History of Union County 1882 – State of New Jersey Library
Netherwood – Within a few years a number of gentlemen made purchase of a large tract of land about a mile from the depot of Plainfield, and about the same distance from Fanwood, on the line of the railroad, the land being elevated and having an extended view of the surrounding country, the blue ridge of hills, and the valley. It is a charming elevation, and soon the interest of many who desired to make this a permanent in building a number of neat villas. Plans for a massive five-story brick building, with some two hundred and twenty-five rooms, elegantly furnished throughout, and complete in all its appointment, were adopted, and in 1878 completed at a cost of nearly one hundred and seventy-five thousand dollars, called the “Netherwood Hotel,” and designed for a luxurious summer resort for New York business men and their families. A very neat brick building near the depot is built, a Union Chapel for religious worship and Sabbath-school, store, post-office, etc. The drives surrounding Netherwood are hardly equaled, as most of the avenues are neatly graded, macadamized, trees planted by the side of foot-walks, and nearing(?) the pleasant days of summer are frequented by many of the residents in their carriages. Netherwood Hotel, near the depot at Netherwood, is built on high ground, having a fine view of the surrounding country. It is reported that John H. Dean, Esq., has lately become the owner.
The Belvidere Land and Improvement Company of Netherwood, N.J., have greatly improved this part of Plainfield by the erection of fine buildings, and offer plots of land at a reasonable price to actual settlers. The attractions of this beautiful neighborhood are great and convenient to the depot of that name. There are schools, stores, post-office, etc.
Evona is a small hamlet, has a neat railroad station and some substantial dwellings, the residences of business men of New York. There is a hat-factory here. The roads are kept in excellent condition. The village is about two miles from Plainfield station, and one mile from Dunellen. The neighborhood contains some of the best families, who make it their country home. An Episcopal chapel is about being built a short distance east of the station.
Once again, thanks so much to David B. for sharing photos! You’ll notice on the map, Evona is in the lower left corner.