Fosterfields — A Living Historical Farm, Part 1 | Morristown, New Jersey
Fosterfields Is A Living Historical Farm
It is located in beautiful and historic Morristown, New Jersey.
In the first photo of this post, B.J., the very friendly farm cat, is front and center, and Calvin the horse is poking his head through the door.
His companion, an almost identical horse with a missing left eye, Hobbes, is inside the stall (yes, they were named Calvin and Hobbes after the comic strip — my favorite!)
General Joseph Warren Revere, who was the grandson of Revolutionary War hero Paul Revere, bought the property in the 1800s (which had been a working farm since the 1760s) and built the Gothic Revival main house, The Willows.
Around 1881 Charles Foster bought the property and renamed it Fosterfields after himself.
His daughter, who was around four years old at the time, lived in the house her entire life.
Apparently country life agreed with her, because she lived to be 102! She was quite an interesting character.
As the website says:
Wishing to preserve her beloved home and give future generations the chance to experience the sights, smells, and sounds of rural life, Caroline Foster in 1979 bequeathed Fosterfields to the Morris County Park Commission, to be preserved as a “living historical farm,” the first in New Jersey. Not a replica, Fosterfields is a working farm, using the tools, techniques, and materials of a turn-of-the-century farm.
Fosterfields closes for the season on October 30th.
It is open Wednesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Willows:
The Ice House:
The Woodshed:
You can read more about Fosterfields, including some wonderful stories about Caroline Foster.
You can also read Fosterfields, Part 2, and Howell Living History Farm.
Thanks for visiting New Jersey Memories!
26 Comments
Eileen3600
Great post on the farm. I love the shot of the horse looking out of the barn with the kitty. Thanks the the nice tour of the farm. I always enjoye the farm animals too. Have a great weekend!
mary carroll
Oh, I haven't been there since my kids were little! It's such a beautiful place, isn't it? 🙂
New Jersey Memories
Thank you so much! I love that photo of the horse with the kitty, too..
New Jersey Memories
Yes, it is a lovely place. I can see why Caroline Foster loved her home.
Calypsointhecountry
Such pretty photos! I love Morristown and lived there for awhile – great town! Thanks for the visit and your kind comment. Enjoy the rest of the weekend!
-Shelley
Andrea
Those are very lovely photos and the sheds and houses very well maintained. That first photo is a bit disconcerting for me because the horse seem to be very lonely asking the cat to please stay a while and let's talk. "How is it there outside, I envy you for being free".
Lady Fi
What a gorgeous place! I love visiting places like this.
SaucyB
Great post! I knew about Fosterfields because I live close by, but we've never visited. It looks like a GREAT place to check out. Definitely going to put this on the list of family outings when they re-open in the spring.
Nonizamboni
Great travel log from a lovely state, full of history and beauty. I'll be back for Part II !
chubskulit
Beautiful captures!
Late visiting from Camera Critters. Please come and see some MOTHS at my page. Have a blessed Sunday!
Lina@happy family
What a lovely farm! Enjoying all photos.
Thanks for dropping by
Nancy
What an enjoyable post. So glad these historic structures have been preserved for future generations to enjoy. I doubt I will ever be in New Jersey — so I am happy to be able to see these photos via your site. Thank you.
New Jersey Memories
Morristown is lovely and so historic. It's one of my favorite towns.
New Jersey Memories
The horse looks like he wants to get out! He's lovely.
New Jersey Memories
So do I!
New Jersey Memories
Definitely a place to go. Wonderful place to take children.
New Jersey Memories
Thanks so much. It is a beautiful state.
New Jersey Memories
Thank you so much!
New Jersey Memories
You are so welcome. Thank YOU for dropping by!
New Jersey Memories
I'm so glad you enjoyed the photos!
Saun
What a great series I love farms!
New Jersey Memories
Thank you very much!
Tricia
Absolutely AWESOME post! I love it when the history is included of these old barns, etc.
I love the stone foundations, they're my favorite… unlike the barns around here, we never see stone foundations… winter aren't as harsh here, though. The Ice House is so quaint!
I could photograph this place for ages! LoL! =)
Thank you tons for joining in & linking up this beautiful place on Barn Charm =)))
Caroleor
Gorgeous barn, and the horse just tops it off for me. lol
I guess the photo I just commented on was actually the back end of that larger barn. What a great building.
NoteworthyMusings
New Jersey Memories
You are so welcome. There are some wonderful farms in New Jersey.
New Jersey Memories
I really love Fosterfields. I think I'll go back in the spring when everything is new and fresh.