News Release - 1976 Flank of the Watchung Mountains

News Release

On the western flank of the Watchung Mountains, in Union County, lies the suburban, residential Borough of New Providence. In that section of New Providence known as Murray Hill, at a spot directly across the tracks from the Erie Lackawanna Railroad Station, a remarkable transformation is taking place.

Once considered to be an eyesore to many residents as well as thousands of commuters, the area is now blossoming into one of the authentic representations of colonial America - "HISTORIC MURRAY HILL SQUARE".

"HISTORIC MURRAY HILL SQUARE", its first stage complete and operating, is now initiating the second stage of its development to finish the "Square" in time for America's 200th year of Independence. Ground breaking ceremonies for this phase were held on January 15th, with local officials and other dignitaries in attendance. Also present, were the sponsors of "HISTORIC MURRAY HILL SQUARE", Mr. and Mrs. Nat Conti.

When fully completed, "HISTORIC MURRAY HILL SQUARE" will contain more than 30 shops. Some will be housed within restored, reconstructed originals, as with the charming yarn shop which was once an old grain mill filled with oats and wheat; or as seen in the Nicolson Shop, which many years ago was used for storing flour; and even the Gallo House where every morning the horse and wagon loaded up with fresh produce and took off for its daily journey to the Newark Market. Other shops will be authentic reproductions of structures that formerly existed in the New Providence area. Each building will be named for the original owner and authenticity will be established by a continuing re-search program being done through the New Providence Historical Society and others, examining and interpreting old records, plans, drawings, photos and descriptions to ascertain architectural accuracy as well as other pertinent data. Among the many structures that will arise are the original Murray Hill Post Office, rebuilt within the "Square" on the same foundation which was unearthed by the New Providence Historical Society. The Murray Hill Railroad Station of the Erie Lackawanna Railroad will also be restored to its original state. Not of colonial origin (it was built in the late 1800's), it will add further charm and beauty to the area.

All of the buildings will be reconstructed from original materials whenever possible. Salvaged brick, stone, block, wood, beams, etc., used during the period have been located and acquired for use in constructing walkways, walls, courtyards, and other building needs. Similarly, exterior lighting in the "Square" will be original, restored lighting fixtures, made in England and secured for this project. All decorative metal work, roofing tiles and other elements of construction will be duplicated by skilled craftsmen in the same manner as the work so faithfully reproduced at Williamsburg.

Landscaping will be of particular interest to the amateur as well as the professional gardener with a variety of well chosen trees, sculptured boxwood, flowers, blooming shrubs and plants and an exquisite, formal colonial garden in the central courtyard.

"HISTORIC MURRAY HILL SQUARE" will bring to the people of New Jersey an outstanding example of our historic past. This authentic restoration, in the style of Williamsburg and others will be select, and in keeping with the spirit of 1776. It will be the resurrection of a community within a community offering great visual pleasure, the enjoyment of casual shopping, the friendliness of social events, arts and crafts exhibitions, and more, in a nostalgic, colonial setting. "HISTORIC MURRAY HILL SQUARE" will serve as a shining tribute to those pioneers who first settled in this area in 1722.

Target date for completion is set to coincide with our AMERICAN BICENTENNIAL REVOLUTION celebration in 1976 and work will progress, weather notwithstanding, in order to finish on time. As a matter of note, the next three buildings within "HISTORIC MURRAY HILL SQUARE" are expected to be finished and occupied by the Spring of 1975.