STOCKTON:
Stockton Borough, just north of Lambertville, in Hunterdon County, has a history that goes back 300 years. At first called Reading Ferry, and later Howell’s Ferry and then Centre Bridge Station, it became known as Stockton in 1851. It was not incorporated until 47 years later, in 1898.
The town remains today as it was in the18th century. Its centerpiece is The Stockton Inn (formally known as Colligan’s Stockton Inn), established in 1710. It was immortalized by Richard Rodgers’ song “There’s a small hotel with a wishing well.”
The Delaware River Mill Society was formed to preserve and promote the buildings and site known as the Prallsville Mills (located on Route 29).. John Prall Jr., became the owner of the site in 1794 and with his settlement the area became known as Prallsville. The D&R Canal Commission holds its regular meetings at Prallsville Mills.
Schools: In Stockton is the oldest (established in 1872) three-room schoolhouse in New Jersey still in operation. The school has been educating students in Stockton in grades kindergarten through the sixth for well over 165 years.
This school — as well as Lambertville Public School, South Hunterdon Regional High School and West Amwell Elementary School — are in the process of attempting to regionalize. If the districts do merge in the future, one district would serve all K-12 students in the four existing school districts.
Suzanne Ivans is chief school administrator. Her e-mail is: sbs@stocktonschool.us. Another way to learn more about the district is: www.stocktonschool.us.
Population: 558
Median income: $56,667
Median house value: $356,600
Election districts: 16th Legislative District; 12th Congressional District.
Local Government: The town is governed by an elected mayor and a Borough Council of six members who each serve a three-year term. A borough administrator/clerk, Michele Hovan, oversees the town’s business. The e-mail address is: stocktonclerk@aol.com.
Council meetings are held in the Borough Hall, a former firehouse on Main Street. Meeting dates are usually the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m.
Police coverage is provided by the New Jersey State Police.
The borough area is served by Stockton Fire Company, Mill Street.
A free bridge connects Stockton with Centre Bridge, Pennsylvania.
More on Stockton can be found at: www.co.hunterdon.nj.us/mun/stockton.htm.
