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.

Monday, August 28, 2017

Pinelands Folk Music and Basketry Center, Mount Holly

Pinelands Folk Music and Basketry Center in Mount Holly.  
31 White Street, Mill Race Village of Shops Mount Holly
609-518-7600

Six Baskets in Six Weeks:  Bread Basket, Melon Basket, Homestead Veg Basket, $75, additional cost for supplies

One time Basket Party, bring your own food $35 two hour class
minimum 3 and maximum 10

Also Basket of the Month call for more information or details!

What To Do and how to find an interest!

When I began this blog back in 2006 or so, I was motivated by a comment I heard from a great many other retiring teachers.  People were saying, amongst their closest friends, in confidence, that they didn't know what they were going to do with themselves without work to go to and with their own kids all grown up and gone.

Among my flaws were a few sterling gifts,  not the least of which is a natural bend towards being 'interested' in things in general.  It has not been uncommon to hear my friends exclaim both in warmth and in irritation: "You're interested in everything!"  Although it isn't true, and there are many things in which I have NO interest, such as business, sports, automobiles (except classic cars) to name just a few, I do get interested in many things and could roll off a list of a dozen with no trouble.

Most of my friends, now entering their 10th year of retirement, have found interests.  Some volunteer at historic sites, such as for example, Barb Solem, who has also written three books about historic sites and is the main force behind the opening for tours of Atsion Mansion.  Some volunteer for animal shelters such as Barb Spector who works for spay/neuter clinics, and two shelters, one for domestic animals and one for wild animals.  Both Barbaras volunteer for information dissemination for the Vegan Society and the Vegetarian Society.  Barb Solem is also in the process of organizing a film festival on Climate Change and animal agriculture in a joint venture between Pinelands Preservation Alliance (another place she volunteers) and the Medford Friends Meeting.  Both Barbaras are also enthusiastic outdoor activity participants.  They hike regularly and kayak.

Another friend, Nancy, is very active in church activities:  Christmas Craft Bazaar, Summer Strawberry Festival, and she, along with a few others, is also active in helping her family.  Some of my friends have grand children and spend time with them.

But that still leaves a few with nothing to do.  Actually only two or three of my friends feel that they have nothing to do.  The rest have settled in to some pattern of interests and activities, or work in areas that give them some pleasure.  One, Dorothy Stanaitis is a tour guide in Olde City Philadelphia (APT) and also is a 'Storyteller' for adults as well as children's programs.  

Lately I have felt a desire to get back to an old old interest of mine, ART.  From the time I was a child, I wanted to draw and paint and it is the major of my second college degree.  But I have spent more time writing than painting since I retired.  So, I did a book course in creativity, specifically in finding and dismantling the blocks against your creative energy, and it worked!  The book was The Artists' Way by Julia Cameron.  Since I did the course through the book (another friend actually attended a 12 week in-person course) I have made 22 paintings, and gotten back in touch with three local art friends from my college days.  One, I meet every 2 weeks for outdoor painting, another I have agreed to volunteer for each Saturday for the next few months to teach Art Journaling.

As part of the chapter exercises in the book, I answered the question, "Is there anything you always wanted to do and have not yet done?"  My answer was MUSIC.  I always wanted to learn to play an instrument.  For Mother's Day, my daughter bought me a ukulele and I have been taking lessons at Collingswood Music with my wonderful teacher Scott, who has taken all the terror out of learning something new.  

This past Saturday, a friend and I went to The Robin's Nest in Mount Holly for lunch then visited Pinelands Folk Music and Basketry Center 31 White Street (just off the mill race) and the fabric workshop Woolbearers, 90 High Street.

Pinelands Folk Center has basketry workshops and music lessons

Wool bearers in Mount Holly, has everything in fibers - knitting crocheting spinning, weaving and it is a fascinating place to visit.  When we were there on Saturday, a man and a woman were knitting together.  I couldn't tell if one was a student and one was a teacher, but the serenity that comes with knitting was permeating the atmosphere.  

And then there are book clubs!  Two of my friends belong to writing groups and three belong to  book clubs.  

