset, Plainfield, N. J , 
 ^T IV K \^ TT O li It I» li I O K s : 
 
 And now, having inspected the heart of Plainfield, let us 
 wander out toward its extremities. Its pleasant shady streets 
 stretch away in all directions. First, we will take a look at 
 North Plainfield. Just over Green Brook, which passes close 
 to Front Street, and divides Union from Somerset County, 
 our walk brings us in full view of the mountain again, the 
 slopes of which already indicate that they are to be soon 
 occupied by stately villas, A stone-paved roadway from the 
 city to the mountain is, in fact, being already constructed. 
 
38 HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 
 
 About a mile distant are the picturesque Wetumpka Falls. 
 Now we turn down Grove Street, and see before us square 
 after square filled with tasteful dwellings, all of them fitted 
 up as conveniently as city houses. The Washington Park 
 grounds, comprising about three hundred acres, and impera- 
 tively restricted against nuisances, are located just beyond, 
 and driving through the serpentine roadways, one knows not 
 whether most to admire the scenery of valley and mountain 
 beyond, or the taste displayed in the buildings and grounds 
 before him. Yet three years ago this was all an open farm. 
 
 Then, crossing Green Brook again, we may pass through 
 Center Street, and, after riding past a succession of shaded, 
 smooth cut lawns, and cozy homes, most of them surrounded 
 with broad verandahs, may reach Prospect Hill, where we 
 obtain the capital view herewith presented of the city, half 
 hidden among the luxuriant foliage. 
 
 But, by a paradox, what must be termed the West End of 
 Plainfield is that section of the city lying to the east of its 
 business center. Here the visitor will find among many 
 other charming places of residence, those of John Taylor 
 Johnston, Esq , (a view of which is presented herewith), and 
 of the son of the lamented Admiral Farragut. 
 
 With such natural attractions and advantages as these the 
 growth of Plainfield to the dimensions of a large inland city 
 is simply a question of a very few years. Its growth and de- 
 velopment within the past nine years have been so rapid 
 and substantial as to justify the great expectations of its people 
 with regard to what is in store for it.. The proposed 
 erection of a new and elegant depot by the Central R. R. 
 Company, and the depression of the city streets beneath their 
 track ; the liberal inducements held out by real estate owners ; 
 
HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 
 
 39 
 
40 Homes on the central. 
 
 GEO. A. MARSH, 
 
 OFFICE OPPOSITE DEPOT, 
 F. o. BOX 671, PLAINFIELD, N. J. 
 
 and, perhaps more important than all, its perfect healthful- 
 ness, all combine to mark out for Plainfiekl a brilliant and 
 prosperous future. • 
 
 The purchaser can secure here good building lots (50 x 
 100 feet) at from $1,000 to $1,500, and can build at a cost 
 of $3,500 and upward, according to the size of his family 
 and his purse. 
 
 It is only after leaving the Plainfield depot that tlie pass- 
 enger, who has not alighted, gains any correct estimate of 
 the extent and beauty of the city. Street after street stretches 
 away on either side, then finally the buildings grow fewer, 
 and we are once more in the open country. Only for a few 
 moments, however, for here we are at 
 
 EVONA, 
 
 (i hour and 12 minutes. 6 trains each way daily,) 
 
 Where, as if by magic, have recently sprung up, upon the 
 greensward, as Robin Hood's "merry men" were wont of 
 yore to spring forth when a rich bishop's train was passing 
 through their domain, houses and stores and all the charac- 
 teristics of a thriving suburban village. The depot at this 
 point is a remarkably large and handsome one, and is sur- 
 rounded by a park laid out on a liberal and tasteful scale. 
 
HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 4I 
 
 Land near the depot sells at from one to three thousand 
 dollars per acre. 
 
 Evona boasts a population of about three hundred, and 
 relies on Dunellen, only three-fourths of a mile distant, for 
 her church and school faciHties. In fact, even now we are 
 virtually within the limits of 
 
 DUNELLEN, 
 
 (i hour and 14 minutes. 14 trains each way daily,) 
 
 Dunellen is charmingly located in full view of the whole 
 valley and the mountains beyond, and is moreover a growing 
 and thrifty place, as the view on page 42 indicates. Like 
 many of its sister stations with romantic names, it owes its 
 origin to the completion of the Central's all rail route to New 
 York in 1865, and the consequent demand for country homes 
 for business men. But it has been and is steadily growing, 
 and ha;s now several hundred inhabitants, two churches, 
 schools, stores, a good market and a hotel. There is fair 
 water power offered manufacturers on the streams back of 
 the village, and the sportsman may be sure of good hunting 
 and fishing in the immediate vicinity. 
 
 Land sells here in plots of 50x100 or 150 feet near the 
 depot for from $6 to $20 per foot, and that more remote, 
 say half a mile away, at from $2000 to $3000 per acre. 
 
 A mile and a half south is the beautiful village of New- 
 market, by which name in fact the station was known until 
 called by that it now bears. 
 
 Dunellen derives, moreover, an additional importance as 
 the nearest connecting point for Washington's Rock, a bold 
 cliff four hundred feet high, plainly visible on the face of the 
 adjacent mountain abdut a mile distant, and from the summit 
 
42 
 
 HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 
 
HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 
 
 43 
 
 a v////-'/A t--/xxx//.» \///////^ , V/Z^/TTA '{/yz/y\ 'l Y////A r^^^ 
 
 
44 ' HOMES ON TtiE CENTRAL. 
 
 of which the revered patriot whose name it bears, was wont, 
 during the campaign of 1777, to watch the movements of the 
 enemy. During the skirmish between the troops ofSirWm. 
 Howe and Lord SterUng, near Plainfield, Washington was on 
 this rock inspecting the movements of the two armies on the 
 plains below. For many years past this spot has been a 
 favorite one of resort for pleasure excursion parties, not for 
 its historical associations alone, but for its majestic view 
 which embraces an area of sixty miles, including New York 
 City, Newark, Staten Island, Raritan Bay, the Highlands of 
 Navesink, New Brunswick, and the heights of Princeton and 
 Trenton. In short, one sees mapped out before him, and 
 dotted with countless villages, towns and cities, the entire 
 stretch of New Jersey landscape, from the Hudson to the 
 Delaware. 
 
 Excursion parties from New York, Newark or Elizabeth 
 can conveniently reach the Rock early in the forenoon, enjoy 
 a delightful day amid its surrounding beauties, and return 
 home before dark. 
 
 In a spot so enchanting, it were tempting to linger longer. 
 But our iron horse snorts, impatient for the many miles 
 yet before him, so let us be ofif again. Another moment 
 brings us to Brookside, formerly known as West Dunellen, 
 and an embryo suburb of the prosperous parent town. 
 Deriving its name from its proximity to the beautiful Green 
 Brook, which passes directly through it, Brookside presents to 
 the seeker for a rural home, many intrinsic attractions. It 
 fronts directly upon the Central Railroad, and is intersected 
 by the main avenues of the county, connecting with both 
 Plainfield and Somerville. 
 
HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 
 
 45 
 
 MAP or I 
 
 CENTRAL R.R. OF N.J 
 
 2^ MILES FROM NLWYQilKi 
 
 Address^ ^, 
 
 J.B. Norton, 
 
 Elizabeth, 
 N.J. 
 
 OR 
 
 JohnF.Dryden, 
 
 ii2Broadway,Room7 
 N.Y 
 
 ORONTHEPROPCRTY. 
 
 ■=^ 
 
 I I 
 
46 HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 
 
 Here is a site upon which it is hoped at no distant day 
 will spring up a thriving and attractive village, laying claim 
 to the attention of New York business men. The scenery 
 and surroundings are especially charming. The historical 
 Washington Rock is here, as at Dunellen, in plain view on 
 the adjacent mountain side, while hill, valley and meadow-land 
 scenery, fine drives and excellent roads, combine to make a 
 residence here one of undoubted attractiveness. Within a 
 mile of the place are no less than five churches, and the ex- 
 cellent school and store faciUties of Dunellen, while, for health- 
 fulness, one could not find a spot more free from malarial or 
 contagious diseases, there being no low swampy ground in 
 this section of the country. 
 
 The diagram which we publish herewith directs the pur- 
 chasers attention to the improvements which have been 
 made at this point, and conveys a fair idea of its con- 
 venience and advantages. Building sites on high well 
 drained ground may be secured at most reasonable terms, or 
 at prices varying from $90 to $500 per lot. In view of its 
 promised prospective growth and improvement, property 
 at Brookside may prove a safe and profitable investment. 
 
 Our next stopping place is the time honored village of 
 
 ; BOUND BROOK, 
 
 (i hour, 22 min. 15 trains each way daily.) 
 
 named from a neighboring water course forming the bound- 
 ary line between Somerset and Middlesex Counties. Others 
 attribute its title to the fact of its being bounded by brooks 
 or rivers on every side. The former derivation appears how- 
 ever to be the best substantiated of the two. 
 
HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 47 
 
 Bound Brook is mentioned in Smith's History published m 
 :,6s, as being a village. In the winter of .778-9, a porUon 
 of Washington's army were in barracks in the vicm.ty. fhe 
 place has always been a thriving one, its location on the 
 Raritan River and more recently the Raritan Canal, render- 
 ing it quite an important shipping point, especially in grain. 
 There has also been more or less manufacturing earned on. 
 The view from the car window on the left as we stop at the 
 depot embraces what was formerly South Bound Brook, now 
 Bloomington The elevated and beautiful day of the land, 
 and the elegant residences, with masts of shippmg m the fore- 
 ground, form an exceedingly pleasant and rather novel scene 
 at an inland town. ^^^_____ 
 
 ^""^W^fc^l^J 
 
 je:ml^9 
 
 Lan'd. Fu-roliasing ^gent. 
 
 BOUND BROOK, N. J. 
 In> estois sUo«ld Apply Early. 
 
 ~^^^:^^^^^^^:^^^r^M^A^^^^^^ of 9 feet water has 
 locks of 210 feet in length and 25 feet in width, and forms 
 nart of the great inland water thoroughfare for Steamers, 
 Barnes Propellers, Schooners and canal boats of every des- 
 Sio^^^rNe; York and the East to Philadelphia, Balti- 
 more and the South, besides delivering the tonnage from 
 canals running into the coal fields of Pennsylvania. Upon 
 its banks are seen rare facilities for manufacturing and for 
 
 general business. . , 
 
 Bound Brook is the diverging point in roads running south 
 or west from New York, and bids fair to become an impor- 
 tant railroad center, because of the protection on the north by 
 the mountains, and on the south by the canad-draws, which are 
 only to be avoided by running new roads through this place. 
 
48 HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 
 
 J. VS^. PRATT'S 
 
 J^TE A.]>i: 
 
 mk iii lib Pflatli 
 
 ESTABLISII3XEIVT, 
 
 75 FULTON STREET, 
 NEW YORK. 
 
 A Boulevard of scarce two miles length, from the river to 
 to the mountain slope, is under agitation as among the re- 
 quirements of the place. It should be of sufficient width to 
 contain a horse car railroad through its center, connecting 
 the depots on all the intersecting railroads. This straight 
 shoot from the river to the mountain will show the great 
 necessity as well as the proper location for the new and 
 elegant iron bridge so long talked of for spanning the river at 
 this place. The mountain slopes at the rear of Bound Brook, 
 like the heights of Bloomington at the front, afford the most 
 charming landscape scenery ; in the distance are to be seen 
 the church spires of Plainfield, Dunellen, New Brunswick, 
 Middlebush, Millstone and Somerville, and equally as charm- 
 ing are their bells heard on the quiet Sabbath morning calling 
 to the sanctuary. 
 
HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 49 
 
 The population of Bound Brook and Bloomington are 
 about equal, and together full t2oo. These places contain 
 five churches, five schools, a Masonic Lodge, three hotels, 
 and extensive lumber yards, where those contemplating the 
 erection of Homes on the Central can purchase building 
 material at reasonable figures, and have it shipped direct. 
 (See advertisement of L. D. Cook & Co.) There are a 
 variety of stores and shops to supply the demands of daily 
 life. This valley of the Raritan abounds in fine drives, fertile 
 lands and general healthfulness. The scenery from the 
 mountain top is grand, extending as far as the eye can reach, 
 and is unsurpassed in its beauty. 
 
 L. I>. COOIS: 4Sc CO., 
 
 ^WjiW 
 
 Near the Eail Koad Depoti Bound Erook. 
 
 Constantly on hand, a full assortment of all kinds of Lumber, planed and in 
 ,thfe rough. Scranton and Lehigh Coal, at the Lowes. Prices. 
 
 Frames for Buildings cut to order at Short Notice, and delivered at any point on 
 Central Railroad, N. J. and Delaware and Raritan Canal. 
 
 LEWIS D. COOK. G. R. GILES. 
 
 Improved farms a mile or two from the depot can be ob- 
 tained at about $200 per acre, but the most convenient lands 
 are priced as building lots at much higher rates. 
 
 About a mile and a half from the village, the sight-seer 
 will find in a wild and romantic ravine the famous "Chimney 
 Rock," a singular pyramidal shaped stone, fifteen or twenty 
 feet high, on the summit of a bold and nearly perpendicular 
 ledge over one hundred feet high. Tradition says that an 
 Indian pushed his wife off this rock. 
 
50 HOMES ON THE CEN IRAL. 
 
 Close at hand, too, is another attractive resort, Buttermilk 
 Falls, where a few years ago Blondin performed one of his 
 dangerous exploits on the tight rope. Had the Indian Blue 
 Beard lived at the present day, it is possible that, under 
 Jersey justice, he, too, might have become famous by a tight 
 rope. 
 
 But here we go again. Now we cross Middle Brook by 
 an iron bridge, catch a view of the level landscape stretching 
 far away before us to the distant blue mountains in the south- 
 west, and presently stop again at 
 
 FINDERNE, 
 
 (i hour, 27 mill. 9 trains each way daily.) 
 
 a small station with, however, a quite handsome depot. 
 There is here a population of not over an hundred, with a 
 school. The place is in reality a sort of suburb of the im- 
 portant county town which we are now approaching. 
 
 SOMERVILLE 
 
 (i hour, 24 min. by exp., 1 hour, 34 min. by ace. 15 trains each way daily.) 
 
 is pleasantly situated on a knoll on the right of the railroad, 
 and directly on the line of the old turnpike road from Eliza- 
 beth to Easton, which, passing through it, forms its main or 
 principal business street. The village itself is comparatively 
 of modern date. During the revolution a tavern was kept 
 on the site of the Somerville House, but it was not until the 
 burning of the Court House at Millstone by the British in 
 October, 1779, that this was made the county seat. In 1784 
 a log court house and jail were built here, the former about 
 twelve rods east of the present court house, which was 
 erected in 1798. A visit to the court house, and a view 
 
HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. . 5 1 
 
 from its cupola, should be the visitor's first object on arriving 
 at Somerville. Let him pass up Railroad Street from the 
 Depot to Main Street, then turn to his right, and a few steps 
 will bring him to the spot where, in the midst of a handsome 
 park and embowered in a dense growth of foliage, stand the 
 county buildings, overlooking the village and all the adjacent 
 country. Having admired the view from this point, let the 
 visitor retrace his steps, and stroll along the shaded sidewalks 
 of Main Street to and through the western portion of the 
 village. He will find churches of the Dutch Reformed? 
 Methodist, Presbyterian and Baptist denominations. Masonic 
 K. of P., Good Templars, and Sons of Temperance Lodges, 
 four hotels, one large public school and several private ones, 
 two banks, a savings bank, and no less than three newspaper 
 offices. The beauty and taste displayed in most of the 
 private residences will surprise and please him, while what 
 will especially claim his admiring attention is the number 
 and luxuriance of the trees, which provident hands in days 
 gone by have planted along the streets, and in almost every 
 door yard and lawn, to shade and beautify the homes of 
 generations to come after. 
 
 The importance of shade trees in laying out one's country 
 home can not be too strongly urged. How many associa- 
 tions of a childhood's home are interwoven with the memories 
 of the old trees which waved their branches over its door. 
 How often on the dusty road of life's noonday does the 
 traveler look back to recall the grateful shadows of the 
 boughs though which his eye " first looked in love to the 
 summer sky." And to how many a wanderer far away from 
 his native land, has the home tree been the Mecca to which 
 all his hopes and longings have been anchored. 
 
52 . HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 
 
 " Yes ! when thy heart in its pride would stray 
 
 From the pure first loves of its youth away — 
 
 When the sullying breath of the world would come 
 
 O'er the flowers it brought from its childhood's home^ 
 
 Think thou again of the woody glade, 
 
 And the sound by the nestling ivy made, 
 
 Think of the tree at thy father's door, 
 
 And the kindly spell shall have power once more." 
 
 Somerville has a population of about three thousand, and 
 is growing at a moderate rate. Among its projected im- 
 provements is a horse railroad connecting it with Raritan 
 and Bound Brook. In common with Plainfield, and its 
 other sister towns, it enjoys a healthful atmosphere, while its 
 quiet beauty gives it a charm to those in search of a peace- 
 ful retreat from the din and dust of the city. 
 
 Land sells in the village at from $150 per lot upwards, 
 while, within a mile or two from the depot, it can be pur- 
 chased at $300 per acre. 
 
 From Somerville the branch road to Flemington diverges. 
 That thread we shall follow up on some other day. For the 
 present our line lies straight on to 
 
 RARITAN, 
 
 (1 hour, 39 min. 4 trains each way daily.) 
 
 a lively manufacturing village of twenty-five hundred inhabi- 
 tants, situated on the north bank of the Raritan, which here, 
 with a fall of i6 feet, furnishes motive power for extensive 
 woolen mills, and agricultural machine shops. There are 
 here three churches, (Dutch Reformed, Methodist and Roman 
 CathoHc), a public and a private school, a savings bank, 
 good stores, and a market. Public enterprise has also dis- 
 played itself in the organization of two Building Loan Asso- 
 ciations. Land sells in the village at $50 per foot on the 
 main street, and from $6 to $20 per foot on the side streets. 
 
HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 53 
 
 Good farms a mile or two distant can be bought at $200 
 per acre. 
 
 Among the residences on the river bank, near the village, 
 is that of New Jersey's distinguished statesman. Senator 
 Frelinghuysen. 
 
