Hopewell Township – Hopewell Valley History Project

January 2026 Update – Trade Cards / Hopewell Elementary Centennial

31st January 202624th February 2026 by ddixon

The January 2026 updates to the History Project were focused on more late1800s Hopewell trade cards that provide new information on Hopewell businesses, and in packing up the story of the Hopewell Elementary School for this Centennial year. There were also significant additions of materials to the Image Gallery and the Pamphlet Collection. (See Site … Continue reading January 2026 Update – Trade Cards / Hopewell Elementary Centennial

Hopewell History Project – 2025 Highlights

4th January 202613th February 2026 by ddixon

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

December 2025 Update – Sleigh Ride

31st December 202515th January 2026 by ddixon

The December 2025 updates to the History Project were focused on the Pete Hurley story with polio, and on sleigh races in 1894 Hopewell. There also were several updates of new briefs. (See Site Updates for more.) Pete Hurley Mouth Paintings Pete Hurley was a Hopewell resident who contracted polio in 1952 and was paralyzed … Continue reading December 2025 Update – Sleigh Ride

November 2025 Update – Ferrante Dress Factory

30th November 202515th January 2026 by ddixon

The November 2025 updates to the History Project were focused on the Ferrante Dress Factory, with the talk and video, presentation notes, and full History Brief report. There also was an update to the history of the Chocolate Factory building. (See Site Updates for more.) The Ferrante Dress Factory The unexpected Italianate villa that stands … Continue reading November 2025 Update – Ferrante Dress Factory

The Ferrante Dress Factory

13th November 202513th November 2025 by ddixon

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

Ferrante Dress Factory – Presentation Video and References

12th November 202513th November 2025 by ddixon

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

October 2025 Update – Funeral Homes and Mystery Photos

31st October 202515th January 2026 by ddixon

The October 2025 updates to the History Project included the history of Hopewell Valley funeral homes, and several mystery photos. (See Site Updates for more.) Hopewell Valley Funeral Homes The Hopewell Valley Funeral Homes report summarizes the funeral directors and funeral homes that operated in Pennington, Hopewell, and Titusville from the late 1800s into the … Continue reading October 2025 Update – Funeral Homes and Mystery Photos

Hopewell Valley Funeral Homes

5th October 20255th October 2025 by ddixon

Undertakers and funeral homes may not be an exciting topic, but historically they were deeply intertwined in daily lives of the people of Hopewell Valley. We seek closure from death, from a gathering of family, friends, and the community to morn, remember, memorialize, and even celebrate the life of the departed. And we need help … Continue reading Hopewell Valley Funeral Homes

August 2025 Update – Builders’ Guide and School Centennials

31st August 20251st December 2025 by ddixon

The August 2025 updates to the History Project included the Builders’ Guide to Hopewell Valley Construction Projects, the Toll Gate and Hopewell Elementary School Centennials, an odd Rorer Funeral Football Ladle, and additional material, especially for area schools. (See Site Updates for more.) Builders’ Guide to Hopewell Valley Construction Projects The Builders’ Guide to Hopewell … Continue reading August 2025 Update – Builders’ Guide and School Centennials

Builders’ Guide to Hopewell Valley Construction Projects – 1888-1940

30th August 202516th September 2025 by ddixon

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