Thursday, October 6, 2022

300TH NEWS: THIS WEEKEND EVENTS AND MORE FALL HISTORIC FUN!

 If you haven't gotten tickets yet for our new Lindbergh talk about the trial and Flemington Borough, Hunterdon's County Seat, we still have FREE tickets available.  The jail cell in which accused murderer Bruno Hauptmann stayed until moved to Trenton for his execution, will be open both days, and for an hour prior to the talk both days, the Barrister's Office, a replication of a 1930's attorney's office using historical artifacts and materials, will be open as well.  See below for ticketing information for either Friday, October 14 at 7 pm or Saturday October 15 at 2 pm.  We have also included a list of the Main Street and just off Main Street Flemington restaurants, cafes and snack bars for your convenience.  

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8: WALKING TOUR OF MOUNTAINVILLE (TEWKSBURY), 10 AM; RAINDATE SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1PM:  This is such a wonderful tour during Autumn.  Mountainville in the fall is like a postcard!  Come hear the history of what was originally known as Bulls Head, where the confluence of 3 streams allowed Mountainville in Tewksbury Township to take advantage of the power of water and where the Potter family became an influential family. We’ll see the former one-room school, the local general store and post office, the hotel, the former Kitchen Caboodle cooking school and the site of a former tannery. Tour led by Tewksbury Township Historian Shaun Van Doren.

Meet at the Tewksbury Historical Society, 60 Water Street (use Lebanon, NJ 08833 for GPS).

Rain Date Sunday, October 9 at 1 pm.

For ticketing use this link or cut and paste into your url if trouble with the link:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/walking-tour-of-mountainville-tickets-374553257877

OCTOBER 22ND:  WALKING TOUR OF MILFORD, 2pm:  This event was postponed from its original date due to inclement weather.  Consequently, we have limited tickets available. Join us at this beautiful river town.  For many years, people came to Milford to enjoy the fresh country air and view the beautiful river.  Milford's history is rich with the businesses and lives that prospered here and were so influenced by the river, lumber, coal, slate, mills and trains.  Come for a walking tour hosted by Rob Castagna of the Milford Historical for an overview of the history of this historic borough.
For ticketing use this link or cut and paste into your url if trouble with the link:


FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14TH, 7 PM AND SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15TH, 2 PM:  "WHEN THE CIRCUS CAME TO TOWN": FLEMINGTON NJ AND THE LINDBERGH KIDNAPPING TRIAL, A NEW TALK AND BOOK BY JIM DAVIDSON: On March 1, 1932, Charles Lindbergh, Jr. disappeared. In January and February of 1935, a rambunctious kidnapping trial was held in an old county courthouse in the sleepy farm town of Flemington, NJ. For those six weeks, the eyes of the world rested on Flemington that was, at least for a short time, the center of the universe.

In a fascinating chronicling of the chain of events that followed in the courtroom and beyond, local historian and former history teach Jim Davidson, details the Trial of the Century as fifty thousand people encroached on Flemington, including over 700 reporters, 150 photographers, and countless sketch artists. Jim examines the colorful stories surrounding such famous news writers and commentators as Adela Rogers St. Johns, Damon Runyon, Dorothy Kilgallen, Walter Winchell, Gabriel Heater, and others as well as the craziness that ensued in Hunterdon's small county seat.

Jim will have copies of his new book for sale.  The actual jail cell in which Bruno Hauptmann was kept prisoner will be open for viewing on Friday night from 5:30 to 7 pm before the talk; on Saturday, the jail cell will be open following the talk from approximately 3:00 to 4:30 pm and the Barrister's Law Office historic display will be open from 1 pm to 2pm. 

Enjoy leaving the Historic Courthouse and strolling downtown Flemington to see the actual locations which Jim discusses.  Enjoy dinner before the talk on Friday or lunch or afternoon tea after the talk on Saturday.  Please make sure you make reservations as appropriate for before or after dining. 

