DECEMBER 13 Call to Action! Hearing on the Dredging of the Delaware & Raritan Canal!

Please attend this hearing about the planned dredging of the D&R Canal to protect this beautiful and unique historical treasure!

DATE: Monday, December 13, 2010
TIME: 5:00 to 7:00
PLACE: Franklin Township Municipal Building
675 DeMott Lane, Somerset

Public Notice

Dredging of the Delaware and Raritan Canal

The New Jersey Water Supply Authority (Authority) is developing a program to dredge a 10.5 mile stretch of the Delaware and Raritan Canal from Lincoln Highway (Route 27) to Amwell Road in Franklin Township, Somerset County. Flow in this section of the Canal is being impeded by sediment accumulation and is compounded by the growth of weeds during the summer months when flow demand is the greatest. The water surface elevation of the Canal is typically raised during these periods, which causes water to discharge over the lower elevation spillways. The objective of the project is to remove an estimated 250,000 cubic yards of sediment from the Canal to restore flow capacity.

The Canal serves as a source of drinking water for millions of residents in central New Jersey and provides recreational opportunities for its numerous visitors. The dredging design will address the water supply needs for the area and take into account the surrounding cultural and natural resources.

In 1973, the Canal was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. This action placed the Canal under the protection of Section 106 of the National Historic Register Preservation Act of 1966 whereby any actions undertaken or licensed by as Federal agency which impact upon the resource are subject to review by the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. The Canal, which is within the D&R State Park, is also on the New Jersey Register of Historic Places whereby projects that impact the Canal require prior written authorization or consent from the NJDEP Historic Preservation Office. Accordingly, any rehabilitation or construction work undertaken along the Canal must consider the historic and cultural significance of the Canal and adverse effects to these features must be minimized.

An open house to discuss the project is scheduled for Monday, December 13, 2010 from 5:00 to 7:00 at the Franklin Township Municipal Building, 675 DeMott Lane, Somerset NJ. Members of the Urban Dredging Consultants design team and the URS Corporations, cultural resource consultants for the project, will join Authority staff to discuss project progress, schedule and answer questions raised before or during the meeting. There will be a presentation of the project at 6:00 that evening.

NOVEMBER 20 "The Spirited War: Ghosts of the Revolution" at the Van Wickle House!

The Meadows Foundation proudly presents “The Spirited War- Ghosts of the Revolution"!

DATE: Saturday, November 20, 2010
TIME: 2:00PM
PLACE: Van Wickle House
1289 Easton Ave., Somerset
TKTS: $10./Person, Reservations Recommended
INFO: 732-560-1977, chrisflp@aol.com

Halloween may be over, but the Meadows has a wonderful ghostly treat for you! Don Peck will join us to discuss his book, The Spirited War, which deals with Washington and the ghosts of the American Revolution in central New Jersey. Specifically, he will discuss the historic peace conference of September 11, 1776 and the ghosts he has uncovered at the Conference House on Staten Island, where the failed conference took place. Mr. Peck discovered many other ghosts in historic central New Jersey during his research, and will discuss them during the Q&A after his presentation.

Copies of The Spirited War will be available for sale and signing after the presentation. Priced at $20, the book is an excellent way to start your holiday shopping.

Please note that there will be a brief Annual Meeting prior to the Fireside Chat presentation this month.

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 25 "Washington's Spies" Come in from the Cold at the Van Wickle House!

The Meadows Foundation is thrilled to kick off 2010-11's Fireside Chat series with a fascinating presentation by historian George Dawson about American spies in the Revolution, especially Franklin resident, John Honeyman!

DATE: Saturday, September 25, 2010
TIME: 2:00PM
PLACE: The Van Wickle House
1289 Easton Avenue, Somerset
TKTS: $10.00 per Person
$1.00 Discount with Membership Card
RSVP/INFO: (732) 560-1977
chrisflp@aol.com

In 1775-76, Washington instructed John Honeyman to continue trading as much as possible behind the American lines in Griggstown and to flee to Trenton, if necessary, on the pretext that his double dealing has posed a danger to his family. The deception was so convincing, an angry mob of American patriots raided Honeyman's house in Griggstown.

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 17: Meadows Foundation Open Board Meeting at the Van Wickle House

This meeting of the Meadows Foundation Board of Directors is open to the public!

DATE: Monday, May 17, 2010
TIME: 7:00PM
PLACE: The Van Wickle House
1289 Easton Avenue, Somerset

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?

MAY 15: Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route Through New Jersey in 1781!

The Meadows Foundation is pleased to invite you to an exciting talk by Dr. Robert Selig, historian and expert on the role of French forces under the Comte de Rochambeau during the American Revolutionary War!

DATE: Saturday, May 15, 2010
TIME: 2:00PM
PLACE: The Van Wickle House
1289 Easton Avenue, Somerset
TKTS: $10.00/person
RSVP: MeadowsReserve@aol.com
(732) 560-1977

Dr. Selig will discuss the 1781 Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route (W3R) through NJ, which stretched along the entire west side of Franklin Township. He currently serves as project historian to the National Park Services for the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail Project. Historians and history enthusiasts won't want to miss this talk!

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?

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.

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: Presentation About The Original Fisk Jubilee Singers!

This event was originally scheduled for February 20 to celebrate Black History Month, but was canceled due to weather and--fortunately--re-scheduled for the 03/27/10!

Please join the Meadows Foundation's celebration of Black History Month with a presentation by noted musicologists Charlie and Pam Horner about the original Fisk Jubilee Singers!

DATE: Saturday, March 27, 2010
TIME: 2:00PM to 4:00PM
PLACE: The Hageman Farm
209 South Middlebush Road, Somerset
TKTS: $10.00 per Person
RSVP: Reservations by phone or email strongly recommended.
PHONE: (732) 560-1977
EMAIL: Meadowsreserve@aol.com

[From the Meadows Website]
"In 1871, the Fisk University Jubilee Singers left Nashville on a series of tours to raise funds for their impoverished school. They battled prejudice and oppression, as well as the hardships of the road. But through their perseverance they sang their way into the hearts of the nation and the world.

Our 2010 salute to Black History Month about the original Fisk Jubilee Singers features noted musicologists Charlie and Pam Horner. Their presentation will include a brief analysis of the importance of spirituals during slavery, including their use in communication, secret meanings to lyrics, etc.; history of the Fisk Jubliee Singers’ 1871–78 tours of the U.S. and Europe, including performances for President Grant, Mark Twain, and Queen Victoria.

In addition, the talk will include photos of Jubilee singers, their songbooks and memorabilia, and sound clips of spirituals. The presentation will also touch on the use of Black quartets in productions of Uncle Tom’s Cabin and minstrel shows, and the influence of spirituals on our American musical heritage."

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

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!