Bethlehem Township, New Jersey

Coordinates: 40°39′54″N 75°00′43″W / 40.665036°N 75.011935°W / 40.665036; -75.011935
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Bethlehem Township, New Jersey
Official seal of Bethlehem Township, New Jersey
Location of Bethlehem Township in Hunterdon County highlighted in yellow (right). Inset map: Location of Hunterdon County in New Jersey highlighted in black (left).
Location of Bethlehem Township in Hunterdon County highlighted in yellow (right). Inset map: Location of Hunterdon County in New Jersey highlighted in black (left).
Census Bureau map of Bethlehem Township, New Jersey
Census Bureau map of Bethlehem Township, New Jersey
Bethlehem Township is located in Hunterdon County, New Jersey
Bethlehem Township
Bethlehem Township
Location in Hunterdon County
Bethlehem Township is located in New Jersey
Bethlehem Township
Bethlehem Township
Location in New Jersey
Bethlehem Township is located in the United States
Bethlehem Township
Bethlehem Township
Location in the United States
Coordinates: 40°39′54″N 75°00′43″W / 40.665036°N 75.011935°W / 40.665036; -75.011935[1][2]
Country United States
State New Jersey
County Hunterdon
Earliest mention1730
IncorporatedFebruary 21, 1798
Named forBethlehem
Government
 • TypeTownship
 • BodyTownship Committee
 • MayorPaul Muir (R, term ends December 31, 2023)[3][4]
 • AdministratorJennifer Mooney[5]
 • Municipal clerkChristine Dispenza[6]
Area
 • Total20.80 sq mi (53.87 km2)
 • Land20.68 sq mi (53.57 km2)
 • Water0.12 sq mi (0.30 km2)  0.56%
 • Rank135th of 565 in state
13th of 26 in county[1]
Elevation814 ft (248 m)
Population
 • Total3,745
 • Estimate 
(2022)[10]
3,759
 • Rank422nd of 565 in state
14th of 26 in county[11]
 • Density181.1/sq mi (69.9/km2)
  • Rank512th of 565 in state
20th of 26 in county[11]
Time zoneUTC−05:00 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC−04:00 (Eastern (EDT))
ZIP Code
08802 – Asbury[12]
08809 – Bloomsbury[13]
08804 – Clinton[14]
08827 – Glen Gardner[15]
08826 – Hampton[16]
Area code908[17]
FIPS code3401905650[1][18][19]
GNIS feature ID0882189[1][20]
Websitebethlehemnj.org

Bethlehem Township is a township in Hunterdon County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. It is part of the New York metropolitan area.[21] As of the 2020 United States census, the township's population was 3,745,[9] a decrease of 234 (−5.9%) from the 2010 census count of 3,979,[22][23] which in turn reflected an increase of 159 (+4.2%) from the 3,820 counted in the 2000 census.[24]

History[edit]

Before European settlement, the land was settled by the Lenape Native Americans, whose presence remains in the names of places and bodies of water in the township.[25]

Bethlehem was first mentioned in official records dating back to 1730, though details of its formation are uncertain.[26] Bethlehem was incorporated as one of New Jersey's initial 104 townships by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on February 21, 1798.[26] Portions of the township were taken to form Kingwood Township (1749, date uncertain), Alexandria Township (March 5, 1765), Union Township (February 17, 1853), Junction borough (February 20, 1895, now known as Hampton borough), Bloomsbury (March 30, 1905) and Glen Gardner (March 26, 1919).[26]

The township was named for the city of Bethlehem.[27]

Geography[edit]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the township had a total area of 20.80 square miles (53.87 km2), including 20.68 square miles (53.57 km2) of land and 0.12 square miles (0.30 km2) of water (0.56%).[1][2] The township is an exurb of New York City, lying on the western fringe of the New York metropolitan area, as part of the Newark-Union, NJ-PA Metropolitan Division, which is in turn a part of the New York City Metropolitan Area.[21]

The Musconetcong River forms the township's northern border with Warren County. The northern half of the Township consists of the Musconetcong Valley while the southern half is covered by the Musconetcong Mountains.[28] The southwest corner of the township lies on what is known as the Hunterdon Plateau. The landscape is mainly rural in nature, featuring farms and forests, scattered with newer housing developments and older farm homes.

