The Delaware River Towns is home to bustling riverside communities rich in history, including the “twin towns” of Lambertville, New Jersey and New Hope, Pennsylvania – joined by a pedestrian friendly, toll free bridge.
Lambertville dates back to 1703, when the council of West Jersey purchased the land from the Delaware Indians shortly followed by Lambertville’s first resident, John Holcombe, purchasing 350 acres north of the first survey line.
In the early part of the eighteenth century William Penn authorized a sale of land to Robert Heath for the purpose of building a mill and establishing a community. Hence, New Hope was born. Before that, the town had been known as Coryell’s Ferry after the owner of the ferry business; after a fire in the year 1790 burned down several mills in the area – their reconstruction was considered a “new hope” for the area.
More recently, both towns have become well-known for their vibrant commerce – home to art galleries, antique shops, and a variety of retailers. This month, two of those retailers are celebrating making their own marks on the Delaware River Towns community – Finkles Hardware which has been serving Lambertville for 100 years and Farley’s Bookshop which is celebrating 50 years in New Hope.
Farley’s Bookshop (44 S Main St, New Hope, PA) – still family owned and independent – will host their 50th Birthday Party on Thursday, July 13 from 6 PM until 11:30 PM. The whole store will be 20% off until, as is said, the last dog dies. In traditional Farley’s style, all are welcome. Food and drink will be provided but any and all pot-lucking is also welcome.
Finkles Hardware (7 Coryell St, Lambertville, NJ), also independent and family owned, has stayed true to its roots over the years, expanding into four different buildings in downtown Lambertville to hold their vast inventory, even as the industry landscape with the introduction of big box retailers. Finkles will celebrate their 100th Anniversary with music, food, and festivities on June 29, 2017 from 12pm to 1pm and again from 4pm to 8pm.