The Netherwood Heights Historic District is named for the Netherwood Hotel which stood at what is now the blocks bordered by Denmark Road, Park Terrace, Belvidere Avenue, Berkeley Avenue. It encompasses 99 homes located throughout the winding roads believed to be the original horse paths of the hotel, which was built in 1878 when Plainfield was the last stop on the railroad.
The original retaining walls of the hotel's property still stand in front of 601 Belvidere and 755 Berkeley Avenues. The district's oldest homes date from the 1880's to 1900's, being located the closest to the hotel's site and train station. The horse path to the hotel is still located behind 701 Belvidere, along with the carriage house on 633 Berkeley Avenue. The bulk of the district's homes date from the 1920's, including those built on the hotel's property after its demise in 1918.
The Netherwood Hotel
Among the stately homes along winding Belvidere Avenue was the residence of Samuel Rushmore. For years he lived at 777 Belvidere. Rushmore was the inventor of the automobile self-starter, headlights, searchlights for ships, plus many other inventions which did not come into use until after his patents had expired.
This location is also known as the Rushmore-Coffin House because during the reign of Jersey City Mayor Hague in the 1930's and 1940's, a coffin was placed on the roof to protest the mayor's alleged corruption. This home also has a carriage house on Ravine Road to which a tunnel is connected to the main house.
Also of note is 556 Belvidere, once home to the family of the Japanese Ambassador to the United States. The interior features Japanese-style carvings on the coffered ceilings and mantel. The family imported Japanese Maples which can be seen on the property today.
Netherwood is the only location within the Plainfield City limits having its own zip code: 07062. The "town" of Netherwood extends east to west from Woodland Avenue to Terrill, and north to south from the North Plainfield town line to Watchung Avenue. The historic train station of Netherwood was originally built in 1894, and then renovated in 1998. Located on South Avenue, the station is designed in the Richardsonian Romanesque-Queen Anne style.
Authors: Louise Colodne, Victor Quinn, William Michaelson
MISSION STATEMENT: To enhance and grow local community involvement in the area defined as “Netherwood Heights” by elevating community safety, beautifying areas as well as provides a social outlet for our neighborhood.
Netherwood Neighbors is a local homeowners group that meets regularly to discuss:
• Social Events – Dinners
• Neighbor Watch
• City of Plainfield Government Watch
• Community Liaison
• Historic District
• Group Complaints to City of Plainfield
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Netherwood Heights Neighbors | PO Box 2902 | Plainfield | NJ | 07062