The state acquired six farm properties from 1889 to 1920 to form Skillman Village or the NJ State Village for Epileptics, which was designed to be a self-sufficient community to provide care and treatment for patients. Closed in the 1990s, the property was mostly vacant and was acquired by the Township in early 2007.

The 2007 grant funded assessment and reuse studies for Maplewood (top), a 19th century residence, and the Smalley Theater (bottom), which was constructed in 1916 as a social and recreational space for the institutional community.

Since the studies were completed, Smalley Theater was demolished, and Maplewood was destroyed by fire.

For more information, visit: http://www.twp.montgomery.nj.us/departments/recreation/parks-pathways-maps/skillman-park/skillman-park-work-in-progress/