Today, Sunday, October 29th, my pal Barbara Solem, for my birthday, took me on a tour of White Hill Mansion, Fieldsboro, NJ. It has been open for tours for a couple of years, but this is the first time we have been able to get there since we last visited about ten years ago.
When I last visited, with an old friend and fellow historic house buff, Loretta Kelly, she was working on historic house designation and on creating a protective non-profit organization to save the house. It was, then, filled with the cast off furniture of evicted people from the township. There was an abandoned tractor trailer in the front yard and leaks from the roof had rotted a carpet which was sagging the floor in one of the upstairs rooms. Despite all this, the mansion had such power and beauty that Loretta devoted herself to saving it. She had written a masters on it previously and she told me relevant (to me at the time) details about its Revolutionary War period history. Richard Fields had been on the Committee of Correspondence. On his way home across the river from Ben Salem, he drowned under very mysterious circumstances, leaving his young wife Mary to fend for herself in perilous times.
Mary, using her wits and charm had parried with a couple of Hessian officers sent to search her house for 'Rebels' which she was accused of harboring.
The house has a long long and colorful history starting with this Revolutionary War connection and going on through speak-easies and crime connections on its way to the present.
Take the Tour and hear the stories, you'll be entertained and edified with yet another perspective on New Jersey history.
Our tour guides after the introductory talk with Loretta Kelly in the parlor, were delightful and considerate. AND the house is mysterious and beautiful, especially now that the workers have cleared it of the accumulated debris of former neglect, and revealed its faded grandeur.
Lots of Paranormal activity for those of you who walk on the shadowy side! The ghost-hunters have found many fascinating and inexplicable things to report on at White Hill Mansion.
They were open every Sunday in October. Check their web-site for what's going on in November.
Just google White Hill Mansion, Fieldsboro, NJ
Happy Trails and Happy Halloween!
ps. I haven't been back to Thompson Street yet, but I will try to get there and see how the Pirate theme is coming along. I think this rain probably set them back. I am guessing that they had counted on all day Sunday for finishing touches. On the topic of the weather however, the gloomy rainy day added to the spookiness of the White Hill Mansion tour!
Sunday, October 29, 2017
Thursday, October 26, 2017
Art Club - Open Studio at Main Street Art in Maple Shade, NJ
Wonderful day at Main Street Art, Maple Shade, NJ. Two of my old college classmates/friends and I have formed an "open studio" art group for the inspiration and camaraderie of working with other artists.
Two of us have been au plein air (Outdoor to us) painting for a few months. The third is recently returned from her home in Costa Rica (on family business). We had discussed how this open studio might unfold. Robert had the first idea. He thought he might work on what he refers to as his "underdogs" - paintings he began but hadn't completed to his satisfaction. So I brought a Joni Mitchell portrait I had been working on without success.
However, Robert had another intriguing idea. We had both been parted from many of our paintings in the past, some of which we missed. Robert thought it might be a good idea to reprise them. He worked on one of those, and I completed my previously begun and continuing to be unsuccessfully resolved Joni Mitchell painting. The new version makes me very happy. The title is "A River to Skate Away On."
Years ago, I had worked on a dozen intricate and laboriously executed large scale (for me - 36 by 24") colored pencil renderings of favorite buildings that incorporated public clocks in their facades. I polished in many layers of waxy colored pencil to make a kind of shimmering flat color. Sometimes I worked for 3 hours on a square inch with four different pencils to get just exactly the color I wanted. Most of them were lost in a fire. So when we get together again in two weeks, I am going to take Robert's suggestion and reprise those images but in paint this time.
If you are interested in joining us, we have one or two spaces open in our group at $10 a person for the studio time
and I am certain that if more people were interested, Diane could add more blocks of time. It is just wonderful to work with other artists from time to time - a treat we all miss after we leave college and have no more group studio work. You miss the exchange of ideas, the critique help, and the joy of seeing the difference in process and outcome from a different artistic point of view.
You can google Main Street Art for more information. It is located (of course) on Main Street in Maple Shade, New Jersey. It also gives you a first notice of upcoming shows for your work!