Unincorporated communities, localities and place names located partially or completely within the township include Charlestown, Jugtown, Ludlow, Polktown, Swinesburg, Valley and West Portal.[29]

The township borders the municipalities of Alexandria Township, Bloomsbury, Glen Gardner, Hampton, Holland Township, Lebanon Township, Union Township in Hunterdon County; and Franklin Township, Pohatcong Township and Washington Township in Warren County.[30][31][32]

Mailing addresses[edit]

Residents and businesses in Bethlehem Township have mailing addresses to nearby towns including Bloomsbury, Clinton, Glen Gardner, Hampton, and even Asbury (which is located in neighboring Warren County), as "Bethlehem Township" itself is not a mailing address.[33]

Climate[edit]

Climate data for Bethlehem Township, NJ
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 71.0
(21.7)
76.0
(24.4)
85.0
(29.4)
93.0
(33.9)
96.0
(35.6)
98.0
(36.7)
100.0
(37.8)
100.0
(37.8)
102.0
(38.9)
91.0
(32.8)
82.0
(27.8)
73.0
(22.8)
102.0
(38.9)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 35.8
(2.1)
39.1
(3.9)
48.5
(9.2)
59.4
(15.2)
70.6
(21.4)
78.6
(25.9)
83.5
(28.6)
82.0
(27.8)
74.8
(23.8)
64.1
(17.8)
51.9
(11.1)
40.5
(4.7)
60.7
(15.9)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 17.5
(−8.1)
19.0
(−7.2)
27.2
(−2.7)
36.4
(2.4)
46.5
(8.1)
55.4
(13.0)
60.9
(16.1)
59.5
(15.3)
51.7
(10.9)
39.7
(4.3)
31.5
(−0.3)
23.3
(−4.8)
39.1
(3.9)
Record low °F (°C) −23.0
(−30.6)
−24.0
(−31.1)
−6.0
(−21.1)
9.0
(−12.8)
25.0
(−3.9)
33.0
(0.6)
38.0
(3.3)
35.0
(1.7)
25.0
(−3.9)
18.0
(−7.8)
2.0
(−16.7)
−14.0
(−25.6)
−24.0
(−31.1)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 4.30
(109)
3.35
(85)
4.18
(106)
4.54
(115)
4.93
(125)
4.78
(121)
5.03
(128)
4.78
(121)
4.31
(109)
5.09
(129)
4.05
(103)
4.32
(110)
53.66
(1,363)
Source: [34]

Bethlehem Township falls under the "Northern New Jersey" climate zone. According to the Office of the New Jersey State Climatologist at Rutgers University, the Northern climate zone covers about one-quarter of New Jersey and consists mainly of elevated highlands and valleys which are part of the Appalachian Uplands. Surrounded by land, this region can be characterized as having a continental climate with minimal influence from the Atlantic Ocean, except when the winds contain an easterly component. Prevailing winds are from the southwest in summer and from the northwest in winter. Being in the northernmost portion of the state, and with small mountains up to 1,800 feet (550 m) in elevation, the Northern Zone normally exhibits a colder temperature regime than other climate regions of the State of New Jersey. This difference is most dramatic in winter when average temperatures in the Northern Zone can be more than ten degrees Fahrenheit cooler than in the Coastal Zone. Annual snowfall averages 40 to 50 inches (1,000 to 1,300 mm) in the northern zone as compared with an average of 10 to 15 inches (250 to 380 mm) in the extreme south.[35]

Bethlehem Township falls under the USDA 6a Plant Hardiness zone.[36]

Wildlife and ecosystem[edit]

Various animals are native to central-western New Jersey, including red fox (vulpes vulpes),[37] black bear, groundhogs, wild turkeys, deer, squirrels, chipmunks, a variety of birds, and a wide variety of insects and vegetation.[citation needed] There are also some fish in the streams of the county.

Trees include deciduous varieties and evergreen varieties.

Black bears are the largest land mammals in New Jersey and are known to be most abundant in the northern-western regions of the state, including Bethlehem Township.

Demographics[edit]

Historical population
CensusPop.Note
17901,335
18101,728
18202,00215.9%
18302,0321.5%
18402,37016.6%
18502,74615.9%
18601,859*−32.3%
18702,21118.9%
18802,83028.0%
18902,308−18.4%
19001,634*−29.2%
1910980*−40.0%
1920798*−18.6%
1930735−7.9%
19407917.6%
19508578.3%
19601,09027.2%
19701,38527.1%
19803,045119.9%
19903,1041.9%
20003,82023.1%
20103,9794.2%
20203,745−5.9%
2022 (est.)3,759[10]0.4%
Population sources:
1800–1920[38] 1840[39] 1850–1870[40]
1850[41] 1870[42] 1880–1890[43]
1890–1910[44] 1910–1930[45]
1940–2000[46] 2000[47][48]
2010[22][23] 2020[9]
* = Lost territory in previous decade[26]

2010 census[edit]

The 2010 United States census counted 3,979 people, 1,344 households, and 1,148 families in the township. The population density was 192.1 per square mile (74.2/km2). There were 1,386 housing units at an average density of 66.9 per square mile (25.8/km2). The racial makeup was 95.65% (3,806) White, 0.98% (39) Black or African American, 0.10% (4) Native American, 1.88% (75) Asian, 0.00% (0) Pacific Islander, 0.50% (20) from other races, and 0.88% (35) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.02% (160) of the population.[22]

Of the 1,344 households, 41.1% had children under the age of 18; 77.0% were married couples living together; 4.8% had a female householder with no husband present and 14.6% were non-families. Of all households, 11.9% were made up of individuals and 5.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.96 and the average family size was 3.22.[22]

