Stone Harbor (Tatham) Life Saving Station 11617 Second Avenue Stone Harbor, NJ 08247

"A Local Journey: Exploring the outskirts of New York City, Dedication to Warren Watrel, Exploring Historic Cape May Country, NJ, Exploring Historic Towns in New Jersey, Exploring Manhattan Block by Block, Exploring New York City by foot, Exploring the Island of Manhattan, Exploring the Jersey Shore, Exploring the State of New Jersey, Firefighting Museums in New Jersey, Historic New Jersey Towns and Neighborhoods, Historical Towns of New Jersey, My life as a Fireman: FF Justin Watrel, My walk in Manhattan (MywalkinManhattan.com), Small museums in New Jersey, Smile! Your Visiting New Jersey!, Uncategorized, Visiting a Museum in New Jersey, Walking in Stone Harbor NJ, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Stone Harbor (Tatham) Life Saving Station

11617 Second Avenue

Stone Harbor, NJ 08247

(609) 368-2294

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Life-Saving_Station_No._35

11617 Second Avenue – American Legion Lifesaving Station

Open: (Seasonal-June-Labor Day)

Admission: Free but they ask for a donation

My review on TripAdvisor:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g46850-d14316159-r1073429644-Tatham_Life_Saving_Station_and_Museum-Stone_Harbor_Cape_May_County_New_Jersey.html?m=19905

The outside of the museum:

The Stone Harbor Life Saving Station at 11617 Second Avenue

(From the Stone Harbor Museum website)

American Legion Post 331 represents both Avalon and Stone Harbor, but also includes many members from outside the area. The Post occupies the old Tatham Life Saving Station, the oldest building in Stone Harbor, and is dedicated to the memory of PFC Stephen C. Ludlam, of Stone Harbor, New Jersey (1925-1945). Stephen was the recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross (our nation’s 2nd highest award) and Purple Heart for heroic action during the Battle of the Colmar Pocket in World War II (Stone Harbor Museum website).

The historic Life Saving Boat

The historic signs

The historic signs

The historic signs

The museum is open for limited hours Monday-Wednesday and on Fridays from 10:00am-2:00pm during the summer months and then by appointment only during the rest of the year. The building is used for the local Veterans VFW meeting place so the building is used all year round.

The outside painting of the rescue team on the outside of the old bay

(From the Stone Harbor Museum website)

Murals in the building depict the history of the building, use of life saving equipment during the 1900s and honor to our fallen soldiers. All murals were created by artist and member Mr. James J. Thompson. Memorabilia available includes the life saving surf boat, steering oars, historic photos of the Life Saving Service and wall panels describing in detail the various aspects of life saving operations. The murals, wall panels and surfboat restoration were funded by the Cape May County Board of Chosen Freeholders. Also of interest is the view from the tower which presents an excellent panorama of Stone Harbor, the ocean, Hereford Inlet and the bay (Stone Harbor Museum website).

The second painting

I took a guided tour on a recent Friday and one of the veterans gave me a very though tour of the museum and all the displays. If you like this depth of the history of both the Coast Guard, the Jersey Shore Rescues and this history of all the wars especially WWI and WWII, this museum shows that history in depth with artifacts from both local residents and members of the military from New Jersey.

The Rescue painting from the old rescue bays

We started the tour on the first floor with the history of the building, how the Jersey Shore Rescue units worked and the early formation of the Coast Guard from the earlier Rescue Units.

The painting in the lobby is rescued

The beginnings of the US Coast Guard

The building is named after local resident , Stephen Ludham. The memorial to Private First Class Stephen Ludham is located in the first room.

