A charter from King George II created Bridgewater on April 4, 1749. This grant included
Branchburg, Bound Brook and Raritan, and parts of Warren and Green Brook. The description
of the northern boundary is still being reinterpreted today.
However, settlement began before 1700 with the purchase of the Raritan River Lots. These
lots fronted on the river and ran north in long strips. In 1705 Robert Bolmer settled in
the Valley and in 1739 built a house at the intersection Bolmer Farm Road and West Circle
Drive. In 1723 Fulkert Sebring built a house on the south side of Washington Valley Road
east of Chimney Rock Road. In 1727 the Perrine home on Vosseller Avenue was built.
Martinsville was formally named for the Martin Family in 1827 when the post office was
established due to the efforts of Absalom Martin, a son of Joshua Martin. The Joshua
Martin family settled on the east branch of the Middle Brook about 1786 on the north side
of the present Gilbride Road, formerly known as Martin Lane. He was one of three Martin
brothers to live in the valley. He died in 1800.
Absalom Martin inherited his fathers’ property. By 1848 he owned the most land where
the main portion of village of Martinsville now stands. He was the first postmaster of
Martinsville and served until old age. He was active in improving roads all over
Bridgewater, sometimes paying for them himself. He was known as Squire Martin, and died in
1858. His son, Dr. Samuel Martin, was also a leading citizen. Besides being a practicing
physician, he was also: a surveyor, commissioner of deeds, magistrate and a member of the
New Jersey State Legislature.
We don’t associate Martinsville with industry any more but in the 1800’s a hat
and broom factory once existed on the north side of Brookside Drive. Parts of the
embankment dam and raceway still exist near Vosseller Avenue. Nearby on the other side of
Brookside Drive was an inn and store from the early 1700’s.
At two different times, General Washington made good use of strategic locations on the
First Watchung Mountain. From the ridge the troops were able to see for miles over the
plains toward the south. Had the British attacked, they would have to contend with the
steep side while the Americans defended the few gaps. The gaps still control the roads
crossing into the valley (Vosseller, Chimney Rock, Steele Gap, & Brown). Camp
Middlebrook is located near the eastern end of the trail. It was at this site on June 14,
1777 that Betsey Ross’s flag first flew over Washington’s army. The Washington
Camp Ground Association holds a ceremony at the site each July 4.
This 1921 photograph, provided by Ms Yehle, shows her house with Chimney Rock Road to
the left and houses along Washington Valley Road in the background.
This photograph was taken from a point over the trail. Provided by John Reznik; it
shows the intersections of Mount Horeb Road and Quarry Lane with Washington Valley Road in
1931. The Martinsville Hotel can be seen on the northeast corner of the Mount Horeb /
Washington Valley Road intersection (where the bank is now). Across Washington Valley Road
from the hotel is the Van Nest house where former Mayor John Morrissey lived in the early
1950’s. Note the picture was taken from a biplane.
This photograph was taken of Martinsville in 1964. It shows the area shown in the 1931
photographs, including Chimney Rock Road and the Martinsville Elementary School, and was
taken facing straight down. How many changes do you see?
(click here for
a larger view)
This photograph was taken in the fall of 2001 of much of the same area as the 1931
photograph. Notice how farming has been replaced by residential and commercial development
and how this has resulted in more trees. We wish to thank Howard Furst and Ed Walczak of
Aventis for arranging for Bob Holtaway to fly us over the area to take this picture. All
of their efforts are greatly appreciated.
(click here for
a larger view)
