Location of Peapack-Gladstone in
Somerset County highlighted in yellow (right). Inset map: Location of Somerset County in
New Jersey highlighted in black (left).
Census Bureau map of Peapack-Gladstone, New Jersey
Peapack is home to historic
Natirar as well as the Essex Hunt Club and Fox Hounds.[28][29][30] In operation until the mid-1930s, the
Moses Craig Lime Kilns are located at the center of Peapack.[31]
In the Forbes magazine 2017 ranking of the Most Expensive ZIP Codes in the United States, Gladstone was ranked as the 457th most expensive in the country, with its median home sale price of $938,042.[36] In 2018, New Jersey Business Magazine listed Gladstone at 46th in its listing of "The Most Expensive ZIP Codes in New Jersey", with a median sale price 2017 of $627,500.[37]
History
Formation
In 1912, the communities of Peapack and Gladstone found themselves in conflict with the rest of
Bedminster. Residents of the two communities wanted electric lights, telephones and fire hydrants and resented being forced to pay for rural roads elsewhere in the township. Residents petitioned the state legislature for the creation of the borough and the Legislature voted to do so on April 23, 1912.[25][38][26]
Natirar is an estate spanning 404 acres (163 ha) in Peapack-Gladstone, Far Hills and Bedminster that was sold by
Hassan II of Morocco, to Somerset County and is now administered by the Somerset County Park Commission, including the 247 acres (100 ha) in Peapack-Gladstone.[40]
Geography
According to the
United States Census Bureau, the borough had a total area of 5.80 square miles (15.03 km2), including 5.73 square miles (14.85 km2) of land and 0.07 square miles (0.18 km2) of water (1.21%).[1][2]
Of the 887 households, 37.7% had children under the age of 18; 64.5% were married couples living together; 8.8% had a female householder with no husband present and 23.8% were non-families. Of all households, 19.6% were made up of individuals and 8.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.72 and the average family size was 3.13.[22]
26.5% of the population were under the age of 18, 6.6% from 18 to 24, 21.1% from 25 to 44, 33.9% from 45 to 64, and 12.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42.0 years. For every 100 females, the population had 97.4 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 95.2 males.[22]
The Census Bureau's 2006–2010
American Community Survey showed that (in 2010
inflation-adjusted dollars)
median household income was $123,875 (with a margin of error of +/− $16,668) and the median family income was $145,333 (+/− $23,674). Males had a median income of $86,379 (+/− $16,014) versus $60,833 (+/− $16,980) for females. The
per capita income for the borough was $61,841 (+/− $12,910). About none of families and 2.3% of the population were below the
poverty line, including none of those under age 18 and 2.2% of those age 65 or over.[53]
2000 census
As of the
2000 United States census[18] there were 2,433 people, 840 households, and 646 families residing in the borough. The population density was 419.5 inhabitants per square mile (162.0/km2). There were 871 housing units at an average density of 150.2 per square mile (58.0/km2). The racial makeup of the borough was 94.45%
white, 3.12%
African American, 0.08%
Native American, 1.23%
Asian, 0.70% from
other races, and 0.41% from two or more races.
Hispanic or
Latino of any race were 3.78% of the population.[51][52]
There were 840 households, out of which 37.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 69.5% were
married couples living together, 5.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.0% were non-families. 18.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.71 and the average family size was 3.11.[51][52]
In the borough the population was spread out, with 26.0% under the age of 18, 5.5% from 18 to 24, 30.1% from 25 to 44, 26.3% from 45 to 64, and 12.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.0 males.[51][52]
The median income for a household in the borough was $99,499, and the median income for a family was $118,770. Males had a median income of $62,446 versus $46,500 for females. The
per capita income for the borough was $56,542. About 1.9% of families and 4.2% of the population were below the
poverty line, including 2.1% of those under age 18 and 4.1% of those age 65 or over.[51][52]
Economy
The Peapack-Gladstone Bank was established on September 21, 1921, originally named the Peapack-Gladstone Trust Company. It operates as the local bank for the greater region, specializing in private banking and wealth management, and is publicly traded under
NASDAQ with the ticker symbol PGC.[54]
Film and television
The Gladstone train station building was re-labeled "Boston," and its surroundings were supplied with peat-moss dirt, period vehicles and extras in Victorian dress, for a 1962 movie shoot. In the Oscar-winning film The Miracle Worker,Anne Bancroft in the role of
Annie Sullivan boards a long-distance steam train there to take the job as
