SELF GUIDED WALKING TOUR
1. Village of Chatsworth in Woodland Township
(Municipal Building, Route 563)
The Village of Chatsworth
Welcome to the Village of Chatsworth in Woodland Township, New Jersey. Today, Chatsworth is a
quaint, rural community that has become a favorite place for hikers, campers, and other people drawn
to the great outdoors. Some may say we seem small, but we know we have a big history! For example,
did you know that well over one hundred years ago, Chatsworth was a favorite vacation spot for the elite
of the time including an Italian prince? You will learn all about our rich and interesting history as you
take the tour, but first, here is a preview.
Chatsworth was defined on March 7, 1866 including 96.335 square miles of land. It was formed from parts
of Pemberton, Shamong, Southampton, Washington, and Tabernacle townships. As of the 2010 census,
1,788 people live in Chatsworth. Approximately 476 households and 358 families have chosen Chatsworth
as their home. Back in the day, Chatsworth was also home to clothing, shoe, and toy factories, sawmills,
and farming. Today, agriculture is our main source of industry with our two major crops being
blueberries and cranberries.
Years ago an Italian prince, Prince Mario Ruspoli, and his family came to stay at the White Horse Inn on
occasion. Later the prince and his wife moved to Chatsworth and built a villa on the lake. Here he invited
many wealthy friends from all over the world to attend parties. Chatsworth began to boom, and the
Chatsworth Country Club was established and became very popular.
Originally, school was taught in a one room building. In 1915, Chatsworth Elementary School was built.
It began as a two room schoolhouse and eventually had two additions that have shaped our school today.
Currently 150 students, ranging from Pre-K to 8th grade, get their education at our school.
This is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Chatsworth’s rich and cultured history. Chatsworth
was also home to a general store, and the railroad had a stop right here! So, have your online tour ready
and take a walk through time to learn all about our small town!
Collaboratively Written By: Chatsworth Elementary School’s Graduating Class of 2014
Special Thanks to Mrs.Virginia Shepard for her historical research
2. Woodlawn Cemetery (Route 563)
WOODLAWN CEMETERY
The Woodlawn Cemetery, located in Chatsworth, New Jersey, was originally deeded to local prominent
residents on June 15, 1888. To our knowledge, it was never recognized by any type signage and was
known to local residents as the Chatsworth Cemetery. Many residents were unaware of the historical
significance of this burial ground.
The Woodland Township Historical Society initiated a cemetery beautification project which was
completed in 2012. Our mission was to clean up the cemetery, document information of those individuals
who are interred there, and construct a suitable entrance way, indicating its proper name. The primary
source of funding was individual donations, many of which were made to the historical society in memory
of long-time and/or former residents whose families recognized their ancestors’ contribution to
Woodland Township and its history.
Phase I of our project included proper name recognition for the cemetery. A wrought iron archway was
installed in 2010. The handcrafted Archway included the name of the cemetery, designed with a pine
cone motif, most fitting for our location in the beautiful Pine Barrens.
Phase 2 was completed in 2011. Installation of the archway wings on either side of the entrance driveway
again incorporated the pine cone design from the main archway. This made a beautiful entrance which
provides the recognition we sought for this historical treasure in our township. The archway and wings
ironwork was designed and constructed by Greg Matonick of Atlas Welding.
Our final phase, completed in 2012, included a matching fence across the front of the cemetery property.
Again, this fencing helps to distinguish the cemetery while recognizing its historical value in our
community.
We also include a site document listing the names of the deceased veterans who are buried here from as
far back as the Civil War.
Veterans Buried in Woodlawn Cemetery
Alphabetical List of Veterans Buried in Woodlawn Cemetery
Robert Marshall Adams
Charles Kahoun
Albert Ammon, Jr.
Charles A. King
Andrew Anderson
Robert H. King
George Anderson
Theodore King, Jr.
Herbert Anderson
Edward Kozlowski
Wilbert Anderson
Harry J. Lemmon, Jr.
