Mount Tabor, New Jersey facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mount Tabor, New Jersey
Census-designated place
The entrance to Mount Tabor on Route 53 as seen during the winter.
Country	United States
State	New Jersey
County	Morris
Township	Parsippany–Troy Hills
Named for	Mount Tabor, Israel
Population  (2020)
• Total	1,244
FIPS code	34-49290

Mount Tabor is a small community in Parsippany–Troy Hills, Morris County, New Jersey. It started as a special religious gathering place for Methodists. Today, it's known as a census-designated place (CDP), which means it's a specific area identified by the census bureau.

The Mount Tabor Historic District was added to both the national and state lists of historic places in 2015. This means its unique buildings and history are protected.

History of Mount Tabor

How Mount Tabor Began

After the American Civil War, many people wanted to renew their religious faith. This led to "camp meetings," which were outdoor religious gatherings. In 1866, the Methodist Episcopal Church needed a new place for their annual camp meetings. They found a hilly, wooded area and named it "Mount Tabor" after a place in the Bible.

This land was part of a farm owned by Stephan Dickerson. The Dickerson family was allowed to open a store in the camp. Their old farmhouse was torn down, but a piece of it is now in a chimney of another house nearby.

Mount Tabor Becomes Official

On March 17, 1869, Mount Tabor officially became the "Camp Meeting Association of the Newark Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church." A special law allowed the church to run the camp meeting and even act like a small town government.

At first, Mount Tabor was part of Hanover Township. Later, in 1928, it became part of the new Parsippany-Troy Hills Township. Another famous camp meeting, Ocean Grove, was also started by the same church around this time.

Mount Tabor was very popular for religious retreats at first. But over time, fewer people came for the religious revival. By 1891, it was no longer a main religious camp meeting. However, a United Methodist church still exists in the community today.

Mount Tabor kept its special town-like powers until 1979. A court case about separating church and state led the New Jersey Supreme Court to change things. Mount Tabor lost most of its local government powers and officially became part of Parsippany-Troy Hills.

Today, the Camp Meeting Association (CMA) acts like a homeowner's association. Homeowners in Mount Tabor own their houses but lease the land from the CMA for a small yearly fee.

Life at the Camp Meetings

In August 1869, many Methodist campers came to Mount Tabor. They often came from busy cities in northern New Jersey. At first, people lived in tents or even their horse-drawn wagons. Some tent owners built wooden floors and cabinets inside their tents. This helped protect their belongings during the cold winter months.

Over time, wealthier people built small, decorative Victorian-style homes. These homes were designed to fit on the small tent lots. They made summer stays more comfortable.

The annual camp meetings lasted about ten days each August. They focused on religious services, preaching, prayer, and education. Services were held daily, with three on Sundays. Sometimes, up to 10,000 people gathered! Besides services, families enjoyed walking on trails through the woods and by Tabor Lake.

If campers didn't want to "rough it" in tents, they could stay at the Arlington Hotel. This hotel was built in 1877. Sadly, it fell apart and was taken down many years ago.

Over the years, fewer people came for the camp meetings. Some older residents thought strict rules, like banning wagons, caused this. Eventually, many people decided to stay year-round. They built permanent homes where tents once stood. In 1911, homes were leased for 99 years from the Camp Meeting Association. These leases were renewed in 1969 as "perpetual leases." Homeowners pay a small yearly rent to the CMA for their land.

As tents became cottages, the community grew from Trinity Place. This area had three special octagonal buildings: the Tabernacle, Bethel, and Ebenezer pavilions. The Bethel building was used for Sunday services and even as a court and jail when Mount Tabor was a municipality. Today, it's used for community meetings.

Children's Day Fun

Children's Day started in the 1870s. It began as a Sunday School parade around Trinity Place. After the parade, children received ice cream.

This tradition is similar to "Walking Day" in England. Children's Day has grown into a special community festival in Mount Tabor. It's still a big summer event on "The Hill."

Growing as a Community

Water was very important for Mount Tabor's growth. At first, water pipes were shallow and had to be drained in winter. This meant people couldn't live there all year. In 1909, deeper water pipes were installed, allowing year-round living. Later, Mount Tabor started getting its water from Parsippany-Troy Hills Township. The old water tower in St. John's park is now just a reminder of the past.

During the Great Depression, many properties needed repairs. But by 1934, Mount Tabor had paid off all its debts. The community has been debt-free ever since. They use their yearly income to make improvements.

More and more cottages were updated for winter living. By 1938, 109 cottages were occupied year-round. The last summer-only home was updated in 2001.

After World War II, Mount Tabor wanted a proper church building. The United Methodist Church of Mount Tabor was built in 1948. It was a team effort by church members and other citizens. This new church became the main place for services and church events.

Mount Tabor Since the 1950s

In the 1950s, a parking lot was built for all the cars. A Junior Rifle Club was also formed. This club helped control small animals when the local dump closed.

The 1960s brought more fun for kids. A playground was built in the main park. A basketball court and a skating rink were also added.

In the 1970s and 1980s, some houses and buildings were not kept up well. But in recent decades, people have worked hard to restore the community's historic charm. Old septic systems were replaced with a city sewer system. Old buildings like the firehouse and the Tabernacle were renovated. A new fountain, designed like an old one, was also installed in Trinity Park.

In 2015, a large part of Mount Tabor was officially listed as a historic district on the National Register of Historic Places. This helps protect its unique history and buildings.

Community Life

Board of Trustees

Mount Tabor is managed by a Board of Trustees. This board has twelve residents who lease land in Mount Tabor. They are elected by the leaseholders for three-year terms. The board chooses its own officers: a President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.

Mount Tabor Fire Department

The Mount Tabor Fire Department started on June 11, 1910. Its job was to protect the community from fires. Today, it also covers a large part of Parsippany. The department has grown from one firehouse to three. It is one of six fire districts in Parsippany Troy Hills Township.

Mount Tabor Country Club

The Tabor Field Club started in 1900. It later became the Mount Tabor Country Club in 1904. In 1901, they opened a golf course with six holes, using tin cans as cups! By 1908, it grew to nine holes. The current clubhouse was built in 1911. The Country Club leases its land from the CMA.

Mount Tabor Record Newspaper

The Mount Tabor Record was a local newspaper published from 1877 to 1887. It shared news about events and daily life in Mount Tabor. You can find old copies at the Drew University Library Catalogue. Today, a resident still publishes a private "Mount Tabor Record."

Population Information

As of the 2020 United States census, Mount Tabor had a population of 1,244 people.