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.

Thursday, November 30, 2017

Verchios Produce Market on the Brooklawn Circle

I just started a juice fast on Monday, and I was so glad to have Verchio's Produce Market where you can get ANY vegetable or fruit you can think of in massive quantities and cheap!  It has cost me less than $10 a day to do this juice fast.

My juice fast journey began with a documentary "Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead" about an Australian man with 100 pounds overweight and a few diseases both full blown and on the way.  He launched himself on a 60 ay juice fast, lost the weight, cured the diseases, got off medications and started this new business to spread the good message about juice fasting.  In his documentary, he has medical supervision and information from experts who might be familiar to you from channel 12 such as Dr. Fuhrman.  

I am a very health conscious person and I have a good regiment of the gym, and a walk every day (well - most days, averaging 4 or 5 days per week).  And I am a vegetarian for most of my live.  When I raised my daughter I added fish and chicken to our diet because I was afraid to raise a developing child on a vegetarian diet.  It seemed like an experiment then and I wasn't much of a cook so I was afraid of not providing enough protein.  I know better now.

Anyhow, despite all that, the occasional treat and a tendency to overeat from time to time, raised my weight to an uncomfortable level.  It doesn't take much, as I can attest - just throw 300 calories a day into your diet and reduce your exercise and you can see a steady and gradual weight gain over time.  I used to walk to stay slim - 5 to 6 miles a day, but my knees went bad, and I was reduced to 2 miles a day.  That plus a fondness for cheese and crackers, and other things, aded up to a 50 pound overage.

Twice I have lost the 50 pounds and stopped paying attention to my diet and gained it back slowly over a few years.  The best plan I had was when I joined Barrington Royal Fitness and went on a 1000 calorie diet with an hour walk each day - when I was still working!  I lost the 50 pounds in a year!  I felt like I had lost 20 years too.  

Now I find I cannot hold onto a land or longer than 4months, so I needed, as my heart doctor, Dr. Taditit of the Heart House put it "Something New."  I tried weight watchers, which worked for 10 weeks and 12 pounds, but then my senior citizen 10 week plan for $110 ran out and I gained it back.  I didn't want to pay out $40 a month for a regular membership.  I did weight watchers 3 times!  

So far on day 4 of the juice fast I have lost 4 pounds and I feel perfectly fine.  I worried about proper bowel function, so I opted to modify and have one small meal a day, breakfast, banana and cereal with almond milk, and then fast the rest of the day on the juice.

I make the juice once every other day and store a pitcher in the fridge, which lasts for a day and a half at an 8 ounce glass every two hours.  I get hungry, drink the juice, and it really does stop the hunger.  For the rest of the day, I keep to my usual schedule of gym, walk, lessons, chores, and so on.  Yesterday, I skipped the gym to work on a painting I had begun the day before.  Then I did my ukulele practice, my piano practice, went to my lessons, and came home to read and watch tv.  I had yoghurt and banana for breakfast and a cup of herbal tea later in the day, plus juice every 2 hours till bedtime.  

So that is this pilgrim's progress so far on the quest for fitness and health and a long life.  I'll keep you posted.  The restaurant where I am going for lunch is in either Marlton or Medford.  It is called Iliano's and they have a delicious minestrone soup that I like a lot.  Hiking in the woods with a pal and my dog, Trixie, after lunch.

Happy Trails,
if you want to talk to me about the juice fast use my e-mail.
wrightj45@yahoo.com
Jo Ann.

Friday, November 24, 2017

The Telford Inn

In my previous post about Thanksgiving at the Telford Inn, I should have mentioned that the Inn was built in the 1700's and has been an Inn, a Stagecoach stop, a post office and a private residence in its long history.  It is located on the Bridgeton Pike in Mantua and I have also been there for breakfast brunch which is wonderful!

If you enjoy dining in historic places, you will definitely like the Telford Inn.  Prices are reasonable too!  I didn't mention in my previous post, but the full Thanksgiving dinner was only $24.

Thanksgiving at the Telford Inn and Black Friday at the Amish Market

Mantua has two favorites of mine to offer the day tripper.
One is the Telford Inn, the other is the Amish Market.

Twice now, I have gone to the Telford Inn, Mantua for Thanksgiving Dinner. Could not have been nicer - in front of a crackling fire, with happy people all around, and good food - even for a vegetarian. I had candied sweet potatoes and broccoli au gratin and corn chowder soup. Went with a friend, Gail. We have had Thanksgiving at other historic inns such as the Centerton Inn in Pittsgrove, and the Sugar Hill Inn in Mays Landing. We've gone to Telford twice and like it very much. Took a nice drive out into farm country afterward and then a walk in Knight's Park with my Lab Trixie.