Helen Keller's teacher.[55]
The borough was a major shooting location of the
CBS soap opera Guiding Light from 2007 until the show's conclusion in 2009.[56]
The borough is home to Stronghold Soccer Club, which plays its matches at Mount St. John's on the grounds of Montgomery Academy.[33]
Municipal services
Emergency services
Policing is provided by the Peapack and Gladstone Police Department, which has a staff of nine officers and a Chief.[58]
Fire service has been provided since 1905 by the all-volunteer Peapack and Gladstone Volunteer Fire Company, known in the Somerset County Radio System as "51 Fire". The department operates out of the fire station located on Dewey Avenue. The department operates a 2010 Pierce Arrow Pumper known as 51-102 which acts as primary attack engine; a 1995 Marion Heavy Rescue known as 51-151, equipped with rescue equipment for emergencies such as confined space rescue and vehicle extrication; a 1999 Pierce Dash 2000, which acts as primary water supply truck as it is equipped with 3,000 feet (910 m) of 5-inch (130 mm) hose, and known as 51-103; and a 2001 Ford F-250 Brush Truck known as 51-141, which responds to all brush fires in and around the borough and is equipped with foam. The department retired a 1988 Pierce Lance in 2010 after many years of service.[59]
Emergency medical services are provided by the non-profit, all-volunteer Peapack Gladstone First Aid Squad, known as "51 Rescue", based at a newly renovated location on St. Lukes Avenue. The Squad operates 2007 and 2005 Ford MedTec ambulances. Retired in 2007 was a 1993 Ford MedTec ambulance. The Squad provides around-the-clock service at no cost to its patients.[60]
Emergency medical services are bolstered by Mobile Intensive Care Units (MICU) with paramedics from the local hospitals of
Morristown Medical Center (also a regional trauma center) in
Morristown and from
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset (formerly Somerset Medical Center) in
Somerville. In the event of a serious trauma accident, as occurs occasionally on Route 206 which runs through the borough, the services of the
New Jersey State Police North Shock Trauma Air Rescue (NorthSTAR), which is based in neighboring Bedminster, may be called upon to provide medical evacuation to a trauma center.
Public works
The Peapack-Gladstone Department of Public Works (DPW) is responsible for maintenance for the borough's buildings, snow removal, sewer inspection, as well as the general maintenance of roads and other services.[61]
Government
Local government
Peapack-Gladstone is governed under the
borough form of New Jersey municipal government, which is used in 218 municipalities (of the 564) statewide, making it the most common form of government in New Jersey.[62] The governing body is comprised of the mayor and the borough council, with all positions elected
at-large on a partisan basis as part of the November general election. The mayor is elected
directly by the voters to a four-year term of office. The borough council is comprised of six members elected to serve three-year terms on a staggered basis, with two seats coming up for election each year in a three-year cycle.[7] The borough form of government used by Peapack-Gladstone is a "
weak mayor / strong council" government in which council members act as the legislative body with the mayor presiding at meetings and voting only in the event of a tie. The mayor can
veto ordinances subject to an
override by a two-thirds majority vote of the council. The mayor makes committee and liaison assignments for council members, and most appointments are made by the mayor with the advice and consent of the council.[63][64][65]
As of 2022[update], the mayor of Peapack-Gladstone is
Independent Gregory Skinner, whose term of office ends December 31, 2022. Members of the Borough Council are Council President Mark A. Corigliano (
R, 2022), GianPaolo Caminiti (R, 2022), Amy Dietrich (
D, 2023), Donald Lemma (R, 2023), Jamie Murphy (D, 2024), and John Sweeney (R, 2024).[3][66][67][68][69][70][71]
Borough offices are located at the former school building, in the same facility as the local library and police department. Municipal court is shared with
Bedminster and
Bernardsville. Court sessions are held in Bedminster.[72]
Federal, state and county representation
Peapack-Gladstone is located in the 7th Congressional District[73] and is part of New Jersey's 21st state legislative district.[74]
Somerset County is governed by a five-member
Board of County Commissioners, whose members are elected
at-large to three-year terms of office on a staggered basis, with one or two seats coming up for election each year. At an annual reorganization meeting held on the first Friday of January, the board selects a Director and deputy director from among its members.[80] As of 2024[update], Somerset County's County Commissioners are:
Constitutional officers, elected on a countywide basis are:
Clerk Steve Peter (
D,
Somerville, 2027),[90][91]
Sheriff Darrin Russo (D, Franklin Township, 2025)[92][93] and
