Submitted by the Green Brook Historical Society
Well, it’s October and the leaves are turning lovely colors, and we are preparing again for Somerset County’s 12th annual Journey Through the Past event.
For this year’s there will be 29 historic sites open on the weekend of October 14 and 15. Many are open only periodically throughout the year. All are free of charge. This is an excellent opportunity for a family to learn a little about our county and the history that made us what we are today.
The weekend hours for the 14th and 15th event are from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday and 12 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Sunday. Site maps and booklets can be picked up at whatever site you choose to visit first. We suggest that once you have the booklet you pick out three or four to visit each day. That and using the driving map will give you an efficient and full experience.
In Green Brook we will present Washington Rock. Members will explain how important this lookout was in June and July of 1777 by allowing General George Washington to watch the movement of the British troops from Amboy and New Brunswick. And the feint the British attempted to capture our Capitol of Philadelphia. Luckily General George did not come down from the mountain to take the bait. On a clear day one can see the skyscrapers of Manhattan 26 miles distant and the Atlantic Highlands 31 miles away where, with telescopes, the tops of the British high-masted sailing ships could been seen in Sandy Hook Harbor.
We are also highlighting the Dr. John Vermeule House on Rock Avenue. Since the house is still undergoing renovation, interior access will be limited. However, we shall tell you about the Doctor in the early 1800’s and the history of the house and those that have occupied it. There will be artifacts from the various time periods on display.
The weekend of October 14 and 15 is also a chance to visit our neighbors, including The Texier House Museum, which is located on the Watchung Circle. Here you can learn about the glove magnate who resided there as well as the general history of the Watchung area. In Warren, at the Codington Farmstead you can learn the story of a brother and sister and see wonderful antiques dating back over the last century. Also located in Warren are the Kirch-Ford-Terrill House and the nearby Mt. Bethel Meeting House.
Come and enjoy learning more about the area’s history. More information about this event, including a list of all 29 participating historic sites throughout Somerset County, a guide book, and map, can be found on the Somerset County website at www.co.somerset.nj.us.
The Green Brook Cultural Heritage and Historic Preservation Committee and The Green Brook Historical Society meet the third Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at Green Brook Town Hall located at 111 Greenbrook Rd., Green Brook, NJ. We are always looking for people interested in history and culture to join our group, as a guest or a member. For more information about the Green Brook Historical Society, visit www.gbhsnj.org.