The memorial Stephen Ludlam

The picture of Stephen C. Ludlam

(From the American Legion Post 331 website)

The American Legion Post 331 was chartered on March 30, 1946. At the time of our organization, we received permission from Mr. and Mrs. Jesse D. Ludlam of Stone Harbor to name the new post in honor of their son, Private First Class (PFC) Steven C. Ludlam. PFC Ludlam was killed in action at the age of 19 near Ostheim, France on January 23, 1945. For his heroic action on that date, he was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, an award second only to the Medal of Honor. His brother, John Ludlam an Army Air Corps member, was a charter member of the new post (American Legion Post 331 website).

Post 331 is unique primarily because it is fortunate enough to have been able to purchase and restore a deactivated U. S. Coast Guard (USCG) station that was formerly an 1895 U. S. Life-Saving Service (USLSS) station as its Post building. The building not only serves as a meeting place for legionnaires, but it also houses a life-saving museum on its first floor and a military museum on its second floor. The building’s tower offers a panoramic view of the southern part of Seven Mile Island (formerly Seven Mile Beach). American Legion Post 331 and Sons of The American Legion (S. A. L.) Squadron 331 members provide free tours of the historic building five days a week during the summer (American Legion Post 331 website).

Post 331 is also unique among many Posts because it services the summer resort communities of Avalon and Stone Harbor whose populations, to include active legion members, drastically fall during the off-season months. As a result, the Post is closed during the months of February and March. The Post has a membership of over 200 members. Our membership is comprised of past and present members of our nation’s military services: Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Air Force and in the future US Space Force. As members of The American Legion, they carry out our goal of veterans helping veterans and our local communities (American Legion Post 331 website).

The main room on the first room where the VFW meets, there is all sorts of artifacts and pictures along the walls.

The main meeting room of the building

The beach live Guarding stations in this part of the shore district

The Rescue Stations used to line the coastline along a certain amount of miles that could be covered by Teams with the technology of the time. As modern rescue practices were developed after WWI, we saw the formation of the current US Coast Guard.

The uniform and the award to Charles M. Wright, along with his memos.

What the site looked like in the early part of the last century before Stone Harbor grew up around it.

The next memorial was to Seaman Stephen Tieser along with his uniform.

The memorial to Stephen Tieser

Stephen Teiser’s Sailor’s uniform

The uniforms and the group shot of the ‘Manning Station’, the men of the life guarding station

As we left the first floor of the station and arrived on the second floor, the first display was on the ‘Code Talkers’, the native Americans who spoke the ‘Navajo’ language, and established a code that no one could break during WWII.

The Code Talkers display. This was the basis for the movie “Windtalkers”

The second floor landing has an interesting display of artifacts, including uniforms and art from WWII.

The second floor display

The second floor WWII display

The WWI display of the ‘Doughboy’ uniform and pictures

The full uniform

The WWII display of veterans memorabilia

The museum has an interesting display of items that were taken as spoils of the war from veterans based in Germany. The collection as a lot of Nazi war items.

The Nazi memorabilia

The second floor gallery of the station

The electronic equipment used in the war

The WWII Women’s display of factory and war support

A local couple who both members of the armed forces during WWII family donated their entire collection of their parent’s memorabilia from the war years.

The collection of family memorabilia

Jay and Rosie Hart and all awards and accolades

A Japanese bomber uniform in the WWII

The Vietnam veteran display in the second floor gallery

The war display on the second floor landing

The third floor of the building had the look out and a spectacular view of the ocean.

The third floor lookout

The view from the lookout tower

The tour takes about an hour but can go longer depending on your tour guide and the amount of time you want to spend on each exhibition. It is a fascinating look not just at the history of the Legion and of the Rescue facility but of all our foreign wars. The museum is open from 10:00am-2:00pm on selected days of the week depending on the season.

The History of the American Legion Post 331:

(From the American Legion Post 331 website)

Since being chartered in 1946, Stephen C. Ludlam Post 331 of The American Legion has been welcoming veterans from all branches of our Armed Forces. The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. It is the nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization, committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to our fellow service members and veterans (American Legion Post 331 website).