So there you have it - looking for a new interest?  
try music - Collingswood Music Shop, one door off Haddon Ave, on the corner next to Bertoli's bakery in Collingswood.
Knitting, Crocheting, weaving - Woolbearers, 90 High Street, 
Mount Holly.
Outdoor Activities:  The Outdoor Club of South Jersey, Pinelands Preservation Alliance, Bishop Farmstead (look them up online)
Volunteer to help the animals, contact Barb Spector
Historic Site Docents - always needed at every site, try Whitall House at Red Bank Battlefield, National Park, or contact Barb Solem if you are closer to the pine barrens.  Both Barbaras can be found on Facebook
Art, Main Street Art, Mape Shade, NJ, Diane Paul proprietor
or if you are closer to Collingswood, Perkins Art Center (also located in Mooresown.)
Can't help you with book clubs but you could try your local library.
I might also add, walking in the lovely local parks is great, as is going to the gym - Planet Fitness has a very good deal $10 a month!  And they have a 30 minute full workout room.
Book Clubs
Model Railroading - There is a club that meets in Haddon Heights, I believe there may be sign on the door at the train station there that gives their meeting place and times (may be the Delaware and Schuykill Model Railroad Club?)
Oh yes, another friend, Kathy Maugeri is a master gardener ( can't help you with that as I don't garden, but you can probably find information on-line.) What else?  If you are looking for something to do, adopt a pet - especially a dog - you will take the dog for walks and make new friends in the parks, especially Timber Creek Dog Park a very active dog park.
Did I miss anything?  Let me know wrigjtj45@yahoo.com

And answer this question:  Is there anything you always wanted to do and haven't done yet?  What are you waiting for?
Happy Trails,
Jo Ann
ps.  Stop in at Collingswood Community Center for tips and their local newspaper "What's On"

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

Workshops on Art Journaling at Main Street Art

I will be teaching workshops on Art Journaling from Sept. 3 to Oct 21, Oct 28-Nov 18, Dec.2 - Dec.23 at Main Street Art in Maple Shade.  Each workshop is 4 weeks long and small group for adults and teens.

There will be a Sidewalk Sale Day on Main Street in Maple Shade on September 9, and you can drop by Main Street Art for a flyer on all the other wonderful workshops that will be offered as well.

More information on this will be available.  You can call 856-9795356 for more information.  Dian Paul is head of the Art Studio/Gallery and Workshop.

Tuesday, August 22, 2017

Old Stone House Event, Washington Twp.

Harvest Festival at the Old Stone House in Washington Township on September 23 beginning at 10:00 a.m. to 3 p.m.
There will be fun for the whole family including hay rides and other activities.

What interests me the most is that there will be demonstrations of old trades.

Old Stone House Village is 08 Egg Harbor Rd., Sewell, NJ.


Thursday, August 17, 2017

Quick Note: Music Event

8/17 - 8/20
The 56th Annual Philadelphia Folk Festival with
OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW,
GRAHAM NASH, TAJ MO, and many more!
Old Pool Farm, Upper Salford Township PA

I have such happy memories of attending the Philadelphia Folk Festival for about 25 years in a row when I was much much younger, more flexible, and smoked pot!  A few summers back, I went again with my daughter and her friends, but I have moved on emotionally and physically and it isn't a good fit for me any more.  Too much sun, can't sit on the ground, don't feel like hauling around chairs and food anymore.  But the music is always phenomenal, so if you have good knees and don't mind the sun - go for it!

Happy Trails,
Jo Ann

Book Review: New Jersey - Folk Revival Music (History and Tradition) Michael C. Gbriele

I have to admit that as I have grown older, the wave of enthusiasm that I enjoy has become more rare.  This wave is the force that carries me through paintings, or to write a book, or a poem, a short story, or sparks an adventure of research.

In the past, a visit to a place happened upon while randomly driving the back roads, has inspired me to a few years of volunteer work, as in Bayshore Discovery Project on the Maurice River in Port Norris, Nj. 

A visit to a re-enactment battle event has also inspired several years of volunteer work at Red Bank Battlefield (now sadly I am retired from all volunteer work due to back and knee issues).

One of the best sparks to light the fire of adventure, however has always been books.  The wonderful books published at the Camden County Historical Society have taken me on countless journeys of exploration as has their web site.  In particular, the series including Old Mills and Old Taverns, have taken me many places, and the wonderful piece on old cemeteries published many years back took me all over the place.