On Black Friday, we avoided the traffic and the crowds who no doubt filled every spot in the mall parking lots, by heading south to Mantua again, to the Amish Market. We had lunch in the cafe' - enjoying the all-you-can-eat lunch buffet which includes dessert (12.99). After, we strolled around and visited the many shops offering not only baked goods and cheeses, but Christmas crafts and florals.

Thanksgiving and Black Friday were also great days for walking in Knight's Park with my Lab friend, Trixie. The trees were aglow and the weather mild and balmy.

If you are looking for a nice way to spend a day, head to Mantua, enjoy lunch at the Amish Market Cafe' and then you can drive out to the farm lands and see Moods Farm with the windmill, and you can stop to shop or window shop at Mullica Hill, maybe even drop in to the Red Mill Antiques for that unique Christmas gift you've been looking for. Everyone loves vintage! I don't think there is any place prettier at this time of year! Although Mood's Farm when the apple orchards are in bloom is like heaven on earth. You can pick your own bushel and head home to make some applesauce!

Always wonderful places to go and things to do in South Jersey!

Happy Trails and hope you had a great Thanksgiving too!
Things I have to be thankful for - living in South Jersey and having a reliable car to drive, lower gas prices, and a group of friends from which I can always find one or two willing road trippers to keep me company!

Tuesday, November 21, 2017

A Lot of Holiday Events in Burlington County

So Many Jolly EVENTS IN BURLINGTON COUNTY 2017


November 28, 10:30am-7:45pm – LONGWOOD GARDENS CHRISTMAS BUS TRIP
Enjoy the sights and sounds of Longwood Gardens during the holiday season. Indoor and outdoor displays are infused with color and lights, thousands of seasonal plants exquisitely decorate the Conservatory, and sounds of the season resonate throughout. Arrival at the Gardens is scheduled for 12:00pm, giving plenty of time to take in all that is offered, including the newly-renovated fountain displays. Visit www.longwoodgardens.org for details of the holiday displays. The trip is sponsored by The Rancocas Nature Center and includes bus transportation and entry ticket. Call 609-261-2495 or visit www.rancocasnaturecenter.org for additional information. Cost: $65/per person.

December 2, 12:00-4:00pm – SHINN LOG CABIN OPEN HOUSE, (83 Park Drive, Mount Holly 08060)
Visit the historic structure which houses a collection of artifacts, maintained by the Mount Holly Historical Society. The first to own the cabin and probably the builder was Quaker, Thomas Shinn. He willed the cabin in 1751 to his son, Anguilla, a merchant and importer who sold Jamaican Rum to Native Americans. The Indians rowed canoes down the Rancocas Creek and visited the cabin. A room in the basement was reserved for them when they came to trade.

December 2, 1:00-6:00pm – RIVERFRONT HOLIDAY HOUSE TOUR, Riverfront Historical Society (Beverly Annex Building, Cooper Street)
We have amazing homes and historical buildings for you to see including a few on the Beverly riverbank. The tour will begin at the Riverfront Historical Society. Cost: $15 in advance or $20 at the door. You can order in advance by calling 609-351-3535 or 609-929-3071. Tickets will be available for pick up at 12:00pm at the Riverfront Museum. All proceeds benefit the Riverfront Historical Society.

December 3, 1:00-4:00pm – FARMERS HALL OPEN HOUSE, Mount Laurel
Visit Farmers Hall for a step back in time. The building will be decorated for the holidays by the Mount Laurel Garden Club. For more information visit www.mountlaurelhistoricalsociety.com



December 3, 2:00-4:00pm – ANNUAL HOLIDAY TEA & TOUR, Peachfield (180 Burrs Road, Westampton 08060)
Peachfield will once again be decorated for the holidays, and the New Jersey Colonial Dames will serve their tea specialties of the season at our annual Holiday Tea. Join us as we gather around the hearth with a warming fire and sample our favorite repasts. Rancocas Valley Regional High School Choir will be performing some of our favorite holiday carols. Cost: $18/per adult, $9/per child (under 15 years). Paid reservations in advance are recommended. For more information call 609-267-6996 or email colonialdamesnj@comcast.net.  Visit them at www.colonialdamesnj.org

December 4 -30, 1:00pm, 2:00pm, 3:00pm – SMITHVILLE MANSION TOURS, Smithville Mansion (803 Smithville Road, Eastampton 08060)
Enjoy the splendor of a Christmas past with a guided tour of the Historic Smithville Mansion, lavishly decorated for the holidays in a grand Victorian style. The 2017 theme is a Victorian Christmas during Queen Victoria’s reign in the mid 1800’s. Tours are daily and begin at 1:00, 2:00, & 3:00 PM. Cost: Adults/$7, Seniors and Students/$6. No reservation required. For more information visit www.smithvillemansion.org