The American Legion is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization with great political influence perpetuated by its grass-roots involvement in the legislation process from local districts to Capitol Hill. Legionnaires’ sense of obligation to community, state and nation drives an honest advocacy for veterans in Washington. The Legion stands behind the issues most important to the nation’s veterans community, backed by resolutions passed by volunteer leadership (American Legion Post 331 website).

Maywood Station Museum 269 Maywood Avenue Maywood, NJ 07607

"A Local Journey: Exploring the outskirts of New York City, Dedication to Warren Watrel, Exploring Historic Bergen County NJ, Exploring Historic Towns in New Jersey, Exploring Manhattan Block by Block, Exploring Maywood, NJ, Exploring New Jersey, Exploring New York City by foot, Exploring the Island of Manhattan, Exploring the State of New Jersey, Firefighting Museums in New Jersey, Historic New Jersey Towns and Neighborhoods, Historical Towns of New Jersey, My life as a Fireman: FF Justin Watrel, My walk in Manhattan (MywalkinManhattan.com), Small museums in New Jersey, Smile! Your Visiting New Jersey!, The Bergen 250-250th Anniversary of the Revolutionary War in Bergen County, NJ, Uncategorized, Visiting a Museum in New Jersey, Walking in Maywood, NJ, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Maywood Station Museum

269 Maywood Avenue

Maywood, NJ  07607

(201) 845-3323

http://www.maywoodstation.com

http://www.maywoodstation.com/

https://www.facebook.com/MaywoodStationMuseum/

Open: Times Vary; please check their website

Admission: Free

TripAdvisor Review:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g46608-d2661796-Reviews-Maywood_Station_Museum-Maywood_New_Jersey.html?m=19905

The Maywood Railroad Museum at 269 Maywood Avenue

This National Registered restored 1872 New York, Susquehanna & Western railroad station, one of oldest in New Jersey, is located in the heart of Maywood, NJ. Restored by the Maywood Station Historical Committee and opened in September 25, 2004, it contains an extensive railroad museum and collection. The site also contains a restored caboose and engine.

The museum sign welcomes you

The side of the museum where materials are dropped off

I visited the Maywood Station Museum when it was open recently and found a fascinating collection of railroad memorabilia, Maywood fire department history and early maps of the town of Maywood. It is a treasure trove of articles for people who like to study railroad history especially its growth in small towns, early stages of industry in the town and in New Jersey.

The inside of the station museum

There is a lot of items that show the history of rail service not just on the train but in the station as well. There are antique desks, phones, ticket takers, mailboxes, benches and pictures all from the turn of the last two centuries.

The train ticket collection

The Maywood Station Historical Committee (MSHC) division of New York, Susquehanna & Western Technical & Historical Society operates the Maywood Station Museum and is chartered as a tax-exempt, 501(c)3 non-profit, educational and historical organization with a mission to preserve our railroad and cultural heritage through restoration and preservation, historical awareness, archiving and interpretation, museum open houses, meetings and special events (Maywood Station Museum Committee).

The train artifacts

The History of the Museum:

(From the Museum website)

The museum is operated and staffed by the volunteer membership of the Maywood Station Historical Committee. The main focus of the museum is concentrated on the history of Maywood Station and the New York, Susquehanna & Western Railroad and the roles they played in the development of the Borough of Maywood and the surrounding area. The museum collection contains hundreds of photographs, displays, documents, maps and artifacts covering the histories of Maywood Station, the NYS&W and local railroads, the Borough of Maywood and the local region, which are changed periodically and designed to entertain and educate visitors of all ages as well as offer a virtual timeline to these subjects.

The Museum and Railroad Car

Maywood Station Museum is also the official site of the New York, Susquehanna & Western Technical & Historical Society’s (www.nyswths.org) archive, which contains thousands of drawings, maps, track diagrams, photos, timetables, documents and records covering the history of the New York, Susquehanna & Western Railroad (Wiki).

