Long before New Jersey was called the Garden State, Cranbury was a farming town and its Main Street served farming needs, with a blacksmith and wheelwright, a harness shop and wagon maker.
Today, farmers continue to work Cranbury’s rich agricultural lands, and while the blacksmiths may be gone, the lovingly preserved homes and businesses on Main Street recall the flavor of a less hurried age.
17 North Main Street, Land and Home Ownership History
1805 to Samuel and Sarah Disbrow
1825 to Thomas Page
1832 to Elizabeth Debow
1851 to Catherine Debow
1863 to David Applegate
1890 to Rachael Silvers of Cranbury's J.S. Silvers Bros. & Co. coffee and spice mill
1906 to Alexander S. Cole, whose A.S. Cole & Son Company funeral home still operates across the street. The home was subsequently owned by the Cole's daughter and son-in-law, Maggie and Isaac Hoffman, and then by their sons, William C. and Fred L. Hoffman and their families.
1963 to Elizabeth Barlow
1971 to J. Brent and Carolyn Barlow
1978 to Richard and Betsy Spencer
1995 to Watkins
2006 to Bob and Karen Finigan
One such place is The Blue Rooster Bakery & Café at 17 North Main Street. Long a stately residence of Cranbury families – including at one time the town baker – this Victorian home has managed to evolve over time to meet family needs while still retaining its nineteenth century character.
Considering it was built around 1850, the home has known relatively few owners, reflecting a preference many Cranburians still exhibit for staying put.
Karen and Bob Finigan intend to stay put. Karen, a native of Cranbury, and husband Bob have brought 17 North Main Street into a new era as The Blue Rooster Bakery & Café, opening the doors of this lovely structure to all who wish to enjoy its warmth and charm.