All that is to say that the book NEW JERSEY FOLK REVIVAL MUSIC, History and Tradition, by Michael Gabriele has been that kind of book.  I felt the excitement in the first chapters as he talked about places I have worked and researched but brought information I had never before run across.  

Admittedly, this is my "Year of Music" as I am taking ukulele lessons at Collingswood Music with teacher, Scott Churchman, and have done a series of paintings inspired by documentaries or songs such as a portrait from the late years of Jerry Garcia, and a portrait from a photo I have loved of Billy Holiday to go with a book I just finished reading about her.

Two of the items in Gabriele's book that were surprising to me were 1.  the existence of Jenny Devlin, folk song master, who lived in Gloucester City and who was recorded by Alan Lomax in 1938 during his folk music collecting period for the Library of Congress.    He recorded 38 songs and poems by Ms. Devlin.  I had worked in Gloucester City for over 35 years and had studied the colorful and rich history of this riverfront City for years, but I had never heard of Jenny Devlin before.

2.  His chapters on the Martin guitar and the Victor Talking Machine and RCA in Camden were also of great interest to me.  I bought my first guitar at a family instrument making shop in the early 1960's in Philadelphia.  It was too difficult for me to play with the steel strings which hurt my fingers.  
For several years during the decade after my retirement when I worked as a volunteer and as a school visiting history presenter, I worked  for Camden Camden County Historical Society and enjoyed their museum countless times. The information on the development and growth of  RCA enhanced the superficial grasp I had gained over the years by visiting the museum.  

This book is utterly fascinating and fortunately, unlike many works of history, lively and entertaining.  I applaud Mr. Gabriele on a book that is not only immensely interesting, but useful as a resource, and has the magical quality of being inspiring!  I am all ready to hop in the car and track down Jenny Devlin's homes in Gloucester and to schedule in another visit to the CCHS Museum!

You can get this book from amazon.com, although I bought it at PPA at the Bishop Farmstead on my recent visit there for the Dulcimer concert and books signing.

Happy Trails!
Jo Ann

Wednesday, August 16, 2017

Rutgers The State Univ. Event

Are you a Rutgers grad?  I graduated from what was then Glamssboro State College first, then took another degree at Rutgers in Camden, and finished it off with a Masters at Univ. of the Arts in Pa.

The Rutgers Alumni Organization is hosting a movie night in September featuring Hidden Figures.  If you haven't already seen this movie, it is Fantastic!!!  I did see it so I won't be attending the outdoor movie in the quad but I may go to the book talk event, see below:
Lecture by Hidden Figures author Margot Lee Shetterly
Wednesday, September 27 at 7 p.m.
Walter K. Gordon Theater, Rutgers–Camden

Don't miss this event! Margot Shetterly, author of the book Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race, will give a public lecture at the Gordon Theater. Online registration coming soon.

Tuesday, August 15, 2017

Crossroads of the Revolution Events in Augusst

AS I have mentioned before, I may be on an e-mail list that you aren't, so when I get a listing of events, I share them via this blog.  This list is from Crossroads of the Revolution - a very worthwhile list to be on!

August 18
Dyeing to Color their World at Morristown NHP in Morristown.  Visit the Wick House at Jockey Hollow to discover how Colonial Americans used plants to make natural dyes for clothing. 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. More information.

August 19
Guided Tours at Shippen Manor in Oxford. Explore life during the Revolutionary War-era in the little iron-making village of Oxford furnace. Learn about the true story of an industrious local family whose lives were drawn into the conflict. 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. More information. 

Commemoration of the Battle of Paulus Hook in Jersey City. Meet fife and drum at the corner of Grand and Washington and march to the site of the old Revolutionary War fort to hear the story of the 1779 battle that took place in this now-bustling urban neighborhood. 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. More information.

Remembering the Past at Washington's Headquarters Museum in Morristown. Museums use trophies, photographs and other heirlooms to help us recall our nation's history. Learn how a painting, a bust, a sword and a cannon help us learn more about George Washington. 1:30 p.m. More information. 

August 20
Writing with the Whitalls at Red Bank Battlefield in National Park. What can we learn about everyday life in early America from Ann Whitall's and Job Whitall's diaries? Join us for a tour that will highlight their accounts of going to church, gathering hay and living with the aftermath of the Revolutionary War. 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m. More information. 

