by Ed Belding South Brunswick Historical Society
The latest "pioneer" settlers in South Brunswick Township "staked their claims" in the 1950's. It all started when Herb Kendall, a builder with a dream and land developer of some renown, went before the South Brunswick Township Planning Board on February 10, 1955. He was joined by his partner, David Savage. Kendall proposed to build 500 homes, school buildings, and water and sewer systems. He received approval for 500 homes, but his dream involved a thousand more homes. His plan was to build 300 homes per year. For the additional thousand, Kendall had to go to court. He won and his dream became a reality. By January 28, 1956, the first occupancy permits were issued. By April of that year, 245 acres of woods and farmland had been purchased. This area lay between New Road and Sand Hills Road. The very first homes were built right off Route 27 where Stanworth and Blair Roads are located. By March of 1957 more than one-hundred "pioneer" families had moved into their new homes. Each of the new homes on spacious lots was available for $400 down. Quite a deal in those halcyon days! By 1960, the Kendall Park population had risen to ten-thousand. The hearty "pioneers" of Kendall Park deserve as much credit as Herb Kendall is due. Since those early days, Kendall Parkers have contributed much to the vitality and growth of South Brunswick Township.
