Weekend Historical Happenings: 7/6/13 - 7/7/13

WEEKEND HISTORICAL HAPPENINGS

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Saturday, July 6 - Hopewell Township, Mercer County

Ice Cream Party and Bringing in the Sheaves

Howell Living History Farm invites the public to enjoy an old fashioned “ice cream party” on Saturday  from 10"00 am - 4:00 pm. Featured activities include music, wagon rides, games and contests, a children’s craft program and lots of ice cream making and eating.

Ice cream making will begin at 11:00 am when visitors are invited to help draw and grind ice from the Farm's ice house. The first batch of homemade ice cream will be ready for dipping at 12:00 noon. Ice cream sodas and sundaes will be served until 3:30 pm.

A children's craft program, "Painted Racing Boat," will be offered continuously from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm.  Races on the farm pond will be held at 12:30 and 3:00 pm, with prizes awarded to the builders of the fastest boats. There is a $4.00 materials fee per boat. Groups (8 or more) wanting to participate in the craft program must pre-register.     

In the field, wheat sheaves, harvested the previous week, will be brought in to be dried. The dried sheaves will then be threshed at the Farm’s annual Fall Festival, Saturday October 5 and Sunday, October 6, 2013.

Howell Living Farm represents typical farm life between 1890 and 1910. The farm is operated by the Mercer County Parks Commission. Admission is free. It is located at 70 Wooden's Lane, Lambertville, NJ. For more information or to register for the program, call 609-737-3299. www.howellfarm.org

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Saturday, July 6 - Ocean Grove, Monmouth County

Ocean Grove History Day

On Saturday, the Historical Society of Ocean Grove will offer the first of two History Days. This presentation will feature a family history, "The Severs Women of 35 Atlantic." For over seven decades, Voila Severs, a piano teacher in Ocean Grove, carefully preserved family cards, letters, and mementos as well as household items and clothing. The boxes were found in the basement of the home a year ago by the owner and were donated to the Historical Society.

The life stories of Viola, her sister Olive and their parents, Rosella and Alonzo are revealed through these family treasures which begin with an 18th century sheet recording the births, marriages and deaths of the Lambertville branch of the family and ends in 1884 when Viola collects her last spoon commemorating the birth of Prince Harry.

Viola & Olive were both accomplished, college educated women in an era when only 7% of American women received higher education. Olive majored in languages and taught at both the high school and college level. Viola also taught music in various college conservatories before settling in Ocean Grove with her mother to concentrate on private lessons.

After the father, Alonzo, left the family in 1910 and Olive married and moved to California, Viola and Rosella supplemented their income by renting rooms in their home, a continuation of a long tradition in Ocean Grove of women who managed hotels and boarding houses for both transient and permanent residents.

Ocean Grove History Day will be held on from 10:30 am - 12:00 noon in the Community Room on the corner of Pilgrim Pathway and Pitman Avenue in Ocean Grove. The program will be led by Lyndell O'Hara, PhD, a professor of history at Nyack College, New York City. For more information, call the Historical Society of Ocean Grove at 732-774-1869 or visit www.oceangrovehistory.org

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Saturday, July 6 - River Edge, Bergen County

Vintage Baseball

Love baseball? Love history? Step back into yesteryear when the Bergen County Historical Society hosts an old-time game between the Flemington Neshanock and the Hoboken Nine in the meadow at Historic New Bridge Landing in River Edge, NJ. Experience the crack of wood against leather, the cheers and jeers of the crowd, and baseball the way great-grandpa saw it, when these reenactor teams play with 19th century rules, equipment, and uniforms in an open field. A great way for the family to enjoy America's game! Look for Casey at the Bat. Come to this first big event in The Meadow, and be sure to bring a hat, blanket or chair, and sunscreen. Historic New Bridge Landing is located at 1201 Main Street, River Edge, NJ. Suggested donation: $10 adults, $5 children, BCHS members free. Refreshments available. www.bergencountyhistory.org

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Saturday - Sunday, July 6 - 7 - Morris Township, Morris County

Colonial Times Revisited

Travel back in time and revisit the Colonial era when the Jonathan Ogden family lived in the original farmhouse at Fosterfields Living Historical Farm. You can experience their life through farm and domestic chores that were typical during the late 18th century. On the farm, discover farming methods used during the American Revolution, and learn how broom corn is grown and made into brooms. Have fun with fibers by washing and carding fleece from the farm’s sheep, and try your hand at using drop spindles. To complete the visit to the farm, be sure to take part in playing some Colonial era games such as graces, cup and bowl, and rolling hoops. Join a special tour of The Willows, a Gothic Revival mansion, to learn about former resident Rosanna Revere, wife of General Joseph Warren Revere. The event will be held both days from 12:00 noon - 4:00 pm. 

