Wednesday, December 9, 2015

OUR BIG HOLIDAY SALE IS HERE + DECEMBER HUNTERDON HERITAGE EVENTS AND OUR UPDATED 2016 CALENDAR IN THE WORKS!

FIRST:  OUR BIG SALE JUST IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS!
The Hunterdon 300th is opening the Flemington Choir School on both Saturday, December 12th and 19th from 10 am to 3 pm for holiday shoppers looking for that special something with a historical touch of Hunterdon for people on their gift list. 

Due to repeated requests, the popular woven throw, produced for Hunterdon County’s 300th anniversary in 2014, is available once again, but in a limited quantity.  The Hunterdon Tricentennial Committee, now known as the Hunterdon 300th, sold more than 500 throws in 2014; they have not been available since.  The throws depict nine Hunterdon icons from all over the county, including the Historic Courthouse, the Zion Lutheran Church, the Reading House, the Sergeantsville Covered Bridge, and more.  A brochure is included with each purchase that provides the address and gps coordinates of each icon.  The Hunterdon 300th is keeping the price at the 2014’s $35.00.  The woven throw comes in navy blue, the most popular color sold in 2014.

If you are looking for a real gift bargain, the Hunterdon 300th is placing the beautiful coffee table book by Walter Chorowszeski “Hunterdon in My Heart” on very special sale.  The book of gorgeous photographs that cover every municipality in Hunterdon, a retail cover price of $50, will be on sale for $35, a 30% discount and the lowest price made available to the public.  This sale ends on December 31st.

The sale items will be available for purchase and pick up at the Flemington Choir School, 3 Chorister Place in Flemington Borough, while supplies last.  Other items will also be available -- most on sale -- sale including glass beer steins, 300th commemorative books and beautiful blank note cards with photographs of Hunterdon’s historic barns by photographer Anne Freeman. 


For information to reserve a woven throw in advance of the sale, please call and leave a message for the Hunterdon 300th at (908) 788-2030. 

SECOND, DECEMBER'S HUNTERDON HERITAGE EVENTS:  

DECEMBER 18, 19, 20:  TEWKSBURY TOWNSHIP HISTORICAL SOCIETY HEADQUARTERS OPEN FOR HOLIDAYS:  The Tewksbury Historical Society Headquarters located at 60 Water Street in the Mountainville section of Tewksbury Township will be open on Friday, December 18 from 6 pm to 9 pm, Saturday December 19 from 9 am to 12 pm, and Sunday, December 20 from 10 am to 12 pm.
The Society has numerous gift items for sale including a new shipment of Tewksbury afghans in Williamsburg Blue and Cranberry, and now a new Hunter Green color, Tewksbury Art Show notecards depicting winning works from previous shows, Tewksbury Churches notecards and post cards replicated from original historic scenes and buildings in the Township.  There are books for sale including hardcover and paperback editions of Historic Notes onFairmount, NJ by Freeman Leigh as well as prints on Tewksbury, Oldwick, Califon, Mountainville and Pottersville.  In addition, there are signed copies of the Mountainville prints by longtime resident Charles Burrell.  And the latest item is the Tewksbury Auto Tour booklet – the self-guided tour by auto of Tewksbury.
The Tewksbury Historical Society is a NJ not-for-profit corporation organized exclusively for the purpose of furthering research into and the preservation and dissemination of the history of the Township of Tewksbury.    For more info. on the Society please call (908) 832-6734 and leave your name and phone number.

FINALLY, OUR UPDATED 2016 CALENDAR IN THE WORKS "THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR IN HUNTERDON COUNTY":

February 16:  Black Slaves and Soldiers in the American Revolution (Snow Date, 2/23)
March 8:  History Mapping the American Revolution in New Jersey (Snow Date 3/15)
March 12:  Children's Historical Craft Project: Corn Husk Toys, Lenape Medicine    Pouch, and More!
April 9:  Hearth Cooking Demonstration & Luncheon (Snow Date, April 16)
April 19:  Daily Life in 1776: What was 18th Century’s Charmin? and More Answers to Questions You Never Asked!
April 26:  History Thru Art: 1700s Mural Panel in Detail­
April 30:  Children’s Chat and Play:  A Child's Life in the Days of George Washington and Games of the 18th Century
May 17:  Pittstown During the American Revolution
June 7:  Washington’s Crossings and Battles in Hunterdon
June 11:  Hunterdon Takes Back Trenton: Bus Tour of 1776 Trenton, Hunterdon County
June 14:    Flags of the American Revolution
July 23:  Colonial Camp for Kids at the Red Mill
September 6:  History Mapping:  “Washington Slept Here”
September 13:  The Potterstown Skirmish
September 17:  The Fate of Hunterdon Loyalists
October 16:  The Lowery’s Town & Country:  A British High Tea in Town
October 18:  “Layers of History”:  An 18th Century Women’s Fashion Show
October 23:  Love, Death and Desertion:  Hunterdon’s Revolutionary War Soldiers’ Pension Records Revealed”
November 5:  Revolutionary War Cemetery Tour South
November 12:  Revolutionary War Cemetery Tour North
December 3:  The Skirmish of Geary’s Ridge
  
Other events planned include: A Tour of Washington Crossing State Park (PA and NJ); Hunterdon Returns to Trenton Bus Tour; The Lowerys: Town and Country:  Country; Military Fashions and Arms; more Children’s Historical events, and much more!

For further information, please check our website www.hunterdon300th.org, or call (908) 788-2030.

Friday, November 13, 2015

OUR PRE BLACK FRIDAY SALE! PLUS HERITAGE EVENTS AROUND HUNTERDON

READY FOR THE HOLIDAYS?  WE ARE!!

Just in time to do some pre-Black Friday holiday shopping, the Hunterdon 300th is offering some special gift ideas. 

