Littel-Lord Farmstead facts for kids
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Littel-Lord Farmstead
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 Location in Union County, New Jersey
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| Location | 23 and 31 Horseshoe Road, Berkeley Heights, New Jersey |
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| Built | 1760 |
| NRHP reference No. | 79001528 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | March 7, 1979 |
The Littel-Lord Farmstead is a very old farm located in Berkeley Heights, New Jersey. It's in Union County, New Jersey, in the United States. This special place helps us imagine what farm life was like in Union County many years ago.
The main farmhouse was built around 1760. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on March 7, 1979. Today, the farmstead is home to the Berkeley Heights Historical Society. It also works as a public museum, so people can visit and learn about its history.
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A Glimpse into the Past: The Farmstead's History
The Littel-Lord Farmstead has a long and interesting story. It shows how families lived and worked in New Jersey centuries ago.
Who Lived Here First? The Littel Family
The farmhouse was built around 1760 by a man named Andrew Littel. He was a farmer and also a weaver, which means he made cloth. Andrew lived in the house with his wife and their seven children. Imagine a big family living in this old house! The farm stayed in the Littel family for many years.
New Owners: The Lord Family
In 1867, the Littel family sold the farm to the Lord family. They lived and worked on the farm for a long time too. Later, Elizabeth Wemett, who was part of the Lord family, sold the property. She sold it to the township of Berkeley Heights in 1975. This is how the farmstead became a public place for everyone to enjoy.
Exploring the Farmstead Today
The Littel-Lord Farmstead is more than just a house. It includes several buildings and a lot of land. The entire property is owned by the township of Berkeley Heights.
The Main Farmhouse
The main building is the farmhouse itself, built in 1760. It's a great example of how homes were built a long time ago.
Other Buildings on the Farm
- Victorian Annex: Next to the main farmhouse is a smaller building. It's called a Victorian annex and has a special style called Carpenter Gothic. This building was actually used as a schoolhouse in the 1870s! Imagine going to school in such a historic place.
- Stone Spring House: There's also a stone spring house. Spring houses were used to keep food cool before refrigerators existed. They were built over natural springs.
- Summer Kitchen: You can also find a summer kitchen. In olden times, people would cook in a separate building during hot summer months. This kept the main house cooler and safer from cooking fires.
The Land: Farm and Forest
The farmstead property covers 18 acres of land. This includes both farm fields and forest areas. It's a beautiful reminder of Union County's farming past.
