Originally published in 1939
Some of this information may no longer be current and in that case is presented for historical interest only.
Edited by GET NJ, COPYRIGHT 2003

At MOUNTAINSIDE, 9.9 miles (140 alt.), a small residential community, is (L) ECHO LAKE PARK (picnicking, fishing, and boating facilities) in a valley surrounded by wooded hills and meadowlands. A stretch of untouched marsh provides a bird sanctuary.

At 10.5 miles is the junction with New Providence Rd., macadamized.

1. Left on this road, which becomes Woodland Ave., to Sip MANOR House (L), 0.9 miles (private), a two-story Dutch Colonial red-stone and shingle structure with peaked roof. The house, built in 1664 by Nicholas Varleth on the present site of Jersey City, was acquired in 1699 by Jan Arianse Sip. Former Gov. Peter Stuyvesant used to visit the house, and Lord Cornwallis was an occupant a century later during his march through New Jersey. Recently the dwelling was moved from Jersey City and reconstructed by the promoter of the real-estate development on which it stands.

2. Right on New Providence Rd. to WATCHUNG (Ind., high hill) RESERVATION, 1.6 m. (picnic facilities; 25 in. of bridle trails; campsites including cots and tents $7 per week; open all year 7:30 a.m.-11 p.m.). This reservation is the largest; unit in the Union County Park System. Its 1,962 acres, white with dogwood in the spring, have been landscaped to retain their natural charm.

   At 2.3 miles is LAKE SURPRISE (rowboats $1.50 per day, 25¢ an hour; skating and fishing in season), also called Silver Lake, Ackerman Lake, or Feltville Lake. It is stocked with pickerel, perch, largemouthed and smallmouthed bass, calico bass, sunfish, suckers, and catfish.

   GLENSIDE PARK, 4.3 miles (300 alt.), known locally as The Deserted Village, is a community of a dozen summer and year-round homes. In 1845 David Felt, a New York merchant, built the dam that confines Lake Surprise, established a paper mill, and erected a company town, which he called Feltville. RUMS OF THE MILL are at the base of the hill at Blue Brook Gorge. At the close of the Civil War the property was purchased by a manufacturer of sarsaparilla; bankruptcy forced him to abandon it.

   WATCHUNG RIDING STABLES, operated by the county, are across the lake at 4.6 miles (horses $1.50 per hour). A lighted ring permits riding in the early evening, and an outside jumping course is available.

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