The Beginning
The Puddingstone Community has been described as “a creation of man and the continuance of nature.” The idea of Puddingstone was conceived in the 1950s by two residents of the area – Robert C. Litchfield and Frank Kettyle. These men spent 35 years with large corporations – Graybar electric Company and Western Electric Company respectively. The idea of Puddingstone appealed to them as a creative venture and they formed the Puddingstone Ridge Corporation. Over the years, the Corporation acquired the land atop Watnong Mountain, about five miles from Morristown, N.J.
The Puddingstone
The name “Puddingstone” comes from a name given to certain mottled or conglomerate stone found in Northern New Jersey. The dictionary defines Puddingstone as “a kind of rock in which pebbles are embedded like plums in a pudding.” It is said the puddingstones were used in England many centuries ago by knights to mark horse trails through the woods. Of interest in many locations are some very unusual rock formations.
The Concept
The original concept was to build a community that would take full advantage o the natural beauty of the heavily wooded mountain. The elevations are from 900 to over 1000 feet above sea level, one of the highest points in New Jersey. The woods abound with all the native hardwood trees, such as black birch, oak, white birch, maple, tulip, hickory, beech, and locust. etc. In the spring, the woods take on a color all their own when the dogwood and pinxter (wild azalea) add their touch, along with the various wild-flowers.
The View
Because of the high altitude there is a startlingly good view of the beautiful surrounding countryside of Morris County as well as the New York skyline. The temperature is cooler than the surrounding area and air conditioning is less important. We are truly “air conditioned by nature.” Yet, the modern conveniences are here such as town water, gas, underground electric, telephone lines, storm sewers, etc., and the roads are well plowed in winter.
The Neighborhood
At present, there are about 100 homes. Puddingstone Ridge was the initial section with an entrance off Union Hill Road in Parsippany-Troy Hills Township. In the early 1960s an entrance from Shongum Road was opened and called Puddingstone Heights. Emphasis has always been on preserving nature; during its building phase, very few trees were cut down. As a result, numerous deer, wild turkey, foxes, and other wildlife call Puddingstone their home. The birds complete a setting which rivals New England and upstate New York.
The Homes
At Puddingstone, houses have been designed by several different architects with great variation. The majority of homes have been built under contract, either from plans and specifications submitted by the purchaser or from designs suggested by builders familiar with the community. The pictures illustrate the differences in designs and also the careful consideration given to the setting and elevations of the houses. Large lots – a minimum of 40,000 square feet (nearly an acre) – and street frontage of 200 feet enable a better opportunity for proper house location and setting than those areas with smaller lots. An effort has also been made to fit the home to the slopes, rock formations, and other natural conditions.
The Puddingstone Community Clubhouse
The Puddingstone Ridge Corporation deeded to the Club a tract of land centrally located at an elevation of 1030 feet. The Club is completely in the hands of the members, who are residents. In 1969 a clubhouse was built and it is a fine structure with a large assembly hall, fireplace, washrooms and kitchen facilities.
The Clubhouse is used for various meetings such as the Community Book Club and other groups of interest to the members. The PCC Board and Social Committee organize family and adult activities that allow neighbors to get-together and celebrate holidays such as St. Patrick’s Day or just enjoy each other’s company while wine tasting or solving a murder mystery.
Community Park
Outside there is playground with swings and a jungle-jim for the younger children, and a baseball field for the older ones and adults. Tennis Courts are in the process of being renovated.
Rental Opportunities
Club members receive one yearly rental of the community clubhouse included with their membership. Clubhouse provides tables, chairs, and a prep kitchen to accommodate any occasion. The Puddingstone Clubhouse is available for non-members as well. Please message us for more details!