NOVEMBER 13-20 Awsome Events on the Delaware & Raritan Canal!

November 13 (Saturday)

Kingston Loop Walk: Join the naturalist of Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park in a loop walk that leads through the historic D&R Canal State Park, Mapleton Preserve (former site of Princeton Nurseries), Cook Natural Area, Middlesex County Open Space Park and the Heathcote Meadow Preserve. This hike is approximately 3.5 miles along mostly flat, dirt/gravel pathways and will start at 10:00 am. Participants will meet at the D & R Canal State Park’s Kingston Office located at 145 Mapleton Road. All ages are welcome. Pre-registration IS REQUIRED. INCLEMENT WEATHER CANCELS. Register for this program

Nov. 13 & 14 (Saturday & Sunday) Art Exhibit and Sale at the Blackwells Mills Canal House: Stop by the historic canal house on the corner of Blackwells Mills and Canal Road in the Franklin Township section of Somerset for this exhibit and sale. Landmarks and scenery of the area will be displayed as well as paintings by artist Barbara Della Peruta and artwork from the collection of Biff Heins. The house will be open on Saturday, from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm and on Sunday from 11:00 am - 4:00 pm. Registration is NOT required and admission is FREE! November 14 (Sunday) Canoe/Kayak the D & R Canal: Join the Sierra Club for this 11-mile paddle from Kingston to Amwell Road that begins at 9:00 am - this is the 4th Sierra Club fall paddle this season. There is one canal lock portage so bring portage wheels if you have them. The group will meet in Kingston directly off Route 27 (across from Eno Terra restaurant). Bring your own boat, equipment, lunch and beverages. Rentals are NOT available. Please contact leaders to confirm trip and participation. INCLEMENT WEATHER CANCELS. This ride will be lead by George & Leona Fluck and sponsored by the Sierra Club. For further information please call 609-259-3734 or email Leona@pineypaddlers.com. November 20 (Saturday) Canoe/Kayak the D & R Canal: This is the last of the fall 2010 Sierra Club paddles along the D&R so join them for this 9-mile trip from Amwell Road to Demott Lane beginning at 10:00 am. There are 3 canal lock portages so bring portage wheels if you have them. Bring your own boat, equipment, lunch and beverages. Rentals are NOT available. Dinner option at Pooja's in Somerset. Please contact leaders to confirm trip and participation. INCLEMENT WEATHER CANCELS. This ride will be lead by George & Leona Fluck and sponsored by the Sierra Club. For further information please call 609-259-3734 or email Leona@pineypaddlers.com

OCTOBER 9-10: Colonial Times IV, Event & Banquent!

Please join the Meadows Foundation for their fourth annual Colonial Times Event & Banquet at the Wyckoff-Garretson House!

DATES/TIMES: Saturday, October 9, 2010, 10AM-5PM
Sunday, October 10, 2010, 12PM-5PM
PLACE: Wyckoff-Garretson House
215 S. Middlebush Rd., Somerset

Exciting & FREE family-friendly events include:

• Live Music of the Period!
• Open Hearth Cooking Demonstrations!
• Encampment of Daniel Morgan's Rifle Company & John Lamb's Artillery Company!
• Rifle & Cannon Demonstrations!

THE BANQUET
DATE: Saturday, October 9, 2010
TIME: 6PM
PLACE: The Hageman Barn
209 S. Middlebush Rd., Somerset
TKTS: $30.00 per person
Checks payable to: Van Wickle House, 1289 Easton Ave, Somerset, NJ, 08873
RSVP: MUST reserve before October 4

After dinner, Dr. Marc Mappen will speak about his latest book, There's More to New Jersey than the Sopranos! Books will be available for purchase and signing for $20.00.

SEPTEMBER 25 Walk the Path to Rockingham!

Celebrate National Public Lands Day and the gorgeous season with a fresh morning walk from the Kingston Canal House to historic Rockingham!

DATE: Saturday, September 25, 2010
(Inclement Weather Cancels)
TIME: 9:30AM
MEET: The Kingston Canal House
Off Route 27, 4 miles north of Princeton
RSVP: Pre-registration Required
INFO: (609) 924-5705

ADMISSION IS FREE!!!

