Community
Our Community
The sense of community is reflected in annual events, volunteerism and many ways in which residents come together throughout the year.
Annual Events
The town’s traditions are refreshed with newcomers each year. Annual events include the nearly 100-year-old July 4th parade through the heart of historic Brookside, followed by races and games on the Community Club fields. The annual Fall Clambake is another favorite. Hosted by Brookside Engine Company No. 1, it serves up a lot more fun than just feasting on steamers! Families and friends gather under a large tent or set up their own to spend all afternoon catching up, playing horseshoes and corn hole and quaffing craft beers, clams and a chicken dinner.
Each October, the Ralston Cider Mill cranks up its historic equipment and produces a batch of fresh apple cider, bringing back memories of when the town was the center of a thriving applejack industry. Year around the Recreation Department sponsors myriad activities from the 5K Patriots’ Race to ice skating on the pond at Brookside Beach and outdoor movie nights and concerts.
Parks
One of the top reasons residents move to Mendham is the natural beauty of more than 3,000 acres of open space. The township boasts some 60-miles of hiking, plus Morris County’s Patriots Path and Schiff Nature Preserve, managed privately as a nonprofit lands trust. There are waterfalls, ruins and picnic areas to discover. Visit HikeMendham.org for a complete list of trails and to view/download trail maps.
Historic Attributes
In early days, farming was a mainstay, with a small village center in Brookside on the east side of town. Today, the quaint town center is still a hub of activity for residents, with a little shop and art gallery, Harmony Brookside, the Brookside Post Office, the Mendham Township Library, the Community Club and nearby Brookside Community Church. Several farms continue to provide places for purchasing produce and pumpkin picking.
Driving around, visitors may spot signs highlighting five historic districts, from Washington Valley in the east to the Ralston district on the west side. Some centuries-old homes remain, interspersed with updated properties and others with a completely modern flair. At the Historic Park at Pitney Farm, educational signs dot a meandering path, offering a perspective on the development of the community and its surrounding environment.
Welcoming New Neighbors
Getting involved in the community is simple! Residents can join the all-volunteer first-responder crews in the Mendham Township First Aid Squad; Brookside Engine. Company No. 1; or Ralston Engine Company No. 1. Or, sign up to coach in the youth sports leagues or become an active HSA school parent. Raise your hand to fill a spot on a township government sub-committee or spend time clearing trails at Schiff Nature Preserve to name a few ways to give back and meet others. Mendham Township is a town with a rich legacy and traditions that keeps ahead of its time with each new generation.
Residents are encouraged to sign up for e-mail alerts and to visit this website to learn more about what is happening in the community.
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