We (the members of this first group) have also joined as Members of Main Street Art.
Happy Trails (whether in your mind or in the woods)
Jo Ann
Two of us have been au plein air (Outdoor to us) painting for a few months. The third is recently returned from her home in Costa Rica (on family business). We had discussed how this open studio might unfold. Robert had the first idea. He thought he might work on what he refers to as his "underdogs" - paintings he began but hadn't completed to his satisfaction. So I brought a Joni Mitchell portrait I had been working on without success.
However, Robert had another intriguing idea. We had both been parted from many of our paintings in the past, some of which we missed. Robert thought it might be a good idea to reprise them. He worked on one of those, and I completed my previously begun and continuing to be unsuccessfully resolved Joni Mitchell painting. The new version makes me very happy. The title is "A River to Skate Away On."
Years ago, I had worked on a dozen intricate and laboriously executed large scale (for me - 36 by 24") colored pencil renderings of favorite buildings that incorporated public clocks in their facades. I polished in many layers of waxy colored pencil to make a kind of shimmering flat color. Sometimes I worked for 3 hours on a square inch with four different pencils to get just exactly the color I wanted. Most of them were lost in a fire. So when we get together again in two weeks, I am going to take Robert's suggestion and reprise those images but in paint this time.
If you are interested in joining us, we have one or two spaces open in our group at $10 a person for the studio time
and I am certain that if more people were interested, Diane could add more blocks of time. It is just wonderful to work with other artists from time to time - a treat we all miss after we leave college and have no more group studio work. You miss the exchange of ideas, the critique help, and the joy of seeing the difference in process and outcome from a different artistic point of view.
You can google Main Street Art for more information. It is located (of course) on Main Street in Maple Shade, New Jersey. It also gives you a first notice of upcoming shows for your work!
We (the members of this first group) have also joined as Members of Main Street Art.
Happy Trails (whether in your mind or in the woods)
Jo Ann
Saturday, October 21, 2017
Burlington County Events Just in time for the Halloween season
Just in time for the Halloween season, hear stories of local lore, legend, mystery and intrigue. Location: Smithville Mansion, Billiard Room (803 Smithville Road, Eastampton) for more information contact Marisa Bozarth at 609-265-5828
October 26 – “Tea and Tour of Smithville Mansion” – 12:00pmTea includes a tour of the mansion. Fee: $20 per person. For more information or to register contact Jo at 856-767-3159 or email info@smithvillemansion.org
October 26 – “Burlington County Mysteries” – 6:30pmJust in time for the Halloween season, hear stories of local lore, legend, mystery and intrigue. Location: Smithville Mansion, Billiard Room (803 Smithville Road, Eastampton) for more information contact Marisa Bozarth at 609-265-5828
October 27 – “Flashlight Tour of White Hill Mansion” – 7:00-10:00pmTour White Hill Mansion by flashlight while learning about the homes history and past owners. Tours last approximately 1 hour and run every 20 minutes. Fee: $15 per person. Location: White Hill Mansion (217 4th Street, Fieldsboro)
October 28 – “Jazz Notes” – 12:00pmCalling all Jazz Enthusiasts! Join Alonzo Jennings as he travels through time listening and discussing Jazz Legends of the past and present. Location: Smithville Mansion Annex Gallery (803 Smithville Road, Eastampton)
October 29 – “Open House” – 1:00-3:00pmVisit White Hill Mansion to hear stories of the homes past owners and history of the home. You may even hear a ghost story or two. Fee: $10 donation requested.Location: White Hill Mansion (217 4th Street, Fieldsboro)
October 26 – “Tea and Tour of Smithville Mansion” – 12:00pmTea includes a tour of the mansion. Fee: $20 per person. For more information or to register contact Jo at 856-767-3159 or email info@smithvillemansion.org
October 26 – “Burlington County Mysteries” – 6:30pmJust in time for the Halloween season, hear stories of local lore, legend, mystery and intrigue. Location: Smithville Mansion, Billiard Room (803 Smithville Road, Eastampton) for more information contact Marisa Bozarth at 609-265-5828
