Benjamin Shotwell House facts for kids
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Benjamin Shotwell House
Shotwell-Runyon House |
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 Location in Middlesex County, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
Location in the United States
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| Location | 26 Runyon's Lane Edison, New Jersey |
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| Built | ca. 1750-1775 |
| NRHP reference No. | 87000875 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | June 4, 1987 |
The Benjamin Shotwell House, also called the Shotwell-Runyon House, is a very old and important building in Edison, Middlesex County, New Jersey. This historic house was officially recognized and added to the New Jersey Register of Historic Places and the National Register of Historic Places in 1987. It's a special place that helps us remember the past. The land where the house stands was once part of a large farm, and now a piece of it is near Route 287.
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What is the Benjamin Shotwell House?
The Benjamin Shotwell House is a historic home built a long time ago, likely between 1750 and 1775. This means it was standing even before the United States became an independent country! It's named after the Shotwell family, who were among the first settlers in the area known as "The Plains," which later became Plainfield, New Jersey.
Why is This House Special?
This house is important because it gives us a peek into what life was like hundreds of years ago. When a building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it means it's recognized by the United States government as a significant part of our country's history. This helps protect it for future generations.
- A Link to the Past: The house shows us how people lived and built homes in the 1700s.
- Official Recognition: Being on the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places means it's a valuable historical site.
- Early Settlers: The Shotwell family played a role in the early development of the region.
Life in the 1700s
Imagine living in a time without electricity, cars, or even running water! The Benjamin Shotwell House was built when life was very different. Families often lived on farms, growing their own food and making many of the things they needed.
- Farming Life: The house was part of a farm, which was typical for families in those days.
- Simple Living: Homes were often heated by fireplaces, and light came from candles or oil lamps.
- Community: Neighbors relied on each other, and communities were often centered around farming and local trade.
Protecting Old Buildings
When a house like the Benjamin Shotwell House is listed on historic registers, it helps make sure it's preserved. This means people work to keep it from being torn down or changed too much. It's like a museum that you can't always walk into, but it stands as a reminder of history.
- Preservation: Listing helps protect the building's historical look and feel.
- Education: These sites teach us about our heritage and how society has changed.
- Future Generations: Keeping historic places safe allows kids like you to learn about the past for many years to come.
