Location of Mendham Borough in Morris County highlighted in red (right). Inset map: Location of Morris County in New Jersey highlighted in orange (left).
Located on the northern end of the Somerset Hills region, the borough is known for its country homes and historic downtown.[25][26][27][28][29]
The Mendham Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the state register in 1985.[30] Notable landmarks in the district include the Phoenix House, which serves as the borough's municipal building, along with the Black Horse Inn Tavern & Pub; New Jersey’s oldest continually operating restaurant, dating back to 1742.[31][32][33]
New Jersey Monthly magazine ranked Mendham Borough as the number one place to live in the state in its 2013 rankings of the "Best Places to Live" in New Jersey.[34]
In the Forbes magazine's 2006 (209th; median sale price of $835,000) and 2012 (356th; $800,672) rankings of the Most Expensive ZIP Codes in the United States, Mendham was listed among the top 500 nationwide.[35][36] In 2018, New Jersey Business Magazine listed Mendham at 41st in its listing of "The Most Expensive ZIP Codes in New Jersey", with a median sale price 2017 of $650,000.[37]
Mendham Borough was incorporated by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on May 15, 1906, from portions of Mendham Township, because residents of what became the borough wanted sidewalks and street lights constructed while those that lived in what remained the township (including the communities of Brookside and Ralston) felt it was cost prohibitive in their more rural areas.[41][42][43]
The formation of Mendham Borough from Mendham Township in 1906 began a series of new municipalities that were created in the Somerset Hills region.[25]
Located on the borough's southern slope of Bernardsville Mountain in the Somerset Hills lies Wendover, the former estate of investment banker Walter Phelps Bliss (1870-1924). One of the largest mansions in the Mendhams, Wendover is now home to the Roxiticus Golf Club.[44][45]
Phoenix House was purchased by Arthur Whitney of Mendham Township in 1919 and deeded to the borough in 1938 for use as its municipal building.[46]
Name
The Mendhams may be named for Mendham, Suffolk, England,[47][48] or the name may derive from the Native American word mendom (meaning "raspberry") or for an Earl of Mendham.[49][50]
The Mendham Historic District is a 153-acre (62 ha) historic district located along stretches of Route 24, known in Mendham as Main Street. This east-west roadway is well over 200 years old, and has been called the Washington Turnpike, the Mendham-Morristown Road, and the William Penn Highway at various times in its history.[53] The district was added to the National Register of Historic Places on April 18, 1985, for its significance in agriculture, commerce, architecture, settlement, and religion from 1750 to 1924. The district includes 140 contributing buildings.[31] Since 1999, Mendham Borough has had a Historic Preservation Ordinance designed and intended to enhance and preserve the district's historic character.[54]
According to the National Park Service:
The Mendham Historic District consists of 140 properties, generally well preserved, that illustrate the history of the village from its eighteenth century founding through its 1906 incorporation as a borough, and into the first third of this century when infill building completed development within the historic bounds of the village. The District covers the central crossroads of the village, and extends as far as the area nineteenth century maps illustrate as "Mendham, P.O.", the village core containing the post office. The conjunction of religious, residential, and commercial buildings that have established Mendham's village character are well preserved today.[53]
The Black Horse Tavern & Pub
Hilltop Presbyterian Church
Morris County Heritage Commission sign for the Hilltop Church
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the borough had a total area of 5.98 square miles (15.49 km2), including 5.93 square miles (15.36 km2) of land and 0.05 square miles (0.13 km2) of water (0.84%).[1][2]
Of the 1,722 households, 38.6% had children under the age of 18; 66.7% were married couples living together; 8.0% had a female householder with no husband present and 23.0% were non-families. Of all households, 20.3% were made up of individuals and 11.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.74 and the average family size was 3.19.[20]
28.4% of the population were under the age of 18, 4.5% from 18 to 24, 16.8% from 25 to 44, 31.3% from 45 to 64, and 19.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45.1 years. For every 100 females, the population had 91.7 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 83.5 males.[20]
The Census Bureau's 2006–2010 American Community Survey showed that (in 2010 inflation-adjusted dollars) median household income was $119,787 (with a margin of error of +/− $28,685) and the median family income was $155,139 (+/− $15,546). Males had a median income of $145,739 (+/− $16,687) versus $82,813 (+/− $42,257) for females. The per capita income for the borough was $51,875 (+/− $16,636). About 2.5% of families and 2.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.1% of those under age 18 and 6.0% of those age 65 or over.[65]