October 27 – “Flashlight Tour of White Hill Mansion” – 7:00-10:00pmTour White Hill Mansion by flashlight while learning about the homes history and past owners. Tours last approximately 1 hour and run every 20 minutes. Fee: $15 per person. Location: White Hill Mansion (217 4th Street, Fieldsboro)
October 28 – “Jazz Notes” – 12:00pmCalling all Jazz Enthusiasts! Join Alonzo Jennings as he travels through time listening and discussing Jazz Legends of the past and present. Location: Smithville Mansion Annex Gallery (803 Smithville Road, Eastampton)
October 29 – “Open House” – 1:00-3:00pmVisit White Hill Mansion to hear stories of the homes past owners and history of the home. You may even hear a ghost story or two. Fee: $10 donation requested.Location: White Hill Mansion (217 4th Street, Fieldsboro)
Wednesday, October 18, 2017
Burlington County Historical Society Book Talk and Signing "The History of a Great American River"
The History of a Great American River - the Delaware River
Cost $5 per person - Corson Poley Center at Burlington County Historical Society Entrance on 457 High St. and 454 Lawrence St. Burlington , NJ 08016 rsvp call 609-336-4773 or e-mail
burlcohistsocprograms at verizon.net
Having been born and raised near the Delaware River, in Philadelphia, I spent my childhood close to the river, going to Sunday School at Gloria Dei Church right on the river. Every summer my family took the Wilson line to Riverview Beach. As an adult, I lived within a few miles of the river and taught in Gloucester City schools, so I saw the river every day. I went to Proprietor's Park on my breaks to watch the river and relax, and still go there to see the spectacular sunsets over the marina.
You could say the Delaware River and I have been neighbors. I will probably go to this lecure as I have enjoyed the ones presented in the past very much.
Cost $5 per person - Corson Poley Center at Burlington County Historical Society Entrance on 457 High St. and 454 Lawrence St. Burlington , NJ 08016 rsvp call 609-336-4773 or e-mail
burlcohistsocprograms at verizon.net
Having been born and raised near the Delaware River, in Philadelphia, I spent my childhood close to the river, going to Sunday School at Gloria Dei Church right on the river. Every summer my family took the Wilson line to Riverview Beach. As an adult, I lived within a few miles of the river and taught in Gloucester City schools, so I saw the river every day. I went to Proprietor's Park on my breaks to watch the river and relax, and still go there to see the spectacular sunsets over the marina.
You could say the Delaware River and I have been neighbors. I will probably go to this lecure as I have enjoyed the ones presented in the past very much.
Tuesday, October 10, 2017
From Marisa Bozarth - Events in Burlington County 10/11-10/15 and MORE
This week in Burlington CountyHistory events October 10 - October 15, 2017
October 11 – “Out Of My Great Sorrows” – 7:00pm - Out of My Great Sorrows tells the story of how the Armenian Genocide affected subsequent generations of survivors’ families. Susan Arpajian Jolley, who co-authored the book with her brother Allan Arpajian, shares the experience of their aunt, Mary Zakarian. Though a formidable artist, the experiences of Mary’s parents, survivorsof the Armenian Genocide, greatly shaped her life. Join us as Susan relates the lifeand experiences of a very talented, but often troubled woman. Location: Peachfield (180 Burrs Road, Westampton)
October 12 – “Hugh Campbell: American Artist” – 6:30pm – View a 30-minute documentary on the life of Hugh Campbell. See rarely before seen works of this enigmatic artist. Discover how Hugh view the 20th century world, taken from interviews and the artist’s own journals.Location: Historic Burlington County Prison Museum Courtyard (2 Grant Street, Mount Holly)
October 14 – “Feeding a Village” – 1:00pm – Join Eric Orange for a walk down the food chain. With stops at the general store, farm complex and worker’s house, you will discover how the people of Smithville fed themselves. Tours begin at the Visitor Center, Historic Smithville Park (803 Smithville Road, Eastampton)
October 15 – “Open House at White Hill Mansion” – 1:00pm-3:00pm – Over the years plenty of people have lived their lives at the White Hill Mansion. Some of them may still be here. Learn about the people who lived and died in the house. Location: White Hill Mansion (217 4th Street, Fieldsboro)
October 22 The Red Bank Battlefield - Field Day
I can't say what they will have happening there but in the past they have had Hessians and a re-enactment of the pivotal Revolutionary War Battle, plus house tours, sutlers, and demonstrations of Colonial era arts and crafts such as candle making.