December 5, 12:00pm – SMITHVILLE HOLIDAY TEA, Smithville Mansion (803 Smithville Road, Eastampton 08060)
The beautifully decorated Mansion Dining Room is the perfect setting for an afternoon tea. Take a break from shopping and the cold and relax with holiday themed tea and snacks. The afternoon tea includes a guided tour of the magnificent Smithville Mansion, fully decorated for the holidays. Call Jo at 856-767-3159 for reservations. Cost: $25/ per person. For more information visit www.smithvillemansion.org

December 7, 6:30-9:00pm – SMITHVILLE VILLAGE TOURS, Smithville Park (803 Smithville Road, Eastampton 08060)
Join Parks’ staff for a free, guided tour throughout the Historic Village at Smithville Park. Learn about the history of the park while enjoying the beautifully lighted landscape. These evening tours are free and select family nights include a visit from Mr. Scrooge and end with a warm cup of hot cocoa and cookies with Mrs. Claus! Family nights will be held on December 8 & 9, and December 15 &16. Candlelight tours of the Smithville Mansion are also offered on select nights for a fee. For more information visit www.co.burlington.nj.us/Parks or call 609-265-5828

December 7, 7:00pm – CANDLELIGHT TOURS OF SMITHVILLE MANSION, Smithville Mansion (803 Smithville Road, Eastampton 08060)
Enjoy the splendor of the magnificent Smithville Mansion at its grandest during an evening, candlelight tour. These evening tours allow you to see each room fully decorated with all the lights during the night hours. Adults/$12, Students/$10; Reservations can be made by calling 609-261-3295 or email SLeinbach@smithvillemansion.org. For more information visit www.smithvillemansion.org

December 8, 1:00-3:00pm – EVESHAM GREENS SALE, John Inskeep House (10 Madison Court, Marlton 08053)
Holiday wreaths, centerpieces, arrangements and loose fresh greens and baked goods for sale. Grave blankets can be preordered by calling 856-983-3139. For more information visit www.eveshamhistoricalsociety.org/

December 8, 6:30-9:00pm – SMITHVILLE VILLAGE TOURS, Smithville Park (803 Smithville Road, Eastampton 08060)
Join Parks’ staff for a free, guided tour throughout the Historic Village at Smithville Park. Learn about the history of the park while enjoying the beautifully lighted landscape. These evening tours are free and include a visit from Mr. Scrooge and end with a warm cup of hot cocoa and cookies with Mrs. Claus! For more information visit www.co.burlington.nj.us/Parks or call 609-265-5828

December 9, 10:00am-2:00pm – EVESHAM GREENS SALE, John Inskeep House (10 Madison Court, Marlton 08053)
Holiday wreaths, centerpieces, arrangements and loose fresh greens and baked goods for sale. Grave blankets can be preordered by calling 856-983-3139. For more information visit www.eveshamhistoricalsociety.org/

December 9, 11:00am-3:00pm – BATTLE OF IRON WORKS HILL, downtown Mount Holly
Experience December of 1776 through song, colonial crafts, clothing, and presentations. Programs include “Songs of the Revolutionary Era”, “What Did Colonials Wear”, “The Destruction of Rogers Mill and Brewery”, “The Road to Monmouth”, and a visit from Thomas Paine. Sponsored by the Burlington County Lyceum of History and Natural Sciences Association. For more information visit https://bclhnsassoc.org

December 9, 12:00pm – KRAMPUS FESTIVAL, White Hill Mansion (217 4th Street, Fieldsboro 08505)
This is a free event sponsored by Broomstick Betty of Bordentown. This will be an opportunity to purchase unique holiday gifts made by local artisans.  For more information visit their website at www.whitehillmansion.com

December 9, 12:00pm – SMITHVILLE HOLIDAY TEA, Smithville Mansion (803 Smithville Road, Eastampton 08060)
The beautifully decorated Mansion Dining Room is the perfect setting for an afternoon tea. Take a break from shopping and the cold and relax with holiday themed tea and snacks. The afternoon tea includes a guided tour of the magnificent Smithville Mansion, fully decorated for the holidays. Call Jo at 856-767-3159 for reservations. Cost: $25/ per person. For more information visit www.smithvillemansion.org

December 9, 12:00-4:00pm – SHINN LOG CABIN OPEN HOUSE, (83 Park Drive, Mount Holly 08060)
Visit the historic structure which houses a collection of artifacts, maintained by the Mount Holly Historical Society. The first to own the cabin and probably the builder was Quaker, Thomas Shinn. He willed the cabin in 1751 to his son, Anguilla, a merchant and importer who sold Jamaican Rum to Native Americans. The Indians rowed canoes down the Rancocas Creek and visited the cabin. A room in the basement was reserved for them when they came to trade.

