Richard Bowlby was a landowner in West New Jersey in the 1700s who received 500 acres from his brother. He constructed a house and farm on the land. During the American Revolution, Bowlby was revealed to be a Loyalist and was arrested, stripped of his title as Justice of the Peace, and forced to abandon his property in 1776. He and his family then fled to New York City and later Nova Scotia.

1. 1776 Guest House Historical Reference
Richard Bowlby was born in 1718/19 in Mansfield Woodhouse, England the
youngest of nine children to Thomas and Martha (Barker) Bowlby. Thomas Bowlby
had acquired considerable land holdings in West New Jersey in America from his
father-in-law. Upon Thomas Bowlby’s death, Richard’s older brother, John inherited
considerable land holdings (5,088 acres) in West New Jersey from their father,
Thomas. A substantial portion of these lands fell on the north side of the
Musconetcong River in the Musconetcong Valley in the Township of Mansfield
Woodhouse, between Hampton and Washington. John Bowlby severed several
parcels from this original property selling some and honoring the various allotments
to family members as dictated in his father’s will. Richard Bowlby received a 500-acre
parcel of land fronting on the Musconetcong River (very close to the village of
Changewater).
1776 Guest House
Richard Bowlby constructed a good house (the original brick portion of the 1776
A Hawk Pointe Golf Club Guest Facility
Guest House) and built barns and other out buildings. It is documented that his farm
was one of the finest in the township. Around 1750, Richard Bowlby married Mary
Drake and it is reported they had thirteen children, but public records can only
account for eleven children: Elizabeth, Martha, Abraham, Mary, Rachel, Sarah,
Richard Jr., Catharine, Thomas, George and Josiah. On September 17, 1772, Richard
Bowlby was appointed Justice of the Peace for Sussex County by the Governor’s
Council held at Perth Amboy.
Commencing in 1765, England levied a series of taxes upon the colonies, which were
met with much resentment and stiff opposition. Over the ensuing years, tensions
heightened the political differences between the “Tories” (Loyalists) who supported
the Crown and the “Whigs” (Rebels) who sided with those who wanted to rebel
against England. By 1774, hundreds of men loyal to Britain were apprehended,
dragged into the court of public inquiry and forced to sign pledges of support to the
Continental Congress and the local governments. Loyalists were branded as traitors
and were despised and treated with the utmost contempt by the Rebels.
Richard Bowlby was a Loyalist (or “Tory”) and on February 12, 1776 he was arrested
and forced to appear before the Committee of Safety for the Township of Mansfield
Woodhouse. He was interrogated and witnesses were brought forth attesting to his
allegiance to the Crown. It was resolved he pay the costs of the prosecution, pay a
sum of money for good behavior in the future and yield all his weapons. He was also
stripped of his title, Justice of the Peace. Historic 1776 Guest House
Richard and his family were forced to abandon their property in December of 1776. 176 Springtown Road
They fled to New York City which was harboring British Loyalists. Commencing in
1776, groups of loyalists including the Bowlby family began to relocate and settle in
Washington, NJ 07882
Nova Scotia. The Bowlby property was sold at a public auction where it was Tel:908-834-1355
purchased by Captain Benjamin McCullough for ₤5580.
Source: “They Came to the Valley” The Bowlby’s of Nova Scotia Also The Thomas Bowlby(8) Branch; Author Ewart Donald Bowlby. June 27, 2006

2. Smoking
The entire guest house interior is non-smoking. Smoking is permitted on the patio and grounds
Historic 1776 Guest House
where care and cleanliness is expected.
Cooking and Fireplace
Facilities are not designed for indoor cooking. Please contact the Golf Club for dining,
Welcome to our restored guest house where the blend of vintage craftsmanship and 21st refreshments and catering options. We ask that guests do not use the fireplaces
Century technology come together to offer you a peaceful experience bordering the 5th hole of Liquor
Hawk Pointe Golf Course (view our website for course details at www.hawkpointegolf.com). Responsible consumption of your own wine, beer or alcoholic beverages is permitted.
The Historic 1776 Guest House combines the interesting history of its 1700’s roots with today’s Refrigerator, ice, and limited supply of glassware is provided.
technology to provide controlled central heating and cooling and tankless hot water heater that Theft and Damages
will ultimately be powered by its own ground array of solar panels. Guests assume responsibility for any damage or loss.
Our facilities offer four bedrooms with the ultimate comfort of pillow-top queen-size beds, two Parking
pull-out sofa beds and two spacious full baths. Amenities include high definition TV, local Ample off-road parking is available next to the barns. Golfers may overnight golf carts with prior
phone, wireless internet access. Morning coffee is provided at our kitchen coffee bar. daily arrangements at the Hawk Pointe Golf Shop. Keys must be removed when left
Continental breakfast and box lunches are available on request. Daily lunch and dinner is unattended.
available at the Hawk Pointe Clubhouse.
Massage Therapy
Reservations Enjoy a therapeutic and rehabilitative guest house massage by our certified massage
Room reservations may be made by calling: therapists. Please contact our Member Services Manager at Hawk Pointe Golf Club for
appointment opportunities.
Marie Cascio
908-834-1355 Introductory Stay & Play Package Rates
mariecas70@hotmail.com Tee Times After 9:30am (Based on Availability)
NO GOLF
1-Foursome of Golf Including Cart
Standard Rates STAY ONLY and
Reservations confirmed upon receipt of a major credit card or one-night deposit check. We do OFF SEASON STAY & PLAY PLAY, STAY & PLAY AGAIN
18 Holes 36 Holes
request that you give us 24-hours notice if you need to cancel. Cancellations made less than Weekday Per Night
24 hours before the start of the reservation will incur a charge of one nights’ stay. No-shows $295 / 4 person group $395 / Foursome $695 / Foursome
(Monday-Thursday)
will be charged for a one-night stay. Gift certificates are available. These certificates are valid Weekend Per Night
$495 / 4 person group $595 / Foursome $895 / Foursome
for one year and are non-refundable. (Friday-Sunday)
Weekly
$1,695 / 4 person group $1,995 / Foursome $2,495 / Foursome
(Saturday to Saturday)
Check-In and Check-Out Policy
Check-in time is from 3:00pm to 5:00pm. Check-out time is by 11:00am. Please contact us to  Rates are subject to 7% New Jersey Sales Tax. Packages incorporating seasonal recreational activities such as fly-fishing, canoeing,
kayaking, skiing and more are available on request.
inquire about availability of an earlier or later check-in or check-out time.  Hawk Pointe Members and Member-Sponsored Guests receive 20% off above rates.
Occupancy
Maximum occupancy per queen-bed room is two persons.
Children: Well-behaved young adults over the age of 16 are welcomed. There are no
in-room trundles or roll-away bed options, additional queen-bed rooms may be required.
Pets: Regrettably, pets are not permitted.