Donald & Beverly Jones

Preserving the History, Heritage, and Natural Beauty of Delaware Township

In recognition of their extraordinary contributions to preserving the history, heritage, and natural beauty of Delaware Township, the Friends of Delaware Township will honor the memory of Donald and Beverly Jones with the dedication of a stone bench along the Wickecheoke Creek on Lower Creek Road in Delaware Township, New Jersey.

This lasting tribute will provide a peaceful place for residents and visitors to pause, reflect, and appreciate the scenic landscape that Donald and Beverly worked so tirelessly to protect. It is a fitting memorial to a couple whose vision, generosity, and dedication helped preserve Delaware Township’s rural character for generations to come.

Donald and Beverly Jones dedicated themselves to preserving the historic landmarks, rural landscapes, and natural beauty that make Delaware Township such a special place. Through their extraordinary commitment to historic preservation and land conservation, the couple helped protect some of the township’s most treasured places, including the Green Sergeant’s Covered Bridge, the Prallsville Mill, and the Locktown Stone Church. Their efforts also helped preserve hundreds of acres of farmland and open space, ensuring that future generations could continue to enjoy the rural character and historical heritage of Delaware Township.

Donald and Beverly Jones understood that preserving a community meant protecting the places that define its identity. At a time when development threatened the rural landscape of Hunterdon County, they became passionate advocates for conservation, working to safeguard the historic structures, farmland, and scenic countryside that generations of residents had come to cherish.

Among their most significant contributions was their leadership in the effort to preserve the Green Sergeant’s Covered Bridge, the last remaining historic covered bridge in New Jersey. Recognizing its historical and cultural importance, Donald and Beverly helped lead the movement to protect this beloved landmark and the surrounding landscape.

Their dedication extended well beyond the bridge itself. The couple played an instrumental role in establishing the movement to preserve the scenic corridor between the Covered Bridge and Rosemont. Thanks in part to their vision and determination, this picturesque stretch of countryside remains protected from development, preserving the natural beauty and rural character that have long distinguished Delaware Township.

Leading by example, Donald and Beverly also permanently preserved their own 253-acre farm near the Covered Bridge, demonstrating their personal commitment to farmland preservation and responsible stewardship of the land.

Their passion for preservation extended to some of the area’s most historically significant buildings. When the Prallsville Mill faced the threat of commercial development, Donald and Beverly purchased the property to protect it. Working alongside other dedicated preservationists, they helped undertake essential repairs and maintain the historic structure until the State of New Jersey acquired the property.

The mill was subsequently recognized for its historical significance and incorporated into the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park. Today, the Prallsville Mill remains an important cultural and historical landmark, serving as a reminder of the region’s industrial heritage and the importance of community-driven preservation.

Donald and Beverly also purchased the Locktown Stone Church, another treasured Delaware Township landmark. Their intervention helped safeguard an important piece of the township’s architectural and cultural history.

Together, these accomplishments represent far more than the preservation of individual properties. Donald and Beverly Jones helped shape the Delaware Township we know today. Their foresight, generosity, and unwavering dedication protected irreplaceable landmarks and open spaces that might otherwise have been lost.

The Friends of Delaware Township proudly recognize Donald and Beverly Jones for their remarkable contributions to our community. Their legacy lives on in the historic buildings, preserved farmland, and scenic landscapes that continue to define Delaware Township.

Because of their efforts, future generations will inherit not only the beauty of Delaware Township, but also the history and character that make it worth preserving.