The Permanent Collection of the Morris Plains Museum on Display
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Homer Davenport
Homer Davenport was a famous political cartoonist and author who moved to Morris Plains in the early 1900s. He is credited with Teddy Roosevelt's election and the importation of Arabian horses into the United States. Museum holdings include:
- Original Davenport Drawings
- Davenport Books
- Photos of Davenport, his family, and his horses
Jonathan Roberts
Successful New York businessman who moved to Morris Plains in the late 1800s. He established what is now the Morris Plains Library. He purchased the Stiles property in 1867. Jonathan Roberts was an original member of the Washington Association which was formed to acquire and preserve Washington’s Headquarters at the Ford Mansion. It was chartered by the NJ Legislature in 1874. The Ford Mansion was turned over to the US Government in 1933 when Congress made it the first National Historic Park. Museum holdings include:
- Books
- Family photographs
- Business letters
- History of Morris Plains Library
Native Americans
Lenni Lenape tribe populated the Morris Plains area prior to the arrival of European settlers. Museum holdings include:
- Spearheads
- Tools
- Lenape language book
Monahan's Band
Local band started by blacksmith Lawrence Monahan. Museum holdings include:
- Original instruments used by the band
- Sheet music for songs performed by the band
- Band uniform
- Photographs
- Items created in the blacksmith shop
Morris Plains Fire Department
Formed in 1907 following a fire in 1906 that destroyed the Weise Hotel and two adjacent stores. Museum holdings include:
- Uniform
- Fire uniform and equipment
- Photographs
Daniel Merchant
Morris Plains businessman, first mayor, distributor of The Farmer's Alamac ( 1907- 1933) Museum holdings include:
- Copies of the Farmer's Almanac
- Photographs
- Artifacts from his store
Morris Plains Homes
Numerous pictures showing the transformation of Morris Plains from a farming community to a retreat for wealthy families to modern day suburban borough. Museum holdings include:
- Photographs of existing and demolished mansions
- Photographs of mansions destroyed by fire
Early Maps
- Morris County
- Morris Plains