Phoenix House Awarded Historic Marker In Mendham Borough

MENDHAM, NJ — The Phoenix House, built in the 19th century, was awarded a historic preservation marker in recognition of Medham Borough's preservation work.

The building, located in the historic district and long used as borough hall, has benefitted from a $115,000 grant from the Morris County Preservation Trust Fund. Those funds were used to paint the exterior of the building while preserving the historic character.

“This great building which sits prominently in Mendham is a true symbol of the history of the borough and Morris County,’’ said Freeholder Director Doug Cabana. “The Borough has done remarkable work in preserving a treasure for their community. We congratulate them for their outstanding effort.’’

The Phoenix House has a long history in Mendham. It was purchased in 1820 by William Phoenix and served as a hotel for a number of years (the inventor of baseball, Abner Doubleday, once stayed there).

Under Phoenix's daughter, the building was a boarding house. State Senator Arthur Whitney bought it from the family in 1919, and it became public property in 1938. It has acted as Borough Hall since then.

The Phoenix House is located at 2 Main Street, right in the heart of Mendham's Historic District. The district is listed on both the State and National Historic Registers.

The marker was awarded to Mendham Mayor Neil Henry and Councilmen John Andrews and Stan Witczak during a country freeholders meeting in the borough on Sept. 27.

Images via Morris County Government