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Farmhouses built by Dutch settlers are among the OLDEST STRUCTURES IN NJ! Preserving them promotes tourism, enhances local economies, and deepens connections to our shared and diverse heritage! shared, 5/24/26

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Farmhouses built by Dutch settlers are among the OLDEST STRUCTURES IN NJ! Preserving them promotes tourism, enhances local economies, and deepens connections to our shared and diverse heritage! shared, 5/24/26

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Join the Meadows Foundation and find out how YOU can get involved in historic preservation as a volunteer!

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The Preservation of Dutch Colonial Homes Takes on Heightened Meaning in Revolutionary War’s 250th Anniversary - Preservation NJ

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In 1779, as General George Washington was traversing a wintery New Jersey during the Revolutionary War, he paid a visit to the home of Derrick Van Veghten. The Dutch family […]

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A Brief-ish History of the Proud Tradition of Honoring the Fallen on Memorial Day

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A Brief-ish History of the Proud Tradition of Honoring the Fallen on Memorial Day

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✨National Historic Preservation🇺🇸 PROMOTES & SUPPORTS LOCAL Historic Preservation!✨ shared 5/20/26

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✨National Historic Preservation🇺🇸 PROMOTES & SUPPORTS LOCAL Historic Preservation!✨ shared 5/20/26

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Local Historic Preservation promotes and supports: Local Economies, Physically & Mentally Healthier People, Affordable Housing Stronger Communities, SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENTS and more...

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America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places for 2026 | National Trust for Historic Preservation

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Now in its 39th year, the list has proven to be a highly effective tool for shining a light on the threats facing our nation’s greatest treasures. The places featured on the 2026 list of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places are united in how they illuminate stories of remarkable individuals who fought to bring our country closer to its founding aspirations of equality.

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Uh-oh--clear your schedule!--it's ANOTHER Interactive Map Rabbit Hole of Revolutionary War Sites to fall into... This time, it's VICTORY TOWNS of the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route! shared, 5/18/26

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Uh-oh--clear your schedule!--it's ANOTHER Interactive Map Rabbit Hole of Revolutionary War Sites to fall into... This time, it's VICTORY TOWNS of the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route! shared, 5/18/26

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Is your town due for a historical marker?

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The USA has nearly 20,000 incorporated cities, towns, and villages, and yet fewer than 200 are what we call “Victory Towns” because they were witnesses to the 700-mile march of American and French troops to Yorktown, Virginia, where they achieved victory in the American Revolution.

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Preservation NJ's 10 Most Endangered Historic Places List for 2026, shared 5/12/26

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Preservation NJ's 10 Most Endangered Historic Places List for 2026, shared 5/12/26

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The THREATS to these historic sites are real and imminent, BUT, so is the possibility of RESCUE, RESTORATION, and PRESERVATION for future generations!

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🚨 Preservation New Jersey announces the 2026 10 Most Endangered Historic Places in New Jersey. 🚨 This year’s list includes: 1878 Barn — Ringoes, Hunterdon County
Asbury Park Casino — Asbury Park,…

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FREE TIME TRAVEL! Join us in the 18th & 19th Centuries for docent-led tours of the Wyckoff-Garretson House & Museum (1709, 1730, 1810), shared 5/9/26

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FREE TIME TRAVEL! Join us in the 18th & 19th Centuries for docent-led tours of the Wyckoff-Garretson House & Museum (1709, 1730, 1810), shared 5/9/26

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EVERY 2nd Sunday May to October, from 1-4pm. FREE - no tickets or reservations necessary!

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🌷🌼🌺👉FREE Mother’s Day Event--TIME TRAVEL!!!👈 🌸🪻🌹Join us in 18th & 19th Century for free DOCENT-LED tours of life in the Wyckoff-Garretson House & Museum (1709, 1730, & 1810) in Franklin Township,…

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HAPPY HISTORIC PRESERVATION MONTH!!! shared 4/2/26

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HAPPY HISTORIC PRESERVATION MONTH!!! shared 4/2/26

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Historic preservation makes communities stronger, more beautiful, and more economically, and environmentally sustainable!

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Six Essential Reasons to Save Old Places | National Trust for Historic Preservation

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There are many reasons why we save old and historic places. Here are six essential reasons that remind us why the work of preservation is central to our collective well being.

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🔎NEW DATE January 18, at 2PM - Join us for Big G's Birthday Cake 🎂, "bathtub gin" Mocktails 🍹, 1920s-style light refreshments, and LOTS OF GOOD, MYSTERY-SOLVING FUN!🗝 shared, 10/06/25

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🔎NEW DATE January 18, at 2PM - Join us for Big G's Birthday Cake 🎂, "bathtub gin" Mocktails 🍹, 1920s-style light refreshments, and LOTS OF GOOD, MYSTERY-SOLVING FUN!🗝 shared, 10/06/25

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https://www.facebook.com/share/1Ct1mbZWYu/

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Sinterklaas is coming! Parking in limited--so tickets are free but required--but go ahead a bring whoever can safely fit in your car!

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Sinterklaas is coming! Parking in limited--so tickets are free but required--but go ahead a bring whoever can safely fit in your car!

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Reserve your ticket as soon as you can, we know Sinterklaas and his 4-legged best buddy are looking forward to seeing you!

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Event in Franklin Park, NJ by The Meadows Foundation on Sunday, December 7 2025

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Every 2nd Sunday, April to October, 1-4pm - FREE, costumed docent-led tours of the Wyckoff-Garretson House & Museum, every 2nd Sunday of the month from April to October, from 1pm to 4pm! shared, 6/2/25

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Every 2nd Sunday, April to October, 1-4pm - FREE, costumed docent-led tours of the Wyckoff-Garretson House & Museum, every 2nd Sunday of the month from April to October, from 1pm to 4pm! shared, 6/2/25

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FREE TIME TRAVEL! What was life like in Franklin Township, NJ, in the 1700s and 1800s? Join us and find out!

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FREE Docent-led Tours of the Wyckoff-Garretson House & Museum (1709, 1730, 1805) - Every 2nd Suday!

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Event by The Meadows Foundation on Sunday, July 13 2025

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Wednesday, June 11, 6:30-8:30pm - Club Meadows! If you are not already a Friend of the Meadows, join us and you will automatically be a member of Club Meadows! Club Mead. meets every 2nd Wednesday of the month to discuss all things history--bring your own snack, bereage, and favorite topic to discuss with other history heads! shared, 6/2/25

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Wednesday, June 11, 6:30-8:30pm - Club Meadows! If you are not already a Friend of the Meadows, join us and you will automatically be a member of Club Meadows! Club Mead. meets every 2nd Wednesday of the month to discuss all things history--bring your own snack, bereage, and favorite topic to discuss with other history heads! shared, 6/2/25

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Visit our website to see all of the many benefits of becoming a Friend of the Meadows by visiting our website, www.TheMeadowsFoundation.org

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Join and/or Donate to the Meadows Foundation!

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The Meadows Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to give the past a future in Franklin Township, NJ. Join us!

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Saturday, June 21, 1pm - It's a lecture about Historic Somerset County Barns, IN a historic Somerset Co. Barn, the historic Hageman Horse Barn! Co-hosted by the Somerset Co. Historic Society, the Somerset Co. Agricultural Board, and the Meadows Foundation. shared, 6/2/25 

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Saturday, June 21, 1pm - It's a lecture about Historic Somerset County Barns, IN a historic Somerset Co. Barn, the historic Hageman Horse Barn! Co-hosted by the Somerset Co. Historic Society, the Somerset Co. Agricultural Board, and the Meadows Foundation. shared, 6/2/25 

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Do you LOVE historic barns? Would you LOVE to have your next event at the Historic Hageman Horse Barn? Visit the Meadows website to learn how! https://themeadowsfoundation.org/events-at-the-meadows/venue/

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Join us for an exclusive, tri-sponsored lecture from NJ Barn expert Greg Huber in the beautifully-restored Hageman Barn of Middlebush.

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Sunday, June 29, 2pm - The Wreck of the Broker! - A presentation about NJ's deadliest train wreck by author and historian, Gordon Bond. shared. 6/2/25

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Sunday, June 29, 2pm - The Wreck of the Broker! - A presentation about NJ's deadliest train wreck by author and historian, Gordon Bond. shared. 6/2/25

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Please join the Meadows Foundation for the harrowing tale of a local tragedy seldom told...

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On the drizzly evening of February 6, 1951, the Pennsylvania Railroad commuter train known as "The Broker" derailed in Woodbridge, New Jersey, killing 85 and injuring hundreds in what remains the deadliest railroad accident in the state's history and among the top five in the United States. What happened is reasonably well-understood. The Broker hit a temporary track around a New Jersey Turnpike construction site going between 50- and 65-miles-per-hour, though the speed limit was set at 25. Why it happened, however, is an area of controversy that few (if any) histories have fully explored. While the role of speed is generally accepted, why the otherwise experienced and skilled engineer failed to properly observe the speed restriction drew attention at the time to systemic issues within the Pennsylvania Railroad itself and seemed to reflect what many had come to believe about the industry as a whole.

Author Gordon Bond will be presenting his research on this tragic and relatively recent piece of history. He is an independent historian, author, and lecturer. He is the author of six books about aspects of New Jersey history ranging from the first colonial era printer to the first African American to vote under the Fifteenth Amendment to the deadliest train wreck in state history. In addition to these books, his website,
www.GardenStateLegacy.com , offers free resources for the New Jersey history community, including a speaker's bureau and online museum. He recently joined the Board of Directors of Preservation New Jersey. Mr. Bond has written an in-depth book titled "MAN FAILURE: The Story of New Jersey's Deadliest Train Wreck," now in its second edition with an appendix of new stories and photos, some never before published! Autographed copies will be available after the presentation for $30.

Join us on Sunday, June 29 th, 2025 at 2 PM at the historic Hageman House (209 South Middlebush Road, Somerset, NJ) for an informative presentation on this tragic event. Tickets are $15, and discounted for Friends of the Meadows (members) at $12. Light refreshments will be served after the presentation.

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On the drizzly evening of February 6, 1951, the Pennsylvania Railroad commuter train known as "The Broker" derailed in Woodbridge, New Jersey, killing 85 and injuring hundreds in what remains the deadliest railroad accident in the state's history and among the top five in the United States. What happened is reasonably well-understood.

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March 30, 2pm - An 18th Century Love Story in an 18th Century House--the Wyckoff-Garretson House (1709, 1730, 1810)! shared 3/28/25

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March 30, 2pm - An 18th Century Love Story in an 18th Century House--the Wyckoff-Garretson House (1709, 1730, 1810)! shared 3/28/25

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George & Martha's love story survived war and the first American presidency, and yet is seldom told....

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Join historial interpreters Curt Radabaugh and Alisa Dupuy as they bring George and Martha Washington to life! Watch them depict life during colonial times, and hear about the Washingtons' courtship, marriage and their life before, during and after the Revolution.

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George & Martha Washington: A Love Story

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Join historial interpreters Curt Radabaugh and Alisa Dupuy as they bring George and Martha Washington to life! Watch them depict life during colonial times, and hear about the Washingtons' courtship, marriage and their life before, during and after the Revolution.

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👉Today is NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE DAY!👈

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👉Today is NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE DAY!👈

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To learn more about the people who are indigenous to the land on which you live, check out this interactive map

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Mapping

We strive to map Indigenous territories, treaties, and languages across the world in a way that goes beyond colonial ways of thinking in order to better represent how Indigenous people want to see themselves.

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Native Land is a resource to learn more about Indigenous territories, languages, lands, and ways of life. We welcome you to our site.

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Wednesday, September 11, 6:30-8:30pm. Not yet a member of a historical organization? Meadows memberships start at $10-15! shared, 6/6/24

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Wednesday, September 11, 6:30-8:30pm. Not yet a member of a historical organization? Meadows memberships start at $10-15! shared, 6/6/24

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Event in Franklin Park, NJ by The Meadows Foundation on Wednesday, September 11 2024

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Sunday, September 8, 1-4pm - FREE Docent-Led Tours of the Wyckoff-Garretson House & Museum (1709, 1730, 1805)! shared, 6/6/24

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Sunday, September 8, 1-4pm - FREE Docent-Led Tours of the Wyckoff-Garretson House & Museum (1709, 1730, 1805)! shared, 6/6/24

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Time Travel with the Meadows Foundation!

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FREE TIME TRAVEL with docent-led tours the Wyckoff-Garretson House & Museum!

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Event in New York, NY by The Meadows Foundation on Sunday, September 8 2024

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So who really was the founder of Labor Day, McGuire of NY or Maguire of NJ? Read the article below and find out! shared, 09/02/24

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So who really was the founder of Labor Day, McGuire of NY or Maguire of NJ? Read the article below and find out! shared, 09/02/24

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Happy Labor Day from the Meadows Foundation!

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Matthew Maguire, Father of Labor Day?

Paterson NJ Machinist the real "Father of Labor Day"?

Files at the New Jersey Historical Society in Newark show that Matthew Maguire of Paterson, New Jersey, [1855-1917], was not only a man to be reckoned with in the beginning days of the American labor union movement, but was very probably the man behind the creation of Labor Day.

Maguire's passion was the improvement of working conditions and he led his first strike for a shorter work day in the 1870s. In 1882 Maguire, who by then was secretary of Paterson Local 344 of the Machinists and Blacksmiths Union, became one of the organizers of the Central Labor Union of New York and he became secretary of this organization too.

The first Labor Day Parade was held in New York City on September 5, 1882 under the aegis of the Central Labor Union. (The first parade was on a Tuesday, not a Monday.) Matthew Maguire sent out the invitations and according to his grandson Matthew Feeney, Maguire and his wife rode in the first carriage at the head of the parade. The Maguires shared the carriage with Henry Ward Beecher, the famous social reformer, abolitionist preacher and brother of Harriet Beecher Stowe, author of the anti-slavery book Uncle Tom's Cabin.

The number of people who marched in this parade (and went to a picnic afterwards), is unclear. Different sources give different numbers, but it seems the parade was at least 10,000 strong and could have had as many as 25,000 participants. Even 10,000 people is an enormous number for that time, when they didn't have today's instant communication...no broadcast emails in 1882! And Labor Day was not yet a holiday, so many of those attending gave up a day's pay to participate.

If Matthew Maguire was so instrumental in the establishment of Labor Day, why haven't we heard about him before this?

A couple of reasons.

For years another Maguire, Peter McGuire, was credited with the establishment of Labor Day. There is of course, the similarity of names. Peter McGuire was also active in the formation of New York's Central Labor Council and in 1897 he claimed to be the founder of Labor Day, but it seems possible that Matthew Maguire's politics might have been at the root of his relative public obscurity.

Matthew Maguire's interest in social reform extended to active socialist politics as well as labor unions. He served for a number of years as an Alderman in Paterson and ran for Vice-President in 1896 on the National Socialist Labor Party ticket.

Ted Watts of Silver Spring, Maryland, author of a booklet, The First Labor Day Parade, feels Maguire's radical politics were unacceptable to the mainstream of American Labor and in particular to Samuel Gompers and his American Federation of Labor. Mr. Watts suggests that Matthew Maguire's involvement in the establishment of the first Labor Day was essentially swept under the rug to give labor a more moderate, non-political public face.

New Jersey was one of the first five states in 1887 to pass legislation making Labor Day a state holiday. A number of other states passed similar legislation and on June 28, 1894 Congress passed a bill designating the first Monday in September both as national Labor Day and as a national holiday.

President Cleveland announced he was giving the pen with which he signed the bill to Samuel Gompers of the A F of L. The Paterson (N.J.) Morning Call wanted to set the record straight and In a July 2, 1894 editorial, "Honor to Whom Honor is Due", stated "the souvenir pen should go to Alderman Matthew Maguire of this city, who is the undisputed author of Labor Day as a holiday". This editorial also referred to Maguire as the "Father of the Labor Day holiday".

Other early sources which give the credit for Labor Day to Matthew Maguire include a note in William S. Walsh's 1898 book, Curiosities of Popular Customs... "In 1882 Matthew Maguire, secretary of the Central Labor Union in that city [New York], with the approval of the Union, corresponded with the various Labor organizations in the State with a view to setting aside one day in the year as their own holiday...Maguire was made chairman of the committee to arrange for the first labor day celebration in that year". In 1912 B.E. and E.B. Stevenson wrote of the "History of Labor Day" in their book Days and Deeds. "To Matthew Maguire, Secretary of the Central Labor Council of New York City belongs the credit for first actually putting the idea into execution".

Peter McGuire was a speaker that first Labor Day and he was an active member of the Central Labor Union of New York, but it looks as though Matthew Maguire of Paterson, New Jersey just really might be the true "Father of Labor Day"!

Grace-Ellen McCrann
Special Collections Librarian
The New Jersey Historical Society
23 August 2000

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Paterson NJ Machinist the real "Father of Labor Day"? Files at the New Jersey Historical Society in Newark show that Matthew Maguire of Paterson, New Jersey, [1855-1917], was not only a man to be reckoned with in the beginning days of the American labor union movement, but was very probably the man behind the creation of Labor Day.

