Geocache is accessed from the sidewalk. It's not on the street or on the property.

Osborn Cannonball House and Downtown Scotch Plains History Walk

Waypoint 1: Stage House Tavern

The Stage House Tavern has been integral to the local community since the 17th century. Originally the Stage House Inn, the building was built in Scotch Plains in 1737 by John Sutton and served as the center of social, business, military, and political circles. The Inn was a primary meeting place for troop messengers and officers during the Revolutionary War, and it is said that General Lafayette spent time there. Legend also has it that rallies were held at the Inn when President Abraham Lincoln called in additional troops to defend the Union during the Civil War.

A succession of innkeepers helped build the Stage House Inn’s reputation as one of America's finest and most hospitable establishments. For 142 years after its opening, the Inn continued its traditional service to travelers from all corners of a growing nation. As commerce in the Colonies increased, stage lines were added, reaching between New York and Philadelphia, and the Inn became a regular port of call on the “Swift-Sure Stage Line.”

Waypoint 2: Parse House

The Parse House was built in the 1680s as one of the first settler’s homes and was in the Parse family for 120 years. It was the home of Gideon Allen, Jr. from 1810-1847. Originally at 1828 Front St., it was moved in 1967.

Waypoint 3: Osborn Cannonball House

Since its construction in the early 1700s, the small yellow clapboard house at 1840 E. Front Street in Scotch Plains has witnessed many historical events. 

• British and Continental troops marched past its front door during the Revolutionary War years.

• The Swift-Sure Stage Coach passed by the house every day on its way from New York to Philadelphia in the 18th and early 19th centuries.

• Generations of village children skipped its footpaths to old School One.

• Families named Osborn, Hetfield, Harper, Coles, Kelly, and Snook called the little cottage “home.”

• Since 1972, the old house has become our village museum.

The careful construction of the house is typical of the early period: wooden pegs rather than iron nails, plaster made of crushed oyster shells strengthened with animal hair, low ceilings and doors, and brick-filled walls.

The original owners, Jonathan and Abagail Osborn, raised thirteen children in this snug home. Jonathan was an innkeeper, farmer, and tailor. His two eldest sons, John Baldwin and Jonathan

Hand Osborn, fought in the Revolution. During the war, a colonial artilleryman fired his cannon toward the oncoming British marching up Park Avenue. The shot was misdirected and thudded into the side of the Osborn house. From then on, the townspeople referred to the house as the Cannonball House.

Today, the Historical Society of Scotch Plains and Fanwood has carefully restored and furnished the old Osborn place. 

Waypoint 4: Aaron Parse Plantation

This was the circa 1750s home of Hemina Shotwell, a Quaker preacher.

See more information:

https://historicalsocietyspfnj.org/museum/

https://historicalsocietyspfnj.org/historic-sites/