27.6% of the population were under the age of 18, 6.2% from 18 to 24, 18.1% from 25 to 44, 38.4% from 45 to 64, and 9.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44.2 years. For every 100 females, the population had 100.8 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 100.6 males.[22]

The Census Bureau's 2006–2010 American Community Survey showed that (in 2010 inflation-adjusted dollars) median household income was $127,540 (with a margin of error of +/− $12,090) and the median family income was $130,580 (+/− $16,200). Males had a median income of $95,694 (+/− $16,468) versus $70,069 (+/− $27,112) for females. The per capita income for the borough was $44,477 (+/− $4,087). About 0.6% of families and 1.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.1% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.[49]

2000 census[edit]

As of the 2000 United States census[18] there were 3,820 people, 1,266 households, and 1,092 families residing in the township. The population density was 183.3 inhabitants per square mile (70.8/km2). There were 1,303 housing units at an average density of 62.5 per square mile (24.1/km2). The racial makeup of the township was 97.51% White, 0.86% African American, 0.10% Native American, 1.02% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 0.03% from other races, and 0.42% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.62% of the population.[47][48]

There were 1,266 households, out of which 43.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 80.3% were married couples living together, 3.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 13.7% were non-families. 10.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 3.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.02 and the average family size was 3.26.[47][48]

In the township the population was spread out, with 29.5% under the age of 18, 5.0% from 18 to 24, 29.6% from 25 to 44, 29.4% from 45 to 64, and 6.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 101.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.9 males.[47][48]

The median income for a household in the township was $88,048, and the median income for a family was $92,768. Males had a median income of $69,063 versus $41,806 for females. The per capita income for the township was $35,298. None of the families and 1.0% of the population were living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and 10.0% of those over 64.[47][48]

Most common first ancestries reported in Bethlehem Township were German (25.2%), Italian (14.7%), Irish (14.4%), Polish (9.2%), English (7.6%), United States or American (6.1%), French (except Basque) (3.3%).[50]

The most common places of birth for the foreign-born residents were India (22%), Germany (18%), United Kingdom (12%), Austria (9%), Russia (7%), Poland (5%), Netherlands (4%).[50]

Parks and recreation[edit]

Covering more than 2,000 acres (810 ha), Spruce Run State Park and Reservoir, part of the New Jersey State Park system, is located near Bethlehem Township in close by Clinton Township. It is possible to walk or bike to Spruce Run from Bethlehem Township.[51]

Government[edit]

Local government[edit]

Bethlehem Township is governed under the Township form of New Jersey municipal government, one of 141 municipalities (of the 564) statewide that use this form, the second-most commonly used form of government in the state.[52] The Township Committee is comprised of five members, who are elected directly by the voters at-large in partisan elections to serve three-year terms of office on a staggered basis, with either one or two seats coming up for election each year as part of the November general election in a three-year cycle.[7][53] At an annual reorganization meeting, the Township Committee selects one of its members to serve as Mayor and another as Deputy Mayor.

As of 2023, members of the Bethlehem Township Committee are Mayor Paul J. Muir (R, term on committee and as mayor ends December 31, 2023), Deputy Mayor Judy Nelson (R, term on committee and as deputy mayor ends 2023), Steve Keefe (R, 2024), Robert G. Kenny (R, 2025) and Paul Lenzi Jr. (R, 2024).[3][54][28][55][56][57][58]

At a special meeting in July 2015, The Township Committee selected Jose Medeiros to fill the seat expiring in December 2017 that was vacated earlier that month following the resignation of John Graefe, who was moving out of the township.[59]

Bethlehem Township's municipal buildings are located on Mine Road.[28]

Federal, state and county representation[edit]

Bethlehem Township is located in the 7th Congressional District[60] and is part of New Jersey's 23rd state legislative district.[61][62][63]

For the 118th United States Congress, New Jersey's 7th congressional district is represented by Thomas Kean Jr. (R, Westfield).[64] New Jersey is represented in the United States Senate by Democrats Cory Booker (Newark, term ends 2027)[65] and Bob Menendez (Englewood Cliffs, term ends 2025).[66][67]

For the 2024-2025 session, the 23rd legislative district of the New Jersey Legislature is represented in the State Senate by Doug Steinhardt (R, Lopatcong Township) and in the General Assembly by John DiMaio (R, Hackettstown) and Erik Peterson (R, Franklin Township).[68]

Hunterdon County is governed by a Board of Chosen Commissioners comprised of five members who are elected at-large on a partisan basis to serve three-year terms of office on a staggered basis, with either one or two seats up for election each year as part of the November general election. At an annual reorganization meeting held each January, the commissioners select one member to serve as the board's Director and another to serve as Deputy Director, each for a one-year term.[69][70] As of 2024, Hunterdon County's Commissioners are:

