Mine Hill in Morris County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Bridget Lockman Smith

Women’s Heritage Trail

Photographed by Don Morfe, December 7, 2015

1. Women’s Heritage Trail-Bridget Lockman Smith Marker

Inscription. Bridget Lockman Smith and her husband John, immigrated from Ireland in the 1850’s following the Irish potato famine. They settled in Mine Hill with other Irish immigrant iron mine workers in a section then known as Irishtown. By the time Bridget purchased this double house in 1879 for $300, John had been killed in a local mining accident. She was living on one side raising two children while renting the other side to another Irish “widow of the mines” with six children. This historic site offers a unique glimpse into the past of working class families. Left virtually unchanged since it was built in 1855, the house had a simple conversion in 1912 to accommodate a single family. Listed on the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places, it represents an important intact example of worker housing in northern New Jersey. Restored and opened in 1998, the museum is staffed by volunteers on selected dates and by special arrangement to offer insight into the simple but difficult live of immigrant working women raising families in the late 1800’s.

“…To my Sister May you ever be happy Live at your ease Have a good husband And do as you please. From your brother, John Smith, Mine Hill Dec. 31, 1884”-
Autograph

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book “Galaxy Album”, a Christmas present to Miss Mame (Mary) Smith, daughter of Bridget Smith, from Miss Louisa Grimm on December 25, 1884.

(Inscription in the boxes on the left)
#1 Bridget Lockman Smith is on the New Jersey Women’s Heritage Trail because as an Iron Miner’s widow she played as essential role in domesticity and integral place raising her children as a single mother, keeping the hearth fires burning after losing her husband in a mining accident.

#2 The New Jersey Women’s Heritage Trail highlights a collection of historic sites located around the state that represent the significant contributions women made to the history of our state. The Heritage Trail brings to life the vital role of women in New Jersey’s past and present.

Erected by Department of Community Affairs New Jersey Historic Trust-Department of Environmental Protection Historic Preservation Office.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers • Women. In addition, it is included in the New Jersey Women’s Heritage Trail series list. A significant historical date for this entry is December 25, 1884.

Location. 40° 52.428′ N,

Photographed by Don Morfe, December 7, 2015

2. Women’s Heritage Trail-Bridget Lockman Smith Marker

74° 35.796′ W. Marker is in Mine Hill, New Jersey, in Morris County. It is on Randolph Ave.. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 124 Randolph Ave (NJ 640), Mine Hill NJ 07803, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in North Jersey

and in the New York City Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American Northeast

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in 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 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Bridget Smith House (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named The Bridget Smith House (a few steps from this marker); Dickerson Mine (approx. half a mile away); Site of Ferromonte (approx. ¾ mile away); Saint Mary’s Church (approx. 1.3 miles away); Hurd Park (approx. 1.6 miles away); Morris Canal (approx. 1.8 miles away); Quaker Meeting House (approx. 1.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map

Bridget Lockman Smith House image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Don Morfe, December 7, 2015

3. Bridget Lockman Smith House

of all markers in Mine Hill.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on December 12, 2015, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 968 times since then and 220 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 12, 2015, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.