[From the Milepost Newsletter]
"In addition to receiving an introduction to the story of the D&R from the park historian, participants will visit two historic homes along the way--the Kingston Canal House and 18th century Rockingham. The group will then walk along the canal to Rockingham where they will be treated to a tour of the restored 1783 headquarters of George Washington. Wear comfortable hiking shoes and join us for this 2.5-mile round trip walk."

It's Not Too Early To Plan A Memorable Holiday Party Or Special Event In A Historical Beautiful House!

Why not make your special celebration or business meeting a truly unique and memorable event for you and your guests by having it in a beautifully ornate yet delightfully warm historic house and grounds?

And, ALL the proceeds go to a good cause!

The Meadows Foundation has the following properties available for booking your:

• Wedding Receptions
• Birthday Parties
• Holiday Celebrations
• Award Banquets
• Business Meetings, Luncheons, or Dinners
• Music Recitals
• Book or Poetry Readings
• Or ANY Reason to Assemble Good People!
  

TULIPWOOD (1892)

THE VAN WICKLE HOUSE (1722)

THE HAGEMAN HOUSE & BARNS (1861 & 1876)

FOR MORE INFORMATION & DETAILS ABOUT BOOKING YOUR EVENT, PLEASE CONTACT:
Carol Sas, carol@themeadowsfoundation.org

SEPTEMBER 12: 2010 Somerville Jazz Festival

Calling all Hep Cats! Pack yourself a picnic and head to the Somerset Court House Green for an entire afternoon of jazz that's hot, cool, and free!




DATE: Sunday, September 12, 2010 [Rain or Shine!] TIME: 1PM to 6PM
PLACE: Somerset County Court House Green
East Main & Grove, Downtown Somerville

BRING

• Blankets, Chairs (Lawn seating only)
• Picnics, but food will be available for purchase
• Beverage, non-alcoholic only, no glass (cans & plastic OK)
• (Beer & Wine available for purchase, 21 & over with ID only)

CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION

• Allstar Line-Up
  
• Music Schedule
• Parking & Other Event Info
• How to Get to the Event
• Tell 5 Friends, Win a T-shirt!

SEPTEMBER 11 & 12 Civil War Camp at the Van Liew Suydam House!

The Meadows Foundation welcomes the 6th New Hampshire Co. C Volunteers back to the Van Liew Suydam House!

DATES & TIMES Rain or Shine
Saturday, September 11, 2010: 10AM to 5PM
Sunday, September 12, 2010: 10AM to 2PM
PLACE: Van Liew Suydam House

280 South Middlebush Road, Somerset
INFO: 732-748-7657

ADMISSION IS FREE!!! ($5. Parking Donation per Car Appreciated!)

The 6th New Hampshire Co. C Volunteers will demonstrate camp life for the average Union soldier of the Civil War, including drilling events for children and firing demonstrations! Complementary refreshments will be served!

SEPTEMBER 11 Harvest Festival & Pie Contest at the Hageman Farm!

The Meadows Foundation is delighted to invite you and your entire family to celebrate the season and sample 19th Centurey life with an old fashioned Harvest Festival and apple pie contest at the Hageman Farm!

DATE: Saturday, September 11, 2010
TIME: 1:00PM to 4:00PM
PLACE: The Hageman Farm
209 South Middlebush Road, Somerset
CONTACT: Mary Anne McMillan, (732) 447-8360
info@themeadowsfoundation.org

ADMISSION IS FREE!!!
(SUGGESTED DONATION FOR PARKING, $5.00)

Fun for the whole family and old-timey games for the kids!

[From the website]
"Hageman Farm committee chair MaryAnne McMillan said, 'We encourage the community to visit the farm to learn more about the really fascinating history of the farm and the apple itself, and to play games that reflect the history of 19th Century farm life.' The properties are publicly financed and cared for by volunteers. Participation supports the Township's efforts to preserve and protect these properties."

The large farm house was built by Benjamin Hageman in 1861 in an Italianate and early Victorian style. The Horse and Dairy Barns were designed and built by Garretson Hageman, Benjamin's eldest son and graduate of Rutgers School of Engineering, in 1976. The Horse Barn, which combines Dutch and English design elements is believed to be the only one of this style and size ever built. Both barns are being meticulously restored for community use and the Horse Barn will be open to the public for the entire festival!

MAY 29: Walking Tour of Victorian Somerville!

