The first time I saw Early American Life Magazine (from here on to be called EAL) I was at the Cherry Hill Library either picking up or dropping off a friend who used to work there but was retired. Sometimes I borrowed books on his card although most of the time, I buy m books from amazon. I like to keep them, like friends!
Anyhow, it was love at first sight. At that time, I was a volunteer at the James and Ann Whitall house an enamored of all things Early American. I had the full kit, shift, petticoat, fichu, autumn cape, winter hooded woolen cape, stockings and buckle shoes, aprons, bonnets, market basket. I did NOT have a corset and was determined not to get that authentic. EAL Magazine fit beautifully with my new volunteer work.
Along the way, after I stopped volunteering due to back and knee issues, I let my subscription slip, but recently renewed it hoping to get the Christmas issue, always my favorite. It came today and along with a number of fascinating articles, there was one on SOUP!
Let me say right up front - I don't cook! I don't like cooking, or food preperation and although there have been periods in my life that more or less necessitated that I do some cooking, I never took to it. But come winter and the cold, like the cooks of old, I will forage around the kitchen for a couple of old favorites to take the chill off. I make vegetable soup and I make vegetarian chili.
Vegetable soup: I always keep one or two cartons of vegetable bullion (low sodium) in the cupboard. In the freezer, I always keep an assortment of vegetables that I choose from according to my momentary taste: peas, corn, lima beans, green beans, carrots.
Also, I keep a few kinds of frozen pasta such as gnocchi or small cheese ravioli, and I like to choose one or two of these to throw into the soup pot. In the cupboard again, I always keep canned spiced and diced tomatoes, lentils and beans: red kidney beans, white cannoli, black beans.
For my super easy chili, I use all three kinds of beans, one can of spiced/diced tomatoes, a large jar of salsa, and a tablespoon of chili powder. I buy a bag of lime flavored tortilla chips to crumble and put on the bottom of the bowl with two heaping soup spoons of chili on top and grated cheese sprinkled on top of that.
My super easy vegetarian lentil soup is simply two cans of lentils, a can of sliced potatoes, and frozen carrots.
Stay Warm my friends!
Jo Ann
wrightj45@yahoo.com
Sunday, October 20, 2019
October Camden County History Month and the Quaker Store
If you have driven down the White Horse Pike towards the seashore, you can't have missed seeing The Quaker Store in Stratford on the north side of the road, perched on a patch of green in front of a spreading modern shopping center. I have always wanted to visit the Quaker Store but it was rarely open, staffed by history volunteers as are most of the historic sites that have somehow managed to be saved from the wrecker's ball. I LOVE the past in its remaining evidence of lives lived and the Quaker store was stocked with all manner of interesting items and a delightful band of volunteer tour guides.
Our guide, Rosey, told us that the store was in operation until early 1990's which was a surprise to me. It's neighbor to the west had been the White Horse Tavern, which was demolished by developers who also had their eye on the Quaker Store, but it was rescued. Sadly, I didn't have a chance to inquire further into the rescue story as just when we got there, a number of other visitors were arriving and my history trekking pal, Barb Solem and I wandered around on our own admiring things like the wringer washers, which my mother used when we lived in Philadelphia in the last 4 years of the 1940's and the first five of 1950's. I remember it well, sitting in the basement. It was quite a process, doing the laundry then. My mother would pre-soak in a chloral and water washtub, then into the 'agitator' and through the wringer into a rinse tub, then back through the wringer and most went into a starch bath, then onto the clothes line in the backyard.
I am going to call my brother Joe, who lives in West Virginia and ask him if he remembers our old Wringer washer.
Anyhow, the old ice box was in the back of the store - a very big one since it served a store, a handsome actual size white wooden horse which had once stood outside but had been brought indoors to protect it from weather wear, and shelves of old bottles and tins - things I adore! I have a few at home in a cabinet in the living room and I though "Now I know who to donate them to if I ever move or downsize (UNLIKELY)."
I was supposed to visit the Newton Meeting House and the New York Shipyard and Maritime Museum today, but I am felled by a head cold and on the sofa with tissues. tea. and an old afghan crocheted by my Grandmother Mabel for comfort and warmth.
The efforts to publicize and popularize the Camden County History Alliance offerings but using a History Month strategy is Marvelous! I have enjoyed several of the open houses and events and a few of my other friends have visited ones I didn't get to.