 NORTH BRANCH, 
 
 (i hour, 46 min. 7 trains each way daily,) 
 
 our next stopping place is the point at which passengers 
 alight for the village of the same name, distant about one 
 mile to the northward, and situated, as its name indicates, 
 on the North branch of the Raritan River. It is on the old 
 Somerville and Easton turnpike, and has a population of 
 about six hundred, with a Dutch Reformed church, a school 
 and three stores. 
 
 The growing popularity^ of this immediate locality as a 
 place of residence for men who have to some extent with- 
 drawn from active participation in business affairs, yet find 
 it necessary to visit the city occasionally, is worthy of notice. 
 Here may be found many attractive sites upon which such 
 purchasers may locate within half an hour's ride from the 
 depot, and enjoy, in all its perfection, country life within a 
 short distance of the city. Let us, for instance, visit Hope- 
 wood, a model farm of about seventy-five acres, lying on a 
 verdue-clad knoll to the south of the station. Our ride 
 thither brings us along the wooded banks of the north branch 
 of the Raritan, and opens many a lovely sylvan vista, at one 
 time seen upon the level with our road, at another looked 
 down upon from overhanging bluffs and through luxuriant 
 foliage. But presently we turn to the right, leave the river 
 behind, and by an ascent almost imperceptible find ourselves 
 
54 HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 
 
 entering the gateway and traversing the serpentine roadway 
 through the lawn at Hopewood. But how remarkable — we 
 are on but a slight elevation, yet, we command a complete 
 view of the horizon for fifteen or twenty miles distant, on all 
 sides, can see Plainfield, New Brunswick, Whitehouse — well 
 fifteen important towns and villages in all, and a landscape 
 so fair and cultivated as to remind one of Longfellow's des- 
 cription of peaceful Acadia. 
 
 Before us is the house, large, modern and commodious. 
 Behind it are barns and outhouses, on every side orchards of 
 and peach and apple trees, fields of corn and wheat and oats 
 stretch away, enclosed by a hedge of evergreens. The pecu- 
 liar fertility of this soil should alone suffice to recommend it 
 to the purchaser. Grapes grow profusely, as indeed do all 
 kinds of fruit and grain, and abundant harvests of any kind 
 reward the tiller. 
 
 Just beyond North Branch, we cross Chambers Brook, and, 
 pass through a beautifully diversified region of hill and 
 dale ; here we see great knolls rising almost abrutly from the 
 landscape, yet cultivated to their summits, and forming in 
 their vari-colored grain fields a natural patchwork or mosaic. 
 Then we see farm houses and pasture grounds and presently 
 come to the village of » 
 
 WHITE HOUSE. 
 
 (i hour, 56 tnin. 8 trains each way daily.) 
 
 For a time, in the early history of our road, this point was 
 its terminus, from which passengers were booked through by 
 stage to Easton and Delaware Water Gap. Then it was a 
 mere hamlet, but later years of railroad communication have 
 
HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 55 
 
 developed it to a village of considerable size. It derives its 
 name from an old settlement about a mile to the north, on 
 Rockaway Creek and on the turnpike road before mentioned, 
 where stands an ancient dwelling at which Washington is 
 said to have halted to take dinner. 
 
 The present White JHouse has about seven hundred inhabi- 
 tants, Dutch Reformed and Methodist churches, two schools 
 and three hotels. About a mile to the south is the village 
 bearing the euphonious name of Scrabbletown. 
 
 Farm land can be purchased hereabouts at $80 or $90 
 per acre. Quarter acre lots in the village sell at from $200 
 to $400. 
 
 It will be observed that since leaving Somerville we have 
 passed through a region which, though comparatively remote 
 from the Metropolis for men engaged in daily active business 
 pursuits, is yet rich in attractions as a place of residence for 
 those who wishing the quiet and repose of a rural home, are 
 yet desirous of visiting the city two or three times a week, or 
 even for an hour or two daily. One may leave White House 
 for instance, about half past ten, pass three or four hours in 
 town, and yet be home again in season for an early supper, 
 or before six o'clock. For those who have passed the hurry 
 and bustle of life, retired business men, and men of studious 
 habits, who would live within easy distance of New York, 
 yet be in the midst of perfect rural repose, no section of New 
 Jersey can be more enchanting than this picturesque and 
 fertile valley of the upper Raritan. 
 
 And now, as we leave White House we see confronting us 
 on our left, and thence stretching southward, the rugged 
 slopes of the Pickles Mountain, and to the right, broken into 
 gentle undulations, a well tilled farming country. Presently 
 
5< 
 
 HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 
 
 we enter the Lebanon Valley, where to the right we dis- 
 cern, standing boldly out against the hills in the background, 
 the little village of 
 
 LEBANON, 
 
 (2 hours. 6 trains each way daily.) 
 
 situated in the center of a fertile tract, literally flowing with 
 milk and honey. Nearly one hundred cans of milk are shipped 
 hence to New York daily, and a large creamery is among the 
 important industries of the place. Many fine peach orchards 
 adjoin the village, which itself has a population of about 
 three hundred, with Dutch Reformed and Methodist churches, 
 an Academy, a High School, Hotel and Post Ofiice. 
 
 The price of land vaiies from $150 to $500 per acre. 
 
 After leaving Lebanon our line intersects that of the turn- 
 pike road to Easton, and presently brings us to 
 
 ANNANDALE, 
 
 (i hour, 54 min. by exp., 2 hours, 6 min. by ace. 8 trains c.ch way daily) 
 
 formerly known as CHnton, and earHer still as Hunt's Mills, 
 a Mr. Hunt having been one of the early proprietors of the 
 valuable water power furnished by the South Branch of the 
 Raritan at this point. In 1820 there were but three houses 
 here. A Post Office was first established in 1838. The 
 Presbyterian church was erected in 1830, the Episcopal in 
 1838, and the Methodist in 1840. The village proper is dis- 
 tant about one mile from the depot, and still retains its post 
 office name of Clinton, that at the railroad being known as 
 Annandale. Stages run to and fro on the arrival of every 
 train. 
 
 The adjacent region is very fertile, and as many as 5000 
 
HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 57 
 
 baskets of peaches have been shipped in a single day. There 
 are also numerous beds of limestone in the valley, while in 
 the mountains, mines of hematite and magnetic ore exist, 
 and are about being developed by a company recently organ- 
 ized for that purpose. 
 
 For manufacturers, this spot offers undoubted advantages. 
 Land sells at $200 per acre, or town lots (50x175) at 
 $500. At 
 
 HIGH BRIDGE 
 
 (2 hours, II min, 6 trains each way daily.) 
 
 we cross the Raritan's south branch and valley by an em- 
 bankment (formerly a wooden bridge only), thirteen hundred 
 feet long, and one hundred and five high. The view both 
 north and south, as we are whirled over this great viaduct, is 
 superb. We look down upon roofs, tree tops, the river, and 
 a mosaic of cultivated fields far below us, while stretching 
 away in the distance are a succession of fertile uplands ter- 
 minating in distant blue mountains. 
 
 High Bridge derives its existence, as it does its name, from 
 
 HIGH BRIDGE, N. J. 
 New York Office, . - - - 93 Liberty Street* 
 
 MANUFACTURERS OF 
 
 Car Whe els and C ar Axles. 
 
 LEWIS H TA VLOR, Pres't. ' JAS. H. WALKER, Sec. & Ass't Trcas. 
 
 W. J. TAYLOR, Treas. & Man. S. P. RARER, Superintendent. 
 
 E. L. BROWN, General Agent. 
 
58 
 
 HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 
 
 the railroad. 
 Yet, within the 
 past few years 
 it has attained 
 a population of 
 twelve hundred, 
 and now pre- 
 sents, with its 
 three churches, 
 Dutch Reform- 
 ed, Methodist 
 and Roman 
 Catholic, its 3 
 hotels, its Iron 
 Works, (see ad- 
 vertisem'nt and 
 views), employ- 
 ing 150 hands, 
 and its numer- 
 ous large stores 
 and dwellings, 
 quite an impos- 
 ing appearance 
 to the visitor. 
 
 Village pro- 
 perty is quoted 
 here at from 
 $500 to $1000 
 per acre, 6 lots. 
 Farm lands can 
 be had at $ioc 
 per acre. 
 
HOMES ON THE CENTRAL 
 
 59 
 
 c 6/) ;^ 
 
 O rt ra 
 
 'S r^ —I 
 
 • •-I S C3 
 
 c a 
 
 |l!ilii;ii:!itiiiPI';i;iwfe.#)g^tiiiiili!to^ 
 
 > t! iJ 
 
 <u rt it: 
 
6o 
 
 HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 
 
 Our route, since leaving Annandale, has been toward the 
 northwest. And now presently we skirt the mountain side 
 on our left, and on our right look down upon the Easton 
 turnpike again, here lined by a dense growth of evergreens, 
 through which flows the water course known as Spruce Run. 
 The scenery here is wilder than any we have hitherto seen 
 on our route, and forms an appropiate setting for the ex- 
 quisite picture which awaits us on our arrival at 
 
 GLEN GARDNER, 
 
 (2 hours, 20 min. 6 trains each way daily.) 
 
 situated in a romantic and picturesque dell among the moun- 
 tains, and presenting in its busy streets, its substantial build- 
 ings, its handsome churches and dwellings, and its extensive 
 manufactories, all the characteristics of a thrifty, growing 
 community. 
 
