Califon is a borough in Hunterdon County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the borough’s population was 1,076, reflecting an increase of 21 (+2.0%) from the 1,055 counted in the 2000 Census, which had in turn declined by 18 (-1.7%) from the 1,073 counted in the 1990 Census.
The town was to originally have been called California, but the name was shortened to Califon in order to fit on the welcome sign. Alternatively, the name was related to a bright yellow cattle feed sold during the Gold Rush.
Califon was a station on the High Bridge Branch of the Central Railroad of New Jersey. The rail line was abandoned in 1976 and now serves as a Hunterdon County-administered rail trail called Columbia Trail, which runs south to High Bridge and north to points in Morris County.
Though the mills were present in the area of Califon for some time prior to its incorporation as a town, it was quite a while before growth became evident in the mid-nineteenth century. It was first called California, from Jacob Neighbor’s enthusiasm in the milling business about the time the California Gold Rush broke out. The Borough was incorporated by an act of the New Jersey Legislature from portions of both Lebanon and Tewksbury Townships on April 2, 1918.
Local legend has it that California became a regular stop for weekend excursion trains through the countryside. When riders bought their tickets they were issued a voucher good for an ice cream; the train would stop so tourists could wander around and cash in their ice cream coupons. Anxious to exploit this source of outside revenue, residents petitioned the railroad to let them build a real station, which they did as a community project. Citing the local account again, two sign painters who came to letter the sign rode the train from Dunellen, but the background paint wasn’t dry when they arrived. They sat and drank at the hotel, which later burned down. By the time the sign was ready for their artistic touch, the local tale says, “Califon” was as close to California as the inebriated painters could manage.
Califon is situated just north of the Ken Lockwood Gorge on the South Branch of the Raritan River; this pristine stretch of clear water and forest is a well-known treasure for New Jersey trout fishermen.
The Califon Historic District is a 164-acre (66 ha) historic district that was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. It included 154 contributing buildings, three contributing structures, and one contributing site, created through the efforts of the Califon Historical Society. Califon is a Victorian-style enclave where the houses are marked with the names of the builders and their dates of establishment rather than with street numbers.
The center of Califon is the historic iron bridge spanning the South Branch of the Raritan River, which divides the borough. Recently the State of New Jersey announced that the bridge would be replaced because a loaded school bus represented more weight than the aging bridge could safely carry. Incensed citizens objected, protective of the landmark, and found a colorful but simple solution; the school bus stops at one end of the bridge unloading the students, who then walk across to the other side. Then the empty bus, within imposed weight limits, drives across and the students get back on the bus to continue their ride. Thus the bridge was saved. (Account featured on Califon website).
The 1943 short story, “The Greatest Gift,” was set in a town inspired by Califon and adapted into the 1946 classic film It’s a Wonderful Life. Author Philip Van Doren Stern said in a 1946 interview, “Incidentally, the movie takes place in Westchester County. Actually, the town I had in mind was Califon, N.J.” The historic iron bridge in Califon is similar to the bridge that George Bailey considered jumping from in the movie.
Califon became a regional household name when frequently mentioned by Merv Griffin on his TV show during the 1970s. He and his wife Juliette owned a home in nearby Lebanon Township, which had a Califon mailing address, and, while they were married, they were often seen visiting the village in a fringed-top Bermuda-style resort cart. Califon Productions created all of his television ventures.
Hoffman’s Crossing was named for the Hoffmans, a family that farmed land that lies just south of Califon Bridge, along present day Route 513.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the borough had a total area of 0.972 square miles (2.518 km2), including 0.949 square miles (2.459 km2) of land and 0.023 square miles (0.059 km2) of water (2.36%).
Califon borders the Hunterdon County municipalities of Lebanon Township and Tewksbury Township.
As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 1,076 people, 394 households, and 308.9 families residing in the borough. The population density was 1,133.3 per square mile (437.6/km2). There were 419 housing units at an average density of 441.3 per square mile (170.4/km2). The racial makeup of the borough was 96.10% (1,034) White, 0.28% (3) Black or African American, 0.09% (1) Native American, 0.84% (9) Asian, 0.00% (0) Pacific Islander, 0.09% (1) from other races, and 2.60% (28) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.30% (14) of the population.
Source: Wikipedia
