Blaxkwell Mills Canal House

June 9th and 10th, 11am-4pm

Artistic Creations

Paintings and collections by local artist Kathy Grbac will be on exhibit, and also for sale.

 

Hope to see you there

 

The Blackwells Mills Canal House Association

598 Canal Road, Somerset NJ 08873

732-873-2133

Nineteenth Century Alternative Medicine

Sunday, May 20, 2012, 2:00pm

Van Veghten House, 9 Van Veghten Drive, Bridgewater, NJ 08807

Guest speaker Dr. Sandra Moss will discuss Nineteenth-century Alternative Medicine Practices in Central New Jersey.

In the mid-19th century, there was a popular revival of the water cure in Europe and the United States. Central New Jersey had its share of water cure establishments and practitioners of hydropathy – an alternative approach to medicine. Hydropathy taught that hygienic living was the best prevention of illness, and that through self-care one could enjoy good health and freedom from drugs and doctors.

Dr. Sandra Moss practiced for many years as a general internist in Central New Jersey. She earned a master's degree in the History of Medicine in 2005. Her major historical interest if nineteenth century New Jersey medicine. She is the past president of the Medical History Society of New Jersey and incoming president of the American Osler Society, an international organization for historians of medicine.

Dr. Moss has published over thirty articles, chapters, and encyclopedia entries in the field of medical history and speaks frequently before local, state, and national audiences. She is the author of The Country Practicitioner: Ellis P. Townsend's Brave Little Medical Journal, the story of a forgotten New Jersey medical journal and its editor.

Directions: From East Main Street in Bridgewater, turn south on Finderne Avenue. Turn right on Van Veghten Drive. The Van Veghten House is located at the end of the road (1 mile).

Alert !! Update

Wednesday 23 May 2012, 7:30 pm at the Kingston Firehouse
Kingston Greenways Association (KGA) is giving a Program on scenic byways – the national and New Jersey programs and our own local Millstone Valley National Byway which includes Kingston.
(for directions and details see attachment at the bottom of this post)
This program is of particular interest since a major intrusion to the Scenic Byway (and the historic setting of Rockingham and the environs of Kingston) is threatened. 
The Trap Rock Industries proposal for a solar array on the beautiful meadow array opposite Rockingham unfortunately had to be approved with variances by the Franklin Township Planning Board, since a solar array is a permitted use for the site.
Alternatives are available and were suggested by KVAC at both the Franklin Township Historic Preservation Committee  and Planning Board meetings.

The approval does not mean that Trap Rock Industries is obligated to build one of its arrays on this beautiful meadow. It can still change the location as per Robert von Zumbusch's recommendations.  

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Trap Rock Industries proposed to construct two solar arrays at the Franklin Township Planning Board hearing of Wednesday May 16,
The one of concern to us is the one proposed to be installed on the beautiful meadow across from Rockingham and its parking lot.
This is just about the worst possible location, since it is smack on the Millstone Scenic/Historic Byway and it also takes away open space, which is part of the Rockingham setting.
We vigorously and vociferously opposed this location

Robert von Zumbush  presented the following alternative plan:

 Reasons why solar array units should not be placed on the tract (Block 1.01,
Lot 9.01) opposite the Rockingham parking lot and suggested  alternate
location :
The alternate would:
1.      Utilize the adjacent cleared land (the pipeline easement) to provide
a       shadow free adjacent area;
2.      Use existing roads for access rather than create the need for a new
access road
3.      Not require the substantial re-grading of the site.
4.      Utilize the utility poles that are to be used for the currently
proposed array on Block 5.02, Lot 172.04.
5.      Allow the existing agricultural land to retain its agricultural
assessment and not require roll-back taxes.
6.      not be in the D&RCC "A" Zone.

This alternate would also obviate the need for landscape buffers (both along
Rte 603 and behind the residential lots on Laurel Avenue; however, the
alternate would require tree removal and presumably mitigation in the form
of a contribution to the Franklin Township Tree Fund.

Of course, the main advantage is that the HCS/CES Environs, the National
Scenic Byway Corridor, the context of Rockingham State Historic Site and a
route that links Crossroads of the American Revolution "Essential Sites" (of
which Rockingham is one) are not negatively impacted.

It really should be a "win-win" for all.

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Attached is the KGA Newsletter
http://www.kingstongreenways.org/

2 attachments — Download all attachments  

jaecaada.gif 55K   View   Share   Download

TheGreenWayNo19Spring2012FINAL.pdf 811K   View   Download

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Since a Solar Array is a permitted use for the site, the Planning Board had little choice but to approve the Traprock application.
That does not mean that Traprock has to build its array on this sensitive location. It can still change the location as per Robert von Zumbusch's recommendations.

