The Old Red Homestead

Overview

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The oldest section of this house, currently the living/dining room area, was built in 1834. But it was located a block away -- opposite the Atlantic Cinema on the west side of First Avenue.

That original property was bought from the Lenape chief Popamora in 1664 and had four owners int eh next three-plus centuries.

First it was owned by John Bowne. One of the first European settlers of the area. His family kept it for a century.

In 1768, it passed to the Brown family for another century. David, Mary, William, and Wainwright Brown were the owners. In 1834, they created "Brown's Landing" at the foot of First Avenue and the Bay.

From 1867, it was the farm house of Thomas Leonard, whose son Thomas Henry Leonard who in 1887 founded Atlantic Highlands and was its first Mayor. The house had a lookout tower atop the roof for watching the ships at sea. The father gave the house to his son when he married in 1871. In 1893, the son in turn gave it as a wedding gift to his daughter Clara and her husband, Dr. Henry A. Hendrickson. After changes and additions (the lookout was gone), the house was moved around 1900 to its present site. later, part was again moved to 41 Second Avenue as a separate home. The main house remained in the Leonard family until 1954.

Then for 33 years it was the home of the American Legion (C. Eugene Allen Post 141).

Finally in 1987, a private owner bought it and restored it as a single home, right down to the last gingerbread porch railing.

Atlantic Highlands Green Map
updated 02/2010 by Atlantic Highlands New Jersey