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Metlar-Bodine House
Metlar-Bodine House |
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At its height of prosperity, the Raritan Landing area had around 70 homes belonging to mostly Dutch merchants. There were some English merchants also located at the "Upper Landing" of the Raritan River. Right now there is an excavation project now to uncover the vast history of the landing. The above landing link is the DOT web site for the project and gives great information on the project and the landing's history and artifacts. In 1728 wharf and storehouse owner Peter Bodine built a two story house by the Raritan River. His house included a fireplace with a built-in cabinet to the left, a sleeping loft, and a root cellar with a cold hole. Cold holes used the natural coolness of the earth to preserve food. This was used through (most likely) the 19th century as an icebox. During the winter it would be packed with ice and sometimes covered with sawdust to prevent melting. Fresh killed meat, milk and dairy products would be stored here. In 1733 Peter Bodine sold the house to Hendrick Lane. After his death in 1761 the house would go to his wife, Margaret. In 1780 she sold the property to William French, the son of a sea captain. Isaac Lawrence would own the house in 1814. In 1840, it is believed that William Phillips added to the house, adding a Greek Revival Period taste to the house. It has handmade glass over the front door, and fireplaces of slate and marble. It also reflected 19th century New Brunswick, which was a industrial market with a water port and canal located on the Raritan. In 1853 Samuel Knapp purchased the house along with 220 acres. At this time the house got the name "Sunnyside" and was enlarged again. This addition was done around 1870 and reflected the older parts of the house. In the 1890's, the house became property of George Metlar, a wealthy New Brunswick entrepreneur and land baron. He used it to house his overseer, John Mason, who was a well known sheep expert. Metlar's son John moved to the home with his wife in 1904 and shared it with the Masons for a period of time. In 1914 John Metler inherited the property. In the earlier part of the 20th century, there was a New Brunswick-Bound Brook trolley. The line actually ran through the property, linking the 14 room house with busy towns and railroads. John Marketed portions of the land and in 1955 sold the house and the remaining 0.73 acres to the John P. Newtons. In 1977 the state of New Jersey purchased the property. They intended to use it for a new bridge and interchange project spanning the Raritan River. Concerned citizens came to the rescue of the house (which was certainly going to be destroyed). It is now owned by the New Jersey Department of Transportation and is well cared for by the Township of Piscataway and the non-profit organization, the Fellowship for Metlar House. The Metlar-Bodine House, circa 1728, is the oldest of two remaining buildings from the once thriving Colonial river port, Raritan Landing. A State and National Historic Site, the building serves Piscataway and Central New Jersey as the repository for many historical artifacts. The museum is dedicated to celebrating the area's vibrant past and the development of the Raritan River Valley from prehistoric time to the present. The exhibits promote the remarkable history of this area which was and remains a vital transportation corridor. The collection includes a Colonial treasure, The Ross Hall Wall. This architectural piece is from a home that once stood in the township. On July 4, 1778, the 2nd anniversary of our great nation, George Washington was headquartered at Ross Hall, and the banks of the Raritan were lined with thousands of American Patriots celebrating their victory over the British at Monmouth. At the end of the day's festivities General Washington hosted an elegant officers ball at the mansion.
In 2003 fire almost destroyed the house, but with the support of friends, the community and the State of New Jersey the museum is actively engaged in its first capital campaign to raise $4,000,000 for restoration, interpretation and endowment purposes and to build an addition to properly exhibit the Ross Hall Wall, valued at over $300,000. For twenty-five years the building has been maintained by the Fellowship for Metlar House, the non-profit organization formed to protect and preserve the historic site and the Township of Piscataway. It is through fundraisers and donations that this historic site can be preserved and that the museum can continue to offer quality programming to the community. Piscataway Township is one of the 50 oldest communities in the United States and the 5th oldest in New Jersey. The Township's 337 year history serves as a source of pride for the residents of Piscataway, the state and the nation. |
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