Happy Trails!
Jo Ann
wrightj45@yahoo.com
Our guide, Rosey, told us that the store was in operation until early 1990's which was a surprise to me. It's neighbor to the west had been the White Horse Tavern, which was demolished by developers who also had their eye on the Quaker Store, but it was rescued. Sadly, I didn't have a chance to inquire further into the rescue story as just when we got there, a number of other visitors were arriving and my history trekking pal, Barb Solem and I wandered around on our own admiring things like the wringer washers, which my mother used when we lived in Philadelphia in the last 4 years of the 1940's and the first five of 1950's. I remember it well, sitting in the basement. It was quite a process, doing the laundry then. My mother would pre-soak in a chloral and water washtub, then into the 'agitator' and through the wringer into a rinse tub, then back through the wringer and most went into a starch bath, then onto the clothes line in the backyard.
I am going to call my brother Joe, who lives in West Virginia and ask him if he remembers our old Wringer washer.
Anyhow, the old ice box was in the back of the store - a very big one since it served a store, a handsome actual size white wooden horse which had once stood outside but had been brought indoors to protect it from weather wear, and shelves of old bottles and tins - things I adore! I have a few at home in a cabinet in the living room and I though "Now I know who to donate them to if I ever move or downsize (UNLIKELY)."
I was supposed to visit the Newton Meeting House and the New York Shipyard and Maritime Museum today, but I am felled by a head cold and on the sofa with tissues. tea. and an old afghan crocheted by my Grandmother Mabel for comfort and warmth.
The efforts to publicize and popularize the Camden County History Alliance offerings but using a History Month strategy is Marvelous! I have enjoyed several of the open houses and events and a few of my other friends have visited ones I didn't get to.
Happy Trails!
Jo Ann
wrightj45@yahoo.com
Thursday, October 17, 2019
Revolutionary October in South Jersey
October 27
Jonas Cattell Run and 18th Century Field Day at Red Bank Battlefield in National Park. Mark the anniversary of the Battle of Red Bank with reenactments, colonial demonstrations, food and fun! 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. More information
Halloween at Batsto Village in Hammonton. Kids ages 12 and younger can celebrate in a non-scary Halloween environment. 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m. More information.
Indian King Tavern tours in Haddonfield. Visit the site where New Jersey completed the transition from colony to state. 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. More information.
Sunday, October 13, 2019
Saddler's Woods MORE and Gabreil Daveis Tavern
Today, SundayOctober 13, 2019, I am headed to the Legacy Diner in Audubon for lunch with a history buff friend, Barb Solem, author of 3 books on the Pines, one on Ghosttowns, one on Batsto and one on The Forks. After lunch we are going to the open house at Gabreil Daveis Tavern in Glendora, address, Fourth Avenue and Floodgate Road. Gabriel Daveis Tavern was once a stopping and resting point for boatmen using the Timber Creek to ferry goods to Phladephia, goods such as timber and farm products. Behind the Tavern House, which is a beautiful building very well preserved, you can walk down a path to the Timber Creek, which, sadly is all silted up from construction on the land beyond the banks, so there isn't much creek left now.
I keep remembering things I learned from the hike in Saddler's Woods yesterday, amazing things such as: the amount of unbroken nuts left on the ground (accords) beneath a tree, as they deteriorate over time, release a chemical into the ground which tells the tree how much nuts to produce the following year. As for instance if a lot of nuts are left over and not eaten, the tree produces fewer nuts the next year! That hike in the woods was so informative, although I knew with my aging memory, I couldn't remember everything, there was so much information that I keep remembering bits as the day goes on, such as, for instance, the shape of the branches at the top of the tree canopy can tell you if it is an old or young tree. The top branches will be crumpled in a claylike shape if the tree is old, unfurled into a fan shape if the tree is young. I can't remember if I told you but the guide showed us how to estimate a tree's height using triangulation with a roll out tape measure and a yardstick and a little geometry. Unforntuately, I had to take a rest during that part because my back was acting up and I have over done it a little this week.
