Kuser Farm Mansion

    Saturday, April 9, 2022: I liked looking at Victorian mansions, inside and out! For the date above, I had a chance to do so when I visited this Mercer County, New Jersey place: The Kuser Farm Mansion, 390 Newkirk Avenue, Hamilton (609-890-3630). The Kuser family originally had this 1892 mansion built for a summer home away from their New York City home. Nevertheless, once inside, I looked at elaborate oak wall paneling, ornately carved fireplace mantel pieces in the living room and dining room, as well as the Victorian-styled furniture—some of it owned by the Kuser family, painted and photographed pictures of the Kuser family, and some stained-glass windows. A member of the Kuser family helped finance William Fox in his film making company that later became 20th Century Fox. Meanwhile, the dining-room curtains could be drawn open along the wall to display a large movie screen. (During certain times, the staff presents movies to the public.) Other rooms included an enclosed porch, a kitchen displaying late 19th and early 20th century technology, and bathrooms with its share of turn-of-the-20th-century innovations. Upstairs included different fancy bedrooms, bathrooms, an office, and a sewing room. Outside, on the 22 acres of the original 70-acre grounds, I glanced at some out buildings and a fountain, as well as a gazebo and the usual current park amenities. After the tour, I had a picnic in this park, and it all made for a good day.