Willis Anderson
John Mason
Charles F. Applegate
Ernest E. Messler
Everett Applegate
Jesse James Messler
Frank M. Applegate
Albert C. Morison
John Applegate
George Franklin Parks
Charles R. Bates
Isaac W. Parks
Kenneth Benjamin
Joseph M. Pinto
Gary P. Bodine
Albert N. Prickett
Gerald H. Bridges
Daniel Recchia
Peter T. Brewer/Brower, 1st
Joseph Ranelli
Peter T. Brower, 2nd
Herman “Jake” Ridgway
Clifford W. Brown
Alison Sooy
Edward M. Buffington
Harold Stevenson, Jr.
Reverend Raymond E. Carter
William H. Stevenson, Jr.
Gordon N. Clark
Richard Stewart
Harry K. Dunfee
William O. Topham Jr.
James Robert Dunfee
George E. Wills, Jr.
Russell L. Dunfee
John A. Wills
Michael Peter DiDio
Norman E. Wills
Paul D. Emmons
Wilfred H. Entwistle
Leroy Green
Joseph Griffee
Victor Orville Hewitt
Wilbur K. Higgenbotham
3. Chatsworth School (John Bowker Boulevard/Giles Avenue)
CHATSWORTH SCHOOL
The earliest reference to education in Woodland Township dates to 1856. At that time, owing to the
township being sparsely settled, it contained two districts. The number of children residing in the
township of school age was 97. The average number of months school was opened was 8.5. One
male teacher and two females were employed at an average salary of $33.00 per month.
According to the scholars who attended the school in Chatsworth at this time, it was equipped with
a big coal stove in the middle of the room. The teacher’s desk was in the front. Children sat in desks
that accommodated 2 or 3. There were two benches along the rear of the room on which a pail of
water, dipper and basin were kept. The water was carried from the nearest house by two children
placing a stick under the handle of the pail in order to carry it. Everyone used the same dipper. If
the water was spilled on the way, the children had to return home and refill the pail. They didn’t
mind this, as they were able to get out of work. In order to get to school, children had to walk or
the parents brought them in a horse and wagon.
The teacher was an elderly man who boarded with the various families. In his job as a teacher he
was also janitor. He was very strict. He was known for giving whippings. He didn’t always know
the children who caused the trouble but a whipping was administered. There were about 60 to 65
pupils ranging in age from 5 to 16. School hours were 9:00 to 5:00 with an hour for lunch. Books
were provided but the pupils had to bring slates, pencil or paper.
A new two room school was built in Chatsworth in 1915. Some of the scholars remember the
strictness of the teacher in this school. Knuckles were often cracked with a ruler. The older, unruly
boys liked to throw erasers and aim for the stove pipe so it would come out the chimney. Others
recall running out of school into the nearby woods when they heard the doctor was coming.
Vaccinations were not compulsory then and they feared having it done.
Burlington County proposed a county unit organization which equally distributed taxes to urban
and rural areas too. Woodland Township saw benefit of these changes and started to move forward.
In the early 1920’s, health care was incorporated in the curriculum and the board of education
provided transportation to school for pupils who lived a great distance away from school.
4. Chatsworth United Methodist Church (Route 563)
CHATSWORTH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
The first church in Chatsworth was established in 1873, when Rev. George W. Cothell came to what was
then called “Shamong” in Woodland Township and held worship services in the school for six months.
Rev. Cothell organized this Presbyterian Church until there was sufficient interest and funds to build a
church building.
Land for the church was acquired from the Estate of Francis B. Chetwood on June 1, 1875. Construction
of the 28 foot by 42 foot church was completed later that year at a cost of $1400. The church had a
membership of 25. A bolt of lightning struck the church on August 12, 1893, burning it to the ground
with only the foundation left. Our current sanctuary was subsequently built on this old foundation.