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Who killed Nicky the Safecracker?! 🔎 👁 YOU are the private eye who can crack this case by assessing interested parties, cracking codes, and examining evidence! 🔍👀

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Who killed Nicky the Safecracker?! 🔎 👁 YOU are the private eye who can crack this case by assessing interested parties, cracking codes, and examining evidence! 🔍👀

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Bring you team of crack investigators and untangle this mystery ow shady characters and twists and turns!

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Nicky Wagner, the safecracker, is dead. But he's not an innocent victim - his death is wrapped up in a diamond heist that was worth a lot of money. Did one of his partners do him in? Did someone get greedy, was it a personal vendetta, or did one of his cohorts make a mistake? It's up to you to find out!

As an aspiring private detective, you will need to assess all of the interested parties, crack codes, and examine evidence. You will be dealing with some shady characters in a subculture that is thick as thieves. It will take 3-4 hours to get through all of the available information and ultimately determine the true murderer. Light refreshments will be served. For extra fun, you may dress as your favorite fictional sleuth (Sherlock Holmes, Magnum PI, Hercule Poirot, Columbo, etc).

This event will take place on Sunday, August 11, 2024 from 1-5 pm at the historic Van Liew-Suydam house: 280 South Middlebush Road, Somerset, NJ. Tickets are $20 for members and $25 for non-members. Email tmf.org.1289@gmail.com to reserve tickets for payment at the door. Get your tickets now - event is limited to 20 private eyes!

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Mysteries at The Meadows - YOU are the detective!

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Nicky Wagner, the safecracker, is dead. But he's not an innocent victim - his death is wrapped up in a diamond heist that was worth a lot of money. Did one of his partners do him in? Did someone get greedy, was it a personal vendetta, or did one of his cohorts make a mistake?

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ATTENTION: True Crime & Crime Fiction Fans! Meet bestselling author LISA BLACK and hear about real crime scene analysis! shared, 07/21/24

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ATTENTION: True Crime & Crime Fiction Fans! Meet bestselling author LISA BLACK and hear about real crime scene analysis! shared, 07/21/24

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CLICK ABOVE TO PURCHASE TICKETS! In addition to being a bestselling crime writer, Lisa Black is a crime scene analyst with many more insteresting stories than you can read about in her books!

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Meet-n-Greet with New York Times Best-Selling Author and Real-Life Crime Scene Investigator Lisa Black.

Hageman House and Farm, 209 South Middlebush Road, Somerset, NJ. The fee for attending is $12 for members (tickets available 3/25) and $15 for non-members (tickets available 4/8). LIMITED SEATING. Light refreshments will be served. Please email us if you need to reserve payment

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Author Lisa Black- Crime Scene Investigator

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Hageman House and Farm, 209 South Middlebush Road, Somerset, NJ. The fee for attending is $12 for members (tickets available 3/25) and $15 for non-members (tickets available 4/8). LIMITED SEATING. Light refreshments will be served. Please email us if you need to reserve payment

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We remember our honored dead today and everyday. What is the history of Memorial Day? shared, 05/27/24

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We remember our honored dead today and everyday. What is the history of Memorial Day? shared, 05/27/24

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The Tangled Roots of Memorial Day and Why It’s Celebrated

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The holiday marks the unofficial start of summer and honors those who have died in the nation’s wars. Here’s how it all began.

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GET TICKETS for The Honeybee! with  members of the Morris & Somerset Counties Beekeeper Association.

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GET TICKETS for The Honeybee! with  members of the Morris & Somerset Counties Beekeeper Association.

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Did you know sleepy bees nap in flowers with pollen on their bee-hinds? Of course they are tired, life on Earth depends on their work!

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GET TICKETS for Backyard Birds Naturalist Ben Barkley for Sunday, May 26, 2pm HERE! shared, 05/08/24

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GET TICKETS for Backyard Birds Naturalist Ben Barkley for Sunday, May 26, 2pm HERE! shared, 05/08/24

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They're cute! They're colorful! They're our feathery little dinosaur friends! But WHO are they?! Let Naturalist Ben Barkley introduce you to your favorite neighbors, most of whom live right in your own backyard.

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Bird song fills the woods, meadows, and wetlands of New Jersey in spring. Migrant birds are passing through and breeding birds are just returning for another summer season. We will take a walk during birding's most productive month and learn more about these spectacular species. Join naturalist Ben Barkley from the Somerset County Parks Commission's Environmental Education Center at the Van Duyn-Van Wickle House to teach us all about our lovely little backyard buddies. This is a hands-on, outdoor workshop in which you will learn about the fundamentals of backyard birdwatching, basic identification skills, what to feed backyard birds, as well as where and when to place your feeders.

was born in New Jersey, and from a young age has been interested in the natural world around him. Early on his parents instilled in him a love of international travel as they visited places like the Galapagos Islands, Spitsbergen, and Costa Rica. In Costa Rica Ben fell in love with birds, and this newfound passion for birding became a huge part of his life. Ben attended Cornell University as a Natural Resources major and spent 5 years working at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. In college he developed a love for education and teaching others about birds, and after college Ben began working at the Environmental Education Center at Lord Stirling Park, which is part of the Somerset County Park Commission. He has been working there for seven years.

This event will be held on Sunday, May 26, 2024 from 2-4 pm at the historic Van Duyn-Van Wickle House, 1289 Easton Avenue, Somerset, NJ (at the foot of DeMott Lane next to the canal and Rutgers Prep). (Note: there are no facilities at this location.) The fee for attending is $12 for members (tickets available 3/25) and $15 for non-members (tickets available 4/8). This event is for ages 12 and over, and minors must be accompanied by an adult. Please email us to reserve payment at the door. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at tmf.org.1289@gmail.com.

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Bird song fills the woods, meadows, and wetlands of New Jersey in spring. Migrant birds are passing through and breeding birds are just returning for another summer season. We will take a walk during birding's most productive month and learn more about these spectacular species.

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SAVED or FOREVER LOST - A Mini-Documentary about Preservation New Jersey's 10 Most Endangered Historic Sites in NJ List. shared, 04/27/24

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SAVED or FOREVER LOST - A Mini-Documentary about Preservation New Jersey's 10 Most Endangered Historic Sites in NJ List. shared, 04/27/24

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There are a lot of cheers and even more tears, and probably some familiar place to most Jerseyites. Very few were beyond hope.

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TWO solar eclipses preceded significant NJ battles in the Revolutionary War... Did they affect the outcomes? shared, 04/09/24

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TWO solar eclipses preceded significant NJ battles in the Revolutionary War... Did they affect the outcomes? shared, 04/09/24

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"[J]ust after his stunning victories over the British at Trenton and Princeton, General Washington stopped to pen a strange letter of thanks..."

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Did George Washington ever experience a solar eclipse? Twice during the Revolutionary War, solar eclipses not only captured the interest of scientists and the public, but were also considered to be of important military significance.

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MANY THANKS to the Somerset Board of Commissioners and TD Bank Ballpark for this annual drawing that awards Somerset Patriots tickets for reserved seating with use of the Commissioner's Private Suite to 40 lucky nonprofit organizations!

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MANY THANKS to the Somerset Board of Commissioners and TD Bank Ballpark for this annual drawing that awards Somerset Patriots tickets for reserved seating with use of the Commissioner's Private Suite to 40 lucky nonprofit organizations!

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The Meadows Foundation is THRILLED to be one of the lucky recipients and to share these exclusive tickets with our members--watch your emails for more info!

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💫From his quirky childhood curiosities, to his escape from Nazi Germany, to his Nobel Prize winning work at Princeton, Einstein's life was as FASCINATING!💫 shared, 3/10/24

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💫From his quirky childhood curiosities, to his escape from Nazi Germany, to his Nobel Prize winning work at Princeton, Einstein's life was as FASCINATING!💫 shared, 3/10/24

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Eva Mandel is the Director of Programs and Outreach at the Historical Society of Princeton and will tell you all the interesting things about this unique genius!

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This enlightening presentation examines the life of the man whose name has become synonymous with "genius." Learn how a childhood fascination with a compass played a role in the development of the Nobel prize-winning scientist, how he accepted a job in Princeton to escape Nazi Germany and how he used his celebrity to advocate for civil rights and advance world peace. For this lecture we welcome Eve Mandel, a guest speaker from the Princeton Historical Society.

Eve Mandel has been a full-time staff member at the Historical Society of Princeton since 2011. As Director of Programs and Outreach, she plans and teaches a menu of programs for adults and the general public at their site and in the community. In addition, she develops curriculum and teaches a wide range of education programming for schools throughout central New Jersey. Eve is also responsible for overseeing museum visitor services, community relations, press, social media and public relations, as well as building collaborations with other non-profits and service organizations. Eve earned her BA at American University and her Certification for Teaching at the College of Saint Elizabeth; prior to joining HSP's staff, she held positions at the Morris Museum and National Constitution Center.

This event will take place on Saturday, March 16, 2024 from 2-4 pm at the historic Van Liew-Suydam house: 280 South Middlebush Road, Somerset, NJ. Light refreshments will be served. Tickets are $12 for members (available 3/7/24) and $15 for non-members (available 3/9/24 at noon). Please email tmf.org.1289@gmail.com to reserve tickets for payment at the door.

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This enlightening presentation examines the life of the man whose name has become synonymous with "genius." Learn how a childhood fascination with a compass played a role in the development of the Nobel prize-winning scientist, how he accepted a job in Princeton to escape Nazi Germany and how he used his celebrity to advocate for civil rights and advance world peace.

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POSTPONED to March 3 due to snow! 🎡This means you have a SECOND CHANCE to participate in all the sleuth-y, boardwalk themed fun!🔍 shared, 2/18/24

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POSTPONED to March 3 due to snow! 🎡This means you have a SECOND CHANCE to participate in all the sleuth-y, boardwalk themed fun!🔍 shared, 2/18/24

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SNOW DATE - RESCHEDULED FOR MARCH 3, 2024

A young girl has been found murdered at an amusement pier that has seen better days. The situation is not short on suspects, motives, opportunities or evidence. The local police, however, have decided to slap the cuffs on the first viable suspect they found - instead of doing a thorough investigation to ensure they have the actual culprit. Were they right, or did they make a mistake? It's up to you to find out!

As an aspiring private detective, you will need to assess all of the interested parties, crack codes, and examine evidence. You will be dealing with some shady characters in a subculture that is thick as thieves. It will take 3-4 hours to get through all of the available information and ultimately determine the true murderer. Light refreshments will be served. For extra fun, you may dress as if you were a tourist at a boardwalk amusement park, or your favorite fictional sleuth.

This event will take place on Sunday, March 3, 2024 from 1-5 pm at the historic Van Liew-Suydam house: 280 South Middlebush Road, Somerset, NJ. Tickets are $20 for members and $25 for non-members. Email tmf.org.1289@gmail.com to reserve tickets for payment at the door. Get your tickets now - event is limited to 20 private eyes!

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Mysteries at The Meadows - YOU are the detective!

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SNOW DATE - RESCHEDULED FOR MARCH 3, 2024 A young girl has been found murdered at an amusement pier that has seen better days. The situation is not short on suspects, motives, opportunities or evidence.

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❤️ Do you LOVE Central NJ history? We Would LOVE to have you as member, donor, or volunteer! Interested in becoming a member of our BOARD OF DIRECTORS?❤️ shared, 2/14/24

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❤️ Do you LOVE Central NJ history? We Would LOVE to have you as member, donor, or volunteer! Interested in becoming a member of our BOARD OF DIRECTORS?❤️ shared, 2/14/24

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DM us on FaceBook or Instagram or email tmf.org.1289@gmail.com to let us know!

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Membership Form - The Meadows Foundation

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The Meadows Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to give the past a future in Franklin Township, NJ. Join us!

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If you have never attended Tory Jack Day--featuring an AMAZING performance by the incredibly talented storyteller, multi-instrumentalist, and historian JOE BECTON--YOU ARE IN FOR A TREAT! shared, 02/03/24

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If you have never attended Tory Jack Day--featuring an AMAZING performance by the incredibly talented storyteller, multi-instrumentalist, and historian JOE BECTON--YOU ARE IN FOR A TREAT! shared, 02/03/24

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Tickets ALWAYS sell out fast for this event!

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Tory Jack Day - Joe Becton - “African Americans During the American War for Independence”

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Event in South Bound Brook, NJ by Friends of Abraham Staats House on Saturday, February 10 2024

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A young girl is found murdered at a run-down boardwalk amusement park, and suspects abound. YOU are the private detective who can solve the case by interviewing shady characters, cracking codes, and examining evidence!, shared 2/12/24

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A young girl is found murdered at a run-down boardwalk amusement park, and suspects abound. YOU are the private detective who can solve the case by interviewing shady characters, cracking codes, and examining evidence!, shared 2/12/24

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🔎FOR EXTRA FUN, come dressed as your favorite fictional sleuth, a tourist on boardwalk, or another character in the mystery!🔍

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A young girl has been found murdered at an amusement pier that has seen better days. The situation is not short on suspects, motives, opportunities or evidence. The local police, however, have decided to slap the cuffs on the first viable suspect they found - instead of doing a thorough investigation to ensure they have the actual culprit. Were they right, or did they make a mistake? It's up to you to find out!

As an aspiring private detective, you will need to assess all of the interested parties, crack codes, and examine evidence. You will be dealing with some shady characters in a subculture that is thick as thieves. It will take 3-4 hours to get through all of the available information and ultimately determine the true murderer. Light refreshments will be served. For extra fun, you may dress as if you were a tourist at a boardwalk amusement park, or your favorite fictional sleuth.

This event will take place on Sunday, February 18, 2024 from 1-5 pm at the historic Van Liew-Suydam house: 280 South Middlebush Road, Somerset, NJ. Tickets are $20 for members and $25 for non-members. Email tmf.org.1289@gmail.com to reserve tickets for payment at the door. Get your tickets now - event is limited to 20 private eyes!

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Mysteries at The Meadows - YOU are the detective!

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A young girl has been found murdered at an amusement pier that has seen better days. The situation is not short on suspects, motives, opportunities or evidence. The local police, however, have decided to slap the cuffs on the first viable suspect they found - instead of doing a thorough investigation to ensure they have the actual culprit.

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ICYMI - The 2024 Preserve NJ Applicant Workshop/webinar from our at New Jersey Historic Trust is available on VIDEO! shared, 02/03/24

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ICYMI - The 2024 Preserve NJ Applicant Workshop/webinar from our at New Jersey Historic Trust is available on VIDEO! shared, 02/03/24

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Does your organization or municipality need GRANT MONEY to preserve one of NJ's many beautiful and endangered HISTORIC SITES?!

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To determine a property's register status, visit the NJ Historic Preservation Office (HPO) website. You can also utilize their LUCY GIS platform, an online viewer for New Jersey's cultural resources inventory.

If your site is part of a historic district, and not individually listed, you will need to determine if it is a contributing resource to the historic district. Sometimes this information can be found in the register nomination form. Some National Register nominations have been digitized and can be found in the National Park Service database.

If you still cannot find your property, or have questions about register status only, contact NJ HPO at (609) 940-4312.

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Here are multiple resources for grant applicants to review in preparation for application.

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Apply now for these HISTORICAL GRANTS from the New Jersey Historic Trust for Historic Site Management (HSM), Heritage Tourism, Municipal, County, and Regional Planning (MCRP), and more! shared, 02/12/24

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Apply now for these HISTORICAL GRANTS from the New Jersey Historic Trust for Historic Site Management (HSM), Heritage Tourism, Municipal, County, and Regional Planning (MCRP), and more! shared, 02/12/24

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👉Be sure to attend the FREE APPLICATION WORKSHOP webinar first to learn how to put your best application foot forward!👈

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We are pleased to announce the 2024 Preserve New Jersey grant round!

Applications are due no later than 4:00pm on Thursday, April 18, 2024. For this round, the Trust will be offering Capital, Historic Site Management, Municipal, County, and Regional Planning, and Heritage Tourism Planning grants.

For full details about each grant type, award limits, matching requirements, and eligibility, please see the Grant Guidelines.

The application is digital. In addition to your digital application submission, you will also be required to submit a USB with all required supporting documents. Please see the "Supporting Documents" section below for links to the Supporting Documents Checklist for each grant type.

If you are sending your USB to us via the United States Postal Service (USPS), please use the following address:
New Jersey Historic Trust
Department of Community Affairs
P.O. Box 457
Trenton, NJ 08625-0212

If you are sending your USB to us via a delivery service such as FedEx or UPS, please use the following address:
New Jersey Historic Trust
101 South Broad Street, Sixth Floor
Trenton, NJ 08608

If you are unable to send your USB via mail or delivery service, we will be allowing in-person deliveries on Thursday, April 18 in room 129 in the lobby of the DCA building at 101 S. Broad Street. You will be able to drop off your USB from 8am to 4pm.

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preserve new jersey historic preservation fund

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Information about the Preserve New Jersey Historic Preservation Fund

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Somerset County Park Commission is HIRING Full-time & Seasonal Employees! shared, 01/03/24

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Somerset County Park Commission is HIRING Full-time & Seasonal Employees! shared, 01/03/24

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Find out how you can spend more time in Somerset County's beautiful parks and get paid for it!