Special thank you to the Hunterdon County Board of Commissioners, Director John Lanza, Deputy Director Zach Rich, Members Sue Soloway, Shaun Van Doren, and Jeff Kuhl, Hunterdon County Sheriff Fred Brown, and County Administrator Brad Myhre for making this happen.

TWO OPPORTUNITIES TO BOOK THIS FREE TALK AT THE HUNTERDON COUNTY HISTORIC COURTHOUSE!

For ticketing use this link or cut and paste into your url if trouble with the link:

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14: 7 PM:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/when-the-circus-came-to-town-flemington-during-the-lindbergh-trial-tickets-422059239547

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15: 2 PM:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/when-the-circus-came-to-town-flemington-during-the-lindbergh-trial-tickets-422064053947

Downtown Borough Restaurants, Cafes, Snack Bars (please check hours of operation and make reservations as appropriate)


Cilantro Garden (136 Main Street) 

https://cilantrogarden.menufy.com/


Dolce's Italian Restaurant (161 Main Street) https://www.dolcerestaurantnj.com/

55 Main (55 Main Street Suite 2) http://www.55main.com/

Gabby's Pizza (203 Main Street) https://gabbyspizzapasta.com/

Garden State Salad (32 Main Street) http://gardenstatesalad.com

Hardy's Coffee Bar (31 Bloomfield Avenue) https://www.hardyscoffeebar.com/coffee

Jack's Pizzeria (55 Main Street) https://www.orderjackspizza.com/

Little Egypt Oasis (79 Main Street) https://bobashopflemington.com/

Main Street Bagel Company (26 East Main Street) https://mainstreetbagelnj.com/

Market Roost (65 Main Street) https://www.marketroost.com/

Matt's Red Rooster (22 Bloomfield Avenue) https://www.mattsredroostergrill.com/

Nature's EnerQi (7 Main Street) http://naturesenerqi.com/

(Shaker Cafe (31 Main Street) https://www.jsshakercafe.com/

Teaberry's Tea Room (2 Main Street) https://www.teaberrys.com/

Viva Mexico (148 Main Street) https://restaurantvivamexico.com

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16: 👀 "ALL HALLOWS EVE SONGS OF LOVE, DEATH AND THE SUPERNATURAL" - ENCORE PERFORMANCE (SEE READINGTON MUSEUMS BELOW, OCTOBER 2ND):  We love partnering with Readington Museums so much we're doing it again! Join us at BOUMAN-STICKNEY FARMSTEAD, 2 PM. FOR AN ENCORE CONCERT OF HISTORICAL MUSIC PERFORMED BY  Anne and Ridley Enslow:  Balladeers, Ridley and Anne Enslow will perform an All Hallow’s Eve concert at the Bouman-Stickney Farmstead on Sundays, October 2 and 16 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. The Readington Museums and history partner, www.Hunterdon300th.org will sponsor these events.

In addition to singing, Ridley will be on the violin and Ann on the hammered dulcimer. They will trace the legends, beliefs, and superstitions about Halloween beginning in medieval times through the 18th century and beyond. Halloween as we know it today did not exist before the 1870s. But, the roots of Halloween reach back centuries into our past—to All Hallow’s Eve and ancient holidays and rituals, superstitions, and folklore. Anne and Ridley Enslow bring these ancient mysteries to life with a program of music spanning several centuries.

Each show will be held outdoors. Please bring a chair or blanket. In case of rain, the program will be moved inside the barn on the property. The program is free, but donations are appreciated, and reservations are required. All donations go to benefit Readington Museums.

Please register for either program online through the link on Readington Museums' homepage, www.readingtonmuseums.org, contact the museum by email at readingtonmuseums@gmail.com  or call 908-236-2327. GPS location: 114 Dreahook Road Lebanon NJ.