Train documents and other artifacts

For those interested in historical buildings, meticulous care has been taken by the Maywood Station Historical Committee to show the museum in a historical context.  The museum features the original woodwork painted and stained in the original colors and original Maywood Station furnishings have been restored and displayed such as the potbelly stove, station agent’s desk, chairs, telegraph keys and freight scale. Victorian-period original light fixtures and sconces adorn the ceilings and walls. Additional items have been painstakingly reproduced to the exact original specifications of over one hundred years ago including the station benches and bay window area (Wiki).

The Station Master’s desk

The Maywood Station Museum collection includes a former Penn Central/Conrail N-12 class caboose, which was restored by Maywood Station Historical Committee members. Visitors to the Maywood Station Museum are invited to come aboard Caboose 24542 and view additional displays and an operating model train layout. The Maywood Station Museum collection also includes original New York, Susquehanna & Western Railroad ALCO Type-S-2 Locomotive #206, which has also been restored by Maywood Station Historical Committee members (Wiki).

On September, 10, 2009, NYS&W S-2 #206 was placed on the State of New Jersey Register of Historical Places. The locomotive was placed onto the National Register of Historical Places on March 19, 2010 (Wiki).

The History of Maywood Station:

Maywood Station Museum III

The Museum Logo

In 1871, the New Jersey Midland Railway, predecessor of today’s New York, Susquehanna & Western (NYS&W), began constructing a rail line between Newfoundland, NJ and Hackensack, NJ.  The line was part of a plan to connect with the New York & Oswego Midland (later New York, Ontario & Western) in Middletown, NY and provide rail service from the Great Lakes to New York Harbor. The residents of what would later become Maywood, which at the time was part of an area called Midland Township, saw the advantages of the new railroad and requested a stop be made.

At the time, approximately 13 homes with nearly 90 residents were in the boundaries of today’s Maywood. Soon afterward, construction of Maywood Station began. On March 11, 1872, the New Jersey Midland commenced operating trains on the new line and Maywood Station formally opened in the same paint colors you see it restored to today. Six passenger trains a day in each direction initially stopped at Maywood. It should be noted that for a brief period after that station opened, the station sign said “West Hackensack” but this removed due to the requests of local residents who wanted the station named “Maywood”, as the immediate area surrounding the station had then become known (Maywood Station Museum).

A station agent was employed and it is believed that the first agent was name George Sipley. The station agent handled passenger  baggage, freight shipments to and from the station, passenger ticketing and general functions in addition to performing the job of postmaster. In the 1872 to 1910 period, Maywood Station served as Maywood’s post office at various times when it wasn’t housed in a local merchant’s store. Another station agent/postmaster was Charles M. Berdan, who held this position in the late 1890’s into the early 1900’s. Mr. Berdan’s home was located directly across Maywood Avenue from the station and exists today. Maywood Station was also equipped with a telegraph so that the railroad could communicate between their stations and local residents could send messages around the world. The station also offered Wells Fargo and later, Railway Express Agency delivery services. These services lasted into the 1960’s (Maywood Station Museum).

The Railroad buckles

When Maywood Station was built, it originally located on the south side of the current tracks. In 1893, the station was moved to its present location on the north side of the tracks due to the addition of a second set of tracks being constructed and a purchase of additional land by the railroad. At the time, several additional NYS&W stations along the line were similarly moved for the same reason. When the station was moved, it was jacked up onto the rails, the rails greased, spun around and slide approximately 30 feet closer to Maywood Avenue, then jacked up again and moved to its present  location. A new foundation was also added. It is interesting made at this time including the addition of a freight platform at the “new” rear of the station.

The Maywood, NJ Railroad Museum

The spot where Maywood Station was moved to originally included a passing siding where steam locomotives were stationed to be added, when necessary to help heavy freight trains on the several grades encountered heading west on the line. When the station was moved, the passing siding was cut back and one of the two switches was removed. The remaining trackage was then used to store freight cars, which were unloaded at the station. The siding started to the west of the station and ran 440 feet to near the rear freight platform of the station. The siding was last used in the early 1970’s and remnants of it can be seen today (Museum Station Museum).

