As one of the earliest planned communities in the United States, a visit to Hope Township in rural Warren County is like getting a glimpse back into history. There is a lot that hasn’t changed from the time the area was established by German Moravians in 1769. This evangelical sect was said to have traveled to New Jersey from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania in order to spread the gospel. Upon arriving, they built a grist mill, a general store, a church, a school, and some homes.
“You can tell which buildings were built by the Moravians—they are all of the stone buildings here in the village,” says Nancy Treible, past president of the Hope Historical Society (and current active member), who has lived in Hope her entire life and is committed to upholding its history. “You’ll also note the red brick window arches, which was typical of Moravian building.”
Hope Mayor Timothy McDonough says that many of the Moravian stone buildings are still used and lived in—many of which would not be standing had it not been for significant private investments. That includes the Bank of Hope, which was previously the Moravian church and had fallen into disrepair until the bank invested in restoring it.
Treible says that the best way to explore Hope’s history is through a visit to the Hope Historic Museum (located at 323 High Street) which is open June through October and houses a variety of historical documents, primitive furniture, Moravian history, and more. The museum resides in a building thought to be the original stone bridge toll-keeper’s home—and then served as a private home for many years. Historical Society members are often available during those seasonal hours for town tours.
However, should visitors arrive when the museum is closed, there are also brochures in the local antique shops to conduct self-guided walking tours.
At Christmastime, Moravian goods—in particular, Moravian Stars—are a popular local item and Hope hosts a town-wide juried Craft Market that attracts hundreds, if not thousands, of visitors. To make a weekend of it, The Inn at Millrace Pond, a bed and breakfast housed in what was previously the Moravian grist mill, is one of the best ways to be truly immersed in the history. The 23-acre estate offers 17 renovated rooms and The Old Grist Mill Tavern, which is open daily for dining.
“The grist mill is one of those buildings that was close to falling down,” says Mayor McDonough. “It was one of the first buildings constructed here by the Moravians. Fortunately, today it is restored and absolutely gorgeous.”
While long-standing history—and buildings—certainly make Hope unique, Mayor McDonough says there’s more to it than that.
“It’s the spirit that makes Hope so special—including the people that live here,” he says. “It’s a real slice of what America is all about. There aren’t too many places left that have that community spirit where all of the residents still get together for township picnics and parades. It’s truly a special place.”
