Harrisville-Martha Area

Jul 12, 2006
1,354
345
Gloucester City, NJ
I'd like to start exploring this area. In the course of reading (at least twice) all the Harrisville related posts I could find, any directions given always start at the Harrisville ruins, although I have not found any mention of where those ruins are. Not knowing where the ruins are, keeps me blind in being able to find the other areas of interest such as Martha Furnace, the Farm, etc.

Can someone lead me into the direction of the Harrisville ruins?
 

Boyd

Administrator
Staff member
Site Administrator
Jul 31, 2004
9,828
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Ben's Branch, Stephen Creek
It's pretty funny... for years I wondered where the ruins were and I walked all over the area, until suddenly I went "duh!" and realized I was looking on the wrong side of the road!

Take a look across the road from the lake and dam and you will find what you seek...
 

jokerman

Explorer
May 29, 2003
345
17
Manasquan
You should have no probem finding them by doing some very basic research. We generally don't like to post directions to places of interest on this site because that would be irresponsible (just look at what Weird NJ has done). Besides there is plenty of resourcses and literature available that will provide the information you are looking for. I'd start with a modern map. I don't think I'd want to use directions to find anything.
 

LARGO

Piney
Sep 7, 2005
1,553
134
54
Pestletown
Just A Suggestion

I think the info is in this book, but all the same it may do you well to purchase:
GHOST TOWNS AND OTHER QUIRKY PLACES IN THE PINEBARRENS
By,
Barbara Solem-Stull. Not to plug a book but if you want some spoonfed walk right up to type directions to many sites, it's a good source. It is also written pretty well surprisingly as a decent read. I liked it. It is an inexpensive way to find your answers and it may help keep directions off the site. While any goof can lurk on a website and steal info, fewer people will put out the Jing for a book.

G.
 
Jul 12, 2006
1,354
345
Gloucester City, NJ
Thanks. I wasn't looking for someone to hold me by the hand and walk me to the spot. I'm also well aware of posting exact locations due to risk of some ***hole going there to tear-up the place. I was looking for some general help, such as "take the 3rd dirt road on the right, off of RT-123, across the street from x-landmark". I appreciate the suggestions concerning the purchase of various books, however I thought I'd get a bit more help from the folks on this board. Boyd, thanks. That at least give me a starting point.
 

woodjin

Piney
Nov 8, 2004
4,344
333
Near Mt. Misery
Boyd gave you the exact location a couple of posts back. It is along the road side and fenced off. It is not as closely guarded as some other spots because it is mentioned in so many books and where it's location is. Good luck.

Jeff
 

jokerman

Explorer
May 29, 2003
345
17
Manasquan
I think the info is in this book, but all the same it may do you well to purchase:
GHOST TOWNS AND OTHER QUIRKY PLACES IN THE PINEBARRENS
By,
Barbara Solem-Stull. Not to plug a book but if you want some spoonfed walk right up to type directions to many sites, it's a good source. It is also written pretty well surprisingly as a decent read. I liked it. It is an inexpensive way to find your answers and it may help keep directions off the site. While any goof can lurk on a website and steal info, fewer people will put out the Jing for a book.

G.

Yes, this book was listed in the recent issue of Weird N.J. The book is great for responsible people but I was very displeased to see it in Weird N.J. IN my opinion, I really wish she hadn't gave such complete directions to lead whoever gets their hands on it, directly to every spot there is. Sorry, NASCAR, I didn't mean anything personal, but I don't know who you are and merely expressed the general concensus around here about giving specific directions to places since that was what you were asking for. Enjoy your travels. BTW, there are some great out-of-print books that you can find on Harrisville that will enhance your exploring.
 

woodjin

Piney
Nov 8, 2004
4,344
333
Near Mt. Misery
Jokerman is right. Having some of these books really enhance the experience. When I show these areas to friends and family I often take along a book (usually Beck) and read the chapters to them relating to the area just before we arrive there.

Jeff
 

long-a-coming

Explorer
Mar 28, 2005
778
14
51
Berlin Twp
It's pretty funny... for years I wondered where the ruins were and I walked all over the area, until suddenly I went "duh!" and realized I was looking on the wrong side of the road!

Take a look across the road from the lake and dam and you will find what you seek...

It is really funny I had no idea those big ruins were right there. I just wasn't looking for them.
 

Boyd

Administrator
Staff member
Site Administrator
Jul 31, 2004
9,828
3,010
Ben's Branch, Stephen Creek
Heart of the Pines by John Pearce is really excellent also - about the size of a phonebook :) Lots of photos, maps and other good stuff in there. It was available at the Batsto gift store last year, don't know if they still have it in stock. Cost $60 but worth it IMO.
 

Teegate

Administrator
Site Administrator
Sep 17, 2002
25,957
8,704
It is in stock now at Batsto. Janwor of this site who is a member of the BCC mentioned it in a previous post.

Guy
 

Ben Ruset

Administrator
Site Administrator
Oct 12, 2004
7,619
1,878
Monmouth County
www.benruset.com
The ruins that Barbara gives directions to in Quirky Places are well known/safe enough that I'm not worried about it.

She has a deep respect for the ruins and history of the area and doesn't want to see them destroyed.
 
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