 In its younger days it was known as Clarksville, a title for 
 which that more romantic one which it now bears was a few 
 
 years ago substituted. If we alight, and first stroll up the 
 Glen we shall be surprised and delighted at the industries 
 
HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 6 1 
 
 ©@)^ 
 
 Factories, Glen Gardner, N. J. 
 
 AVAREHlOOmS, 110 BOWERY, NEW YORK. 
 
 MANUFACTURERS OF 
 
 Also, Chair and Car Seats for the Trade, 
 
 and improvements whic^ the enterprise of man have wrought. 
 Prominent among these are the extensive chair works of the 
 Gardner Manufacturing Company, a view of which we give 
 the reader herewith. These works employ nearly two hun- 
 dred hands, and not only contribute largely to the life and 
 activity of the village, but supply the lower part of it, or that 
 part lying on the left of the railroad, with gas and water. 
 
 If after inspecting the works, we turn our steps to the 
 valley below, we shall see there, too, abundant evidence of 
 public spirit. There are in all, three churches, (Methodist, 
 Presbyterian and Lutheran), two schools, a hotel, a large 
 public hall, and Masonic, Good Templars, S. of T., and 
 O. U. A. M. Lodges. 
 
 Nor are the neighboring mountains lacking in productive- 
 ness, for beneath their rugged slopes are to be found rich 
 veins of iron, which are now being worked. 
 
 The purchaser who would establish himself as a manufac- 
 turer or resident in this bustling little place, with its popula- 
 tion of fifteen hundred, can secure building lots (50x100) at 
 from $250 to $1000. Good farm land over the hill sells at 
 $200 or $300 per acre. 
 
 Five minutes further ride through some heavy cuttings in 
 the mountain side brings us to 
 
62 HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 
 
 NEW HAMPTON JUNCTION. 
 
 (a hours, lomin. by exp. 8 trains each way daily.) 
 
 Here, we see, on our right, the diverging broad gauge track 
 of the Del, Lack, and Western Railroad, and here passen- 
 gers for Washington, Belvidere, Delaware Water Gap, and 
 the many beautiful spots in the north and east portions of 
 Warren County, change cars. Directly under the shadow of 
 the neighboring mountain, the base of which the road reaches 
 by a long and almost dizzy descent along its side, the tourist 
 will find one of the loveliest of sylvan spots, the little hamlet 
 of Changewater, where the Musconetcong River flows through 
 shaded banks, and under the shadow of an old stone mill 
 and bridge. 
 
 But we must not wander off too far from our main line. 
 Quite a settlement has grown up about the junction, but the 
 principal village of New Hampton is on the river in the 
 valley below. It was called New Hampton half a century 
 ago. The visitor will find it a quaint rambling place, with a 
 population of about a thousand, several churches, a hotel or 
 two, and many cozy homes. 
 
 And now, resuming our journey, our road makes a sharp 
 turn to the southwest, and we find ourselves skirting the 
 slope of the Musconetcong Mountains overlooking the lovely 
 valley named from the river of the same name which winds 
 its way at their base. Certainly in all New Jersey there can 
 be found no more fertile or peaceful landscape than that 
 which, stretching away to the Pohatcong range, Hes mapped 
 out below us. Let the traveler by all means secure a seat 
 on the right hand side of the car during this i)ortion of the 
 ride. He will have an opportunity to enjoy a panorama of 
 vivid and ever changing beauty; a landscape completely 
 
HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 63 
 
 cultivated, and dotted with villages and spires and clusters of 
 farm houses. Under the shadows of the opposite range, the 
 Morris and Essex railroad locomotives push their rapid way, 
 and the horses drag their weary loads along through the 
 sluggish waters of the Morris Canal. The valley gradually 
 narrows as we advance, and very soon the whistle sounds 
 for our stop at 
 
 ASBURY. 
 
 (2 hours, 34 min. 7 trains each way daily.) 
 
 The village of the same name we can distinctly see nestling 
 in the valley about a mile distant. It is an old place, and 
 was once called Hall's Mills, but in 1800 the corner stone of 
 the old Methodist church was laid by the venerable Bishop 
 Asbury, in whose honor the village was re-named. 
 
 There is a mine in the mountain at this point, and, in the 
 township, a mineral spring said to be nearly equal to that at 
 Schooley's Mountain. 
 
 Asbury has a population of four hundred, two churches, a 
 school, a hotel, three large grist mills, and a basket factory. 
 
 VALLEY, 
 
 (2 hours, 3S min. 5 trains each way daily.) 
 
 our next stopping place is the connecting point for the village 
 of Bethlehem, about half a mile to the south. It has a school, 
 church, (Methodist), hotel, and a population of about two 
 hundred. At 
 
 BLOOMSBURY 
 
 (2 hours, 45 min. 8 trains each way daily.) 
 
 we cross the Musconetcong, now grown to a stream of con- 
 siderable dimensions. From the summit of the neighboring 
 
64 HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 
 
 mountains may be obtained a splendid view, stretching over 
 a great extent of country, and even comprehending the dis- 
 tant city of Easton. 
 
 The principal part of Bloomsbury lies on the south side of 
 the river. It has Presbyterian and Methodist churches, a 
 good school, a hotel, four stores, and a population of seven 
 hundred. At 
 
 SPRINGTOWN 
 
 (2 hours, 50 min. 4 trains each way daily.) 
 
 our route crosses the Pohatcong Creek. The village which 
 is about a quarter of a mile southwest of the depot, has a 
 church, school, hotel, and only about one hundred inhabit- 
 ants. 
 
 And now our course turns once more to the northwestward, 
 and presently brings us to 
 
 GREENWICH, 
 
 (2 hours, 55 min. 3 trains each way daily.) 
 
 where once more, and for the third time on our journey, we 
 cross the Morris Canal. Yet we have accomplished in three 
 hours the distance which, by its tiresome towpath, requires a 
 journey of at least as many days. The view at this point is 
 extremely picturesque and attractive. The village itself is a 
 small one, deriving its name from the township, and contains 
 one church and a school. 
 
 And now we near near the Delaware river, and the western 
 border of the noble little Commonwealth which gives our 
 railroad its name. On all sides of us as we advance, we dis- 
 cern indications of our approach to another great business 
 center, and presently see on our left the smoky chimneys 
 and forges of the Pittsburg of New Jersey. 
 
HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 65 
 
 PHILUPSBURG, 
 
 (3 hours. 8 trains each way daily.) 
 
 The visitor, fond of mechanical industries, will find in a 
 stroll through the workshops of Phillipsburg fully as much to 
 admire as he will in the beautiful scenery that surrounds it. 
 But a view even more striking and beautiful awaits him 
 when he resumes his ride. For, in a moment after leaving 
 the depot, he finds himself whirling along as it were in mid- 
 air with the Delaware far below him, and side by side with 
 the immense bridge over which he is passing, is another 
 equally imposing structure. And now, if he look to the 
 southward, he sees the river winding and finally losing itself 
 from sight amid bold high banks, where the hand of man, as 
 if in defiance of nature's obstacles, has planted countless 
 dwellings and manufactories. To the north, however, he 
 turns to catch the brightest and most inspiring side of the 
 picture. On the right, the upper part of Phillipsburg over- 
 looks the stream, a densely built locality, teeming with hfe 
 and industry. To the left, the Lehigh's waters commingle 
 with the Delaware's and, ensconced beneath the hills which 
 form the background of the charming picture, lies the active 
 and prosperous city of 
 
 EASTON. 
 
 (3 hours, 3 min. 8 trains each way daily.) 
 
 To the north of the city, the eye rests upon the spacious and 
 elegant buildings of Lafayette College, while a glance over 
 the intervening space reveals a crowded medley of spires, and 
 domes, and chimneys, extending back from the river as far 
 as the eye can reach. Now, we are over the Delaware, cross 
 a bold promontory of sohd rock, through which the skill of 
 
66 HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 
 
 the engineer has hewn for us a cutting fully an hundred feet 
 in width, and — but what is this ? another bridge ? yes, this 
 is the Lehigh we are crossing now, and the view is totally 
 changed. Glancing up its current, we see South Easton on 
 the southern bank, with numberless foundries beyond, the 
 river itself dotted with canal boats and smaller craft; and to 
 the right, and ahead and beneath, the city wh'ch is our tem- 
 porary destination. 
 
 No one who has visited Easton can truthfully deny that it 
 is an unusually neat and pretty city. When we alight and 
 stroll or take the horse car up South Fourth Street, and 
 thence to " the circle," the name given to the pubHc square 
 in the heart of the city, we shall not fail to be pleased with 
 the cleanliness of the streets, the abundance of well grown 
 shade trees, and the substantial character of the private 
 dwellings, principly built of brick or free stone. One sees 
 much in their style and finish to remind him of the Quaker 
 City. 
 
