Sadly, sometimes I'm writing to you about something that already happened in which case you can't go see it, but you can tuck it away for next year!
SADDLERTOWN DAY
Today, the people of Saddlertown celebrated almost 175 years of history. The town was founded by a man who escaped freedom and came to work for a Quaker in New Jersey named Evans. Evans helped Saddler raise enough money to buy his own place and the small hamlet of Saddlertown began. The next event that helped make a village out of a farm was the construction of the Rhoads Temple Church, built in 1882 with the help of Charles and Beulah Rhoads, another Quaker family. As with so many of the inspiring stories of New Jersey's prouder moments in history, the Quakers were central motivators.
When Joshua Saddler passed away, he left a provision in his will to protect a patch of old growth forest forever. Over the many years, his family and now, the Saddler's Woods Conservation Association have fought tirelessly to protect these woods from many selfish interests that would have destroyed the forest for their own purposes in defiance of the purpose and spirit of Saddler's will.
I've hiked the Saddler's Woods path many times and often red in the papers when volunteers come together to go through the woods and pick up debris left by the careless.
Today was Saddlertown Day, and there was an open house in the Rhoads Temple Church and there were tables with volunteers ready to talk about the history of this remarkable treasure tucked away in the middle of suburban sprawl. I wouldn't have known about it if my Cousin Patty hadn't saved a newspaper (Phila. Inquirer Thurs. Sept. 10) article for me. When I visited her Friday she gave it to me, but I already had plans for early today and couldn't get to Saddlertown Day until afternoon, when it was ending.
In the article they mention a site where you can reearch the history further, should you wish to do so: haddontwphistoricalsociety.org
While having lunch at the Blue Plate Cafe in Mullica Hill today, I picked up a postcard announcing Civil War Living History Weekend Fall Open House and Pumpkin Festival. This takes plae on Oct. 10th and 11th. So here, at least is something coming up for you to enjoy!
For more info www.mullicahill.com or call (856) 223-5440
Happy Trails!
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