May June Events

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+++++++++++++++++++++ Sunday, June 10, 1.00 -3.00 p.m.  Raritan Millstone Heritage,  Spring Sunday Luncheon at the Armory Restaurant,  at the foot of Gordon and Front Street 200 year anniversary of the War of 1812 Buffet Luncheon $ 30.-- for Reservations call 732-463-0767 Dear Friend of History,   The attached flyer describes an important upcoming event to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 remembered in part for Francis Scott Key who wrote our "Star Spangled Banner, but also for Capt. James Lawrence, naval hero of the War of 1812" who, as a boy,  learned to love ships and the sea while growing up in Perth Amboy, NJ.   You are cordially invited to attend this outstanding event celebrating with all of the important historic museums and sites in the City of Perth Amboy. Please note to attend you must RSVP! Please share this with your friends and contacts. Donald J Peck President Raritan-Millstone Heritage Alliance www.raritanmillstone.org   Capt_James_Lawrence_War_of_1812 (1).pdf 174K   View   Download        +++++++++++++++++++++ 19th-Century Somerset County Photographers Wednesday, May 9, 2012, 7:00 pm Mary Jacobs Library 64 Washington Street, Rocky Hill, NJ 08553

Of the approximately 3,000 photographers who were active in New Jersey before 1900, a number lived or worked in Somerset County.

In a public slide lecture at the Mary Jacobs Library, Gary D. Saretzky will profile these pioneers and discuss them within the larger context of nineteenth-century New Jersey photography.  The photographers documented the people and places of their times, but they also captured insights into the social conditions of their era.

Among the photographers to be discussed are William A. Apgar (active 1876-1892), Columbus S. Gernert (active 1898-1913), and Edward T. Kelley (1868-1885), all three based in Somerville.

The program is FREE, but reservations are requested.

For more information and to register, call (609) 924-7073, or send an email request to: Meredith Hoyer, mhoyer@sclibnj.org

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From Kingston Greenways Association

Wednesday , May 23, 7.30 p.m. at the Kingston Firehouse

Annual Meeting program : Scenic Byways 

We hope you will join us to as Cindy Bloom-Cronin of the New Jersey Department of Transportation tells us about byways in general, and the one we call our very own. 
You will also see a banner reminding you that this is the time to join or renew your membership in KGA. 
If you are not already a member, we hope you will become one.
if you are currently a member, we look forward to your continued participation!

Tari Pantaleo
President, KGA

Attached is the KGA Newsletter
http://www.kingstongreenways.org/

2 attachments — Download all attachments  

jaecaada.gif 55K   View   Share   Download

TheGreenWayNo19Spring2012FINAL.pdf 811K   View   Download

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Upcoming Events

From: canalwatch@npogroups.org

 1. Saturday May 5, 8.00 a.m. Birdwalk along the D&R Canal 

2. Bike Tour of D&R Canal to offer historic overview

2 attachments — Download all attachments  

Canal walk May5 12.doc 28K   View   Download

DRBikeRide05_06-12.doc 26K   View   Download

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Tuesday, May 8, 5-9 p.m.

Painting the interior rooms  of the Lock-tender’s House in Kingston!

As you know the Kingston Lock-tender’s House was flooded due to Hurricane Irene and suffered considerable damage. 

 We are grateful to the superintendent and maintenance staff of the D&R Canal State Park. 

Thanks to the D&R Canal Park staff most of the restoration has been completed, but the rooms still need to be painted.

Paint (Flat for the walls and semi-gloss for the trim etc.), rollers, brushes etc. have been provided. Kingston Historic Society will provide pizza. 

 Even if you can come for only part of the time, any help would be much appreciated.

 Nat Clymer will be in charge for the evening; if you need additional information, he can be contacted by e-mail:  nat@NatClymer.com  or by telephone: 732-873-8778.  

We hope to be able to open the house to the public once again for the Memorial Day weekend.  

Thank you very much.

Robert Barth

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South Bound Brook Boy Scout Troupe 42  

Spring and Mother's Day Plant Sale

 

• • Saturday, May 12, 2012
  • 8:00am until 6:00pm

• Please support our newest annual fundraiser as we sell Spring flowers and plants, including a variety of hanging baskets. Each sale will help our scouts pay for summer camp. Your patronage is greatly appreciated.

Krauszer's

50 Main St, South Bound Brook, NJ 08880-1448

View Map · Get Directions

 

 

 

17^th Historic Preservation and History Awards Program
Wednesday May 2, 2012 at 7:00PM at the Brook Arts Center located at 10 Hamilton St., Bound Brook. 
  We welcome the public, along with  friends and families of this year’s awardees ( Mark Else, Joyce Smith and several others), to join us for what continues to be a very popular and well-attended program, offering an opportunity to network and socialize following the event at a short reception offering light  refreshments.  The Brook Arts Center is barrier free and fully accessible. 

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    TEEN ARTS FESTIVAL…

Wednesday, May 16,  8:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. 

 Raritan Valley Community College.  Route 28 and Campus Drive, North Branch.

 The public is cordially invited to attend performances of Dance, Instrumental Music, Theatre and Vocal Music by Somerset County students from Middle and High Schools.  Also, 400+/- pieces of student artwork will be on display in the RVCC Gallery for the day.  Volunteers are very welcome, but must register in advance. 

