Postcards – 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

1880s Hopewell Trade Cards

10th January 2026 by ddixon

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

New Old Views: Hart Monument, Ralston Castle, National Bank

5th July 20255th July 2025 by ddixon

We are lucky in the Hopewell Valley to have a good selection of postcards that show historical scenes around the area. Here are three examples of newly-discovered postcards that provide even better views into some of these scenes. Many of our local historical postcards were sold through the town drug stores, including cards identified as … Continue reading New Old Views: Hart Monument, Ralston Castle, National Bank

William Howe’s “Dixie Farm” on S. Main in Pennington

13th May 2023 by ddixon

We have five fascinating historic (and snowy) images of 65 Main Street, known as “Dixie Farm” when it was the home of William P. Howe, Sr. from 1910 to around 1913. The postcard shows a formal view of the structure from around the 1910s, with a two-story circular colonnaded portico framing the front door and … Continue reading William Howe’s “Dixie Farm” on S. Main in Pennington

Hopewell Valley or Not – Challenge!

11th December 2021 by ddixon

Are these photos of Hopewell Valley – or not? This is a challenge that the History Project team faces when trying to identify newly contributed historic images. So now it’s your turn to decide which of these scenes are from the Hopewell Valley area, and identify the locations. In this case, the images are a … Continue reading Hopewell Valley or Not – Challenge!

The Railroads of the Frog War

5th December 202122nd March 2024 by ddixon

We think of the Frog War as a local Hopewell thing, and really rather goofy – with cute frog logos for the Elementary School (see earlier post). But the Frog War was very serious business for the two heavyweight contenders that were fighting to preserve (or break) a monopoly on direct rail service between Philadelphia … Continue reading The Railroads of the Frog War

Pennington Train Station Underpass

6th November 20218th August 2024 by ddixon

Do you remember the underpass at the Pennington train station? All that is left now are these handrails leading down into the ground after it was filled in. Lots of people have fond memories of the underpass – including the thrill as kids when they were surrounded by the sound of the train rumbling overhead. … Continue reading Pennington Train Station Underpass

Hopewell Valley Towns in the Early 1900s

30th October 202130th October 2021 by ddixon

History is not only about facts, but also about understanding people and their stories, including their lives, organizations, businesses, and towns. And sometimes our predecessors leave us a window into how they see their lives. One unexpected example of this is The Industrial Directory of New Jersey, which was printed by the N. J. Bureau … Continue reading Hopewell Valley Towns in the Early 1900s

Hopewell Trees: 1900s vs. Today

4th September 20214th September 2021 by ddixon

What do you see in this photo from around 1916? What are these two ladies doing? And where is this? The area looks empty – without many houses or trees. We are used to our current tree-lined streets, but this was the state of our towns at the turn of the century – even as … Continue reading Hopewell Trees: 1900s vs. Today

Hopewell Train Station in 1881

9th June 202122nd March 2024 by ddixon

This wonderful image taken at the Hopewell train station in 1881, and provided courtesy of Steven Cohen, illustrates the importance of the arrival of the railroad in the 1870s to the villages of Hopewell and Pennington. This is from a promotional poster created by Reuben Savidge, who ran the general store in Mount Rose and … Continue reading Hopewell Train Station in 1881