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The Somerset County Park Commission will be hosting a Job Fair to promote Seasonal and Fulltime Employment Vacancies this January!

Saturday, January 6th | 9AM - 12PM
Wednesday January 10th | 4PM - 7PM
Where:
Park Commission Headquarters | 355 Milltown Road | Bridgewater, NJ 08876 Individuals with a hearing/speech impairment, please call the Relay Service @ 711.
Visit our employment page for available jobs and more information here.

For more information reach out to our HR Department:
Maria Luisa Vasquez at mvasquez@scparks.org
Donna Umgelter at dmumgelter@scparks.org

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The Somerset County Park Commission will be hosting a Job Fair to promote Seasonal and Fulltime Employment Vacancies thi

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Keep an eye out for these signs of PROGRESS! shared, 12/01/23

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Keep an eye out for these signs of PROGRESS! shared, 12/01/23

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They prove the best fights are WINNABLE and even more fights are WINNABLE if even more people show up!

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There's still time to become insufferably knowledgeable about Somerset, NJ's Revolutionary War history! shared 11/27/23

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There's still time to become insufferably knowledgeable about Somerset, NJ's Revolutionary War history! shared 11/27/23

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But there will be a LOT so best get cracking!

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Lord Stirling Park in Basking Ridge is the location of two homesteads of prominent revolutionaries:

William Alexander, better known as "Lord Stirling," who was one of the leading Five Generals under George Washington.

And Elias Boudinot, an intelligence officer under George Washington, who was elected to the Continental Congress, and became President of Congress at the end of the Revolution.

These homesteads will now benefit from two recently announced historic preservation projects as part of Somerset County's celebration of America's 250 th birthday coming up in 2026. Somerset County Commissioner Melonie Marano made the announcement at a recent Middlebrook Symposium held at Raritan Valley Community College. Lord Stirling Park is one of five sites in Somerset County that will receive historic preservation funding from the county.

The basement and part of the foundation is all that is left of the original Lord Stirling manor. Somerset County has retained Richard Hunter and Associates, as well as Richard Veit of Monmouth University, to undertake an archaeological investigation into the homesite to see what more can be learned about his life and times, and the extent of the manor complex.

In addition, Somerset County this year is completing a substantial restoration of the Boudinot Mansion that sits on the Ross Farm section of the Park. The project includes repairs to the trim and siding, column reconstruction, masonry repairs, repairs and reconstruction of side porches, gutter replacement, and electrical repairs. The Ross Farm Barn and Stable Outbuilding are also being restored. This work on the Boudinot buildings is expected to be completed in just 4-6 weeks.

A number of commissioners who attended the symposium emphasized that the projects are meant to highlight the central role Somerset County played in the Revolution-a role often overlooked in the history books. George Washington spent more time in New Jersey during the war than in any other state in the Union. Only Morris County in New Jersey hosted him for more days than Somerset County (See infographic).

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Somerset County Touts Revolutionary Past

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Lord Stirling Park in Basking Ridge is the location of two homesteads of prominent revolutionaries: William Alexander, better known as "Lord Stirling,"

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Maps of NJ from 1798, "A Survey of Roads"! h/t New Brunswick Historical Society, shared 11/15/23

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Maps of NJ from 1798, "A Survey of Roads"! h/t New Brunswick Historical Society, shared 11/15/23

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This is fascinating stuff...

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A survey of the roads of the United States of America

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Relief shown by hachures. Orientation varies. Phillips, 1326 Maps no. 34-39 are believed to never have been engraved as they are wanting in all known copies. Available also through the Library of Congress Web site as a raster image. On original paper cover in manuscript ink: "Collis's plan of the roads throughout the United States."

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✨🥒Happy National Pickle Day! May the Great Pickle bring you much dill and joy.🥒✨ shared, 11/15/23

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✨🥒Happy National Pickle Day! May the Great Pickle bring you much dill and joy.🥒✨ shared, 11/15/23

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So apparently this is a real thing.

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National Pickle Day is celebrated on November 14, and it was created to celebrate the pickle as one of mankind’s favorite foods!

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The Meadows Foundation honors with gratitude the Lenape Elders and Ancestors and other Indigenous People--of the past, the present, and the FUTURE--as the original stewards of this land.  shared, 11/10/23

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The Meadows Foundation honors with gratitude the Lenape Elders and Ancestors and other Indigenous People--of the past, the present, and the FUTURE--as the original stewards of this land.  shared, 11/10/23

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Happy Native American Heritage Month, indeed.

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/ CBS Philadelphia

Native American group starts to reclaim land that once belonged to ancestors in NJ

QUINTON TOWNSHIP, N.J. (CBS) -- A Native American group is reclaiming 63 acres of land in Salem County that once belonged to its ancestors.

The land is tucked away in the woods in Quinton Township, and it's one of the few examples in New Jersey of Native Americans reclaiming their ancestral land.

Ty Gould Jacinto, who runs the Native American Advancement Corporation (NAAC), which now owns the land, said it originally belonged to the Cohanzick Lenape people before the arrival of European settlers.

A South Carolina church eventually came to own the land and placed it for sale last year.

With help from the state, and nonprofits, including the New Jersey Conservation Foundation, Jacinto's organization purchased the 63 acres, returning it to Indigenous ownership.

"People will be able to come and work with this community and learn about the native plants and species that live here," Rob Ferber, who works at the New Jersey Conservation Foundation, said. "The greatest thing about it for me is the sense of peace that comes over me. It's very calming here. It's quiet."

The NAAC plans to turn the former church building into a cultural center and open the surrounding land up to the public as a nature reserve.

It'll be called the Cohanzick Nature Reserve.

John Barry, who works at the NAAC, said they'll use this land's calming nature to teach Indigenous conservation practices and environmental stewardship.

"Just to slow down and that there's a place for you to slow down and hear nature," Barry said.

More from CBS News

Brandon Goldner

First published on November 8, 2023 / 6:48 PM EST

© 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Thanks for reading CBS NEWS.

Create your free account or log in
for more features.

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Native American group reclaim land in South Jersey previously owned by ancestors

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A Native American group is reclaiming 63 acres of land in Salem County that once belonged to its ancestors.

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🌞🌳 The Green Acres Program 2024 funding round is NOW OPEN to municipalities, counties, and nonprofit organizations and accepting applications for land acquisition, park development, stewardship, Jake’s Law (Inclusive Playgrounds), and Urban Parks projects! shared, 11/06/23

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🌞🌳 The Green Acres Program 2024 funding round is NOW OPEN to municipalities, counties, and nonprofit organizations and accepting applications for land acquisition, park development, stewardship, Jake’s Law (Inclusive Playgrounds), and Urban Parks projects! shared, 11/06/23

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The deadline is February 7, 2024.

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The Green Acres Program is pleased to announce its 2024 funding round, open to municipalities, counties, and nonprofit organizations. Applications for land acquisition, park development, stewardship, Jake's Law (Inclusive Playgrounds), and Urban Parks projects will be accepted. The deadline is February 7, 2024. Supplemental funding requests for active projects are also due on February 7, 2024. All applications are available on our "Forms and Regulations" page under the "Applications" tab.

New municipal grant opportunity: Grants for Completely Inclusive Playground grants were made available last year for counties; this year we are expanding the pilot program and invite municipalities to apply. Local governments can apply for 75% matching grants for Completely Inclusive Playgrounds; awards are anticipated to be between $500,000-$750,000 for municipalities and $750,000-$1,000,000 for counties, depending on demand. The Department of Community Affairs adopted regulations for Jake's Law that set out the standards for Completely Inclusive Playgrounds.

Public outreach and participation during the planning phase are important application requirements. Projects are more successful when the community is involved!

Green Acres will be hosting virtual application information sessions on:

November 13, 2023 - Application overview and Q&A

10:00am to 11:30 am for Acquisition projects (including Green Acres and Urban Parks)
Click here to join on Teams
Meeting ID: 240 673 108 805
Passcode: ypMJKV
Or call in (audio only): +1 856-338-7074,,278720644#
Phone Conference ID: 278 720 644#

1:00pm to 2:30pm for Park Development (Green Acres and Urban Parks), Stewardship, and Jake's Law projects
Click here to join on Teams
Meeting ID: 239 265 870 083
Passcode: yjzEdb
Or call in (audio only): +1 856-338-7074,,573477729#
Phone Conference ID: 573 477 729#

December 13, 2023 - 10:00 am to 11:00 am - Q&A for all applications
Click here to join on Teams
Meeting ID: 266 552 417 436
Passcode: DNfS73
Or call in (audio only): +1 856-338-7074,,572547568#
Phone Conference ID: 572 547 568#

January 17, 2024 - 10:00 am to 11030 am - Q&A for all applications
Click here to join on Teams
Meeting ID: 237 978 648 088
Passcode: 6hqtf5
Or call in (audio only): +1 856-338-7074,,257656598#
Phone Conference ID: 257 656 598#

For questions at any time, please consult the Green Acres "Contact Us" page and reach out to the Project Manager who handles projects in your area.
New "Scope of Survey Services and Standard Detail Requirements" in effect July 1, 2023
The new standards apply to all survey work contracted on or after July 1, 2023. Access the Scope from our Survey Section site.
2023 Green Acres Funding Awards
Governor Murphy announces the 2023 Green Acres Funding Awards for park development, land acquisition, and stewardship projects across New Jersey.
Proposed recommendations for 2023 Green Acres funding awards: 2023 Urban Parks awards: Local and Nonprofit 2023 Funding Round Now Closed
Please check back for updates about project submissions and approvals. We anticipate having a funding round in 2024 and encourage all potential applicants to begin engaging the public to identify their most pressing open space and recreation needs. For reference, the 2023 applications documents can be found on our Forms page.

Green Acres hosted several virtual Application Overview / Information Sessions on January 11, 2023. The presentations and recordings are still available for future applicants to review:
Green Acres Local and Nonprofit Assistance Stakeholder Outreach

In advance of the 2023 funding round, the Green Acres Program identified ways to better meet the DEP's goals and improve the administration of funding for land acquisition, park development, and stewardship projects. We reviewed the Local and Nonprofit Assistance program's applications, eligibility requirements, funding priorities, and project administration processes, and identified ways to better serve the public and our funding partners.

As part of this effort, we held two virtual outreach meetings where we presented our planned changes and gathered your feedback. The meetings were held on Thursday, September 29, 2022 and Friday, September 30, 2022. We continue to welcome your ideas about how we can better meet our shared recreation and conservation goals. If you would like to provide us with thoughts or recommendations for program improvements, please email us at GreenAcres@dep.nj.gov
Readopted Green Acres rules extend the program to 2025.

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Protecting New Jersey's Open Spaces | Green Acres

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Green Acres and its public and private partners work to protect open space for recreation and conservation across the State of New Jersey.

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It's International Bat Week Somewhere in the World! shared, 11/02/23

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It's International Bat Week Somewhere in the World! shared, 11/02/23

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👉It is ALWAYS a wonderful time to honor and learn more about these magical, floofy mosquito- and stink bug-eaters and pollinators and their CRITICAL role in LOCAL and global ecosystems--and not just as Halloween decor!👈 So buckle up your Bat Utility Belt and get building that Bat House immediately (instructions on website)!🖤

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Bat Week - Bats (U.S. National Park Service)

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This is New York Times's original, full account of the panic caused by Orson Welles's news radio-style telling of H. G. Wells's 'War of the Worlds', published on October 31, 1938! shared, 10/30/23

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This is New York Times's original, full account of the panic caused by Orson Welles's news radio-style telling of H. G. Wells's 'War of the Worlds', published on October 31, 1938! shared, 10/30/23

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Happy Halloween! "Now let me just turn on my radio to hear a little news of the world... AAAAHHH!!!"

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Happy National Chocolate Day--October 28! Hmmm, how to celebrate... shared, 10/28/23

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Happy National Chocolate Day--October 28! Hmmm, how to celebrate... shared, 10/28/23

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👉And yes it IS real because it is in the Farmer's Almanac and in October when the Great Pumpkin is also real 🎃 😊

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Farmers' Almanac - Plan Your Day. Grow Your Life.

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October 28th is National Chocolate Day, a great day to indulge in some trivia and history on this sweet treat. Dig in!

The month of October is full of opportunities to indulge in yummy, chocolatey treats. Halloween is one such occasion; but before Halloween even creeps up on the calendar, you'll have another occasion for celebrating chocolate: National Chocolate Day, on October 28th, is a holiday dedicated to enjoying all things milk, dark, and white chocolate. We dig into the ooey-gooey and sweet origins of chocolate for this very special day!

An Age-Old World-Famous Treat

Chocolate has been around for over 3,000 years. It was "born" in Central America, and can be traced back to an ancient civilization of people known as the Olmecs. The Olmecs introduced it to the Mayans, who then passed it on to the Aztecs, who then shared it with European explorers. And it was European explorers who eventually brought chocolate to Florida in the mid-1600s. Of course, back in those days, chocolate was very different than it is today. It was usually consumed as an unsweetened beverage, not a sweet, solid bar or chunk.

Where Does Chocolate Come From?

Chocolate is made from cacao beans-the seeds inside of the large, gourd-like fruit of the cacao tree, which is native to Central America. (Today, cacao trees are also grown in Africa, Malaysia, and other hot, humid locations near the Equator.) Once extracted from the cacao fruit, the beans, which are naturally quite bitter, are fermented for days. They're then sun dried, shelled, roasted, and ground into a dark paste known as chocolate liquor. When this paste is mixed with a small amount of sugar, you get dark chocolate. To make milk chocolate, the cocoa butter (which is extracted from the compressed liquor paste) is mixed into chocolate liquor along with milk and more sugar. And white chocolate-which technically isn't chocolate because it contains no chocolate liquor-is made by combining cocoa butter, milk, and sugar.

Heavenly and Healthy?

The Aztecs believed cacao had magical, even divine properties. In fact, the word "chocolate" originates from the Aztec "xocoatl," which means "food of the gods" in their language. As it turns out, the Aztecs weren't far wrong.

Today, we know that dark chocolate is rich in minerals like magnesium and zinc, and also in antioxidants-substances that shield our body's cells from damage. Scientists say that eating 6 grams of 70% dark chocolate a day (that's 1-2 squares) can reduce high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and the risk for diabetes. It can also reduce inflammation in the body. As if we didn't already have enough reasons to "heart" chocolate! Can chocolate also cure a cough?

National Chocolate Day Festivities & Freebies

Whether you plan to celebrate National Chocolate Day by baking or buying chocolate, be sure to check the websites and social pages of your favorite brands-chocolatiers like Godiva, Ghirardelli, Hershey's, Lindt, M&M's, Nestle, and others always offer discounts, deals, and freebies on National Chocolate Day.

The gourmet foods gift retailer, Simply Chocolate, also holds an annual contest to give one lucky chocoholic the chance to win free chocolate for a year, Willy Wonka style!

Chocolatey Trivia

As you nibble on brownies and truffles, give the following fun facts about chocolate a read. We hope they'll make your National Chocolate Day all the more mouth-watering!

It takes approximately 400 cacao beans to make one pound of chocolate.

In 1828, a Dutch chemist by the name of Coenraad van Houten invented Dutch cocoa powder by removing natural fats (cocoa butter) from chocolate liquor, grinding it up, and adding alkaline salts to cut its bitter taste.

The first chocolate bar was created in 1847 by Joseph Fry, who discovered that a moldable chocolate paste could be made by adding melted cocoa butter back into Dutch cocoa.

The first-known printed recipe for brownies appeared in The Boston Cooking-School Cookbook in 1896-although the dessert was flavored with molasses instead of chocolate! (The recipe was contributed by American cook Fannie Farmer.) Chocolate wasn't added to the recipe until the cookbook's 1906 edition!

During the American Revolutionary War, chocolate was included in soldiers' rations and was even given to soldiers in lieu of wages.

The world's largest Snickers candy bar was 12-feet-long, 2-feet-tall, and weighed more than two tons! And yes, it was edible.

A four-story-high Hershey's Chocolate Bar replica sits outside of the Hershey's Chocolate World attraction in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. (In comparison, a life-sized Hershey bar is about 6 inches tall.)

The Lindt Home of Chocolate Museum in Zurich, Switzerland, houses one of the world's largest chocolate fountains. At 30.5 feet tall, it holds nearly 400 gallons of real, liquid chocolate.

Other Chocolate Holidays To Nibble On

In addition to National Chocolate Day, be sure to revel in these other holidays that honor chocolate:

National Hot Chocolate Day - January 31st

National Chocolate Ice Cream Day - June 7th

World Chocolate Day - July 7th

International Chocolate Day - September 13th

National Chocolate Candy Day - December 28th

Tempting Chocolate Recipes

Here are some helpful links to a few mouthwatering chocolate recipes, courtesy of Farmers' Almanac!

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National Chocolate Day: Where Did Chocolate Come From?

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October 28th is National Chocolate Day, a great day to indulge in some trivia and history on this sweet treat. Dig in!

