Somers Point

     Saturday, September 18, 2021: In the past, the only part of Somers Point (Atlantic County), New Jersey I ever saw was Route 52 that led to Ocean City, NJ. This time, however, I did stop at Somers Point and visited the oldest building in Atlantic County: Somers Mansion, 1000 Shore Road, Somers Point (609-927-2212). Richard Somers built this house of Flemish-bond bricks in the 1720s. The house stayed with the Somers family until 1937 when the family gave it to Atlantic County. Then in 1941, the State of NJ took over ownership of this house and started restoration through the Works Progress Administration (WPA). The goal of the WPA was to restore the house to the way it looked in the 1720s—and the work went on! The Atlantic County Historical Society loaned the furniture and other items inside the house. When I was there, I saw a room on the ground floor that included a large open-hearth fireplace, benches, and a table, as well as cooking items, dinnerware, and other household tools. Upstairs, I noticed a bedroom with a large bed and warming pan, other furniture, and a smaller fireplace. Another room exhibited spinning wheels, toys, and a few other items from the 18th century. A local non-profit group, Patriots for the Somers Mansion, have been fund raising and working to improve the mansion. I was impressed with what I saw.