October 11 – “Out Of My Great Sorrows” – 7:00pm - Out of My Great Sorrows tells the story of how the Armenian Genocide affected subsequent generations of survivors’ families. Susan Arpajian Jolley, who co-authored the book with her brother Allan Arpajian, shares the experience of their aunt, Mary Zakarian. Though a formidable artist, the experiences of Mary’s parents, survivorsof the Armenian Genocide, greatly shaped her life. Join us as Susan relates the lifeand experiences of a very talented, but often troubled woman. Location: Peachfield (180 Burrs Road, Westampton)
October 12 – “Hugh Campbell: American Artist” – 6:30pm – View a 30-minute documentary on the life of Hugh Campbell. See rarely before seen works of this enigmatic artist. Discover how Hugh view the 20th century world, taken from interviews and the artist’s own journals.Location: Historic Burlington County Prison Museum Courtyard (2 Grant Street, Mount Holly)
October 14 – “Feeding a Village” – 1:00pm – Join Eric Orange for a walk down the food chain. With stops at the general store, farm complex and worker’s house, you will discover how the people of Smithville fed themselves. Tours begin at the Visitor Center, Historic Smithville Park (803 Smithville Road, Eastampton)
October 15 – “Open House at White Hill Mansion” – 1:00pm-3:00pm – Over the years plenty of people have lived their lives at the White Hill Mansion. Some of them may still be here. Learn about the people who lived and died in the house. Location: White Hill Mansion (217 4th Street, Fieldsboro)
October 22 The Red Bank Battlefield - Field Day
I can't say what they will have happening there but in the past they have had Hessians and a re-enactment of the pivotal Revolutionary War Battle, plus house tours, sutlers, and demonstrations of Colonial era arts and crafts such as candle making.
Sunday, October 8, 2017
Upcoming Events from "Out and About"
Looking for fun things to do this month? If you can, grab a copy of Out and About where many more things are listed than I have below, but here is a start! Listing by town.
Barrington Town-wide Yard Sale Sat. Oct 21.
Collingswood 1. Architectural Walking Tour, Sunday Oct. 15
2. SHADES of Poe at the Collings-Knight House, 500 W. Collings Ave. (Edgar Allen Poes Spookiest works) from Thursday Oct. 19 through Halloween A story in each room. Sun. 22, Thur. Oct 26, Tue. 31st. Requires standing, walking, climbing stairs, minimum age 13, $15 www.shadesofpoe.com
3. Last Classsic Car Cruise night in Collingswood Oct. 19 Thurs. from 6-9 pm.with live music 856-858-9275 (call to see if canceled for rain)
Haddon Heights 1. Colonial Encampment Sat. Oct 14
2. St. Mary's Church PUMPKIN PATCH on the front lawn, pumpkins starting a low as 75 cents opens Sun. Oct 15 through Tues Oct 31 856-547-3240
Haddon Twp. Music Fest on the Avenue Sunday Oct 22
Haddonfield 1. Haunted Haddofield Tours 7 p.m. Fri. & Sat. 20-21, 27-28 with Bill Meehan, author of "Haunted Haddonfield" Ticket $10 Call Historical society 856-429-7375
2. Haddonfield Fall Festival Craft Fair Sat. ct. 14 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Happy Trails!
Jo Ann (wrightj45@yahoo.com)
Barrington Town-wide Yard Sale Sat. Oct 21.
