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Mendham
MENDHAM BOROUGH
Mendham Borough is a picturesque community with an historic past dating back to Colonial days. At present, the Borough remains only partially developed, and its many fine residential subdivisions reflect earlier architectural periods.
Mendham is generally characterized as an upper income residential community with residents commuting to New York City and North Jersey business and industrial firms. Route 24 provides quick access to major metropolitan arterial highways, such as Routes I-287, I-280 and I-80.
The Borough has an excellent public elementary school system. Secondary school students attend West Morris Mendham High School. In addition, many fine private schools are available within the region.
MENDHAM TOWNSHIP
Mendham Township's rolling hillsides and wooded terrain make it one of Morris County's most picturesque municipalities. Many farms and estates still dot the landscape. Although the Township has experienced rapid development recently, zoning practices and selective development have preserved the municipality's rural character.
At present Mendham Township has a population of 4,537 concentrated mainly in two centers: Brookside and Ralston. Brookside is the seat of municipal government. Colonial homes, many predating the Revolution, cluster beside Main Street. Ralston was the site of early industrial development and is on the Morris County Historic Sites list.
Mendham Township is continuing its efforts to preserve the historic rural character of the township.
Schools - note that the Borough and Township have separate elementary schools.
http://www.wmmhs.org Mendham High School
http://mendhamtwp.org/index.html Mendham Township Elementary Schools
http://www.mendhamboro.org/mendhamboro/site/default.asp Mendham Borough Elementary
http://www.stjoesmendham.org St Joseph’s Catholic School and Church
http://www.delbarton.org/home/index.asp Delbarton private boys’ school
http://www.gsbschool.org Gill St Bernard: private preparatory school
Other Links
www.mendham.org Information on Borough and Township
http://mendhamnj.org/mendham/index.php Mendham Borough
http://mendhamtownship.org Mendham Township
History of Chester
Once known as "Black River", Chester was established in the early 1700’s. It’s rich history includes professions in the early days such as farming the area’s rich lands, mining, milling and inn-keeping until iron ore brought prosperity to the area in the latter half of the 1800’s. The majority of the buildings erected along Main St. during this boom period were used as shops for the merchants. Today, many of these same buildings are still used in that same capacity. Mining declined and the area returned to farming as the primary business of the Chester area. Farms, their bountiful farm stands and "pick-your-own" fields continue to operate in the Chester area.
The Borough of Chester experienced a major change in the 70’s with the establishment of unique retail shops featuring crafts, collectibles, clothes, gifts, eateries and numerous antique stores. Throughout the 90’s the town evolved from a well known antique center to a more diversified shopping area offering a selection of specialty stores.
Parks
The Township of Chester currently owns eight park facilities that are available for use by Township residents. Chester Borough operates a further two parks.
CHUBB PARK
Donated to the Township by the Chubb Family, this 85 acre facility is the Township's busiest park. It is located on Route 24, 1/2 mile West of Route 206 and has the following attractions
- 2 Multi Purpose Athletic Fields
- 2 Tennis Courts
- 1 Multi Purpose Softball/Baseball Field
- Children's Playground
- 1 Teen & Adult Baseball Field
- Ice Skating & Nature Pond with shelter
- 1 Youth Soccer Field
- 3 Youth Softball Fields
- Sledding Hill
- 1 Little League Baseball Field
- Veterans Monument
- 9-11 Memorial
- Patriots Path Hiking Trail Access
- 1/4 Mile Walking Path Open Fall of 2004
- Family & Special Event Showgrounds
The tennis courts at Chubb Park are open for use from mid-March through mid-December, weather permitting.
Chubb Park is the site of several annual events. The Chester Volunteer Fire Company's annual Carnival & Fireworks is held each year during the last week of June. Each July, the Morris County 4-H Fair takes place and in late September, the Chester Lions Club hosts their annual Octoberfest.
Cooper Mill
This mill is the oldest existing mill in Morris County and is on the National Historic Register. Built in 1826 and renovated in the 1980's, it provides visitors with an opportunity to see how grain was processed in the 1800's. The mill is part of Black River Park containing 578 acres used for fishing and other passive recreational activities. This park is located on Route 24 and State Park Road 1-1/2 miles west of Route 206.
Chester Schools
The Chester School District is a fully accredited elementary district responsible for the education of students in kindergarten through eighth grades. Students in grades nine through twelve go to the West Morris Regional High School District. The district is composed of Dickerson Elementary School (K-2), Bragg Intermediate School (3-5), and Black River Middle School (6-8). Dickerson and Bragg Schools are located on Route 24, east of Chester Borough; Black River Middle School is on Route 513 (North Road), north of Chester Borough. The school district serves two municipalities, Chester Borough and Chester Township.
Relevant Links
http://chester-nj.org/ Link to information on Chester Schools
http://education.state.nj.us/rc/rc06/menu/27-0820.html School report card
www.Iovechester.com Town information
www.chestertownship.org Town information
www.chesterborough.org Borough information
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