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🌛🎃 Must be the Season of the Witch at the Meadows!🧙🏼‍♀️Witchy Woman - This History of Halloween! SUN, 10/29 @2pm 🐈‍⬛🌜, shared 10/25/23

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🌛🎃 Must be the Season of the Witch at the Meadows!🧙🏼‍♀️Witchy Woman - This History of Halloween! SUN, 10/29 @2pm 🐈‍⬛🌜, shared 10/25/23

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The Meadows welcomes professional storyteller and historical interpreter Alisa Dupuy and her alter-ego Eliza Blackheart to Historic Hageman House for presentation about the history of Witchcraft & Halloween!

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The Meadows Foundation is pleased to be hosting "Witchy Woman" by Alisa Dupuy of The Ladies of History. Alisa originated "The Ladies of History" with historical presentations and first person portrayals in 2006 out of her love of the important women in world history. Wearing the clothing of different historical periods, she brings history to life in a lively and fun way. As she says: "History doesn't have to be boring!" The main goal of The Ladies of History is to make history fun, exciting and memorable for the guests who attend her shows.

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The Meadows Foundation is pleased to be hosting "Witchy Woman" by Alisa Dupuy of The Ladies of History. Alisa originated "The Ladies of History" with historical presentations and first person portrayals in 2006 out of her love of the important women in world history.

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NJ Historical Commission Annual Meeting with Keynote Ned Blackhawk! shared 10/18/23

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NJ Historical Commission Annual Meeting with Keynote Ned Blackhawk! shared 10/18/23

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With the 250th looming, their Annual Conference will feature panels on more diverse historical perspectives and underutilized Revolutionary sources, so likely a lot of information you have not heard before!

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Unfinished Revolution: New Perspectives on the American Revolution in NJ

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The New Jersey Historical Commission is pleased to announce our 2023 New Jersey History Conference.

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Leave the leaves! An entire ecosystem relies on your fallen leaves, shared 10-16-23

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Leave the leaves! An entire ecosystem relies on your fallen leaves, shared 10-16-23

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And you have MUCH better things to do on a beautiful autumn day in NJ!

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As leaves across America make their annual autumn pilgrimage from the treetops to the ground, lawn and wildlife experts say it's better to leave them around than to bag them.

First, because it keeps leaves out of landfills. Every year, about 8 million tons of leaves end up there.

And second, because leaves help the grass.

Leaves are full of nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.

"Those nutrients are being returned to the soil," Susan Barton, a professor and extension specialist in landscape horticulture at the University of Delaware, told NPR. "But probably even more important than that, it's the organic matter. It's the fact that you've got this tissue that then eventually decomposes and improves the soil health."

They also provide a habitat for insects, spiders, slugs - and depending on where you live - possibly turtles, toads and small mammals, according to the University of Delaware's College of Agriculture & Natural Resources.

In order to optimize your fallen leaves, some maintenance is recommended. It's best to run over a thin layer of leaves with a lawn mover or cut them up via other means so that they will break down more quickly. Thick layers of leaves are actually bad for the grass as well.

"If you just leave the leaves on the grass, it will exclude light. And then the grass won't be able to photosynthesize. Eventually, it would die under a thick layer of leaves," Barton said.

Rake excess leaves into a landscape bed and it will turn into mulch. Shredded leaves can also be piled into a garden.

"Ideally, you want to let them decompose a little bit and they'll form a very nice mulch. Instead of going out and buying hardwood bark mulch, which is expensive, you can have a better mulch that's free," she said.

At the same time, city dwellers should be mindful that wind and rain can push leaves into streets and clog up drainage systems - creating a flooding hazard.

Some cities actually collect leaves for composting at a central facility, where it turns to mulch that residents can collect for free. On the other hand, leaves in landfills that don't have enough oxygen to decompose will end up releasing a significant amount of methane.

How people deal with leaves is just one part of a longer-term issue of environmental sustainability.

"We want to think about those leaves as being a resource," and not a problem, Barton said. "And when you think about sustainable landscaping, well, one of the things we say about sustainable landscaping is let natural processes happen. And that's a natural process."

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Why experts say you shouldn't bag your leaves this fall

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It's best to chop up and leave a thin layer of leaves in the grass. Rake excess amounts into a landscape bed or garden.

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How a Small Band from New Jersey Saved the First Labor Day March in 1882, shared 9/4/23

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How a Small Band from New Jersey Saved the First Labor Day March in 1882, shared 9/4/23

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“Two hundred marchers from the Jewelers Union of Newark Two have just crossed the ferry. And they have a BAND!” The organized shouted.

Always count on NJ to have a band  - HAPPY LABOR DAY!!

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The end of the 19th Century proved to be a pivotal moment for the United States. The Industrial Revolution brought many advancements to our society. Industry, new technologies and a transcontinental railway catapulted the nation into world recognition as a leader in the 20th Century.

However, through the words and images of journalists like Jacob Riis, Ida B. Wells, and Upton Sinclair, we know that the progress we made came at cost. The industrial moguls of the 19th Century built their empires on the backs of the men and women struggling to support their families. Concepts such as minimum wage, workplace safety, and an 8-hour workday were foreign to the Industry of the 1800s.

The 1880's saw the movement of labor unions and human rights blossom to combat the work conditions in factories, railroads, and textiles. In September of 1882, the unions of New York sought to bring the movement to light with a parade; a day set aside to honor and celebrate the Laborers of Industry.

However, the first Labor Day Event almost ended before it began.

On the morning of September 5, 1882, Laborers from New York and surrounding areas answered the call from the Central Labor Union (CLU) and William McCabe, the parade organizer. The CLU was a consortium of labor unions within New York and New Jersey and the workers showed up in force taking unpaid day to participate in the event.

That morning the crowd of spectators began to gather in lower Manhattan around the Courthouse. So many people answered the call that the police feared a riot would ensue. There was only one problem: the musicians who showed up weren't organized, they didn't have music. McCabe knew the parade would be a disaster if there were no musicians to lead it.

As the hour drew near to the 10 a.m. start to the parade, organizers were scrambling on what to do. How could they have a parade without a band to lead the procession?

Many officials repeatedly suggested that the parade must happen with or without a band. McCabe knew the event that had been planned must go on even though he knew it would not be a success without music leading this momentous occasion.

Suddenly, Matthew Maguire (of the Central Labor Union of New York and whom many attribute as the "father of Labor Day") appeared after running across the great lawn of the courthouse. Eager to share some good news on what was turning out to be a disastrous morning, he approached McCabe and proclaimed, "Two Hundred Marchers from the Jewelers Union of Newark Two have just crossed the Ferry. And they have a Band!"

Shortly after 10 a.m., lower Manhattan was filled with the sounds of Gilbert and Sullivan's "When I First Put This Uniform On" from Patience, proudly played by the Band of the Jewlers Union of Newark Two. The 200 union members followed in stride with the band. The police mounted their steeds and took their place to escort the procession and McCabe and his aids filed in behind them.

As the parade began, 700 men from the jewelers, the bricklayers, and the typographical unions lined up in the first three divisions of the parade.

The little band from Newark led the parade through the streets of Manhattan. The New York Tribune wrote, "The windows and roofs and even the lamp posts and awning frames were occupied by persons anxious to get a good view of the first parade in New York of workingmen of all trades united in one organization." As the parade passed, the procession grew as spectators joined the march!

At noon, the crowd arrived at the end of the parade in Reservoir Park and included nearly 25,000 men and women with their families, celebrating the very first Labor Day celebration.

The celebration lasted through the afternoon and into the night of the very first Labor Day Parade ... that almost wasn't!

A Short History of America's First Labor Day Celebration

HOW LABOR DAY WAS CREATED IN NEW YORK CITY

Labor Daze - Pride, Chaos and Kegs on Labor's First 'Day'

Top 10 Things You Didn't Know About Labor Day

"The First Labor Day Celebration Was in New York City"

By Erin Skarda, Monday, Sept. 05, 2011

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The First Labor Day Parade That Almost Wasn't -- and how a small band from New Jersey saved the Day

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by Aaron Noe The end of the 19th Century proved to be a pivotal moment for the United States. The Industrial Revolution brought many advancements to our society. Industry, new technologies and a transcontinental railway catapulted the nation into world recognition as a leader in the 20th Century.

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IMPORTANT PUBLIC PRESENTATION, Aug. 22, 6pm at the  Franklin Twp Public Library (485 DeMott St.) “Protecting Our Watershed in Franklin Township, NJ” shared, 8/21/23

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IMPORTANT PUBLIC PRESENTATION, Aug. 22, 6pm at the  Franklin Twp Public Library (485 DeMott St.) “Protecting Our Watershed in Franklin Township, NJ” shared, 8/21/23

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Learn the history of the Lower Raritan Watershed, what endangers it, and what is needed to protect it!

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Municipal Calendar | Township of Franklin, NJ

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Franklin Township Municipal events and meetings calendar excluding Community Calendar events, Recreation, Senior, and Police Programs

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Central New Jersey Exists! So of course it is now it is an adult beverage. shared, 8/16/23

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Central New Jersey Exists! So of course it is now it is an adult beverage. shared, 8/16/23

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Central New Jersey exists, but pink elephants do not. Please enjoy responsibly in Somerset, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Hunterdon, and sometimes Ocean and Union Counties.

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originally published: 07/04/2023
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(RINGOES, NJ) -- Central Jersey Exists and Old York Cellars has the wine to prove it. Just days after the New Jersey Assembly and Senate voted to add the Central Jersey region to the official New Jersey state tourism map, a new 'Central Jersey Exists' series of wines were unveiled from Old York Cellars.

For decades, Jerseyans have been forced to identify themselves as coming from North Jersey or South Jersey when many of them lived somewhere in the middle. The debate gained national notoriety after New Jersey Governor Phil D. Murphy appeared on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert in 2018 to answer the question of whether Central Jersey exists. With an assist from Central Jersey comedian Jon Stewart, his answer was a decided "YES."

Passed by overwhelming margins in the Senate on June 20 and by the Assembly on June 30, the Central Jersey legislation (S3206/A4711) defines the new region as being "comprised, at a minimum of the counties of Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, and Somerset." New Jersey Governor Phil D. Murphy has until mid-August to sign or veto the bill.

To celebrate this long-awaited validation, Old York Cellars is partnering with Discover Central New Jersey, a collaborative agritourism initiative, in creating a special Central Jersey Exists wine collection. Designed to celebrate the landmark towns and beautiful scenery that makes the central region so remarkable, this eight custom label wine collection has something for everyone, including a Central Jersey Barn Red blend, and a Central Jersey River Blush Blend that honors the Delaware River and the D&R Canal.

"Central New Jerseyans know they live in a special region full of bountiful farms and wineries, gorgeous parks, and great history, and unique culture," said Discover Central New Jersey founder Brad Fay. "With New Jersey preparing to put Central Jersey on our tourism map, the rest of the world can more easily discover and enjoy our great region."

"Buy your Central Jersey Exists wines now so you'll be ready to pop a cork when Governor Murphy's signature puts Central Jersey on the official state tourism map," said Old York Cellars owner David Wolin. "With Red, White and Blush wines in the series, made from New Jersey Grapes, there is something for every palette. You can even customize our Exit Sign Label to celebrate your own Central Jersey experience."

The Central Jersey Exists wines are part of Old York's "What Exit Wines" charitable wine series. For each bottle sold, $2 will be donated to two nonprofits engaged in promoting heritage tourism in Central Jersey. They are Canal Watch, that works to protect the D&R Canal State Park which passes through all four Central Jersey counties, and the Millstone Valley Preservation Coalition, which protects and promotes the Millstone Valley National Scenic Byway in three of the four counties.

To purchase Central Jersey Exists wine, visit the winery at 80 Old York Road in Ringoes, or order online at shop.oldyorkcellars.com/Discover-Central-NJ. Wines ordered online can be picked up at 10 locations in Mercer, Somerset and Hunterdon Counties, as well as 6 other locations throughout the state. Find a location near you.

Nestled in the foothills of the Sourland Mountains in Central New Jersey, Old York Cellars offers a full winery experience. The winery plays host to a variety of wine inspired experiences including guided wine tastings, wine pairings, Wine & Music on the weekends, Wine & Comedy Nights, Private Events, Corporate experiences, and their exclusive Vintner's Club. Old York Cellar's wines are handcrafted by acclaimed winemaker Scott Gares. Over the years, their wines have won numerous medals at a variety international wine competition. You can find a selection Old York Cellars wines at their 15 New Jersey Restaurant partners and at all 9 New Jersey Wegman's locations.

Discover Central New Jersey is an agritourism initiative of Stepping Stone Strategies LLC, based in Somerset County. It promotes farms, farm-to-table restaurants, craft beverage makers, historic sites, and hotels in New Jersey's "Canal Region." It counts among its partners the Love Flemington and Experience Princeton improvement districts.

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Old York Cellars Launches "Central Jersey Exists" Series of Wines

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​​​​​​​(RINGOES, NJ) -- Central Jersey Exists and Old York Cellars has the wine to prove it. Just days after the New Jersey Assembly and Senate voted to add the Central Jersey region to the official New Jersey state tourism map, a new 'Central Jersey Exists' series of wines were unveiled from Old York Cellars.

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Join us for a Tea Leaf Reading & a Traditional Afternoon Tea with Light Fare! shared, 4/25/23

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Join us for a Tea Leaf Reading & a Traditional Afternoon Tea with Light Fare! shared, 4/25/23

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✨🫖Won't you join us in a cup of tea? Of course we will fit, the leaves have foretold....☕✨
🔮 Just in time for Mother's Day!💐 The Meadows Foundation welcomes Bernadette, the "compassionate medium", who will meet with each visitor and guide them through an insightful reading of their tea leaves and everyone will enjoy a traditional afternoon tea and light fare with friends in the parlor of the Historic Van Liew-Suydam House!🔮

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Join us for an afternoon full tea - and have your tea leaves read just like in Victorian times!

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The Battle of Bound Brook at the Historic Abraham Staats House! shared, 4/12/23

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The Battle of Bound Brook at the Historic Abraham Staats House! shared, 4/12/23

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On April 13, 1777, 4000 British and Hessian troops under Gen. Cornwallis surprise attacked the the Continental Army outpost in Bound Brook, NJ. Five hundred American soldiers commanded by Gen. Lincoln narrowly escaped.

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Annual Battle of Bound Brook Living History Weekend The Annual Battle of Bound Brook Living History Weekend is held each spring to commemorate the actual Battle of Bound Brook that took place April 13, 1777, during the American Revolution. The

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💐CONGRATULATIONS to the Hageman Barn - named one of the BEST BARN WEDDING VENUES in NJ! shared, 4/7/23

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💐CONGRATULATIONS to the Hageman Barn - named one of the BEST BARN WEDDING VENUES in NJ! shared, 4/7/23

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Are you interested in having an event in historic Hageman Barn? Please see our website for more information, TheMeadowsFoundation dot org

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Getting married? Some of the best farm and barn wedding venues in NJ

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Here are 15 of the best and unique farm and barn wedding venue sites in New Jersey.

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Purchase Tickets Here for "Women Pirates of the 1700s!" shared, 3/26/23

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Purchase Tickets Here for "Women Pirates of the 1700s!" shared, 3/26/23

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Hear their harrowing tales told through a riveting, first-person portrayal by professional historical storyteller, Alisa Dupuy, who dazzled us last April with her Titanic Survivor event! Alisa's motto is, "History doesn't have to be boring!" And shiver me timbers, she lives it!

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female pirates of the 18th century tickets

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female pirates of the 18th century franklin township

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female pirates of the 18th century franklin township tickets

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Eventbrite - The Meadows Foundation presents Female Pirates of the 18th Century - Sunday, April 2, 2023 at Historic Van Liew-Suydam House, Franklin Township, NJ. Find event and ticket information.

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FREE WEBINAR!  Protect the Watershed, Protect the Water You Drink - and You CAN Protect It! shared, 2/21/23

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FREE WEBINAR!  Protect the Watershed, Protect the Water You Drink - and You CAN Protect It! shared, 2/21/23

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You CAN protect the environment! Find out how.

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"Right is of no sex, truth is of no color." - Frederick Douglass, shared 2/19/23

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"Right is of no sex, truth is of no color." - Frederick Douglass, shared 2/19/23

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"[W]e hold woman to be justly entitled to all we claim for man. We go farther, and express our conviction that all political rights which it is expedient for man to exercise, it is equally so for women. "

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Born into slavery in February 1818, Frederick Douglass (1818-1895) became one of the most outspoken advocates of abolition and women's rights in the 19 th century. Believing that "Right is of no sex, truth is of no color," Douglass urged an immediate end to slavery and supported Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, and other women's rights activists in their crusade for woman suffrage.

In his autobiography Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, published in 1845, Douglass recounted his childhood as a slave in Maryland, detailing all the cruel treatment to which he and other slaves were subjected. In 1838 Douglass escaped from bondage and fled to New York City. His autobiography described the joy he felt upon his arrival in the North:

I have been frequently asked how I felt when I found myself in a free State. I have never been able to answer the question with any satisfaction to myself. It was a moment of the highest excitement I ever experienced. I suppose I felt as one may imagine the unarmed mariner to feel when he is rescued by a friendly man-of-war from the pursuit of a pirate.

