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Oldwick, New Jersey facts for kids

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Oldwick, New Jersey
Businesses in Oldwick
Businesses in Oldwick
Oldwick, New Jersey is located in Hunterdon County, New Jersey
Oldwick, New Jersey
Oldwick, New Jersey
Location in Hunterdon County, New Jersey
Oldwick, New Jersey is located in New Jersey
Oldwick, New Jersey
Oldwick, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
Oldwick, New Jersey is located in the United States
Oldwick, New Jersey
Oldwick, New Jersey
Location in the United States
Country  United States
State  New Jersey
County Hunterdon
Township Tewksbury
Area
 • Total 1.80 sq mi (4.67 km2)
 • Land 1.80 sq mi (4.66 km2)
 • Water 0.01 sq mi (0.01 km2)
Elevation
217 ft (66 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 445
 • Density 247.50/sq mi (95.54/km2)
ZIP Code
08858
FIPS code 34-54900
GNIS feature ID 0878982

Oldwick is a small, historic community located in Tewksbury Township, Hunterdon County, New Jersey. It's considered an "unincorporated community" and a "census-designated place" (CDP). This means it's a recognized area for counting people, but it's not a separate town with its own local government. The area uses the United States Postal Service ZIP Code 08858. In 2020, about 445 people lived here.

Oldwick was once known by a different name: New Germantown. Many of its buildings are very old and have special designs. You can see homes built in styles like Victorian, Federal, New England, and Georgian. Because of its unique history, Oldwick has special rules to protect its old buildings and keep its historic look.

A Look Back in Time

Oldwick has a rich history that you can still see today. Two important historic spots are the Kline Farmhouse and the entire Oldwick Historic District. These places help preserve the community's past.

Oldest Lutheran Church

Zion Lutheran Church in Oldwick holds a special place in history. It was the very first Lutheran church in all of New Jersey! The founding ceremony happened on August 1, 1714. Justus Falckner from New York, who was the first Lutheran minister ever ordained in America, led the service. A famous German Lutheran pastor named Henry Melchior Muhlenberg was also a member of this church from 1759 to 1760.

What Happens in Oldwick?

Oldwick is home to a few interesting organizations. It's where A. M. Best, a company that rates businesses, has its main office. You can also find Mane Stream here. This center used to be called the Somerset Hills Handicapped Riding Center. It offers special programs like adaptive riding and therapy using horses. These programs help people with disabilities.

A Shaky Day

On April 5, 2024, Oldwick experienced something very unusual. Along with nearby towns like Lebanon and Tewksbury Township, it was near the center of an earthquake. This earthquake had a strength of 4.8, which is rare for this part of the country. It was felt across much of the Northeast United States.

People from Oldwick

Many interesting people have connections to Oldwick. Here are a few:

  • Lawrence R. Hafstad (1904–1993): He was an electrical engineer and physicist. He did important early work on nuclear reactors, which are used to create energy.
  • Frederica von Stade (born 1945): She is a famous opera singer.
  • George David Weiss (1921–2010): He was a songwriter who wrote many popular songs. He also used to be the president of the Songwriters Guild of America.
  • Kate Whitman Annis (born circa 1977): She is the general manager for the Metropolitan Riveters, a team in the National Women's Hockey League.

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