That brings me to another subject. Most of the things if not all of them, that I mention in this blog, are things I can do, so you can too! I am 73, going to be 74 in a month and I have ruined knees a painful hip, and a deteriorating spine. I expect within this upcoming year, I will be resorting to a cane. But all of the places and events I have been blogging about are accessible to me and so they would be to you. Possibly not to a wheelchair (as in the trail in Saddler's Woods) but certainly the workshop the week before - and many of the building I go to are also wheelchair accessible in part if not the whole. A lot of the houses have stairs, but I can't climb them anymore either, so I usually wait down the first floor if a tour goes up stairs.
Don't forget to get a copy of the calendar of events for October History Month - it is chock full of interesting places to go and things to do! Get up and get out - the world is waiting!
Happy Trails!
Jo Ann
wrightj45@yahoo.com
I keep remembering things I learned from the hike in Saddler's Woods yesterday, amazing things such as: the amount of unbroken nuts left on the ground (accords) beneath a tree, as they deteriorate over time, release a chemical into the ground which tells the tree how much nuts to produce the following year. As for instance if a lot of nuts are left over and not eaten, the tree produces fewer nuts the next year! That hike in the woods was so informative, although I knew with my aging memory, I couldn't remember everything, there was so much information that I keep remembering bits as the day goes on, such as, for instance, the shape of the branches at the top of the tree canopy can tell you if it is an old or young tree. The top branches will be crumpled in a claylike shape if the tree is old, unfurled into a fan shape if the tree is young. I can't remember if I told you but the guide showed us how to estimate a tree's height using triangulation with a roll out tape measure and a yardstick and a little geometry. Unforntuately, I had to take a rest during that part because my back was acting up and I have over done it a little this week.
That brings me to another subject. Most of the things if not all of them, that I mention in this blog, are things I can do, so you can too! I am 73, going to be 74 in a month and I have ruined knees a painful hip, and a deteriorating spine. I expect within this upcoming year, I will be resorting to a cane. But all of the places and events I have been blogging about are accessible to me and so they would be to you. Possibly not to a wheelchair (as in the trail in Saddler's Woods) but certainly the workshop the week before - and many of the building I go to are also wheelchair accessible in part if not the whole. A lot of the houses have stairs, but I can't climb them anymore either, so I usually wait down the first floor if a tour goes up stairs.
Don't forget to get a copy of the calendar of events for October History Month - it is chock full of interesting places to go and things to do! Get up and get out - the world is waiting!
Happy Trails!
Jo Ann
wrightj45@yahoo.com
Saturday, October 12, 2019
Part Two of Saddler's Woods Workshop
Today, Saturday, Oct. 12, I enjoyed part two of the two day Saddler's Woods Workshop. I wrote a post about part one where we walked in the 'rain garden' identifying native trees and invaders, dissected owl pellets (I found a mole skull in mine) and saw a presentation on the kinds of birds one might see in our area.
This time, boots on, we hiked in the woods and met a 250 year old tree, our old friend the poisonous snake root, which killed Abraham Lincoln's mother who had, sadly, drunk milk from a cow that had eaten the snake root plant. WE also learned the different kinds of oaks identifiable by the shapes of their leaves, rounded or spike, and the colors they turn. We found numerous types of acorns some edible by animals and some not! We saw the spring that travels through Saddler's Woods to find its way to Newton Creek, and we found many kinds of invasive shrubs crowding out the natives. It was an hour and a half and so I can't begin to tell you all we saw and learned, the berries, the fungi, the beech groves......
And, if like me, you were the kind of teen who pored over booklets about beauty routines, you may have wondered about Witch Hazel, always mentioned in regard to cleansing your face and shrinking your pores! We found the shrub and learned that in early spring,it spits out its seeds with an actual noise of spitting!
It was exhausting and exhilarating and I cannot begin to tell you how impressed I was with the women who gave the tour and their intimate knowledge of the flora of Saddler's Woods. I wish more people could have had the benefit of this enlightening experience!
Tomorrow, it's off to Gabreil Daveis Tavern on the Timber Creek, which by the way, has a very extensive watershed range.
Jo Ann
wrightj45@yahoo.com
This time, boots on, we hiked in the woods and met a 250 year old tree, our old friend the poisonous snake root, which killed Abraham Lincoln's mother who had, sadly, drunk milk from a cow that had eaten the snake root plant. WE also learned the different kinds of oaks identifiable by the shapes of their leaves, rounded or spike, and the colors they turn. We found numerous types of acorns some edible by animals and some not! We saw the spring that travels through Saddler's Woods to find its way to Newton Creek, and we found many kinds of invasive shrubs crowding out the natives. It was an hour and a half and so I can't begin to tell you all we saw and learned, the berries, the fungi, the beech groves......