Douglass joined the abolitionist movement in 1841 and put his considerable oratorical skills to work as a speaker for the American Anti-Slavery Society. By 1847 he had moved to Rochester, NY, where he published the North Star, a weekly abolitionist newspaper.

Douglass was also active with the Western New York Anti-Slavery Society, and it was through this organization that he met Elizabeth M'Clintock. In July of 1848, M'Clintock invited Douglass to attend the First Women's Rights Convention in Seneca Falls, NY. Douglass readily accepted, and his participation at the convention revealed his commitment to woman suffrage. In an issue of the North Star published shortly after the convention, Douglass wrote,

In respect to political rights, we hold woman to be justly entitled to all we claim for man. We go farther, and express our conviction that all political rights which it is expedient for man to exercise, it is equally so for women. All that distinguishes man as an intelligent and accountable being, is equally true of woman; and if that government is only just which governs by the free consent of the governed, there can be no reason in the world for denying to woman the exercise of the elective franchise, or a hand in making and administering the laws of the land. Our doctrine is, that "Right is of no sex."

Douglass continued to support the cause of women after the 1848 convention. In 1866 Douglass, along with Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony, founded the American Equal Rights Association, an organization that demanded universal suffrage. Though the group disbanded just three years later due to growing tension between women's rights activists and Africa-American rights activists, Douglass remained influential in both movements, championing the cause of equal rights until his death in 1895.

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Frederick Douglass - Women's Rights National Historical Park (U.S. National Park Service)

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Born into slavery in February 1818, Frederick Douglass (1818-1895) became one of the most outspoken advocates of abolition and women's rights in the 19 th century. Believing that "Right is of no sex, truth is of no color," Douglass urged an immediate end to slavery and supported Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B.

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❤️ 102-year-old Love Letters Discovered in a Somerset County attic❤️ Love is indeed TIMELESS❤️ shared 2/15/23

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❤️ 102-year-old Love Letters Discovered in a Somerset County attic❤️ Love is indeed TIMELESS❤️ shared 2/15/23

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“It is very lonesome for me here now. I thought of you every minute yesterday. I hope you will still think of me.

I’ve never wrote so much in my life to any one, before I met you, and now I just want to write all the time.”

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As part of its Black History Month celebration, The Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum has a month-long display at the Montgomery Library featuring two newly-discovered love letters written in 1921, that reveal a century-old love story from the Sourland Mountain region's past.

Even for someone who was alive before the internet, it's hard to summon into one's spirit the level of intimacy and depth of love letters, hand-written in cursive, pen to paper, sealed in an envelope and sent through the postal service to a waiting sweetheart.

Two years ago, when Somerset County resident Bill Miller discovered two time-worn love letters in his attic, he brought to light the innocence of a budding courtship from a century ago, involving two Black residents of the Sourland Mountain region, Garland H. Fields and Emeline Gillettee.

Garland was wooing Emeline, and the two letters she had tucked away in the attic define his fervent desire to be more than just a "true friend" to her.
"I am going to spend all my time writing to you this morning, before the mail carrier comes."
Envision the care taken with each word as the pen creates the characters, one by one. No efficiency of cutting and pasting. No accidental auto-correct, just pure romance. Purposeful. Deliberate. Fully Invested.
"It is very lonesome for me here now. I thought of you every minute yesterday. I hope you will still think of me. I've never wrote so much in my life to any one, before I met you, and now I just want to write all the time."
The recipient anxiously awaits the arrival of the letter carrier, all the while nurturing the hope that this day they will bring with them the latest missive from a distant lover.

These are words not read in haste amidst distracting notifications from a smartwatch wirelessly tethered to a pocketed phone.

These words are savored, reveled in, the reader most likely sequestered to a secluded spot where outsiders do not and cannot exist.

The exact private place where these two particular love letters likely were pored over by Emiline may be the attic in the home Bill Miller purchased in 1990. That's where they were brought back from obscurity.

Miller told NJ Advance Media that one day he was looking around the house "just to see how things were holding up."

Something caught his eye in the attic where some exposed insulation at the floor had been moved enough to reveal part of an old letter. He found that there were two letters, both from Garland to Emeline.

"I called my sister (Stephanie Hawtof) just to talk about it," Miller said.

The two ended up doing online research and detective work which, after some twists and turns, would eventually lead to Miller having the opportunity to present the two letters to Garland's son, Garland Fields Jr., at his house in Pennington, at a lunch which Fields Jr.'s niece prepared.

"It was an emotional day," Miller said. "It made me feel very good to be able to return a piece of this family history to them."

None of Garland's living descendants seem to know anything about Emeline, so it will probably be never known why the courtship didn't come to completion.

But in today's world, where online apps offer the promise of instant "hook-ups" only as far away as a few swipes on a screen, it's nice to remember the rewards of romance as an end unto itself, and of slow, steadfast, courtship.
"I hope you will encourage by saying you have a nice warm kiss for me when you see me again. I must close now with all my love to you, hoping to see you soon. I am as ever Garland"

The "Love Letters" display continues through Feb. 28 at the Montgomery branch of the Somerset County Library System of New Jersey (SCLSNJ) located at 100 Community Drive, Skillman.

Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust. Michael Mancuso may be reached at mmancuso@njadvancemedia.com

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Century-old love letters reveal a romance from long ago at N.J. Black History Month display

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As part of its Black History Month celebration, The Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum has a month-long display at the Montgomery Library featuring two newly-discovered love letters written in 1921, that reveal a century-old love story from the Sourland Mountain region's past.

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Happy Valentine's Day from The Meadows Foundation! We would LOVE to see you at one of our exciting events in the year ahead! shared 2/15/23

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Happy Valentine's Day from The Meadows Foundation! We would LOVE to see you at one of our exciting events in the year ahead! shared 2/15/23

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In the 1850s, Esther Allen Howland introduced the European tradition of Valentine's Day cards to the US and became known as the "Mother of the [American] Valentine Card." Ms. Howland employed widows and single women to assemble beautiful cards that are now much sought after collector's items!

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As Massachusetts residents buy their flowers and chocolate, they may not be aware of the role their state played in Valentine's Day history. Anthony Sammarco, author of "Valentine's Day Traditions in Boston" explained to hosts Paris Alston and Jeremy Siegel on Morning Edition Monday how Massachusetts became a "Cupid's Day Mecca" of cards and candy.

The "mother of the valentine card" was Esther Allen Howland, a graduate of Mount Holyoke College, who introduced the European concept of valentines to Worcester in the 1800s.

"So in the 1850s, right through to the early 1880s, she was somebody that would eventually employ both single women and widows that would actually create an assembly line of handmade valentines," Sammarco said. "So during that period, these were not just beautiful cards, but today they've become collector's items."

Howland sold her business, the New England Valentine Company, in 1881 to George C. Whitney as it expanded and produced all kinds of greeting cards. By 1915, 90 percent of all valentines exchanged in the United States came from Worcester.

"It was something that would eventually be carried on by other publishers ... and of course, Hallmark," Sammarco said. "But Worcester was a big center for Valentine's Day."

Sammarco's book traces the evolution of the holiday from a pagan celebration in ancient Rome to becoming a multimillion-dollar industry. St. Valentine, the saint who gave Valentine's Day its name, was a Roman priest turned martyr who was beheaded around 270 A.D. for marrying persecuted Christians.

"I've always thought of him as the patron saint of love. But in my research, I find out that he's also the patron saint of epilepsy and the patron saint of beekeepers," Sammarco said.

It's not all roses, of course. Sammarco also took a look at "vinegar valentines," with cruel greetings like "you'll die alone" to "you think you've got a pretty smile, but actually it's horrible." In one of Sammarco's favorites, a woman holds a lemon pointed at her lover, and says "'Tis a lemon that I hand you and bid you now 'Skidoo.' Because I love another - There is no chance for you!"

"They were dreadful and cruel, but on the other hand, sent anonymously," Sammarco said. "It was even more so that we couldn't figure out who a vinegar valentine was from."

"Valentine's Day Traditions in Boston" by Anthony Sammarco

From Sullivan Square's Schrafft's to Necco - New England Confectionery Company - Boston has a rich history of candy-focused companies, too.

"20th-century candy was something for Valentine's Day that was big business, " Sammarco said. "That's something that still continues to this day by many chocolatiers in and around Boston."

When Alston asked Sammarco the most romantic activity to do in Boston, he shared some wise advice. "How about something such as a hot cup of steaming cocoa, a walk through the Public Gardens and then just basically sitting on a bench enjoying not only Boston in all of its finery, but also just sitting there and exploring something with the one we love? "

"It doesn't have to be flowers or candy, although those things are quite nice," Sammarco continued. "It's also sharing some time, not just with our spouse or a love interest, but also our family and friends."

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In the early 1900s, Worcester was the valentine capital of America

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As Massachusetts residents buy their flowers and chocolate, they may not be aware of the role their state played in Valentine's Day history. Anthony Sammarco, author of "Valentine's Day Traditions in Boston" explained to hosts Paris Alston and Jeremy Siegel on Morning Edition Monday how Massachusetts became a "Cupid's Day Mecca" of cards and candy.

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Learn about NJ's fossils and other natural history from the NJ State Park Service, shared 2/11/23

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Learn about NJ's fossils and other natural history from the NJ State Park Service, shared 2/11/23

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New Jersey's State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites

The New Jersey State Park Service administers over 452,000 acres of land comprising parks, forests, historic sites and other recreation areas actively working to manage and promote thriving natural and historic resources.

We strive to provide our visitors with a variety of recreational opportunities including hiking, biking, camping, swimming, boating and picnicking. Our historic sites offer the visitor the opportunity to journey back through time to experience life of a foregone era.

No matter what your interest is, there is something for everyone! We invite you to take advantage of all our recreational, natural and historical resources and Open your Doorway to Adventure!

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New Jersey's State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites The New Jersey State Park Service administers over 452,000 acres of land comprising parks, forests, historic sites and other recreation areas actively working to manage and promote thriving natural and historic resources. We strive to provide our visitors with a variety of recreational opportunities including hiking, biking, camping, swimming, boating and picnicking.

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Plant it and they will come! Learn how to plant a beautiful butterfly garden that will attract Monarch butterflies. shared, 8/22/23

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Plant it and they will come! Learn how to plant a beautiful butterfly garden that will attract Monarch butterflies. shared, 8/22/23

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3 Tips for Planning a Thriving Butterfly Garden

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Bloom succession- plants that start blooming at different times of the year- is a huge component to planning a thriving pollinator garden. It creates a beautiful year-long display and also provides…

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Pvt. Oliver Cromwell, 2nd  NJ Continental Regimen, Patriot & American Revolutionary War Hero (1752-1853), shared 2/9/23

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Pvt. Oliver Cromwell, 2nd  NJ Continental Regimen, Patriot & American Revolutionary War Hero (1752-1853), shared 2/9/23

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He fought in so bravely in every major battle of the American Revolution northern campaign, crossed the Delaware with Washington, stormed redoubt ten at Yorktown, and lived to be 100.

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Nineteenth-Century Remembrances of Black Revolutionary Veterans: New Jersey Soldier Oliver Cromwell - Journal of the American Revolution

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Harriet Tubman escaped from slavery in 1849. She became a major conductor on the Underground Railroad, as well as an advocate for Women's Rights. A year later the Compromise of 1850 included a controversial Fugitive Slave Law that compelled all citizens to help in the recovery of fugitive slaves.

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FIX OUR PARKS! There is so much at stake! shared 12/9/22

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FIX OUR PARKS! There is so much at stake! shared 12/9/22

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"[NJ park] Staffing has decreased by 28% since 2006... The ratio of Park Service staff to visitors is 1 to 36,000 and there is 1 Forest Service staff for every 5,500 acres of land... Some have said that collapse' is inevitable."

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We've identified the problems and solutions

The result of Dr. Van Clef's work is The New Jersey State Lands Management Report published in April 2022, which provides a detailed look at the state's public lands and the resources allocated for management and protection of those lands.
DOWNLOAD THE REPORT
Some highlights of the report include:

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The Problems and Challenge

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Key Benefits of New Jersey's Natural Resources

Hope for the Future

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New Jersey State Lands Management Report | Fix Our Parks NJ

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We've identified the problems and solutions The result of Dr. Van Clef's work is The New Jersey State Lands Management Report published in April 2022, which provides a detailed look at the state's public lands and the resources allocated for management and protection of those lands.

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VIDEO of Sinterklaas arriving at Hageman Farm! shared 12/5/22

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VIDEO of Sinterklaas arriving at Hageman Farm! shared 12/5/22

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HAPPY HOLIDAYS, EVERYONE!  From the Meadows Foundation <3

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Sinterklaas arrives at the Hageman House for his annual visit. | By The Franklin Reporter & Advocate | Facebook

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Sinterklaas arrives at the Hageman House for his annual visit.

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Thank you to everyone who helped to bring the warmth and generosity of the Spirit of Sinterklaas to life! shared 12/5/22

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Thank you to everyone who helped to bring the warmth and generosity of the Spirit of Sinterklaas to life! shared 12/5/22

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We look forward to seeing you soon at another one of our many events in 2023!

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The Hageman House on South Middlebush Road was once again the venue for an annual visit by Sinterklaas on December 4.

The celebration of Sinterklaas - who each year rides his horse from Spain to the Netherlands - is a national holiday in that Dutch nation.

In Franklin, the day included food, tours of the Hageman House and barns and games and activities such as a scavenger hunt for the children, said Barbara ten Broeke of the Meadows Foundation, which sponsors the event each year.

There was also a no-hands doughnut=eating contest and tours of antique tools in another of the property's barns, ten Broeke said.

But that was all just the lead-up to the main event, the arrival of Sinterklaas on his horse.

After greeting the families who had come to see him, Sinterklaas took up residence in the property's main barn and called for his "book," which contains information about all of the children he will see.

"Sinterklaas has a big book, and if if he's visiting a school or a group of children, he would have some ideas about where the children excelled, and he'd also have a notion about things where the child could improve," ten Broeke said.

After speaking to the children, Sinterklaas gave them a bag of candy.

Here are some scenes from the day:

Your Thoughts

comments

To subscribe, please click here.

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Sinterklaas Makes His Annual Visit To The Hageman House - The Franklin Reporter & Advocate

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The Hageman House on South Middlebush Road was once again the venue for an annual visit by Sinterklaas on December 4. The celebration of Sinterklaas - who each year rides his horse from Spain to the Netherlands - is a national holiday in that Dutch nation.

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For 250th Anniversary of Amer. Rev., NJ will invest in upgrading historical sites, shared 12/1/22

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For 250th Anniversary of Amer. Rev., NJ will invest in upgrading historical sites, shared 12/1/22

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Investment in historical preservation is profitable for state, local, and private economy!

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More battles and skirmishes in the War of Independence took place in New Jersey than any other state. Trenton, Princeton, Springfield, and Monmouth were all key battlegrounds, and Morristown served as the Continental Army's winter encampment.

Gen. George Washington's hasty retreat from Fort Lee through New Jersey and across the Delaware River in November of 1776 saved the Continental Army from almost certain defeat. And most consider Washington's decision to cross the Delaware on Christmas night and sneak up on a garrison of Hessian soldiers to be one of the turning points in the war.

Yet, for all the drama, New Jersey's role in the American Revolution is story that has not been fully told, its historic sites underutilized and in need of a fix. Officials say that's going to change.

On Monday, Gov. Phil Murphy announced the state would spend $25 million to improve 10 Revolutionary War sites around the state, upgrades that should be complete when American celebrates the 250th year of independence in 2026.

"As they say, every good party needs planning. And when that party is going to celebrate the 250th birthday of our nation, we need to start that planning a little sooner," Murphy said at a gathering at the Washington Crossing state park in Hopewell.

The governor said the money will be used to make needed repairs to the sites and bring them into compliance with the American with Disabilities Act.

Murphy, a Democrat, said so-called heritage tourism was important, not only to the state's economy, but to who we are as a nation, especially with so much political division.

"If we can't recognize where we came from, we really won't be able to know where we are going," he said. "Right now, it seems our nation is at an interminable, partisan stalemate. It is time for us to fully embrace our state's role in our nation's birth and upbringing. Because without New Jersey...there may not be a United States of America."

The upgrades are being paid for with federal dollars provided to states for coronavirus pandemic recovery, the governor said.

The 10 sites that will receive funding are:

Washington Crossing State Park

Trenton's Old Barracks

Battle Monument in Trenton

Princeton Battlefield State Park

Monmouth Battlefield State Park

Proprietary House in Perth Amboy (the seat of the colonial governor William Franklin)

The Indian King Tavern in Haddonfield (where the newly-independent state legislature met to adopt the first state laws)

Wallace House in Somerville (Washington's headquarters during parts of 1778 and 1779)

Boxwood hall in Elizabeth (home of Elias Boudinot, member of Continental Congress)

Rockingham in Kingston (house where George Washington was when the Treaty of Paris was signed in 1783, officially ending the war)

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to Richard Cowen may be reached at rcowen@njadvancemedia.com. NJ.com.