At 1:30 and 2:30 pm on Sunday, gather at the hen house to meet the resident chickens, ducks, geese, and turkeys. Learn how these fowl are important to the farm.

Cost: $6 Adults, $5 Seniors (65 and up), $4 Children 4-16, $2 Children (2 and 3), under 2 are free. Fosterfields Living Historical Farm is located at  73 Kahdena Rd, Morristown, NJ. www.friendsoffosterfields.org

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Saturday - Sunday, July 6 - 7 - Cape May, Cape May County

Independence Day Celebration

Celebrate all things American at Historic Cold Spring Village’s annual “Independence Day Celebration”, which will be held on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am - 4:30 pm.  A variety of patriotic family activities, programs, and music will be taking place and the Village’s restored historic buildings will be open, featuring demonstrations of Early American trades and crafts. This event is generously sponsored by Brigantine VFW.

At 12:00 noon on both Saturday and Sunday, the Village’s Deputy Director for Education, Jim Stephens, will present "The Story of Old Glory," a fascinating look at the origins and history of our nation’s flag. The John Walter Cape Community Band will perform American heritage tunes at the Village Gazebo both afternoons at 2:00 pm. The Family Activity Area will feature children’s dress-up clothes, historic games, and take-home patriotic crafts. The Country Store will be open throughout the weekend, featuring specialty items and handmade wares.

Historic Cold Spring Village is located at 720 Route 9, three miles north of Cape May City and four miles south of Rio Grande. Admission during the season is $10 for adults and $8 for children ages 3 to 12. Children under 3 are admitted free. Unlimited free admission is available with Village membership. As a member of the national Blue Star Museums program, Historic Cold Spring Village is proud to offer free admission to active duty military personnel and up to 5 family members. The Village Nature Trail at Bradner's Run is open to the public for free self-guided tours. For more information, call 609-898-2300, ext. 18 or visit www.hcsv.org

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Saturday - Sunday, July 6 - 7 - Upper Freehold Township, Monmouth County
Quilt Show & Tell

Historic Walnford invites you to bring up to three quilts to show and share either afternoon. Speak about the maker or the owner, and how this quilt is special to you. Old quilts or new, shared stories are the legacy that becomes history. Wish you knew more? Bring your quilt questions and they will do our best to find answers. Stop in between 2:00 and 4:00 pm. The historic buildings are open both days from 8:00 am - 4:30 pm.

While there, visit the large, elegant Walnford home built in 1774, the 19th century gristmill and the farm buildings set in a beautiful landscape. Walnford is located at 62 Walnford Road, 08501. www.monmouthcountyparks.com

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Sunday, July 7 - South River, Middlesex County

Open House

Stop by the South River Historical & Preservation Society on Sunday from 1:30 - 3:30 pm and view exhibits on all aspects of Borough history including: schools; churches and houses of worship; local businesses and organizations; daily life; events and celebrations; and more. While you are there, see the cemetery located behind the building, ask questions, drop off donations, or exchange hometown stories with the docents. The museum is located at 64-66 Main Street, South River. http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~njsrhps/museum.html

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Sunday, July 7 - Jefferson Township, Morris County

Open House

The Jefferson Township Museum, also known as the George Chamberlin House, will have an open house on Sunday from 1:00 - 4:00 pm. Costumed docents will give tours of the museum and the museum gardens will be in bloom for your enjoyment. This month's exhibit theme will be "Summertime - Traveltime," an exhibit about travel and transportation, featuring toy trains, cars, planes, and books. Admission is free.

The Jefferson Township Museum is located at 315 Dover-Milton Road, Jefferson Township, NJ. Visit Miss Elizabeth's Shoppe located in the original kitchen of the museum, where small antiques, collectibles, handmade, handcrafted and seasonal items will be offered for sale. For more information, visit www.jthistoricalsociety.org.

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Sunday, July 7 - Montague, Sussex County

Unique Gourd Art and Open House

The Montague Association for the Restoration of Community History (MARCH) will open the circa 1790 Foster-Armstrong House on River Road and the Nelden-Roberts Stonehouse, at 501 Route 206 for Sunday afternoon tours between 1:00 and 4:00 pm. Both are situated within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in Montague, NJ and were originally part of the Tocks Island Dam acquisitions. These two sites are utilized by MARCH and portray the area's heritage. Tours will be conducted by docents at each house every Sunday through August from 1:00 - 4:00 pm. See the new display of hunting, fishing, and food preservation, ferry and lime kilns, a tavern room, an Indian exhibit, items from the Brick House Hotel, a special display of the Rock View Resort, a quilt collection, antique christening and baby clothes, hand-made covered bridges from around the United States, a Victorian bedroom, a school-room display, a military room with artifacts from five war periods, and old school books from Montague schools. There is no charge for either museum, but donations for house maintenance are welcomed. 