The Heritage Trail Association is proud to sponsor a guided walking tour around one of Somerville's most interesting and beautiful historic neighborhoods!

DATE: Saturday, May 29, 2010
TIME: Tours form at 10:00AM, 11:00AM, & 12:00AM
MEET: The Immaculate Conception Church (in front)
Mountain Ave & West High St., Somerville
DONATION: $5.00 Donation greatly appreciated
INFO: info@heritagetrail.org
(732) 356-8856

Beginning in the first half of the 19th Century, Somerville became a fashionable summer retreat for families from New York, many of whom became permanent residents of the elegant summer homes they built. A number of these fine old homes have been restored to their original architectural style, including Greek Revival, Queen Anne, Second Empire, and Gothic Revival. The guided tour will offer you the opportunity to learn more about these styles, as well as the lives and times of the period.

The Victorian Somerville Walking Tour takes about an hour and a half at a gentle pace and will be restricted to the sidewalk.

MAY 9: Franklin Township Migrant & Breeding Birds Grasslands Walk

Please join the New Jersey Audubon Society for a two-hour walk through the Griggstown Native Grassland Preserve to watch the beautiful migrant birds as they return to NJ and breeding sites as far north as Canada!

DATE: Sunday, May 9, 2010
TIME: 8:00AM to 10:00AM
MEET: Parking Lot, 1091 Canal Road
BRING: Comfortable walking shoes/boots; Weather-appropriate clothing
Suggested: Binoculars, Camera, Bird & Trail Guides, Friends & Families
INFO: John Loos, (732) 422-4326
NJ Audubon Society, (908) 873-9571

This event is FREE and NO Pre-Registration is Required!

Early May provides the ideal opportunity for wildlife and nature enthusiasts to see both migrant birds returning to NJ and passing through en route to points farther north! This leisurely tw0-hour walk through the Griggstown Native Grassland Preserve will be on mostly level terrain, and therefore appropriate for a variety of fitness levels. The preserve was one of two grassland habitats that were established through the cooperation of the NJ Audubon Society and Franklin Township. A 102-acre section of the property was plowed and planted with native grasses and wildflowers intended to provide habitat for birds that require grasslands for breeding.

MAY 8: May in Old Montgomery: Step Back in Time in Rocky Hill!

Why not celebrate Mother's Day weekend by taking Mom on a tour of unique and interesting homes in beautiful Old Montgomery?



DATE: Saturday, May 8, 2010 [Rain or Shine]
TIME: 10:00AM to 3:00PM
TKTS: $18.00 in advance, by mail (postmarked by May 5) or in person at Robinson's Fine Candies
* $20.00 day of, at the Rocky Hill Reformed Church
* Please see ticket order form below.
* Please make checks payable to the Van Harlingen Historical Society.
INFO: (908) 874-4820

History comes alive with May in Montgomery, the Van Harlingen Historical Society's most popular annual event! This years theme will recall the days before the village of Rocky Hill became independent borough in 1889, and was still part of 315-year-old Montgomery Township.

All the homes open to visitors on this self-guided tour will showcase the owners' efforts to preserve their 19th century charm!

Local eateries will offer special lunch offerings, you will find their ad and a discount coupon in the event's program book!

Please consider becoming a Friend of May in Montgomery or a member of the VHHS, and help them continue to sponsor exciting historical programs and maintaining their treasured buildings: the Dirck Gulick House, the Farm Museum, and the Bedensville Schoolhouse. Your name will be prominently listed in the program!

Click on Image of Ticket Order Form
To Enlarge and Print Out

MAY 2: Guided Walk Through Princeton's Marquand Park!

Please join Kingston Greenways Association member Roland Machold for a fascinating guided walk through the arboretum and recreation areas of this very special treasure, Marquand Park!

DATE: Sunday, May 2, 2010
TIME: 1:00PM until about 2:00PM
MEET: Junction of Stockton Street (Route 206) & Lovers' Lane
Parking is off Lover's Lane, Princeton
BRING: Optional picnic lunch to enjoy before or after leisurely walk

Judge Richard Field originally purchased a this property as 30 acre farm in 1842. Impressed by the horticultural discoveries of 19th century explorers and the landscaping of the great estates of England, he began the collection of trees and shrubs. This collection was continued by the subsequent owner, Professor Allan Marquand who purchased the property in 1885. In 1954, Prof. Marquand's wife Eleanor bequeathed it to the Borough of Princeton.

