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Brookside, New Jersey
Brookside Post Office
Brookside Post Office
Brookside, New Jersey is located in Morris County, New Jersey
Brookside, New Jersey
Brookside, New Jersey
Location in Morris County, New Jersey
Brookside, New Jersey is located in New Jersey
Brookside, New Jersey
Brookside, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
Brookside, New Jersey is located in the United States
Brookside, New Jersey
Brookside, New Jersey
Location in the United States
Country  United States
State  New Jersey
County Morris
Township Mendham
Area
 • Total 2.42 sq mi (6.26 km2)
 • Land 2.40 sq mi (6.22 km2)
 • Water 0.01 sq mi (0.04 km2)
Elevation
420 ft (130 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 1,767
 • Density 735.33/sq mi (283.92/km2)
Time zone UTC−05:00 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC−04:00 (EDT)
ZIP Code
07926
Area code(s) 973
FIPS code 34-08260
GNIS feature ID 2806058

Brookside, once called Waterstreet, is a small, historic community in New Jersey. It's located in Mendham Township within Morris County. It's also known as a census-designated place (CDP), which is a special area the government uses for counting people.

Brookside has been on maps since 1777. A part of the Patriots' Path, a historic trail where George Washington's troops once marched, goes through Brookside's forests along the Whippany River. In 1882, it became a postal village. The Brookside Post Office, which used to be a general store and gas station, is still a central spot where many people go to get their mail.

In 1996, most of the village was added to the National Register of Historic Places as the Brookside Historic District. This means it's a special place recognized for its history. In 2009, Forbes magazine even ranked Brookside's ZIP Code as one of the most expensive in the United States for home sales. In the 2020 census, Brookside had a population of 1,767 people.

Brookside Historic District

Brookside Historic District
4 Cherry Lane, Brookside, NJ.jpg
Location Bounded by Tingley Road, E. and W. Main Streets, Cold Hill Road and Cherry Lane
Area 239 acres (97 ha)
Architectural style Bungalow/craftsman, Colonial Revival, Colonial
NRHP reference No. 96000041
Significant dates
Added to NRHP February 16, 1996

The Brookside Historic District is a special area that includes the village. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1996. This was because of its important history in architecture, industry, and how the community grew between 1780 and 1942. The district includes 114 buildings, 6 structures, and 8 sites that contribute to its historical value.

Community Events

Brookside has several fun events throughout the year that bring the community together.

Fourth of July Parade

The "Brookside 4th of July" Parade is a big yearly event. It has been happening since 1923 and is put on by the Community Club. The parade includes creative floats made by local groups and families. You might see a lawnmower brigade, fire trucks, and ambulances from nearby towns. There are also farm animals, a "pooch parade" for dogs, and both rock and marching bands. The parade starts at 9 AM and ends at the Community Club Field. After the parade, everyone can enjoy food, games, and activities.

Annual Clam Bake

The Annual Clam Bake is another popular event. It's hosted by the Brookside Engine Company #1, which is a local fire company. This event takes place at the Community Club Field on the second Saturday in September.

Library Programs

The Mendham Township Library is located in the municipal building on West Main Street in Brookside. The library often offers different events and programs for people of all ages. You can usually find a list of upcoming events on the library's website or on the bulletin board at town hall.

Population Information

Historical population
Census Pop.
2020 1,767
U.S. Decennial Census
2020

In the 2020 census, Brookside had a total population of 1,767 people. Most residents were White (86.98%). There were also smaller groups of Asian (2.83%), Black or African American (0.68%), and other races. About 4.58% of the population identified as Hispanic or Latino.

Education

The Mendham Township Public Schools are located right in Brookside. This means students in the area can attend local schools.

Famous People from Brookside

Many interesting people have lived in or are connected to Brookside:

  • Peter Dinklage (born 1969), a well-known actor and film producer. You might know him from movies or TV shows.
  • Alice Flaherty (born 1963), a neurologist and writer. Neurologists study the brain and nervous system.
  • Morris Frank (born 1908), who helped start The Seeing Eye. This was the first school in the United States to train guide dogs for people who are blind.
  • Stewart G. Pollock (born 1933), who was a Justice on the Supreme Court of New Jersey for many years, from 1979 to 1999.
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