Surrogate Bernice "Tina" Jalloh (D, Franklin Township, 2025)[94][95][88]
Politics
As of March 2011, there were a total of 1,743 registered voters in Peapack & Gladstone, of which 283 (16.2% vs. 26.0% countywide) were registered as
Democrats, 957 (54.9% vs. 25.7%) were registered as
Republicans and 502 (28.8% vs. 48.2%) were registered as
Unaffiliated. There was one voter registered to another party.[96] Among the borough's 2010 Census population, 67.5% (vs. 60.4% in Somerset County) were registered to vote, including 91.8% of those ages 18 and over (vs. 80.4% countywide).[96][97]
Peapack-Gladstone vote by party in presidential elections
In the
2012 presidential election, Republican
Mitt Romney received 62.3% of the vote (796 cast), ahead of Democrat
Barack Obama with 36.3% (464 votes), and other candidates with 1.4% (18 votes), among the 1,279 ballots cast by the borough's 1,865 registered voters (1 ballot was
spoiled), for a turnout of 68.6%.[98][99] In the
2008 presidential election, Republican
John McCain received 790 votes (58.6% vs. 46.1% countywide), ahead of Democrat Barack Obama with 526 votes (39.0% vs. 52.1%) and other candidates with 21 votes (1.6% vs. 1.1%), among the 1,349 ballots cast by the borough's 1,681 registered voters, for a turnout of 80.2% (vs. 78.7% in Somerset County).[100] In the
2004 presidential election, Republican
George W. Bush received 860 votes (65.4% vs. 51.5% countywide), ahead of Democrat
John Kerry with 430 votes (32.7% vs. 47.2%) and other candidates with 18 votes (1.4% vs. 0.9%), among the 1,314 ballots cast by the borough's 1,566 registered voters, for a turnout of 83.9% (vs. 81.7% in the whole county).[101]
Peapack-Gladstone vote by party in gubernatorial elections
In the
2013 gubernatorial election, Republican
Chris Christie received 79.2% of the vote (662 cast), ahead of Democrat
Barbara Buono with 19.3% (161 votes), and other candidates with 1.6% (13 votes), among the 847 ballots cast by the borough's 1,924 registered voters (11 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 44.0%.[102][103] In the
2009 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 657 votes (64.9% vs. 55.8% countywide), ahead of Democrat
Jon Corzine with 205 votes (20.3% vs. 34.1%), Independent
Chris Daggett with 140 votes (13.8% vs. 8.7%) and other candidates with 5 votes (0.5% vs. 0.7%), among the 1,012 ballots cast by the borough's 1,712 registered voters, yielding a 59.1% turnout (vs. 52.5% in the county).[104]
Education
Students in public school for
pre-kindergarten through
twelfth grade attend the schools of the
Somerset Hills Regional School District, a regional school district serving students from
Bernardsville,
Far Hills and Peapack-Gladstone, along with those from
Bedminster who attend the district's high school as part of a
sending/receiving relationship.[105][106] As of the 2020–21 school year, the district, comprised of three schools, had an enrollment of 1,797 students and 155.3 classroom teachers (on an
FTE basis), for a
student–teacher ratio of 11.6:1.[107] Schools in the district (with 2020–21 enrollment data from the
National Center for Education Statistics[108]) are
Marion T. Bedwell Elementary School[109] with 471 students in grades Pre-K–4,
Bernardsville Middle School[110] with 474 students in grades 5–8 and
Bernards High School[111] with 819 students in grades 9–12.[112][113][114] The district's
board of education is comprised of nine elected members (plus one appointed member representing Bedminster) who set policy and oversee the fiscal and educational operation of the district through its administration.[115] The nine elected seats on the board are allocated to the constituent municipalities based on population, with two seats allocated to Peapack-Gladstone.[116]
As of May 2010[update], the borough had a total of 25.45 miles (40.96 km) of roadways, of which 18.20 miles (29.29 km) were maintained by the municipality, 5.17 miles (8.32 km) by Somerset County and 2.08 miles (3.35 km) by the
New Jersey Department of Transportation.[119]
People who were born in, residents of, or otherwise closely associated with Peapack-Gladstone include:
Charles E. Apgar (1865–1950), business executive and
amateur radio operator best known for making early recordings of coded German radio transmissions at the start of
World War I[126]
William R. Cox (1901–1988), prolific writer of short stories and
Western and mystery novels mainly for the pulp and paperback markets written under multiple pseudonyms[130]
^About Us, Historical Society of the Somerset Hills. Accessed June 23, 2023. "Founded in 1928 originally as the Historical Society of Basking Ridge, the mission and name of the society was later changed to The Historical Society of the Somerset Hills, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization including all five communities of the Somerset Hills region: Bedminster Township, Bernards Township, Bernardsville, Far Hills, and Peapack-Gladstone, which are all located in Somerset County, New Jersey."
^
abcCheslow, Jerry.