Zachary T. Rich (R; West Amwell Township, 2025),[71] Director Jeff Kuhl (R; Raritan Township, 2024)[72] John E. Lanza (R; Raritan Township, 2025),[73] Deputy Director Susan Soloway (R; Franklin Township, 2024)[74] and Shaun C. Van Doren (R; Tewksbury Township, 2026).[75][76]

Constitutional officers elected on a countywide basis are: Clerk Mary H. Melfi (R; Flemington, 2026),[77][78] Sheriff Fredrick W. Brown (R; Alexandria Township, 2025)[79][80] and Surrogate Heidi Rohrbach (R; Lebanon Township, 2028).[81][82]

Politics[edit]

As of March 2011, there were a total of 2,814 registered voters in Bethlehem Township, of which 514 (18.3%) were registered as Democrats, 1,113 (39.6%) were registered as Republicans and 1,186 (42.1%) were registered as Unaffiliated. There was one voter registered to another party.[83]

In the 2012 presidential election, Republican Mitt Romney received 61.2% of the vote (1,323 cast), ahead of Democrat Barack Obama with 37.0% (800 votes), and other candidates with 1.8% (38 votes), among the 2,172 ballots cast by the township's 2,954 registered voters (11 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 73.5%.[84][85] In the 2008 presidential election, Republican John McCain received 58.9% of the vote here (1,380 cast), ahead of Democrat Barack Obama with 38.2% (896 votes) and other candidates with 2.2% (51 votes), among the 2,343 ballots cast by the township's 2,927 registered voters, for a turnout of 80.0%.[86] In the 2004 presidential election, Republican George W. Bush received 61.6% of the vote here (1,380 ballots cast), outpolling Democrat John Kerry with 37.1% (830 votes) and other candidates with 1.3% (36 votes), among the 2,239 ballots cast by the township's 2,692 registered voters, for a turnout percentage of 83.2.[87]

In the 2013 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 73.8% of the vote (985 cast), ahead of Democrat Barbara Buono with 23.1% (309 votes), and other candidates with 3.1% (41 votes), among the 1,349 ballots cast by the township's 2,934 registered voters (14 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 46.0%.[88][89] In the 2009 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 66.4% of the vote here (1,130 ballots cast), ahead of Democrat Jon Corzine with 21.9% (373 votes), Independent Chris Daggett with 8.9% (151 votes) and other candidates with 1.2% (20 votes), among the 1,703 ballots cast by the township's 2,855 registered voters, yielding a 59.6% turnout.[90]

Education[edit]

Thomas B. Conley Elementary School

Students in public school for pre-kindergarten through eighth grade attend the schools of the Bethlehem Township School District.[91] As of the 2021–22 school year, the district, comprised of two schools, had an enrollment of 368 students and 38.3 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 9.6:1.[92] Schools in the district (with 2021–22 enrollment data from the National Center for Education Statistics[93]) are Thomas B. Conley Elementary School[94] with 283 students in grades PreK-6 and Ethel Hoppock Middle School[95] with 81 students in grades 7-8.[96][97][98]

Public school students in ninth through twelfth grades attend North Hunterdon High School in Annandale, which also serves students from Clinton Town, Clinton Township, Franklin Township, Lebanon Borough and Union Township.[99] As of the 2021–22 school year, the high school had an enrollment of 1,358 students and 119.0 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 11.4:1.[100] The school is part of the North Hunterdon-Voorhees Regional High School District, which also includes students from Califon, Glen Gardner, Hampton, High Bridge, Lebanon Township and Tewksbury Township, who attend Voorhees High School.[101][102][103]

Eighth grade students from all of Hunterdon County are eligible to apply to attend the high school programs offered by the Hunterdon County Vocational School District, a county-wide vocational school district that offers career and technical education at its campuses in Raritan Township and at programs sited at local high schools, with no tuition charged to students for attendance.[104]

Transportation[edit]

View west along Interstate 78 / U.S. Route 22 in Bethlehem Township

Roads and highways[edit]

As of May 2010, the township had a total of 57.76 miles (92.96 km) of roadways, of which 42.26 miles (68.01 km) were maintained by the municipality, 7.86 miles (12.65 km) by Hunterdon County and 7.64 miles (12.30 km) by the New Jersey Department of Transportation.[105]

Bethlehem Township is well-connected to major metropolitan areas and cities (such as the Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania and New York City) via Interstate 78 / U.S. Route 22[106] and Route 173.[107] While I-78/US 22 pass through without any interchanges, the nearest exit is just outside the township in bordering Bloomsbury (Exit 7) and Union Township (Exit 11).[108]

Anderson Road, located within Bethlehem Township, begins in neighboring Union Township and ends in Bethlehem Township as a dead-end, or cul-de-sac. Consequently, Anderson Road cannot be accessed internally through Bethlehem Township; it can only be accessed through Union Township.

Public transportation[edit]

Public transportation is limited to The LINK, a public bus service which serves Hunterdon County. Fares range from about $2.00 to $10.00. Funding for operation of the Hunterdon County LINK System is provided by Hunterdon County, NJ Transit and the Federal Transit Administration.[109]

Rail / Lehigh Line[edit]

The Norfolk Southern Railway's Lehigh Line (formerly the mainline of the Lehigh Valley Railroad), runs through Bethlehem Township on its way to Phillipsburg, New Jersey.[110]

Notable people[edit]

People who were born in, residents of, or otherwise closely associated with Bethlehem Township include:[111]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f 2019 Census Gazetteer Files: New Jersey Places, United States Census Bureau. Accessed July 1, 2020.
  2. ^ a b US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990, United States Census Bureau. Accessed September 4, 2014.
  3. ^ a b Township Committee, Township of Bethlehem. Accessed May 3, 2023.
  4. ^ 2023 New Jersey Mayors Directory, New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, updated February 8, 2023. Accessed February 10, 2023.
  5. ^ Township Administrator, Township of Bethlehem. Accessed May 3, 2023.
  6. ^ Municipal Clerk / Registrar, Township of Bethlehem. Accessed May 3, 2023.
  7. ^ a b 2012 New Jersey Legislative District Data Book, Rutgers University Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, March 2013, p. 103.
  8. ^ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Township of Bethlehem, Geographic Names Information System. Accessed March 4, 2013.
  9. ^ a b c Total Population: Census 2010 - Census 2020 New Jersey Municipalities, New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Accessed December 1, 2022.
  10. ^ a b Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Minor Civil Divisions in New Jersey: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2022, United States Census Bureau, released May 2023. Accessed May 18, 2023.
  11. ^ a b Population Density by County and Municipality: New Jersey, 2020 and 2021, New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Accessed March 1, 2023.
  12. ^ Look Up a ZIP Code for Asbury, NJ, United States Postal Service. Accessed November 13, 2012.
  13. ^ [1], United States Postal Service Accessed December 13, 2018.
  14. ^ Look Up a ZIP Code for Clinton, NJ, United States Postal Service. Accessed November 13, 2012.
  15. ^ [2], United States Postal Service Accessed December 13, 2018.
  16. ^ Look Up a ZIP Code for Hampton, NJ, United States Postal Service. Accessed November 13, 2012.
  17. ^ Area Code Lookup - NPA NXX for Asbury, NJ, Area-Codes.com. Accessed January 1, 2015.
  18. ^ a b U.S. Census website, United States Census Bureau. Accessed September 4, 2014.
  19. ^ Geographic Codes Lookup for New Jersey, Missouri Census Data Center. Accessed April 1, 2022.
  20. ^ US Board on Geographic Names, United States Geological Survey. Accessed September 4, 2014.
  21. ^ a b New Jersey: 2020 Core Based Statistical Areas and Counties, United States Census Bureau. Accessed December 1, 2022.
  22. ^ a b c d e DP-1 - Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 for Bethlehem township, Hunterdon County, New Jersey, United States Census Bureau. Accessed November 13, 2012.
  23. ^ a b Profile of General Demographic Characteristics: 2010 for Bethlehem township Archived 2018-03-16 at the Wayback Machine, New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Accessed November 13, 2012.
  24. ^ Table 7. Population for the Counties and Municipalities in New Jersey: 1990, 2000 and 2010, New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, February 2011. Accessed May 1, 2023.
  25. ^ Kreis, Anthony M. "Early History of Bethlehem Township", Township of Bethlehem. Accessed March 2, 2023. "The first residents of Bethlehem Township were Native Americans of the Lenni Lenape tribe. The colonists would later rename these people the Delaware. The Lenape have left their mark on present-day Bethlehem Township, most notably, perhaps, in the names of local landmarks. Two local bodies of water bear names which originate with the Natives, the Musconetcong River and the Mulhockaway Creek. The Musconetcongs were a group of Lenni Lenapes of the Minsi tribe that lived in the Sourland and Cushetunk mountains and the plateau region north of Flemington."
  26. ^ a b c d Snyder, John P. The Story of New Jersey's Civil Boundaries: 1606-1968, Bureau of Geology and Topography; Trenton, New Jersey; 1969. p. 153. Accessed October 25, 2012.
  27. ^ Hutchinson, Viola L. The Origin of New Jersey Place Names, New Jersey Public Library Commission, May 1945. Accessed August 27, 2015.
  28. ^ a b c Township of Bethlehem, Hunterdon County, New Jersey. Accessed May 3, 2023.
  29. ^ Locality Search, State of New Jersey. Accessed January 1, 2015.
  30. ^ Areas touching Bethlehem Township, MapIt. Accessed November 15, 2019.
  31. ^ Map of County Municipalities, Hunterdon County, New Jersey. Accessed July 30, 2023.
