Hi, everyone! My name is Ed. I've been a lifelong resident of Mays Landing but have been away for some time, just moved back. I have always loved South Jersey History and Lore. Recently, I too have been looking for the Walker's Forge location. I got some good news (but maybe old)! The actual "Walker's Forge Mansion" (which was really the Estell Family Mansion, how it got labeled Walker's Mansion I don't know) is located on the corner of route 50 and Walkers Forge Road, right down the street from the historic Estellville Methodist Church, which is located on the corner of Maple Ave and Walker's Forge Road. There is actually a dirt road right on the corner of Walker's and Route 50 that leads to Steven's Lake. I believe that the "dirt road", might have actually been the driveway to the mansion since you can access the ruins of the mansion from that dirt road a lot easier than from the road. All that is left is a pile of Jersey Sandstone though since it burnt down in 1996. There is a historic sign there on the side of Walker's Forge Road. It's hard to see due to vegetation. As I said, the easiest access to it is via the little dirt road at the corner, as there is a forest of vegetation surrounding it where the sign is. The area of Steven's Lake and the dirt road is public access, being WMA land.
As for Walker's Forge Furnace. I have just located the historic sign located on Forty Wire Road. It is behind a guard rail around the South River. I have not gone into the area since there are no trespassing signs. My theory though is that if there is a historic sign up, then that should be considered more or less public land? I may be wrong, correct me if I am. I'm going to do some research on this to see if I can get permission to enter the area for historical exploration. Eh, who knows, maybe I'll be able to if I get permission.
If any knows any more info about this or the Estell Family, please educate me! I actually have a great-grandmother who was an Estell!
