Livingston New Jersey

The Force Homestead Museum,  is open to the public the second Sunday of each month for tours conducted by members of the Historical Society. In addition, private tours may be arranged by calling Helen Shumsky of the Historical Society at 973-992-3017.

In 1702, settlers from Newark purchased a tract of land that encompassed the areas now known as Caldwell and West Essex. They paid 130 English pounds to the Lenni Lenape Indians.  In 1811, seven hamlets — including Teedtown , Northfield, Morehousetown , Cheapside , Washington Place and Squiertown (Route 10 Circle) got together and petitioned for the formation of The Township.

The first town meeting was held on February 5, 1813.  At this meeting, the people decided that the town should be run by a mayor and a township committee. About 100 people, mainly farmers, lived in town at that time. In the early years, farming and lumber were the main sources of income for the township. Shoe making became a major industry during the Civil War. The dairy business became the leading industry after the Civil War and remained so well into the 20th century.

The first school in was built in 1783, a one-room schoolhouse on Northfield Road where Roosevelt Plaza is today. The population grew slowly because the town was not close to a primary rail line. Mt. Pleasant Avenue, which runs through town, was the first turnpike, or toll road, in New Jersey. Starting in the 1800s, stage coaches made what was then a one-day trip from Newark to Morristown. Between 1813 and 1920, it increased from 1,000 to 1,500. Read more & Search For Homes in Livingston NJ