This weekend, attend “Unique Gourd Art” with Sharon Kelly. See how Sharon hand-paints all types and sizes of gourds. You will be amazed at what you see! Some of Sharon’s hand-painted items will be available for sale. For more information, visit www.montaguehistory.org.

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Sunday, July 7 - Cherry Hill, Camden County

Farm Chores

History comes alive at the Barclay Farmstead, Cherry Hill’s “Living Heritage”. The 32 acre property is home to an early 19th century Quaker farmhouse, outbuildings, herb garden, apple orchard, interpretative nature trails, community garden plots, playground and shade picnic area. Listed on the National and New Jersey Registers of Historic Places, the Barclay Farmstead is a restored Federal style house featuring period furnishings, clothing and more. This Sunday, lend a hand performing the farm chores by helping churn butter, wash laundry, and saw wood.

The Barclay Farmstead Museum is open for tours Wednesday and the first Sunday of each month from 12:00 noon - 4:00 pm, March through November. The Barclay Farmstead Museum is located at 209 Barclay Lane, Cherry Hill, NJ. For more information, call 856-795-6225  or visit www.barclayfarmstead.org.

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Sunday, July 7 - Morristown, Morris County
Country Blues at Macculloch Hall

This July, Macculloch Hall Historical Museum presents its "Summer Series" of live music in the historic gardens. Programs take place at 4:00 pm each Sunday in July. The gardens were restored in the 1950s by the Garden Club of Morristown and visitors will have the opportunity to explore through a variety of summer blooms in the gardens and relax on the large lawn during the program. Guests may bring picnics, and are encouraged to bring blankets or chairs and settle back for a late afternoon of great music in a lovely setting.

On Sunday, July 7th Macculloch Hall Historical Museum welcomes musician and songwriter Collin J. Rocker. With gritty tradition, Collin turns timeless themes of heartbreak, the road, and the past into songs suiting today's common man. "He has the makings of a great American songwriter. With his superb guitar playing, he is the whole package," wrote Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member Jorma Kaukonen (Jefferson Airplane, Hot Tuna). His music is born from the hills of beautiful lingering farms, and once thriving small towns, juxtaposed with strip malls, asphalt, and suburban sprawl.  In February 2010, Collin entered the studio to record his debut album "Milkbox Love, Jukebox Blood, & Other American Favorites". Since releasing the record, Collin has performed alongside national acts such as Jorma Kaukonen (Hot Tuna), Rory Block, and The New Riders of The Purple Sage on a number of legendary stages. During the summer of 2011, Collin opened shows for Grande Ole' Opry Member Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives in Sellersville, PA as well as performing with Acoustic Hot Tuna at Skipper's Smokehouse in Tampa, FL. In 2012 he opened for John Hiatt in Pennsylvania.

The "Summer Series" programs will begin each Sunday in July at 4:00 pm. Tickets can be purchased beginning at 1:00 pm on the day of the program. No advance sales.  After 4:00 pm, tickets for the performance will still be available to purchase. Program tickets are $12; $10 for members, seniors, students, and those who purchased a Museum tour ticket that day. Free for children under 12. Please, no dogs during programs in the garden. In the case of inclement weather the performance will be moved indoors. The announcement will be made on the Museum's main phone message on performance day. Tours of the museum's period rooms and galleries take place throughout the afternoon (separate admission). Last tour of the period rooms leaves at 3:00 pm. The Museum will remain open until 4:00 pm, when the performance begins. 

Macculloch Hall Historical Museum preserves the history of the Macculloch-Miller families, the Morris area community, and the legacy of its founder W. Parsons Todd through its historic site, collections, exhibits, and educational and cultural programs. The Museum is open for house and exhibit tours on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays from 1:00 - 4:00 pm. The last tour leaves at 3:00 pm. Adults $8; Seniors & Students $6; Children 6 - 12 $4. Members and children under 5 are free. The gardens are open (free of charge) during Museum hours. For more information, call 973-538-2404 ext. 10 or visit www.maccullochhall.org. Macculloch Hall Historical Museum is located at 45 Macculloch Avenue, Morristown, NJ.

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Sunday, July 7 - Farmingdale, Monmouth County

Who Burned Down the Forest?