Open House at the Van Allen House in Oakland. Visit the Dutch stone house where Washington and his troops stopped on their way to West Point in 1777. 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. More information.

1761 Brearley House tours in Lawrenceville. Step back into a simpler time at this Colonial home surrounded by 40 acres of parkland. 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. More information. 

Tour the 1760 Joseph Turner House in Hampton. Find out the role the nearby Union Forge played in keeping the Continental Army well supplied. 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. More information. 

Ten Crucial Days Tour at Princeton Battlefield State Park in Princeton. Find out how Washington and his outnumbered troops battled better-trained British forces -- on the very grounds where the conflict took place! 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Reservations and more information.

August 25
Clothing an Army at the Wick House in Morristown NHP in Morristown. Come to Jockey Hollow to learn why the colonies needed France to contribute to the Continental Army's uniform needs. Then try your hand at some weaving! 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. More information. 

August 26
The Many Faces of George Washington at Washington's Headquarters Museum in Morristown. He was the poster boy of the late 18th century! A gallery tour of paintings and busts of Washington will introduce you to the reasons Washington's image became an icon. 1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. More information.

August 27
DAR Van Bunschooten Museum Tour in Wantage. The Daughters of the American Revolution share the stories of an early Sussex County family and their home. 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. More information.

Open House at the Garretson Forge and Farm in Fair Lawn. Visit a classic 1719 homestead offering a rare surviving example of the simple farming life of the 1700s. 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. More information. 

General Colfax's Life During the War: Lecture at the Dey Mansion in Wayne. Hear about the Continental Army officer's experiences in Washington's Life Guard and his relationship and marriage to Pompton resident Hester Schuyler, then tour the mansion. 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. More information. 

Feeding an Army at Jockey Hollow Visitor Center in Morristown. What were rations like for the soldiers of the American Revolution, and how do they compare to rations for soldiers today? A park ranger shares the differences. 1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. More information. 

August 31
William Livingston Day at Liberty Hall in Union. Celebrate the 240th anniversary of New Jersey's first elected governor, 18th century style! Dancing, crafts, refreshments and more on the beautiful grounds. 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Sunday, August 13, 2017

What's Happening in the Pines

Just came home from a delightful day at the Pinelands Preservation Alliance (located at the Bishop Farmstead - but you can look them up on the web under PPA) Dulcimer Concert and book signing.  The book being featured was NEW JERSEY FOLK REVIVAL MUSIC HISTORY AND TRADITION, Michael Gabriele.  He offered many interesting details about the history of folk music in NJ including the stay of Woody Guthrie in East Orange, NJ and visits there by many influential folk music figures who came to visit Guthrie!

The Dulcimer concert, in the breezy shade of a gorgeous Sycamore tree, was lovely!  Refreshments were served and we were able to  purchase books by the author including his previous book on New Jersey Diners!

While having lunch at the Red Lion Diner, I picked up a copy of the Pines Barrens Tribune Aug 12-18 edition.  Page 11 featured a dozen events, but I chose two to mention here because they were of interest to me:

1.  Albert Horner is a brilliant photography artist.  I have seen his work before and own a book and cd featuring his beautiful photographs of the pinelands.  So many of his photos manage to capture the elusive magic and mystical spirit of the woods.  Riverfront Renaissance Center will showcase "Pinelands Mystery and Magic" 27 luminous landscapes by Albert Horner, from August 18 (opening reception from 6 to 9 p.m.)  to Sept. 10.  Riverside Renaissance Center is located at 22 N. High Street, Millville, and is open 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.  Call 856- 327-4500 for more information. Visit www.rrcards.com.

The Amish Market of the Columbus Flea Market has opened a new venue at 2611 Route 206, Eastampton Twp. which is 3 miles down the road from the Columbus Market.  There will be a Grand Opening and Harvest Festival on Sept. 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. there will be food, crafts and live demonstrations.  For more information if you need any,  call 609-265-0298.  Or pick up a copy of the Tribune at a local shop!

Also, you can buy a copy of New Jersey Folk Revival Musci History and Tradition by Michael Gabriele (who works as a jouralst as well as an author) from amazon.com.

