While looking up the historic Bridgeton Diner, which was 77 years old and an original Silk City manufactured diner, I discovered that it had burned down.
I passed that diner so many times on my way to Greenwich and I always wanted to stop in as I love diners and I could see it was very old and probably historic. I waited too long. New owners finding themselves not making a profit, set fire to it and burned it down. They were caught and prosecuted but that doesn't bring back a historic building.
And I found that the historic Hillcrest also burned down in Bridgeton. So sad. That building, an original stage coach Inn was built in 1782.
What a loss for the historic building community.
Sunday, January 28, 2018
New Jersey Diners
On the way over to the talk on the history of New Jersey Diners, my history pal, Barb Solem, said "How many people do you think will come?" My answer was "Four plus us, six." I thought that because it was a cold and rainy day and I didn't think many people would bother to come out for the book talk.
Boy was I wrong! More than 60 people showed up and we had a really good time! Michael C. Gabriele is my favorite kind of speaker. He is so comfortable with his topic from having written the book, that he speaks conversationally and he doesn't mind interacting with his audience. People like to add things, and ask things but many lecturers don't allow it. It distracts them from delivering their message. Michael Gabriele, however, speaks as though he is in it with us and he is perfectly comfortable digressing and diverting and returning to his thread.
Some facts I learned are that there are more than 600 diners in New Jersey and two of the reasons for the proliferation of these eating establishments are that they were manufactured here in New Jersey, and we have such as terrific highway system. A Third reason is the population density - lots of people, lots of cars, lots of roadways and lots of diners.
I was delighted when Michael Gabriele mentioned one of my favorite diners, the Salem Oak Diner, in Salem, across the street from the Salem Oak. I have only eaten there once, but I love the look of it.
Mr. Gabriele told us the O'Mahoney company was one of the manufacturers of the diners which were carried on flatbed trucks and put down, modular units. They were NOT descended from railroad dining cars, as I had thought all these years - two separate categories of eating establishments.
Two local diners had donated food to be shared after the talk but we had already eaten lunch out and being vegetarians, we were both full, and unlikely to find vegetarian friendly food, so we left. But we had enjoyed the talk immensely and we had the bonus pleasure of running into some friends from the Outdoor Club of South Jersey, and from various Historical Society Groups to which we are members, such as the Batsto Citizens.
The cold, gray, rainy day turned out to be warm, fun and interesting! By the way, I have been a lifelong diner fan and have two other diner books besides Mr. Gabrielle's The History of Diners In New Jersey. They are: Diners, People and Places by Gerd Kittel, and American Diner, Richard Gutman. Also, somewhere in my postcard collection is a postcard from the Salem Oak Diner, and now I want to visit the great little diner in Bridgeton on the Bridge over the Maurice River - the old diner not the new one!
Boy was I wrong! More than 60 people showed up and we had a really good time! Michael C. Gabriele is my favorite kind of speaker. He is so comfortable with his topic from having written the book, that he speaks conversationally and he doesn't mind interacting with his audience. People like to add things, and ask things but many lecturers don't allow it. It distracts them from delivering their message. Michael Gabriele, however, speaks as though he is in it with us and he is perfectly comfortable digressing and diverting and returning to his thread.
Some facts I learned are that there are more than 600 diners in New Jersey and two of the reasons for the proliferation of these eating establishments are that they were manufactured here in New Jersey, and we have such as terrific highway system. A Third reason is the population density - lots of people, lots of cars, lots of roadways and lots of diners.
I was delighted when Michael Gabriele mentioned one of my favorite diners, the Salem Oak Diner, in Salem, across the street from the Salem Oak. I have only eaten there once, but I love the look of it.
Mr. Gabriele told us the O'Mahoney company was one of the manufacturers of the diners which were carried on flatbed trucks and put down, modular units. They were NOT descended from railroad dining cars, as I had thought all these years - two separate categories of eating establishments.
Two local diners had donated food to be shared after the talk but we had already eaten lunch out and being vegetarians, we were both full, and unlikely to find vegetarian friendly food, so we left. But we had enjoyed the talk immensely and we had the bonus pleasure of running into some friends from the Outdoor Club of South Jersey, and from various Historical Society Groups to which we are members, such as the Batsto Citizens.
The cold, gray, rainy day turned out to be warm, fun and interesting! By the way, I have been a lifelong diner fan and have two other diner books besides Mr. Gabrielle's The History of Diners In New Jersey. They are: Diners, People and Places by Gerd Kittel, and American Diner, Richard Gutman. Also, somewhere in my postcard collection is a postcard from the Salem Oak Diner, and now I want to visit the great little diner in Bridgeton on the Bridge over the Maurice River - the old diner not the new one!
Wednesday, January 17, 2018
Burlington County Historical Society Event
Sunday the 28th of January:
The history of Diners in New Jersey
2 p.m.
Burlington County Historical Society, 457 High Street
The history of Diners in New Jersey
2 p.m.