Collingswood 1. Architectural Walking Tour, Sunday Oct. 15
2. SHADES of Poe at the Collings-Knight House, 500 W. Collings Ave. (Edgar Allen Poes Spookiest works) from Thursday Oct. 19 through Halloween A story in each room. Sun. 22, Thur. Oct 26, Tue. 31st. Requires standing, walking, climbing stairs, minimum age 13, $15 www.shadesofpoe.com
3. Last Classsic Car Cruise night in Collingswood Oct. 19 Thurs. from 6-9 pm.with live music 856-858-9275 (call to see if canceled for rain)
Haddon Heights 1. Colonial Encampment Sat. Oct 14
2. St. Mary's Church PUMPKIN PATCH on the front lawn, pumpkins starting a low as 75 cents opens Sun. Oct 15 through Tues Oct 31 856-547-3240
Haddon Twp. Music Fest on the Avenue Sunday Oct 22
Haddonfield 1. Haunted Haddofield Tours 7 p.m. Fri. & Sat. 20-21, 27-28 with Bill Meehan, author of "Haunted Haddonfield" Ticket $10 Call Historical society 856-429-7375
2. Haddonfield Fall Festival Craft Fair Sat. ct. 14 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Happy Trails!
Jo Ann (wrightj45@yahoo.com)
Saturday, October 7, 2017
Collingswood Book Fair TODAY!
It was too HOT for me but it is always inspiring to go to the Collingwood Book Fair and meet all the authors and see all the new books and share with their journey from inspiration to creation and publication. It is wonderful to realize so many people write and read.
Books have been my best friends all my life and have made me what I am. They continue to enrich my life and change my mind every day.
The two books I am currently reading are: Effortless Mastery (this one is about music but the ideas really pertain to any art) and A Brief History of Diaries (since I have been keeping diaries since I was in my 20's and currently enjoy Artists' Journals!
If you didn't get there this year, mar
k your calendar for next year! It is worth it.
f
Happy Trails! Jo Ann
wrightj45@yahoo.com
Books have been my best friends all my life and have made me what I am. They continue to enrich my life and change my mind every day.
The two books I am currently reading are: Effortless Mastery (this one is about music but the ideas really pertain to any art) and A Brief History of Diaries (since I have been keeping diaries since I was in my 20's and currently enjoy Artists' Journals!
If you didn't get there this year, mar
k your calendar for next year! It is worth it.
f
Happy Trails! Jo Ann
wrightj45@yahoo.com
Friday, October 6, 2017
Bella Vida Cafe' for lunch or brunch
Today, my cousin Patty, who lives in the Villas, our mutual friend Gail, and I had lunch/brunch at Bella Vida Cafe, 406 North Broadway, West Cape May.
They are open all year, every day and offer VEGAN< VEGETARIAN< GLUTEN FREE and a mind boggling menu of tasty options.
Patty and I had pumpkin pancakes topped with brown sugar and cinnamon, Gaill had vegetarian spring rolls - delicious!!
We take the drive down to visit my cousin each season but we like the drive - very scenic - and we love Bella Vida! It is a good time to head to Cape May, it is cool, and lovely, and not crowded. No traffic today, Friday.
You can find their menu at www.bellavidacafe.com
Looking for a nice day trip, head south to the Villas or Cape May, take a walk and enjoy a delicious lunch at Bella Vida Cafe' - there are a several good walking places nearby such as Cox's Creek Park, not to mention the short but pleasant boardwalk.
Happy Trails!
Jo Ann
They are open all year, every day and offer VEGAN< VEGETARIAN< GLUTEN FREE and a mind boggling menu of tasty options.
Patty and I had pumpkin pancakes topped with brown sugar and cinnamon, Gaill had vegetarian spring rolls - delicious!!
We take the drive down to visit my cousin each season but we like the drive - very scenic - and we love Bella Vida! It is a good time to head to Cape May, it is cool, and lovely, and not crowded. No traffic today, Friday.
You can find their menu at www.bellavidacafe.com
Looking for a nice day trip, head south to the Villas or Cape May, take a walk and enjoy a delicious lunch at Bella Vida Cafe' - there are a several good walking places nearby such as Cox's Creek Park, not to mention the short but pleasant boardwalk.
Happy Trails!
