THE WOODBRIDGE/SAVITZ HOUSE

THE WOODBRIDGE HOUSE

Major Theodore Woodbridge of the Revolutionary War came to Salem County in 1799.  He purchased the rights of Dolph and Freeland and built his home on the East and West road (now known Savitz Road).  He built the first sawmill at Bidwells’ Pond and after it burned he moved to Moss Hollow to build the first gristmill and saw mill.  He married Ester Plummer in which they had four children: Asabel, William, Anna and Laura.  He remarried to Mrs. Hale, where he died and was buried in his own orchard.  The first religious meetings to be held in Salem were held at the Major’s home.

The Woodbridge House can be found on route 191, about two miles south of Hamlin corners, approximately the same route as the former North and South Turnpike, where you come to the Bidwelltown Road that crosses 191 (now known as Savitz).

THE DISTELLERY

Joseph Woodbridge, a cousin to the major, bought 400 acres of land from Edward Tilgman on June 5, 1801 that was located on the North and South road (now known as 191).  They lived across the road from the Woodbridge House.  He was appointed Justice of the Peace and like his uncle was active in community affairs.  He married Ann, the sister of William Hollister and had seven children: Howell, Ebenezer, John, Egbert, Wells, Eliza and Mary Ann.  Joseph’s account book from 1804 – 1812 shows that settlers from miles around came to his distillery and bought whiskey by the quart, gallon, half barrel and barrel.  Whiskey was indispensible for logging bees, house raisings and hay cropping.  He died about 1816, not long after closing the distillery.

THE HOME OF THREE BROTHERS

John, Wells and Egbert built the stone house on the old homestead (now known at the Woodbridge House).  Egbert was elected Justice of the Peace three times before his death.  John was the last survivor of the family, dying in 1886.

It’s uncertain whether they built the house or not, whether they hired the Megargle stone masons, Arthur, Ruben and James (father and sons) who built the stone house at the Hamlin corners.  That house had been put up around 1817 for Aaron Morgan.  It’s thought that the Woodbridge house was built about the same time.

FROM WOODBRIDGE TO SMITH TO SAVITZ

On October 7, 1878, John Woodbridge deeded to William and Elizabeth Smith ten acres of land and a house.  Loftus Smith was born in the stone house on March 29, 1889.  Loftus was known for miles around for breaking horses to harness.  Loftus was named after the Mayor of Scranton.  At the time of his birth, he was the boss of the livery stables for the city of Scranton and was quite friendly with the mayor.

In 1906, William and Lydia (Osgood) Savitz of Wilkes-Barre bought the house and land.  They opened a store in what is now the living and dining room on the left side of the front entrance.  Eventually, they moved the store to a separate building adjacent to the house.  Also there was a gas station.  William and Lydia’s son, Earl, married Ella Gillette and she kept the store.  Ida (Fueglein) Savitz married Earl and Ella’s son, Carl.  In 1967, Ida Savitz became the sole keeper of the country store.  In 1984, due to Ida’s ill health, the store that had served the community for 78 years closed.

In 1992, Robert N. and Jane Bird purchased the property.  It then became the Fainting Goat, an antique store that is now up for sale.