December 9, 2:00-4:00pm – PAULSDALE OPEN HOUSE, Paulsdale (218 Hooton Road, Mount Laurel 08054)
Get into the holiday spirit at our annual open house event at Paulsdale. Enjoy the stunning holiday décor crafted by The Garden of Mount Laurel while celebrating the start of the holiday season with food, drinks, and warm conversation. And don’t miss the great gifts in API’s gift shop!  For more information visit www.alicepaul.org

December 9, 6:30-9:00pm – SMITHVILLE VILLAGE TOURS, Smithville Park (803 Smithville Road, Eastampton 08060)
Join Parks’ staff for a free, guided tour throughout the Historic Village at Smithville Park. Learn about the history of the park while enjoying the beautifully lighted landscape. These evening tours are free and include a visit from Mr. Scrooge and end with a warm cup of hot cocoa and cookies with Mrs. Claus! For more information visit www.co.burlington.nj.us/Parks or call 609-265-5828

December 10, 11:00am-4:00pm – HOMEMADE HOLIDAY, Whitesbog Village (120 Whitesbog Road, Browns Mills 08015)
Join us for our 2nd year celebrating the holidays as we welcome visitors to explore the many historic buildings of Whitesbog! Handmade Arts & Crafts exhibitors will be spread throughout the village, kid crafts in the art gallery, a candy cane hunt and a special visit from you know who! Wagon rides into the bogs, hot cocoa and warm apple cider, live music and even more! Loads of fun for the entire family!!!! For more information visit www.whitesbog.org


December 10, 1:00-4:00pm – FARMERS HALL OPEN HOUSE, Mount Laurel
Visit Farmers Hall for a step back in time. The building will be decorated for the holidays by the Mount Laurel Garden Club. For more information visit www.mountlaurelhistoricalsociety.com

December 10, 5:00-7:00pm – HOLIDAY HOUSE CANDLELIGHT TOUR, Peachfield (180 Burrs Road, Westampton 08060)
Celebrate Christmas with a Candlelight tour of Peachfield and West Hill Manor. Enjoy decorations and treats from the 1940’s, when the Harker’s called Peachfield home. Visit West Hill Manor for a Victorian Christmas experience. Cost: $10/per person. For more information visit www.colonialdamesnj.org

December 10, 6:30-9:00pm – SMITHVILLE VILLAGE TOURS, Smithville Park (803 Smithville Road, Eastampton 08060)
Join Parks’ staff for a free, guided tour throughout the Historic Village at Smithville Park. Learn about the history of the park while enjoying the beautifully lighted landscape. These evening tours are free and select family nights include a visit from Mr. Scrooge and end with a warm cup of hot cocoa and cookies with Mrs. Claus! Family nights will be held on December 8 & 9, and December 15 &16. Candlelight tours of the Smithville Mansion are also offered on select nights for a fee. For more information visit www.co.burlington.nj.us/Parks or call 609-265-5828

December 10, 7:00pm – CANDLELIGHT TOURS OF SMITHVILLE MANSION, Smithville Mansion (803 Smithville Road, Eastampton 08060)
Enjoy the splendor of the magnificent Smithville Mansion at its grandest during an evening, candlelight tour. These evening tours allow you to see each room fully decorated with all the lights during the night hours. Adults/$12, Students/$10; Reservations can be made by calling 609-261-3295 or email SLeinbach@smithvillemansion.org. For more information visit www.smithvillemansion.org

December 12, 7:00-9:00pm – FARMERS HALL OPEN HOUSE, Mount Laurel
Visit Farmers Hall for a step back in time. The building will be decorated for the holidays by the Mount Laurel Garden Club. For more information visit www.mountlaurelhistoricalsociety.com

December 13, 12:00pm – SMITHVILLE HOLIDAY TEA, Smithville Mansion (803 Smithville Road, Eastampton 08060)
The beautifully decorated Mansion Dining Room is the perfect setting for an afternoon tea. Take a break from shopping and the cold and relax with holiday themed tea and snacks. The afternoon tea includes a guided tour of the magnificent Smithville Mansion, fully decorated for the holidays. Call Jo at 856-767-3159 for reservations. Cost: $25/ per person. For more information visit www.smithvillemansion.org

December 14, 8:45am – LONGWOOD GARDENS BUS TRIP,
Enjoy the sights and sounds of Longwood Gardens during the holiday season. Indoor and outdoor displays are infused with color and lights, thousands of seasonal plants exquisitely decorate the Conservatory, and sounds of the season resonate throughout. Arrival at the gardens gives plenty of time to take in all that is offered, including the newly-renovated fountain displays. Visit www.longwoodgardens.org for details of the holiday displays. The trip is sponsored by The Mount Holly Historical Society and includes bus transportation, entry ticket, and Yuletide buffet lunch. Contact info@mounthollyhistoricalsociety.org for additional information. Cost: $90/per person.