About this time a band of Methodists began meeting in the Presbyterian Church. On May 3, 1899 the
Methodists elected trustees with a view to becoming incorporated. Those elected were John Applegate,
George Bozarth, James L. Applegate, John S. Haines and Samuel Lee. On June 3, 1899 these trustees
appeared before the Commissioner of Deeds of Burlington County, Willis J. Buzby, Sr. and receiving his
seal were incorporated as the trustees of the Chatsworth Methodist Episcopal Church. The first recorded
minister appointed to the Chatsworth ME Church was George H. Vannote. In 1900. John J. Messier also
began his service here that same year. Even after incorporation the Methodist congregation worshipped
in the Presbyterian Church. The Presbyterian congregation eventually disbanded and the building
deeded to the Methodist trustees on January 6, 1909.
In 1944 the church joined the Indian Mills-Tabernacle circuit and the Pastor of this circuit resided at the
parsonage in Tabernacle.
In the fall of 1955 plans were made for renovating the church interior. Enthusiasm for the project ran
high. In January 1956 the work began with 28 volunteer workers. The old vestibule was removed and a
center aisle with two extreme side aisles replaced the old two aisle plan. A completely new interior
featuring knotty pine paneling and hardwood floors was created with professional results. New pews of
Philippine red mahogany were crafted by the men of the church. Rev Thomas B. Wright with the help
of an experienced cabinet maker designed and crafted the pulpit furniture and chancel rail. The beauty
of the natural materials in our sanctuary impresses visitors even to this day.
In 1975 work began to convert our former parsonage for use as a Sunday school building. Irving Mantell
volunteered most of the labor and a bequest to the church from the Estate of Horace Adams paid for the
materials. This same year Rev. Ray Carter was appointed Pastor of the Tabernacle-Chatsworth Church
circuit. Another significant beautification project was undertaken in 1983 with the creation of our stained
glass windows. The cost of each window was donated by different families in memory of loved ones.
Each window was handcrafted by local artisan Gedi Gadauskas and features flowers and birds native to
our beloved Pine Barrens. The windows were dedicated in a special ceremony on November 25, 1984.
This summary tells just a small part of our story and perhaps not the most important part which is the
story of hundreds of lives that have been impacted by the love of Jesus Christ through the ministry of
Chatsworth Church during the past century. We pray God will continue to work through our beautiful
little Church in the Pines to bring Good News of Salvation through Jesus Christ to the people of our
community.
5. Buzby’s General Store (Route 563 and First Avenue)
BUZBY’S CHATSWORTH GENERAL STORE
Built in 1865 by Neil Wade, and later owned by Benjamin O. Wade, the building was acquired by Willis
Jefferson Buzby and his wife Myrtle in 1895. Upon Buzby’s death in 1939, his son, Willis Jonathan Buzby
(Jack) and his wife Katie (Katherine Ritzendollar) took over the store. Jack continued with the title “King
of the Piney’s”. The Buzby’s sold the store in 1967. After this a series of owners operated the store until
it was sold at a tax sale. Assignment of the tax lien was purchased by Barnegat Light Press, Inc in 1996.
After foreclosure was completed, restoration and renovation began.
During restoration it was learned that the original building did not include the one story section on the
south side. This section was called the Feed Room because it was the storage area for animal feed. The
original building’s first floor was divided into two large rooms and an entrance hall with a staircase.
Transom windows above a south side door indicated that this was a rear outside door. Also, framing for
a window on the south side was uncovered. The large fireplace, opened during restoration, was found to
contain a chimney connecting the coal burning furnace in the basement to the fireplace flue. It appears
that this fireplace was originally used for cooking and this room was at one-time a living quarters. When
coal became available the furnace was installed and the chimney placed in the fireplace. The screened
porch in the north side originally extended across the room to be used as a gift shop. At some time this
porch was enclosed and made into part of the west room (gift shop). It is not known if the east room was
originally used as a store before the building was purchased by the Buzby’s. At one time it served as the
General Store and Restaurant.