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N.J. to spend $25M to upgrade key Revolutionary War sites across the state

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More battles and skirmishes in the War of Independence took place in New Jersey than any other state. Trenton, Princeton, Springfield, and Monmouth were all key battlegrounds, and Morristown served as the Continental Army's winter encampment. Gen.

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Interactive Map of Native Land & Indigenous People, shared 11/25/22

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Interactive Map of Native Land & Indigenous People, shared 11/25/22

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For Native American Heritage Day, learn more about the Indigenous people of the land where you now live, just enter your address or town.

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Mapping

We strive to map Indigenous territories, treaties, and languages across the world in a way that goes beyond colonial ways of thinking in order to better represent how Indigenous people want to see themselves.

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Native Land is a resource to learn more about Indigenous territories, languages, lands, and ways of life. We welcome you to our site.

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Women Who Dressed Like Men to Fight, shared 11/11/22

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Women Who Dressed Like Men to Fight, shared 11/11/22

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Thank you to all our veterans! Those we know and those who did not wish to be known.

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Volunteer Dig with the Archaeological Society of NJ, shared 11/10/22

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Volunteer Dig with the Archaeological Society of NJ, shared 11/10/22

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Get your hands dirty with our friends at the ASNJ for an ARCHAEOLOGICAL OPEN HOUSE at the Piscatawaytown Burial Ground!

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ASNJ News Archive - Archaeological Society of New Jersey

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Owners, Operators of Preserved NJ Farmland Speak, shared 11/10/22

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Owners, Operators of Preserved NJ Farmland Speak, shared 11/10/22

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A glimpse into the lives & mindsets of NJ preserved farmland owners, highlighting life operating an agriculture business on a preserved farm!

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SADC releasing three short videos on YouTube giving quick glimpse into lives of N.J. preserved farmland owners

PUBLISHED ON

TRENTON, N.J. - The New Jersey State Agriculture Development Committee (SADC) is releasing three short videos on YouTube giving a quick glimpse into the lives and mindsets of New Jersey preserved farmland owners and operators. These videos will begin a regular series the SADC will produce highlighting life operating an agriculture business on a preserved farm.

The New Jersey State Agriculture Development Committee (SADC) administers New Jersey's Farmland Preservation Program, including Farm Preservation across the state, Right to Farm, Agricultural Mediation, and Agricultural Development grants to preserved farm owners and operators.

In less than four minutes, you can meet all five current SADC "farmer" members, who, along with six other members, make up the eleven-member committee. They own and operate preserved farmland in New Jersey and volunteer their time and energy to guide New Jersey's farmland preservation program.

Pete Johnson (Johnson's Locust Hall Farm, Burlington County), Marty Bullock (Bullock Farms, Monmouth County), Roger Kumpel (Greenfield Farm, Burlington County), Scott Ellis (Ellis Farms, Mercer County), and Rich Norz (Norz Hill Farm & Market, Somerset County) give their thoughts about the Farmland Preservation Program and advice for new and beginning farmers.

In another video, you will meet Rebecca Case in Hunterdon County, who, together with her family, preserved the family farm, realizing her mother's dream. Like so many preserved farmland owners, she is dedicated to her farm, engaged in agricultural operation and land management in cooperation with an excellent tenant farmer.

"It gives you a better understanding and sense of familiarity to watch and listen to preserved farm owners and operators," says New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas Fisher.

To date, more than 2,800 farms covering approximately 247,000 acres have been preserved under the New Jersey State Farmland Preservation Program.

Link to SADC's YouTube Channel - These new videos are in the "Meet New Jersey Preserved Farm Owners": https://www.youtube.com/user/SADCfarms/featured

To learn more about preservation and the SADC, visit: https://www.nj.gov/agriculture/sadc/farmpreserve/

-New Jersey State Agriculture Development Committee

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N.J. Farmland Preservation preserved farmland owner video series

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PUBLISHED ON TRENTON, N.J. - The New Jersey State Agriculture Development Committee (SADC) is releasing three short videos on YouTube giving a quick glimpse into the lives and mindsets of New Jersey preserved farmland owners and operators. These videos will begin a regular series the SADC will produce highlighting life operating an agriculture business on a preserved farm.

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Leave the leaves this fall and save important habitats/ecosystems for birds, salamanders, pollinators, native plants, and more! AND have a healthier, greener lawn in the spring! SCIENCE!

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Unless you're raking a pile of leaves to jump in, it isn't much fun. And, a large yard with a lot of trees means all day raking. So, if you're not looking for free mulch or to compost leaves, scientists suggest leaving them alone to benefit wildlife and the garden. Yes, let the leaves be.

Benefits Of Not Raking Leaves

1. Wildlife Habitat of Leaf Litter

The National Wildlife Federation states: "The leaf layer is its own mini ecosystem!"

The leaves are a natural habitat for butterflies, salamanders, chipmunks, box turtles, toads, shrews, earthworms and others. They lay eggs in the leaves and feed on and under the leaf layer. By raking or blowing leaves, you disrupt their life cycle and eliminate beneficial insects.

Start peeling the layers back of a leaf pile, and see all the wildlife.

2. Increase Beneficial Insects

By providing a habitat, you increase the population of beneficial insects for gardening season. When leaves are removed from the yard, automatically you're decreasing beneficial insects that are your friends come growing season.

3. Increase Soil Health

Add leaves as a mulch to decompose or till into the soil to add organic matter and nutrients. Organic matter in soils will help regulate soil moisture. Also, earthworms love soil with decomposed leaves. In fact, if you're looking for earthworms, scrape back to the bottom layer of leaves and you'll be amazed.

4. Avoid Pollution from Leaf Blowers

Let's face it, not everyone has time to rake. If you let the leaves be, you can avoid noise pollution of leaf blowers and fossil fuels to run them.

5. Save Time

Depending on yard size and the amount of deciduous trees that are in the yard will determine the hours it will take to rake. But, one thing is for sure...count on hours and often a weekly chore until all leaves have fallen. Do you have time for that?

6. Reduce Waste

According to the 2013 Environmental Protection Agency's Report, Advancing Sustainable Materials Management: Facts and Figures, 28 percent of household waste was food and yard trimmings. Prevent waste by letting leaves be, or carefully moving them to create wildlife habitats.

How to Use Leaves from the Yard

No matter how much you want to get out of raking your lawn, some may be required by Homeowners Associations to remove leaves. Or, you may live in a high-risk wildfire area, where leaves are a fire hazard. Here are ways you can use leaves to benefit your garden, wildlife conservation effort, and community:

1. Composting

Want a successful garden? Use compost. Leaves are great to compost as a carbon rich material. Be sure to add nitrogen materials to the pile like grass clippings or manure. For step-by-step instructions, read this Composting Guide: Using Leaves for Composting.

2. Mulch

Leaves are easy to apply, effective, and free! Leaves are successful in maintaining soil moisture and soil temperature, and preventing weeds, soil erosion, and soil compaction.

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension suggests leaf mulch for:
Trees and shrubs: 3-6 inch layer shredded leaves
Flower beds: 2-3 inches shredded leaves
Vegetable Gardens: thick layer for weed prevention in beds or between garden rows for walkways
Yards: mow leaves to shred and remain on lawn

3. Save Leaves for Next Season

Bag and save leaves for compost, mulch or the garden. Come spring you'll be excited to have leaves to use.

4. Leaf Mold

Leaf mold is different than composting. Leaf mold is a soil amendment produced when a pile of leaves decompose. Nitrogen ingredients are not added to the pile, as you would compost.

Leaf mold improves soil moisture retention and is often used as mulch or tilled into the soil. Leaves, by themselves, take 6 - 12 months to break down.

5. Donate Leaves to Gardeners or Gardening Programs

Try looking for urban community gardens or schools with learning classrooms to donate your leaves. Many times they do not have access to falling leaves and would appreciate the donation.

6. Wildlife Habitat: Brush Shelter

Use leaves in brush shelters to build wildlife habitats. Build the wildlife shelters for an animal about the size of a rabbit. You'll be amazed the variety of wildlife resides in brush shelters.

Start with a bed of leaves and place logs or larger branches on top of them. Stack somewhat of a dome with tree limbs, decreasing the branch size as it gets higher. Fill the structure with leaves for added shelter and to shelter the insects and pupae on the leaves. You might even see animals, like chipmunks, running away with leaves for their nest or toads hibernating in leaf litter.

Don't want a large wildlife habitat? Just move the leaves on the lawn to the corner to create leaf pile for wildlife and use the leaf mold as it decomposes.

7. Art

Collect leaves to make fall collages, leaf prints, or to decorate your home. Fall leaves make a great table centerpiece.

8. Exercise

According to WebMD's Fun and Fit Family Guide, raking and bagging leaves on average burns 350 - 450 calories per hour. Add jumping in a leaf pile (and raking it again) for more fun and exercise.

Don't want to clean up your yard at all?

You may be in luck. Take this one step further and read Before You Clean Up Plant Debris, Consider the Benefits of a Messy Yard. One plant in this article houses 31 different species of insects. It's a strong argument for gardeners to wait until spring to clean plant debris.

Looking to learn more about why you should not rake leaves?

Check out these helpful websites for more information:
Using Leaves for Composting from Compost Guide
Leaf Management Plan from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
Don't Rake Your Leaves from USA Today

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Scientists say don't rake leaves this fall. Here's why.

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Unless you're raking a pile of leaves to jump in, it isn't much fun. And, a large yard with a lot of trees means all day raking. So, if you're not looking for free mulch or to compost leaves, scientists suggest leaving them alone to benefit wildlife and the garden.

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Recycling Pumpkins for Birds & Wildlife, shared 11/4/22

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Recycling Pumpkins for Birds & Wildlife, shared 11/4/22

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Reward your Jack O’Lanterns and pumpkins with the second life they deserve as Snack O’Lanterns!

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Skip to main content

Repurpose your leftover Halloween pumpkins to benefit backyard wildlife such as birds, butterflies, deer and more.

Halloween is approaching, so there's a good chance you have a pumpkin or two around your house. They make great fall decorations, but once the carving and trick-or-treating is over, don't just toss them in the trash. There are lots of great ways to use pumpkins to benefit wildlife in the weeks ahead.

Share Pumpkin Seeds with Birds

Many people roast and eat pumpkin seeds themselves, but you can also share them with birds. Larger wild birds like blue jays love pumpkin seeds, too. Follow these directions to roast them (no salt or seasoning, please!) and offer on a tray feeder or just sprinkle on the ground for birds to enjoy.

Turn Your Pumpkin into a Bird Feeder

As suggested by a Birds & Blooms reader, cut off the top half of the pumpkin and fill the bottom half with birdseed. Place outside for the birds to enjoy. Learn how to make your own pumpkin bird feeder.

Share Pumpkins with Butterflies

In warmer climates, offer pumpkin flesh and pulp in your butterfly garden. Simply cut into small pieces and place in a shallow dish for fruit-loving butterflies like red-spotted purples to enjoy. In areas where butterflies are already gone for the winter,

Cut Up Pumpkins for Wildlife

You can also offer the pumpkin pieces for other wildlife like deer and rabbits. Place the cut-up pumpkin in an area where you can view the critters that come to feast on your pumpkin.

Feed Carved Pumpkins to Chickens

Backyard chickens will be thrilled by this special treat. Be sure to do this while your pumpkin is relatively fresh and has not started to form mold. Chickens love pumpkins seeds, too.

Next, check out 5 garden uses for your old jack-o-lantern.

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Recycling Pumpkins for Birds and Wildlife

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Skip to main content Repurpose your leftover Halloween pumpkins to benefit backyard wildlife such as birds, butterflies, deer and more. Halloween is approaching, so there's a good chance you have a pumpkin or two around your house. They make great fall decorations, but once the carving and trick-or-treating is over, don't just toss them in the trash.

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1.3 BILLION Pounds of Pumpkins Go in Landfill Every YEar, shared 11/4/22

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1.3 BILLION Pounds of Pumpkins Go in Landfill Every YEar, shared 11/4/22

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1.3 Billion pounds of pumpkins go into landfill, when they could go into WILDLIFE & POLLINATORS!

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Oh my gourd! 1.3B pounds of pumpkins reach landfills every year

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As Halloween season comes and goes, millions of pumpkins will find their way from doorsteps to the trash.

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NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE Celebration in Somerville, NJ on 11/5/22! shared 11/2/22

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NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE Celebration in Somerville, NJ on 11/5/22! shared 11/2/22

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Learn more about the original stewards of this land! Drummers, dancers, vendors, and more!

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Just a few weeks ago, Americans celebrated Columbus Day, the federal holiday that commemorates the landing of Christopher Columbus in the Americas in 1492.

However, as communities move to stop marginalizing Indigenous people, celebrating Christopher Columbus' "discovery" of America become controversial. Native Americans were living in the Americas long before Columbus's arrival. In more than a dozen states, Indigenous Peoples Day has replaced Columbus Day.

That hasn't happened in New Jersey, although two municipalities - Newark and Princeton - officially refer to Oct. 10 as Indigenous Peoples Day rather than Columbus Day. But Somerville is making a different move to recognize Native American contributions.

The Downtown Somerville Alliance (DSA) is hosting its first Native American Heritage celebration on Division Street from noon to 3 p.m. Nov. 5. The free event will include Native American vendors, as well as performances by Young Blood Drum and eight cultural dance groups. Dancers include a grass dancer, hoop dancer, jingle dress dancer, fancy shawl dancer and northern traditional Native American dancer wearing regalia.
A worldwide community: Italian native returns to his roots with a new winery in Lambertville
"Part of the mission since I came onboard in 2019 has been to support equity, inclusion and diversity, so we have been open to celebrating different cultures not just as a fun event, but also as an educational event," said Natalie Pineiro, executive director of the DSA. "To do this, we always partner with a nonprofit, community organization or expert to host the event."

For the Native American Heritage event, the DSA partnered with Harold and Linda Willard, Shaun Daley and Michelle Kassick from Gallery on Main Street and Phil Decker from the Somerville Historic Advisory Committee.

The Willards have a long history of promoting Native American culture across the through events such as powwows, storytelling and presentations. Last year, they were presented with a proclamation from Somerville to mark and honor Native American Heritage Month.

Earlier this year, the Willards approached the borough with the idea to host a Native American celebration.

"We believe in communicating our culture and heritage to people," said Harold Willard, who is part Native American. "It's more exposure that Native American people are still here and living amongst us going to work and play, and especially here in the East."

"I think there aren't enough events to showcase the rich culture that is Native American heritage so we were really excited when they brought it to the table for us," said Pineiro. "We are hoping to continue to support and grow the event for next year and years to come."
'We deserve this':'We deserve this': Metuchen is named Great American Main Street Award semifinalist Jenna Intersimone has been a staff member at the USA TODAY NETWORK New Jersey since 2014, after becoming a blogger-turned-reporter following the creation of her award-winning travel blog. To get unlimited access to her stories about food, drink and fun, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. Contact: JIntersimone@Gannett.com or @JIntersimone
However, a Columbus Day event could be added to the Somerville calendar as well, continued Pineiro.

"We really want to partner with a cultural group or someone who is an expert in that culture because when we do these events, we want them to have entertainment and cultural value, and come from an authentic place," she said. "We would love to host any type of Italian-American or Columbus Day celebration, we just haven't been approached by a group to help coordinate that."

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Somerville to host first Native American Heritage celebration

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Just a few weeks ago, Americans celebrated Columbus Day, the federal holiday that commemorates the landing of Christopher Columbus in the Americas in 1492. However, as communities move to stop marginalizing Indigenous people, celebrating Christopher Columbus' "discovery" of America become controversial. Native Americans were living in the Americas long before Columbus's arrival.

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When Ghosts Were All the Rage in NJ, shared 10/29/22

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When Ghosts Were All the Rage in NJ, shared 10/29/22

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🎃👻 Oh, we have some residents of the Wyckoff-Garretson House & Museum (1730) who'd like to to argue that ghosts were never NOT all the rage in NJ... 👻👀 ❤

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Whether under the bed or in someone's head, ghosts were given new life.

Rather than trailing robes of white, the ghost dressed in a suit of black, "as though doomed to expiate some sin," the newspaper reported.

During the Victorian period, every day may as well have been Halloween.

Anything with a general sense of eeriness and morbidity seemingly sparked interest and supernatural occurrences were fully ingrained in the imagination. Not just for parlor gossip, ghost stories spread into art, science and literature. Paranormal experimentation took hold in the era, as did spirit photography.

Whether under the bed or in someone's head, ghosts were given new life.

In February 1873, The Weekly Item of Passaic summed up the trend.

"Ghosts are rife," the staff wrote. "Orange County, N.Y., has one; so has Hoboken, and in Massachusetts almost every village has its especial ghost, and the people are quarreling as to which ghost has the most spiritualistic and supernatural surroundings, and the controversy runs high."

The newspaper was among many that in the 1870s and 1880s made occasional mention of alleged haunted homes or ghost sightings. Sometimes, the reporting took a more serious tone. Investigations were launched. Usually, the mystery found a logical end.