 Then, in the business portion of the city, one sees in the 
 rows of handsome stores, the banks and the large new Opera 
 House, gratifying evidences that the enterprise which brought 
 hither- the early German settlers who founded the city is not 
 lacking in their descendants. Easton is, in short, the seat of 
 wealth, culture and refinement, and the New Yorker strolling 
 through its delightful streets, or experiencing its courtly hos- 
 pitalities has but one regret, " What is it," does the reader 
 inquire ? Why, that it is not an hour or two nearer the 
 Metropolis, so that he might daily repair from the toil of 
 business to find repose amid its grateful shadows. 
 
HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 67 
 
 FROM EASTON TO MAUCH-CHUNK 
 
 Our line skirts the Lehigh River, passing through one con- 
 tinuous and varied scene of beauty. We pass furnaces and 
 foundries innumerable, lining the river bank, and possessing 
 in the aggregate an annual capacity of hundreds of thousands 
 of tons. Thus we are v/hirled in turn to Glendon and 
 Freemansburg, and reach our first important stopping place, 
 the quaint old Moravian mission city of Bethlehem, 
 which the latter days of railroad enterprise have transformed 
 into a thriving and prosperous commercial center. Here the 
 tourist will find many objects to interest him. The immense 
 vv'orks of the Bethlehem Iron Company and the Lehigh Zinc 
 Company ; the spacious and beautiful buildings of Lehigh 
 University, founded, and thrown open /r<f<? of expense to the 
 youth of the country by the munificence of Hon. Asa Packer 
 of Mauch-Chunk ; the view from Nisky Hill, where is situated 
 one of the most tastefuly laid out cemeteries in the State — 
 all these will in turn attract and interest the visitor at Beth- 
 lehem. 
 
 At Bethlehem we intersect the great line of pleasure travel 
 from Philadelphia to Saratoga, Sharon Springs, Albany, Lake 
 George and Canada. This route, newly opened, carries the 
 traveler through the picturesque coal regions of North-eastern 
 Pennsylvania, and up the fair valley of the Susquehanna, 
 affording a most convenient and attractive route for tourists 
 and pleasure-seekers during the present season. 
 
 Only five miles further on we came to the busy city of 
 
68 HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 
 
 Allentown, with its 16000 people, situated in the midst of 
 a rich agricultural district, in close proximity to valuable 
 beds of iron ore, zinc, limestone and cement, and connected 
 by rail with all four points of the compass. Here are manu- 
 factured iron and steel rails, engines, machinery, carriages, 
 fire-brick, and a host of lesser useful articles. Here, too, are 
 two educational institutions, Muhlenberg College and the 
 Allentown Female College. Here are the Fair Grounds, 
 annually visited by forty thousand people ; here a bridge of 
 19 arches, 1800 feet long and 59 high, spanning Jordan 
 Creek, and here the visitor will find scenery and natural 
 curiosities well worthy a day's leisure. The view from Big 
 or 'Bauer's Rock, a thousand feet high, embraces a rich 
 variety of landscape in the Lehigh and Saucon valleys, and 
 there are several romantic springs much frequented by sum- 
 mer visitors. 
 
 Catasauqua, four miles further up the river, is the point 
 where anthracite iron was first successfully manufactured in 
 the Lehigh Valley. Now 25000 car wheels alone are aunu- 
 ally made here. Just above the town stands a building 
 nearly two hundred years old, once occupied by George 
 Taylor, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independ- 
 ence. 
 
 And now we pass in turn Laubach, Siegfried Bridge, 
 Treichler and Walnut Port, and, in little over an hour after 
 leaving Easton, find ourselves amid the grand scenery of the 
 Lehigh Gap, where the river forces its way through the Blue 
 Ridge. To many, the beauties of this point would prove a 
 sufficient temptation to alight. But the knowing one will tell 
 you that there are even grander beauties beyond, so let us 
 ride a few miles further. Now, we see busy Parryville with 
 
HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 69 
 
 its three furnaces, and then Weissport and Lehighton situa- 
 ted on the opposite side of the river. Here we cross by a sub- 
 stantial bridge from which we gain a novel and striking view 
 both up and down stream. As we pause for a moment at 
 the depot, we may be interested in knowing that this locality 
 has some interesting traditions of its own. It was first settled 
 in 1746 by Moravian Missionaries, eleven of whom in 1755 
 were murdered by Indians from Canada. Th^mission house 
 was burned at the same time. 
 
 In Weissport is the site of a log hut built by Benjamin 
 Franklin when he was in charge of the then northwestern 
 frontier. 
 
 Beyond Lehighton we have the river on our right, and the 
 hills gradually closing in more closely about us. What a pig- 
 my our train seems to be, winding its way through the verdure 
 clad battlements towering above it. Here v/e see Packerton 
 with its park of seventy-five acres stocked with antelope, 
 deer, elk and trout, and presently a sudden turn in the 
 valley brings us suddenly in view of our destination 
 
 - MAUCH CHUNK, 
 
 nestling lovingly in the embrace of the giant mountains 
 about it. 
 
 Alighting for the first time in this picturesque spot, where 
 the enterprise of man has engirdled with railroads and canals, 
 the wildest mountain solitude, and has brought within a half 
 days pleasure ride of the Metropolis, regions once deemed all 
 but inaccessible, one knows not whether first to bow in awe 
 at Nature's majesty, or exclaim with delight at the triumph 
 which engineering skill has achieved in bringing it so readily 
 
70 HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 
 
 wi- hin our grasp. For see ! this narrow gorge through which 
 the Lehigh through ages of soHtude plashed its way seaward, 
 now furnishes an avenue for two railroads, a canal, and, at 
 this point, for a village street, all crowded into this narrow 
 space and monopolizing every inch of room they can__ever 
 possibly expect to occupy, 
 
 Look out of the window before we alight. That cone-like 
 mountain opppsite is Bear Mountain^ or in Indian language 
 '' Mauch Chunk." Under its shadow is the brick depot of 
 the Lehigh Valley Railroad, and from its platform a bridge 
 spans the river just before us. Then, looking this side of 
 the depot, we see that it stands upon a walled embankment, 
 below which winds the Lehigh Canal ; then comes another 
 walled embankment, and below it, upon the third, or lowest 
 level, the river flows over its rocky bed. On this side, our 
 railroad runs on the level of the street, while facing us, and, 
 built almost into the mountain side, stands that famous hotel 
 the Mansion House. 
 
 Fortunately it is our destination, and the cars have brought 
 us from Jersey City to its front door. These wide verandahs 
 with their cozy arm chairs, and their view of everybody and 
 everything, were sufficient to tempt one twice the distance. 
 So, without unnecessary delay, we hasten to our rooms, re- 
 pair our toilets, take a royal dinner, light a cigar, and prepare 
 to do Mauch Chunk. 
 
 Now, first make up your mind to do it coolly. Don't rush 
 about in a hurry, and fancy you are leaving something un- 
 seen. In that way you will enjoy nothing. A day v,'ill 
 suffice to see the whole place comfortably, provided you go 
 about it systematically. 
 
 First, we will sit down here on the hotel piazza, and take 
 
HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 
 
 71 
 
 MAUCH CHUNK FROM THE SOUTH. 
 
72 HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 
 
 our bearings. This gigantic mountain south of us, which^ 
 turning abruptly to the eastward, seems at first glance to 
 offer an impenetrable barrier to the river's progress, is known 
 as the Flagstaff, and along its rugged slope can be discerned 
 a carriage road which, engineering skill has constructed as 
 another means of communication with Lehighton and Pack- 
 erton. A rustic foot path, within a few steps of where we 
 sit, points the way up this steep mountain side to a famous 
 ledge, entitled " Prospect Rock," commanding a glorious 
 view of the valley below. An ascent to this point will well 
 repay us, ere we start on our trip toward Upper Mauch 
 Chunk. 
 
 But first, what say you to a run up to the Glen ? It is 
 only two miles away, and here comes a train that will take 
 us up there in^ a fev/ minutes. So jump aboard. We whiz 
 away up the river bank, the thickly built street on our left, 
 the river on our right; presently the houses end, and an em- 
 bankment takes their place in our vision. Then we pass the 
 coal shutes, rattle along under the base of Mount Pisgah^ 
 cross the river to East Mauch Chunk, shoot through a tunnel 
 and over a bridge, and here we are at the pretty depot guard- 
 ing the entrance to 
 
 Scale of distances of stations on the Central Rail Road of New Jersey, 
 above mean low tide water. 
 
 Pier 1 4 North River 10.5 
 
 Elizabeth 313 
 
 Roselle 79 ^ 
 
 Cranford 74-6 
 
 Westfield 13°- 3 
 
 Fanwood — new. 158. i 
 
 Plainfield 107.9 
 
 Evona 780 
 
 Dunellen 56. i 
 
 Bound Brook 31 -4 
 
 Finderne 81.5 
 
 Somerville 61.9 
 
 Raritan 72-8 
 
 North Branch 87.1 
 
 White House 178. r 
 
 Lebanon 296.0 
 
 Annandale 346- r 
 
 High Bridge 33 ' •• 2. 
 
 Glen Gardner 450 7 
 
 Junction 508.5 
 
 Asbury 439 2 
 
 Bloomsbury 336 . 2 
 
 Springtown 303-7 
 
 Gree iwich 262.3 
 
 Phillipsburg 222.2 
 
HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 73 
 
 GLEN ONOKO. 
 
