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In the late 1600's, Evert Van Wickle, a young Dutch carpenter, stepped
onto the rich soil of New Amersfoort, Long Island. Evert must have
prospered, as around 1700, he bought about 800 acres of land on
the Raritan River in New Jersey.
Evert's son,
Symen brought his bride, Geradina to these acres on the Raritan
in 1722, and built his home facing the Raritan at a spot known
as the "upper fording place," at that time an important
 link between Middlebush and Piscataway, via the"Old Middlebush
Road" (now DeMott Lane).
Of a style commonly called "Dutch", the house is a combination
of Dutch, Flemish, and English influences and is an excellent
example of early 18th century Dutch architecture unique to the
New Jersey-New York area. The house itself, of massive post and
beam construction, measures 30 by 40 feet, sitting solidly on
a stone foundation.
The house has witnessed the fascinating historical events of the
past. During the Revolutionary War, the British occupied the Raritan
Landing for several months in 1777. In early 1830, the Delaware
and Raritan Canal arrived in the front yard.
 Standing
like a rock for 277 years, the house has been farmhouse, colonial
showplace, and home for generations of owners. Restoration has
included the addition of such important new facilities as an outdoor
stage, formal gardens, a canal bridge, wetland boardwalk, program
center, nature trail and youth camping site.
The historic home,
located at 1289 Easton Avenue in Somerset, plays host to the Meadows
Foundation Candlelight Concert Series, as well as major community
events and frequent rental functions. The Van Wickle house also
hosts several special events throughout the year, including the
Bunny Jamboree, Pumpkin Patch and Enchanted Forest Halloween
Festival, New Jersey Canoe Association
Race and the Sinterklass Festival. For upcoming events please
see our calendar.
The Van Wickle house is available for third party-private events
including weddings, receptions, holiday parties, and corporate
meetings. For pricing and availability, please contact Carol
Sas at Carol@themeadowsfoundation.org
Open house tours of the Van Wickle house
are held the Second Sunday of each
month. The Second Sunday house tours have been suspended until further notice.
Van Wickle House
1289 Easton Ave.
Somerset, NJ 07783
tel. (732) 828-7418
Map & directions
Resident Caretaker wanted for the Historic Van Wickle Home!
If you enjoy history and are handy at dealing with the problems of living in your own residence, this might be an opportunity for you to put the “Care” in Caretaker. For more information, please read the attached information and contact the Meadows at (732) 846-3345.
April 16: Fireside Chat: "Pre-1900 Presidential Scandals" held at the Van Wickle house 2 pm
Former presidents Nixon and Clinton are small timers compared to some of their predecessors. Corruption, bribery, vote stealing, and the back-room deal are just a few of the scandals rarely mentioned in our history books.
What was the “XYZ Affair”? Who was Sally Hemmings? What was the “Petticoat Affair”? What were “Credit Mobilier” and the “Whiskey Ring”? Who really was the “Pa”? Were these icons from the past real men at all?
Be prepared to laugh and cry at the final Fireside Chat of the season, which will deal with pre-1900 presidential scandals. It will be held on Sat., April 16, 2 p.m. at the Van Wickle House, 1289 Easton Ave., Somerset. Admission is $10/person. Reservations can be made by calling 732-748-7657.
Special thanks to Dutchinamerica.com for the photos!
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