Location of Milford in Hunterdon County highlighted in red (left). Inset map: Location of Hunterdon County in New Jersey highlighted in orange (right).
Milford was incorporated as a borough by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on April 15, 1911, from portions of Holland Township, based on the results of a referendum held on May 8, 1911. The borough's incorporation was confirmed on March 13, 1925.[21]
The borough is located on the Delaware River in the western portion of Hunterdon County, known as the Hunterdon Plateau. The borough dates to the mid-18th century when a grist mill was established beside a river in what was then Bethlehem Township. After the mill was destroyed by fire in 1769, the settlement became known as Burnt Mills in Alexandria Township. The area was renamed "Lowreytown" after Thomas Lowrey purchased land in the area in 1796. The community became commonly known as "Millford" or "Millsford" by the beginning of the 19th century, but by 1844 the name had lost a letter or two. By 1863 it was consistently spelled as "Milford".[22] The community was incorporated in 1911 but the official incorporation was not registered until 1925.[23][24]
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the borough had a total area of 1.27 square miles (3.29 km2), including 1.18 square miles (3.06 km2) of land and 0.09 square miles (0.23 km2) of water (6.93%).[1][2]
The 2010 United States census counted 1,233 people, 520 households, and 331 families in the borough. The population density was 1,073.4 inhabitants per square mile (414.4/km2). There were 552 housing units at an average density of 480.5 per square mile (185.5/km2). The racial makeup was 97.32% (1,200) White, 0.24% (3) Black or African American, 0.16% (2) Native American, 0.97% (12) Asian, 0.08% (1) Pacific Islander, 0.24% (3) from other races, and 0.97% (12) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.19% (27) of the population.[18]
Of the 520 households, 26.7% had children under the age of 18; 51.7% were married couples living together; 7.9% had a female householder with no husband present and 36.3% were non-families. Of all households, 28.8% were made up of individuals and 12.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.36 and the average family size was 2.93.[18]
20.6% of the population were under the age of 18, 6.4% from 18 to 24, 24.2% from 25 to 44, 32.8% from 45 to 64, and 16.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44.1 years. For every 100 females, the population had 95.7 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 97.0 males.[18]
The Census Bureau's 2006–2010 American Community Survey showed that (in 2010 inflation-adjusted dollars) median household income was $75,948 (with a margin of error of +/− $6,902) and the median family income was $79,653 (+/− $5,673). Males had a median income of $52,679 (+/− $12,062) versus $42,778 (+/− $8,377) for females. The per capita income for the borough was $32,823 (+/− $2,774). About 0.9% of families and 2.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including none of those under age 18 and 6.6% of those age 65 or over.[33]
2000 census
At the 2000 United States census[15] there were 1,195 people, 469 households and 323 families residing in the borough. The population density was 1,037.7 inhabitants per square mile (400.7/km2). There were 484 housing units at an average density of 420.3 per square mile (162.3/km2). The racial makeup of the borough was 97.57% White, 0.17% African American, 0.17% Native American, 0.42% Asian, 0.33% Pacific Islander, 0.08% from other races, and 1.26% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.01% of the population.[31][32]
There were 469 households, of which 33.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.1% were married couples living together, 5.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.1% were non-families. 27.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.55 and the average family size was 3.11.[31][32]
25.4% of the population were under the age of 18, 4.6% from 18 to 24, 33.3% from 25 to 44, 23.1% from 45 to 64, and 13.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.3 males.[31][32]
The median household income was $54,519 and the median family income was $62,167. Males had a median income of $46,500 and females $31,765. The per capita income was $25,039. About 1.8% of families and 3.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.7% of those under age 18 and 6.4% of those age 65 or over.[31][32]
Government
Local government
Milford is governed under the borough form of New Jersey municipal government, one of 218 municipalities (of the 564) statewide that use this form, the most commonly used form of government in the state.[34] The governing body is comprised of the mayor and the borough council, with all positions elected at-large on a partisan basis as part of the November general election. A mayor is elected directly by the voters to a four-year term of office. The borough council includes six members, who are elected to serve three-year terms on a staggered basis, with two seats coming up for election each year in a three-year cycle.[6] The borough form of government used by Milford is a "weak mayor / strong council" government in which council members act as the legislative body with the mayor presiding at meetings and voting only in the event of a tie. The mayor can veto ordinances subject to an override by a two-thirds majority vote of the council. The mayor makes committee and liaison assignments for council members, and most appointments are made by the mayor with the advice and consent of the council.[35][36]
