Kennedy-Martin-Stelle Farmstead

formed to support Bernards Township for the
preservation of the Kennedy-Martin-Stelle Farmstead.

Thank you to all Somerset County residents for helping to preserve
part of our American history.

The Somerset County Freeholders have awarded a grant to complete Phase 2 on the Kennedy-Martin-Stelle Farmstead Barn. Somerset County's continuing support of the Farmstead project is extremely gratifying. The freeholders have reaffirmed their belief in the importance of the historic farmstead. The plans have been again reviewed and found to be sound. The work done so far meets the expectations of county officials and their professional consultants. The grant confirms the significance of this site and the validity of the preservation plan.

^{The Friends of the
Kennedy-Martin-Stelle Farmstead have introduced a new fundraising
project to support preservation work at the historic Farmstead.

Click here for more information.}

^{Prints
are at the Library, check it out.}

The Farmstead was part of a municipal open space purchase by Bernards Township in 1999. The town governing council hoped to subdivide a portion of the 4.5 acres of property and reserve the rest as open space. It was recently discovered, however, that the building structures on the property has great historical significance dating as far back as 1740. The Farmstead was the home of Nathaniel Rolfe, one of Basking Ridge's first settlers.

The Farmstead was also the site of Reverend Samuel Kennedy's classical school established circa 1762. The school was the precursor to the Brick Academy School now located in downtown Basking Ridge.

Colonel Ephraim Martin, revolutionary war patriot and New Jersey founding father, lived on the Farmstead from about 1778 to 1795. After his Revolutionary War service, Colonel Martin was elected to the Upper House of the newly created NJ State Legislature.

Col. Martin's original petition for a commission in the Continental Army
(Courtesy Rutgers University Special Collections)

The Farmstead was the home of Bell Labs physicist, Gerald Pearson, who helped develop the transistor and was the inventor of the first useful solar cell which was introduced in April, 1954.

OUR MISSION

The Kennedy Farmstead Task Force is trying to preserve this historically significant Farmstead and the buildings on the property. Recently, the township committee has committed $100K support to the plans. The task force is in desperate need of local community support! Contact us for more information and ask how you could help. Something as simple as joining our mailing list will help in our efforts.

	Ann Parsekian 908-766-6103
	Bob Dillon 908-542-0737
	Annette Novoa 908-719-4785
Chairperson	John Campbell 908-647-2241

19th Century photo of the Stelle family, with Freeman Stelle (center right with white beard).
An early 20th Century photo of John Stelle's farmhouse (still stands not far from the road into Spring Ridge)
(Photos are courtesy Miss Beatrice Stelle)

The Kennedy-Martin-Stelle Farmstead Task Force is collecting names and addresses of local Bernards township residents who are interested in supporting this worthwhile cause. We need your name and address to present to members of the governing body of Bernards township as proof of community involvement and local support. We will also send you information regarding the status of the Farmstead and keep you appraised of the Task Force efforts.