Califon in Hunterdon County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

The Greatest gift

Photographed By Raymond Siwek, December 14, 2023

1. The Greatest gift Marker

Inscription.
This short story about a man who wishes he had never been born was written by historian, novelist, and editor Philip Van Doren Stern. A part-time resident of Hunterdon County, Stern said he had Califon in mind for the story's setting. In 1943, Stern self-published and sent out 200 copies of the 24-page story as Christmas cards. The story went on to become the basis of the 1946 classic film "It's a Wonderful Life". An iron truss bridge is a key feature in the story and film. Stern previously wrote the mystery "The Thing in the Brook" and based its setting on nearby Mountainville and the surrounding area.

Erected 2022 by Califon Historical Society.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Bridges & Viaducts • Entertainment.

Location. 40° 43.231′ N, 74° 50.252′ W. Marker is in Califon, New Jersey, in Hunterdon County. Marker is at the intersection of Main Street and Raritan River Road, on the right when traveling north on Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 76 Main Street, Califon NJ 07830, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Califon Station (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Creamery Channel

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(about 700 feet away); Califon Methodist Episcopal Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Califon Veterans Monument (approx. 0.2 miles away); Califon (approx. half a mile away); The Railroad & The Vernoy Quarry (approx. 1.3 miles away); The Teetertown Mill (approx. 2.1 miles away); The Middle Valley Trap Rock & Mine Company (approx. 2.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Califon.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 19, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 15, 2023, by Raymond Siwek of Morristown, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 61 times since then and 25 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on December 15, 2023, by Raymond Siwek of Morristown, New Jersey. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.

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