The park's 173 varieties of trees and shrubs, including spruces, firs, cedars, oaks, magnolias, tulips, ash and maples, as well as rarities such as the franklinia and the dove tree, are maintained by the Marquand Park Foundation, whose Chairman Is Kingston's own Sam deTuro of Woodwinds.

MAY 1: Kingston Greenways' Second Clean-Up!

Clean-Up #1 was such a wonderful success, now please join the Kingston Greenways for Clean-Up #2, another afternoon of fresh air, sunshine, fellowship, and a well-deserved Day of Beauty for the Cook Natural Area!

DATE: Saturday, May 1, 2010
TIME: 2:00PM to 4:00PM
MEET: Cook Natural Area Parking Lot
Junction of Heathcote Brook Road & Ridge Road, South Brunswick
INFO: (609) 924-3399

Clean-Up #2 will focus on the Cook Natural Area, and the parts of the Green Belt that adjoin Ridge Road, Division Street, and Mapleton Road in South Brunswick Township.

South Brunswick Township will supply the bags, gloves, and safety vests, but please wear sturdy, comfortable shoes and dress for the weather.

MAY 1: Mini History Fair at the Abraham Staats House!

Please join the Friends of the Abraham Staats House for a fascinating Mini State History Fair celebrating the exciting heritage of historic New Jersey!

DATE: Saturday, May 1, 2010
TIME: 10:00AM to 4:00PM
PLACE: The Abraham Staats House
17 von Steuben Lane, South Bound Brook
TKTS: Tours of the Staats House, $7.00/Adults, $3.00/Children under 12
Admission to grounds & parking are free!
INFO: info@staatshouse.org

Come experience New Jersey heritage first hand as historical organizations and re-enactors bring four centuries of local history to life! Participating organizations, performers, and presenters include:

• The Long Hill String Band, a 5 piece acoustic band, will play fun, old-timey music throughout the day!

• The New Jersey Militia/Heard's Brigade and Outwater's Militia will set up camp and demonstrate what life was like for American militia during the time of the American Revolution!

• Arthur Lefkowitz, prominent New Jersey historian and author, will discuss his notable works which include The Long Retreat: The Calamitous American Defense of New Jersey, George Washington’s Indispensable Men, Bushnell’s Submarine: The Best Kept Secret of the American Revolution, and Benedict Arnold’s Army: The 1775 American Invasion of Canada.

• Harrison Brook Farm operators will discuss agricultural history, preservation and sustainable farming, and will also have plants for sale.

• The Hunterdon County Historical Society will exhibit artifacts that contrast historic and current lifestyles. Since 1885, the Hunterdon County Historical Society has collected and preserved Hunterdon’s social and material culture and shares it through its c.1845 Doric House museum and genealogical research library

• Somerset County Historical Organizations participating for the day will include the Somerset County Cultural and Historic Commission, Somerset County Historical Society and the Van Veghten House, Heritage Trail Association, and the Women's Guild of South Bound Brook.

• New Jersey Fire Museum - Help support their plans for the museum and the memorial for the fallen firefighters of New Jersey.

ATTENTION RE-ENACTORS, SUTLERS, & EXHIBITORS! Disappointed in the cancellation of the "Spirit of the Jersey's History Faire"? Your participation is very welcome at the Mini New Jersey State History Fair at the Abraham Staats House! Click here for registration information, and/or call (732) 469-5836, or email bkfaulks@gmail.com.

MAY 1: Queen's Day Returns to the Meadows!

The Meadows Foundation--Stewards of Early Dutch & American Heritage--welcomes you to celebrate Koninginnedag, the birthday of Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands!


DATE: Saturday, May 1, 1020
TIME: 11:00AM to 4:00PM
PLACE: The Van Wickle House
1289 Easton Avenue, Somerset
SUGGESTED DONATION: $5.00 per Carload

Family-Fun-Filled Events Include:

• Festive Violanta Music (Dutch Street Organ)!
• Performances by the Famous Van Wickle Dutch Dancers!
• Fun Games for Children!
• Delicious Lunch Items for Sale!
• Lovely Souvenirs & Street Fair Wares!

