| Named for a small creek which feeds the Great
Egg Harbor River, Gravelly Run was first settled by the Steelman family
in 1770. James Steelman built the first building, an inn, which became
an important stop on the route from Somers Point to Cooper's Ferry.
Approximately ten years later, Steelman also built a house
which is now our residence and business (see the drawing at
the head of the page). Sometime before 1800, Steelman converted
the building to a general store to service the needs of the
growing population. In its 200 plus year history, the site had
been used as a general store at least 3 times, reverting in
the interim years to a private residence. It is reputed to be
haunted, but we can't confirm the legend.
|
The building was "victorianized" in 1860, at which time
the dormer in the attic, the bow windows, and the side (sleeping) porches
were added. It has several interesting features typical of South Jersey
architecture. These include a pegged roof, which is built like an inverted
ship's hull ( most builders in the region were shipwrights by trade), strange
curving chimneys, and random width pumpkin pine floors.
By the late 19th century, Gravelly Run had become a thriving hamlet
with two saw mills, a cranberry bog and numerous workers cottages. Now
we are the only permanent inhabitants. Oddly enough the state continues
to designate us as a town on all road maps. We rather like that and hope
we are never revised by the government. |
