Hopewell Valley History Project
Preserving Our History
John Hart (c.1713 – 1779) was a signer of the Declaration of Independence and resident of what is now Hopewell, N. J. However, Hart was not a well-known figure in the Revolution. He spent 26 years in public service, but mostly at the state level in New Jersey, including as Speaker of the New Jersey … Continue reading The Faces of John Hart
How was the Hopewell Borough area involved the Revolutionary War? Here are six still-existing local places that connect back to 250 years ago. And yes, George Washington (and his army), indeed was here! Of course, the area was not yet called Hopewell Borough in 1776, and was not a town or even a village. This … Continue reading Hopewell Borough Sites in the Revolutionary War
Trade cards provide fascinating views of local Hopewell businesses in the late 1800s. These cards with their colorful artwork were a popular method of promotion to clients and customers. And they are helpful historical artifacts for us, as they provide information including the owner’s name, descriptions of the business, and listings of important products. Thanks … Continue reading 1880s Hopewell Trade Cards
by Douglas Dixon This document reports end of year highlights from the 2026 additions to the History Project site, with links to more information, plus associated documents, maps, photos, and videos. Thanks to assistance from many families and other contributors, major research projects this year included the Ferrante Dress Factory, 4 Mercer Street (Franco’s Pizza … Continue reading Hopewell History Project – 2025 Highlights
These paintings were done using a mouthstick by Pete Hurley, a Hopewell resident who contracted polio in 1952, and was paralyzed below his neck, losing the use of his arms and legs. The community of Hopewell responded deeply, volunteering and raising money to help support the family – wife Betty and three young children – … Continue reading Pete Hurley Mouth Paintings
Why does this Italianate villa stand alone in a field on Wertsville Road in the Sourland Mountains above Hopewell Borough? This house was built by the Ferrante family, who immigrated from Italy in 1914, set up garment businesses in the Bronx, and came to Hopewell in 1934. They started operations at 65 East Broad Street … Continue reading The Ferrante Dress Factory
An Italianate villa stands alone in a field in the Sourland Mountains above Hopewell Borough. This was the home of the The Ferrante family, who immigrated from Italy in 1914 and set up in the garment business in the Bronx. They came to Hopewell in 1934, built this house, and a since-demolished factory behind for … Continue reading Ferrante Dress Factory – Presentation Video and References
The 37th Annual Hopewell Harvest Fair is Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 9:45 am to 4 pm, at the Hopewell Elementary School, 35 Princeton Avenue, Hopewell, NJ. The rain date is Saturday, October 4. This volunteer community event has been providing fun and entertainment for Hopewell Valley families and friends since 1987. Walk the Town … Continue reading Hopewell Harvest Fair – 2025
We know the stories of some of our historical buildings – but who actually designed and built them, and to what specifications? Who designed and built St. Michael’s Orphanage and its additions, or the school buildings on South Main in Pennington, or other town halls and residences, schools and churches, banks and theaters? It turns … Continue reading Builders’ Guide to Hopewell Valley Construction Projects – 1888-1940
This is a Hopewell baby book from 1916, kindly shared by Hope Sudlow, that records the birth of Hope’s mother, Lou Etta Laning, on May 27, 1916. This charming book is written as a love letter from the mother, also Lou Etta [Thatcher] Laning (1888-1968), addressed directly to her new baby daughter, who had the … Continue reading Lou Etta Laning Baby Book from 1916