Due to repeated requests, the popular woven throw, produced for Hunterdon County’s 300th anniversary in 2014, will be available once again, but in a limited quantity.  The Hunterdon Tricentennial Committee, now known as the Hunterdon 300th, sold more than 500 throws in 2014; they have not been available since.  The throws depict nine Hunterdon icons from all over the county, including the Historic Courthouse, the Zion Lutheran Church, the Reading House, the Sergeantsville Covered Bridge, and more.  A brochure is included with each purchase that provides the address and gps coordinates of each icon.  The Hunterdon 300th is keeping the price at the 2014’s $35.00.  The woven throw is only being offered in navy blue, the most popular color sold in 2014.

If you are looking for a real gift bargain, the Hunterdon 300th is placing the beautiful coffee table book by Walter Chorowszeski “Hunterdon in My Heart” on very special sale.  The book of gorgeous photographs that cover every municipality in Hunterdon, a retail cover price of $50, will be on sale for $35, a 30% discount -- the lowest price at which this has ever been offered.    

The sale items will be available on Sunday, November 15th for purchase and pick up at the Hunterdon County Public Library’s Main Branch on Route 12, Flemington, from 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm while supplies last.  Other items will also be available for sale including glass beer steins, 300th commemorative books and beautiful blank note cards with photographs of Hunterdon’s historic barns by photographer Anne Freeman. 

For information to reserve a woven throw in advance of the sale, please call and leave a message for the Hunterdon 300th at (908) 788-2030. 


NEWS FROM OUR FRIENDS AND PARTNERS:


DO THEY KNOW WHERE THE BODIES ARE BURIED? A FREE PROGRAM FROM THE HUNTERDON HISTORIC SOCIETY IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE HUNTERDON 300TH
ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18TH, Michelle Kuhn & Mike Gagliano from the New Jersey Geological and Water Survey will review the findings of their recent Ground Penetrating Radar scans at the Flemington Presbyterian Church Cemetery. They say "We know where the bodies are buried."  But do they? Did they find a mass grave location, used for poor people, within the cemetery?  Did they find the foundation of the original church?  Did they locate the three Revolutionary War soldiers mentioned in Dr. Mott's 1894 book, "History of the Flemington Presbyterian Church"?  Are there many graves without headstones?  They will also discuss how the Ground Penetrating Radar process works and software programs they use to interpret the data.  A Q&A period will follow their brief presentation.
This program may be of interest to church members, scientists, historians, cemetery enthusiasts/caretakers & archaeologists.

7PM at the Flemington Presbyterian Church

The program is free and open to the public.



HUNTERDON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY 
INVITES YOU TO THEIR

 HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE

Museum Tours:

December 3, 6, 10 &13th

1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

PLUS: November 28, 1-6 p.m.:
Live entertainment and carriage rides 3-6:30 for downtown Flemington’s shop-local event, fiddler at Doric House!

Doric House Museum Decorated by Community Garden Club of Hunterdon County and the Garden Club of Hunterdon Hills
www.hunterdonhistory.org
114 Main Street
Flemington, NJ

 (908) 782-1091

TWIN LIGHTS MUSEUM --  down the shore but not too far, is holding an exhibit on flags and patriotic memorabilia thru next year.  why are we advertising this? well, our good friend and King of the American Flag (now THAT'S an oxymoron -- think about it....) Richard Pierce, has some of his flags in the show.... fyi, Richard is doing some new research for the Hunterdon 300th for next year's program on The Revolutionary War in Hunterdon County.... he is presenting a talk on Flags of the American Revolution on June 14th, Flag Day.  See below for the link to the show in Monmouth County.

Scroll down to the first story: Historic Flags and Patriotic Artifacts....

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

OUR MOVIE EVENT IS HERE! PLUS A SNEAK PEAK AT OUR 2016 CALENDAR -- IT'S REVOLUTIONARY!

LET'S START WITH THE 300TH'S LAST EVENT IN 2015 -- IF THIS DOESN'T GET US A SELL OUT, WE DON'T KNOW WHAT WILL!  IN FACT, WE'RE OFFERING IT TWICE IN ONE DAY, WE'RE SO CONFIDENT OF A SELL OUT!

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15TH: HUNTERDON MOVIES!  A HERITAGE TRIPLE FEATURE:  An exciting triple feature of Hunterdon movies.... We start with the documentary short "A Man and his Land" made by the Grange League Federation (today's Global Agway) in 1941 about modern farming techniques.  The film features Harold Everitt and his farm on Kuhl Road in Raritan Township.  The second film is "Where Have All the Farmers Gone?" which was produced in 1999 by the Hunterdon Cultural & Heritage Commission about the loss of some of Hunterdon's best farms to development.  Finally, we show the Emmy Award winning "The Town That Disappeared Overnight" about the creation of Round Valley Reservoir and the taking of some of the best agricultural land by the State of NJ.  The film's producer, David Kuznicki and County Historian Stephanie Stevens will be on hand to answer questions.  

THERE ARE TWO SHOWINGS:  12:30 AND 3 PM -- TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE NOW FOR BOTH SHOWINGS!  Please be advised this event will start promptly.  The films will be shown concurrently with little or no break.  The total viewing time of the three films is approximately 75 minutes followed by Q&A time with David and Stephanie.  

Fun snacks will be available before and during the event to be held at the Main Branch of the County Library.
The movies and snacks are free but reservations are required.

BEFORE REVEALING SOME OF OUR 2016 CALENDAR, WE HAVE GREAT COUNTY-WIDE HERITAGE OFFERINGS FROM SOME OF THE COUNTY'S BEST HISTORICAL ORGANIZATIONS:


East Amwell Historical Society              Historical Society News

Clawson House: Open House!   
All are Welcome to Walk Through to View the Fantastic Transformation in Phase One Completion

Saturday and Sunday, October 24 and 25 from 12:00 noon-3:00pm. Historic Clawson House at Clawson Park, Ringoes, NJ.  Ample parking is available and refreshments will be provided.

The Historical Society is sponsoring a two day Open House at the Historic Clawson House.  The Clawson House was built circa 1800 (at least) and at one time was the architectural center piece of Ringoes.  Acquired by the Township in the year 2000 – when the Township purchased the Clawson Farm for a park – it has sat boarded up ever since.  With grants from the County and funding provided by the Township, work has begun to bring the building and property back to life for everyone to enjoy.  Completion of the project is expected to take several years and this will be the first opportunity for the public to see the house in its “rough” state.  Enjoy the fall weather and spend a few minutes walking back into history.  Volunteers work at the Clawson House almost every Sunday from 10-12pm. If you are interested in being on the volunteer list, please sign up when you visit.

