Keepers of Coursen’s Corners
Protecting, restoring, and showcasing Fredon’s rich 19th-century homestead heritage.
Our Mission
Formed in 2001 by seven local women, the Keepers of Coursen’s Corners stepped in to rescue the ancestral John Coursen homestead from planned demolition when Fredon Township acquired the property to construct Lodestar Park.
Today, our volunteer group aims to carefully restore the historic structure room-by-room, transforming it into a center for educational public tours, local civic group meetings, and seasonal historic festivities.
The Legacy of Coursen’s Corners
Long before Route 94 was modernly paved, it was a central turnpike anchoring a historic hamlet known as Coursen’s Corners, located near the crossroads of today’s Phil Hardin Road and Fredon-Stillwater Road.
The original parcel was purchased by Johannes Coursen in 1763. Generations later, Isaac Coursen opened Fredon’s first town post office from the location, serving as postmaster beginning in 1834. The main mansion house—constructed circa 1805—stands as an architectural model of progressive federal-era farmhouse expansions.
Restoration Progress
Through community donations, matching state grants, and dedicated volunteer labor, the Keepers have successfully brought over 10 spaces back to life:
- The Open-Hearth Kitchen: Serving as a venue for live open-fire colonial baking and cooking demonstrations.
- The Preservation Library: Located on the second floor, housing early Sussex County documentation, genealogy papers, and historic reference materials.
- The Period Gardens: Curated and cared for in alignment with historically accurate botanical species.
Living History & Community Events
We routinely sponsor educational dynamic events to bring Fredon’s history off the pages and into the community. Keep an eye out for our banners at the town crossroads indicating dates for our signature gatherings.
Schedule a Group Tour
Private group viewings and local primary school class field trips are happily arranged by request. Please contact President Linda Chirip at 973-579-9119 to book your date.
