PRINCETON — During the first half-century of Mercer County’s history, Princeton residents quenched their thirst at the town spring located near the intersection of North Walker Street and Honaker Avenue.
“It’s a beautiful day,” Keith Circle, administrative assistant of the Princeton/Mercer County Chamber of Commerce said as he crossed North Walker Street from the chamber office in the old McNutt House to visit with people gathered at the old town spring.
The scene Circle encountered Wednesday morning was a crowd of 56 people who had joined together to wish Mercer County a happy birthday and to unveil a sign marking the site of the “Old Town Spring,” that had been donated to Princeton by Captain William Smith in 1837.
“Captain Smith donated the property for the courthouse and the spring to the county,” Lois Miller, president of the Mercer County Historical Society said. “From 1837 to 1887, this was the only source of water the town had.”
“Happy birthday Mercer County,” Princeton Mayor Dewey Russell said to a smile-filled crowd. Russell called for a “round of applause for the Historical Society” for their on-going efforts and took time to recognize that the McNutt House was one of only two houses that survived in 1862 when Confederate troops withdrew from the city as a Union army entered the town.
“We do have a proud heritage,” Russell said. “Last year marked the 100th year that the city of Princeton has been incorporated.” He expressed thanks to Miller and all of the Historical Society members for their work.
Robert Farley, president and chief executive officer of the Princeton Chamber pointed out that the Chamber worked last year to put the Dr. Robert McNutt House on the Civil War Trails. “The history of our community is very exciting,” he said.
Miller and Russell unveiled the stone marker that marks the spot where the spring is located. Sandra Chambers is a fourth great niece of Captain Smith who donated the spring and land for the courthouse. “My grandfather, Ajax T. Smith, referred to him as ‘Uncle Billy,’” Chambers said.
Ajax Smith was a prominent member of Mercer County’s legal community, but in his later years, he enjoyed baby-sitting his granddaughter, and telling her stories about Princeton’s history. Although now retired, Chambers taught younger generations of Princeton youth at Princeton Middle School.
“My grandfather brought me with him to Mrs. McNutt’s house one time,” Chambers recalled. “She offered him a cup of coffee, but he was from the Scottish tradition, and only drank tea. She made him a cup of tea, and I’m sure that it wasn’t as strong as he usually drank, but he complimented her.” She recalled that they sat at a table with a white enamel top, and her friend, Joanna Fredeking told her that she still has the old table.
“It’s neat to see this spring dedicated,” Chambers said.
– Contact Bill Archer at barcher@bdtonline.com
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