The Buzby families served the community in many ways, particularly as a source of food stuffs, kerosene,
gasoline, hardware, gunning supplies, animal feed and, at one time, as the Post Office (1934). During the
great depression, the Buzbys aided many in the community.
Buzby’s was remodeled in 1920. The large window and a new corner door were installed. In 1921, Esso
gasoline was sold at the store, as was kerosene. In 1972, the second floor of the store was remodeled. It
is not known when the bathroom and kitchen were installed on this floor. The second floor originally
contained four rooms, all used as bedrooms. During remodeling, walls were paneled with luan plywood
and the yellow pine floor boards covered with carpeting. Hot water baseboard heat was installed.
In 1978 the new owners rebuilt the one story south section, the Feed Room, added a second bathroom
and upgraded the septic system. The store continued to flourish, supplying residents with the necessities
of life. After a series of owners, the store deteriorated and finally closed in 1992. Furnishings except for
the candy counter were sold at auction. The candy counter is now restored and has a prominent place
in Buzby’s.
During the recent restoration, evidence of a second staircase was uncovered on the east wall. The stairs
to the basement were removed during the renovation. The stairs to the second floor had been removed
at an unknown time. Today the store, restored to its earlier splendor, will consist of a coffee shop and
The Cheshire Cat, a gift shop serving primarily as a Pinelands resource center, offering books, art, foods,
and crafts related to the Pine Barrens. The second floor consists of an apartment. During the restoration
and remodeling of Buzby’s Chatsworth General Store, the original character of the building was retained
while providing facilities to again serve the community.
The garage/workshop next to the store burned in 1996. Today it was been replaced by a new red barn
serving as a garage and storage area.
6. Chatsworth Railroad Station (Near the former Central Railroad of New Jersey
[CNJ] tracks by the Fire Station)
CHATSWORTH RAILROAD STATION
If you think of the functions of a station these features reveal their necessity: a ticket counter, a waiting
room, an office space for railroad agents, a safe, preferably roofed, platform waiting area, and a
temporary freight storage space
The Chatsworth station house had all of these features, although on a very modest scale. Probably the
most typical aspect of our local station was the wide roof overhang that served to protect waiting
passengers and freight on the platform from the elements, both rain and sun. Stations everywhere in
the world share this element, probably because of the challenge to railroad managers of making the
trains run on time. Even today, at still functioning railway stations, passengers have to expect schedule
delays due to any number of excuses. Waiting many minutes, and sometimes, hours, for the train to
arrive, is still a very high probability at every Amtrak station in America, for instance. It's no secret that
European and Japanese rail services are much more predictably prompt. Experts explain that such
efficiency is due to government subsidization of those foreign rail systems, but that conclusion is still a
subject of controversy in our country.
Another common feature of old railroad stations in America, according to Bradford L. Gilbert,
architectural historian, was the need of early railroad companies to spend the least amount of money
building these auxiliary parts of rail systems. Much more capital outlay had to be made to purchase
land, lay tracks, build bridges and tunnels, and buy the trains themselves. As a consequence, when the
Central Railway of New Jersey gave up the operation of the Chatsworth Station, its new owners,
conceiving of the building as a potential residence, had to make major investments to meet minimum
levels of domestic comfort.
Finally, the conflict between passenger and freight utilization of rail facilities has left its mark even on
small stations such as Chatsworth's. Old photos reveal piles and stacks of goods on the east side
platform of the old station perpendicular to the platform area that was parallel to the tracks where
passengers waited. The necessity to protect both people and goods waiting for transport may have been
the motivation for the curiously prevalent roof designs used by early railroad architects. The four sided
roof slopes rather than two sided slopes helped provide for the multiple functions of rail service.
In Chatsworth, the old station became a home, but in many communities around our nation, disused
stations have been repurposed as everything from commercial enterprises to museums. It is hoped that
these charming remnants of our historical heritage will enjoy a long preservation into the future.