 It is a wild and tangled spot this to which our quest for the 
 romantic has brought us. We are completely shut in by the 
 mountains ; for on either side the valley makes an abrupt turn, 
 leaving us as it were enclosed in a deep basin. And before 
 us is a gorge, or glen, from which a noisy waterfall comes 
 babbling, foaming, plashing out to swell the Lehigh. That 
 is Glen Onoko. 
 
 A few steps along a shaded pathway bring us to its portals, 
 but not until we have had opportunity to slake our thirst at 
 a wayside spring where the cool water spurts up in a stream of 
 an inch in diameter, and to a height of at least two inches 
 above the ground. To our left is Sentinel Rock, and a 
 short distance beyond. Hidden Sweet Cascade. 
 
 Now we commence the ascent, shaded all the way. We 
 pass, in turn, Entrance and Crystal Cascades, and, looking up, 
 see above us a rustic bridge spanning the mountain stream. 
 Upon this our path soon brings us, and we find ourselves 
 face to face with Moss Cascade. At its base is a limpid pool 
 known as the Lovers' Bath, while overlooking it are two 
 immense boulders to which has been given the name of the 
 Pulpit Rocks.* Now onward and upward we go again. The 
 road is steep and trying, but there are new charms at every 
 turn to repay us for our trouble. Here we cross another 
 bridge and view the Spectre Cascade, deriving its wierd name 
 from a resemblance, real or fancied, to the figure of a woman 
 in white. Now we are in the Heart of the Glen, and, looking 
 far up the vista, catch a sublime view of Chameleon Falls, 
 
 * The author acknowledges his indebtedness to the columns of that complete 
 and attractive publication the Monthly Souvenir, (J. Lynn, Publisher), for much 
 of his information relative to this .ocality. 
 
74 HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 
 
 and the Falls of Onoko, the former over forty, and the latter 
 nearly ninety feet in height. 
 
 Ah ! here is a stairway ingeniously hewed on the trunk of 
 an immense hemlock. Then beyond we reach Sunrise Point, 
 and, for the first time, gain a commanding view, as well as 
 an idea of the altitude which we have reached. Looking 
 down from this eyrie we recall the lines from the Lady of 
 the Lake. 
 
 " From the steep promontory gazed 
 The Stranger, raptured and amazed. 
 And ' What a scene were here,' he cried, 
 
 For princely pomp, or churchman's pr:de ! 
 On this bold brow a lordl}'^ tower ; 
 In that soft vale, a ladle's bower ; 
 On yonder meadow far away. 
 The turrets of a cloister gray.' " 
 
 After a feast of scenery which will have surprised and 
 delighted even the most stoHd, we resume our upward jour- 
 ney, pass Terrace Cascade, and reach Cave Fall, so called 
 from its proximity to a rocky recess, which the Indians are 
 said to have frequently sought as a place of concealment. 
 Then our path leads us by a lumbermen's cabin to the Sum- 
 mit and to Packer's Point, where amid an extended view of 
 the surrounding country, we have reached the climax of 
 Glen Onoko's beauties. 
 
 Yet, so admirable are the arrangements for travel to and 
 from the Glen, that in two hours after starting thither we are 
 back again at the Mansion House, more than pleased with 
 the charming scenes which we have visited. 
 
 But Mauch Chunk's grandest attraction yet awaits us 
 Let us now start out on 
 
HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 7 5 
 
 A RIDE OVER THE SWITCH-BACK. 
 But what is the Switch-back, and whence its singular nanie ? 
 Briefly this. In 1796 one Philip Ginter, a pioneer in this 
 region, accidently discovered the existence of immense beds 
 of anthracite coal in the adjacent mountains. In 181 8 the 
 Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company was organized to 
 -develop these rescources. Their first problem was to solve 
 the difficult question of transportation for coal from the 
 mines to the river. There were the mines, inexhaustible in 
 wealth, but buried in the heart of the mountain ; there were 
 the river and canal flowing at the mountain's base, nine 
 miles distant, avenues of connection with all the populous 
 world without. The problem was to connect the tvvo, so 
 science and enterprise joined hands to solve it. First the 
 coal was carted by mule teams ; but this tedious and expen- 
 sive method was obviated in 1827 by the construction ot 
 what was called the Switch-back or Gravity railroad, running 
 on a descending grade from Summit Hill to the river. Cars 
 descended on this by their own gravity, carrying wnth them 
 the mules which were to drag them back. 
 
 In 1844 the mule system was entirely abandoned by the 
 erection of incUned planes on Mount Pisgah and r\]ount 
 Jefferson, up which the cars are drawn by steam to the re- 
 quired elevation. And since that time the ride over these 
 planes, and back over the Gravity road has been annually 
 more popular among tourists, until now it has become an in- 
 separable feature of a visit to Mauch Chunk. 
 
 Is it safe, do you ask ? The best evidence of its safety is 
 the fact that " in all the years that this enterprise has been 
 in operation, not a single passenger has met with an accident 
 going up this mountain." But come, let us see for ourselves- 
 
76 HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 
 
 Here is a carriage awaiting us, though we can walk to the 
 plane in ten minutes, if we prefer. But there are some 
 choice views by the carriage road, and we can take the foot 
 path on our return. So we drive up Susquehanna Street, 
 turn off to the left up Broadway, a closely built business 
 street, crowded in curiously between the hills^ and presently 
 commence ascending the mountain slope. Ah, now the 
 picture commences. Look down into the gorge behind us, 
 and what a magical surprise awaits us. Here is the entire 
 town below us, the river flowing before it, the engines whiz- 
 zing by on either side, while standing out, prominent above 
 all, is the symmetrical outline of St. Mark's F>piscopal church, 
 a feature indelibly impressed upon the memory of every one 
 who has seen Mauch Chunk. And at every step that we 
 advance the view seems to present some new and more 
 beautiful aspect. Now we are at Upper Mauch Chunk. 
 Ah i what is that ? a railroad track ? and see, there comes a 
 car whizzing along with nobody in it. That is an excursion 
 car returning by itself from Summit Hill to the foot of the 
 plane. Just here we turn off at a zig-zag to the right, driv6 
 along the summit of the hill, pass the old cemetery, situated 
 on a shaded bluff overlooking town, valley and river, and 
 presently behold us at the foot of Mount Pisgah. 
 
 The view even here is fine enough to satisfy any reason- 
 able sight-seer. But above us, rising at the rate of about one 
 foot in three, is the plane, double tracked, and 2322 feet 
 long, and when we shall have reached its summit we shall be 
 864 feet higher than we now are. So we v/ill take our seats 
 in the car, and start on our upward journey. The safety car 
 takes its place behind us, the great heavy iron bands which 
 extend from end to end of the plane, and form the medium 
 
HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 
 
 77 
 
 MT. PISGAH AND PLANE. 
 
 of our motive power, commence to move, and off we go, up, 
 up, np. What a novel sensation it is ; how ste^p the descent 
 looks behind us ; how far off the summit seems to be. This 
 must be much the experience of a balloonist, when he first casts 
 loose from his anchorage. Now we look over the tree tops, 
 and every second the vista widens and widens below us. 
 What were mountains a moment ago have dwindled now 
 
7 8 HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 
 
 into mounds, or seem level with the landscape around then^ 
 Now, we pass the downward bound car which meets us mid- 
 way. Now, we really begin to realize our immense elevation. 
 The foot of the plane looks far, oh how far, below us. And, 
 as we wonder and gaze in admiration, we are carried into- 
 the engine house at the summit, and the ascent of Mount 
 Pisgah is achieved. We are now 1500 feet above tidewater. 
 Before us is a trestle bridge spanning a wild ravine, and 
 passmg over this we alight for a few moments and follow a. 
 winding pathway leading to a still higher point, the Pavilion. 
 Here, from the summit of an observatory, which might well 
 be named Tip Top, we gain a view as lovely as mortal eye 
 ever gazed on, a view which justifies the assertion that we 
 have found the " Switzerland of America." Away to the 
 southeast is Lehigh Gap, and peeping through it, sixty-five- 
 miles distant, the rounded blue of Schooley's Mountain. 
 Farther north is Wind Gap, and then following the hoiizon 
 around we see a mingled panorama of blue hills and green 
 forests bewildering in its extent and grandeur. No pen can 
 do justice to this scene ; no canvas can truly portray it. Ta 
 see it is alone to appreciate it. 
 
 " So wondrous wild the whole might seem. 
 The scenery of a fair}- dream." 
 
 Resuming our seats, our car by the force of gravity shoots us 
 along the mountain side a distance of six miles, (a descent 
 of 302 feet)-, to the base of Mount Jefferson, where a second 
 plane 2070 feet long and 462 high, awaits our ascent. 
 Again we enjoy the novelty of an aerial ride, and again we 
 look down upon the landscape dwindHng beneath us. Now 
 we take another mile of gravity riding, (descending 45 feet)^ 
 and — but what is this ? a village ? Yes, Summit Hill, a 
 
HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 7^ 
 
 mining town of about 2000 people, built here on the mount- 
 ain top, 975 feet above the Lehigh. A curious place it is,^, 
 with rambling streets full of old buildings, among which we 
 see a stone arsenal with loopholes for riflemen, and castel- 
 lated towers. Here are stored the arms for a company of 
 state miUtia, stationed here to suppress disorders. Yonder 
 is the original switch-back railroad, from which the present 
 one derived its name, and by which coal is brought up from 
 the mines in Panther Creek Valley beyond. And here, too, 
 is '' the burning mine," which caught fire thirty-one years ago 
 and has been ever since burning in its subterranean depths 
 with a fiery heat, searing and blighting whole acres of ground 
 on the surface above it. 
 