👀FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28th👻: THE TALE OF THE MURDERER, LITTLE JIM: 7:30 pm:  Sightings of Little Jim around Hunterdon County occurred long after he was hung -- or do they still occur?  Join us for a creepy Halloween tale steeped in folklore but with serious historical documentation.  Stephanie Stevens, retired educator and County Historian Emerita, weaves the true story about a horrific murder, the teenaged murderer, his victim, and the last hanging in Hunterdon County's history.  The murder weapon is owned by the Hunterdon County Historical Society, located just around the corner at 114 Main Street in Flemington, and may be on display that night. This story is a truly creepy historic tale and will be preceded with a true accounting of strange happenings in the Choir School.  Halloween goodies will be provided.  This event is not recommended for children under the age of 8 years old.  

Free but reservations are required.  Limited to 40 big and little people.

Flemington Choir School is located at 3 Chorister place, Flemington Borough.  Park on Main Street or in the public parking lot behind 113 Main Street (near the former Mikasa building).

For ticketing use this link or cut and paste into your url if trouble with the link:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-tale-of-the-murderer-little-jim-a-historical-halloween-event-tickets-405872634977

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29 (RAINDATE SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30):  WALKING TOUR OF ROSEMONT CEMETERY:  10 AM TO 11:30 AM: Looking for a story with a good plot? Well, how about a plot with a good story? Join Hunterdon County Historical Society Administrator Dave Harding on a walking tour of Rosemont Cemetery (100 Kingwood-Stockton Road in Rosemont). Dave will share stories about a number of denizens buried there including Captain Daniel Bray (later General), who was among several officers who collected all the boats on the upper Delaware River and hid them from the British troops snapping at the heels of General George Washington in late 1776; Aaron Rittenhouse Lewis, who as a hand-writing expert played a key role in the Lindbergh baby murder trial; Anne Elstner Matthews, a long-time Stockton resident and popular radio star for almost two decades; and Anton Schuck, a master mechanic, who built an automobile that ran on coal.

For ticketing use this link or cut and paste into your url if trouble with the link:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/walking-tour-of-rosemont-cemetery-tickets-405867971027

EVENTS FROM OUR FABULOUS HISTORICAL PARTNERS FROM AROUND THE COUNTY!:

Saturday, October 8th:  Raritan Township Historians Committee present a Day in Hamilton:  Take the bus and relax for a day in history:  

First Stop:  The 1896 V. Henry Rothschild & Co. factory was built to manufacture shirts, and was later used for making luggage by the Atlantic Products Corporation. It is now a “hip” adaptive reuse offering flex space to local artists, non profits and small businesses.

Second Stop:  Grounds For Sculpture, which was founded by Artist and Philanthropist,Seward Johnson. It is a lush 42 acre Museum, Sculpture Garden and Arboretum. Self guided tour.

Space is limited.  Meet at the front parking lot of the Raritan Township Municipal building (Dvoor circle) at 8:45 am.  The bus leaves promtly at 9:00 am and will return at 4 pm.  

Tickets are available at the Clerks Office, Raritan Township Municipal Building.  

Seniors and children - $50 per person. Adults - $55 per person. Lunch is Not Included. Bring your own picnic or dine at the Van Gogh Cafe. Children under 5 are free but must sit on the parents lap in the bus. 

Please contact Kerry Rhea (908) 217-1933 or kerryarhea@gmail.com for further details. 

Saturday, October 8th thru Saturday October 15th:  Tewksbury Historical Society Hosts 30th Tewksbury Art Exhibition and Sale:  The 30th Tewksbury Art Exhibition and Sale benefiting the Tewksbury Historical Society will take place Saturday, October 8 thru Saturday, October 15, at the Zion Lutheran Church Christian Education Building 18 Miller Avenue, Oldwick, 08858.   The Exhibition includes juried, small works and portfolio works. Media include oils, acrylics, paper (pastels, watercolors, mixed media collages), hand pulled prints (etching, silk screen, lithographs) and photography (analog and digital). Subjects include animals, abstracts, landscapes, florals and still-lifes.  All artwork is priced for sale.