Oct. 24th 2015! The first Annual Vought House "Confiscation" Auction!  
Inspired by the Patriots' 1778 auction of household items confiscated from the Loyalist Vought family. 
   All proceeds benefit historic preservation of this Revolutionary War Loyalist Homestead!
Picture
This is a real live auction with an auctioneer, a food table, tent, and port a potty.
______
______

Local artist Dan
Campanelli signs
his watercolor
print of “Old Glass”
which will appear
in the auction 

Picture
Antiques and “olde” household goods will be up for auction on Saturday, October 24th at 9:30 (previews) and 10:30 (auction starts) at the 1759 Vought House, 34 Grayrock Road, Clinton.  Professional auctioneer Michael J. Stasak, Jr., Antiques and Auction Service, Carpentersville, NJ, is generously donating his services, and friends and neighbors of the Vought House are donating quality household items, vintage and new, including furniture; art work; rugs; quilts; collectibles; china; and tools.  Approximately 100 items are up for sale and admission is free! Not just for history buffs, spread the word!

The latest highlight in the flood of donations is a print of a watercolor by Dan Campanelli of glass bottles, the last of this series available from Hunterdon County’s nationally known artist.  The original subject bottles are being auctioned as well.  Three antique samplers from the early and mid-1800s; a set of nine nesting Shaker wooden boxes; a three-piece wood entertainment unit with bookcases and cabinets; handmade quilts of various sizes; room-sized rugs; a pair of Tiffany-style hanging lamps; a Victorian bow-front curio cabinet with desk; a wooden pie cupboard; a Victorian carved wood bedstead; and a large brass Indian tray/ table are other highlights.

The 1759 Vought House is accepting additional donations until October 17th.  If you have clean, well-cared-for household items, old or new, that you would like to recycle from your home, garage or tool shed, please contact Kerry Cahill-Defuccio at 908-447-2006.

This fund-raising auction is inspired by a real auction in 1778.  This Revolutionary War Loyalist Homestead was the home of old Christopher Vought, his son John, and their families in the 1760s and 1770s.  When the men joined the British forces in New Brunswick in 1776, their wives and children, like many other Loyalist families, faced the anger of their Patriot neighbors, who stole some of their goods and finally auctioned off everything remaining.  In 1779, the farmstead itself was sold.  The Voughts were among the 33,000 Loyalists who resettled in Nova Scotia at war’s end. Today, the 1759 Vought House non-profit is restoring t
his stone house, which is on the state and national register of historic places, to what it looked like in 1776! Your participation and voluntary donations are essential to preserve this historic and architectural gem.

Come, have fun, bid on wonderful items, and support the exciting historic restoration of the Vought house!  Bargains galore, entrance free, donations received with gratitude.  All proceeds benefit the 1759 Vought House non-profit which is restoring this Revolutionary War Loyalist Homestead

Contact:  Kerry Cahill-Defuccio at
Phone: 908-447-2006
Location Details:
You can park at the Clinton Township Middle School
34 Grayrock Road

Clinton, NJ 08809
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1ST:  SAUSAGE MAKING EIGHTEENTH CENTURY STYLE:  Historic cook, Susan McLellan Plaisted, from Pennsbury Manor, will demonstrate authentic 18th century sausage making on November 1, 2015 between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Plaisted, proprietress of Heart to Hearth Cookery, a food history business based in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, holds a B.S. in food and nutrition and an M.S. in health education. Her specialty is American and Native American food during the Colonial Period.
The Farmstead is located at 114 Dreahook Road, in the Stanton section of Readington Township. If using a GPS, use Lebanon, NJ 08833. This is a free family friendly event, although donations will be gratefully accepted. In case of inclement weather please call the Museums to find out the status of the program.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7TH:  EAST AMWELL CEMETERY 'CLEAN UP' DAY - All Are Welcome to Participate Beginning at 11am.  Tucked away in the woods on Mountain Road in East Amwell are two small, adjoining cemeteries. These were family cemeteries for the Hunt and Simerson families. The cemeteries’ grounds have become overgrown and the early 1800s tombstones have been woefully neglected. The East Amwell Historical Society is sponsoring our first Cemetery Cleanup. When the work is complete and the twenty or so stones are uncovered – we will be honoring and preserving our Past for the future. More on the project – and the day’s proceedings – as we get closer to Cemetery Clean Up 2015.  For further information contact Jim Davidson at jdavid4194@aol.com.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18TH:  HUNTERDON HISTORICAL SOCIETY and THE HUNTERDON 300TH PRESENTS:  "Do They Know Where the Bodies are Buried?"  As a follow up on our Cemetery Cemener held on September 19th, on Wednesday, November 18, 2015Michelle Kuhn & Mike Gagliano from the New Jersey Geological and Water Survey will review the findings of their recent Ground Penetrating Radar scans at the Flemington Presbyterian Church Cemetery. They say "We know where the bodies are buried."  But do they?
Did they find a mass grave location, used for poor people, within the cemetery?
Did they find the foundation of the original church?
Did they locate the three Revolutionary War soldiers mentioned in Dr. Mott's 1894 book, "History of the Flemington Presbyterian Church"?
Are there many graves without headstones?

They will also discuss how the Ground Penetrating Radar process works and software programs they use to interpret the data.
A Q&A period will follow their brief presentation.
This program may be of interest to church members, scientists, historians, cemetery enthusiasts/caretakers & archaeologists.
The program is free and open to the public;  7PM at the Flemington Presbyterian Church

WE KNOW YOU HAVE BEEN WAITING WITH BREATHS BAITED TO SEE WHAT WE HAVE IN STORE FOR HUNTERDON'S 302ND YEAR..... WHICH HAPPENS TO ALSO BE THE 240TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BEGINNING OF THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR.