7. CNJ Blue Comet ( Near the former CNJ railroad tracks)
THE BLUE COMET
It was a beautiful train that passed through town each day, seven days a week, between Jersey City and
Atlantic City. I lived in the White Horse Inn next to the railroad so I saw it every day. I remember that the
speed of the train was 70 mph in the Chatsworth area and it was always on time. People would set their
clocks by the train. I will never forget the locomotive’s whistle that sounded like a steamboat. Also, I saw
people from other towns coming to Chatsworth to sit by the tracks to see the train pass. I also remember
that the Blue Comet brought the evening newspapers to us. The people in Chatsworth were proud to have
this special train as part of our lives. As I think about it now, I believe we may have thought that maybe we
were some way connected to New York and Atlantic City by the train. I still have a lot of memories of the
Blue Comet.
Jonathan Stevenson
As one of Chatsworth’s senior citizens, Jonathan Stevenson captured many aspects of the Blue Comet
that continue to be of interest, especially as we approach the 75th anniversary of the train’s wreck on
August 19, 1939.
The Blue Comet, the nation’s first all-reserved deluxe coach train, was designed to provide its passengers
with first-class service at low coach fares that began on February 29, 1929 from Jersey City* and Atlantic
City. The décor inside and outside was cream and blue. Each of the cars had the name of a comet and
the front of the locomotive carried the train’s name in large letters on a bronze headboard. The dining
car, with inlaid wood interior, offered linen tablecloths, silver eating utensils and exquisite china.
Passengers could select a lunch or dinner that started at 75 cents and a steak dinner with dessert and
beverage for $1.25. Another fascinating feature of the Blue Comet was the observation car with a deck at
its end with seats to accommodate six persons. Passengers were often seen enjoying sitting on the deck.
Saturday, August 19, 1939, was an ill-fated day for train number 4218, the Blue Comet, on its return trip
from Atlantic City with 49 passengers left the tracks caused by a washout under the tracks about a mile
west of the Chatsworth station. The Chatsworth area had experienced rain most of the day that included
a series of severe cloudbursts that saw fourteen inches of rain falling causing serious flooding throughout
the area. Because of the heavy rains the engineer was instructed at Winslow Junction, approximately 20
miles west of Chatsworth, to lower the speed of the train and to proceed cautiously. The engineer
reduced the speed to 35-40 mph. The five cars uncoupled from the locomotive and tender and were
scattered over the ground.
I was at the Chatsworth station that evening when word came of the wreck. A friend, Harold Stevenson,
Jr. and I immediately rushed to the wreck site. We were the first persons to arrive at the scene of the
wreck. Water was everywhere. To get to the last two cars of the train we walked through water that was
chest high. Police, ambulances, physicians and others from several parts of the state quickly converged
on Chatsworth to aid the passengers, especially those who were injured. The chef in the dining car was
the only fatality.
August 19, 2014 will mark the 75th anniversary of the wreck. Much has changed since the wreck that has
seen many changes in Chatsworth and its environs. Numerous new families with little or no knowledge
of the Blue Comet have become residents. Jonathan Stevenson, quoted above, articulated quite clearly
that which denotes the importance of a train that was very much a part of Chatsworth. For me to
remember the Blue Comet has very special meaning. I was fortunate to have been a passenger on this
very unique train in the years preceding the 1939 wreck. I, too, have many wonderful memories of the
Blue Comet that made its last run on September 27, 1941.
Dr. Walter A Brower
*Passengers to and from New York City crossed the river by boat to board the Blue Comet at the Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal in Jersey City.