December 14, 6:30-9:00pm – SMITHVILLE VILLAGE TOURS, Smithville Park (803 Smithville Road, Eastampton 08060)
Join Parks’ staff for a free, guided tour throughout the Historic Village at Smithville Park. Learn about the history of the park while enjoying the beautifully lighted landscape. These evening tours are free and select family nights include a visit from Mr. Scrooge and end with a warm cup of hot cocoa and cookies with Mrs. Claus! Family nights will be held on December 8 & 9, and December 15 &16. Candlelight tours of the Smithville Mansion are also offered on select nights for a fee. For more information visit www.co.burlington.nj.us/Parks or call 609-265-5828

December 14, 7:00pm – CANDLELIGHT TOURS OF SMITHVILLE MANSION, Smithville Mansion (803 Smithville Road, Eastampton 08060)
Enjoy the splendor of the magnificent Smithville Mansion at its grandest during an evening, candlelight tour. These evening tours allow you to see each room fully decorated with all the lights during the night hours. Adults/$12, Students/$10; Reservations can be made by calling 609-261-3295 or email SLeinbach@smithvillemansion.org. For more information visit www.smithvillemansion.org

December 15, 6:30-9:00pm – SMITHVILLE VILLAGE TOURS, Smithville Park (803 Smithville Road, Eastampton 08060)
Join Parks’ staff for a free, guided tour throughout the Historic Village at Smithville Park. Learn about the history of the park while enjoying the beautifully lighted landscape. These evening tours are free include a visit from Mr. Scrooge and end with a warm cup of hot cocoa and cookies with Mrs. Claus! For more information visit www.co.burlington.nj.us/Parks or call 609-265-5828

December 16, 12:00pm – SMITHVILLE HOLIDAY TEA, Smithville Mansion (803 Smithville Road, Eastampton 08060)
The beautifully decorated Mansion Dining Room is the perfect setting for an afternoon tea. Take a break from shopping and the cold and relax with holiday themed tea and snacks. The afternoon tea includes a guided tour of the magnificent Smithville Mansion, fully decorated for the holidays. Call Jo at 856-767-3159 for reservations. Cost: $25/ per person. For more information visit www.smithvillemansion.org

December 16, 12:00-4:00pm – SHINN LOG CABIN OPEN HOUSE, (83 Park Drive, Mount Holly 08060)
Visit the historic structure which houses a collection of artifacts, maintained by the Mount Holly Historical Society. The first to own the cabin and probably the builder was Quaker, Thomas Shinn. He willed the cabin in 1751 to his son, Anguilla, a merchant and importer who sold Jamaican Rum to Native Americans. The Indians rowed canoes down the Rancocas Creek and visited the cabin. A room in the basement was reserved for them when they came to trade.

December 16, 6:30-9:00pm – SMITHVILLE VILLAGE TOURS, Smithville Park (803 Smithville Road, Eastampton 08060)
Join Parks’ staff for a free, guided tour throughout the Historic Village at Smithville Park. Learn about the history of the park while enjoying the beautifully lighted landscape. These evening tours are free and include a visit from Mr. Scrooge and end with a warm cup of hot cocoa and cookies with Mrs. Claus! For more information visit www.co.burlington.nj.us/Parks or call 609-265-5828

December 17, 1:00-4:00pm – FARMERS HALL OPEN HOUSE, Mount Laurel
Visit Farmers Hall for a step back in time. The building will be decorated for the holidays by the Mount Laurel Garden Club. For more information visit www.mountlaurelhistoricalsociety.com

December 17, 6:30-9:00pm – SMITHVILLE VILLAGE TOURS, Smithville Park (803 Smithville Road, Eastampton 08060)
Join Parks’ staff for a free, guided tour throughout the Historic Village at Smithville Park. Learn about the history of the park while enjoying the beautifully lighted landscape. These evening tours are free and select family nights include a visit from Mr. Scrooge and end with a warm cup of hot cocoa and cookies with Mrs. Claus! Family nights will be held on December 8 & 9, and December 15 &16. Candlelight tours of the Smithville Mansion are also offered on select nights for a fee. For more information visit www.co.burlington.nj.us/Parks or call 609-265-5828

December 17, 7:00pm – CANDLELIGHT TOURS OF SMITHVILLE MANSION, Smithville Mansion (803 Smithville Road, Eastampton 08060)
Enjoy the splendor of the magnificent Smithville Mansion at its grandest during an evening, candlelight tour. These evening tours allow you to see each room fully decorated with all the lights during the night hours. Adults/$12, Students/$10; Reservations can be made by calling 609-261-3295 or email SLeinbach@smithvillemansion.org. For more information visit www.smithvillemansion.org

December 19, 12:00pm – SMITHVILLE HOLIDAY TEA, Smithville Mansion (803 Smithville Road, Eastampton 08060)
The beautifully decorated Mansion Dining Room is the perfect setting for an afternoon tea. Take a break from shopping and the cold and relax with holiday themed tea and snacks. The afternoon tea includes a guided tour of the magnificent Smithville Mansion, fully decorated for the holidays. Call Jo at 856-767-3159 for reservations. Cost: $25/ per person. For more information visit www.smithvillemansion.org

