The Morris County chronicle. [volume] (Morristown, N.J.) 1877-1915, 1880-02-27
BAsKINGRInaE
Editor Chronicza

Editor Chronicle:
Situated about seven miles south west
OF MorrlstoWn upon beautiful ridge
which extends for miles, forming mag
nificent landscapes Basl1ingridge. What
grand sight when in the distance one
sees a village quietly nestled on hill
side with its clean white houses and tall
church spires which seem to point the
villagers heavenward such one really
has sprung up just here among the green
trees away from the turmoil and hustle
OF the world. Baskingridge, it is said,
derived its name from the fact that many
wild horses years ago congregated to bask
and Craze in the sun, upon the ridge
where the village is now situated. From
many points along this elevation the
finest OF Jersey scenery is to be found
One is well paid for visit to this locality
in the Summer season, and especially in
the Autumn to witness the beauties of
Nature. The surrounding country with
It's hills, valleys and plains helps to make
one grand Natures picture. How often
have | paused at every charm The
quiet country homes remind one of that
" Home Muse" when the busy days
were ended, and especially on the Sabs
bath evenings; how sweet the simple
music sounded set to we'll remembered
rhyme. u How often can l hear the
strains of that domestic choir ringing
through my brain and see " the house,
hold group gathered around the dear
mother blending their tones in tuneful
sounds" Baslingridge I must say is far
ahead of many Of her sister villages; we
find life and go ahead among the young
people which is the life of every place
they also enjoy themselves as their fathers
did taking the seasons in their turn !;
now giving oyster and game suppers for
the benefit. of Church or Sunday school,
now an Old Folks Concert, sleighing
or surprise party, ETC., etc. "Several Of
its young ladies are skilled musicians !;
they play the ACCORDION, violin, piano or
organ, and sing credltably." But those
boys they are very much in need of pa
ternal attention they would be far bets
ter off should they go within the doors of
the churches Sunday evenings, instead
of remaining in the vestibules disturbing
those who would worship. But boys will
be boys even in this cozy inland village.
We hear no more about the Decker
and Byram house business no doubt it
is settled ere this.
While visiting the ridge l could but
notice the streets were badly looked
after; likely the sewerage is bad.
That " Wood Saving Ghost" will be
apt to saw the whole of Bedminster woods
| it has been looking around for some time
past. It can't be that the old Norris
| town Ghost has come from the spirit land
to make few collections
with bated breath, and startling
scream darts creature of steel and
steam" into this heretofore quiet village
from the great city, bringing the mails
and news from all the world.
Progress and the railroad go hand in
hand, changing peaceful villages into
towns. Witness the improvements in
this locality and the run of Summer visi
tors since the railroad has taken the place
of that old dilapidated stage line.
Baskingridge possesses four churches
No lack of ways to heaven if the natives
will but accept. One Methodist, presided
over by the Rev. j. E. Owen; one Pres
byterian, Rev. J. G. Rankin, pastor one
Episcopalian, services occasionally, nc
regular pastor one Roman Catholic.
The Public School is one of the lead
ing features of the place the Principal
Mr.. ]. Brown, and primary teacher, Miss
Ida Wilson, are well liked and receive
great credit for their untiring efforts ir
training the minds of Young America.
The business portion of the place il
represented by six stores, well stocked
Two grocery and dry goods w. +, Much,
more, a drug book and stationery store; Q
grocery and fancy goods establishment; 6
meat and vegetable market; a merchant
tailor, and barber. A carriage builder
a carriage painter; stoves and hardware
stores and two blacksmith shops. Mr.
P. G. Henry has the leading store in the
place with Post Office.
Baskingridge, we are told, is one of Jer
.sey's health giving gardens and highly
recommended by medical men, but when
we see four NJ. D. signs about the town
we try to imagine where they find the
| sick in this Eden of health. Is it pos,
sible all the afflicted recover? I failed
to find an undertalxer's sign so concluded
the people Give always" What for,
Tune IOI uur lI16Il1 w. f. nucullOf9 as
he is possessor of the only apothecary
shopin the village. The Western Union
Telegraph Co. have their Office in the
store, Mr.. Muchmore being the operator
Baskingridge bids fair to become rich
and thriving town, as its people are will
ing to and do support manufacturing
which is sure to make a success of any
place in time.
Hoping to write you again on this thirty
ing and picturesque portion of the coun
try, Iremain yours, &c. ]. X. C.
It is especially gratifying to the stu
dent OF human nature to witness how