Walnford dates back to the 18th century, but its endless evolution makes it a site with boundless history. As a result, it is a perfect candidate to join Best of NJ’s continuing Jersey Through History series. Historic Walnford sits along Crosswicks Creek in Allentown, covering 36 acres just west of Crosswicks Creek Park.
The village first began operations in 1734 with its own gristmill. But the site quickly grew to include three mills, blacksmith and cooper’s shops, and a two-family house; as well as five tenant homes, farm buildings, and two orchards along 100 plowed acres. After nearly 40 years of operation, merchant trader and Philadelphia Quaker Richard Waln purchased the property. He then renamed it Walnford, built himself a large home, and moved his family to New Jersey. Waln managed the property for 25 years, until his son, Nicholas, took over the site.
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The Rise and Decline of Walnford
At its peak, Walnford covered 1,300 acres while housing around 50 people. However, production began to decline in the mid-19th century. By the time Nicholas’s daughter, Sarah, took over the property in the late 1800s, she had less land to manage. Instead, she updated the home and built a new carriage house and cow barn. Despite production slowing down, Sarah immediately rebuilt the gristmill after it burned down in 1873. Decades later, in 1907, Sarah’s great-nephew Richard Waln Meirs and wife Ann Weightman Meirs took over the property. The couple transformed the village into the Colonial Revival estate it remains today.
After more than 200 years of occupancy by the Waln family, the property was purchased by Edward and Joanne Mullen. The Mullen family lived on the grounds for a number of years before donating it to the Monmouth County Park System in 1985. After some renovations and landscaping, the county has revived the entire grounds. Historic Walnford now stands as a place visitors can immerse themselves in New Jersey history.
Guests are welcome to experience the Historic Walnford grounds all year round. In fact, the property still boasts a number of historical buildings open to the public. Guests may enter under the Corn Crib and step inside the carriage house, Waln house, and the working gristmill. In addition, all-age milling demonstrations take place four times per afternoon every Saturday and Sunday. (Throughout the months of April through November.) Adults can also tour the gristmill the first Saturday of the month from May through November.
Experience Historic Walnford
Today, Historic Walnford is a popular location for portrait photography, greeting cards, engagement proposals, and more. It offers lovely scenery all year round, from spring blooms to fall foliage and gentle winter snowfall. Meanwhile, the Cow Barn hosts tons of activities and programs for children, teens, and adults alike. Other events range from Historic Valentine’s to afternoon Music on the Porch, as well as Walnford Day; a celebration of over 200 years of Waln history on May 15.
Likewise, Historic Walnford regularly hosts group programs including tours of the gristmills, the surrounding wetlands, and the entire grounds. These hour-long tours are appropriate for all ages. Children between three and five years old can also participate in the Little Red Hen in Waln’s Mill. This brief tour of the gristmill also provides an engaging experience with milling and the operating machinery; as well as the re-telling of a classic tale. Finally, hands-on experiences include pen and ink calligraphy, weaving, old-fashioned games, and a scavenger hunt. Historic Walnford also offers archaeological digs, outreach programs, and even Tea at Walnford.
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All Photos: © Patrick Lombardi / Best of NJ