Based on data from the 2006–2010 American Community Survey, the borough had a per-capita income of $51,875, ranked 89th in the state.[66]
2000 census
As of the 2000 United States census[16] there were 5,097 people, 1,781 households, and 1,380 families residing in the borough. The population density was 846.2 inhabitants per square mile (326.7/km2). There were 1,828 housing units at an average density of 303.5 per square mile (117.2/km2). The racial makeup of the borough was 97.14% White, 0.45% African American, 0.02% Native American, 1.41% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 0.27% from other races, and 0.65% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.45% of the population.[63][64]
There were 1,781 households, out of which 36.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 69.3% were married couples living together, 6.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.5% were same-sex couples. 18.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.72 and the average family size was 3.13.[63][64]
In the borough the population was spread out, with 26.8% under the age of 18, 4.3% from 18 to 24, 24.1% from 25 to 44, 28.0% from 45 to 64, and 16.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 89.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.4 males.[63][64]
The median income for a household in the borough was $110,348, and the median income for a family was $129,812. Males had a median income of $96,672 versus $48,542 for females. The per capita income for the borough was $48,629. About 2.6% of families and 4.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.3% of those under age 18 and 13.5% of those age 65 or over.[63][64]
Mendham is home to the Roxiticus Golf Club, which was used for a qualifying round for the New Jersey Open Championship in 2022[68][69]
Government
Local government
Mendham Borough is governed under the borough form of New Jersey municipal government, one of 218 municipalities (of the 564) statewide that use this form, the most commonly used form of government in the state.[70] The governing body is comprised of a mayor and a borough council, with all positions elected at-large on a partisan basis as part of the November general election. A mayor is elected directly by the voters to a four-year term of office. The borough council is comprised of six members elected to serve three-year terms on a staggered basis, with two seats coming up for election each year in a three-year cycle.[7] The borough form of government used by Mendham Borough is a "weak mayor / strong council" government in which council members act as the legislative body with the mayor presiding at meetings and voting only in the event of a tie. The mayor can veto ordinances subject to an override by a two-thirds majority vote of the council. The mayor makes committee and liaison assignments for council members, and most appointments are made by the mayor with the advice and consent of the council.[71][72]
The mayor is the head of the municipal government and as chief executive is responsible to see that all state laws and borough ordinances are faithfully executed. The mayor, presides over the borough council meetings and only votes in order to break a tie. The mayor can veto ordinances and appoint subordinate officials, ad hoc committees and certain other officials to boards, committees and commissions.
As of 2023[update], the mayor is Republican Christine Serrano Glassner, whose term ends of office ends December 31, 2022; she is the first woman to serve as the borough's mayor.[3] Members of the Borough Council are Council President Steven J. Andrew (R, 2024), John W. Andrews (R, 2023), Brad Badal (R, 2023), James R. Kelly (R, 2025), P. Brennan Reilly III (R, 2024) and Neil Sullivan (R, 2025).[73][74][75][76][77][78][79]
In February 2022, the borough council selected Neil Sullivan from a list of three candidates nominated by the Republican municipal committee to fill the seat expiring in December 2022 that had been held by Mary Sue Martin until she resigned from office the previous month.[80]
In January 2019, the borough council appointed James Kelly to fill the term expiring in December 2019 that became vacant when Christine Glassner took office as mayor.[81]
Federal, state, and county representation
Mendham Borough is located in the 7th Congressional District[82] and is part of New Jersey's 25th State Legislative District.[83][84][85]
Morris County is governed by a Board of County Commissioners composed of seven members who are elected at-large in partisan elections to three-year terms on a staggered basis, with either one or three seats up for election each year as part of the November general election.[90] Actual day-to-day operation of departments is supervised by County Administrator Deena Leary.[91]: 8 As of 2025[update], Morris County's Commissioners are:
As of March 2011, there were a total of 3,701 registered voters in Mendham, of which 739 (20.0%) were registered as Democrats, 1,615 (43.6%) were registered as Republicans and 1,346 (36.4%) were registered as Unaffiliated. There was one voter registered to another party.[105]
