In 1865, industrialist/inventor Hezekiah Bradley Smith purchased Shreveville, later renamed Smithville, an abandoned textile mill and town located along the Rancocas Creek in Burlington County, for $20,000. He moved many workers from his Lowell, Massachusetts, plant to the new location, rebuilt the factory, and prepared it for the manufacture of his patented iron woodworking machinery. Smith began to improve the aging housing in the surrounding village. He opened a school and, later, constructed a new school building. Smith erected a boardinghouse for factory workers that contained shops and a concert hall. Through farming on land adjacent to his mansion, he made fresh produce and milk available to his workers. Smith's company also expanded into new industries by working with outside inventors, like George Washington Pressey, who needed a manufacturer for his American Star Bicycle. Later, Arthur Hotchkiss contacted the company to build the world's first bicycle railroad to transport workers from Mount Holly to the Smithville factory. This book captures life in the village and factory, memorializing the intertwining lives of the Smithville workers and H.B. Smith through photographs.

“Nothing special” is the best way to describe Owen Reeder—at least that's what he's been told all his life. When a stranger visits his father's bookstore, Owen's ordinary life spirals out of control and right into a world he didn't even know existed. Owen believes the only gift he possesses is his ability to devour books, but he is about to be forced into a battle that will affect two worlds: his and the unknown world of the Lowlands. Perfect for readers ages 10 to 14 who enjoy a fast-paced story packed with action, fantasy, and humor.

Thousands of visitors each year flock to the Historic Smithville Inn and Village to enjoy restaurants, shops and festivals. The story behind Smithville--the remarkable efforts of its founders, Fred and Ethel Noyes--is as colorful as the village itself. Fred was a World War II veteran and artist with a rambunctious personality. Ethel was an unstoppable visionary and self-made businesswoman. Together, they restored the Smithville Inn and, over the years, added the historic village. Ethel ran the enterprise with a notoriously tight grip, while the garrulous Fred painted, collected decoys and was the mainstay. They went on to build the Ram's Head Inn and the Noyes Museum of Art. Fred and Ethel left a lasting legacy for the people of New Jersey. Author Judy Courter tells the story of this fascinating couple through the memories of family, friends and employees.