8. First Town Hall /Chatsworth Fire Company (Route 563 )
TOWN HALL / CHATSWORTH FIRE STATION
Chatsworth Volunteer Fire Department Station 291 was formed in 1939 in an old, one bay building, near
Route 563 and Barnegat Road. It was originally known as Station 18-F-42. Firefighters were given the task
of protecting the 96.4 square mile township and its residents from wildfires, dwelling fires, motor vehicle
accidents, and any other incident where people were in danger. In 1963, the station moved to its current
location on the corner of Routes 563 and 532. Members of the community played an active role in
firefighting and fund raising. This story is being told by Lynn Ochberg:
About 75 years ago, before the current firehouse was built, Chatsworth still had a volunteer firefighting
company ready and committed to mounting a prompt response to fire threats occurring anywhere in all
of Burlington County as well as Woodland Township. At least for several years my grandfather, Jack
Buzby of the Buzby General Store, served as fire chief. I learned of that fact indirectly, however. I used to
sit on a shelf behind the candy counter of the Buzby store for hours watching the Chatsworth customers
do business with my grandparents. To be honest, I was always hoping for someone to notice me and
spend a penny to buy me a piece of candy, but that dream was extremely rarely fulfilled. Instead I'd hear
my Grampop Jack greet his neighbors warmly and hear the reply, "Hello Chief!"
Even decades later the great majority of his customers addressed Jack Buzby as 'Chief'. When I first heard
him called that word I surmised that he might have been related to a Native American tribe, but when I
asked my grandmother, Kate Buzby, if that were true, she told me that the last local resident with any
claim to Native American blood had died before I was born. She explained about the fire company and
Jack's former leadership role. Then I asked why people still called him 'Chief' when he wasn't going out
to fight fires anymore. "Well," she said, "a fire company doesn't just fight fires. The whole community has
to pitch in to raise money for fire engines and equipment and a house to keep that equipment safe. And
then there are hoses, shovels, protective clothing, and a siren that have to be bought and maintained,
etc."
She went on to list all the different kinds of fundraising schemes she and her girlfriends had used to coax
contributions from Chatsworth citizens to support the volunteer firefighters. She pointed out that since
everyone in Woodland Township lived within a few feet of a pine and oak forest, the threat of fire was a
universal concern. Her own contributions were mostly of the culinary kind: potluck dinners, holiday
feasts, and, her pride and joy, bake sales. Kate Buzby had baked cakes, pies, and cookies in numbers that
were higher than a fourth grader could even count. Her 'Ladies Auxiliary', as she called her group of
friends, was devoted to their cause. "And your Grampop let me have all the flour and sugar and eggs and
butter I could use to bake those goodies for our bake sales. So, you see, he was giving those ingredients
at his own expense to support the fire company long after his years as chief. Everybody knew that, so, in
my opinion, that's why they kept calling him chief. Maybe it was a way to say thank you.
9. White Horse Inn (Route 563)
WHITE HORSE INN
The White Horse Inn, the largest dwelling in the town proper, is well over 100 years old. It was at one
time frequently visited by prominent members of the Chatsworth Club, later becoming a boarding home
where people lived while working in the area and lastly the Stevenson family home. It is presently owned
by the Township of Woodland.
The Inn, located near the intersection of Routes 532 and 563, in the Village of Chatsworth, is only a few
yards from the railroad bed of the old Central Railroad of New Jersey. Today, it has been remodeled
largely due to the efforts of the Chatsworth Club II and the Festival Committee of Chatsworth. It is an
excellent example of vernacular architecture, a style that reflects the time and culture of the area in which
it was originally built. The Inn has three floors, several fireplaces and is constructed of native Atlantic
white cedar and pine.
Remodeling of the White Horse Inn, once called the Shamong Hotel, began nearly 30 years ago. This
effort was funded with proceeds from the annual mid-October Cranberry Festival. Local builder Albert
Morison, and others, oversaw its remodel and stabilization.
Today the Inn serves as the Woodland Township Community Center and houses the Woodland
Township Historical Society’s exhibit and research room. It is listed in the New Jersey and National
Registers of Historic Places (Shamong Hotel).
The Inn becomes an ideal entry point to the heart of New Jersey’s Pinelands and, especially, to the village
of Chatsworth which Pulitzer Prize winning author, John McPhee, christened, “the Capital of the Pines”.
