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THE FAULKENBURGE HOUSE CIRCA 1806
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WELCOME TO
THE JOSEPH FALKENBURGE HOUSE CIRCA 1806 CELEBRATING 200 YEARS
We are pleased that you have taken the time to visit our historic dwelling.
Please continue reading so that you can be aware of the facts regarding the
property and its structures and also the association with the founding and
prominent families of South Jersey. Enjoy!
STRUCTURAL DETAILS
The property contains approximately eight acres and includes the house, a frame
barn and some sheds and outbuildings. Oak trees found here are said to be the
oldest in Cape May County. The house is a two story, five bay Georgian and
Federal style influenced L-shaped brick building dating from the 1800-1806
period. The bricks were reportedly brought to this country as ships' ballast.
The structure is made unique in that it is the oldest known brick house in the
county. Exterior details of the main house include a wood shingled roof and many
shutters with original hardware. The front entrance to the brick portion of the
main house is embellished with six raised panels beneath a semi-circular
fanlight. The entrance hall, as well as other portions of the brick section,
display a mix of Federal and Italianate style woodwork and trim design. The
newel post, hand rail, balusters, architraves, baseboards, cornice and plaster
ceiling medallions are large and robust and characteristic of the 1860's and the
Italianate style. The hall also contains a hanging oil lamp, now electrified, of
the 1860's period. The room north of the hall contains a mantelpiece that
retains its federal detailing including fluted colonnades and a central tablet
with a delicately carved swag. The basement of the brick section is
distinguished by a parallel row of brick arches running east-west, approximately
beneath the hallway walls. The arcaded support system seems to be unusual in the
south Jersey region. The one-and-a-half story kitchen wing originally served as
the kitchen, where the fireplace accommodated a bake oven. The second floor of
this portion of the building contained the slave quarters.
FAMILY
HISTORY
Little is known about Joseph Falkenburge prior to his construction of the brick
house. He married into one of Cape May County's founding families, the Ludlams,
who maintained a position of wealth and leadership through three centuries. His
only child married into another founding family of equal prominence, the
Learnings. Other than Joseph, the name Falkenburge does not appear in Cape May
County history. Joseph Falkenburge is said to have come to Cape May County in
1791. One account says he arrived as a poor boy, trained as a tailor,; another
says he came from Tuckerton in Ocean County, where his family owned substantial
land and several businesses including a tavern that was a favorite hangout for
pirates and privateers. According to the diary of his grandson, Coleman F.
Learning, he was born April 24, 1769. In 1795 he married Abigail Ludlam, eldest
child of Henry Ludlam. Joseph and Abigail had one child, also named Abigail. Two
weeks later, Joseph's wife, Abigail, died of complications from childbirth. On
March 1, 1801, Joseph married his wife's sister, Sarah Ludlam. Shortly after, he
acquired this land from his father-in-law and built the brick house. From
1803-1804 and 1810-1811, Joseph served in the New Jersey Assembly. He also
served in the Legislative Council 1808-1809 and 1812-1824. Joseph died on April
30, 1846. His daughter, Abigail had married Jeremiah Learning on October 3,
1814. At some point in time they moved back into the Falkenburge house, after
living away. Their sixth child, Richard is said to have taken over the house
sometime between 1865 and 1872. Richard then left the property to his son,
Coleman F. Learning, Jr. who, in turn left it to his son, Richard S. Learning,
the last of the family to own the property. In 1940, it was sold to Joseph
Kenner Skilling and Anna Mary Reed Skilling. They sold it to Charles M. and
Constance Ashton. The Ashtons sold 8.5 acres to Wellington W. and Myrtle Dalling
in 1949. In 1968, the Dallings sold it to Mauyer Lindsey and Barbara M. Lindsey
who in turn sold it to Edgar L. and Jane L. Van Nuis in 1972. In 1989, it was
purchased by the present owner, the Arc of Cape May County, Inc.
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