Historic Village with a long history

Another little historic village not far off Route 9 in New Jersey is Basto Village. It’s also not far from Bass River State Park. This was a true historic site because the village started as an iron works company in 1766 by Charles Reed. It grew to be a company town with houses and shops and work sites. The employees lived in the town made especially for the iron works company. A sawmill was added to make the houses that would later be for employees.  As time went on, the owners added glass making to the products made there. Ultimately, Joseph Wharton was the final owner of the site when it closed. 

Today you can tour the sawmill, Gristmill and general store.  The houses are aligned on a path for viewing.  The owner house is an interesting site. I remember seeing mason symbols on the railing on the mail stair way. Wood furniture fills the rooms.  They tried to recreate what the house looked like in the company's heyday. 

All the sites are walking distance around. 

The historic info above comes from their site: batsovillage.org/village

JJ Lair is the author of Mix Tapes and Stuff. A novel that takes place in 1986. Mix spends his time finding the exciting and little known history of his town. This blog is fun and interesting places in his state. 

The book is available at: http://www.amazon.com/Mix-Tapes-Stuff-JJ-Lair-ebook/dp/B00KFTKCKE/