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Home, Home on the (Morris) Plains

by Erin Feith, Research Assistant
September 17, 2024

From its agricultural past to its bustling downtown, Morris Plains has long been an industrious community that made its mark on Morris County’s history, as captured in early 20th century postcards.

 

Jacqui’s Pond: Morris Plains maintained a rural environment for most of the 19th century, along with a vibrant mill industry, such as the gristmill belonging to F.W. Jacqui. This postcard of Jacqui’s Pond was sent to Brooklyn, NY on September 9, 1909 from Morris Plains.

 

Mayfair: The rural atmosphere of Morris Plains made it an attractive spot to millionaires looking to construct their country estates. One such estate, known as “Mayfair,” was owned by Robert H. McCurdy, son of Richard A. McCurdy of Morristown, the president of the Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York.

 

Blacksmith Shop: Lawrence Monahan operated a blacksmith shop on present-day Stiles Avenue. Monahan founded the Morris Plains Cornet Band in 1888 and was its leader for over 50 years.

 

Daniel Merchant’s Delivery Truck: Along with owning several businesses downtown and organizing the town’s fire department, Daniel Merchant became the first mayor of Morris Plains after its incorporation in 1926.

 

Elzerman’s Store: After leasing property from Merchant, Heinrich Elzerman constructed a new building for his self-named restaurant and confectionary in 1917. Today, the building is home to Arthur’s Tavern.

 

The Hanover School: Built in 1908 to serve as the town’s public school, it replaced an earlier 1866 structure which was further from the downtown area. The building became the headquarters of the police and fire departments by the 1920s. Destroyed by fire in 1940, it became the site of the Morris Plains Municipal Building.

 

Original Band Pumped Fire Engine: The town’s first fire department was formed shortly after a devastating 1906 fire that destroyed portions of the downtown. Pictured in the 1930s with the original hand-pumped engine (c. 1908) are Daniel Merchant and John Cronshey.

 

Speedwell Avenue, East Side: A decade after its incorporation, Morris Plains had largely transitioned from its farming roots to the bustling suburb of Morris County it is today.
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