As of 2023[update], the mayor of Milford Borough is Republican Henry Schepens, whose term of office ends December 31, 2023. Members of the Borough Council are Noralie LaFevre (R, 2025), James Gallos (R, 2024; appointed to serve an unexpired term), Ronald R. Rehl (R, 2025), Robert E. White (D, 2023) and Elisa Yager (R, 2024), with one seat vacant.[3][37][38][39][40][41][42][43]
In February 2023, Russell Heller was shot and killed at a PSE&G facility by a former employee, leaving his seat expiring in December 2023 vacant.[44]
In November 2018, Henry Schepens was elected to serve the balance of the term as mayor expiring in December 2019 that had been held by Ronald R. Rehl.[45]
In January 2016, the Common Council selected Carole Heller to fill the seat expiring in December 2017 that became vacant after Ronald Rehl stepped down to be sworn in as mayor.[46]
Federal, state and county representation
Milford is located in the 7th Congressional District[47] and is part of New Jersey's 23rd state legislative district.[48][49][50]
Hunterdon County is governed by a Board of Chosen Commissioners composed of five members who are elected at-large on a partisan basis to serve three-year terms of office on a staggered basis, with either one or two seats up for election each year as part of the November general election. At an annual reorganization meeting held each January, the commissioners select one member to serve as the board's Director and another to serve as Deputy Director, each for a one-year term.[56][57] As of 2024[update], Hunterdon County's Commissioners are:
In March 2011, there were 823 registered voters in Milford Township, of whom 206 (25.0%) were registered as Democrats, 304 (36.9%) as Republicans and 313 (38.0%) as unaffiliated. There were no voters registered to other parties.[70]
In the 2012 presidential election, Republican Mitt Romney received 49.7% of the vote (314 cast), ahead of Democrat Barack Obama with 47.0% (297 votes), and other candidates with 3.3% (21 votes), among the 635 ballots cast by the borough's 855 registered voters (3 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 74.3%.[71][72] In the 2008 presidential election, Republican John McCain received 51.4% of the vote (340 cast), ahead of Democrat Barack Obama with 46.4% (307 votes) and other candidates with 2.1% (14 votes), among the 661 ballots cast by the township's 840 registered voters, for a turnout of 78.7%.[73] In the 2004 presidential election, Republican George W. Bush received 57.9% of the vote (364 ballots cast), outpolling Democrat John Kerry with 40.7% (256 votes) and other candidates with 1.1% (9 votes), among the 629 ballots cast by the township's 787 registered voters, for a turnout percentage of 79.9.[74]
In the 2013 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 67.8% of the vote (274 cast), ahead of Democrat Barbara Buono with 29.2% (118 votes), and other candidates with 3.0% (12 votes), among the 407 ballots cast by the borough's 851 registered voters (3 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 47.8%.[75][76] In the 2009 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 58.4% of the vote (281 ballots cast), ahead of Democrat Jon Corzine with 28.1% (135 votes), Independent Chris Daggett with 10.6% (51 votes) and other candidates with 1.9% (9 votes), among the 481 ballots cast by the township's 827 registered voters, yielding a 58.2% turnout.[77]
Education
The Milford Borough School District serves public school students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade at Milford Public School.[78] As of the 2018–19 school year, the district, comprised of one school, had an enrollment of 88 students and 11.4 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 7.7:1.[79] In the 2016–2017 school year, Milford was the 5th-smallest enrollment of any school district in the state, with 81 students.[80]
Eighth grade students from all of Hunterdon County are eligible to apply to attend the high school programs offered by the Hunterdon County Vocational School District, a county-wide vocational school district that offers career and technical education at its campuses in Raritan Township and at programs sited at local high schools, with no tuition charged to students for attendance.[87]
In May 2010, the borough had 10.34 mi (16.64 km) of roadways, of which 7.86 mi (12.65 km) were maintained by the municipality and 2.48 mi (3.99 km) by Hunterdon County.[88]
Wanda Gág (1893–1946), artist and author of children's books (Millions of Cats)[97]
Thomas Lowrey (1737–1809), settled in Milford in the 1790s and built the first hotel and grist mill on Bridge Street. He named the town Lowreytown, but it was renamed Millsford following his death in 1809[98]
Abigail Roberts (1791–1841), pioneer in religion and women's rights who was one of the first American women to serve as a minister and established the United Church in Milford[100]
^Our Town Now and ThenArchived 2015-07-09 at the Wayback Machine, Milford on the Delaware. Accessed September 7, 2015. "In 1796 Colonel Thomas Lowrey purchased the 333 acre Burnt Mills tract and renamed it Lowreytown. Two years later he sold the southern half of the tract, which became Frenchtown. The town was again renamed 'Millsford' upon the death of Colonel Lowrey, but by 1844 the name lost the 'S' and second 'L'."