December 21, 6:30-9:00pm – SMITHVILLE VILLAGE TOURS, Smithville Park (803 Smithville Road, Eastampton 08060)
Join Parks’ staff for a free, guided tour throughout the Historic Village at Smithville Park. Learn about the history of the park while enjoying the beautifully lighted landscape. These evening tours are free and select family nights include a visit from Mr. Scrooge and end with a warm cup of hot cocoa and cookies with Mrs. Claus! Family nights will be held on December 8 & 9, and December 15 &16. Candlelight tours of the Smithville Mansion are also offered on select nights for a fee. For more information visit www.co.burlington.nj.us/Parks or call 609-265-5828

December 21, 7:00pm – CANDLELIGHT TOURS OF SMITHVILLE MANSION, Smithville Mansion (803 Smithville Road, Eastampton 08060)
Enjoy the splendor of the magnificent Smithville Mansion at its grandest during an evening, candlelight tour. These evening tours allow you to see each room fully decorated with all the lights during the night hours. Adults/$12, Students/$10; Reservations can be made by calling 609-261-3295 or email SLeinbach@smithvillemansion.org. For more information visit www.smithvillemansion.org

December 27, 7:00pm – CANDLELIGHT TOURS OF SMITHVILLE MANSION, Smithville Mansion (803 Smithville Road, Eastampton 08060)
Enjoy the splendor of the magnificent Smithville Mansion at its grandest during an evening, candlelight tour. These evening tours allow you to see each room fully decorated with all the lights during the night hours. Adults/$12, Students/$10; Reservations can be made by calling 609-261-3295 or email SLeinbach@smithvillemansion.org. For more information visit www.smithvillemansion.org

December 28, 12:00pm – SMITHVILLE HOLIDAY TEA, Smithville Mansion (803 Smithville Road, Eastampton 08060)
The beautifully decorated Mansion Dining Room is the perfect setting for an afternoon tea. Take a break from shopping and the cold and relax with holiday themed tea and snacks. The afternoon tea includes a guided tour of the magnificent Smithville Mansion, fully decorated for the holidays. Call Jo at 856-767-3159 for reservations. Cost: $25/ per person. For more information visit www.smithvillemansion.org

December 29, 7:00pm – CANDLELIGHT TOURS OF SMITHVILLE MANSION, Smithville Mansion (803 Smithville Road, Eastampton 08060)
Enjoy the splendor of the magnificent Smithville Mansion at its grandest during an evening, candlelight tour. These evening tours allow you to see each room fully decorated with all the lights during the night hours. Adults/$12, Students/$10; Reservations can be made by calling 609-261-3295 or email SLeinbach@smithvillemansion.org. For more information visit www.smithvillemansion.org

Saturday, November 18, 2017

The Museum of American History at Deptford, NJ

Finally, today, an adventure day-trip pal and I found our way to the Museum of American History at Deptford, NJ.  It is located at 138 Andaloro Way and the phone number is 856-812-1121.  

First let me say that my favorite items in this collection are the train platform ice skating figures, sleighs and sledders made in post World War II Germany from old bullet shells and other discarded munitions, melted down and re-cast for souvenir sale.  I love that things of killing were turned into things of beauty and celebration.

But, really, I love EVERYTHING about this museum, the implements of farm history for example.  The curator is a descendant of the Sauslein farm family of Maple Shade, a place where I grew up in the late 1950's.  My brother and I hunted for fossils at the clay pits (as they were known to us) but the grounds of a pottery manufacturing concern in those times.  The farm implements from their properties were inherited and now reside in the museum which has, since its last residence in a school building in Glamssboro, become a Foundation to protect and preserve the artifacts.

Some of the groups of artifacts on display include Fossils, Glass and Ceramics, Antique Tools and Equipment, Farm Implements, and upcoming - November 24 through Jan.28, the 15th Annual Antique Toy Train Display (another favorite of mine). 

Frankly I like the new housing of the collection better than the large impersonal school building setting where it was a couple of years ago, in Glamssboro.  I visited the collection there several times with different friends and when different exhibits were being held, for example there was a World War Exhibit that I saw there, and there was the annual toy train exhibit at Christmas time that I visited.  

It is wonderful to see history up close and personal and to see an individual collector expanding and conserving his collection.  These smaller local museums are always my favorites!  Remember the Prehistory Museum in Greenwich?  I wrote about that one many times and the wonderful collection of Native American pottery and projectile points.  The last time I was there, an oyster fisherman came in with a mastodon molar he had unearthed near Port Norris. He was looking to sell it but of course, these museums don't buy, they house donated local collections.  I saw one of those mastodon teeth at the American History Museum in Deptford today.  It reminded me of the other museum and the other visit a couple of years before in Greenwich.

