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Located in Dover Forge. Some history of the area:Dover Forge was built by William L. Smith, William Scott, and Daniel Hillman, and opened in 1809. It was not until July 1810, however, that the land was deeded to them. It was located on Dover Forge Pond at the headwaters of the middle branch of Cedar Creek, about four miles from Ferrago Forge (later known as Bamber or Cedar Crest), in Berkley Township, Ocean County, New Jersey. According to Charles S. Boyer, this was one of the largest of the Ocean County forges, and in the 1830's was one of the prominent places of the region.William L. Smith married Eliza Lacey who was the daughter of General John Lacey (1775-1814). General Lacey built and was the original owner of Ferrago Forge, which was also established in 1809. The Lacey interests also included a furnace between Ferrago and New Mills, known as Hanover Furnace.In 1816, Daniel Hillman sold his one-quarter interest in Dover Forge to William Brown and Isaac Barnes. In the same year, Smith, Brown, and Barnes experienced financial troubles at the forge, and it was purchased at a sheriff's auction by Thomas Butcher and Samuel J. Read.In 1818, Thomas Butcher sold his interest to Read who continued operation of the Forge until his death in 1837. Joseph Austin, Sr. managed the Forge fro the Read heirs until he purchased it in 1853, although the original notice for sale was issued in 1850. However, when Joseph, Sr. moved to Ohio, he turned Dover Forge over to his son.The original Dover Forge was destroyed by fire, so Joseph Austin, Jr. moved to another furnace at Hampton in Burlington County. Austin remained there until shortly before 1828, when he moved back to Dover.Joseph, Jr. continued operation of the Forge until his death in 1868. The property was sold again at a sheriff's auction and was purchased by Rubin Potter, who operated the now defunct Forge as a sawmill. In 1873, he sold it to Nathan Austin who continued sawmill operations.As of 1931, only the remains of the old blacksmith shop were still visible. All other traces of buildings were destroyed by a forest fire in 1912. As of 1980, the blacksmith shop was also no longer visible.According to John Austin, a son of Charles W. Austin, Sr. and grandson of Joseph, Jr., the Forge contained two hammers, four fires, and a stamping mill to reduce the ore and cinder mass to such a size that it could be readily melted by forge fire.The principle product of Dover Forge was bar iron, which was hauled to Philadelphia over a road through the woods known as "Mule Road", of which no trace remains today. It was laid in a straight line to Buddtown and crossed numerous swamps en route over log causeways.At some point after Nathan Austin's ownership, the sawmill was converted into a barrel factory. As of 1931, the mill was empty. In the 1930's, Harry Halloway owned the property and used it as a cranberry bog.Well, there you go. Small items for trade in this cache. Hope you enjoy this historical area! Happy Caching!!!-MUGGLE FUGGER!!!
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Fbhgu bs gerr fgnaq, ol gjva gerrf.