The train sections on displays in the back of the museum

In 1894, the approximate 1.1. square mile area that included Maywood Station, formerly part of Midland Township was incorporated as the Borough of Maywood. Also that year, the NYS&W expanded into western New Jersey and through its Wilkes-Barre & Eastern Railroad subsidiary, into the coal fields in the Pocono region of northeastern Pennsylvania. The rail line could now take a passenger from a ferry at New York City to a connection at Jersey City, NJ to almost Scranton, PA on its own rails. The added ease of transportation began to attract manufacturing to Maywood as well as a demand for new homes. In 1894, the total residents living in Maywood numbered approximately 300 but this was about to change (Maywood Station Museum).

The rails next to the museum

New manufacturing and homes sprang up in the area surrounding the station and included such industry as Schaefer Alkaloids Company, Maywood Chemical Company and Maywood Art Tile Company. As these companies expanded so did Maywood’s population and by 1920 it numbered nearly 3000 (today Maywood has approximately 9,500 residents). The 1920’s also marked the height of passenger service provided by the NYS&W at Maywood Station. Thirteen passenger trains in each direction stopped at Maywood Station on a daily basis. Freight shipments continued to be delivered to the station and most of the local industry had their own rail sidings serving their plants. The NYS&W was enjoying a period of posterity and in 1920, a freight house addition was added to rear of Maywood Station and the exterior walls received a stucco finish over the existing boards and battens.

Station equipment

Stucco was in-vogue in the 1920’s and the NYS&W applied this material to several other stations on their line as well. In 1926, another round of various improvements were made at Maywood Station including the addition of interior men’s and women’s bathrooms, an 8-inch concrete floor installed to replace the wooden floor planking plus electrical and heating improvements. Unfortunately the Great Depression stuck in October 1929 and lasted well into the late 1930’s and the growth slowed dramatically.  In 1937, the NYS&W declared bankruptcy and shortly thereafter was spun off from its parent, the Erie Railroad, which had controlled it since 1898. Around the same time, Maywood Station’s bay window was removed due its deteriorating condition (Maywood Station Museum).

The newly independence NYS&W fought hard to survive and cut back certain services but at the same time tried innovative concepts like streamlined, self-propelled, rail passenger cars as a way of cutting costs while boosting efficiency. The railroad also quickly retired its steam locomotives and replaced them with more efficient diesel locomotives stating in 1941 and completed the program in 1947. During World War II, the fortunes of the NYS&W did improve with the wartime demands placed on America’s railroads. As in World War I, many of Maywood’s servicemen departed through Maywood Station, some never to return. By 1953, the NYS&W was solvent once again but only for a few more years. Faced with mounting losses from the passenger services it offered and America’s love affair with the automobile and a new interstate highway system, the railroad once again embarked on a period of reducing their passenger train schedules.

The Station Master Desk

Losses continued and on June 30, 1966, the last passenger train called on Maywood Station as well as on the entire NYS&W, however the railroad continued to utilize the tracks at Maywood Station for their freight operations, which continues to prosper to this day. Shortly after the end of passenger service, the station was closed and was used by the NYS&W as maintenance base and for storage. Bill Spence served as Maywood Station’s last station agent. In the late 1970’s. Maywood’s Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) leased the station from the NYS&W to be used as a meeting hall. The VFW made a number of improvements including repainting the station, repairing cracked stucco, repairing the roof and maintaining the grounds. In the early 1990’s, the VFW moved out of the station and it remained unoccupied until June 2002, even thought the NYS&W attempted to lease it to another tenant during this period.