Jo Ann
Maurice River Events and More
Citizens United for the Maurice River:
FIVE FUN UPCOMING ACTIVITIES
1. Fall Colors on the River - Paddle, Potluck & Campfire
2. CU Social - Jennifer Bulava's Secret World of Plants & Pollinators
3. New York City Highline - with Elayne Sama and Doreen Homan
4. CUMR Sponsors Pat Witt Exhibit- at the River Renaissance Center for the Arts
5. Autumn Sunset Cruise on the Maurice - with Capt. Dave, Jane, quiche, and wine
For any further information, please contact the CU Maurice River office by emailing CitizensUnited@CUMauriceRiver.org
or calling us at (856) 300-5331.
FIVE FUN UPCOMING ACTIVITIES
1. Fall Colors on the River - Paddle, Potluck & Campfire
2. CU Social - Jennifer Bulava's Secret World of Plants & Pollinators
3. New York City Highline - with Elayne Sama and Doreen Homan
4. CUMR Sponsors Pat Witt Exhibit- at the River Renaissance Center for the Arts
5. Autumn Sunset Cruise on the Maurice - with Capt. Dave, Jane, quiche, and wine
For any further information, please contact the CU Maurice River office by emailing CitizensUnited@CUMauriceRiver.org
or calling us at (856) 300-5331.
Sunday, October 1, 2017
Merchantville - The Station Cafe' and Music on Main Street in Maple Shade
Today, Sunday, (either Sept. 31 or Oct. 1st) 2017, I was out driving around before walking my dog, Trixie and I decided to take a detour through Merchantville, NJ. I went to high school thee in the 1960's, graduating class of 1963 and I love that town.
While there, I stopped to photograph a few buildings, Aunt Charlotte's Candy shop, and the Merchantville Train Station. The train station has been converted into the most charming coffee shop with indoor and outdoor seating, and upstairs gallery and a bunch of other cool offerings including classes in Art, Music and Yoga, and concerts and poetry readings. I bought a delicious coffee cake bar, a cup of coffee and went on about my day.
The Merchantville Station: 10 East Chestnut Avenue, Merchantville, NJ Mon.-Fri. 7:30a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sunday 9 to 5 856-488-0973 www.merchantvillestation.com
Among their many offerings, they do catering, and they sell coffee by the bag, and baked goods!
Yo can also enjoy a breakfast, brunch or lunch there with things such as crepes and chili - Check it Out!
They are also on Facebook and for art or music lessons check eilandarts.center
As is so often the case, this small world provided yet another connection. Diane Paul, of Main Street Art in Maple Shade, NJ has work on display at the Merchantville Station so I called her on the phone and she told me about an upcoming music even on Main Street in Maple Shade:
October 15 from 2pm to 6 pm. JAM on Main Street! Sounds like a lot of fun. Also, there are still openings in the fall line-up of classes at Main Street Art so if you are looking fora way to get the creative juices flowing, call Main Street Art and sign up for a class!
While there, I stopped to photograph a few buildings, Aunt Charlotte's Candy shop, and the Merchantville Train Station. The train station has been converted into the most charming coffee shop with indoor and outdoor seating, and upstairs gallery and a bunch of other cool offerings including classes in Art, Music and Yoga, and concerts and poetry readings. I bought a delicious coffee cake bar, a cup of coffee and went on about my day.
The Merchantville Station: 10 East Chestnut Avenue, Merchantville, NJ Mon.-Fri. 7:30a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sunday 9 to 5 856-488-0973 www.merchantvillestation.com
Among their many offerings, they do catering, and they sell coffee by the bag, and baked goods!
Yo can also enjoy a breakfast, brunch or lunch there with things such as crepes and chili - Check it Out!
They are also on Facebook and for art or music lessons check eilandarts.center
As is so often the case, this small world provided yet another connection. Diane Paul, of Main Street Art in Maple Shade, NJ has work on display at the Merchantville Station so I called her on the phone and she told me about an upcoming music even on Main Street in Maple Shade:
October 15 from 2pm to 6 pm. JAM on Main Street! Sounds like a lot of fun. Also, there are still openings in the fall line-up of classes at Main Street Art so if you are looking fora way to get the creative juices flowing, call Main Street Art and sign up for a class!
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