Someone's been causing mischief at the Howell Iron Works of late...In 1836 a mysterious arsonist burned down a parcel of forestry belonging to Mr. James P. Allaire's Iron Works. As timber was a key ingredient in the process producing iron, this was a very grave offense. Join the Villagers on Sunday at 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm as they recreate the search for the culprit! Assist the Villagers in a scavenger hunt across the Village, unravel the clues, provide your own theories, and assist in discovering who committed the crime! In addition to the event, visit with tradespeople, tour the historic buildings, and enjoy a day at Historic Allaire Village! There will be a $5 parking fee for this event.

Allaire Village, Incorporated is licensed by the State of New Jersey to operate the40-acre, Historic Village at Allaire, the site of James P. Allaire's Howell Iron Works Company in the 1830's. Allaire Village, Inc. receives no state funding towards the educational programming presented throughout the year, but is strongly supported through private donations, membership fees, fund-raising events and patronage of our retail stores. 

The Historic Village at Allaire is located in Allaire State Park, 4265 Atlantic Avenue, Farmingdale, NJ. For more information, contact the Allaire Village office during business hours, Monday through Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, at 732-919-3500 or visit www.allairevillage.org.

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Tuesdays - Saturdays Through Sept. 15, 2013 - Cape May, Cape May County

Windsor Hotel Exhibit

The Greater Cape May Historical Society presents an exhibit on the Windsor Hotel, Tuesdays - Saturdays, 1:00 - 4:00 pm at the Colonial House Gallery in the Colonial House Museum, 653½ Washington Street, Cape May, NJ. www.capemayhistory.org

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Saturdays and Sundays Through October 27, 2013 - Ringwood, Passaic County
Grounds and Garden Tour

Did you ever wonder what all that “stuff” is placed around the grounds at Ringwood Manor? What about all those other buildings on the property? What were they used for? If you have ever been curious about the estate at Ringwood Manor, this tour is for you! The 2-1/2 hour guided walking tour will take visitors around the main property at Ringwood Manor, discussing the historic objects, the planned gardens & landscape features, the out-buildings, and the cemetery. Historic photographs of the property will also be shown. These free tours meet at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, and 2:00 pm in front of Ringwood Manor every Saturday and Sunday from May 25 - October 27, 2013. It is advised that participants wear walking or hiking shoes, dress appropriately for the weather, and bring bug spray and sun block. Steady Rain cancels. No reservations necessary. For more information and to call ahead to confirm a tour, call 973-962-2240. Ringwood Manor is located at 1304 Sloatsburg Road, Ringwood, NJ, within Ringwood State Park.

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Through June 30, 2014 - Piscataway, Middlesex County

Got Work? Exhibit

View the exhibit "Got Work? New Deal/WPA in New Jersey" at the 1741 Cornelius Low House Museum in Piscataway. The museum is open Tuesday - Friday, 8:30 - 4:00 pm and Sunday afternoons from 1:00 - 4:00 pm. The exhibit will run through June 30, 2014.

The Cornelius Low House, built in 1741, was the home to its namesake and is only one of two remaining buildings from historic Raritan Landing. This high-style Georgian mansion is listed on the National Register and operated by the Middlesex County Cultural and Heritage Commission. Admission to the museum is FREE. The museum is located at 1225 River Road, Piscataway, NJ . For more information, visit

http://www.co.middlesex.nj.us/culturalheritage/museum1.asp

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Through October 6, 2013 - Paterson, Passaic County

Remembering the Paterson Silk Strike of 1913

Lambert Castle, the Victorian-era mansion located on the Garrett Mountain Reservation on the border between Paterson and Clifton, will be home to an exhibit highlighting the Paterson Silk Strike of 1913 now through October 6, 2013. The exhibit, entitled "We Had to be Rebels: Remembering the Paterson Silk Strike of 1913." This year marks the centennial of the landmark 1913 Paterson Silk Strike, which would forever change the face of labor relations in the Silk City. Thousands of workers walked away from their looms to be herded into court rooms and jail cells in a strike that took months to resolve. The exhibit will be open during regular museum hours: Wednesday through Sunday, 1:00 to 4:00 pm. Lambert Castle is located at 3 Valley Road, Paterson. For more information, call 973-247-0085 or visit www.lambertcastle.org.

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Sundays through July 28, 2013 - Cranbury, Middlesex County

Wedding Display

The Cranbury Historical and Preservation Society's temporary exhibit entitled "The Look of Love - Bridal Fashions of the Twentieth Century" features wedding gowns, dresses and accessories from 1901 though the 1990s. A large collection of photographs, cards, wedding gifts, and assorted ephemera that span the century will also be on display. The Cranbury Museum is located at 4 Park Place East, Cranbury. www.cranburyhistory.org

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Some event listings courtesy of the League of Historical Societies of New Jersey