 But, the crowning delight of our ride awaits us. The re- 
 turn over the nine miles of descending grade to our starting, 
 point at Mount Pisgah's base. It only wants half an hour 
 of supper time. Yet we can accomplish the distance in that 
 time. Seated in the car, it is given a gentle push and off we- 
 go, down through long stretches of shaded roadway, down 
 around wondrous curves, down along the edge of giddy pre- 
 cipices over which we look down upon tree tops far below j, 
 down under the shadows of great crags and walls of rock 
 covered with luxuriant ivy, and still down, down, down, at 
 a dizzy speed, and as if on the wings of the wind. Oh, this, 
 is exhilarating; the cool mountain air fans our brows, the 
 sweet fragrance of the woods and wild flowers greets us;, 
 the entrancing scenery far below seems to shoot up to meet 
 us as we momentarily near it On we go with the speed of 
 a race horse ; nothing now dares obstruct our course. Ah, 
 there is Mauch Chunk again, like a toy village in the distance 
 below. With what wondrous rapidity we approach it. Faster 
 
8o 
 
 HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 
 
 Maueh Chunk, Pa. 
 
 In a cool and pleasant location, within sight of all the depots. 
 
 m 
 PUREST WATER IN THE WORLD. 
 
 BALCONY SERENADES DAILY ! 
 
 Ele«f^nt R^ooms for l^amilies. 
 
 E. T. BOOTH, Proprietor 
 
 and faster still we rush on. Yes! there is the carriage road, 
 there the old cemetery, and, before we know it, our invisible 
 steed has come to a halt at the base of the plane whence we 
 started. 
 
 There, reader, ends the ride over the Switch-back Railroad. 
 Once having enjoyed it, you will never forget it. It may be 
 safely said that there is no jaunt in all America, or perhaps 
 in the world, that equals it in grandeur and exhilarating effect. 
 
 So, retracing our steps by the foot path to the village, and 
 the Mansion House, in the cool of this summer evening, we 
 recall with joyous wonder the scarcely yet realized beauties 
 of the ride, and thank the kindly fortune which prompted us 
 to visit, sometime in our lives, Mauch Chunk and Glen Onoko 
 and the Switch back Railroad. 
 
HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 8 1 
 
 Nor need our journey end here; for following our 
 line still further northward, and skirting the Lehigh's waters 
 toward their course, we may, after bidding adieu to Mauch 
 Chunk and its pleasant memories, reacli in turn White 
 Haven and the bold declivities beyond it, Wilkesbarre and 
 the lovely Wyoming Valley, prosperous Scranton in the heart 
 of the Pittston coal region, and thence continue on to 
 Niagara Falls, Saratoga, Watkins Glen, Sharon Springs, 
 Albany, Lakes George and Champlain, and the Canadas. 
 What more fascinating or delightful summer excursion could 
 even the most blase tourist desire ? 
 
 NEWARK AND NEW YORK RAILROAD. 
 
 (See page 7.) 
 
 After leaving Communipaw, we whiz across a strip of 
 meadow, and stop for a moment at the signal station at 
 
 LAFAYETTE, 
 
 (15 min. II trains each way daily.) 
 
 the name originally pertaining to this whole section, which 
 is now a portion of Jersey City. Just beyond the depot we 
 find ourselves running along a high embankment, and pres- 
 ently cross in turn the Morris Canal and the Bergen Plank 
 Road, each of them spanned by substantial bridges of iron. 
 But suddenly the land rises on either side of us, and almost 
 ere we know it we are in the Bergen Hill 'Cut, and look 
 down from the car windows on our left upon a cut fully as 
 deep again, an immense excavation in solid rock, destmed 
 on its completion to afford our line a much easier grade of 
 roadway to the meadows beyond the hill Now, as the 
 whistle blows, we come to a stop at 
 
82 HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 
 
 BERGEN AVENUE, 
 
 (17 min. 27 trains each way daily.) 
 
 a magnificent highway, extending to the heart of the city, 
 and forming the main avenue of communication in this 
 section of it. The short time required to reach this station 
 from the city, its frequent trains, and the number of unusually 
 attractive building sites within its immediate vicinity, render 
 it noticeable as the most important point we have yet reached 
 on the Hne. (See advertisement of Woodward & Sherwood, 
 page 7). At 
 
 WEST BERGEN 
 
 (19 min. 17 trains each way daily.) 
 
 we find ourselves on the shore of the Hackensack River, 
 here grown to a considerable width and depth. Now we 
 cross the Morris Canal again, shoot out upon the long trestle 
 bridge, and, in a moment or two have passed over it, over 
 the neck of green meadow land, dividing the Hackensack and 
 Passaic, over the Passaic itself, and are whizzing on to 
 Brill's Junction, where the Newark and Elizabeth Branch 
 comes in. Now we are already in Newark, and our first 
 station within its Hmits is at 
 
 EAST FERRY STREET, 
 
 (29 min. 21 trains each way daily.) 
 
 where already numerous indications of city conveniences 
 appear, in the way of gas lamps, curbed streets, sidewalks, 
 hydrants, and substantial brick rows. Here our track is 
 above the level of the city, necessitating a bridge at every 
 few hundred feet. It is a pecuHar advantage that this line 
 has in passing through the entire city above the level of its 
 streets^ thereby obviating the delays and collisions incident 
 
HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 83 
 
 to Other lines on the level. In so constructing it the Com- 
 pany have simply anticipated what must in a few years be- 
 come a general system of railroad transit through cities. We 
 come next to 
 
 FERRY STREET, 
 
 (31 min. 27 trains each way daily.) 
 
 where we are in a thickly settled portion of Newark, and 
 where our attention is especially attracted by the elegant and 
 spacious brick depot, erected for the accommodation of resi- 
 dents in this section of the city. The gas works may also be 
 seen to the right of the railroad at this point. 
 
 We now find ourselves carried along over the level of the 
 housetops, and can, if curious, look down into many a second 
 story window, or back dooryard. Now we find ourselves in 
 a moment or two at the 
 
 BROAD STREET DEPOT. 
 
 (35 min. 27 trains each way daily.) 
 
 Conveniently located in the heart of the business portion of 
 Newark, and with horse-cars in waiting to convey us to any 
 part of the city. 
 
 SOUTH BRANCH RAILROAD. 
 
 (See page 52.) 
 
 Upon leaving Somerville, we first cross the Raritan, and 
 passing through a fine, open farming country, come to 
 
 RICEFIELD. 
 
 (i hour, 55 min. 4 trains each way daily.) 
 
 A small village, once known as Royce Field, lying southeast 
 of the road. One gains here a fine view of the Pickles Mount- 
 ain, on the northwest. Two and a half miles beyond is 
 
§4 HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 
 
 FLAGTOWN. 
 
 (2 hours and 2 minutes. 4 trains each way dail}^) 
 
 A depot where passengers alight for the village of the same 
 name, about half a mile to the south. 
 
 NESHANIC. 
 
 (2 hours, 10 min. 4 trains each way daily.) 
 
 Situated on the south branch of the Raritan, is, next to 
 Flemington, the most important point on this branch. 
 Ninety-three thousand, baskets of peaches were shipped 
 from here during the last season. About the depot may be 
 seen many tasteful dwellings, while the village proper, at the 
 cross-roads, half a mile south, is quite a center of population. 
 Following the line of the south branch, we come next to 
 
 THREE BRIDGES, 
 
 (2 hours, 20 min. 4 trains each way daily.) 
 
 a village boasting a Church and a Post Office, but chiefly 
 important as an outlet for the farming country about it. 
 
 Beyond the village we again cross the south branch, enter 
 Hunterdon County, and suddenly catch a glorious view of a 
 wide-spread, fertile valley, in the midst of which is seen the 
 respectable county town of 
 
 FLEMINGTON. 
 
 (2 hours, 30 min. 4 trams each wayfdaily.) 
 
 Of this place we may to-day with correctness repeat the 
 description by a writer of upwards of thirty years ago, who 
 refers to it as "principally located on a single street, on 
 which are many handsome dweUings ; and the general ap- 
 pearance of the place is thriving and cheerful." It being 
 the Hunterdon County Seat, we find here a stone Court 
 
HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 85 
 
 House, and County Offices. There are three or four 
 churches, good schools, some fine stores, and an estimated 
 population of from three to four thousand. Gas lamps and 
 hydrants give a sort of metropoHtan air to the streets, and 
 two steamers are provided for the extinction of fires. 
 
 NEWARK AND ELIZABETH BEANCH. 
 
 This branch, which passes across the Newark meadows, 
 and is regularly run as a local line between the cities of New- 
 ark and Elizabeth, furnishes to the people of the former city 
 a close connection from and to nearly all the trains on the 
 main fine, and, judging from the amount of travel passing 
 over it, is a great public convenience. 
 
 BRANCH TO 
 
 FTH AMBOY, S. AMBOY & LONG BRANCH. 
 