In the 2012 presidential election, Republican Mitt Romney received 64.4% of the vote (1,666 cast), ahead of Democrat Barack Obama with 35.0% (906 votes), and other candidates with 0.6% (15 votes), among the 2,598 ballots cast by the borough's 3,889 registered voters (11 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 66.8%.[106][107] In the 2008 presidential election, Republican John McCain received 57.4% of the vote (1,726 cast), ahead of Democrat Barack Obama with 41.3% (1,243 votes) and other candidates with 0.6% (18 votes), among the 3,009 ballots cast by the borough's 3,854 registered voters, for a turnout of 78.1%.[108] In the 2004 presidential election, Republican George W. Bush received 61.1% of the vote (1,810 ballots cast), outpolling Democrat John Kerry with 37.6% (1,113 votes) and other candidates with 0.8% (30 votes), among the 2,964 ballots cast by the borough's 3,885 registered voters, for a turnout percentage of 76.3.[109]
In the 2013 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 80.0% of the vote (1,695 cast), ahead of Democrat Barbara Buono with 18.8% (399 votes), and other candidates with 1.2% (25 votes), among the 2,143 ballots cast by the borough's 3,851 registered voters (24 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 55.6%.[110][111] In the 2009 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 66.2% of the vote (1,541 ballots cast), ahead of Democrat Jon Corzine with 24.1% (562 votes), Independent Chris Daggett with 9.1% (213 votes) and other candidates with 0.2% (5 votes), among the 2,328 ballots cast by the borough's 3,735 registered voters, yielding a 62.3% turnout.[112]
The Westmont Montessori School, established in 1964, is the second-oldest Montessori school in New Jersey. It has served approximately 2,500 children ages 15 months to 6 years old in its 50-year history. Westmont is dually accredited by the American Montessori Society and the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.[127]
As of May 2010[update], the borough had a total of 28.40 miles (45.71 km) of roadways, of which 22.76 miles (36.63 km) were maintained by the municipality and 5.64 miles (9.08 km) by Morris County.[129]
No Interstate, U.S. or state highways pass through Mendham. The most significant roadways directly serving the borough are County Route 510 and County Route 525.
Public transportation
NJ Transit offered service on the MCM4 and MCM5 routes until 2010, when subsidies to the local provider were eliminated as part of budget cuts.[130][131]
Maggie Doyne (born c. 1987), philanthropist recognized for her work developing an orphanage and school in the Kopila Valley of Nepal after spending time in that country during a gap year after completing high school[138]
^Explore Southwestern Morris County, Morris County Tourism Authority. Accessed April 10, 2024. "Southwestern Morris County includes a multitude of farms, farmers markets and community-supported agriculture offering fresh produce and festivals throughout the growing season throughout its communities of Mount Olive, Washington Township (Long Valley), Roxbury, Chester, Chester Township, Mount Arlington, Mendham, Mendham Township, Randolph and Netcong."
^ abRaritan River North Branch (above/including India Brook) Subwatershed, Raritan Headwaters. Accessed July 3, 2018. "This subwatershed includes the headwaters of the North Branch Raritan River in Morris County. The North Branch of the Raritan River begins in the Borough and flows in a southwest direction."
^ abThomson, W. Barry. "New Municipal Proposals of 100 Years Ago", Inside the Brick Academy, June 2021. Accessed July 7, 2023. "Over the years a number of efforts have been made to alter municipal boundaries and create new municipalities in the Somerset Hills region, with the goal of making local governments more responsive to the changing needs of residents.... The first of such efforts in the 20th century resulted in the creation of Mendham Borough out of Mendham Township in 1906, and the separation of the Borough of Peapack-Gladstone from Bedminster Township in 1912."
^Black Horse Tavern & Pub, Morris County Tourism. Accessed July 7, 2023. "Drink and dine in a renovated 1740 stagecoach house at The Black Horse Tavern & Pub."
^Kelly, Joe. "New Jersey’s Oldest Restaurant is Closing in on 300 Years Old!", WPUR, April 11, 2023. Accessed July 7, 2023. "New Jersey's oldest continuously running restaurant has been in business since 1742.... The Black Horse Tavern and Pub is located in Mendham and is open for 7 days."
^Cervenka, Susanne. "Rich in New Jersey: Here are the 50 wealthiest towns in the state. Is yours one of them?", Asbury Park Press, July 1, 2019. Accessed October 7, 2020. "The USA TODAY NETWORK New Jersey took a look at U.S. Census data to find the 50th wealthiest towns in the state and ranked them by median household income.... 39. Mendham Borough - County: Morris County; Median household income: $145,284; Percent making more than $200,000: 33.1%"
^Hutchinson, Viola L. The Origin of New Jersey Place Names, New Jersey Public Library Commission, May 1945. Accessed September 5, 2015. Spelled as "Myndham".
