Princeton in Mercer County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Twentieth-Century Changes
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, January 1, 2013
1. Twentieth-Century Changes Marker
After Bayard Stockton died in 1928, Robert Wood Johnson, head of Johnson & Johnson, rented Morven. He used it as a comfortable suburban retreat, keeping horses in the stable and adding recreational facilities. In 1939, he had plans drawn up for leveling the grounds and constructing a pool, pool house, and tennis court.
In 1945, Governor Walter E. Edge purchased Morven and, in 1954, deeded it to the State of New Jersey for use as a governor’s mansion or museum. Many of the governors had large families, who enjoyed the many recreational amenities Johnson had provided.
The last governor to occupy Morven, Brendan Byrne, was a tennis enthusiast. During his tenure, tennis star Althea Gibson became a virtual resident pro at Morven, and she and Byrne played many friendly games on the Morven court.
Restoration of the pool house, pool, and carriage house is part of phase three of the restoration of the site.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Places. A significant historical year for this entry is 1928.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 40° 20.904′ N, 74° 40.036′ W. Marker was in Princeton, New Jersey, in Mercer County. Marker could be reached from Stockton
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. The Carriage House (a few steps from this marker); The Pool House (within shouting distance of this marker); Annis' Grotto (within shouting distance of this marker); The Gardens (within shouting distance of this marker); Orchards at Marven (within shouting distance of this marker); Demonstration Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); The Ice House (within shouting distance of this marker); The Colonial Revival Garden (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Princeton.
More about this marker. A photo on the right side of the marker depicts “Governor Brendan T. Byrne and Ethel Kennedy at Morven tennis tournament, 1982.”
Also see . . . Morven Museum & Garden. (Submitted on January 1, 2013, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, January 1, 2013
2. Twentieth-Century Changes Marker
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, January 1, 2013
3. Marker at Morven Gardens
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, January 1, 2013
4. Morven Stables
Credits. This page was last revised on October 17, 2022. It was originally submitted on January 1, 2013, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 326 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 1, 2013, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
