INTRODUCTION From Indian Settlements to Colonial ironworks, from Victorian farmsteads to lakeside resorts, West Milford harbors a rich and diverse history.  The landmarks of this history play an important role in defining the township's unique character.  To be recognized as a landmark, a site does not have to be associated with George Washington, commemorate a Civil War battle, or even be one hundred years old.  West Milford contains numerous landmarks that are legitimate and valuable resources of local history.  Because they convey the heritage of West Milford's past and , with proper care, promise to share the community's history with generations yet to come they warrant preservation.

West Milford's first landmark to be designated under the preservation ordinance is the Idylease Inn on Union Valley Road.  Historic designation led the owner to reconsider development plans that called for demolition of this Dutch Colonial Revival-style building which was erected as a health resort at the turn of the century.

Awosting is a unique lakeside residential community of bungaloid-style cottages as represented by this one on Long Pond Road.  The development known as the Awosting Colony was begun around 1910 by the Ringwood Company.  This community along Greenwood Lake is a potential historic district.

Vreeland's Store is a well preserved example of a commercial building dating from the third quarter of the nineteenth century.  Its porch, windows, double doors, and side bay recall the Victorian era.

This farmhouse on Union Valley Road, built circa 1870, reflects the period of history before West Milford thrived as a summer resort in the late nineteenth century. A two-story  frame barn that was part of this agricultural complex survives to the rear.

This house is one of ten buildings that form the small community known as New City, which was built for Newark watershed workers in the 1930's.  Though currently abandoned, this house, along with its neighbors, could form an attractive historic district.

Oak Ridge Presbyterian Church is a Greek Revival-style building erected circa 1820.  The church is noteworthy for the many architectural features that have remained unaltered, including the wood clap-boarding, door surround, windows and belfry.

Clinton Furnace Built in 1826 and fired on Sept. 17, 1833, this furnace was fired only three additional times, and abandoned in 1837. These pictures were taken a few years back. Today there is chain link fence around it.

Cross Castle, built in 1907 as the Tudor Revival mansion of Richard F. Cross, was the most impressive estate in West Milford at one time.  Sold to the City of Newark in 1919, the building has deteriorated to a shell of its former grandeur.

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