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 the Bodine House, is a very old home in Piscataway, New Jersey. Today, it is a museum where you can learn about history. Some people even believe it is haunted!
In 2003, a fire caused a lot of damage to the house. But don't worry, it has been fixed up over the past ten years. Since the summer of 2014, the museum is open again for everyone to visit.
The Metlar–Bodine House held a special event called "Red, White, and Boom" on July 6, 2014. This event helped them start raising money for a new building. This new part of the museum will be used for education and will house a very important piece of history: the Ross Hall Wall.
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George Washington and Ross Hall
In July 1778, George Washington used Ross Hall as his main office. About 11,000 American soldiers, called patriots, camped nearby along the Raritan River in Piscataway.
It was here that General Washington wrote the first order for the United States Army to celebrate the 4th of July. This tradition of celebrating Independence Day continues every year! 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, up and down the line. This was the first organized salute to the nation's freedom.
Afterward, the troops received a special treat. That evening, General Washington hosted a party for his officers. Important people like Alexander Hamilton, the Marquis de Lafayette, and Baron Von Stuben were there.
Saving the Ross Hall Wall
Ross Hall itself was torn down in the 1960s. However, one parlor wall was saved because it was so important. This wall 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 parlor wall is taken apart and stored in a large warehouse. It needs to be put back together and moved to a safe place. This new place must keep the wall at the right temperature and humidity. It is thought that fixing the wall and building a new addition to the Metlar–Bodine House will cost about $1 million.
History of the Metlar House
Early Owners
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 also owned a storehouse.
In 1733, Peter Bodine sold his house to Hendrick Lane. After Lane passed away in 1761, his wife, Margaret, lived in the house. In 1780, she sold the property to William French. William was the son of a sea captain.
Isaac Lawrence bought the house from William French in 1814. Later, in 1840, William Phillips owned the house and added a new part to it. 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 Changes
In the 1890s, George Metlar, from New Brunswick, New Jersey, 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. He sold some of the land over time. In 1955, John 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 from New Brunswick, New Jersey to 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.
Past Events at the Museum
- July 6, 2014: The "Red, White and Boom" event was held. It featured a person dressed as George Washington and a colonial dance group. There were also many different foods to enjoy.
- April 5, 2014: The Spring annual auction dinner took place at Rutgers University. People could bid on items like a coin set or a special trip.
Annual Events
The Metlar–Bodine House Museum holds several fun events each year:
- Spring Annual Auction Dinner
- Summer Annual Beer & Pretzel Potluck Picnic (for members only)
- Bi-annual Antiques River Road Show - an Appraisal Fair & 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