 The manifest need of an "all rail" connection betvy;e,ei-< 
 
 determined the Company in the construction of a branch 
 line to the latter, and the work now nears completion. 
 The line diverges at Elizabethport ; runs thence to Wood- 
 bridge and Perth Amboy; crosses the Raritan to South 
 Amboy by a substantial and handsome bridge of 3,°°° 
 feet and thence runs through Red Bank to Long Branch. 
 It is expected to open the road to Long Branch next season 
 and to Perth Amboy this summer. Already the '^^^f'/ 
 direct communication by rail with New York, and by bridge 
 with its sister town South Amboy, are visible at Perth Amboy 
 in the enhanced value of property, and the constant acces- 
 sions to its population. 
 
86 
 
 HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 
 
 m €&w&Tmm qf ^QEmm^ qpi^iq^b 
 
 FOR THE 
 
 BRADBURY PIANO 
 
 ITS ADAPTATION TO THE HUMAN VOICE as an accompani- 
 ment, owing to its peculiar sympathetic, mellow, yet rich singing quali - 
 ties and powerful tone. 
 
 t^" From present acquaintance with this firih we can indorse them as 
 worthy of the fullest confidence of the Christian public. We are using 
 the Bradbury Pianos in our families, and they give entire satisfaction. 
 
 Persons at a distance need feel no hesitation in sending for their illus- 
 trated price-list, and ordering from it, or to order second-hand Pianos. 
 They are reliable. 
 
 Mrs. IT. S. Grant, Wash., D. C. 
 Chief-Justice Chase, Wash, D, C. 
 Vice-Admiral D. B. Porter, Wash. 
 
 D. C. 
 Hon. Columbus Delano, Wash.,D.C. 
 P. M. General Cresweil, Wash., D.C. 
 Robert Bonner, N. Y. 
 (Irand Ccntrai Hotel, N. Y. 
 St. Nicholas Hotel, N. Y. 
 Metropolitan Hotel, N. Y. 
 Hon. J. Simpson, M. P. 
 Bishop M. Simpson, Phila 
 Bi^shou E. S. Janes, N. Y. 
 
 Wm MorelyPunshon 
 
 T S Arthur, Phila 
 
 Dr. John Chambers, Phila 
 
 Rev S. W. Thomas, N Y 
 
 Rev. I. W. Wiley, Chica.„.^^^ ^ ^ ^^^^^^'^^^^^y''- 
 
 renT a'ppIied?r;:;,';''ch:S! ''■ ''ZZ^ '^ t '''''■ P^"- '° '«'- -^ 
 Old pianos take^Tn exc anr . /v,'"'-i"'?""'! '""'^''"'^ ^°' "'« ^^»-^'^- 
 
 ORGANS AND MELODEONS 
 
 SeTd fofltfttd p'^ctus?"'*-" ^"P'^"'^'^ - '■-- discount. 
 
 Attorney-Gen. Williams 
 Rev J M. Walden, Chicago. 
 Rev R M Hatfield, Cin 
 Rev L B Bugbie, Cin. 
 Dr. J. M. Reid, N Y. 
 Dr. C. N. Sims, Bait.. Md 
 Dr. H. B. Ridgavvay, N. Y. 
 Philip Phillips, N. Y. 
 Rev. Alfred Cookman, N. Y. 
 Rev. John Cookman, N. Y. 
 W. G. Plscher, Phila , Pa. 
 Chaplain M'Cabe. 
 Rev. A. J. Kynett, D. D. 
 Rev. Daniel Curry, D. D. 
 Theodore Tilton^ N. Y 
 Dr Daniel Wise, N. y" 
 Rev. W. H.Ferris, N. Y. 
 Rev. Dr. Fields, N. Y 
 
 F. 
 
 ». H]\XrTH & oo. 
 
 Late Supt. for and successor to WM. B. BRADBURY 
 4^^ Bioonio Strc3et, ]Xew Yoik. 
 
 FREEBORN G. SMITH. 
 
 H. T. M'COUN. 
 
HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 
 
 87 
 
 THrS COMPANY IS PREPARED TO FURNISH 
 
 P^l 
 
 (See page 45) 
 
 CUTS OF BUILDINGS, Etc. 
 
 (See page 60) 
 
 BILL OH LETTER HEADS, 
 
 (See above) 
 
 Belief Plates for JNewspaper, liOOK ana uaiaiogue iimstraiiuus, 
 
 AND 
 
 ENGRAVING WORK IN GENERAL, 
 
 at prices which average about 
 
 ONE-HALF or HATES CHAH&ED TOR WOOD CUTS. 
 
 rhXeslrrdefper thari'^tSose orhand-^cut enfravings. We guarantee all our 
 the lines are cieeper iii<tn «- either wet or dry paper, and on 
 
 P^"' Wind Sf"S ess wher? type or wooS 4ts can be printed, the attencion of 
 mYnufactureKprl^osfnl t^Lue Illustrated Catalogues is particularly invited. 
 
 L. SMITH HOBART, Pres't. J. C. MOSS, Siip't. 
 
 D. I. CARSON, Geii'l Agent. 
 
88 
 
 'HOMES ON THE CENTRAL. 
 
 New 
 Fainilf 
 
 DURING 1872 
 
 Tie Singer Maiinfaclnring Comiiauy soli 219,158 MacMues, 
 
 Wheeler & Wilson Manufacturing Company 
 
 Howe Machine Company (estimated) 
 
 Grover & Baker Sewing Machine Company 
 
 Domestic Sewing Machine Company 
 
 Weed Sewing Machine Company 
 
 Wilcox & Gibbs Sewing Machine Company 
 
 Wilson Sewing Machine Company 
 
 Amer. B. H. O. & Sewing Machine Company 
 
 Gold Medal Sewing Machine Company 
 
 Florence Sewing Machine Company 
 
 B. P. Howe Sewing Machine Company 
 
 Victor Sewing Machine Company 
 
 Davis Sewing Machine Company 
 
 Blees Sewing Machine Company 
 
 Remington Empire Sewing Machine Company 
 
 Bartlett Reversible Sewing MacWhe Company 
 Bartram & Fanton Manufacturing Company 
 becor Sewmg Machine Company 
 
 New Jersey Agency for The Singer Sewing Machines, 
 
 No, 766 Broad Street, Newark, N. J. 
 
 O. T. HOri^ER & CO., J^eT^Z^trect, JElizaheth. 
 P OPE Bit OS. , Front Street-JPlain field. 
 
 WM. a SHAFER, Main St.-Somerville 
 A. CARTER, Phillij^sburff, ojyjyosite D. & R. R. R. station. 
 tT. S. & J. N. CI. ARK, Eebanon. 
 
 WM. a. FVLPER, Main 8t.^FIemington 
 
 ' 174,088 
 
 a 
 
 " 145,000 
 
 it, 
 
 " 52,010 
 
 il 
 
 ' 49,554 
 
 n 
 
 ' 42,444 
 
 a 
 
 ' 33,639 
 
 n 
 
 ' 22,066 
 
 n 
 
 ' 18,930 
 
 a 
 
 ' 18,897 
 
 ii 
 
 ' 15,793 
 
 a 
 
 ' 14,907 
 
 u 
 
 ' 11,901 
 
 (I 
 
 ' 11,376 
 
 ( ( 
 
 6,053 
 
 u 
 
 ' 4,982 
 
 li 
 
 4,262 
 
 a 
 
 — ,v/l^»,^ 
 
 L i. 
 
 1,000 
 
 l<. ' 
 
 1,000 
 
 ii 
 
 311 
 
 ii 
 
 ffl ^-^-^ 
 
 SCHENK 
 
 3i^77..251 
 T,«t-38 
 

 ■ 
 
 1^ 
 
 uP 
 
 ^# 
 
 31 
 
 TH 
 
 EXCELS ALL OTHERS IN 
 
 TONE AND DURABILITY ! 
 
 The Arion Piano-Forte contaics in its construction four valuable 
 patented improvements that make it more durable than any other piano. 
 The sales of these pianos have increased over six hundred per cent, m 
 the past three years. The Arion Pimos are used exclusively by the N. 
 Y. Conservatory of Music because of their unequalled Tone and great 
 Durability. Great inducements to cash purchasers. Write for illus- 
 trated CIRCULAR, and mention where you ^aw this notice. Address, 
 
 ARION PIANO-FORTE CO. 
 
 iVo. ^ East 14tU Str-eet, 
 
 NEW YORK. 
 No. 1308 Chestnut St., Philadelphia. 
 
 No. 211 State St, Chicago. 
 
 No. 214 North 5th St., St. Louis. 
 
 No. 20 O'Farrell St., San Francisco. 
 
 |]^^ Pianos sold on easy Monthly Payments and 
 old pianos taken as part pay. 
 
 
CENTRAL NEW JERSEY 
 
 Land JMPf^ovEMENT Co. 
 
 HAVE FOR SALE 
 
 hiWim, Ltts ui Villa, Site: 
 
 LAND BY THE ACRE 
 
 SUITABLE FCR 
 
 Manufacturing Purposes ! 
 
 — AT— 
 
 I 
 
 Apply to 
 
 Or 
 
 A. D. HOPE. 
 EI.STON MARSH, 
 M9 Liberty Street, New York. 
 
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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS