Official Site of The State of New Jersey

Built by farmer Stephen Cary between 1825 and 1835, the Stephen Cary House is one of less than a dozen examples of early nineteenth century gambrel roof side hall plan houses in Mendham Borough. The Cary House is significant under Criterion C as a strong example of a dwelling in a vernacular Federal style particular to a limited area of Morris County, exhibiting fine craftsmanship of architectural detail within the vocabulary of that style. While the Stephen Cary House is privately owned today, 10.6 acres of open land that had been historically attached to the property including a circa 1825 banked barn (the Cary Barn), a one-story frame outbuilding, and a small shed, were sold to the Borough in 1977, all of which contribute to the significance of the property. The Cary Barn would have housed livestock at the lower level, with storage of wheat, hay, and other grains at the main level. It is thought the Cary Barn reached its current form by the early‐twentieth century and stands today as a unique amalgamation of farming practices under a single roof. The Borough intends to preserve and rehabilitate the Cary Barn for public use.

The 2024 Trust grant will help fund rehabilitation of the barn.