Metlar–Bodine House facts for kids
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Metlar House
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Metlar–Bodine House Museum
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 Location in Middlesex County, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1281 River Road, Piscataway, New Jersey |
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| Area | 0.7 acres (0.28 ha) |
| Built | 1728 |
| NRHP reference No. | 73001115 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | March 7, 1973 |
The Metlar House, also known as the Knapp House or Bodine House, is a very old building in Piscataway, New Jersey. It was built way back in 1728! Today, it's a museum where you can learn about history. Some people even believe it's haunted!
Sadly, a fire badly damaged the house in 2003. But don't worry, it has been fixed up a lot since then. The museum reopened to visitors in the summer of 2014.
The Metlar–Bodine House often holds special events. For example, in July 2014, they had a "Red, White, and Boom" event. This event helped them start raising money for a new part of the museum. This new section would hold a very important historical item: the Ross Hall Wall.
Contents
The Ross Hall Wall: A Piece of History
In July 1778, during the American Revolutionary War, George Washington stayed at a place called Ross Hall. His army of 11,000 soldiers camped nearby along the Raritan River. It was right there in Piscataway that General Washington wrote a special order. This order told the United States Army to celebrate the 4th of July for the very first time!
The soldiers were told to march across the Landing Lane Bridge. They then lined up along the Raritan River in New Brunswick. They fired their rifles in a special way, creating the first organized salute to America's independence. After this, they received an extra treat. That evening, General Washington hosted a party for his officers and their ladies at Ross Hall. Famous people like Alexander Hamilton and the Marquis de Lafayette were there.
Ross Hall was torn down in the 1960s. But because it was so important, one of its parlor walls was saved. It was shown at the New Jersey Historical Society for a while. In 2000, it was given to Piscataway Township and the Metlar–Bodine House.
Right now, the Ross Hall Wall is taken apart and stored safely. It needs to be put back together and placed in a special building. This building would keep it safe from weather changes. Restoring the wall and building a new section at the Metlar–Bodine House will cost a lot of money.
The Metlar House Through the Years
Early Owners and Changes
In the early 1700s, a place called Raritan Landing, New Jersey was a busy area. It had about 70 homes belonging to Dutch merchants. In 1728, a man named Peter Bodine built a two-story house near the Raritan River. He owned a storehouse nearby.
In 1733, Peter Bodine sold his house to Hendrick Lane. After Lane passed away in 1761, his wife, Margaret, lived there. In 1780, she sold the house to William French. Isaac Lawrence bought the house from French in 1814.
By 1840, William Phillips owned the house. He added a new part to the building. In 1853, Samuel Knapp bought the house and a large piece of land. He might have added another part to the house around 1870.
Later Owners and Public Use
In the 1890s, George Metlar owned the house. He used it to house his property manager, John Mason. George's son, John Metlar, moved into the home with his wife in 1904. They shared it with the Mason family. In 1914, John Metlar inherited the property.
John Metlar sold some of the land over time. In 1955, he sold the house and the remaining land to John P. Newton.
In 1977, the state of New Jersey bought the property. They planned to use the land for the New Jersey Route 18 bridge. This bridge crosses the Raritan River between New Brunswick, New Jersey and Piscataway, New Jersey. Today, the house is owned by the New Jersey Department of Transportation.
On July 17, 2003, a fire caused damage to the historic house.
Fun Events at the Metlar House
The Metlar–Bodine House hosts several fun events throughout the year. These events help raise money and bring the community together.
Past Events
- July 6, 2014: "Red, White and Boom" event. This special gathering featured a person dressed as George Washington. There was also a colonial dance group.
- April 5, 2014: Spring annual auction dinner. This event was held at Rutgers University. People could bid on interesting items. These included a coin set and even a vacation getaway!
Regular Annual Events
- Spring Annual Auction Dinner
- Summer Annual Beer & Pretzel Potluck Picnic (for members only)
- Bi-annual Antiques River Road Show: An appraisal fair and book sale.
- Fall Wine Tasting
- Holiday Tea
See also
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Middlesex County, New Jersey
- Cornelius Low House
- Road Up Raritan Historic District
- Ross Hall
- List of the oldest buildings in New Jersey