Faced with a pending order of demolition by the Borough of Maywood in early 2002 due to the deteriorating conditions of the station, a volunteer, 501C3 non-profit group named the Maywood Station Historical Committee Division of the New York, Susquehanna & Western Technical & Historical Society Inc. was formed on May 29, 2002 with a plan to restore the station and turn it into their museum.

The back of the museum

After several years of volunteer work to restore the station and create a museum, the group has successfully achieved their objectives and more, including placement of the station on both the National Register and State of New Jersey Register of Historic Places. The station now enjoys the notoriety as being one of the most impressive restoration projects and museum efforts to date in the State of New Jersey’s historical community (Maywood Station Museum).

Train lanterns

I want to the thank the Maywood Station Museum for this interesting information and please check out their website at http://www.maywoodstation.com.

https://www.facebook.com/MaywoodStationMuseum/

The front of the museum where materials

Margate Historical Society Museum 1 South Washington Avenue Margate, NJ 08402

"A Local Journey: Exploring the outskirts of New York City, Dedication to Warren Watrel, Exploring Historic Atlantic County NJ, Exploring Historic Towns in New Jersey, Exploring Manhattan Block by Block, Exploring Margate, NJ, Exploring New Jersey, Exploring New York City by foot, Exploring the Island of Manhattan, Exploring the Jersey Shore, Exploring the State of New Jersey, Firefighting Museums in New Jersey, Historic New Jersey Towns and Neighborhoods, Historical Towns of New Jersey, My life as a Fireman Justin Watrel, My walk in Manhattan (MywalkinManhattan.com), Small museums in New Jersey, Smile! Your Visiting New Jersey!, Uncategorized, Visiting a Museum in New Jersey, Walking Downtown Margate, NJ, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Margate Historical Society Museum

1 South Washington Avenue

Margate, NJ 08402

(609) 822-4709

https://www.margatelibrary.org/margate-historical-society-museum

https://www.margatelibrary.org

Open: Sunday-Wednesday Closed/Thursday-Saturday 10:00am-2:00pm

Admission: Free but donations is appreciated

My review on TripAdvisor:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g46600-d21309600-r1073428093-Margate_Historical_Society_Museum-Margate_City_New_Jersey.html?m=19905

The Margate Historical Society at 1 South Washington Avenue

The Margate Historical Society is a small history museum that tells the story of Margate, NJ and nearby Atlantic City, NJ. The two towns are intertwined by history and business. This small museum is run by the Margate Library, part of the town’s municipal system.

The museum sign when open

The entrance to the museum

The inside of the museum and their fire and rescue displays

This interesting museum covers the history of the Fire, Rescue and Police Departments with lots of artifacts from all three departments including pictures and equipment.

The rescue and life guard display

The display explains both the lifeguard stations and members and the rescue units run by both this department and the fire department.

Margate Fire Department artifacts

https://www.facebook.com/MargateCityFireDepartment

https://margate-nj.com/1333/Fire

The museum has a lot of interesting artifacts from the Margate Fire Department that covers both the working and social aspects of the department. Many cover the last 100 years of the department.

Margate Fire Company #1 Banner

The history of the Margate Fire Department

The Margate Police Department also had an interesting display of artifacts including a jail cell. The department also donated uniforms and items to arrest people.

The Margate Police Department display

https://www.facebook.com/MCPDNJ

https://www.margate-nj.com/1876/Police

The museum features the history of the town from community events and organizations to artifacts on buildings and businesses.

Transit display

The history of the community of Margate, NJ

The town has many historical sites especially the “Lucy the Elephant” building down the road from the museum, which is one of the most well known structures at the Jersey shore.

The history of the Margate trolley system that used to exist on the shore line

Artifacts from the old trolleys

The history of the early community

Artifacts from residents of the town that continue to be collected by the museum

Artifacts from the community

The corner stones from the local schools

The museum has an interesting display of the 1964 Democratic Convention that was held in a fading Atlantic City. One of the biggest complaints was that the hotels were past their prime. This was before gambling would be introduced five year later.