Happy Trails neighbors!
Jo Ann


Book Signing and Dulcimer Concert at Pinelands Preservation Alliance TODAY

Today, Sunday August 13, at (I think) 1:00

Book signing at the Bishop Farmstead, home of the Pineland's Preservation Alliance, and Dulcimer Concert.  If I am not mistaken, the book is about music in the Pines. 

As I have written before, I am taking ukulele lessons at Collingswood Music and I am very much interested in music this year, so I am looking forward to this event.  I haven't been to a PPA event in some time.

I will be going with Barbara Solem, author of The Forks, Btsto, and Ghosttowns in the Pines.  She is a member of PPA and does tours for them as well as other volunteer activities  

You will have to look up the Pinelands Preservation Alliance website for further information.  I don't remember it offhand.

Hope to see you there!
Jo Ann

Saturday, August 5, 2017

Music Chat

On the classical and jazz radio station WRTI, I heard an ad for the Newport Jazz Fest that gave this piece of information:  (I am paraphrasing)
In 1956, Duke Ellington's band was on the wane.  He had been a giant favorite from 1923 till th e1950's.  But he lost popularity to Rock and Roll, BeBop and Jazz.  Even his record company dropped him.  Then he appeared at the Newport Jazz Festival, opener and closer.  At the end, they decided to let go and just let 'er rip.  The sax player played 6 solo choruses!  The crowd went wild!  They danced as though they were all one organism.  That recording of the Jazz Fest performance became the Dukes biggest selling album of all time.

It struck a chord with what I saw on the documentary I watched on amazon prime about The Grateful Dead "What a Long Strange Trip."  Jerry Garcia tried to play everything new and different each time, never the same.  H wanted everything to be free and in the moment.  The documentary was fascinating and very well done though undeniably a sad ending.  I was never a Dead Head, myself, though I liked their music well enough.  But I loved this story about them and plan to listen to them more now that I have seen it.

Reminders of all the great places to hear music around here!
1.  Scottish Rite Auditorium in Collingswood:  Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes are Oct. 21
2.  Haddon Heights Dell - the sunset series has one more performance on August 16th at 7:30:  Phoebe Hunt, fiddler, singer songwriter and The Gatherers!  Also at the Dell on Aug.22, great hits from musicals at 7 p.m.
3. Albert Hall in Waretown is always a treat!  I haven't gone in some time because of my driving in the dark vision difficulties - I miss it!
4.  Collingswood Music Store  has small venue concerts, get on their mailing list for information, also it is never too late to learn an instrument.  I am taking ukulele lessons there!
5.  Lots of music at all the local farmer's markets and Second Saturday, August 12 features free music and sidewalk sales along Haddon Avenue in Collingswood
6.  Mummers on Powell Lane from 7 to 8:30 pm. Aug. 23rd, Sept. 27th South Philadelphia String Band performs, bring your chairs
(more info - www.collingswood.com)


TRAIN BUFFS:  The National Railway Historical Society meets at the Haddon Heights Municipal Building, 625 Station Avenue, September 25, 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, August 2, 2017

RT EVENTS: PITMAN ART CENTER


IN CASE YOU HAVE NOT VISITED OR SIGNED UP FOR AN E-MAIL LISTING OF EVENT, HERE IS WHAT'S HAPPENING AT PITMAN ART CENTER-

AUGUST NEWSLETTER news and announcements from Pitman Gallery and Art Center! Each month - information about our upcoming exhibiting artists, classes, and more.

UPCOMING EXHIBITION: Experiential: Color & Composition

Join us Friday, August 4th from 7-10pm for the Opening Reception of Experiential: Color & Composition featuring the works of Susan Blaker, Jim Ferrell, Jeanne Jablonski, and Dino Sistilli. This event is free and open to the publicF

The e-mail newsletter also listed a children's course, but as this blog is oriented towards adults, if you want kids news, you can go to their web site.

Also:  the latest edition of Sojourn 2017 is off the presses and available through amazon.  It has a wonderful essay about Marilyn Schmidt and Buzby's General Store.  The cover depicts the many old mills in the area.  I love old mills, so I found it very attractive.  If you love the pines, you'll love Sojourn!

Mushrooms, butterlies and bees are plentiful right now!  Saw some in the park today that were as big as luncheon plates!  I love mushrooms!

Happy Trails!
Jo Ann