East Jersey Old Town Village

The Village was inspired by a family trip Dr. Kler took to an historic village in Norway. In addition to being a prominent New Brunswick optometrist, Dr. Kler was also an educator at Rutgers and a history buff. After the Kler family returned from their vacation, Dr. Kler dreamed of creating a historic village in Middlesex County. When Kler learned that the 200+ year old Indian Queen Tavern in New Brunswick was slated for demolition to make way for an extension of Route 18, he sprang to action. Kler persuaded the New Jersey Commissioner of Transportation to declare the tavern an historic building. Kler then purchased the building on behalf of the town of New Brunswick for $1 in 1971. The tavern sat in storage until 1976, when it was reassembled in the Village. Kler gathered a group of enthusiastic history lovers to meet and make an important decision: what shall we do with this 18th century tavern? They ambitiously decided to recreate a colonial hamlet. Finding a permanent home for such an undertaking proved challenging.

Buccleuch Park in New Brunswick was initially proposed as the home for the East Jersey Old Town Village. The site needed a great deal of land. It was ultimately decided that the Village would sit on 12 acres in Johnson Park, Piscataway. Dr. Kler and his compatriots secured the tavern for the Village, but they still sought to add a slew of architecturally diverse historic buildings, representing all three socio-economic statuses.

All sixteen structures presently on-site were obtained through donation, including the tavern. Most of the structures would have been destroyed for the sake of redevelopment if they were never claimed for the Village. The bulk of East Jersey Old Town’s funding was acquired through public subscriptions. Most of the money raised went directly toward the relocation and restoration of the structures acquired. Additional funding was secured through fundraising events, such as themed dinner parties. 

The first structure moved to East Jersey Old Town Village was the Dunn House, in 1973. All the major structures within the Village arrived between 1973 and 1980. Three-Mile Run Church and the New Brunswick Barracks are both replicas. The other ten structures are originals.

The Village officially opened to the public in 1978. To embody the site’s mission, volunteers staged a barn raising for the Runyon storehouse. Students from a Rutgers fraternity volunteered to reassemble the Pound house. Dr. Kler’s daughter Marjorie decorated the interiors of the structures, and she had significant influence over what exhibitions were housed therein.

Dr. Kler passed away in 1983, but not before witnessing his dream become a reality. The site was subsequently obtained by Middlesex County, who still manages it. The Village has grown quickly since its inception. An assortment of historical interpreters breathe life into the buildings, including a Blacksmith, a tailor, a farmer, a stone carver, and more! There is also a fully functional print shop. History comes alive at the Village through its unique programs, knowledgeable historical experts, and compelling displays. 

Each building tells a story about Middlesex County history, and what life was like in the Raritan Valley through the centuries. The Village hosts multiple annual cultural events, including A Revolutionary Celebration on the 4th of July, and History Day, which takes place every May. The Liberty Base Ball Club plays games on-site throughout the year. They play a full season with authentic 19th century rules, and dress in vintage reproduction uniforms. Additionally, Liberty Base Ball Club plays a special game in honor of Father’s Day. In the Fall, the Village hosts a Historical Halloween Celebration, a Seasonal Traditions Holiday Program, and ReThink Theatrical’s version of A Christmas Carol. Admission and parking are always free! The mission set forth by the founders of the East Jersey Old Town Village has been wholly realized. The Village is set to expand well into its future.        

East Jersey Olde Towne Oral History Interview With Ms. Marjorie Kler-Freeman. Edited by Thomas C. Bodall, Middlesex County Cultural & Heritage Commission, 19 Jan. 2007.

Freeman, Muriel. “East Jersey Group Re-Creating Village.” The New York Times, 4 Nov. 1973.

Hartman, Dorothy White. Joseph H. Kler; M.D., F.A.C.S.: A Monograph. Middlesex County Cultural & Heritage Commission, 1994.

Kler, Joseph H. “East Jersey Olde Towne Village Mission Statement.” Jan. 1974.