And, if like me, you were the kind of teen who pored over booklets about beauty routines, you may have wondered about Witch Hazel, always mentioned in regard to cleansing your face and shrinking your pores! We found the shrub and learned that in early spring,it spits out its seeds with an actual noise of spitting!
It was exhausting and exhilarating and I cannot begin to tell you how impressed I was with the women who gave the tour and their intimate knowledge of the flora of Saddler's Woods. I wish more people could have had the benefit of this enlightening experience!
Tomorrow, it's off to Gabreil Daveis Tavern on the Timber Creek, which by the way, has a very extensive watershed range.
Jo Ann
wrightj45@yahoo.com
Friday, October 11, 2019
Burlington County Historical Society-Railroads of New Jersey
Unfortunately I have plans to go to the Garbreil Daveis Open House on Sunday the 20th, so I will be unable to attend the talk by James Alexander on Railroads of New Jersey at the Burlington County Historical Society. I really wish I could be in two places at one time but I can't. I already promised my pal, Barb Solem to go to Gabreil Daveis as she hasn't been there yet and unlike me has limited interest in the Railroads of New Jersey. My interest is unlimited and I am smitten with the railroad stations all along the Atlantic Avenue Line. I have made photographs of them with the intention of someday doing a series of paintings. Maybe I will have the opportunity to hear James Alexander at another time.
Have you seen a copy of the October History Month events? You can get them at the Camden County Historical Society and I suggest you do that as it is chock full of wonderful history open houses, tours, speakers and events!
Also coming up is Field Day at the James and Ann Whitall House. This should not be missed by anyone who has an interest in the Revolutionary War, or New Jersey history! I will get more information and post it asap!
Happy Trails!
Jo Ann Wright
ps. If you are wondering where the Gabreil Daveis Tavern is located, it is in Blackwood, just off the Black Horse Pike but I can't recall the street now. The street sign has a historic site marker directly below it. It could be third?
wrightj45@yahoo.com
Have you seen a copy of the October History Month events? You can get them at the Camden County Historical Society and I suggest you do that as it is chock full of wonderful history open houses, tours, speakers and events!
Also coming up is Field Day at the James and Ann Whitall House. This should not be missed by anyone who has an interest in the Revolutionary War, or New Jersey history! I will get more information and post it asap!
Happy Trails!
Jo Ann Wright
ps. If you are wondering where the Gabreil Daveis Tavern is located, it is in Blackwood, just off the Black Horse Pike but I can't recall the street now. The street sign has a historic site marker directly below it. It could be third?
wrightj45@yahoo.com
Tuesday, October 8, 2019
Opinion Piece: Antiques, Death Cleaning, Books & home Libraries
Even though it is Tuesday, I have just gotten around to reading the Sunday New York Times. It wasn't delivered on Sunday and after I waited until noon in case it was simply late, I went out and bought a copy but I had somewhere to go and therefore, no time to read it.
Among all the interesting articles, one actually stirred a bit of anger that has been building over time, in regard to the new aesthetic in home furnishing. The article was called "When the antiques have to go." It was about "staging a place" for sale. The point was that antiques are no longer in style and the 'new' look is open, spare, and bright light. I, personally, do not care for the new style at all. It looks as though it belong in a desert land of heat and dust and transience. It looks cold and has no trace of the personality of the inhabitant.
Everyone who visits antique stores knows that the fondness for vintage and antique that was in vogue for so long, is over. Antique shops are closing up. Articles on "The kids don't want your old stuff" abound and there is even the "Death Cleaning" movement resulting from a best seller by a Swedish author. Apparently it is a custom to clear out everything before you die to spare the kids the effort.
I love 'stuff' and I am passionate about books. I can understand if a reader spends most of her/his time with the fast read popular novels of Tom Clancy or Janet Ivanovich, you may not want to hold on to them because after all, you already know how it turned out. But I have books that have been like friends, books that have been resources upon which i have drawn many times over the years. I have book shelves. I have books on the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, World War II, New Jersey History, to name just a few subjects, and I have books on philosophy and religion to which I have returned over and over again. It seems to me the disdain for books as 'clutter' goes along with a new disdain for knowledge and education, a resentment towards 'elites.'
