“Montgomery: The Way It Was” September 12, 2018 at 7PM

Posted on by August 8, 2018

“Montgomery: The Way It Was” will be recalled for us in picture and story by Dan Pullen on Wednesday evening, September 12 at 7 PM in the program room at Mary Jacobs Memorial Library, 63 Washington St., Rocky Hill, NJ.

Back when “Doc” Pullen was growing up here, Montgomery was still rural; its villages inked together by dirt roads and party line telephones.  Folks in those days did not worry much about locking their doors and kids on bicycles freely roamed the countryside.

Dan Pullen, camera in hand, captured glimpses of that world which he will share with us along with those stories he tells so well, making this an evening not to be missed.  This library program is sponsored by Van Harlingen Historical Society.

The program is free and open to the public but registration is required. Register online at sclsnj.org – go to Programs & Events or
Register by phone at 908-458-8430 x3

19th Century Life in Montgomery Township as Reflected in Municipal Documents – September 26, 2017

Posted on by August 8, 2018

 

Come join us on September 26th at 7 pm to   learn about Montgomery Township in the 1800s.   The population was a few thousand people, there was no municipal building, the unpaved roads and the bridges were maintained by the residents, and most of the residents were involved in farming. Learn about Township Committee meetings (the committeemen used to meet at local taverns), road returns, road openings, changes to Montgomery’s civil boundaries over the century, the welfare system, and maybe even a few property seizures. The event is sponsored by the Van Harlingen Historical Society.

Historic Preservation, Urban Redevelopment, and the Rural Landscape: How New Jersey Makes the Connection – May 15, 2017

Posted on by August 8, 2018

As a prelude to this year’s May in Montgomery Touring the Millstone Valley National Scenic Byway, the Van Harlingen Historical Society is proud to present a lecture by John D.S. Hatch titled Historic Preservation, Urban Redevelopment, and the Rural Landscape: How New Jersey Makes the Connection. Mr. Hatch is an architect who specializes in historic preservation design and adaptive re-use of historic structures.  He holds degrees in both architecture and historic preservation.  His projects include the restoration of historic Morven in Princeton, the restoration of the Hunterdon County Courthouse in Flemington, and the Roebling Complex Redevelopment in Trenton.

The lecture will take place at Stonebridge, 100 Hollinshead  Road, Skillman, NJ on Monday, May 15th at 7:30.  Refreshments will be served. The event is free and open to the public but space is limited so pre-registration is required.   To register please call 908-359-2642, email your Name, email and how many seats to register to: info@vanharlingen.org. (Please do not contact Stonebridge directly.)

May in Montgomery 2017 – May 21

Posted on by January 18, 2019


May in Montgomery 2017 

“SIGHTSEEING ALONG THE SCENIC BYWAY” – MAY 21st
Millstone Valley Bus Tour

Walk-ins Welcome Day of Tour!

Would you like to tour a byway that still resembles when George Washington’s troops marched there? Would you like to visit and learn about area historic houses and barns from the Revolutionary and early American period?

MIM_art_bu_HHoagland_Snell1881The Millstone Valley National Scenic Byway has a significant place in our nation’s history. In the heart of Central New Jersey and running through Montgomery, Hillsborough and Franklin townships and the villages of Griggstown, East Millstone,Millstone,Kingston and Rocky Hill, this now protected byway is a natural north south corridor, which remains a rare oasis of natural beauty and historic integrity.

Join us May 21st to tour the scenic byway loop along the Millstone River and Delaware and Raritan Canal from East Millstone to Kingston and back. This guided bus tour by local history experts will be a trip back in time, to relive history and get a glimpse of life in the valley as it was and still remains today. Small amounts of walking will be involved when we stop at several Dutch Colonial, Federal, and Victorian style homes.

Princeton Packet Article about Tour

DATE: Sunday, May 21
TIME: Tours at 11 am , 12 pm, 1:30 pm (2 hr tour with restroom stops)
PLACE: **New Meeting Place** The Farm Barn Museum behind 1860 House, 124 Montgomery Rd.  Please follow signs & use driveway access from Stonebridge Retirement Community next door. Pre-register (see below) and arrive 15 min. early.
LUNCH: An optional snack will be available with refreshments at no charge.
BATHROOMS: Available at meeting place at start and finish

If you have questions, please call Anne at 908-359-2642 or email info@vanharlingen.org. Offered in cooperation with the Millstone Valley Preservation Coalition.

May in Montgomery is the largest annual fundraising event of our local Van Harlingen Historical Society, – a 501(c)3 non-profit. Please join us for this fascinating tour!

 

VHHS Barn Dance – October 21

Posted on by September 11, 2016

Barn dance with the Long Hill String Band and Caller Sue Dupree. Historic Exhibits of Harvest Time and Lost Village will be featured. 8-11 pm Elks Club on Rte 518.

Price: $15 in advance either by mail or by ordering below:

$15

,

$20 at the door.

Camp Meeting – Saturday September 17

Posted on by September 11, 2016

On Saturday, September 17th 11am-2pm the Sourland Conservancy and Stoutsburg Cemetery Association offer a historic reenactment of a camp meeting revival: food, fun and great gospel music.

Details on the Sourland Conservancy website. http://sourland.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Camp-Meeting-Revival-Flyer.pdf

See our interesting Oral History called Camp Meetings for more historic context (Available on our publications page http://vanharlingen.org/about-us/publications/)

May In Montgomery – May 15, 2016

Posted on by September 3, 2019

The Forgotten Village

Presentation, Panel Discussion, Vintage Photos
Memorial Hall, 424 Route 518, Blawenburg Reformed Church
May 15, 2016 from 1:00-4:00 PM

Semi-guided Tours at Skillman Park
3:30-5:00 PM

Join us for a History Tour and Conversation about the former State Village.  At the Meeting Hall will be presentations and a panel discussion from locals who lived and worked at the site. Come learn about this once-bustling, self-sustaining farm and village with its own fire company, theater, hospital, powerhouse, and more on the grounds of Somerset County’s Skillman Park.  There will be a large exhibit of photographs and memorabilia from the Van Harlingen Historical Society archives. There will be semi-guided tours around the new park path system that will feature stops with photos and stories of the buildings, people and activities from when this site was vibrant. A keepsake booklet filled with interesting articles and maps will be included.

The event is free. A keepsake booklet filled with photos and maps will be available for a donation of $15. We hope you will plan to come, and ask that you invite your neighbors and friends. So many of our new residents have no idea of the history that played out here. We now have a beautiful natural park, with only the dramatic 1901 tree-lined road layout of noted landscape architect, Charles W. Leavitt, remaining to mark this important site, once the most densely populated section of our township.

 

May in Montgomery is the major fundraiser of the Society and is a staple of our community. This year’s event marks our 37th as we celebrate this forgotten part of Montgomery and New Jersey. We’ve combed our archives to develop programs and exhibits to create a memorable experience for all. In addition to May 15th, there will be an exhibit at the Mary Jacobs Library throughout May.

Please consider a Friend of May in Montgomery contribution to support our educational and preservation programs, via the donate button to the right. Your name will be prominently listed in the program. You know you will be in good company there! (And in case you forgot to send us your 2016 membership, please add it to your donation. Your mailing label shows your membership status).

Thank you for your continued support! See you May 15th. Bring your family, Bring a friend!