Bernards & Bernardsville Area History

Northern Valley Regional High School, Demarest, students Deborah Ward, Marilyn Miller, and Vandy Van D**e in 1965, are here shown taking a break at the school’s “Refrigerated Fruit-O-Matic.” The question is asked “What’s worse than biting into an apple and seeing a worm?” The answer of course “Seeing half a worm.”

In the late 1940s the Fruit-O-Matic Manufacturing Company, of Los Angeles, California started producing these fruit vending machines. The Fruit-O-Matic was both popular and dependable, and this unique vending machine was ideal for schools as it dispensed healthy chilled, fresh fruit. The machine featured a hermetically sealed refrigeration unit and an attractive fluorescent lighted front display panel.

The Fruit-O-Matic machine gained popularity when it appeared in a 1950 movie staring, Marlon Brando called “The Men.” The Fruit-O-Matic was later promoted by the actress, Jane Mansfield and began appearing on high school and college campuses. The Fruit-O-Matic even had a location in Times Square, New York. Did your school have one of these machines? Did you have any other type of vending machine at school? By the way, note the young ladies are wearing dresses. – Tim Adriance

Bernardsville's Boylan House tear down is getting noticed - #1 on recent New Jersey 10 Most Endangered List

Bernardsville's Boylan House Is #1 on New Jersey's 10 Most Endangered List - Mr. Local History Project Preservation New Jersey announced the 2025 list of the 10 Most Endangered Historic Places, highlighting places across New Jersey that are at risk of being lost due to neglect, development… Read More »Bernardsville’s Boylan House Is #1 on New Jersey’s 10 Most Endangered List

Know how Gladstone got its name? Pluckemin? Bedminster? Vealtown and more.

We try to give you a little fun bit of history

Most People Don’t Know The Meaning Behind These Town Names - Mr. Local History Project The Mr. Local History Project took a moment out to answer a very simple set of questions of which we've learned many people just didn't know the correct answer. The Somerset Hills is an area of northern Somerset County, New Jersey, named after Somerset in England. But do you know the origins of each...

Remembering the Pope of Basking Ridge - Bill Hine was also known as The Village Guardian. Well, our non-profit researched and produced a story - still looking to find when he lived at Ridge Oak - but also how he survived once his mother left for Delaware - also wondering where his final resting place is, cause it's not with his dad or his sister.

The Pope of Basking Ridge - Bill Hine's Presence Shined - Mr. Local History Project We introduce you to a singer, poet, and photographer who shared his love of music, poetry, and religion on the street corners of a tiny local village. Most mornings, Bill Hine would gather his personal belongings and harmonica and begin his commute to work.. But this wasn't just any work; this was G...

Mr.localhistoryproject just launched a new category on their website highlighting local people and personalities throughout history in the area. Check it out at https://www.mrlocalhistory.org/category/history/people/

Sunday morning coffee and a little local history.
In this Issue:
Enjoy spring's beauty and history - beautiful historic gardens, cherry blossom trees in Branch Brook Park and a even a list of over 100 historic Jersey dive bars. All free - Check out - https://www.mrlocalhistory.org/mlh-magazine-2025-spring/

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Mr. Local History 2025 Spring Magazine Vol 7. Issue 1 - Mr. Local History Project Spring Vol.7 Issue 1 2025 Edition —Join the Mr. Local History Project as start to venture outside in the spring air...

Who knew the family? Tell us a fun story.

Sunday morning coffee and a little local history - we introduce you to someone many people pass by all the time but don't know his story. We share with you the history of the "Good Shepherd of Bernardsville.
Read more:
https://www.mrlocalhistory.org/good-shepherd-bernardsville/

Anyone remember Andy McCarthy the actor? Lived in Bville and went to Pingry.....

Why should you know this man?

The Official Sandwich of Basking Ridge is now OFFICIALLY up for grabs. For those who didn't know, "Town Special" from Brush's Deli was #1

Nominate a business and the suggested sandwich. Must be made in Basking Ridge. Just looking for nominations now 🙂

The Official Sandwich of Basking Ridge - What Now? - Mr. Local History Project WE HAVE A WINNER. How often do you get to actually participate in history? Now you do. There is a battle going on in the town of Basking Ridge where the Mr. Local History Project has connected with the town's oldest deli to battle it out for the right to name the "Unofficial Sandwich of Bernards Tow...