I also read a column about a rural town refusing to give the librarian a raise because most of the people in the county get by on $10 to $13 an hour. Even though she had a masters degree the opinion was that such a high degree wasn't needed for something so easy as running a library. And they lament that the young are leaving to go to cities. No wonder. They even considered letting the library close because, after all, they didn't need it or use it!
My daughter and I have already talked about my intention to not clear out every evidence of my life and my interests before I die. I am not erasing myself. And my home is a reflection of my many interest in art, history, literature, and my conservation of the many family heirlooms that have no financial value but, HOLY COW, they belonged to our ancestors! No one wanted them so I took them in, one by one, GreatGrandmother's sewing machine with which she supported herself and her family, for example.
It is as if history itself has become considered clutter. And knowledge is clutter. Keep the mind empty and transient like those pale, cold, uncomfortable rooms.
Antiques speak of the past and the people who lived and how they lived. All I can do is hope that this trend, like so many others, will reverse and people will once again begin to value family history, objects from the past that have endured through the coming and going trends, and most of all, BOOKS and KNOWLEDGE!
Happy Trails!
Jo Ann
wrightj45Wyahoo.com
By the way, perhaps the children will be helped in their grieving if they go through the things you leave behind. And if they are so whiny, maybe they can consider the money you have left them as a salary for the home clearing they have to do instead of just getting money because they are entitled to it as your offspring. Earn it!
Among all the interesting articles, one actually stirred a bit of anger that has been building over time, in regard to the new aesthetic in home furnishing. The article was called "When the antiques have to go." It was about "staging a place" for sale. The point was that antiques are no longer in style and the 'new' look is open, spare, and bright light. I, personally, do not care for the new style at all. It looks as though it belong in a desert land of heat and dust and transience. It looks cold and has no trace of the personality of the inhabitant.
Everyone who visits antique stores knows that the fondness for vintage and antique that was in vogue for so long, is over. Antique shops are closing up. Articles on "The kids don't want your old stuff" abound and there is even the "Death Cleaning" movement resulting from a best seller by a Swedish author. Apparently it is a custom to clear out everything before you die to spare the kids the effort.
I love 'stuff' and I am passionate about books. I can understand if a reader spends most of her/his time with the fast read popular novels of Tom Clancy or Janet Ivanovich, you may not want to hold on to them because after all, you already know how it turned out. But I have books that have been like friends, books that have been resources upon which i have drawn many times over the years. I have book shelves. I have books on the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, World War II, New Jersey History, to name just a few subjects, and I have books on philosophy and religion to which I have returned over and over again. It seems to me the disdain for books as 'clutter' goes along with a new disdain for knowledge and education, a resentment towards 'elites.'
I also read a column about a rural town refusing to give the librarian a raise because most of the people in the county get by on $10 to $13 an hour. Even though she had a masters degree the opinion was that such a high degree wasn't needed for something so easy as running a library. And they lament that the young are leaving to go to cities. No wonder. They even considered letting the library close because, after all, they didn't need it or use it!
My daughter and I have already talked about my intention to not clear out every evidence of my life and my interests before I die. I am not erasing myself. And my home is a reflection of my many interest in art, history, literature, and my conservation of the many family heirlooms that have no financial value but, HOLY COW, they belonged to our ancestors! No one wanted them so I took them in, one by one, GreatGrandmother's sewing machine with which she supported herself and her family, for example.
It is as if history itself has become considered clutter. And knowledge is clutter. Keep the mind empty and transient like those pale, cold, uncomfortable rooms.
Antiques speak of the past and the people who lived and how they lived. All I can do is hope that this trend, like so many others, will reverse and people will once again begin to value family history, objects from the past that have endured through the coming and going trends, and most of all, BOOKS and KNOWLEDGE!
Happy Trails!
Jo Ann
wrightj45Wyahoo.com
By the way, perhaps the children will be helped in their grieving if they go through the things you leave behind. And if they are so whiny, maybe they can consider the money you have left them as a salary for the home clearing they have to do instead of just getting money because they are entitled to it as your offspring. Earn it!
Saturday, October 5, 2019
Best Workshop I ever attended: Your Wild Neighbors, Saddlers Woods Flora and Fauna
Today, Saturday, October 5, 2019, two friends and I attended a workshop we had signed up for via the Audubon Adult Evening School brochure which I received about a month ago, September.
