History of Walker Combs Hartshorne (Oakley) Farm

The farmstead started in 1686 as an 8’x10’ settlers cabin on 115 plus acres. As of 1915 the farm consisted of 23 outbuildings and the farmhouse and 86.6 acres of farmland plus 26 acres of orchards. Outbuildings consisted of six chicken houses, one corn crib, one double corn crib, pig house, cow barn, horse barn, silos, hay scales, well house, wood shed, smokehouse, etc.

In 1750 the first addition was made to the house to make it a 1-1⁄2 story 2 bay farmhouse, consisting of a fieldstone foundation with hand hewn post and beam construction—some bark is left on roof rafters. Originally the entrance to second floor was from the rear of the house. The original set of steps from the first to the second floor is now used to get to basement.

In 1830, a second addition was made to the house and in 1873 the kitchen was moved to the east wing of the house, which was brought from another part of the property (probably the orchard).

Charles Oakley Jr. purchased the farm in 1911 from Acton Civil Hartshorne. In 1924, further renovations were made to accommodate his son’s family. Charles Oakley, Jr. died in 1932 after falling out of the hayloft. The property was then transferred to his daughter Elizabeth Oakley who continued farming the land until 1972. At that time Elizabeth leased the land for soybean and corn production and then to a tenant farmer as a sod farm.

As of 1981, the farm was one of the oldest working farms in Monmouth County. It started as a subsistence farm in early 1700’s when family members worked the land. However, according to 1860’s records former owners George Walker and Elijah Combs used slaves to work the farm. Typical crops such as rye, Indian corn, wheat, potatoes, sugar peas, oats, beans, and hay were grown. Also pork, beef, poultry, and butter were sold. Charles Oakley, Jr. totally mechanized the farm around 1924. Apples and potatoes were taken from the farm and shipped by rail to Wallabout Market, Brooklyn, New York, and sold.

The farm was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on October 4, 1990. The National Register is the official list of cultural resources significant in American history, architecture,archeology, engineering or culture. Listing in the National Register ensures that properties affected by undertakings that are federally executed, licensed, or financially assisted will be subject to review and comment in accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. The following is a list of people associated with the farmstead.