THE HUNTERDON 300TH
CELEBRATING 300+ YEARS OF HUNTERDON COUNTY HISTORY
PRESENTS OUR 2016 CELEBRATION: 
“THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR IN HUNTERDON COUNTY”

2016 CALENDAR IN THE WORKS:

Lenape Medicine Pouch and more….
March 8: History Mapping the American Revolution
April 2:  Hearth Cooking Demonstration & Lunch
March 12: Children's Historical Craft Project: Corn Husk Toys, Lenape Medicine Pouch &                        More!
April 19:  Daily Life in 1776
April 26:  History Thru Art:  1700s Mural Panel
April 30:  Children’s Chat and Play:  A Child's Life in 1776 and Games of the 18th Century
May 17:  The Revolutionary War in Pittstown
June 14:  Flags of the Revolutionary War
September 6:  Mapping Where Washington Slept
September 13:  The Potterstown Skirmish
October 18:  18th Century Women’s Fashion Show
November 5:  Revolutionary War Cemetery Tour South
November 12:  Revolutionary War Cemetery Tour North
December 3:  The Skirmish of Geary’s Ridge

Other events planned include: A Tour of Washington Crossing State Park (PA and NJ); Hunterdon Returns to Trenton Bus Tour; The Crossings and Battles of Trenton Lecture; The Lowerys: Town and Country; Vought House Tour and Talk, Military Fashions and Arms and more!

WATCH OUR CALENDAR OF EVENTS GROW WITH EACH FUTURE BLOG!

FOR FULL EVENT DETAILS VISIT US IN 2016 AT WWW.HUNTERDON300TH.ORG.

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

MORE OCTOBER HUNTERDON HERITAGE AND A TASTE OF NEXT YEAR!

FIRST ABOUT NEXT YEAR -- 2016 brings us the 240th anniversary of the beginning of the Revolutionary War so the Hunterdon 300th will be bringing you an amazing lecture and tour series about The Revolutionary War in Hunterdon!  EVERYTHING we do next year will be NEW! NO REPEATS FROM 2014!  All new lectures and tours!  AND WE ARE INVADING MERCER COUNTY-- that is, the portion that once was Hunterdon County in 1776!  

To give you a taste of some of the fun in store when we take a bus tour of Hunterdon County's 1776 county seat, Trenton, we present the following invitation from the Old Barracks Museum for their annual Tavern Night -- how jolly!  

For $50 per person, on Saturday, October 3rd from 7 to 10 pm, you will be treated to what life was like in an 18th century tavern - Leave your 21st Century cares behind and get whisked away to an evening of 18th Century revelry and delights! The Board of Trustees of The Old Barracks Association requests the pleasure of your company for a night at Ye Olde Barracks Tavern.

Play colonial board and card games with the people who would have played them! Listen to colonial music, and learn the accompanying dances from an expert dance master! Be sure to explore the Petty's Run archaeological site just beyond our fence! Heavy hors d'oeuvres and drinks included in ticket price.

Tickets are $50 per person and can be purchased in the Quartermaster's Store, by calling 609-396-1776 (that's a good phone number!) or you can go to the Old Barracks' website and order them via PayPal  at www.barracks.org.

We are planning an extensive visit to the Old Barracks and more next year when we take our deluxe coach bus to Trenton -- so why not take a peak at the past this year and come and join the fun on October 3rd..... No, this is NOT a Hunterdon County historical event, BUT it IS part of Hunterdon County's history!  Originally built in 1758 during the French and Indian War, the Old Barracks were used by American soldiers when the Revolutionary War first started.  In 1776, British and Hessian soldiers (hisssss) troops occupied Trenton and some were housed there along with some Loyalists.  When General Washington and his army made his surprise attack (yay!) after crossing the Delaware River the Americans took back the Barracks and used it until 1781.

FYI:  WE HOPE TO HAVE OUR ENTIRE 2016 CALENDAR OF REVOLUTIONARY WAR IN HUNTERDON COUNTY LECTURE AND EVENT SERIES SET BY LATE OCTOBER AND OUT TO YOU SO YOU CAN INK IN YOUR CALENDARS AND NOT MISS ANY OF THE FUN AND EXCITEMENT!

OCTOBER HAPPENINGS AT THE READINGTON MUSEUMS:

OCTOBER 4TH:  With roots dating as far back as the late 15th century, the technique of taking a bunch of strings, whether they are linen, silk, spun gold and silver, or cotton, and turning them into exquisite pieces of handmade lace is becoming a lost art form. There are artisans today who are helping to keep this time consuming and beautiful art form alive. On Sunday, October 4, 2015 Mary Roth Davies from the Cranberry Lacers Guild of Franklin Township will demonstrate the craft between 1:00 and 4:00 p.m. at the Readington Museums. Mary says about the craft, “Bobbin lacemaking is considered a slow art but one that I find rewarding and challenging. “ The program is located at the Bouman-Stickney Farmstead. The program is family friendly and free, but donations are gratefully accepted. Groups of six or more please call 908-236-2327 for a reservation.

OCTOBER 17TH:  Put on your dancing shoes for a night of family fun as the Readington Museums hosts its bi-annual Barn Dance on Saturday, October 17, 2015 from 7:00-9:30 p.m. The dance will be held inside the eighteenth century Wade-Wyckoff Barn at the Bouman-Stickney Farmstead located at 114 Dreahook Road in the Stanton section of Readington Township. This family friendly event is a wonderful way to have fun with the entire family. No experience is necessary. Caller Betsy Gotta will give easy to follow instructions before each dance so even a beginner will be able to dance the night away. There is a suggested donation of $5.00 per adult and $2.00 per child. Groups of six or more please call for a reservation, 908-236-2327.

You can check these events and more out at the Readington Museums website www.readingtonmuseums.org.

