The
Legend of Chimney Rock
Long before the European settlers of early Bridgewater inhabited hills and valleys, the township was shared by two tribes which had a history of hostility - the Sanhicans (or Raritans, so called from Sanhican or Raritan Bay) and the Manhatae (or Manhattans).
The 1600's produced a tale that has been told a little differently by various sources but is probably one of the earliest stories of life in Bridgewater, the famous legend of Chimney Rock.
The story is centered around Amara Hill or White Rock, which overlooked the babbling Middlebrook (known by the Indians as Rhaweighweros) in the Chimney Rock gorge area. The Rock was a strategic location for the Raritans.
One day during a relatively short period of peace between the two tribes, Thingorawis, son of Raritan Chief Canackamack, met and exchanged pleasantries with Capatamin, the young Chief of the Manhatae. After several days of friendly activity and sharing, Thingorawis encouraged Capatamin to come back to the Raritan stronghold and enjoy his father's hospitality.
Raritan
Chief Canackamack threw his home, his heart, and eventually his own daughter,
Chinqueka, to the young Manhatea Chief. Chinqueka, called "the Goldfinch"
by her father, was a beautiful young princess who quickly became the object
of Capatamin's love. She, in turn, showed her affection for the friendly
Manhatae.
This relationship was extremely unfortunate for Manamsamitt, a sub-chief of the Raritans. He had tried to extend his love several times to Chinqueka without success. However, he was determined to eventually have her to himself.
Manamsamitt strongly resented Chinqueka's relationship with the enemy Chief and plotted revenge on Capatamin. One still, beautiful night while Chinqueka and her lover stood near the historical rock, Manamsamitt rushed surprisingly from behind and crushed Capatamin's head with his tomahawk and pushed him over the cliff and into the stream below.
Chiqueka brooded for days until she finally decided to jump from the Rock to join her lover. The murderess Manamsamitt, however, lived on for some years, very comfortably looked after by three wives.
And so, despite the encroachment of modern civilization, White Rock, overlooking the babbling Middlebrook, reminds us to this day of the legend that had its beginning during the settlement of Bridgewater.
Chimney
Rock Inn Today
The Chimney Rock Inn, "Bridgewater's Family Tradition" has a flavorful past dating back to the late 1800's and as the restaurant begins it third century of hospitality service it is very excited about its future. Many generations of local families and businesses have dined at The Rock for decades, and as the community has grown, so has The Rock, enduring extensive renovations and additions over the past few years to better serve its dedicated crowds. The restaurant now boasts three private dining areas and a bar room with cozy booths and TV's. The private dining areas are available for large groups, corporate luncheons and meetings, with many package options. Many local companies refer to the Rock as their corporate lunchroom because it's the casual alternative.
But
however lovely and comfortable the restaurant is, the real story is the
food, and when people mention Chimney Rock Inn, one statement usually
follows - "Great Pizza!" The Rock's thin-crust pizza has been
part of the local diet for more than fifty years.
The dedicated staff does their best to satisfy the throngs of people that dine daily, and management keeps a watchful eye, while their friendly demeanor keeps the family atmosphere alive.
The
Chimney Rock Inn has had a colorful past, but it readily welcomes the
future with open arms providing Bridgewater with excellent food at prices
that are beyond reasonable.