It was without question the most perfectly designed workshop in any subject that I have ever attended. We had a short powerpoint presentation (and it WAS NOT one of those where the writing is so small and the lecturer reads it off). This one was photos of the males and females of the species the lecture discussed and their bird calls. My two friends are bird watchers so this was especially interesting to them. The environmental group also had a number of taidermied models, mostly donated, of various bits such as a hawk and an owl. Then we were each provided with two short tree branch and the second lecturer talked about the tree and we were to use our branches to identify trees on our walk.
Our walk, on this especially splendid cool and sunny fall day took us through a rain garden down to the Newton Creek. All along the way, our trail leader pointed out poisonous shrubs (such as snake root), edible and medicinal shrubs (such as sassafras) and a number of tree varieties, pointing out the invasive ones and the native ones as well as the ones moving up from the south with climate change. She took a water sample from Newton Creek and under a microscope we were able to see what was living in the sample and she explained to us the difference between a healthy body of water and a contaminated one by what lives in it.
Next we were each provided with gloves and tools to dismantle an owl pellet. I found the skull of a small rodent and all it's little bones. It was fascinating!
So, what made this workshop so perfect was that we sat and watched, then we walked and identified, then we experimented - it was entirely participatory and interactive and lively, so much better than a sit down and listen lecture. I hated to leave!
Next week we go to Saddlers Woods to hike and further identify and explore. Saddler's Woods, by the way is one of the last patches of untouched natural forests in South Jersey and in 2003, it was officially designated protected in perpetuity. That is a good thing because local developers and the nearby school are always angling to get the land, cut down the forest and build more condominiums or stores or soccer fields on it and only the undaunted efforts of local conservationists has protected this 25 acre forest so future generations can know what a woods looked like.
The Environmental Center is located at 143 Ormand Avenue, Haddon Twp. This two week workshop was only $25. What a bargain and what a treat! If you missed this first week, you may be able to get in on the hike next week and pay the fee. We are meeting at Saddler's Woods at noon. You can find the woods between the shopping center and the tall towers apartments just off Cuthbert Rd. on MacArthur Blvd. There is a sign. It is just opposite the aforementioned landmarks and the Haddon Twp. Library.
If you can't make part two but would like to go on the next one, contact the environmental group and ask when they might schedule another workshop. And if you have a group of 6 or so, they may even schedule one for you! I don't know, just thinking:
janet@saddlerswoods.org
or mail to: Environmental Center, 143 Ormand Ave. Haddon Twp.
I am not sure where you can pick up Audubon Adult Ed. brochures if you are not in their mailing domain, try
calling 547-7695 ext.4186
You can't drop by Audubon High School to pick them up in person because of security, so it is best to write or call.
It was without question the most perfectly designed workshop in any subject that I have ever attended. We had a short powerpoint presentation (and it WAS NOT one of those where the writing is so small and the lecturer reads it off). This one was photos of the males and females of the species the lecture discussed and their bird calls. My two friends are bird watchers so this was especially interesting to them. The environmental group also had a number of taidermied models, mostly donated, of various bits such as a hawk and an owl. Then we were each provided with two short tree branch and the second lecturer talked about the tree and we were to use our branches to identify trees on our walk.
Our walk, on this especially splendid cool and sunny fall day took us through a rain garden down to the Newton Creek. All along the way, our trail leader pointed out poisonous shrubs (such as snake root), edible and medicinal shrubs (such as sassafras) and a number of tree varieties, pointing out the invasive ones and the native ones as well as the ones moving up from the south with climate change. She took a water sample from Newton Creek and under a microscope we were able to see what was living in the sample and she explained to us the difference between a healthy body of water and a contaminated one by what lives in it.
Next we were each provided with gloves and tools to dismantle an owl pellet. I found the skull of a small rodent and all it's little bones. It was fascinating!
So, what made this workshop so perfect was that we sat and watched, then we walked and identified, then we experimented - it was entirely participatory and interactive and lively, so much better than a sit down and listen lecture. I hated to leave!
Next week we go to Saddlers Woods to hike and further identify and explore. Saddler's Woods, by the way is one of the last patches of untouched natural forests in South Jersey and in 2003, it was officially designated protected in perpetuity. That is a good thing because local developers and the nearby school are always angling to get the land, cut down the forest and build more condominiums or stores or soccer fields on it and only the undaunted efforts of local conservationists has protected this 25 acre forest so future generations can know what a woods looked like.