"If You're Thinking of Living In/Peapack and Gladstone; Fox-Hunting and High-Priced Homes", The New York Times, August 7, 1994. Accessed August 29, 2013. "One local history speculates that the name Peapack came from the Leni Lenape Indian word 'peapackton' -- 'the marriage of the waters.' The Raritan River and the Peapack Brook meet at the eastern border of the borough. Gladstone is named for the British Prime Minister William Gladstone ... [B]y 1912, the Villages of Peapack and Gladstone found themselves in conflict with the rest of Bedminster Township. The villages wanted electric lights, telephones and fire hydrants and resented being forced to pay for rural roads in the township. The villages petitioned the State Legislature for the creation of the borough and the Legislature voted to do so on April 23, 1912."
^A Special Place to Live, Peapack & Gladstone Borough. Accessed July 11, 2023. "The Borough has long been home to horse farms and those interested in equestrian pursuits, and boasts the Essex Hunt Club and Fox Hounds, and the U.S. Equestrian Stables nearby at Hamilton Farms - also home to a premier golf course.... It has superb restaurants and beautiful parks, including Natirar, a magnificent 500+ acre estate purchased for open space by Somerset County, and previously owned by the King of Morocco."
^About Us, Essex Fox Hounds. Accessed July 11, 2023.
^The Peapack Lime Kilns, Somerset Hills Historical Society. Accessed September 24, 2020. "Often unnoticed, the Peapack Lime Kilns is a historic reminder of what was once one of the most important manufacturing processes in our areas history.... The Peapack kilns were constructed c. 1860 and remained in operation until c. 1934. The kilns were initially owned by Moses Craig and later by his descendants."
^School History,
Gill St. Bernard's School. Accessed July 9, 2023. "Today there are three divisions—a Lower, a Middle and an Upper School—located on 208 acres, which span the Somerset-Morris County line between the Borough of Peapack-Gladstone and Chester Township."
^Thomson, W. Barry.
"New Municipal Proposals of 100 Years Ago", Inside the Brick Academy, June 2021. Accessed July 7, 2023. "Over the years a number of efforts have been made to alter municipal boundaries and create new municipalities in the Somerset Hills region, with the goal of making local governments more responsive to the changing needs of residents.... The first of such efforts in the 20th century resulted in the creation of Mendham Borough out of Mendham Township in 1906, and the separation of the Borough of Peapack-Gladstone from Bedminster Township in 1912."
^Natirar,
Somerset County, New Jersey Park Commission. Accessed May 8, 2012. "Natirar is a 404-acre property located in the scenic hills of Somerset County within the municipalities of Peapack/Gladstone, Far Hills and Bedminster."
^Thomson, W. Barry.
"New Municipal Proposals of 100 Years Ago", Inside the Brick Academy, June 2021. Accessed July 9, 2023. "Over the years a number of efforts have been made to alter municipal boundaries and create new municipalities in the Somerset Hills region, with the goal of making local governments more responsive to the changing needs of residents.... The first of such efforts in the 20th century resulted in the creation of Mendham Borough out of Mendham Township in 1906, and the separation of the Borough of Peapack-Gladstone from Bedminster Township in 1912."
^Comprehensive Master Plan, Borough of Bernardsville, adopted September 28, 2000. Accessed July 11, 2023. "Bernardsville is geographically part of the Somerset Hills group of communities, as defined by their hills and steep slopes. These municipalities include Far Hills (named for these hills), Peapack-Gladstone (part), Bedminster (part), Bernards Township (part) in Somerset County and the Mendhams (part) in Morris County."
^Core Principles, Peapack-Gladstone Bank. Accessed September 24, 2020. "Peapack-Gladstone Bank was founded in 1921 by local businessmen who sought better service and convenience from their bank. Our strategy and culture stay true to our founders' core principles to this day."
^Heyboer, Kelly.
"Guiding Light: Rethinking soap operas in Peapack", The Star-Ledger, March 18, 2008. Accessed September 29, 2013. "The venerable CBS institution has adopted the New Jersey town of Peapack as its real-life set. About a fifth of the soap's scenes are now being filmed at locations in the Somerset County town."
^The Borough Form of Municipal Government, Peapack & Gladstone. Accessed June 22, 2022. "The Mayor is elected at large and serves a term of four years. The Borough Council consists of six members elected at large, and the Council members serve a term of three years. Their terms are arranged so that the terms of the two Council members shall expire at the end of each year."
^Municipal Court, Borough of Peapack and Gladstone. Accessed May 31, 2016. "Borough of Peapack-Gladstone Municipal Court will share services with the Township of Bedminster."
