Ewing Then and Now: Dr. John Hough and the Tree Tunnel

The “Tree Tunnel” on Carlton Avenue was planted by Dr. John Stockton Hough, a prominent Ewing resident. By Helen Kull My kids used to call it “The Tree Tunnel,” an apt name for the upper portion of Carlton Avenue as it approaches Scotch Road. During the summer months, when the foliage is thick, into a tunnel you go, transported for a quarter-mile or so to an almost magical place of tall, arching trees, cool shade, dappled sunlight and natural majesty. In either direction, in any season, the vista is beautiful, framed by the trees arching high above. While most of you will immediately know this place, I’m sure that far fewer will be familiar with the stone plaque that memorializes the man who envisioned and created this lovely experience. I have sat in my car at the top of that hill waiting to turn on to Scotch Road probably thousands of times, and only occasionally noted the stone to the left with some inscription on it. As leaves envelop the tunnel once again, it’s time to take note. The inscription reads: “As a memorial to Dr. John Stockton Hough, this boulder and tablet has been erected by the Shade Tree Commission of Mercer County. He labored incessantly and with success to establish the first system of stone roads in this county. With foresight he planted this avenue of beautiful Lindens in 1897, a living memorial to his name. Dedicated 1932.” So, who was Dr. John Stockton Hough, and why did he plant these trees? John Stockton Hough was born in Yardley in December of 1845, the first-born of Eleanor Stockton (of Princeton) and William Hough. In 1850 the family relocated to the old “Doc Olden” farm in “Ewingville,” south of the Presbyterian Church and west of Scotch Road. Apparently gifted with a highly inquisitive mind and a tireless devotion to understanding and improving the world around him, John attended no less than seven educational institutions, ranging from his elementary schooling in Ewing from 1850-1858, through matriculation at the Trenton Academy, the Model School in Trenton, Eastman’s National College, and then studying both civil engineering and chemistry at the Polytechnic College in Philadelphia, earning a Bachelors in Chemistry in 1867. Concurrently he studied medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, and received a medical degree from that institution in 1868. He then returned to the Polytechnic College to receive an MS in Chemistry in 1870. According to several biographies, he lectured in botany, chemistry and physiology; was a resident physician at Philadelphia Hospital; was a medical advisor to several life insurance companies; practiced medicine; worked at the Philadelphia Dispensary; and engaged in original microbiological research. As if this was not more than enough, he also invented a plan for fire-proofing buildings, and invented several surgical instruments. He was the author of countless scientific articles, which were significant enough to be translated into other languages. But incredibly, none of this is what he is perhaps most known for. His life’s major work was the compilation of a bibliography of the world’s existing medical . He traveled the world for months at a time, mastering the languages, and collecting and noting rare medical books, journals, compendia and the like. He gathered a world-renown personal library, much of which after his death became the property of the University of Pennsylvania. But while in Europe, he also drew on his engineering degree and studied the construction and care of stone roads. When he settled down in Ewing in 1890, he devoted his time to improving the local road system. He helped form the N.J. State Road Association; promoted the building of roads of macadam and other materials; helped create roadway legislation; became the local Supervisor of Roads; and sought to improve roads at the local, county and state level. Ironically, he died in 1900, aged 55, from injuries caused in a “runaway” carriage accident. The New York Times obituary called him “one of the best-known men” in New Jersey. He is buried in Ewing Cemetery. And a local legacy remains. The linden tree is relatively common in Europe, and has many medicinal uses. The species is also known to be long-lived, with life spans often measured in centuries. I suspect that Hough admired their majestic beauty, and in 1897 planted 40+ trees along this grand boulevard leading to the family farm. Thank you, Dr. Hough, for your work, vision and gift. Do you have a Ewing story to share? Contact Helen at ewingthenandnow@gmail.com