  32. ^ New Jersey Municipal Boundaries, New Jersey Department of Transportation. Accessed November 15, 2019.
  33. ^ Get to Know Bethlehem Township, Bethlehem Township. Accessed November 15, 2019.
  34. ^ BELVIDERE BRIDGE Weather station (2009). "Bloomsbury, NJ Weather". Bloomsbury, NJ Weather Data. Open Publishing. Retrieved December 1, 2009. |date=August 2010
  35. ^ ONJSC, Rutgers University. Accessed December 1, 2009.
  36. ^ USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, United States Department of Agriculture / Agricultural Research Center, PRISM Climate Group Oregon State University. Accessed January 10, 2015.
  37. ^ Foxes in New Jersey, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Division of Fish & Wildlife. Accessed November 14, 2012.
  38. ^ Compendium of censuses 1726-1905: together with the tabulated returns of 1905, New Jersey Department of State, 1906. Accessed August 21, 2013.
  39. ^ Bowen, Francis. American Almanac and Repository of Useful Knowledge for the Year 1843, p. 231, David H. Williams, 1842. Accessed August 21, 2013. Source shows population of 2,371, which is one more than shown in other sources.
  40. ^ Raum, John O. The History of New Jersey: From Its Earliest Settlement to the Present Time, Volume 1, p. 266, J. E. Potter and company, 1877. Accessed August 21, 2013. "Bethlehem township was incorporated in 1798 and contains the towns of Bethlehem, Charlestown, Bloomsbury and Junction. The New Jersey Central Railroad runs through the entire length of the township. The population in 1850 was 2,746; in 1860, 1,859; and in 1870, 2,211."
  41. ^ Debow, James Dunwoody Brownson. The Seventh Census of the United States: 1850, p. 139. R. Armstrong, 1853. Accessed August 21, 2013.
  42. ^ Staff. A compendium of the ninth census, 1870, p. 260. United States Census Bureau, 1872. Accessed August 21, 2013.
  43. ^ Porter, Robert Percival. Preliminary Results as Contained in the Eleventh Census Bulletins: Volume III - 51 to 75, p. 98. United States Census Bureau, 1890. Accessed November 13, 2012.
  44. ^ Thirteenth Census of the United States, 1910: Population by Counties and Minor Civil Divisions, 1910, 1900, 1890, United States Census Bureau, p. 337. Accessed November 13, 2012.
  45. ^ Fifteenth Census of the United States : 1930 - Population Volume I, United States Census Bureau, p. 716. Accessed November 13, 2012.
  46. ^ Table 6: New Jersey Resident Population by Municipality: 1940 - 2000, Workforce New Jersey Public Information Network, August 2001. Accessed May 1, 2023.
  47. ^ a b c d e Census 2000 Profiles of Demographic / Social / Economic / Housing Characteristics for Bethlehem township, Hunterdon County, New Jersey Archived 2005-04-10 at the Wayback Machine, United States Census Bureau. Accessed November 13, 2012.
  48. ^ a b c d e DP-1: Profile of General Demographic Characteristics: 2000 - Census 2000 Summary File 1 (SF 1) 100-Percent Data for Bethlehem township, Hunterdon County, New Jersey, United States Census Bureau. Accessed November 13, 2012.
  49. ^ DP03: Selected Economic Characteristics from the 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates for Bethlehem township, Hunterdon County, New Jersey, United States Census Bureau. Accessed June 21, 2012.
  50. ^ a b Bethlehem township, Hunterdon County, New Jersey, City-Data. Accessed November 14, 2012.
  51. ^ Spruce Run Recreation Area, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Division of Paks and Forestry. Accessed November 15, 2019.
  52. ^ Inventory of Municipal Forms of Government in New Jersey, Rutgers University Center for Government Studies, July 1, 2011. Accessed June 1, 2023.
  53. ^ "Forms of Municipal Government in New Jersey", p. 7. Rutgers University Center for Government Studies. Accessed June 1, 2023.
  54. ^ 2023 Municipal Data Sheet, Township of Bethlehem. Accessed May 3, 2023.
  55. ^ 2022 County and Municipal Directory, Hunterdon County, New Jersey. Accessed May 1, 2023.
  56. ^ Hunterdon County District Canvass November 8, 2022, General Election, Hunterdon County, New Jersey, updated November 21, 2022. Accessed January 1, 2023.
  57. ^ November 2, 2021 District Report Hunterdon County Official Results, Hunterdon County, New Jersey, updated November 12, 2021. Accessed January 1, 2022.
  58. ^ November 3, 2020 District Report Hunterdon County Official Results, Hunterdon County, New Jersey, updated November 20, 2020. Accessed January 1, 2021.
  59. ^ Special Township Meeting Minutes July 28, 2015, Bethlehem Township. Accessed November 15, 2019.
  60. ^ Plan Components Report, New Jersey Redistricting Commission, December 23, 2011. Accessed February 1, 2020.
  61. ^ Municipalities Sorted by 2011-2020 Legislative District, New Jersey Department of State. Accessed February 1, 2020.
  62. ^ 2019 New Jersey Citizen's Guide to Government, New Jersey League of Women Voters. Accessed October 30, 2019.
  63. ^ Districts by Number for 2011-2020, New Jersey Legislature. Accessed January 6, 2013.