BUT BEFORE YOU PUT YOUR BARN DANCING SHOES ON, STOP BY THE HUNTERDON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY'S ANNUAL BOOK SALE FROM 9 AM TO 2 PM ON OCTOBER 17TH:  The Hunterdon County Historical Society is gearing up for the annual unique and rare book sale fundraising event at the Society’s archive building at 67 River Road in Raritan Township.  This year’s sale is remarkable with a number of exciting finds of books and pamphlets. Sale items are duplicates from the Society’s collections and library, along with gifts to the Society earmarked for the annual sale. This year’s sale includes some original editions and several rare books such as: Pamphlets from the Office of Indian Affairs, 1927; A Treatise of Bridge Architecture, 1811; Fitz Randolph Traditions, A Story of 1,000 Years, 1907; the story of a Mayflower family reported in excellent condition.  Also included in the sale are many genealogies, several rare slave biographies, travel pamphlets including one from 1824 to Niagara Falls; advertising cards, regional postcards, school books, almanacs, including Kate Greenway’s 1888 almanac and song books.

For more information about the Society and the annual book sale, visit the website: Hunterdonhistory.org or call the Society @ 908-782-1091. Cash and personal checks only are accepted at the sale.

OCTOBER HAPPENINGS BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE EAST AMWELL HISTORICAL SOCIETY:

The Charles Lindbergh Series - Presented by Historian and Author, EAHS President Jim Davidson

Friday, October 2, 7:00pm at the Hopewell Train Station, Railroad Place, Hopewell, NJ

For Lindbergh Baby Kidnapping enthusiasts, East Amwell Historical Society President and Lindbergh author Jim Davidson will be presenting his fascinating “12 Theories of Who Kidnapped the Lindbergh Baby”.  The Sourland Conservancy is sponsoring this riveting program.  Doors open at 6:40. There is limited seating.  The suggested donation is $5.00.

Clawson House: Open House! 
All are Welcome to Walk Through to View the Phase One Restoration Completion

Saturday and Sunday, October 24 and 25 from 12:00 noon-3:00pm. Historic Clawson House at Clawson Park, Ringoes, NJ.  Ample parking is available and refreshments will be provided.

The Historical Society is sponsoring a two day Open House at the Historic Clawson House.  The Clawson House was built circa 1800 (at least) and at one time was the architectural center piece of Ringoes.  Acquired by the Township in the year 2000 – when the Township purchased the Clawson Farm for a park – it has sat boarded up ever since.  With grants from the County and funding provided by the Township, work has begun to restore the property.  Full restoration is expected to take several years and this will be the first opportunity for the public to see the house in its “rough” state.  Enjoy the fall weather and spend a few minutes walking back into history.  Volunteers work at the Clawson House almost every Sunday from 10-12pm. If you are interested in being on the volunteer list, please sign up when you visit.

SOMETIMES YOU JUST HAVE TO SUPPORT THE LOYALISTS.....  On Saturday, October 24th, the 1759 Vought House is having a fundraising auction... The event is inspired by a real auction in 1778 when victorious American Patriots confiscated the goods sand property of the defeated Vought family, who had remained loyal to the British king during the Revolution.  the auction will start at 9:30 am (previews) and 10:30 am (auction) at the 1759 Vought House, 34 Grayrock road Annandale (next to the Clinton Township Middle School).  Auctioneer Michael J. Stasak, Jr., owner of Antiques and Auction Service in Carpentersville, NJ, will preside.  Special items are already on the auction list which can be viewed at www.stasakauctions.com.  All proceeds benefit the 1759 Vought House.  For further information see their website at www.1759VoughtHouse.org.  DONATIONS TO THIS AUCTION ARE GRATEFULLY WELCOMED -- PLEASE VISIT THEIR WEBSITE FOR CONTACT INFORMATION.

AND THE 300TH STILL HAS ROOM FOR YOU TO JOIN US: OCTOBER 3RD AT HOLCOMBE-JIMISON FARMSTEAD, OCTOBER 6TH AT THE MAIN BRANCH OF THE COUNTY LIBRARY FOR A TALK ON THE HISTORY OF 4 H IN HUNTERDON COUNTY, AND FOR OUR BARN TOUR ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17TH.  FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE RESERVATIONS FOR ANY OF THESE EVENTS, PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.HUNTERDON300TH.ORG.




Monday, September 14, 2015

SEPTEMBER HERITAGE HAPPENINGS AND OCTOBER'S OFFERINGS!

LIFE OR DEATH OFFERINGS?!!?

AAH -- FOOD -- THE SUSTENANCE OF LIFE:  IF YOU MISSED LAST WEEK'S AMAZING 4 COURSE 19TH CENTURY DINNER AT TEABERRY'S TEA ROOM, YOU STILL HAVE TIME TO MAKE A RESERVATION FOR THIS WEEK'S 20TH CENTURY MEAL!  The dinner was incredible and right in the Hunterdon 300th's 2015 theme of "Hunterdon's Agricultural Heritage" as the meal was completely sourced from fresh Hunterdon produce!  This Thursday night, you can feast like Julia Child, but you MUST call ahead for reservations (908-788-1010) as your entree choice needs to be pre-ordered.  Thursday, September 17th: the 20th Century; Thursday, September 24th:  the 21st Century.  You can see the complete menu offerings at Teaberry's website:  www.teaberrys.com.

BAD PUNS SHALL BE THE DEATH OF ME!  THE 300TH PARTNERS WITH THE HUNTERDON HISTORICAL SOCIETY TO COVER A GRAVE TOPIC:  THE SECOND ANNUAL CEMETERY CEMENER:  SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19TH:
2ND ANNUAL CEMETERY "CEMENER": Early Burial Grounds in Hunterdon County will be held from 11 am to 4:30 pm at the Flemington Presbyterian Church, 10 East Main Street in Flemington.  The Hunterdon County Historical Society in partnership with the 300th presents a fascinating day talking about this grave topic. Delaware Townships Historian Emerita, Marfy Goodspeed, will deliver the keynote on those disappearing burial grounds that every old farm in Hunterdon had once upon a "pre-development" time.  

Authors of "New Jersey Cemeteries and Tombstones History in the Landscape", Dr. Richard Veit and Mark Nonestied will be the afternoon's featured speakers followed by a panel discussion on how to protect and preserve ancient farm burial grounds. The panel discussion will include the following people: Former State Senator Marcia Karrow, JoAnne Byrnes, Esq, Planner Frank Banisch, Mt. Amwell Project founder Dave Reading & a yet to be named cemetery owner. 

