“Knoll town” so called for the prevalent hills and limestone knobs, was sectioned off from Oxford Township in 1768. The township was part of Sussex County until 1824, bounded on the north by the Blue Mountains and the west by the Delaware River. A new northern boundary was created in 1845 when Blairstown seceded.
By 1887, numerous churches in the township had flourishing congregations with the population estimated to be about 2000. By this time the advent of the railroads made easy access to the area for city-dwellers wanting to escape to Knowlton’s scenic landscape and the appeal of the river. With the demise of the railroads in later years gradually the hotels and inns that accommodated these travelers died. Soon to follow were the mills, tanneries, quarries and factories. The township after that was primarily a farming community.
Today inter-state highways are the roads now traveled bringing visitors to the same scenic landscapes enjoyed by others so many years ago.
The Knowlton Township Historic Commission (KTHC) was officially established in October 1997. It is our goal to preserve the rural landscape and historic character of Knowlton Township by serving as an educational resource to the community and encouraging a commitment to retain the unique sense of place that is Knowlton Township. Through the efforts of the KTHC, the village of Delaware is listed on both the National and State Registers of Historic Places.
Current projects:
Ramsaysburg Tavern and Homestead on Route 46: KTHC has applied for and received four county and state grants so far for the stabilization of and planning the restoration of this historic property.
Belles Barn on Walnut Road: KTHC is exploring possibilities for adaptive reuse of this historic barn that include discussions with experts on raising Heirloom Breed livestock in conjunction with Genesis Farm.
Get Involved:
If history and historic preservation interest you as important components in Knowlton’s future, the Knowlton Township Historic Commission welcomes your involvement. Join as a member or, if your time is limited, volunteer to help with special events and tours. Your friends and neighbors will appreciate your involvement in helping to preserve the character and beauty of Knowlton’s villages, hamlets, farms and scenic landscapes.
Mission Statement:
The mission of the Knowlton Township Historic Commission is to protect, enhance and support the rehabilitation of historic,
cultural and scenic resources. By identifying, evaluating and registering significant sites, structures, districts and landscapes, the commission seeks to ensure responsible development in Knowlton Township thereby preserving and protecting our historic and cultural roots.
- Members:
Hal Bromm, Chair
Dennis Bertland, Historic Preservation Adviser
Bob McNinch, Committee Liaison;
Carl Shuster, Historian
Candice Nattland, Executive Coordinator & Events Committee Chair
Gloria Hardiman; Tom Drake; Bill Suggs; Ken Metcalf; Karin Strom; Dennis Melillo; Rick Clarkson, Chrissy Beegle
Friends: Adrienne Edwards; Robin and Ann Harvey; Christine Kohl; Emily Brown; Jon Bellis; Debbie Hamway; Guy Walton; Sandra Holyoak; Jim Kaval; Paul Sullivan; Karen Lund; Cynthia Montes; Wick Mott
Share Your History:
Share your historic photos, letters, books and records to help document the history of people, places, sites and structures in Knowlton and the surrounding area.
Contact Carl Shuster at 908-475-3455 or Info@historicknowlton.org
KTHC meetings are held on the third Saturday of each month at 8:30AM at the Municipal Building. All interested parties are welcomed to attend.
IInternet Links on Knowlton Township
https://www.facebook.com/Ramsaysburg-Historic-Homestead-348851635313408/
http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/institutions/ar6/titles/
Knowlton Township Historic Commission
Contact us at :
S628 Route 94
Columbia, New Jersey 07832
Tel: 908.496.4816 Fax: 908.496.8144
Email: info@historicknowlton.org
Copyright © 2007