The history of the Holmdel region of Old Monmouth began in 1664. In the beginning, Holmdel was part of Middletown, and residents traced their roots to individual villages or neighborhoods within the area. Not until the early 1830s was the name Holmdel agreed upon for the area's first post office. Only in 1857 was Holmdel officially designated as a separate township. Holmdel and Pleasant Valley chronicles the development of the township from its earliest independent days. Many rare and important photographs of Holmdel settlers and their houses, barns, and meeting structures appear in this volume that have never before been published. The evolution of the rural township and its agrarian economy over the years are revealed in fascinating detail.