The Mendhams

A visual history of the Mendhams in New Jersey from the Revolutionary War to its transformation into a community for New York commuters.

The Mendhams is a region of New Jersey once home to the Rock-a-bye-Baby Railroad, early industries, and the mansions of millionaires. This visual history follows the region from the Revolutionary War to the Industrial Revolution, and from the Gilded Age to its transformation into a community for New York commuters. The photographs from years gone by, dating as far back as the Revolutionary War and the Industrial Revolution, allow both young and old to meander down the dirt road of Main Street, past the nation's oldest post office and over the bridges crossing streams that powered the early mills.

Featured in The Mendhamsare views of elaborate historic homes and businesses, including the mill where Jersey Lightning―New Jersey's first applejack―was produced. Also captured in over 200 images are moments in the lives of the people who made this community―not just early town officials, religious leaders, and gilded age millionaires but also store owners, housewives, and children.

Author John W. Rae has published many other books, including Morristown's Forgotten Past–The Gilded Age, Morris County History and Morris County Courthouse: A History. Rae has worked in public relations, radio, television, and the newspaper business for more than 50 years. His affection for the area and knowledge of its past make this book a valuable contribution to the recorded history of the Mendhams.