The Environmental Center is located at 143 Ormand Avenue, Haddon Twp. This two week workshop was only $25. What a bargain and what a treat! If you missed this first week, you may be able to get in on the hike next week and pay the fee. We are meeting at Saddler's Woods at noon. You can find the woods between the shopping center and the tall towers apartments just off Cuthbert Rd. on MacArthur Blvd. There is a sign. It is just opposite the aforementioned landmarks and the Haddon Twp. Library.
If you can't make part two but would like to go on the next one, contact the environmental group and ask when they might schedule another workshop. And if you have a group of 6 or so, they may even schedule one for you! I don't know, just thinking:
janet@saddlerswoods.org
or mail to: Environmental Center, 143 Ormand Ave. Haddon Twp.
I am not sure where you can pick up Audubon Adult Ed. brochures if you are not in their mailing domain, try
calling 547-7695 ext.4186
You can't drop by Audubon High School to pick them up in person because of security, so it is best to write or call.
Thursday, October 3, 2019
Saturday, October 5th
This Saturday, two of my old Outdoor pals will be joining me in a workshop on local flora and fauna at the Environmental Center, Oaklyn, NJ. The following week, we will hike Saddler's Wood and identify trees and animal signs. We signed up in advance through the Audubon Adult School bulletin, but if you call the Haddon Twp. Library, they may be able to give more information. Anyhow there are a whole host of wonderful things to do this weekend. I hope you get the Crossroads of the Revolution e-mail notifications, or the Visit New Jersey e-ail notifications and you can also visit Camden County Historical Society for the History Month Activities! Also, Saturday is the Collingswood Book Festival, always a fun experience, especially for a book crazy collector like myself!
Before I posted this, I posted about Matt Eiland playing at the Merchantville Railway Station Cafe' on Friday night. He is a brilliant performer and a wonderful music teacher. If you are free, you should check it out and if you always wanted to play an instrument, go get inspired, then sign up for lessons!
Have you seen Country Music, the Ken Burns documentary? Eight magnificent episodes chronicled the history of our country roots and folk traditions in music right up to the present day. That will inspire you if you have never been inspired before!
Happy Trails!
Jo Ann
wrightj45@yahoo.com
Before I posted this, I posted about Matt Eiland playing at the Merchantville Railway Station Cafe' on Friday night. He is a brilliant performer and a wonderful music teacher. If you are free, you should check it out and if you always wanted to play an instrument, go get inspired, then sign up for lessons!
Have you seen Country Music, the Ken Burns documentary? Eight magnificent episodes chronicled the history of our country roots and folk traditions in music right up to the present day. That will inspire you if you have never been inspired before!
Happy Trails!
Jo Ann
wrightj45@yahoo.com
This weekend October 4th, 5th
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| Merchantville First Friday Come out Friday, October 4th for First Friday and a live performance by Mat Eiland! |
Tuesday, October 1, 2019
"The Black Settlements of Salem County and the Underground Railroad"
Greetings--
The Genealogical Society of Salem County will host a
The Genealogical Society of Salem County will host a
program entitled "The Black Settlements of Salem County
and the Underground Railroad" presented by Janet Sheridan
on Tuesday, October 8, 2019 at 7:00 pm in the Friends
Village Auditorium in Woodstown, NJ.
Janet Sheridan is a cultural landscape historian based in
Janet Sheridan is a cultural landscape historian based in
Salem County with 30 years of experience in preservation
activism, restoration architecture and project management,
cultural resource survey, National Register listings, and
historic building documentation. A qualified preservation
professional, she earned a Master's degree in Historic
Preservation at the University of Delaware. Her research
topics include colonial timber frame architecture, African
American sites, and farmsteads in southern New Jersey.
Her presentation "The Black Settlements of Salem County
Her presentation "The Black Settlements of Salem County
and the Underground Railroad" will discuss the role of
African Americans and their settlements in southwestern
New Jersey in aiding freedom seekers before the Civil War.
Through the lens of geography, she refines the historically
understood map of routes through the region.
This program is free and open to the public. For more info,
This program is free and open to the public. For more info,
visit www.gsscnj.org,
or call 609-670-0407.
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