By Erin McFeeters
On the outskirts of Monmouth County between Trenton and Freehold, lies a small downtown surrounded by farmland and historic homes. If you blink your eyes while driving through Allentown you’ll probably miss it, but the historic homes and unique gift shops and restaurants are worth the stop.
“Allentown [is] your typical small town,” said Zoë Danch, co-owner of the Moth Coffeehouse. “It’s family-friendly, everyone knows each other, and there is a lot of historical value.”
Town History
Allentown has a history of 300 years in the making, beginning with Native Americans of the Delaware Nation. In the early 1700s, the town was founded by Nathan Allen who purchased the land from his father-in-law and named the area Allen’s Town. Shortly after purchasing the land, he built a grist mill powered by a waterwheel, which at the time, was an important step in advancing civilization of the New World, according to The Old Mill. The mill was operational for nearly 250 years before being transformed for shops and a restaurant.
Allen’s Town was surrounded by well-traveled roads and became a popular rest stop on the way to Philadelphia. During the Revolutionary War, the town served as a regional New Jersey militia center, and almost every local business in town is said to have supplied goods and services to the Continental Army, according to the Allentown Village Initiative.
Allen’s Town was also home to a former New Jersey Governor, Dr. William A. Newell. He also served as a U.S. Congressman and governor of the Northwest Territory of Washington. During his time in office, he advocated for the U.S. Life-Saving Service, which is now a part of the U.S. Coast Guard. His home, the Newell House, is a historical home on South Main Street today.
Sometime around the late 18th Century, Allen’s Town became what it is known as today, Allentown.
Allentown Today
Fast forward to today, Allentown has been a designated village since 2001 and is home to a little over 1,800 residents, according to the 2010 U.S. Census. Walking down the brick paths of South Main Street, it feels as if you’re taking a step back in time. Historical Colonial and Victorian-style homes line the streets and small businesses have vintage style signage.
Throughout the year Allentown hosts an array of different events that bring in people from around the area. In April they host a Spring Stoll with handcrafted vendors, food, and live music; in October they host a Fall Festival with crafters, vendors, and food trucks as well as a Witches Night Out and Halloween Parade; and during the first weekend in December they host a Holiday Open House with Christmas carolers to promote shopping locally.
The old grist mill in the heart of town is now occupied by an array of different studios and unique craft shops. Nestled on the first floor of the mill is The Moth, a vegan/vegetarian coffeehouse known for its tasty baked goods and freshly roasted coffee.
“My family has owned the mill that The Moth is located in for 40 years,” said Danch. “Ever since I was a little, we were always planning on opening a coffee shop.”
Even though their large events throughout the year bring people into town, the growing towns of Robbinsville and Hamilton have caused vacancies in commercial spaces along Main Street. However, in the past five years, new businesses like The Moth have opened and now call Allentown home.
“At times it is challenging, like any business,” said Danch. “However, the support and the love that we receive from the community is so great that it outweighs any challenges that we may face.”