  64. ^ "Congressman Malinowski Fights For The Corporate Transparency Act", Tom Malinowski, press release dated October 23, 2019. Accessed January 19, 2022. "My name, Tom Malinowski. My address, 86 Washington Street, Rocky Hill, NJ 08553."
  65. ^ U.S. Sen. Cory Booker cruises past Republican challenger Rik Mehta in New Jersey, PhillyVoice. Accessed April 30, 2021. "He now owns a home and lives in Newark's Central Ward community."
  66. ^ Biography of Bob Menendez, United States Senate, January 26, 2015. "Menendez, who started his political career in Union City, moved in September from Paramus to one of Harrison's new apartment buildings near the town's PATH station.."
  67. ^ Home, sweet home: Bob Menendez back in Hudson County. nj.com. Accessed April 30, 2021. "Booker, Cory A. - (D - NJ) Class II; Menendez, Robert - (D - NJ) Class I"
  68. ^ Legislative Roster for District 23, New Jersey Legislature. Accessed January 18, 2024.
  69. ^ Board of County Commissioners, Hunterdon County, New Jersey. Accessed March 1, 2023. "As top governing officials of Hunterdon County, the five Commissioners are chosen by popular vote in the November general elections. The term of office is for two or three years and the current compensation is $16,000 a year, with an extra $1,000 for the Director. One or two of the five members is elected each year."
  70. ^ Elected and Appointed Officials, Hunterdon County, New Jersey. Accessed March 1, 2023.
  71. ^ Zachary T. Rich, Hunterdon County, New Jersey. Accessed March 1, 2023.
  72. ^ Jeff Kuhl, Hunterdon County, New Jersey. Accessed March 1, 2023.
  73. ^ John E. Lanza, Hunterdon County, New Jersey. Accessed March 1, 2023.
  74. ^ Susan Soloway, Hunterdon County, New Jersey. Accessed March 1, 2023.
  75. ^ Shaun C. Van Doren, Hunterdon County, New Jersey. Accessed March 1, 2025.
  76. ^ 2022 County Data Sheet, Hunterdon County, New Jersey. Accessed March 1, 2023.
  77. ^ Clerk Mary H. Melfi, Hunterdon County, New Jersey. Accessed March 1, 2023.
  78. ^ Clerks, Constitutional Officers Association of New Jersey. Accessed March 1, 2023.
  79. ^ Meet the Sheriff, Hunterdon County, New Jersey. Accessed March 1, 2023.
  80. ^ Sheriffs, Constitutional Officers Association of New Jersey. Accessed March 1, 2023.
  81. ^ Surrogate Susan J. Hoffman, Hunterdon County, New Jersey. Accessed March 1, 2023.
  82. ^ Surrogates, Constitutional Officers Association of New Jersey. Accessed March 1, 2023.
  83. ^ Voter Registration Summary - Hunterdon, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, March 23, 2011. Accessed November 14, 2012.
  84. ^ "Presidential General Election Results - November 6, 2012 - Hunterdon County" (PDF). New Jersey Department of Elections. March 15, 2013. Retrieved December 24, 2014.
  85. ^ "Number of Registered Voters and Ballots Cast - November 6, 2012 - General Election Results - Hunterdon County" (PDF). New Jersey Department of Elections. March 15, 2013. Retrieved December 24, 2014.
  86. ^ 2008 Presidential General Election Results: Hunterdon County, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, December 23, 2008. Accessed November 14, 2012.
  87. ^ 2004 Presidential Election: Hunterdon County, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, December 13, 2004. Accessed November 14, 2012.
  88. ^ "Governor - Hunterdon County" (PDF). New Jersey Department of Elections. January 29, 2014. Retrieved December 24, 2014.
  89. ^ "Number of Registered Voters and Ballots Cast - November 5, 2013 - General Election Results - Hunterdon County" (PDF). New Jersey Department of Elections. January 29, 2014. Retrieved December 24, 2014.
  90. ^ 2009 Governor: Hunterdon County Archived 2012-10-17 at the Wayback Machine, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, December 31, 2009. Accessed November 14, 2012.
  91. ^ Bethlehem Township Board of Education District Policy 0110 - Identification, Bethlehem Township School District. Accessed August 1, 2023. "Purpose: The Board of Education exists for the purpose of providing a thorough and efficient system of free public education in grades Pre-Kindergarten through eighth in the Bethlehem Township School District. Composition The Bethlehem Township School District is comprised of all the area within the municipal boundaries of Bethlehem Township."
  92. ^ District information for Bethlehem Township School District, National Center for Education Statistics. Accessed December 1, 2022.
  93. ^ School Data for the Bethlehem Township School District, National Center for Education Statistics. Accessed December 1, 2022.
  94. ^ Thomas B. Conley Elementary School, Bethlehem Township School District. Accessed February 6, 2020.
  95. ^ Ethel Hoppock Middle School, Bethlehem Township School District. Accessed February 6, 2020.
  96. ^ 2022-2023 Public School Directory, Hunterdon County Department of Education. Accessed July 31, 2023.