Burlington County Historical Society, 457 High Street
Burlington County Historical Society
Phone: (609) 386-4773 ext.1
Pinelands Preservation Lectures
In case you aren't on their mailing list, this just came to my e-mail:
Come out of hibernation for two lectures at PPA!
Today we face complicated issues that threaten life on this planet. Finding and implementing solutions require a second Great Enlightenment. We need to look back into the Earth's history - how did humans evolve? And look forward through human history to explore what brought us to this point in time and how we must adapt.
Join Pinelands Adventure's Director of Education, John Volpa, for a two-part lecture series in PPA's cozy, warm barn exploring these fascinating and complicated issues. Each lecture can stand alone but attending both lectures will provide a more complete perspective.
These presentations are an interactive hands-on exploration of life on earth synthesizing a variety of scientific topics into a meaningful and relevant experience. John combines thirty-seven years of public education experience and twenty years of leading outdoor adventures with his passion for the environment into two lively evenings of thought provocation.
The first presentation looks back in time and the second presentation starts with Human history and looks to the future.
January 25th - Pine Barrens Time Machine
Location: PPA, 17 Pemberton Rd, Southampton NJ - directions
Time: 7:00 pm
Pine Barrens Time Machine is a hands-on presentation taking the curious on a journey into Earth's past. Inspect rocks, fossils and get your hands dirty exploring our planet's past. See how the land that became New Jersey and the Pine Barrens evolved over time.
February 1st - Fire Sparks Humanity's Journey
Location: PPA, 17 Pemberton Rd, Southamption, NJ - directions
Time: 7:00 pm
The interactive Fire Sparks Humanity's Journey examines our species' place within the biosphere and our current window of opportunity to shape the future of life on Earth. We synthesize a wide variety of topics to hopefully create a new perspective and a new level of critical thinking resulting in positive personal social action.
NOTE: Fire Sparks Humanity's Journey is interactive (individually and group). Participants will receive tickets to enter into an auction for prizes drawn at the close of the presentation.
Cost: $15/per person
You may also call Pinelands Adventures at 609-268-0189 with questions or to reserve your Pinelands Adventure today.
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Tuesday, January 16, 2018
Tall Ships in Spring
Reading Facebook this morning, I came across a post worth sending along. I know it is far away to May but I wanted to get this saved here because I saw the tall ships last time and it is an amazing sight! Also a wonderful event when the USS New Jersey came up the Delaware to its home port in Camden, saw that too! I actually made a painting of that event but it burned in the house fire that took my sister's home two years ago March.
TALL SHIPS: "Well, here is another great event coming to town for our 150th anniversary as a city, This year on May 28th, 29th and 30th, along the Delaware river, in the Area of the Cities of Philadelphia , Camden and Gloucester, THE PARADE OF TALL SHIP IS COMING BACK! If you missed this, a few years back, it is wonderful. We took our grandkids and they loved it. And the Gloucester City Tall ship "NORTH WIND" will be in the parade. I am so glad that this, major event, is taking place in this year of 2018. So mark the date, so you won't be late, because this is GREAT!"
Gloucester City is where I spent the 32 plus years of my teaching career and I loved the history of this place. During the bi-centennial, Gloucester celebrated a tri-centennial since its founding! There is a Gloucester City Historical Society located on King Street. Along the river front are many interesting historical sites such as the Mill Block Houses 1845, and Proprietor's Park with a monument on the location of the Revolutionary War era Huggs Tavern where Betsy Ross was married. Her family farm was located not far from Gloucester City, near where the WW bridge approach is. Also there was a Rev. War battle at Gloucester City and the Marquis deLafayette was present at it. You can also find out more at the Gloucester City Library.
The train station has been rescued and turned into a cafe (as they did in Woodbury, too!) I am always happy when a town recognizes the value of its history and saves a historic site and particularly train stations. Which reminds me, the last weekend of this month, Jan. 27 and 28, I believe the Haddon Heights Train Station has it's model railroad display open to the public.
Happy Trails!
Jo Ann
TALL SHIPS: "Well, here is another great event coming to town for our 150th anniversary as a city, This year on May 28th, 29th and 30th, along the Delaware river, in the Area of the Cities of Philadelphia , Camden and Gloucester, THE PARADE OF TALL SHIP IS COMING BACK! If you missed this, a few years back, it is wonderful. We took our grandkids and they loved it. And the Gloucester City Tall ship "NORTH WIND" will be in the parade. I am so glad that this, major event, is taking place in this year of 2018. So mark the date, so you won't be late, because this is GREAT!"
Gloucester City is where I spent the 32 plus years of my teaching career and I loved the history of this place. During the bi-centennial, Gloucester celebrated a tri-centennial since its founding! There is a Gloucester City Historical Society located on King Street. Along the river front are many interesting historical sites such as the Mill Block Houses 1845, and Proprietor's Park with a monument on the location of the Revolutionary War era Huggs Tavern where Betsy Ross was married. Her family farm was located not far from Gloucester City, near where the WW bridge approach is. Also there was a Rev. War battle at Gloucester City and the Marquis deLafayette was present at it. You can also find out more at the Gloucester City Library.
