08/28/2026
Happy Birthday Stewart Hartshorn!
Stewart W. Hartshorn, founder of the Short Hills community was born on August 28,1840 and would have turned 186 years old today. Known to millions as the inventor of the roller shade (he actually perfected and patented the spring lock that ensured the safety of the roller and enabled the shades to be fully adjustable), to most of us in the Millburn area, he is best known for his contribution to the development of Short Hills.
In 1874, Hartshorn moved his family from Springfield to Short Hills and constructed his homestead at the Crescent. Over the next decade, he set about building an ideal community comprised of carefully designed homes, winding roads, and beautiful vistas. Hartshorn's contribution to Short Hills extended far beyond aesthetics. A scientist and inventor at the core, Hartshorn focused on creating a town infrastructure that would confirm to the latest advances in sanitation, including a state-of-the art sewage system and a special wind-powered water pumping station.
Hartshorn also maintained a strong presence within the larger Township of Millburn, contributing money and resources to the entire Millburn community.
For more on Stewart Hartshorn, visit our website at: https://mshhistsoc.org/
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