General John Frelinghuysen House facts for kids
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General John Frelinghuysen House
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Frelinghuysen Homestead
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 Location in Somerset County, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
Location in the United States
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| Location | Somerset Street and Wyckoff Avenue Raritan, New Jersey |
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| Built | Frame wing before 1756 Brick section after 1801 |
| Architectural style | Federal |
| NRHP reference No. | 71000513 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | March 4, 1971 |
The General John Frelinghuysen House is a historic building located in Raritan, New Jersey. The oldest part of the house, on the west side, was built before 1756. It was first used as a tavern and also as the town's meeting hall.
In 1801, John Frelinghuysen bought the property. It then became known as the Frelinghuysen Homestead. The house is a great example of the Federal style of architecture from the early 1800s. In 1975, Peter Frelinghuysen, Jr. gave the house to the town. Today, it serves as the Raritan Public Library.
A Look Back: The House's History
The General John Frelinghuysen House has two main parts. The larger, two-story brick section was built after 1801. The older, wooden part on the west side was built much earlier, before 1756.
The land where the house stands was first bought by Derrick Middagh in 1709. Later, Cornelius Bogert built the first house here. This building was a popular tavern. It also served as the town's meeting place from 1756 to 1769. This older part is now the west wing of the current building.
In 1801, John Frelinghuysen bought the house. Around 1804, after his father, Frederick, passed away, John moved to the family estate in Millstone, New Jersey. He went there to manage the property and care for his younger brothers, Theodore and Frederick.
John Frelinghuysen returned to this house in 1810. At some point, he added the brick section of the building. He even used special bricks imported from the Netherlands. John Frelinghuysen served in the War of 1812. He was promoted to the rank of brigadier general. This is why the house is known as the General John Frelinghuysen House.
The Frelinghuysen family owned the house until 1924. Then, the Glazier family bought it. In the early 1970s, architect John M. Dickey helped renovate the house.
House Design: Architecture Features
In 1936, people described the house as a "veritable mansion." This means it was a very grand house compared to most Dutch houses of that time. It had a beautiful doorway from the early 1800s. There was also a neo-classic portico, which is a fancy covered entrance. Inside, the rooms had very tall ceilings.
The Raritan Public Library Today
The Raritan Public Library first opened in June 1961. It was originally located in the Relief Home Company No. 2 Engine House. In 1975, Peter Frelinghuysen, Jr. generously donated the family's historic home, the General John Frelinghuysen House, to the town. This allowed the house to become the new home for the library.
Inside the library, you can find special items. These items are dedicated to the memory of Medal of Honor recipient John Basilone. He was a brave soldier from Raritan.