The train station has been rescued and turned into a cafe (as they did in Woodbury, too!) I am always happy when a town recognizes the value of its history and saves a historic site and particularly train stations. Which reminds me, the last weekend of this month, Jan. 27 and 28, I believe the Haddon Heights Train Station has it's model railroad display open to the public.
Happy Trails!
Jo Ann
Saturday, January 6, 2018
/Camden County Historical Society Upcoming Events
Call it ESP, I just had a feeling when I braved the bitter cold a few minutes ago that I would have magazines in the mailbox and I Did!
1. The brochure from the Camden County Historical Society Winter 2018 was there with the following events to note: With African American History Month coming, this issue was especially timely. The cover story was the background on William Miles Butts, Camden Cultural and Civil Leader (1847 through 1899).
Sunday, January 14 from 12:00 to 3:00 African American History Room Opening featuring The Moores of Greenland (Magnolia)
(Note) I would love to see some history work on the disappearing "Snow Hill" of Lawnside. Each time I drive through there, yet another historic landmark has disappeared. These landmarks may not be 'historic' in the sense of age, as in being from the 19th century for example, but they are in the sense of culture, and the last vestiges of a thriving social world of music and food that once flourished at places like the Snow Hill Lounge (gone)
Sunday, February 11 12:00 to 5:00 "A Cast of Blues" Exhibition from the MidAtlantic Arts Alliance with live blues music 12 to 2:00
Sunday, March 25th at 2 pm "New Jersey Folk Revival Music, History and Tradition, ooksigning by Michael Gabriele. Okay, you missed him at the Pinelands Preservation Alliance event last summer, here is your chance to hear him speak. I bought his book - two copies, in fact, one to give as a gift. He is a delightful speaker and the information is rich and valuable to those who love NJ history and music.
All events at Camden County Historical Society 1900 Park Blvd., Camden, NJ (behind Lady of Lourdes Hospital)
For more info - 856-964-3333 or cchsnj.org or Facebook under Camden County Historical Society
My second mailbox treat was the February issue of Early American Life, which I enjoy to a remarkable degree. I love to read the articles and to look at the pictures and travel vicariously through the colonial world of the Mid-Atlantic Region and beyond. There are always things to entertain and delight me in this magazine. I was first introduced to it when I ran across a pile of 'give-aways' on a table at the Cherry Hill Library a few years ago. I liked it so much I have been a subscriber ever since. One year is $26 Early American Life, P.O.Box 221230, Shaker heights, Ohio 44122-9887
Probably I have related my favorites in this blog in past postings but if not, I will let you know my favorite articles from this issue after I enjoy reading it with a cup of fresh coffee and a slice of apple pie! What a great way to spend a freezing winter day!
Happy Trails and Happy Mails
Jo ann
1. The brochure from the Camden County Historical Society Winter 2018 was there with the following events to note: With African American History Month coming, this issue was especially timely. The cover story was the background on William Miles Butts, Camden Cultural and Civil Leader (1847 through 1899).
Sunday, January 14 from 12:00 to 3:00 African American History Room Opening featuring The Moores of Greenland (Magnolia)
(Note) I would love to see some history work on the disappearing "Snow Hill" of Lawnside. Each time I drive through there, yet another historic landmark has disappeared. These landmarks may not be 'historic' in the sense of age, as in being from the 19th century for example, but they are in the sense of culture, and the last vestiges of a thriving social world of music and food that once flourished at places like the Snow Hill Lounge (gone)
Sunday, February 11 12:00 to 5:00 "A Cast of Blues" Exhibition from the MidAtlantic Arts Alliance with live blues music 12 to 2:00
Sunday, March 25th at 2 pm "New Jersey Folk Revival Music, History and Tradition, ooksigning by Michael Gabriele. Okay, you missed him at the Pinelands Preservation Alliance event last summer, here is your chance to hear him speak. I bought his book - two copies, in fact, one to give as a gift. He is a delightful speaker and the information is rich and valuable to those who love NJ history and music.
All events at Camden County Historical Society 1900 Park Blvd., Camden, NJ (behind Lady of Lourdes Hospital)
For more info - 856-964-3333 or cchsnj.org or Facebook under Camden County Historical Society
My second mailbox treat was the February issue of Early American Life, which I enjoy to a remarkable degree. I love to read the articles and to look at the pictures and travel vicariously through the colonial world of the Mid-Atlantic Region and beyond. There are always things to entertain and delight me in this magazine. I was first introduced to it when I ran across a pile of 'give-aways' on a table at the Cherry Hill Library a few years ago. I liked it so much I have been a subscriber ever since. One year is $26 Early American Life, P.O.Box 221230, Shaker heights, Ohio 44122-9887
Probably I have related my favorites in this blog in past postings but if not, I will let you know my favorite articles from this issue after I enjoy reading it with a cup of fresh coffee and a slice of apple pie! What a great way to spend a freezing winter day!
Happy Trails and Happy Mails
Jo ann
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