 If interested, please contact Sallie de Barcza, Programs Coordinator, Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission. (908-231-7021, ext. 7246).

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 May in Montgomery - Back to Blawenburg!
Saturday, May 19,  11.00 a.m. - 3.00 p.m.
  Blawenburg Reform Church, 424 County Rt. 518, Blawenburg. 
$15/person. Dutch-sryle luncheon 12.30 - 1-30 ($5.00 suggested donation)

Follow the history of this charming village through talks and priceless old images; church life’s influence on everyday life; coaches, carriages and farming traditions;; architectural walking tour of village.
   Sponsored by Van Harlingen Historical Society.  Call (908) 359-8304 or go to http://www.vanharlingen.org

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            Delaware & Raritan Canal - Narrated Bus Tour

                               Saturday, May 5, 10:00 am and 2:00 pm
                                             
                         Limited Seating - Reservations Required

Canal House

Join Linda and Bob Barth, authors and D&R Canal enthusiasts, on a tour of one of Somerset County's historic treasures. You'll visit locks, bridges, and other structures along the canal and learn how the canal was built by local workers and immigrants.

The tour will visit some of the picturesque villages that grew up alongside the canal, and you will learn about the many industries that developed along its route. This is a perfect outing and a unique educational experience for the entire family.

The bus tours will leave from the Rhythms parking lot, 729 South Main Street (Route 533), Manville (corner of the Weston Causeway, Route 623).

The cost is $20 for adults and $10 for children 14 or under. Reservations are required. Call (732) 356-8856 for reservations or sign up online:  register. Please indicate your choice of tours: 10:00 am or 2:00 pm.

The Heritage Trail Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that creatively celebrates and educates the public about Somerset County  history.

Saturday , April 28

10AM TO 3PM at 149 Kearny Avenue, Perth Amboy,NJ 08861.  

 Middlesex County

The PROPRIETARY HOUSE MUSEUM will be hosting an ANTIQUES APPRAISAL FAIR on Saturday, April 28, 2012 from 10AM TO 3PM at 149 Kearny Avenue, Perth Amboy,NJ 08861. Appraisers who will be participating at this event include Robert Smith, John Solowinski, and Andrea Sandler.

 

Bring your collectibles, flea market finds or family heirlooms. Our Appraisers will offer a verbal appraisal for $10 per intem or 3 items for $25. In order to accomodate everyone the maximum number of items per person is three.

    From 12PM to 12:30PM, Steven Probert, local contractor and business

owner, will talk about his experience restoring the Proprietary House over the last year. He will also be answering your questions regarding your old house projects.

    Admission is FREE. No reservation needed.  Come hungry! Hot dogs, beverages and light snacks will be available for purchase.

   Please support the Proprietary House Museum, the former home of Royal Governor William Franklin, the son of Benjamin Franklin. If you have any questions call the Museum at 732 826-5527, email address:

info@proprietaryhouse.org or visit our website at www.proprietaryhouse.org 

    The Proprietary House Museum is owned by the State of NJ, administered by DEP, Parks & Forestry and operated by the Proprietary House Association.

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Sunday, April 29 - Middlesex County

The Iron Horse in the Garden State:

Railroads in New Jersey, 1812-1930

At the Metlar-Bodine House Museum, Piscataway Township's Historical Museum, guest speaker

Dr. David Fowler will present "The Iron Horse in the Garden State: Railroads in New Jersey, 1812-1930" at 2pm.

The museum is located at 1281 River Road.

Even more so than today, railroads had a pervasive presence and an immense social, economic, cultural, and technological

influence in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Then as now, most people in New Jersey were within earshot,

at least, of the sound of a train. Using a variety of media such as maps, printed works, and graphic images, Dr. Fowler willdiscuss the early phases of railroads in New Jersey, as well as their influence on politics, agriculture, labor, technology, suburbanization, resorts, and immigration.

David J. Fowler received his MA and PhD in American history from Rutgers University. In addition to being a consultant and researcher, he works as a Project Historian with Special Collections and University Archives at Rutgers University Libraries, where he edited the late Donald A. Sinclair's Railroads and New Jersey: A Bibliography of Contemporary Publications,

1812-1901 (2011). Most recently he served as guest curator for the exhibit All Aboard! Railroads and New Jersey, 1812-1930, which was mounted in the Special Collections Gallery.Refreshments served after the program. Seating is limited. Advance reservations and payment are necessary and must be receivedno later than April 27. Tickets: $15 per person. For reservations and directions, call the museum at 732-463-8363.

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Saturday-Sunday, April 21-22 - Mercer County

The Princeton Battlefield Society

Military Field Days at Princeton Battlefield- April 21-22, 2012

Units are invited to knock the dust off their muskets and uniforms and practice drill, field maneuvers, and fieldcraft in preparation for the big events of the 2012 season on Saturday, April 21st and Sunday, April 22nd. We are working to include both American and British units to allow for opposed forces demonstrations/tacticals. The Princeton Battlefield Society; Contact- J. Carney; 973-271-8333

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