Shongum, New Jersey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Shongum, New Jersey
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 Shongum, New Jersey
Location in Morris County, New Jersey
Shongum, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
Shongum, New Jersey
Location in the United States
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  New Jersey |
| County | Morris |
| Township | Randolph |
| Elevation | 774 ft (236 m) |
| ZIP Code |
07869
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| GNIS feature ID | 0880568 |
Shongum is a small, unincorporated community in New Jersey. This means it's a neighborhood or area that is part of a larger township, but doesn't have its own separate local government. Shongum is located within Randolph Township in Morris County. It's found near a place called Shongum Lake and is about 3 miles away from Mount Freedom, New Jersey.
Contents
Discovering Shongum's Past
Who Lived Here First?
The very first people to live in the Shongum area were the Lenni Lenape Native Americans. They were part of the Minsi tribe. These early inhabitants had six campsites and a rock shelter in Shongum. They used the banks of the Den Brook as a path. This path led to a larger trail that went through Denville.
How the Land Was Acquired
In 1712, the land where Shongum is now was bought from the Lenni Lenape people. This purchase was made by a group called the Proprietors of West Jersey. One of these Proprietors was William Penn, a famous historical figure. In 1715, William Penn received about 2,500 acres of this land, which included the Shongum area.
What Does "Shongum" Mean?
The name Shongum comes from a Lenape word. It's related to Shawanguck or Shawangung. In the Lenape language, this word means "mountain."
Shongum Lake and Club
The Shongum Club's Beginning
The Shongum Club, also known as the Shongum Lake Club, was started in 1879. It's located on Shongum Road, right by Shongum Lake. Important men from the Dover and Morristown areas founded the club. They wanted a place where they could gather to hunt and fish. The club was all about fun outdoor activities. The clubhouse they used was rented from the Cutler family of Morristown. This building was likely built as early as 1853 and is still standing today!
All About Shongum Lake
Shongum Lake was well-known for having lots of fish. You could find black bass, smallmouth bass, perch, pickerel, bluegills, and crappies there. Interestingly, this lake isn't natural. It was created in 1758 by a man named Robert Young. He bought the land from William Penn to run an iron forge. To make the lake, he built a dam on the Den Brook. This created a lake that was always filled with very clean water.
Club Life and Changes Over Time
In 1884, the Shongum Club had 50 members. To join, you paid a one-time fee of $25.00, and then $10.00 each year. Many important and wealthy people visited the club. The guest book showed names of congressmen (people who make laws for the country), senators (another type of lawmaker), educators (like the president of Rutgers University), and even presidents of the United States!
During the Great Depression, which was a time when many people had financial struggles, fewer people could afford to be members. Because of this, the Cutler family sold the club building in 1930. It had been in their family for 100 years. The building then became a home for a man named Benjamin Bragman. Later, in 1974, the Shongum Lake Property Owners Association bought it. Now, it's used again for club events and private parties, just like it was meant to be!