Afterwards, there will be a number of break-out sessions in the cemetery on various topics including both Revolutionary and Civil War veterans' graves, how to clean and restore headstones, how to properly light headstones for photographing, and the State DEP will demonstrate the use of Ground Penetrating Radar. Breakout session leaders include historians John Kuhl, Leslie & Bob Leith, John Allen, John O'Brien and from the State DEP Michelle Kuhn & Mike Gagliano. 

The day will be moderated and hosted by Hunterdon County Historical Society President Charlie Fisher -- it's only a coincidence that he is also the director of a funeral parlor.... or is it?
Come and go as you please; come for the lectures, the panel discussion, the Cemetery Tours or just to come to meet and greet like-minded people; or stay for the day.

PLEASE NOTE:  THERE IS A $10 REGISTRATION FEE WHICH COVERS ALL SNACKS AND A SANDWICH LUNCH. PLEASE MAIL TO OR DROP YOUR CHECK OFF THROUGH OUR MAIL SLOT AT THE HUNTERDON 300TH, C/O THE FLEMINGTON CHOIR SCHOOL, 3 CHORISTER PLACE, FLEMINGTON, NJ 08822.  CHECKS SHOULD BE MADE PAYABLE TO THE HUNTERDON HISTORIC SOCIETY.

THE FLEMINGTON HISTORIC HOUSE TOUR ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12TH HAS BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20TH:  A TOUR OF HUNTERDON'S RURAL HERITAGE THROUGH THE ART OF DAN CAMPANELLI download flyer -- Join us for a unique powerpoint "tour" of some of Hunterdon's most special landmarks as we travel through our rural roads via artist Dan Campanelli's beautiful watercolor paintings.  Narrated by Dan and his wife, Marty, we will hear the history behind some of Hunterdon's most beloved architecture including barns, mills and farmhouses.  Dan and Marty Campanelli are highly regarded historians, having published several books on various aspects of Hunterdon's history.  Most recently, the Campanellis curated an exhibition on New Jersey's most historic samplers at Morven Museum where their companion tome on the subject sold out.  The event is at the Main Branch of the County Library at 3pm.  The event is free, but reservations are strongly recommended by visiting our website at www.hunterdon300th.org. Refreshments will be available. 

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27TH:  WHAT THE HECK IS LINSEY-WOOLSEY?!  A TRULY FASCINATING TOPIC ABOUT AN IMPORTANT HERITAGE CROP THAT CLOTHED OUR HUNTERDON ANCESTORS.  Spinning demonstration and discussion that explores one of Hunterdon County’s most important early settlement heritage crops, flax, that helped clothed our Hunterdon ancestors.  Flax was grown primarily for its flaxseed oil, but the fibrous remains were “retted” -- a  process where the inner stalk was rotted away leaving the outer part intact creating a course outer stem similar to straw. Wool, mostly sold as a cash crop sheered from local sheep, was woven with the retted flax into a fabric called linsey-woolsey.  This created a low cost fabric as it stretched the use of the more expensive wool that was both durable and warm.  Expert spinner and owner of the Spinnery in Frenchtown, Betty Oldenburg, will give a flax spinning demonstration and talk on the history of flax at 1 pm at the Holcombe Jimison Farmstead in Lambertville. 

The event is free but reservations are required by visiting our website at www.hunterdon300th.org. 

OCTOBER PREVIEW:

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3RD:  250 YEARS OF FARMSTEADING IN HUNTERDON COUNTY.
Join us for a private tour of the Holcombe Jimison Farmstead Museum which is housed in the restored three story bank barn.  Livestock were kept on the lower level, crops above.  Today, some of the exhibits arranged in the barn cover the tools and equipment used by the farmer to raise and harvest the crops that provided fodder for livestock and commodities to sell.  Other displays cover the domestic chores of the farmer's wife in the preparation and preservation of food and the making of clothing.  Early examples of now common implements and appliances give you a sense of passing time. 
2 to 5pm at Holcombe Jimison Farmstead Museum, 1605 Daniel Bray Highway, Lambertville.
The event is free but reservations are required by visiting our website at www.hunterdon300th.org. 


TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6TH:  THE IMPORTANCE OF 4-H IN HUNTERDON
In celebration of National 4-H week (October 4th thru 10th), join us for an informative talk about what 4-H is and its importance of 4-H to Hunterdon County. 4-H is a product of our agrarian society that has continuously been modified in order to be relevant and an attractive organization for today's youth who are raised in a technological society.  4-H is the nation’s largest positive youth development and youth mentoring organization, empowering six million young people in the United States.  In partnership with 110 universities, 4-H's life-changing programs are research-backed and made available through 4-H clubs, camps, after-school and school enrichment programs in every county & parish in America.   These programs include citizenship, healthy living, science, engineering and technology.  4-H is the youth development program of our nation's Cooperative Extension System and the USDA.  Louisa Cole, Ruth Crommelin, Betty Jane Hunt, and Susan Miller, who are all current 4-H leaders and alumni of the Hunterdon 4-H program, will discuss Hunterdon’s past and current 4-H experiences and opportunities.
7pm at the Main Branch County Library, 314 State Route 12, Flemington.

Refreshments will be available.  The event is free but reservations are required by visiting our website at www.hunterdon300th.org. 

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17TH: BARN TOUR:  Join our deluxe coach bus as we ride passed the rural scenery of Hunterdon County with some of Hunterdon's best barns as our destination.  Our guides, Hunterdon County Board of Agriculture Executive Board Member, George Conard and President of the Heritage Conservancy Jeff Marshall will share their expertise on the history of many of the county's farms and the amazing architecture of Dutch, English and German barns found throughout Hunterdon.  Lunch is included in what will be an informative and fun filled Autumn Day.

