Groendyke farm

Located on Schalk's Crossing Road was the Groendyke Farm. The farm was originally settled by the Lake family. Johannes Groendyke lived in "The Homestead" after his marriage to Sarah Lake, whose parents owned the farm. This would have been c. 1740 until his death in 1785. At that time the home was purchased from the Lake family by Johannes' son, Samuel. Samuel never married and at his death in 1816, the farm was purchased by his nephew, Richard. Richard lived there until his second marriage when he divided the 152-acre farm into two sections for his sons. John Story Groendyke retained the property known as "The Homestead". From there it passed to his son, but was farmed by another son, William B. Groendyke.

The Homestead, which dates from the early 1740's, had a central hall and servants quarters. Outside were a separate smoke house and a well. By the twentieth century the Groendykes used this home only for storage of apples in the basement where it was cool. In addition, the Groendykes allowed friends and relatives to use the home from time to time when needed. This 1740 home has been demolished.

A new home was built sometime after 1850 on the property closer to Schalk's Road. This was the home were Marjorie Groendyke Jacobsen grew up with her five brothers and sisters. Her parents, William B. and Cornelia, farmed the Groendyke land, although they did not own it. The farm produced potatoes, rye, wheat, hay, and corn (for the farm animals). In addition, the orchard supplied apples. A few cows and horses were also kept on the farm. The family sold milk, butter, and cream cheese to Plainsboro neighbors who did not own land.

In 1924 the Groendykes gave up farming and moved to town where her father began working for Walker-Gordon. The farm land was first sold to Walker-Gordon, who in turn sold it to Bill Dennison. This land was eventually sold to the Parker family to expand their chicken farm. The newer 1850 home has also been demolished.

The Groendyke home on Schalk's Crossing Road. Pictured left to right: John S.V. Grodendyke, Luella M. Groendyke, Cornelia V. Groendyke and William B. Groendyke. Photo date not known.