I do hope you visit this museum and help support history in our area.  I plan to become a member.  Membership is $20 for individuals and includes free admission and a newsletter.  

for more information:
info@southjerseymuseum.org
www.southjerseymuseum.org
and they are on Facebook!

If, like me, you are a train fan, you may want to have lunch at the Woodbury Train Station before you visit the museum, and if like me you are a hiker/walker, you may want to combine your lunch and museum trip with a walk around Red Bank Battlefield in National Park, they are all fairly close to one another.

Happy Trails!
Jo Ann



Generations and Populations

When I was a teacher, I used to use the Pop Clock for various lessons about America.  One year's theme was Continents of the World, World History (Great Civilizations), World History (Indigenous Peoples), another was Art History Periods, Great Artists of the World, and one was The United States.  In the research I did for the US, I looked at ancestry groups and found interesting information which is now out-dated.  So, after a conversation with friends at lunch last week, I decided to see the current breakdown of ancestry groups:
Those claiming German ancestry remain the largest group at just over 17 percent, almost even with Hispanics at 17%, African Americans are 13%, Irish are 11% (7 more Irish in American than in Ireland!!) English are 8.7%, Italians 6%, Jewish 1.4%.

And on the generations:
1901 to 1924 - The Greatest Generation
1924 to 1940 - The Silent Generation
1940 - 1960 - Baby Boomers
1960-80 Generation X
1980 to early 2000 - Millennials
2000 - present Generation Z

There are interesting articles on Pop Clock as well as population anises of various kinds but the information I found most easily was on google.


Saturday, November 11, 2017

Historic Events on Holidays

From The Atlantic Magazine, November 2017 issue:
George Washington and his army crossed the Delaware on December 25, 1776 to launch a surprise attack the next morning on a garrison of Hessian troops celebrating Christmas.  The Continental troops forces marched, hungry and ill clad against the cold and snow, to make this attack.  The decisive victory increased morale and gave our faltering Revolution the boost it needed to convince everyone we might have a chance.

Friday, November 10, 2017

50 Years Old - the Rolling Stone Magazine AND Review of movie, LBJ

Reading Dec. issue of the Atlantic.  No doubt if you are anywhere near my age, you, at least once. read The Rolling Stone.  This is the 50th anniversary and like a person who lived it up and never cared about health or longevity, it doesn't look like the RS is going much past 50.  The last 52% owned by founder Jann Wenner is up for sale.  He had already sold the first 48%.  A biography of Jann Wenner, himself, is also about to be released and was reviewed in the Atlantic.  There were three quotes I thought interesting enough for orange highlighter and posting here.  One has to do with writing and the other with history:

1.A writer needs to feel the freedom to look stupid, even to make a fool of himself, in order to do the kind of work he has always imagined but never before quite pulled off.

2.Everything we read about the past is bound to be incomplete, because although we might know what unfolded, we can never really know how the experience felt.
As a writer and as a person looking back on a long life, both of these ideas made a glow in my mind when I read them.  Hope they provoke some interesting thoughts in yours too!
The story that gets pieced together takes the place of memory, then becomes the memory.

3.History is not what happened but what remains when everything else is forgotten.

A couple of days ago, I saw the movie LBJ and it was fantastic.  First of all Woody Harrelson did a great character study of LBJ.  But you did have to get past the prosthetic ugly face that they made him wear, unnecessarily, I think.
It was a very pertinent film to our own time in that it does a creditable sketch of the way LBJ made a bridge between irreconcilable opposite sides.  He got the racist Southern politicians to make enough compromise with the Northern liberals to get the Civil Rights Act passed.  And, we have LBJ to thank for Medicare - THANK YOU!!
It was also a fascinating thing to ponder how the real LBJ made a huge turn-about from his former political conservative position to the Great Society reformer that he became.  He saw the future and he got on board while others, stuck in the quicksand of their outdated positions sank only deeper.
If you get the time, go see the movie.  If not, catch it on tv.  You will have a lot to think about!  And compare.  To think we went from my heroic past Presidents Lincoln, FDR, and LBJ to the greedy, impulsive, reckless fool the other 42% have put in charge now.
Well, Happy Trails,
Jo Ann

Thursday, November 2, 2017

Burlington Count Events

In case you are not on their mailing list, Marisa Bozarth sent this out today in e-mail:

This week in Burlington CountyHistory events 

November 1-5, 2017November 1-3, noon-4:00pm – “ALICE PAUL: IN PURSUIT OF ORDINARY EQUALITYEXHIBIT”, Paulsdale (218 Hooton Road, Mount Laurel 08054) Enjoy a tour of historic Paulsdale, the childhood home of Alice Stokes Paul, who fought for the right to vote for women. Tours begin with a 15-minute DVE presentation, The Life of Alice Stokes Paul, 1885-1977. Guests then walk around the porch to learn about the farm that once surrounded Paulsdale. Inside the house, visitors view the exhibit Alice Paul: In Pursuit of Ordinary Equality and learn about the Paul family’s daily life in the house, the restoration of the site, and its present-day use as a women’s history center and a leadership institute for women and girls. Admission is $5 per person. For more information contact the Alice Paul Institute at 856-231-1885 or email info@alicepaul.org. Visit their website at www.alicepaul.org

November 2, 6:00pm-8:00pm - “FEMINISM 101 LECTURE SERIES: NEVERTHELESS, SHE PERSISTED: VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN”, Paulsdale (218 Hooton Road, MountLaurel 08054) An in-depth look at how intimate partner violence and rape effect American women. We will explore the concept of rape culture and see how the U.S. compares to other nations as we look at statistics on violence against women. Admission is $12.50 per person. For more information contact the Alice Paul Institute at 856-231-1885 or email info@alicepaul.org. Visit their website at www.alicepaul.org

November 4, 9:00am-noon – “ARMED FORCES HERITAGE MUSEUM”, Freedom Park (86 Union Street, Medford 08055)The mobile museum will be at the WWI monument dedication. November 4, 10:00am-2:00pm – “OPEN HOUSE AT SHIPMAN MANSION”, Shipman Mansion (221 Edgewater Avenue, Edgewater Park 08010)The Shipman Mansion is a Second Empire style home built c. 1869 on the banks of the Delaware River by Paul and Alice Shipman. It is listed on the NJ and Federal Registry of Historic Places. Many of its original architectural details are preserved including the fireplaces, three-story stairwell, and ceiling medallions. The mansion also houses a collection of antique canoes and artifacts from the early history of the Red Dragon CanoeClub founding in 1887. For more information contact the Shipman Mansion at 856-986-7969. Visit their website at www.shipmanmansion.org

November 4, 10:00am-3:00pm – “VOLUNTEER WORKDAY”, Whitesbog Village (120 W. Whitesbog Road, Browns Mills 08015)Have a scout troop of family friend? Bring them to the village! We have benches to paint, trails to clear, supplies to organize, signs to create…We are open to all and all abilities! We have tools, gloves, drop clothes, etc. to get you started. This month we are working in the Garden, the garage, shed, on the trails and the General Store and porch. All participants get lunch in the General Store. Burn calories, meet new people, get volunteer hours for school. For more information contact Whitesbog Preservation Trust at 609-893-4646. Visit their website at www.whitesbog.org

November 4, noon-3:00pm – “OPEN HOUSE AT RIVERFRONT HISTORICAL SOCIETY”, Riverfront Historical Society (Beverly Library Annex, 441 Cooper Street, Beverly08010)Visit the present collection and a new donation table to see recent gifts. This month’s surprise is a model of a room in Wall Rope made in the 1930’s as a gift for Mr. Wall. The model has equipment and people from a work area that you can see. The full story will be told next month. For more information contact the Historical Society at 609-387-1079. Visit their website at www.orgsites.com/nj/riverfronthistoricalsociety

November 4, noon-4:00pm – “OPEN HOUSE AT SHINN-CURTIS LOG CABIN”, Mount Holly Historical Society (83 Park Drive, Mount Holly 08060)The log cabin is an historic structure which houses a collection of artifacts maintained by the Mount Holly Historical Society. The first to own the cabin and probably the builder was Quaker, Thomas Shinn. He willed the cabin in 1751 to his son, Anguilla, a merchant and importer who sold Jamaican Rum from the cabin to local Native Americans. The Indians rowed their canoes down the Rancocas Creek and visited the cabin. A room in the basement was reserved for them when they came to trade. 

November 4, 6:00pm – “MOONLIGHT WALK”, Whitesbog Village (120 W. Whitesbog Road, Browns Mills 08015)Listen to the night sounds of the Pines, learn about Whitesbog and experience the seasonal changes of the Pinelands. All walks are 3-5 miles in length, weather permitting and led by experience leaders. Well behaved dogs on leash are welcome. A donation of $5 is suggested. RSVP by leaving your name and contact number at 609-893-4646. Visit their website at www.whitesbog.org

November 4, 7:00pm-midnight – “PUBLIC GHOST HUNT”, White Hill Mansion (217 4th Street, Fieldsboro 08505)Lean ghost hunting from paranormal investigators. Use professional equipment and hunt with the investigators. You never know who or what you may find! Tickets are $35 each. Tickets can be purchased at www.whitehillmansion.com. 

I wish I could post the same for you from Camden County, but if there is such mailing list, I don't have it!  It is a wonderful idea to keep everyone informed of what's going on and promote attendance in that way!