January 11, 1994--Wetherill-Mount House Opens to the Public

On this day in South Brunswick History...
January 11, 1994--Wetherill-Mount House Opens to the Public
by Ed Belding South Brunswick Historical Society

The Wetherill-Mount House, at 269 Georges Road in Dayton, was opened to the public on January 11, 1994. This two-story Georgian style colonial home, located on a three-and-half acre site, was renovated by the South Brunswick Heritage Foundation with funding provided by Marcal Paper, BASF, Carlton Homes, and several other companies. Part of the structure may date to the 17th century, making this museum house one of the oldest in South Brunswick. It was originally an integral part of a 1,700 acre plantation owned and operated by Colonel John Wetherill, colonial Assemblyman for Middlesex County prior to the Revolutionary War and military and civilian leader during the war. His son, Vincent, was to have inherited the plantation, but he died a hero's death in the war, and his widow, Sarah, remarried. Thus, the Mount name for the house when she wed William H. Mount. They occupied the house from 1823 to 1840. Later on, it exchanged hands and became known as the Everett farm. Dr. Milton Sprague, a physician in Dayton, was the last to live in the house with his wife. It was occupied up to 1977. After that, it fell into disrepair until the Heritage Foundation sought to restore this important landmark. It now serves as the Township's first cultural and historic center. Artifacts of South Brunswick history are preserved and displayed there. Tours, lectures, meetings, and displays have been conducted there. Thus, it serves as a centerpiece for educating people about the rich history of the Township.