The ghost that scared boys and girls in Gloucester turned out to be a puckish teen who happened upon a clean white sheet. Another ghost, chased by a rock-throwing mob in Burlington, was just a dark-haired young woman in a white Mother Hubbard dress. The ghosts that haunted Paulison's Castle before it became Passaic City Hall were winter squatters.

Ghost hunting in Passaic

Another Passaic ghost, reported in 1882, turned out to be harder to peg.

That November, rumors of a "genuine ghost" hit Passaic's canal district and the former bridge on Jefferson Street, the Passaic Daily News reported. Estimated at between 6 and 8 feet tall, the "genuine ghost" had allegedly taken possession of the bridge and nearby fields.

Rather than trailing robes of white, the ghost dressed in a suit of black, "as though doomed to expiate some sin," the newspaper reported. Creepier still, the ghost sported a long gray beard.

"Our reporter was led to believe that he differed from the orthodox ghost in so far as he was not of an ethereal, but of a substantial appearance, and instead of treating this earth where grave years yawn, could be seen at any time after dark," the Passaic Daily News reported.

When spotted, the ghost was typically stalking or menacing factory workers. One, Samuel Miller, said he was seized by the throat.

"The reports are so thoroughly believed that the girls and boys working in the mills never think of going to or from their work singly," the Passaic Daily News reported.

With evidence "too circumstantial to be without foundation," the newspaper sent out a reporter to investigate. The "heavily armed" reporter accompanied by two friends scoured the area to no avail.

Less than a week later, however, Passaic Daily News staff revealed the true nature of the ghost at Jefferson Street. The grey-bearded ghost was "an inoffensive resident of Yellowdale who sometimes indulges in too liberal potations." He had been walking home one day when he found himself in front of a group of women near the bridge.

"It was late at night and they without an escort ... became frightened at his drunken staggerings and fled," the paper reported.

Milling around mills

Earlier that year, however, a report of a ghost haunting the west end of the Palisades in the former town of Union Hill never found a clear resolution.

In January 1882, the Red Bank Register wrote of an "ill-looking ghost," who had been terrorizing young women on their way to the silk mills. Suitably spooky, the white figure would emerge from the depths of the pine trees along old Weaverton Road to impede their progress or otherwise creep them out.

Two of the women, Tillie Brown and Phoebe Kannyan, said the ghost followed them for half a mile before playfully pulling on one's cloak and fleeing. They said "the ghost could be none other than Kankowski," the newspaper reported.
COVID-19 testing as we know it wouldn't have happened without this Clifton lab
Kankowski was Martin Kankowski. A 34-year-old Alsatian immigrant, Kankowski was convicted in 1881 of murdering Mina Muller off Bergenline Avenue in Guttenberg on their wedding day and subsequently hung in the Hudson County jail yard.

After the ghost rumors hit the streets, Hoboken citizens collected and offered $50 as a reward for its capture. The very night the reward was announced, the ghost struck again. This time, four of the factory girls received a fright courtesy of the ghoulish stalker.

The next night, four Hoboken policemen lay in wait for the ghost's return.

"At nine o'clock they saw a white figure approaching from the direction of Floral Park Lane. Immediately a constable sprang forward and gave chase. The ghost, however, had the quicker legs of the two for he disappeared in the brushwood neatly escaping four revolver shots fired by the constable," the newspaper reported.

Not surprisingly, the ghost failed to re-emerge. Surprisingly, the newspaper reported many in Hoboken still firmly believed the ghost was Kankowski.

A jailhouse mystery

In 1875, The Weekly Item, the New York Times and others, reported a ghost story out of the Hackensack Jail that also went unsolved.

The tale started with prisoners reporting seeing and hearing a ghost enter the cell block from an outside window one night. After lapping one tier of the cell block the ghost allegedly stopped at the former cell of John Avery, a young man who was hung in the jail in April 1872 following a murder conviction.

The prisoner inside, only described as a German, said he felt the spirit's hand grab his clothes from him and throw them on the floor.
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Another alleged visitation, in March 1975, left prisoners "struck dumb and helpless."

"All tell the same consistent story, furnishing an accumulation of testimony which it will be difficult for the most skeptical to overcome," the Weekly Item reported

It was about midnight one Sunday, when a soft bluish light filled the jail. Unnatural sounds followed. The prisoners said they heard one of the windows open and felt the cold air rush in.

"Through the window came the shadowy form of a man, all plainly visible except the legs, which appeared to be lost in mist," The Weekly Item wrote.

The ghost, with eyes like fireballs, went to Avery's cell. Prisoners said they heard the cell door open and shut. Then came steps outside their cells, as the ghost lapped the cell block tier as he had before.

"Next Avery, as they persist in calling it, seemed to float down through the air to the wash room, where he turned the water on and allowed it to run for full five minutes," they wrote.
SuperFresh owner plans stores for Clifton, Passaic to compete with larger chains
After shutting the water off, the ghost reportedly stuck around for at least another half hour before leaving through his original access point and closing the window behind him. Then, the odd light faded.

The reports were initially thought to be part of a plan of escape that was being devised by the prisoners. However, the New York Times reported that the explanation was ruled out. The newspaper staff wrote that Avery allegedly made a promise to fellow prisoners to revisit the jail after his death.

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A look back: When ghosts were all the rage in New Jersey

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Whether under the bed or in someone's head, ghosts were given new life. Rather than trailing robes of white, the ghost dressed in a suit of black, "as though doomed to expiate some sin," the newspaper reported. During the Victorian period, every day may as well have been Halloween.

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Hands On: Why Victorian Houses Are Scary

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[VIDEO] Why Are Victorian Houses So SCARY? shared 10/28/22

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[VIDEO] Why Are Victorian Houses So SCARY? shared 10/28/22

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The Van Liew-Suydam house (1875) is a Victorian farmhouse restored by the Meadows Foundation. Perhaps you have seen us, sitting alone on the top of a hill, at the end of a maple-lined allée, or other scary places...

We also host small-ish gatherings!

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A Witch Trial, NJ Style! shared 10/22/22

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A Witch Trial, NJ Style! shared 10/22/22

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A Witch Trial, NJ Style! He called her an "old nab" and a witch. She sued him big time.

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The colonial province of New Jersey never tried anyone for witchcraft. The only legal record concerning a "witch" is the lawsuit brought by Abigail Sharp of Woodbridge, New Jersey against Abraham Shotwell.

Sharp v. Shotwell

On May 13, 1727, Abigail Sharp sued Abraham Shotwell for trespass on the case in the amount of £500, citing harm to her business, her reputation, and her social life, as well as exposing her to the threat of unwarranted prosecution. Shotwell had publicly accused her of witchcraft, describing supernatural events he claimed he had witnessed, including her taking the shape of a cat on top of his house and bewitching his horse, which died.

Abraham Shotwell pleaded not guilty. There is no information on the ultimate decision of the case.

The three pages that comprise her lawsuit are the only record we have that the events occurred and it seems to have been forgotten until the case became an object of public interest in the 19 th century.

The suit was filed in Middlesex County and is in the collection of Supreme Court case files at the New Jersey State Archives. See "Abigail Sharp v. Abraham Shotwell." Case 38755. New Jersey State Archives Supreme Court Case Files, 1704-1844. https://wwwnet-dos.state.nj.us/DOS_ArchivesDBPortal/SupremeCourt.aspx. High quality scans of the lawsuit can be purchased from the Archives, or an appointment can be made to view the original in person.

A Transcription of the Lawsuit

Spelling, grammar, and line breaks are preserved from the original.

Superior Court of the term of May in the thirteenth year of
King George
Middlesex: Abigail Sharp complains of Abraham Shotwell in Custody &
For that, whereas the said Abigail is a good true faithfull
And honest subject of our Lord the King now & hath been
Of good name fame conversation & condition & as Such
As well[?] among her neighbors as other faithfull subjects
Of our Said Lord the King always hitherto hath been
Esteemed called & reputed & soberly modestly & Religiously
From the time of her nativity hitherto hath always lived
Without any scandal or suspicion of felony witchcraft
Inchantment or diabolical conversation with wicked
& unclean spirits or another other hurtfull or unlawfull
Crime whatsoever. Nevertheless, the aforesaid Abraham
Not ignorant of the premises but contriving & malitious-
Ly intending the same Abigail unjustly to injure
Her good name fame & reputation to hurt Distract
From & damage & to cause her to suffer & undergo
The pains & penalties by the Laws of England & of
This province upon those that are guilty of witchcraft
& have commerce & familiarity with unclean &
Wicked spirits ordained to be inflicted the Same
Abraham on the last day of March in the year of
Our Lord one thousand seven hundred & twenty
Seven at Woodbridge within the county of Middlesex
Aforesaid in the presence & hearing of many of the
faithfull subjects of our Lord the King now falsely &
maliciously openly & publickly spoke uttered
& spread abroad of the same Abigail those false [??]
& defamatory English words following namely Nab
Sharp (meaning the said Abigaill) is an old witch &
Had been flying all night & that he saw her (meaning
The Said Abigail) as he was coming home early in
The morning & She was just lighted in a [??] of
Bouns & also that the said Abraham of his further
[next page]
Further malice against the same Abigail. Thereon & that
Same Abigail further to blacken scandalize & hurt
in the manner aforesaid afterwards to wit on the day
& year & at the place aforesaid presence & hearing
Of many of the faithfull subjects of our said Lord
the King now falsely maliciously openly & publickly
Spoke uttered spread abroad & with a loud voice
Published of the same Abigail these other false feigned
Scandalous & defamatory English words following
Namely Abigail Sharp is a witch & that he heard a
Noise on the top of his house & he saw her meaning
The said Abigail in the shape of a cat and also that
The said Abraham of his further malice against the
Said Abigail shown & the same Abigail further to
blacken scandalize & hurt in the manner aforesaid
afterwards to wit on the day year & at the place afore
Said in the presence & hearing of many of the faithfull
Subjects of our said Lord the King now falsely &
Maliciously openly & publickly spoke uttered spread
Abroad & with a loud voice published of the same
Abigail these other false feigned Scandalous & Defamatory
English words following namely Nab Sharp that old
Witch (meaning the said Abigail) bewitched that horse
That lies dead in my field. She meaning the said
Abigail, brought him there just now all mealy from
The mill, by Reason of the Speaking uttering
Spreading abroad & publishing of which several
False feigned scandalous & defamatory English words
The same Abigail - not only in her good name found
Credit[?] & Reputation which she heretofore had is
greatly hurt & worsted but hath been put in danger
Of being indicted of felony & witchcraft & is drawn[?]
Into so great hatred & infamy that all the people
Of this Province do refuse to have commerce &
Society with her & in getting of her livelyhood
& doing of her business she is many ways hurt
[next page]
Wherefore the said Abigail saith that she is worsted & hath
damage to five hundred pounds & thereof she bringeth
this suite.
Wm. Smith Quod[?] plg[?]
[Post script]
Middlesex: So Abigail Sharp puts in her place William Smith her attorney
against Abraham Shotwell in a plea of trespass upon the
Case

Who was Abigail Sharp?

Nothing is known of her origins, the outcome of the case, or anything else at all in any source that I can find.

I have not yet found a published genealogy or primary source that includes an Abigail Sharp that could possibly be her, but there are clues in the lawsuit to her possible identity.

Abigail brought the lawsuit herself, which may indicate she was either unmarried or widowed. Shotwell disparagingly called her an "old nab" in 1727; if she was, say, 50 years old at the time, that would have her born about 1675 or earlier. At that age, she could be a New Jersey native born to one of the early Sharp settlers in East or perhaps West Jersey, or she was herself an immigrant.

There are a handful of Sharp families settled in New Jersey by 1727. My current working theory is she is a sister or cousin to a pair of Sharp brothers who immigrated from Scotland and settled in Woodbridge. Abigail was in the same generation as William and John Sharp. William Sharp married a Mary Smith. Abigail's lawyer was William Smith; I have not yet confirmed his identity.

It's also noteworthy that Abigail had the means to hire a lawyer to sue Abraham Shotwell. Abigail Sharp was a businesswoman. She claims in the lawsuit that she suffered not only from a bad reputation as a result of the slander, but that "all the people of this Province do refuse to have commerce & Society with her & in getting of her livelihood & doing of her business she is many ways hurt." Shotwell also claimed that when she brought him to the dead horse, she was "all mealy from the mill".

What was Abigail's business? Did she work at the mill? Woodbridge is the site of New Jersey's first grist mill, founded by Jonathan Singletary Dunham. Dunham's daughter married Samuel Smith, and it was their daughter Mary who married the immigrant William Sharp.

In other witchcraft cases, it's been noted by historians that accusers are motivated by fear of the Other, xenophobia, and jealousy. There is sometimes a financial disparity between the accused and the accuser, with the accuser wanting to take down someone of higher financial status.

If Abigail is a Scot, I wonder whether xenophobia played a part in Shotwell's accusation (as it did in the Pennsylvania witchcraft trial discussed below); her accuser, Shotwell, was a New Yorker of English descent. Scotland and England at the time shared a long, fraught history of distrust.

If I am able to identify her further, I will update this blog.

Abraham Shotwell, being male with an unusual name, is easier to locate. He is probably if not certainly the Abraham Shotwell who was born say 1692 in Long Island and was of Piscataway when he died in 1757. He would have been in his thirties when he made his accusations, which he had to have known endangered her life. It had been only thirty years since the last witchcraft executions in the future United States, the Salem trials of 1692. While we can say today with hindsight it would have been unlikely for Abigail to be prosecuted for witchcraft, in 1727 it remained on the books as a capital crime.

East Jersey Witch Law of 1668

In the general assembly of East Jersey held in May, 1668, among the dozen "Capital Laws," is the following law authorizing prosecution for witchcraft: "If any person be found to be a witch, either male or female, they shall be put to death."

This and other works are available in our list of Historical Compilations of New Jersey Law.

West Jersey, which operated independently and published its own laws, had no such mention of witchcraft in its laws. After 1703, when East Jersey and West Jersey were combined into the new province of New Jersey, the witchcraft law was in effect statewide.

Mount Holly Witches?

The other notable mention of witchcraft is a 1732 article published in the Pennsylvania Gazette on the witches of Mount Holly, who are celebrated today with an annual Witches Ball. Read the article here: https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Franklin/01-01-02-0056.

The absence of any supporting documentary evidence, the jovial tone of the article, and the absence of any personal names as would surely be expected all point to this being a probable fabrication by the Gazette under its editor, noted prankster and joker (among other titles), Ben Franklin. There are those who were more than willing to believe the story, including the author of an 1894 article in New Jersey Law Journal.

New Jersey's Enduring Witch Heritage

Margaret Mattson, the only woman tried for witchcraft in Pennsylvania, was bailed out by her husband Nils Mattson and son Anthony Nilsson Long to the sum of 50 pounds. She was tried by a jury of mostly English Quakers who found her not guilty of witchcraft, but guilty of "the fame of being a witch" (i.e. she had a bad reputation). Margaret, her husband, and their son were Finns who had endured a traumatic migration to the New Sweden colony in 1654 on an overcrowded ship in which a third of the passengers died. However Nils Mattson prospered and was a landholder when the English Quakers moved in. While their rights to own property were for the most part respected by the English, there was tension as many of the prime locations were already developed by the Swedes and Finns. Many sold their land in Philadelphia, and a number moved to Gloucester and Salem counties.

In February 1684, she and her co-accused were tried for witchcraft in the new state of Pennsylvania's Provincial Council, with William Penn serving as judge. In the midst of the accusations and trial, her husband sold off his farms in Pennsylvania. After the trial, he and Margaret relocated across the river to Gloucester County, New Jersey to live with their son. Witchcraft was never a crime in West Jersey. Son Anthony Nilsson Long was a prominent man, serving as constable of Gloucester County the same year his mother was tried as a witch across the river. Anthony had five children and there are surely descendants of Margaret Mattson living in New Jersey today.

Lastly, the accused witch of East Hampton, New York, Elizabeth Garlick, spared at trial by John Winthrop Jr. in 1658, has a strong New Jersey connection; most of her grandchildren left Long Island for Cape May and south Jersey when land became available in the 1680s and 1690s. Widespread endogamy means if you have colonial Cape May roots, there is probably a witch grandmother sitting in your tree.

Further Reading

Burr, George Lincoln (ed). "The Pennsylvania Cases of Mattson, Hendrickson, and Guard, 1684, 1701." In Narratives of the Witchcraft Cases 1648-1706. Vol. 14 of Original Narratives of Early American History, edited by J. Franklin Jameson, New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1914, pp. 81-88, https://archive.org/details/narrativeswitch03burrgoog/page/n99/mode/2up

Cohen, David S. "Witchcraft." Encyclopedia of New Jersey, edited by Maxine Lurie and Marc Mappen, Rutgers University Press, 2004, p. 880, https://resources.njstatelib.org/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&scope=site&db=nlebk&db=nlabk&AN=124913

Hanc, John. (October 25, 2012). "Before Salem, There Was the Not-So-Wicked Witch of the Hamptons." Smithsonian Magazine, October 25, 2012. http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/before-salem-there-was-the-not-so-wicked-witch-of-the-hamptons-95603019/?no-ist

Lee, Francis Bazley. "Some Legal Allusions to Witchcraft in Colonial New Jersey." New Jersey Law Journal 17 (1894): 169-172. https://archive.org/details/sim_new-jersey-law-journal_1894-06_17_6/page/168/mode/2up

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Abigail Sharp: New Jersey's One Witch - New Jersey State Library

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The colonial province of New Jersey never tried anyone for witchcraft. The only legal record concerning a "witch" is the lawsuit brought by Abigail Sharp of Woodbridge, New Jersey against Abraham Shotwell.

