BETTER KNOW NJ
The Stephen Vail House was home to a family
who supported a historic innovator.
Check out these historic picks awaiting visitors to the Morris Plains area. Speaking Plains
T E X T PAUL HAGEN I s it time for a stop at GPS Morris Plains? Why not fold that errand into a fun adventure that lets you peek into NJ history and beyond? Historic Speedwell is known as the birthplace of the telegraph. In 1838, Samuel F. B. Morse conducted the first successful demonstration of the electromagnetic telegraph at the Factory Building here. Today, the site consists of eight buildings, including that site and the Stephen Vail House (pictured), which was home to the family who provided financial support and a workshop to Morse during that time. Another chance to experience local history from the 1800s is the
Cooper Gristmill. Situated on 14 acres along Black River, the Gristmill is New Jersey’s only restored water-pow- ered mill. Costumed staff lead tours demonstrating how the machinery harnesses the river’s power to grind grains using massive 2,000-pound mills. And for a look at the agricul- tural side of a century ago, there is Fosterfields Living Historical Farm. Costumed guides greet and edu- cate visitors—offering the chance to experience farm life from feeding the chickens to taking a turn at the butter churn. For more about Historic Speedwell, Cooper Gristmill and Fos- terfields Living Historical Farm, visit morrisparks.net.
Cooper Gristmill
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