Historic Walnford — Attraction in Upper Freehold Township

A well-preserved site that give visitors a glimpse back in time where manual labor prevailed and horses powered snow sleds and car-like wagons.

Some websites posit false narratives that this place is rich in revolutionary history or other advertised histories of great significance. The truth is, there isn't any significant history that happened here nor did it produce any famous artworks or inventions.

What I do find of significant value, is that this is an entire farm with a large house and millhouse that still stands well-preserved. Once you're immersed in the farm, it brings a sense of humbleness to look back at a time when life was simpler. Although there was no electricity in its early days, all was provided. This simpler time was almost a natural 'art of living.' Whatever its occupants wanted, it would practically be created from scratch. Want to build a garden house? Go search for hearty trees and saw and hammer their woods into a work of art. Need a steel handle replacement for your sled? Search for iron ore in nature, smelt it out, raise temperatures to 2,800F, and keep pounding it into the shape you desire. Want apple pie? No problem, go harvest apples, harvest some grains to make flour from scratch, and bake everything in your own brick oven that's fired by wood you chopped a few months ago. Nowadays, many people can't even put together a 5 piece Ikea hamper.

This site may not seem like much to the average visitor, but stand still in the middle, listen, observe, and think.

This place was built back in the mid 1770s by a Quaker family that thrived here for over 2 centuries. From historical accounts, the Waln family were simple people. One tidbit of its history: in its later years in the late 1800s, a family member who was the heir of the house, Sarah Waln, left it to her long time African-American employee. This created outrage and many lawsuits. The employee still received the house but later sold it to another Waln family member. One can only speculate what guilt Sarah suffered that she gave the family house to her employee instead of her own daughter. One can only imagine the pressures faced by the employee at the time that they "sold" the house to another Waln family member.

The farm is picturesque in late spring, summer, and early fall. All other seasons the place will appear barren. If snow blankets the area, it may create a wintry scene worthy of photographing. Personal photography is welcomed here. However, if you come here with commercial photography intentions, such as photographing a wedding couple that paid you, a permit and fee is required.

The Gristmill is a creation of early human ingenuity. It is still functional, but now powered by electricity instead of a water turbine. On certain days/hours, the mill is activated for the general public. A moving spectacle of large belts and gears circle all around you while the host drop in dried corncobs to demonstrate how the system turns it into cornflour.

Other events are held here on scheduled occasions, notably the event where ice cream is manufactured the old fashioned way and handed out to guests.

The trip to reach this place is an adventure all on its own. You'll pass large, open lands and trees that compose the peaceful musical score of nature. Right around the corner on the way out of Historic Walnford is Cream Ridge Winery, a family business that creates wines. I recommend the 99rows wine, as it is created from a blend of grapes...

This is absolutely hands down one of the best Country House/ Family Farm / Retreat restorations inside and out, I have every visited in the State of New Jersey! Dating back to before the birth of the nation. The owner being a Loyalist that somehow after his release from prison at the end of the Revolution, was able to maintain ownership of this estate. I can think of no other (not that there is not another example) estate/farm that a Loyalist was able to keep after England lost the war, that has been restored and made a park. At time of this visit not only was there a large selection of furniture, photos, and much more original to house, there was also an outstanding WW1 exhibit on the second floor. All the outbuildings including the mill have also been fully restored and contain a awesome collection of time period everything. This Park literally offers so much you really need hours to absorb it all. Handicap friendly parking available and the entire park is ADA compliant as it can be, IMO. There are bathrooms and a water fountain. You will find no gift shop. At time of this visit there was a bridge under repair on the other side of the park that may throw your GPS off. I have included only photos of the interior of the home at this time. I will be adding photos of the grounds and all out buildings including the mill at a future date. Also I would like to mention the park staff are friendly and professional. Everyone has their own experiences and opinions. This...

Walford is so unique.

If you are historically inclined it offers you access to one of Monmouth County's founding families residences. There is a standing exhibit which documents much of the history. However, the staff under Rangers Julie and Jenell are very knowledgeable and both educated us on aspects of the property we were unaware of even though we had been visiting the property for over twenty years.

The venue also hosts exhibits having had a Currier and Ives and other exhibits. So if you are looking for the perfect place to contemplate art or other exhibition subjects Walnford is the the place.

The grounds are perfect for picnicking.

And finally, for the kids there have been feline friends on the property for decades. But during the day they are not always easy to find.

And then there is the mill which has been operational in the past allowing visitors to see just how the corn was made into flour for use and sale by the Walns.

Whatever your mood, Walnford offers an opportunity to explore, learn and enjoy some of the best landscapes amd history that New Jersey has to offer. Kudos to the Monmouth County Park Service for their commitment to this...