^Kelley, Tina. "An Outpost of New England", The New York Times, February 2, 2014. Accessed September 5, 2015. "The origin of the town's name — preserved on the sign of the Black Horse as 'I'll Mend 'Em' — has been the subject of animated debate. Did it come from the Indian word 'mendom,' for raspberry or huckleberry? Was it chosen to honor the British Earl of Mendham?"
^Passaic River Headwaters, Great Swamp Watershed Association. Accessed July 3, 2018. "The Passaic River Headwaters is formed by the union of three tributaries, originating in Mendham Township, Mendham Borough, and Bernardsville.... The northernmost stem of the headwaters flows from Mendham High School and then through a mix of residential properties and protected land. "
^About, Roxiticus Golf Club. Accessed December 29, 2023.
^Recap: Qualifying Concludes for 102nd Open Championship, New Jersey State Golf Association, June 30, 2022. Accessed December 29, 2023.The fifth and final qualifying round for the 102nd New Jersey Open Championship concluded on Wednesday at Roxiticus Golf Club in Mendham, and the field is set for the championship proper at the spectacular Ridge at Back Brook in Ringoes July 25–27."
^Sullivan, Neil. "Sullivan is new Mendham Borough Councilman", Observer-Tribune, March 16, 2022. Accessed May 4, 2022."The borough has a new councilman to replace Mary Sue Martin, who resigned from the dais in January. Knollwood Drive resident Neil Sullivan was sworn in on Feb. 9 after the Borough Council interviewed three candidates recommended by the Republican Municipal Committee to fill the seat of Martin, a chemist who moved to the borough in 2005."
^Garber, Phil. "Kelly named to Mendham Borough Council", Observer-Tribune, January 31, 2019. Accessed May 10, 2020. "A lifelong borough resident and owner of a plumbing contracting company is the newest member of the all-Republican Borough Council. Council members unanimously appointed Jim Kelly of Mountainside Road to fill the unexpired term of former councilwoman and now mayor Christine Serrano Glassner."
^Board of County Commissioners, Morris County, New Jersey. Accessed June 1, 2022. "Morris County is governed by a seven-member Board of County Commissioners, who serve three-year terms."
^Mendham Borough Board of Education District Policy 0110 - Identification, Mendham Borough Schools. Accessed August 30, 2022. "Purpose: The Board of Education exists for the purpose of providing a thorough and efficient system of free public education in grades Pre-Kindergarten through eight in the Mendham Borough School District. Composition: The Mendham Borough School District is comprised of all the area within the municipal boundaries of Mendham Borough."
^School Profile 2016-2017, West Morris Mendham High School. Accessed March 19, 2017. "West Morris Mendham High School, serving grades 9-12, is a college preparatory institution. Students reside in either Mendham or Chester, which are both semi-rural communities with a mix of upper-middle class to high-income families."
^West Morris Regional High School District 2015 Report Card Narrative, New Jersey Department of Education. Accessed June 4, 2016. "Established in 1958, the West Morris Regional High School District operates two schools, West Morris Central High School and West Morris Mendham High School. The regional district serves the students of five Morris County communities: Chester Borough, Chester Township, Mendham Borough, Mendham Township and Washington Township. Students from Washington Township attend West Morris Central High School, and students from the Chesters and the Mendhams attend West Morris Mendham High School."
^Board of Education, West Morris Regional High School District. Accessed February 27, 2020.
^OverviewArchived 2015-09-07 at the Wayback Machine, St. Joseph School. Accessed September 5, 2015. "St. Joseph School opened in 1963 with grades one through four under the direction of the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception."
^Hyman, Vicki. "Voice of Reason", Inside Jersey, November 13, 2008. Accessed November 23, 2008. "Cavuto, who is also Fox Business Network's managing editor, keeps his lead suit packed away in the sprawling Mendham mansion he shares with wife Mary..."
^Mooney, Gail. "Maggie in the USA on the Fourth of July", Opening Our Eyes, July 6, 2011. Accessed December 1, 2013. "This year the award went to Maggie Doyne. Brookside is in Mendham Township, so technically, Maggie isn't a resident because she lives in the next town over, Mendham Borough."
^via Associated Press. "William Hillcourt, A Boy Scout Writer And Columnist, 92", The New York Times, November 14, 1992. Accessed April 11, 2023. "Mr. Hillcourt, who lived in this suburb of Syracuse since 1979, was halfway through a trip around the world when he was stricken. His body will be returned to the United States later this month and buried alongside his wife in Mendham, N.J., where the Hillcourts lived for many years."