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Chemicals behind the Colors of Autumn Leaves, shared 10/20/22

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Chemicals behind the Colors of Autumn Leaves, shared 10/20/22

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PEAK LEAF PEEPER AND CHIC BEEKER GEEK? Start your engines!

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With autumn looming on the horizon, the leaves on some trees have already begun the transition towards the vibrant hues of autumn. Whilst this change may outwardly seem like a simple one, the many vivid colours are a result of a range of chemical compounds, a selection of which are detailed here.

Before discussing the different compounds that lead to the colours of autumn leaves, it's worth discussing how the colours of these compounds originate in the first place. To do this we need to examine the chemical bonds they contain - these can be either single bonds, which consist of one shared pair of electrons between adjacent atoms, or double bonds, which consist of two shared pairs of electrons between adjacent atoms. The colour causing molecules in autumn leaves contain systems of alternating double and single bonds - this is referred to as conjugation. A large amount of conjugation in a molecule can lead to them being able to absorb wavelengths of light in the visible spectrum. This leads to the appearance of colour.
Chlorophyll
Chlorophyll is the chemical compound responsible for the usual, green colouration of most leaves. This chemical is contained within chloroplasts in the leaf cells, and is an essential component of the photosynthesis process via which plants use energy from the sun to convert carbon dioxide and water into sugars. For the production of chlorophyll, leaves require warm temperatures and sunlight - as summer begins to fade, so too does the amount of light, and thus chlorophyll production slows, and the existing chlorophyll decomposes. As a result of this, other compounds present in the leaves can come to the fore, and affect the perceived colouration.
Carotenoids & Flavonoids
Carotenoids and flavonoids are both large families of chemical compounds. These compounds are present in the leaves along with chlorophyll, but the high levels of chlorophyll present in the summer months usually masks their colours. As the chlorophyll degrades and disappears in autumn, their colours become more noticeable - both families of compounds contribute yellows, whilst carotenoids also contribute oranges and reds. These compounds do also degrade along with chlorophyll as autumn progresses, but do so at a much slower rate than chlorophyll, and so their colours become visible. Notable carotenoids include beta-carotene, the cause of the orange colour of carrots, lutein, which contributes to the yellow colour of egg yolks, and lycopene, which is also responsible for the red colour of tomatoes.
Anthocyanins
Anthocyanins, are also a member of the flavonoid class of compounds. Unlike carotenoids, anthocyanins aren't commonly present in leaves year-round. As the days darken, their synthesis is initiated by increased concentration of sugars in the leaves, combined with sunlight. Their precise role in the leaf is still unclear - there has been some suggestion, however, that they may perform some kind of light-protective role, allowing the tree to protect its leaves from light damage and extend the amount of time before they are shed. In terms of their contribution to the colour of autumn leaves, they provide vivid red, purple, and magenta shades. Their colour is also affected by the acidity of tree sap, producing a range of hues.

The graphic in this article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. See the site's content usage guidelines.
References & Further Reading

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The Chemicals Behind the Colours of Autumn Leaves

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With autumn looming on the horizon, the leaves on some trees have already begun the transition towards the vibrant hues of autumn. Whilst this change may outwardly seem like a simple one, the many vivid colours are a result of a range of chemical compounds, a selection of which are detailed here.

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Yes, There IS, Indeed, a Central NJ, shared 10/19/22

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Yes, There IS, Indeed, a Central NJ, shared 10/19/22

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"Central NJ" is now a THING as per NJ Bill A4711, and that's important because investment in preservation is profitable!

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Identity Crisis Solved: Yes, There is, Indeed, a Central New Jersey

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CENTRAL NEW JERSEY - Following the efforts of Assemblymen Roy Frieman, Anthony V. Verelli, and Assemblywoman Sadaf F. Jaffer, Central New Jersey has officially become a recognized division of the...

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Warehouse Application DENIED--This Is a Winnable Fight! shared 10/18/22

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Warehouse Application DENIED--This Is a Winnable Fight! shared 10/18/22

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It's a winnable fight!  Increasingly wet storms is a major cause of the increasingly severe flooding we are seeing in Franklin Township, proliferation of hundreds of thousands--millions--of square feet of impervious surfaces that give the water nowhere to go and that raise the water table is another.

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HILLSBOROUGH, NJ - After a year of hearings, an application to build a 107,366 sq. ft. warehouse near the Green Hills Community was unanimously denied by the Hillsborough Planning Board on Thursday night.

"A spec warehouse number one is too hard for us to determine the impact to the neighbors both in sound, noise, congestion, environmental impacts... And in this case also the potential for more flooding in this area, I think is a concern I can not overlook," said Mayor Shawn Lipani

The biggest reason for the denial was linked to the lack of testing on the impacts of flooding in the area along with not knowing who the tenant would be to occupy the space to understand its full impact on the community.

"Given the flooding impact over the area and what it has gone through over time. I would've wanted to see that every 'I' was dotted and 'T' was crossed in regard to the testing. Maybe there were reasons it wasn't done but frankly, it should've been done. Because we sat here for a year to see how this project would be acceptable for the neighborhood," said Committeeman Frank DelCore.

He noted there was not enough testing on the recharge basins.

"I am really troubled by that because of what this neighborhood has been subject to I would've expected above and beyond and frankly I am disappointed you didn't do it," said DelCore to the applicant.

The application by Harvard Way JMJ4, LLC (Redcom / SAI) was looking to construct the warehouse at the end of Harvard Way off Route 206. The warehouse is roughly the size of 2.3 acres.

A group of concerned residents of the Green Hills Community objected to this application and hired Jordan Asch to represent them and protect their family's homes.

"Frankly they are terrified of the flooding that has happened and all likely hood will continue to happen due to various issues. This proposal as designed will exacerbate flooding issues, will increase the peak flow rate for the drainage area," said Asch prior to the vote asking the Board to deny the application.

Multiple residents also spoke at the meeting objecting to the application.

"We flood in this town, we've seen it worse and worse and everyone is in agreeance that there will be more runoff," said Rich Gahrmann of Winding Way.

Aside from flooding concerns Mayor Shawn Lipani noted that he was concerned with the lack of knowledge on who the tenant would be to occupy the warehouse space.

"We are left with mostly hypothetical. And the hypothetical is what the building is going to be? What tenants are going to be?... What the impact to the neighborhood is going to be? Take away the water. The traffic?" said Lipani. "The rest of the application, there are too many unanswered questions than there are answered questions."
Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

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Warehouse Application Denied By Hillsborough Planning Board

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HILLSBOROUGH, NJ - After a year of hearings, an application to build a 107,366 sq. ft. warehouse near the Green Hills Community was unanimously denied by the Hillsborough Planning Board on Thursday night. "A spec warehouse number one is too hard for us to determine the impact to the neighbors both in sound, noise, congestion, environmental impacts...

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Self-Guided Audio Tours from Crossroads of the Amer. Revolution, shared 9/25/22

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Self-Guided Audio Tours from Crossroads of the Amer. Revolution, shared 9/25/22

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The beautiful weather is PERFECT for a Self-Guided Tour of New Jersey's MANY Revolutionary War historical sites--find out why NJ is considered the Crossroads of the American Revolution! Download the app for the tour from the Crossroads of the American Revolution National Heritage Area !

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Now you can download your own Revolutionary New Jersey guide to exploring a wealth of history and heritage.

Crossroads has partnered with TravelStorysGPS to bring you free audio tours that explore New Jersey's diverse Revolutionary War history. Download the TravelStorys app to your mobile phone or tablet using the buttons above, or click here for instructions on how to access Crossroads tour once you've downloaded the app (instructions will open in a new tab).

Not able to make it to the tour route in person?
You can still explore our tours remotely! Click the red "Tour from Home" button to play our audio tours from your desktop.

Find out more about the historians, artists and technical team behind the Crossroads audio tour, and the sources behind the stories we tell on the tour. You'll also find sources and bibliographies you can use to deepen your own exploration of New Jersey's deep and complex Revolutionary heritage.

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Crossroads Self-Guided Audio Tours - Crossroads of the American Revolution

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Now you can download your own Revolutionary New Jersey guide to exploring a wealth of history and heritage. Crossroads has partnered with TravelStorysGPS to bring you free audio tours that explore New Jersey's diverse Revolutionary War history.

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General Washington Rides Again on Canal Road in Franklin Township during Walk and Roll Event

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Washington Rides Again! Franklin Twp. Walk & Roll, shared 8/17/22

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Washington Rides Again! Franklin Twp. Walk & Roll, shared 8/17/22

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If you missed it this year--don't worry!--this popular event will be back next August, and for many Augusts yet to come!

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NJ saw 296 American Revolutionary War engagements, more than any other colony, earning its designation as the Crossroads of the American Revolution, shared 05/30/22

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NJ saw 296 American Revolutionary War engagements, more than any other colony, earning its designation as the Crossroads of the American Revolution, shared 05/30/22

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Blink, and you will may miss one of the many small burying grounds that are the final resting places for the soldiers who gave their lives for independence. Historical preservation honors their their memory.

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A photo shared on Facebook of new construction seemingly damaging headstones in a historic New Jersey cemetery doesn't tell the whole story.

The picture, of scaffolding placed over graves within the Revolutionary Cemetery on Morris Avenue in Springfield, was shared on a private Facebook group for residents and garnered dozens of mostly outraged comments. But the developer and the historic First Presbyterian Church along Morris Avenue, which owns the neighboring cemetery, told NJ Advance Media the scaffolding did not damage the graves.

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Historic N.J. cemetery's headstone damage not caused by new construction, church says

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A photo shared on Facebook of new construction seemingly damaging headstones in a historic New Jersey cemetery doesn't tell the whole story. The picture, of scaffolding placed over graves within the Revolutionary Cemetery on Morris Avenue in Springfield, was shared on a private Facebook group for residents and garnered dozens of mostly outraged comments.

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Congratulations to Somerset, NJ, for rounding out Travel & Leisure Magazine’s list of the “10 Best Cheap Vacations in the U.S.”, shared 3/7/22

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Congratulations to Somerset, NJ, for rounding out Travel & Leisure Magazine’s list of the “10 Best Cheap Vacations in the U.S.”, shared 3/7/22

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Three of the four historic properties stewarded by the Meadows Foundation—Wyckoff-Garretson Museum, the Van Liew-Suydam House, and the Hageman House & Barns—are all part of what make this Scenic Corridor so darn scenic!

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Being short on discretionary funds doesn't mean you can't travel - it just means you have to travel smart. One easy way to tackle budget travel is to stay domestic and stretch your dollar as far as it'll go by planning trips to affordable destinations in the U.S.

According to data pulled from Priceline's top 100 U.S. destinations, the 10 destinations below offer the most affordable average daily rates at hotels at all star levels. So, get wandering - without breaking the bank. These are the cheapest places to travel in the U.S.

1. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Head to Oklahoma's capital - nicknamed the Modern Frontier - for Western cowboy culture, working stockyards and oil wells, a surprisingly buzzy arts scene, and hotels averaging just $89.47 per night. It's an especially low price for a destination with a slew of new improvements and attractions like the Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center, 70-acre Scissortail Park, streetcar lines, and more. There are also museums, including the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, and Oklahoma City Museum of Art, but don't miss the opportunity to attend a horse show in the Horse Show Capital of the World - many are free or priced very low.

Oklahoma City is also known for its Bricktown entertainment district, an old warehouse district that transformed into an entertainment hot spot with a scenic canal winding through it. As it undergoes further evolution, expect to see this city get hotter than ever.

2. El Paso, Texas

Don't mess with Texas, and don't ask questions when you find a city that sports average daily hotel rates of $90.95 yet is chock-full of quality attractions like the El Paso Zoo, El Paso Museum of Art, Franklin Mountains State Park, and even the Western Playland amusement park. This Mexican border town, located on the western tip of Texas, also has some deliciously authentic Mexican and Tex-Mex restaurants, so arrive hungry. The Magoffin Home State Historic Site, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is also worth a visit, and admission costs only $7.

3. Tulsa, Oklahoma

Another Oklahoma city, another low average daily hotel rate (this time $93.75). Located on the Arkansas River, Tulsa will delight your eyes with its art deco architecture (mostly in the central Deco District) and your mind with its fascinating history and art, which is best browsed at the Philbrook Museum of Art. Be sure to pay a visit to the Tulsa Historical Society & Museum to learn about the city's history, including the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. And if you're driving in on old Route 66, don't miss the Blue Whale of Catoosa, a quirky roadside wonder.

4. Little Rock, Arkansas

The capital of Arkansas, located on the Arkansas River, Little Rock offers a lot to do and see. Plus, with an average daily hotel rate of $95.93, you'll have extra room in your budget for activities and souvenirs.

While the William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum, which has a replica of the Oval Office and presidential artifacts, is a top attraction, visitors should also check out the Museum of Discovery, Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, and Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site, where you can learn about desegregation history. The Big Dam Bridge - ripe for wordplay jokes - is another must-visit.

5. Albuquerque, New Mexico

There's a lot to do and see in the high-desert city of Albuquerque (New Mexico's largest), and each night in a hotel will set you back $98.54 on average. Whether exploring the modern downtown area or adobe-filled Old Town, you can expect a diverse and active destination with rich Native American influence and beautiful scenery. Make sure to include Albuquerque's museums, traditional New Mexican cuisine, and Route 66 on your itinerary. Save room in your budget for a splurge: Albuquerque is the hot-air ballooning capital of the world, making it the perfect place to experience this thrilling adventure.

6. Greenville, South Carolina

Greenville's thriving downtown area makes it a great place to visit, and the average nightly rates of $99.47 aren't too shabby, either. Ride the free trolleys, tour the town's multiple installations of public art pieces, and don't leave without strolling 36 acres of riverside gardens, waterfall views, and a suspension bridge at Falls Park on the Reedy, the " crown jewel" of downtown Greenville.

7. Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina

You'll find stays for $100.18 per night on average in the metro areas of Raleigh and Durham. Raleigh, the capital of North Carolina, is known for its universities (together with Chapel Hill and Durham, the area makes up a region called the Research Triangle), but there's also great hiking, biking, and BBQ beyond the library walls. Check out the Morgan Street Food Hall and Transfer Co. Food Hall in Raleigh and the Durham Food Hall in Durham for memorable eats from the area's culinary talents.

8. Columbia, South Carolina

Columbia is the capital of South Carolina, but its hotels linger around just $101.46 per night. Don't miss the botanical garden and exotic animals at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, centuries of art at the Columbia Museum of Art, and the sprawling gardens at the Robert Mills House. For fun that's totally free, walk along the canal at Riverfront Park or picnic on the shores of Lake Murray. Congaree National Park is another local favorite, and kids will get a kick out of the hands-on learning experiences at EdVenture Children's Museum.

9. Baltimore, Maryland

For being such a major city, Baltimore's average nightly hotel rates of $102.37 are amazingly low. Make sure to visit the Inner Harbor - one of the oldest seaports in America - for shopping, crab shacks, the National Aquarium, and even a Civil War-era warship. While the Baltimore Museum of Art and Walters Art Museum showcase marvels from the past centuries, the American Visionary Art Museum offers a peek into the future (and the funky). Book lovers, meanwhile, will find a literary wonderland at the George Peabody Library. With gorgeous waterfront views and lots of museums, you can spend your days in Baltimore indoors or outdoors.

10. Somerset, New Jersey

Not far from New York City, Somerset County boasts hotel rates of just $102.60 per night, a far cry from the typically steep prices found in the city. The surroundings couldn't be more different, either: Somerset County has an abundance of parks, preserves, and gardens to enjoy. Head to Snyder's Farm for fresh produce and u-pick berries during the season or Jersey Cyclone Brewing Company to sample locally brewed craft beers.

Looking for more cheap places to travel in the U.S.? Here's the bottom 10 cities from Priceline's top 20 list:

11. Lexington, KY ($102.69 average nightly rate)

12. Dallas, TX ($102.80)

13. Houston, TX ($103.60)

14. Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN ($103.65)

15. Des Moines, IA ($103.74)

16. Detroit, MI ($104.76)

17. Columbus, OH ($104.84)

18. Rochester, NY ($105.09)

19. Charlotte, NC ($105.25)

20. San Jose, CA ($105.73)

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Being short on discretionary funds doesn't mean you can't travel - it just means you have to travel smart. One easy way to tackle budget travel is to stay domestic and stretch your dollar as far as it'll go by planning trips to affordable destinations in the U.S.