Somerville in Somerset County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Borough Hall
Photographed by R. C.
1. Somerville Borough Hall Marker on Right Gate Support
Once the home of Daniel Robert, this castellated Gothic residence was constructed in 1888 and is a careful copy of a celebrated design by noted architect Alexander Jackson Davis. The building is the second on this site, preceded by a residence in a similar style that was constructed in the early 1840s for Albert Camman. Upon his death in 1866, the home was purchased by Eugene Doughty. Later, his son Joshua, sold the property to Daniel Robert. The original structure was replaced by the present one. After Mrs. Roberts death in 1923, the estate was sold to the Somerville Lodge of Elks. The ballroom they added now houses the Borough Library. The property was acquired by the Borough of Somerville in 1958. Fires in 1967 and again in 1980 required extensive renovations. However, much of the elaborate original interior remains intact.
Erected 1998 by Borough of Somerville, David Hollod, Mayor; Somerville Historic Committee.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Forts and Castles • Government & Politics. A significant historical year for this entry is 1888.
Location. 40° 34.236′ N, 74° 37.164′ W. Marker is in Somerville, New Jersey, in Somerset County. It is on West End Avenue (New Jersey Route 28) west
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in New Jersey’s North Jersey, specifically in Central Jersey, in Greater Princeton, and in the New York City Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Daniel Robert House (a few steps from this marker); Furman Frederick Kugler (within shouting distance of this marker); Armed Forces Memorial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); West End Building (about 400 feet away); Fireman's Museum (about 500 feet away); World Affairs at Wallace House (approx. 0.2 miles away); 150 West Main Street (approx. 0.2 miles away); Second Reformed Church (approx. Ό mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Somerville.
More about this marker. Marker is on the right pillar of the former gates that were part of the estate. The gas lamps and fence that were likely part of the gate design are long gone.
Regarding Borough Hall. The Daniel Robert House was constructed in 1888 as an example of the Gothic Revival style, for a wealthy business man from New York. The house currently serves as the Somerville Borough Hall.
Also see . . . Daniel Robert House. Wikipedia entry:
Links to National Register of Historic Places Registration Form (Submitted on January 4, 2026, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed by R. C.
2. Somerville Borough Hall
Photographed by R. C.
3. View of Marker from Sidewalk
The supports for the gates that once graced this great residence are still visible.
Photographed by R. C.
4. Plaque Next to Main Entrance from Building's Dedication
Somerville, N.J.
1958
Mayor
Walter F. Scott
Council
Guy Richdale, Pres.
Richard Lothian, Jr.
Joseph E. Cusick
Claude W. Walck
Leroy W. Jones
Borough Clerk - Edity A Varley
Borough Engineer - E.S. Van Fleet
Photographed by R. C.
5. Front Doors of Somerville Borough Hall
The 1958 dedication plaque is located on the right side of the doors.
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 2, 2026
6. National Register of Historic Places plaque for the Daniel Robert House
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 2, 2026
7. New Jersey Historic Trust signage for Somerville Borough Hall
Somerville Borough Hall (The Daniel Robert House)
This Historic Site is being
Preserved
With a Matching Grant through the
Preserve New Jersey Historic Preservation Fund
as well as the
Somerset County Historic Preservation Grant Program
Somerset County Board of County Commissioners
Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission
Somerset County Open Space, Recreation, Farmland, and Historic Preservation Fund
Credits. This page was last revised on January 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 12, 2008, by Ronald Claiborne of College Station, Texas. This page has been viewed 2,183 times since then and 168 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on February 12, 2008, by Ronald Claiborne of College Station, Texas. 6, 7. submitted on January 3, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.