The bus leaves from Raritan Township Municipal Building at 9 am and returns at approximately 4 pm.  This event is limited to 50 people.  REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED by visiting our website at www.hunterdon300th.org or calling (908) 788-2030.  There is a $15 fee that includes the bus, tours, lunch and snacks.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24TH:  VOUGHT HOUSE AUCTION:  The event is inspired by a real auction in 1778 when victorious American Patriots confiscated the goods and property of the defeat Vought Family, who had remained loyal to the British king during the Revolutionary War.  The auction will start at 9:30 am (preview) and 10:30 (auction) at the 1759 Vought House, 34 Grayrock Road, Annandale (next to the Clinton Township Middle School).  Auctioneer Michael J. Stasak, Jr., owner of Antiques and Auction Service in Carpentersville, NJ will preside.  Items are currently being sought; some special items are already on the auction list which can be viewed at www.stasakauctions.com.  All proceeds benefit the 1759 Vought House.  For further information see their website at www.1759VoughtHouse.org.

IF YOUR HUNTERDON HISTORIC OR HERITAGE ORGANIZATION HAS EVENTS THAT IT WISHES ADVERTISED, BLOGGED AND ON OUR CALENDAR, PLEASE FORWARD THEM TO 300INFO@CO.HUNTERDON.NJ.US.




Tuesday, August 11, 2015

SIZZLING SEPTEMBER HERITAGE EVENTS AND AUGUST OPPORTUNITIES STILL AVAILABLE!

FIRST, A PLUG TO SOME FABULOUS EVENTS IN AUGUST WITH SEATING/SPACE STILL AVAILABLE!

IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO JOIN US ON WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12TH -- WE HAVE SEATS AVAILABLE!!  :  300TH LECTURE:  HUNTERDON'S AGRICULTURAL SCIENTIFIC DISCOVERIES AND INNOVATIONS.  If you followed our 2014 "300 Fun Facts About Hunterdon County", you'll remember that the first artificial insemination of a cow happened in Hunterdon and the first live shipment of chicks came from Hunterdon. And let's not forget about the Deats Plow and all of the great work that is being done in Pittstown at the Snyder Research Farm. Join county historian John Kuhl for a brand new lecture and power point presentation on these topics and so much more. This lecture is free but reservations are strongly recommended from our website www.hunterdon300th.org.  John is a favorite of our lectures' attendees!

This is a companion lecture to a special event we are planning at the Snyder Research Farm on August 26th. See below for details.

WENDESDAY, AUGUST 19TH THRU SUNDAY, AUGUST 22ND:  HUNTERDON AGRICULTURAL AND 4-H FAIR -- 10 am to 10 pm Wednesday thru Saturday; 10 am to 5 pm Sunday. Opening Ceremonies Wednesday afternoon. Tractor pulls, animals galore, rides, games, attractions, live entertainment, amusements, racing piglets, funnel cake, cotton candy, and enough food to make Templeton the Rat happy. Need we say more?

WE ALSO HAVE A FEW TICKETS LEFT (WHAT A SURPRISE!!) FOR WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26TH: THE GREAT TOMATO TASTING EARLY BIRD SPECIAL!   The Hunterdon 300th has made special arrangements with Rutgers. 40 lucky people who grab our Early Bird tickets will be able to enter the annual Great Tomato Tasting at the Clifford E. and Melda C. Snyder Research Farm early and receive a special lecture prior to the tasting event! We meet at 1:45 pm at the Research Farm in Pittstown and promptly board 2 hay wagons at 2 pm which will take our group for a private tour of the Research Farm where you will hear the history of the 390 acre farm, the Snyders' amazing contributions to agriculture and their community, and Mrs. Snyder's amazing and generous donation to Rutgers University's Cook College.

Following the tour and talk, you are on your own to taste all of the fabulous tomatoes that are grown at the Research Farm as well as the other fruit and produce selections available.

Starting with the actual tomato tasting, this year there will be more than 60 heirloom and hybrid varieties of beefsteak, plum, cherry, and grape tomatoes to sample. Other produce, as well as varieties of basil and honey, will be available.

Activities will include a chef’s cooking demonstration and tasting, guided educational wagon tours of the farm’s research plots, visits to the farm’s gardens with opportunities to ask questions and get answers, insect displays, information booths on various foods grown in the Garden State, and much more.

One highlight will be the Melda C. Snyder Teaching Garden which showcases demonstration plots of deer tolerant ornamentals; ethnic greens; blueberries, hazelnuts, dogwoods, and hollies from the Rutgers breeding programs; a turf labyrinth; an “apple wall” featuring the Experiment Station Tree Fruit Breeding Program for home orchards; and fun family farm photo opportunities. New this year will be a “sunflower pyramid,” a display of various varieties of sunflowers of different heights and sizes that form a living pyramid.

Rutgers faculty and staff and Rutgers Master Gardeners, whose hard work preparing for this popular event makes it possible, will be on hand to answer gardening questions.

The Great Tomato Tasting opens to the general public at 3 pm, so our early-bird arrival guarantees us the best parking and an early spot in the lines at the tables. Stay for the entire event or leave at your leisure!

Limited to 40 people. 

PLEASE NOTE:  THERE IS A $7 RESERVATION FEE FOR THE EVENT DUE IMMEDIATELY UPON MAKING YOUR TICKET ORDER; THE 300TH WILL PAY CONFIRMED TICKET HOLDERS' FEE INTO THE EVENT AT THE SNYDER RESEARCH FARM. PLEASE MAIL TO OR DROP YOUR CHECK OFF THRU OUR MAIL SLOT AT THE HUNTERDON 300TH, C/O THE FLEMINGTON CHOIR SCHOOL, 3 CHORISTER PLACE, FLEMINGTON, NJ 08822. CHECKS SHOULD BE MADE PAYABLE TO THE HUNTERDON 300TH. YOUR TICKET ORDER WILL BE CONFIRMED UPON RECEIPT OF PAYMENT.

Tickets Required and may be gotten from our website 
www.hunterdon300th.org.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 28TH: LENAPE PROGRAM. As part of Readington Museums' summer lecture series, Susan Plaisted, proprietress of Heart to Hearth Cookery, a food history business based in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, conducts a program about our local Native American tribe, the Lenni Lenape. Plaisted holds a B.S. in food and nutrition and an M.S. in health education. Her specialty is American and Native American food during the Colonial Period. Refreshments Served; Donations appreciated and accepted.

Call 908-236-2327 or email the museum at readingtonmuseums@gmail.com

NOW FOR SEPTEMBER'S GREAT HERITAGE EVENTS!

