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Flemington is surrounded by the Township of Raritan and is located
in the near geographic center of the Township. In 1756, Samuel
Fleming purchased part of this land, and built his home which
still stands on Bonnell Street, and "Fleming's Town" was born. In
1785, Flemington became the County Seat of Hunterdon County.
Flemington is home of the Strangl/Pfaltzgraff Pottery Company,
c.1814. Pottery was one of the town's early businesses, using the
unique red clays of Hunterdon County. The large chimneys are still
present at the building, which is now a Pfaltzgraff Pottery store.
Inside the store one can step inside one of the original firing
ovens.
The surrounding fertile farmland dictated that the beginnings
of Flemington should be essentially agricultural. Early German and
English settlers engaged in industries dependent on farm products.
As time passed poultry and dairy farms superseded crops in
agricultural importance. In 1856, the Hunterdon County
Agricultural society purchased 40 acres of land that would
accommodate the people, exhibits and livestock for the County
(Flemington) Fair. The purpose of this Fair was and still is to
promote competition between farmers, stock raisers and machinery
manufacturers.
At peak opperation in 1889, Black River and Western Railroad
had three railroad lines running 54 trains a day into Flemington.
The Flemington Railroad's depot was located on Central Avenue. The
old station, built around 1872, has been restored and converted
into shops. In 1918, the Central Avenue station was closed and the
railroads used the Main Street station. In 1965, several years
after the last steam locomotive left Flemington, a group of
Railroad enthusiasts formed the Black River and Western Railroad.
Now the railroad runs a passenger service from Flemington to Ring
oes and Lambertville weekends from April to mid-November and
everyday except Monday during July and August. In addition, the
railroad runs a number of special event trips. This train ride is
a must for children and parents.
By 1980 sixty-five percent of Flemington borough had been
included on the New Jersey State Register of Historic Places and
is now on the National Register of Historic Places.
As years passed, specialization of labor and trade began with
general stores, grain and woolen mills, tanneries and many types
of artisan shops. These little centers of trade existed mostly for
local commerce but with the coming of rail service about a century
ago a more diverse industry developed and continues to expand
today. |
