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.