10. Prince Ruspoli’s Cottage (Route 532 near Chatsworth Lake)
Prince Ruspoli’s Cottage
Mario dei Principi Ruspoli, born in 1867, was the second Principe di Poggio Suasa, son of Emanuele
Ruspoli, first Prince of Poggio Suasa and first wife, Princess Caterina. His great-great uncle was Cardinal
Bartolomeo Ruspoli. Prince Mario Ruspoli was an attache to the Italian embassy in Washington, D.C..
Mario was also a great grandfather of actor Bart Ruspoli.
In 1890, Prince Rupoli married Pauline Marie Palma de Talleyrand-Perigord, daughter of the fourth Duchi
de Dino and Elizabeth Beers-Curtis, in Paris. Pauline was the granddaughter of New York realty tycoon,
Joseph D. Beers who had amassed 25,000 acres in the Pinelands.
American heiress Pauline was left seven thousand acres in the Pinelands and so loved the area that she
and her husband built a villa on this site. Prince Ruspoli was responsible for the brief development of
Chatsworth as a resort known as the Chatsworth Club in the twentieth century.
The first son of Mario and Pauline, Constantino de Ruspoli, was born in New York in 1891 yet lived at the
villa at a young age. When Prince Constantino returned for a visit to Chatsworth in 1927, the villa had
been vandalized by hunters and peat moss gatherers, its silk wall hangings ruined. The villa was later
destroyed by fire. An aged Prince Mario disposed of his Chatsworth land holdings in 1940, shortly after
World War II had begun in Europe. His son, Prince Constantino, was killed in the war in 1942.
11. Chatsworth Club (Route 532 near Chatsworth Lake)
CHATSWORTH CLUB
The exclusive Chatsworth Club was begun by Prince Ruspoli and his wife, Pauline Marie Palma de
Talleyrand-Perigord, who was heiress to Elizabeth Beers-Curtis. It was once the ancestral estate of
Elizabeth Beers-Curtis and her sister, the Dowager Princess Poggio-Susan Ruspoli (Josephine Mary BeersCurtis) who were two American daughters of Joseph Beers-Curtis, a New York real estate tycoon. A
number of the members of the club were American heiresses with titled European husbands.
Once a winter home of the Marquise Talleyrand-Perigord, the home was converted into a larger
clubhouse when the Chatsworth Club was formed and incorporated in New York in 1904. Members
included the former Vice President of the United States, and banker, Levy P. Morton. He was President
of the club. Mr. Morton’s daughter married into the Talleyrand family. Other members included John
Jacob Astor, John R. Drexel, George B. deForest, Anson Phelps Stoke, Herman Oelrichs, Darius Ogden
Mills and George J. Gould. The club boasted six hundred equally prominent members.
Members arrived by train from New York or Philadelphia for weekends to enjoy the fresh air of the pines,
play sports, and have social gatherings. Polo, golf, tennis, horseback riding, pool, canoeing and private
shooting parties were popular.
Levy P. Morton described the Chatsworth Club as being terribly exclusive. He continued to record that
the clubhouse was surrounded by pines and oaks and there was neither a hotel nor cheap boarding house
near enough to disturb the equanimity of the smart members or their guests. The lake at Chatsworth is
two miles long and studded with small islands many of which were connected by rustic bridges.
Chatsworth Club had long been famous for excellent cuisine; one of the best chefs in Europe had been
imported.
The magnificent estate went to foreclosure proceedings February 5, 1908 in Mt. Holly, New Jersey and
sold to a syndicate composed of Jonathan Godfrey, Leavitt J. Hunt and Thomas C. Rumbault for $20,000.
At the time it was one of the largest tracts of land offered for public auction in Burlington County. The
new owners stated that the tract would be developed along different lines and not continue as a resort.
Mr. Godfrey had considerable interest in lands in Woodland Township and it was predicted that at least
part of this purchase would be developed into cranberry land. The former club was later destroyed by
fire.
Walking Tour Map follows.