[Click Image to Enlarge Flyer!]

STREET FAIR VENDORS WANTED:

• Be part of the Meadows celebration of the Queen's Birthday!
• New merchandise only, please.
• $25.00 for a card-sized table.
• Larger spaces are available.
• Set-up time is 10:00AM.
• Click on image below to enlarge & print-out "Vendor Registration Form".

Why not become a member of the Meadows Foundation or volunteer and get in on all the fun? OR, become a fan of the Meadows Foundation on Facebook?

APRIL 17: Arbor Day Celebration at the Mapleton Preserve!

The Friends of the Princeton Nursery Lands (FPNL) and the D & R Canal State Park welcome one and all to the Mapleton Preserve for a fun-filled day in celebration of Springtime and nature!

DATE: Saturday, April 17, 2010
Rain Date: Sunday, April 18
TIME: 10:00AM to 11:30AM, & 1:00PM to 4:00PM
PLACE: D & R Canal State Park Headquarters
145 Mapleton Road, Kingston
INFO: Karen Linder, (609) 683-0483
www.fpnl.org

All Celebration Events Are FREE!!!

• 10:00AM: History Walk! Vicki Chirco, D & R Canal State Park historian, will lead a walk beginning at the Park Headquarters and highlight the history of the canal and Princeton Nurseries. Click HERE to pre-register (REQUIRED).
• 1:00PM: Tree Walk! Jim Consolloy, former Head Grounds Manager for Princeton University, responsible for maintaining the university's 2300 acres and 400 species of trees, will lead a tree walk featuring spring-flowering trees and the unique tree varieties that grow at the Mapleton Preserve, and share tips on tree identification and care.
• Learn the Proper Way to Plant a Tree! After the Tree Walk, join the FPNL in their traditional planting of trees donated by the Princeton Nurseries, which once operated a wholesale tree nursery on the site. The Arboretum is named for the Flemer family, which included William Flemer III, the legendary plantsman who developed some of the best loved plants in American horticulture, including the Princeton Sentry Gingko, the 'Snow Queen' Hydrangea, and the October Glory Maple.
• 3:00PM: Traditional Seasonal Dancing! Four different dance groups, Handsome Molly, The Griggstown Lock Rapper Sword Team, Millstone River Morris, and The Princeton Country Dancers, will perform traditional Springtime dances including the "molly", "rapper sword" dances, the "morris", and Maypole dances. For more information, please visit www.fpnl.org.
• Each participant will receive a baby flowering or evergreen tree to take home!

APRIL 10 & 11: Battle of Bound Brook & Middlebrook Encampment

THE REDCOATS ARE COMING!!! Please join the Friends of the Abraham Staats House (FASH) in waging the Battle of Bound Brook and rallying Washington's army at the Middlebrook Encampment!

TIME: Saturday & Sunday, April 10 & 11, 2010
DATE: 10:00AM to 5:00PM
PLACE: Abraham Staats House
17 von Stuben Lane, South Bound Brook
INFO: info@staatshouse.org

This two-day program explores the exciting events of the American Revolutionary War surrounding the Battle of Bound Brook and Middlebrook Encampments, from 1777 to 1779, and extremely important time in New Jersey and American history!

Weekend Activities and Events Include:

• 18th Century Soldiers' Encampment on the grounds of the Abraham Staats House, illustrating the daily life events of American and British troops during the American Revolution.
• Tours of the Historic Abraham Staats House (c. 1740), home of the Staats family for over 200 years, which served as the headquarters for George Washington's "Drillmaster", Baron von Steuben.
• Presentations and Demonstrations, staged throughout the weekend, include: a lecture by noted historian Robert A. Mayers, author of The War Man: The True Story of a Citizen-Soldier Who Fought from Quebec to Yorktown; an exhibition of Native American trade beads and wampum by collector Earl Becker; and, eminent historian H. Kels Swan and accomplished musician Tom Harabin (President of FASH) will play music of the Colonial Era throughout the weekend.

Why not become a Friend of the Abraham Staats House and get in on all the fun? Click here and discover what a wonderful, life-long friend a house can be!