^"PSE&G supervisor killed by former employee was New Jersey councilman", WABC-TV, February 9, 2023. Accessed February 9, 2023. "The PSE&G supervisor gunned down by an employee at work was a Milford Councilman in Hunterdon County, officials announced.... Police called to the scene found 51-year-old Senior Distribution Supervisor Russell Heller dead from a gunshot wound in the parking lot outside the facility."
^Milford Borough Common Council Regular Meeting Minutes January 19, 2016Archived August 19, 2016, at the Wayback Machine, Borough of Milford. Accessed July 10, 2016. Accessed July 10, 2016. "Fill Council Vacancy – Letter from Donald Pursell: Noralie LaFevre made a motion to appoint Carole Heller to fill Councilman Rehl's Council vacancy seat. Seconded by Henry Schepens. Roll Call Vote: Ayes: N. LaFevre, H. Schepens, G. Sniffin, R. White, E. Yager Nays: None; Abstain: None; Absent: None; Motion approved."
^Board of County Commissioners, Hunterdon County, New Jersey. Accessed March 1, 2023. "As top governing officials of Hunterdon County, the five Commissioners are chosen by popular vote in the November general elections. The term of office is for two or three years and the current compensation is $16,000 a year, with an extra $1,000 for the Director. One or two of the five members is elected each year."
^Guion, Payton. "These 43 N.J. school districts have fewer than 200 students", NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, September 2017. Accessed January 30, 2020. "Based on data from the state Department of Education from the last school year and the Census Bureau, NJ Advance Media made a list of the smallest of the small school districts in the state, excluding charter schools and specialty institutions.... 5. Milford Borough; Enrollment: 81; Grades: Pre-K-8; County: Hunterdon; Town population: 1,233"
^Delaware Valley Regional School District 2015 Report Card Narrative, New Jersey Department of Education. Accessed June 6, 2016. "The Delaware Valley Regional High School District can be found in the heart of pastoral and beautiful Hunterdon County, New Jersey. The District serves students in grades nine through twelve who reside in the five municipalities that comprise our region: Alexandria Township, Frenchtown Borough, Holland Township, Kingwood Township, and Milford Borough."
^About Us, Delaware Valley Regional High School District. Accessed June 6, 2016. "The Delaware Valley Regional High School District can be found in the heart of pastoral and beautiful Hunterdon County, New Jersey. The District serves students in grades nine through twelve who reside in the five municipalities that comprise our region: Alexandria Township, Frenchtown Borough, Holland Township, Kingwood Township, and Milford Borough."
^Delaware Valley Regional High School District-Holland TwpArchived October 20, 2020, at the Wayback Machine, Vote411.org. Accessed May 4, 2020. "Delaware Valley Regional High School is serves students from five local school districts: Alexandria Township, Holland Township, Kingwood Township, Borough of Milford, and Borough of Frenchtown. The Delaware Valley Regional School District Board of Education consists of nine members elected by the constituents of the participating municipalities: three representatives from Holland Township, two representatives each from Alexandria Township and Kingwood Township, and one representative each from the Borough of Milford and the Borough of Frenchtown."
^Heyboer, Kelly. "How to get your kid a seat in one of N.J.'s hardest-to-get-into high schools", NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, May 2017. Accessed November 18, 2019. "Hunterdon County's vo-tech district has three academies for high-achieving students, all operating in partnerships with local high schools.... The academies are open to all students in the county. Students in the 8th grade are required to submit an application, schedule an interview and take a placement exam."
^Upper Black Eddy-Milford Toll Supported Bridge, Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission. Accessed March 4, 2023. "The Upper Black Eddy-Milford Toll Supported Bridge connects Route 32 in Upper Black Eddy, Bridgeton Township, Pennsylvania with County Route 519 via Bridge Street in Milford Borough, New Jersey.... The bridge is 700-feet long. The concrete-filled steel deck provides a clear roadway width of 20 feet between tri-beam guide rails."
^Staff. "2 Clews Cast Doubt On Adamic Suicide", The Washington Post, September 6, 1951. Accessed November 15, 2012. "Two 'pieces of physical evidence' have been found at the scene of Louis Adamic's death which 'do not reconcile well with the suicide theory' advanced yesterday when the 52-year-old author was found shot in his lonely farmhouse at nearby Milford, H.T. Heisel, Hunterdon County prosecutor, said today."
^Adelson, Fred B. "ART; Children's Page Turners to Linger Over", The New York Times, January 9, 2000. Accessed November 15, 2012. "Both Richard Egielski of Milford and John Schoenherr of Delaware Township (near Stockton) are represented by illustrations from books aimed at ages 4 to 8, the youngest group."
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