The Feltville Historic District has an important history dating back to its 1730s settlement by the Willcocks family, who farmed, operated mills on the Blue Brook, worked a copper mine, and fought in the Revolutionary War, to its more recent history in one of the nation’s earliest county-wide park systems designed by the Olmstead Brothers firm. Developed by David Felt in 1845, Feltville was a paternalistic company town with a water-powered factory, owner’s mansion, workers’ duplex cottages, a church/store, barns, and workshops. Though some of Feltville’s buildings have been lost over time, the church/store, eight cottages, and considerable archeological sites have survived in relatively unchanged surroundings. Later, Warren Ackerman, a wealthy manufacturer, saw an opportunity to develop a middle-class resort by transforming Feltville into Glenside Park. Duplexes were converted to single family homes and rustic porches that mimicked the style of grand Adirondack camps were added. Ackerman provided amenities such as tennis, croquet, and boating. Glenside Park continued operations until 1916.

The 2022 Trust grant will help fund rehabilitation work at Cottage #4, including the shoring of existing framing, repair of porch decks and components, and the painting of all exterior wood elements.

The 2019 Trust grant helped fund the stabilization, restoration, and rehabilitation of Cottage 7 and Cottage 4. The 2017 Trust grant helped fund a comprehensive strategic plan for the district. The 1992 grant funded the rehabilitation of the church/store as a visitor center. The 1990 Trust grant funded the stabilization of ten of the remaining village buildings. 

For more information, visit: http://ucnj.org/community/parks-community-renewal/parks-facilities/watchung-reservation-history-trail/