Other Sponsors of the Battle of Bound Brook: Borough of South Bound Brook & the Borough of Bound Brook, Bound Brook CommUnity Development Association, The Sheriff's Department of Somerset County, Ukrainian Orthodox Church of USA

MARCH 27: Walk to Rockingham!

Enjoy a fresh, spring morning with a D & R Canal State Park historian and naturalist guided walk along the towpath from the Mapleton Preserve to the Rockingham Historic Site for a house tour, and then back again!

DATE: Saturday, March 27, 2010
Weather Permitting
TIME: 10:00AM
MEET: D&R State Park Office
145 Mapleton Road, Kingston
WEAR: Weather-appropriate clothing, comfortable hiking shoes
RSVP: Pre-registration Requested
REGISTER HERE

ADMISSION IS FREE!!!

From the park headquarters, this 3.5 walk will first pass through a portion of the former Princeton Nursery grounds and by the historic Kingston Canal House on the way to the D & R Canal towpath. The group will then proceed along historic towpath to the beautifully restored Rockingham house, George Washington's 1783 headquarter during the American War of Independence!

Why not join one of these organizations and get in on all the fun?
Friends of the Princeton Nursery Lands
Kingston Greenways Association
D & R Canal Watch

MARCH 21: Bike the Towpath to Lawrence Township!

D & R Canal Watch invites you to get some exercise, enjoy a fresh morning bike ride, and learn about the history of the canal with canal expert, Bob Barth!

DATE: Sunday, March 21, 2010
TIME: 10:00AM
MEET: Griggstown Causeway, Franklin Twsp.
BRING: Bike, Helmet, Lunch
INFO: Bob Barth, (201) 401-3121

Bob Barth will lead you on this 26-mile ride along the towpath, all the way to Lawrence Township and back and explain structures and history of the canal as you go!

MARCH 5: Evening Woodcock Watch

Please join Audubon volunteer, Arlene Oley, and D & R Canal State Park naturalist, Stephanie Fox, for a dusk-time walk into the Mapleton Preserve in search of fanciful Woodcock!

DATE: Friday, March 5, 2010
TIME: 6:30PM
PLACE: D & R Canal Park, Kingston Office
145 Mapleton Road, Kingston
BRING: Flashlight, for walk back to parking area

ADMISSION IS FREE!!!

In addition to enjoying the delightful sights and sound of the adorable woodcock, the group can also expect to hear the chirps and peeps of the frogs and toads who also call the preserve and Central NJ their home!

CALLING ALL HISTORICAL RE-ENACTING UNITS & SUTLERS!

Hear-ye, hear-ye! Registration is now OPEN for re-enacting units & sutlers interested in participating in the 2010 Battle of Bound Brook!

"Washington's Army at Middlebrook"
At the Historic Abraham Staats House
17 von Steuben Lane, South Bound Brook, NJ

Saturday & Sunday, April 10th & 11th, 2010
(Units & Sulters are encouraged to set-up camp Friday night, April 9.)

About the Battle of Bound Brook
[From the Staats House Website]

On Sunday, April 13, 1777, a four-column force of 4,000 British Crown troops led by Lord Charles Cornwallis attacked a small American garrison of about 500 commanded by General Benjamin Lincoln and located in the town of Bound Brook. The objective: surround the town, capture the garrison and provisions located at this patriot stronghold and gain a foothold in the war against the American Revolutionary army. In the surprise attack, an advance column led by Hessian Jaeger scouts fighting for the British were pinned down by Colonial soldiers who put up a spirited resistance at the Old Stone Arch Bridge located near the Queens’ Bridge.

The skirmish bought precious time for the bulk of the American force in Bound Brook as British forces poured into the area. When a second column of 1,000 British soldiers charged over the Queen’s Bridge to attack, the Colonials retreated, escaping the trap. The American army regrouped in the area later in 1777, in a larger encampment called First Middlebrook. General George Washington’s army was also settled in the winter and spring of 1778-79 in a Second Middlebrook encampment, in the area of Bound Brook. Nearly 10,000 troops gathered at Middlebrook, with attendant artillery camps, hospitals, commissaries, post office, artificers, quartermasters stores, corrals and other military operations situated in nearby locations. General Washington and many of his officers stayed in homes in the area, near to the main encampment. General Baron Frederich von Steuben made his headquarters at the home of Abraham Staats in South Bound Brook, today known as the Abraham Staats House.