  97. ^ School Performance Reports for the Bethlehem Township School District, New Jersey Department of Education. Accessed August 1, 2023.
  98. ^ New Jersey School Directory for the Bethlehem Township School District, New Jersey Department of Education. Accessed December 29, 2016.
  99. ^ Information Regarding Choice of District School, North Hunterdon-Voorhees Regional High School District. Accessed November 13, 2013. "In the past, parents and students of the North Hunterdon High School sending districts were able to select either North Hunterdon High School or Voorhees High School as their school of choice.... As our student population continued to grow and our two high schools reached, and exceeded, 90% capacity, the option of choosing Voorhees was eliminated in the 2005-2006 school year for the North Hunterdon sending districts (Bethlehem Township, Clinton Township, Franklin Township, Lebanon Borough and Union Township – Clinton Town students still have choice as they are classmates at Clinton Public School with Glen Gardner students, who attend Voorhees)."
  100. ^ School data for North Hunterdon High School, National Center for Education Statistics. Accessed December 1, 2022.
  101. ^ Voorhees High School 2015 Report Card Narrative, New Jersey Department of Education. Accessed June 3, 2016. "Voorhees High School has consistently ranked among the top high schools in New Jersey and was named a National Blue Ribbon School in 2015. With an enrollment of 1,095 students in grades 9-12, the school serves the communities of Califon, Glen Gardner, Hampton, High Bridge, Lebanon Township, and Tewksbury Township."
  102. ^ Public School Directory 2015-2016 Archived July 5, 2016, at the Wayback Machine, p. 55. Hunterdon County Department of Education. Accessed June 3, 2016.
  103. ^ About the North Hunterdon-Voorhees Regional High School District, North Hunterdon-Voorhees Regional High School District, updated November 16, 2015. Accessed June 3, 2016. "North Hunterdon High School educates students from: Bethlehem Township, Clinton Town, Clinton Township, Franklin Township, Lebanon Borough, Union Township; Voorhees High School educates students from: Califon, Glen Gardner, Hampton, High Bridge, Lebanon Township, Tewksbury Township"
  104. ^ Heyboer, Kelly. "How to get your kid a seat in one of N.J.'s hardest-to-get-into high schools", NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, May 2017. Accessed November 18, 2019. "Hunterdon County's vo-tech district has three academies for high-achieving students, all operating in partnerships with local high schools.... The academies are open to all students in the county. Students in the 8th grade are required to submit an application, schedule an interview and take a placement exam."
  105. ^ Hunterdon County Mileage by Municipality and Jurisdiction, New Jersey Department of Transportation, May 2010. Accessed November 13, 2013.
  106. ^ Interstate 78 Straight Line Diagram, New Jersey Department of Transportation, updated March 2016. Accessed March 2, 2023.
  107. ^ Route 173 Straight Line Diagram, New Jersey Department of Transportation, updated May 2018. Accessed March 2, 2023.
  108. ^ Hunterdon County Highway Map, New Jersey Department of Transportation. Accessed March 2, 2023.
  109. ^ LINK Hunterdon County Transportation, Hunterdon County Transportation. Accessed November 15, 2019.
  110. ^ Hunterdon County Short Line Rail Study Archived January 20, 2022, at the Wayback Machine, p. 9. Hunterdon County, New Jersey Planning Board, September 1998. Accessed November 15, 2019. "The Lehigh Line is a major regional line that connects the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton (PA) metropolitan hub with the Newark (NJ) metropolitan area. The Lehigh Line enters the County at the Borough of Bloomsbury and passes through the Townships of Bethlehem, Union, Franklin, Clinton, and Raritan before exiting the County at the southern tip of Readington Township."
  111. ^ a b c d e f Kreis, Anthony M. "By perseverance and fortitude: A Brief History of People and Events of the Township of Bethlehem", Township of Bethlehem. Accessed November 13, 2013.
  112. ^ Gnichtel, Frederick W. A History of Trenton: 1679-1929 Chapter XII - The Courts, Judges and Lawyers; Medicine and Doctors", Trenton Historical Society. Accessed November 13, 2013. "John T. Bird was born in Bethlehem, Hunterdon County, and studied law in the office of A. G. Richey in Trenton, but practised in Flemington where he became one of the leaders of the Bar."
  113. ^ Johnston Cornish biography, Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Accessed August 12, 2007.
  114. ^ Sackett, William Edgar; and Scannell, John James. Scannell's New Jersey First Citizens: Biographies and Portraits of the Notable Living Men and Women of New Jersey with Informing Glimpses Into the State's History and Affairs, Volume 1, p. 511. J. J. Scannell, 1917. Accessed July 13, 2016. "Bennet Van Syckel— Trenton.— Jurist. Born in Bethlehem, Hunterdon Co., April 17, 1830."

External links[edit]