Historic Places in South Jersey

Historic Places in South Jersey - Places to Go and Things to Do

A discussion of things to do and places to go, with the purpose
of sharing, and encouraging exploration of South Jersey.

Friday, March 28, 2014

Interesting web site

As many of you know, I am a volunteer docent at the James and Ann Whitall House, Red Bank Battlefield, National Park, NJ.  One of the other docents has recently created a very interesting and informative web site that I wanted to recommend if you would like more information on this important historic place is South Jersey.  Please visit and offer support for his sterling effort!

ALSO - You may remember that I went 'N' gauge train crazy last December and visited as many train exhibits as I could find.  Looking through  materials I collected from my recent adventures in Millville and Glassboro, I came upon an "Upcoming Events" flyer from the South Jersey Museum of American History and VOILA!  What did I discover but "Vintage HO & N Gauge Model Trains" in July! July 3rd through 27th this summer you can see platforms from the 50's and 60's featuring Plasticville and Revel buildings at the museum.  I'll certainly try to be there and enjoy my favorites the  "N" gauge model train platforms while my own train set hibernates until next Christmas.

Happy Trails!
Jo Ann

Sunday, March 23, 2014

American History Museum, Glassboro

Well, I finally got there!  After cutting out and saving two articles about this museum, I finally got to see it for myself and to speak with the curator and his wife, a charming, warm and informative couple.  The curator of the museum began with his own collection of antique farm implements gathered from three generations of farm families in the Maple Shade area, which accounts for Lippincott Avenue (the other family name was, I think, Sauselein).  As I had spent a portion of my teens in Maple Shade, after my family moved from Philadelphia, Pa. to New Jersey, this was of some interest to me.  Also, I have an interest in pre-machine age farming due to my involvement with the James and Ann Whitall House in National Park, NJ.  The museum is 123 E. High Street in Glassboro and open Thurs., Fri,. Sat. and Sun.
So, I took a photo of a brand new mystery object for you to identify!  My hiking buddy Barb Spector and I couldn't figure out what it was though it was obvious to us once we were told.  I wonder if you can figure it out.
Our visit to the museum followed another perfect day in Milliville where we had a delicious lunch at Wildflowers Cafe in the cluster of charming cottages that house artisans of all kinds, then a hike on the Maurice River bluffs, followed by coffee at Bogart's Book Store.  
I bought a set of earrings and necklace at the OCTOPUS'S GARDEN.  They are repurposed keys!  Small keys made into earrings and a larger key for the necklace.  I LOVE the idea of recycling and re-purposing things.  The prices were very reasonable and the people extremely friendly.  I highly recommend this shop for your gift giving and for yourself!
What a wonderful all around perfect day.  The American Museum was open from 1:00 to 5:00 and that's why we stopped in there on the way home from our day in Millville.
Hope you are tempted to give these places a try, you won't be disappointed!
Happy Trails,
Jo Ann

Friday, March 21, 2014

Heading to Millville with mystery stop

For over a year I have wished to stop at 123 E. High St. to see the American History Museum created from one man's personal collection.  What a great idea!  Well, today,Friday, 3/22, my regulary hiking buddy Barb Spector and I are headed to Millville for one of our favorite adventures, to have lunch at the vegetarian restaurant WILDFLOWERS, then hike the Maurice River Bluffs, then a stop at BOGART'S Book Store for a going home coffee and some new $2 dvds and books.  
This time, however, we are stopping at the little museum in Glassboro and I am very much anticipating it.  I'll let you know tomorrow what I learn there.  ENJOY THE DAY AND I HOPE YOUR DAY IS SPENT OUTDOORS!!
Happy Trails from Jo Ann and Happy Tails from Trixie

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Deserts by Design

I like to let my readers know of good places to eat as well as great historic spots to visit.  Although probably none of us should be hanging out around bakery shops, I felt I had a right to a treat after I completed my Jury Duty in Camden today.  So, I stopped in at Desserts by Design in Audubon.  
Now don't think it is just a place to get yourself something.  It is a wonderful place to buy a gift!  St. Patrick's Day is just around the corner, so drop in for something with a bit of green sprinkle on it.  Although I usually recommend Duffy's for Easter bunnies or that St. Patrick's Day staple, Irish PotatoesValentine's Day may be over for this year, but keep Desserts by Design in mind for next year and for all the holidays!  The Christmas cookie baking friends I used to have no longer bake their specialties because everyone is on a diet or has special dietary requirements, so spoil the  contemporary cookie bereft and buy Christmas cookies at Desserts by Design.  
In case you are wondering, I didn't get anything for free for doing this.  I won't say I can't be bought, but no one has, as yet, tried to buy my good opinion.  It was only that I just finished eating my treat and I wanted to share it with you!  And I can tell myself that I bought the dessert for my blog!
Hooray, Jury Duty is over for another 3 years.  I don't know why it is such a burdensome experience for me but I dread it days in advance.  Once I'm there, I'm fine.  I make friends, I read.  I watch the  movie that reminds us all what a privilege it is to live in a land where we have such rights as a jury of our peersAnd when it is over, I swell with pride that I did my duty and didn't try to get out if it by some selfish chicanery.  Aside from the pride, I then reward myself with a treat.  There is a table and chairs and a coffee machine at Desserts by Design, so if you want to stop in to try something (like on a date for example)  what a fun thing to do.
Contact Information:  Desserts by Design - hours Tues - Sat 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., master and Visa cards honored, 105 West Merchant St., Audubon, NJ 08106  856-310-0044
And if it's Irish Potatoes you're wantin' head over to Gloucester City, NJ to Duffy's on Broadway in the center of town (with the wind at your back and the sun in your face and the road risin' up to meet ya!.
Happy Trails!
Jo Ann