^Biography of Bob Menendez,
United States Senate, January 26, 2015. "Menendez, who started his political career in Union City, moved in September from Paramus to one of Harrison's new apartment buildings near the town's PATH station.."
^Somerset Hills Board of Education District Policy 0110 - Identification, Somerset Hills School District. Accessed March 2, 2020. "Purpose: The Board of Education exists for the purpose of providing a thorough and efficient system of free public education in grades Pre-Kindergarten through twelve in The Somerset Hills School District. Composition: The Somerset Hills School District is comprised of all the area within the municipal boundaries of Bernardsville, Far Hills, and Peapack-Gladstone."
^Annual Comprehensive Financial Report of the Somerset Hills School District,
New Jersey Department of Education, for year ending June 30, 2018. Accessed February 20, 2020. "The School District is a Type II District located in Somerset County, New Jersey. The School District is an instrumentality of the State of New Jersey, established to function as an educational institution. The Somerset Hills School District is governed by a ten member board, including nine individuals elected to three year terms from the Boroughs of Bernardsville, Peapack & Gladstone and Far Hills, along with one appointed member from the Bedminster Board of Education."
^Betz, Brooks; Thomson, W. Barry.
"The Blairsden Estate of Clinton Ledyard Blair"Archived June 27, 2008, at the
Wayback Machine, The Historical Society of The Somerset Hills. Accessed February 2, 2015. "Blairsden is the name of the Peapack, New Jersey estate named after its original owner C. Ledyard Blair, a prominent investment banker and ambitious entrepreneur who recognized the beauty of the beautiful Somerset Hills area and decided to build one of the largest estates ever built in the region."
^Todd, Samantha.
"Former Peapack-Gladstone teen lands lead in Disney movie", The Bernardsville News, June 14, 2017. Accessed January 13, 2021. "Zombies, high school, cheerleading and falling in love sum up what a normal day is like is for 16-year-old actress Meg Donnelly."
^"Louise Fatio Duvoisin, children's book author", Courier News, July 28, 1993. Accessed April 8, 2023, via
Newspapers.com. "Louise Emma Fatio Duvoisin, 89, an award-winning author of children's books and stories, died Monday (July 26, 1993) at King James Convalescent Center in the Somerset section of Franklin.... She lived in Peapack-Gladstone before moving to Chester."
^Lopez, Jill Painter.
"Where Are They Now? Listening Post", Fore magazine, October 17, 2019. Accessed September 23, 2020. "The Gores love their new Gladstone, N.J., home, on nearly four acres of land with a 1.5-mile commute to the office. Once he had to wait for five Canada geese to cross the road."
^Pearce, Jeremy.
"Environment; Remains Of the Day, At a Price", The New York Times, October 27, 2002. Accessed February 13, 2013. "But ever since a full-blooded royal and erstwhile resident, King Hassan II of Morocco, died three years ago, locals have also speculated about the future of Natirar, the king's 500-acre estate and 28,000-square-foot Tudor house."
^"Thomas Kiernan, 70, acclaimed biographer", New Jersey Hills, January 7, 2004. Accessed November 22, 2022. "Noted biographer and author Thomas Kiernan, 70, died on Monday, Dec. 22, 2003, at his home in Peapack-Gladstone."
^Natirar, Somerset County Park Commission. Accessed February 2, 2015. "Natirar is a 404-acre property located in the scenic hills of Somerset County within the municipalities of Peapack/Gladstone, Far Hills and Bedminster. There are 247 acres located in Peapack/Gladstone, 124 acres in Far Hills, and 40 acres in Bedminster. Formerly the estate of Kate Macy Ladd and Walter Graeme Ladd, the property is rich in culture and history."
^Barnes, Valerie.
"Peapack a Refuge For Mrs. Onassis", The New York Times, November 25, 1973. Accessed June 19, 2022. "Peapack—When Mrs. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis wants to lead the simple life, she escapes not to a showplace villa nor a lavish penthouse, but to an unpretentious seven‐room house that serves as a base for her frequent weekends in the country."
^Gilpin, Kenneth N.
"Engelhard Elects Acting Chief to Post", The New York Times, May 4, 1984. Accessed February 22, 2018. "Mr. Smith is a graduate of Brown University and Seton Hall University, where he earned his M.B.A. degree. He is married, has two daughters and lives in Gladstone, N.J."
^"Like mother, like daughter - Kate Whitman enters Somerset County freeholder contest", New Jersey Hills, January 31, 2017. Accessed November 19, 2020. "Kate Whitman, 29, a resident of Peapack-Gladstone, announced last week she would seek the Republican endorsement to run for a seat on the Somerset County Board of Freeholders - her mother's first elected office."