What Should Go Here: The River Building

It's been vacant for years, looming over the South Branch of the Raritan River for more nearly 150 years. 

The River Building, as it has been called, is made of stone and sits at the corner Schooley's Mountain and East Mill Roads. Much of it is covered by trees, portions of the building somewhat dilapidated. 

But it's history is rich, according to Washington Township Historical Society President Betsy Guzenski.

"It originally had a blacksmith shop in the basement, a woodworking shop on the first floor and a paint shop for wagons on the second floor," Guzenski said.
"A ramp on the river side of the building was used in order to get the wagons up to the second floor using only man power. They housed the paint shop on the second floor because there was less dust and it tended to be warmer and drier.

"Later the bottom floor was used as a store," Guzenski said. According to Lou Staiano, she said, "The front steps were, for years, the gathering place for the young men of the village, their main objective to whistle at passing girls."

A flurry of business took place in the historic building, it seems, but now stands untouched and for sale.

So, Long Valley, tell us what you'd like to see occupy this historic building. Let your imagination run wild and explain in the comments what you'd like to see put in that building.