Bernardsville is the northernmost borough in Somerset County, in the state of New Jersey. Situated in the heart of the Raritan Valley region, the borough is part of the Someset Hills.  As of the 2020 United census, the borough’s population was 7,893.  Bernardsvville was originally a section of Bernards Township known as Vealtown. In 1840, it became Bernardsvile and was incorporated as a borough in 1924. 

   Starting in the 1870s with the railroad reaching Bernardsville became a tourist destination. The Old Stone Hotel, the Bernards Inn and the Claremont Hotel were opened but nothing would match the exclusive Somerset Inn on Bernardsville Mountain.  The Somerset was officially named around 1887 and would operate from May to October. Up to 400-450 guest would stay at the inn during peak periods of the summer months. 

   The main part of the Inn was five stories tall, faced in a southerly direction and provided grand views being at one of the highest elevations on the mountain. Warmed by steam, equipped with elevators and lit by gas, the hotel amenities were a grand ballroom, dining halls, parlors, billiards, café, barber shop, news stand, outdoor concrete swimming pool, tennis courts, equestrian activities fox hunting, golf course, walking paths and gardens. Unfortunately, May 6, 1908, in the middle of the night, a fire of unknown origin took the Somerset Inn down to 20 chimneys. mrlocalhistory 

   It was not opened at the time, and it never opened again. It is, however, on this card published by “The Rotograph Co.” and chronicles the “Tennis Court” at the Somerset.  It is not postmarked but is a Udb, 1900-1907, and is in good condition with minor wear and a clean, clear image and reverse.