An Opening Preview & Reception will be held Friday evening, Oct. 7, 6-8 PM with an awards ceremony beginning at 7 pm.  Advance tickets are $30 per person and can be purchased online until Oct. 6 at Tewksbury Art Exhibition Reception (tewksburyhistory.net); all tickets will be held at the door.  Tickets can be purchased at the door on the day of the event for $35 per person.


Awards will be given for "Best in Show," "Best of Tewksbury," "Marion Katnack Award - Tewksbury Landscape," plus 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places as well as Honorable Mention in each category.


The Exhibit continues thru Saturday, Oct. 15.  Public viewing and sale will take place on Saturday, Oct. 8, 10 AM - 6 PM, Sunday, Oct. 9, 1 - 5 PM, Monday thru Friday, Oct. 10-14, 12-5 PM and Saturday, Oct. 15, 10 AM - 3 PM. General Admission tickets are $5.00.  New this year - Food will be available during the Exhibit - provided by the Society.  Enjoy a bite to eat while you peruse the gallery.


The Society will also have available for sale during the Exhibit Tewksbury afghans, artist and churches notecards, prints on Tewksbury, Califon, Mountainville & Pottersville as well as maps of Tewksbury and New Germantown and books on Fairmount and Mountainville and the ever popular Tewksbury Auto Tour booklet.


For information about the Opening Night Reception or the Exhibit visit www.tewksburyhistory.net then click on the Art Exhibition page on the left.

 

Sunday, October 23RD: Lambertville House Tour returns! 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Presented by the Lambertville Historical Society.  For further information visit their website at https://lambertvillehistoricalsociety.org/

Saturday, November 5: 10 am to 4 pm,117 Hampton, NJ 08827:  1760 Joseph Turner House presents:  Autumn Antiques and Art:


This VIP fundraiser includes: Appraisal with Ken Nerger,, Appraiser for the Antiques Road Show and owner of Ye Curiosity Shop.  Bring 2 items for a 10 minute evaluation*; Tour of the 1760 Joseph Turner House; buffet fruit, cheese and delicious sandwiches; art show, musical entertainment and pumpkin pie judging.  Cost: $30 per person.  Advanced ticket purchase required.


General Admission includes:  Tour of the 1760 Joseph Turner House; buffet fruit, cheese and delicious sandwiches; art show, musical entertainment and pumpkin pie judging.  Cost: $15 (at the door or in advance)


For tickets, please go to Eventbrite:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/424649477017

 

*Stamps, firearms, coins, jewelry or large furniture are not permitted for the appraisal.  A written appraisal will not be provided.  The event is for information and entertainment and UFHA/Ken Nerger are not responsible for incorrect evaluations.  If you would like a full written evaluation for sale or insurance purposes, arrangements may be made with Ken Nerger.


NEWS FROM THE RED MILL MUSEUM:  CALLING ALL TREE DESIGNERS -- FESTIVAL OF TREES IS COMING:  

The decorated trees will be on display outdoors amid the historical buildings. They will be judged in a contest, so bring on the talent! The winners of the following categories, Best Representation of Theme, Child’s Fantasy, Creative Genius, Most Traditional and Spirit of Nature will receive a cash prize of $100! In addition, the viewing public can vote for their favorite. Decorating and displaying a tree will help to spark holiday spirit for thousands of visitors.

Each group or individual may participate by submitting an entry form found on the Museum’s website www.theredmill.org or through this link https://forms.gle/56qsmriM9dBdstGj8

Entry forms must be received by November 14th. The tree drop off and set up will be held on November 18th and 19st from 10-4pm. The trees will be on display beginning Thanksgiving weekend, November 25th – 27th and then Saturdays and Sundays starting December 3th - 18th

For more information or questions about entering a Christmas tree contact Elizabeth at ecole@theredmill.org.