Allaire Village | |
Location | 3 mi. SE of Farmingdale on CR 524, Farmingdale, New Jersey |
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Coordinates | 40°9′31″N 74°7′44″W / 40.15861°N 74.12889°W |
Area | 330 acres (130 ha) |
Built | 1750 |
NRHP reference No. | 74001174[1] |
NJRHP No. | [2] |
Added to NRHP | January 11, 1974 |
Allaire Village is a living history museum located within New Jersey's Allaire State Park in Wall Township, Monmouth County, New Jersey. The property was initially an Indian ceremonial ground prior to 1650, by 1750 a sawmill had been established on the property[3] by Issac Palmer.[4] The village was later established as a bog iron furnace originally known as Williamsburg Forge[5] 'Monmouth Furnace'[6] was then renamed the Howell Works by Benjamin B. Howell. In 1822,[7] it was then purchased by philanthropist James P. Allaire, who endeavoured to turn into a self-contained community.[8] The wood burning furnace business collapsed in 1846 and the village closed. During its height, the town supported about 500 people.[9] Following his death, the property passed through a number of family members before being used by the Boy Scouts who started to restore the buildings for use as a summer camp. Losing the lease, the property then passed to the State of New Jersey. Allaire Village and its existing buildings are now operated by a non-profit organization - Allaire Village, Inc. Historic interpreters work using period tools and equipment in the blacksmith, tinsmith, and carpentry shops, while the old bakery sells cookies, and general store serves as a museum gift-shop styled store. The church building is frequently used for weddings. The site is also host to community events such as community band concerts,[10] antique sales, weekly flea markets and square dance competitions.[11]