IF YOU WERE ONE OF THE HUNTERDON TRICENTENNIAL TAVERN TOURISTAS, ONE OF THE COMMENTS WE HEARD A LOT WAS "WHAT ABOUT PERIOD FOOD"? WE PROVIDED A BEAUTIFUL, HISTORIC TAVERN WITH A SPECIAL LECTURE, BUT THE FOOD WAS PURE 21ST CENTURY.  WELL, HAVE WE GOT A FOODIE SERIES FOR THOSE OF YOU WANTING AUTHENTIC PERIOD GOODIES....

EVERY THURSDAY IN SEPTEMBER, OUR SPECIAL PARTNER, TEABERRY'S TEA ROOM WILL BE OFFERING:  HUNTERDON DINING THROUGH THE AGES.  SEPTEMBER 3RD:  THE 18TH CENTURY; SEPTEMBER 10TH:  THE 19TH CENTURY; SEPTEMBER 17TH, THE 20TH CENTURY; SEPTEMBER 26TH, THE 21ST CENTURY.  IN CELEBRATION OF HUNTERDON'S AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE, TEABERRY'S IS PREPARING SPECIAL FARM TO TABLE DINNERS!
What better way to celebrate Hunterdon's Agricultural Heritage than with a wonderful four part culinary series created by the 300th's special partner Teaberry's Tea Room in Flemington?!  Chef Susan Peterson creates authentic historically accurate dinners highlighting local produce.  Each week, guests will be delighted with a full, three course dinner from a different century in Hunterdon's history.  Come to one or come to all!  For further information or reservations, contact Teaberry's at  (908) 788-1010 or visit theTeaberry's Website

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12TH:  HISTORIC HOUSE TOUR Presented by the Flemington Historic Preservation Commission runs from 12 noon to 5pm.  The tour begins at the Doric House, Main Street, Flemington.  This year's tour will consist of five distinctive private residences and three iconic public buildings, all providing a view into the various and eclectic architecture which abounds in our charming borough.  All will offer features that are of historical significance to Flemington.  In addition to the homeowners and their friends, several docents and a lead docent will be placed in each of the homes to provide information and directions to the visitors.  For further information, contact the Flemington Historic Preservation Commission.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19TH:  2ND ANNUAL CEMETERY "CEMENER": Early Burial Grounds in Hunterdon County will be held from 11 am to 4:30 pm at the Flemington Presbyterian Church, 10 East Main Street in Flemington.  The Hunterdon County Historical Society in partnership with the 300th presents a fascinating day talking about this grave topic. Delaware Townships Historian Emerita, Marfy Goodspeed, will deliver the keynote on those disappearing burial grounds that every old farm in Hunterdon had once upon a "pre-development" time.  

Authors of "New Jersey Cemeteries and Tombstones History in the Landscape", Dr. Richard Veit and Mark Nonestied will be the afternoon's featured speakers followed by a panel discussion on how to protect and preserve ancient farm burial grounds. The panel discussion will include the following people: Former State Senator Marcia Karrow, JoAnne Byrnes, Esq, Planner Frank Banisch, Mt. Amwell Project founder Dave Reading & a yet to be named cemetery owner. 

Afterwards, there will be a number of break-out sessions in the cemetery on various topics including both Revolutionary and Civil War veterans' graves, how to clean and restore headstones, how to properly light headstones for photographing, and the State DEP will demonstrate the use of Ground Penetrating Radar. Breakout session leaders include historians John Kuhl, Leslie & Bob Leith, John Allen, John O'Brien and from the State DEP Michelle Kuhn & Mike Gagliano. 

The day will be moderated and hosted by Hunterdon County Historical Society President Charlie Fisher -- it's only a coincidence that he is also the director of a funeral parlor.... or is it?
 
Come and go as you please; come for the lectures, the panel discussion, the Cemetery Tours or just to come to meet and greet like-minded people; or stay for the day.

PLEASE NOTE:  THERE IS A $10 REGISTRATION FEE WHICH COVERS ALL SNACKS AND A SANDWICH LUNCH. PLEASE MAIL TO OR DROP YOUR CHECK OFF THROUGH OUR MAIL SLOT AT THE HUNTERDON 300TH, C/O THE FLEMINGTON CHOIR SCHOOL, 3 CHORISTER PLACE, FLEMINGTON, NJ 08822.  CHECKS SHOULD BE MADE PAYABLE TO THE HUNTERDON HISTORIC SOCIETY.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20TH:  A TOUR OF HUNTERDON'S RURAL HERITAGE THROUGH THE ART OF DAN CAMPANELLI download flyer -- Join us for a unique powerpoint "tour" of some of Hunterdon's most special landmarks as we travel through our rural roads via artist Dan Campanelli's beautiful watercolor paintings.  Narrated by Dan and his wife, Marty, we will hear the history behind some of Hunterdon's most beloved architecture including barns, mills and farmhouses.  Dan and Marty Campanelli are highly regarded historians, having published several books on various aspects of Hunterdon's history.  Most recently, the Campanellis curated an exhibition on New Jersey's most historic samplers at Morven Museum where their companion tome on the subject sold out.  The event is at the Main Branch of the County Library at 3pm.  The event is free, but reservations are strongly recommended by visiting our website at www.hunterdon300th.org.  Refreshments will be available. 

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27TH:  WHAT THE HECK IS LINSEY-WOOLSEY?!  A TRULY FASCINATING TOPIC ABOUT AN IMPORTANT HERITAGE CROP THAT CLOTHED OUR HUNTERDON ANCESTORS.  
Flax Spinning Demonstration and Talk on the History of Flax by Expert Spinner, Betty Oldenburg at the Holcombe Jimison Farmstead in Lambertville at 1pm.   The event is free but reservations are required by visiting our website at www.hunterdon300th.org.  

IF YOU ARE PART OF A HUNTERDON HISTORIC OR HERITAGE ORGANIZATION AND WOULD LIKE YOUR EVENTS PUBLISHED ON OUR CALENDAR AND BLOGGED, PLEASE EMAIL US AT 300INFO@CO.HUNTERDON.NJ.US