The Democratic Convention in Atlantic City that was held in 1964

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1964_Democratic_National_Convention

How Atlantic City’s 1964 Democratic Convention Was a Turning Point for Civil Rights

The formation of the town map block by block

The museum also has files of the original set up of the town since its founding.

The Margate Champion Little League teams

https://www.unpage.org/newjersey/nj-1980.htm

https://www.app.com/story/sports/youth/little-league/2026/08/23/new-jersey-little-league-baseball-teams-of-all-time-ranked/91432459007/?gnt-cfr=1&gca-cat=p&gca-uir=false&gca-epti=z113329p003650l002850c003650e1186xxv113329&gca-ft=9&gca-ds=sophi

The museum touches on all parts of the Town of Margate,NJ and its role in the formation of beach communities along the Jersey shore. The museum shows the spirit of this New Jersey community.

The inside of the museum and the extensive displays of this small but interesting local museum.

The museum takes about an hour to visit and is packed with interesting information. The museum has very limited hours but you can work with the library in the off times to arrange a private tour.

My Life as a Fireman: The Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association Barbecue and Entertainment August 15th, 2026

"A Local Journey: Exploring the outskirts of New York City, Bergen County Firemen's Home Association, Brothers of Engine One HHFD, Dedication to Warren Watrel, Exploring Boonton, NJ, Exploring Historic Bergen County NJ, Exploring Historic Towns in New Jersey, Exploring Manhattan Block by Block, Exploring New York City by foot, Exploring the Island of Manhattan, Exploring the State of New Jersey, Historic New Jersey Towns and Neighborhoods, Historical Towns of New Jersey, My life as a Fireman Justin Watrel, My life as a Fireman: FF Justin Watrel, My walk in Manhattan (MywalkinManhattan.com), MywalkinManhattan Experiences, Smile! Your Visiting New Jersey!, Uncategorized, Walking in Downtown Boonton, NJ, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

It was another sunny and warm day in Boonton, NJ and the perfect day for a barbecue.

The link to our blog site:

https://tbcfha.wordpress.com

https://www.facebook.com/groups/494463336387386

The Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association at the August Barbecue

The picnic grounds

The grounds of the NJ State Firemen’s Home were in full bloom and the lawns were perfectly groomed for the afternoon. The skies were blue and the temperature at 80 degrees. Perfect for an outdoor event.

The barbecue grill

We had a wonderful menu planned for the residents and their guests. We were serving Hamburgers and Cheeseburgers, Hot Dogs and Bruck Wurst, Barbecue Ribs and Chicken, Baked beans, Mac and Cheese, Fresh Watermelon for dessert along with home baked desserts made by a member’s wife. A wonderful menu that residents and their families enjoyed.

The front gardens in the morning

The memorial fountain

The grounds in front of the home

Setting up the grill for lunch

Chef Prince working his magic at the grill that afternoon

Our Grill Master today was Chef Prince from the NJ State Firemen’s Home, who created this feast for all of us down to the homemade mac & cheese and the baked beans with honey and cinnamon. Everything was delicious!

The food was amazing that day

After we finished eating, the men of the Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association took our annual group picture. I wanted to thank this very dedicated group of men for making this event possible.

The members of the Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association after a job well done

A big ‘Thank You’ goes to our dedicated Executive Board who works so hard to make this organization what it is today. Hats off to Tom Simpson, John Kinner and Roy De Young Jr. for everything they do to make this organization the success it is today.

The Executive Board of the Bergen County Firemen’s Home after the picnic was over Tom Simpson, Justin Watrel, John Kinner and Roy De Young Jr.

Jolly Nick’s Famous Hot Dogs 31 East Madison Avenue Dumont, NJ 07628

"A Local Journey: Exploring the outskirts of New York City, Dedication to Warren Watrel, Dining on a Shoe String Restaurants in New Jersey, Exploring Dumont, NJ, Exploring Historic Bergen County NJ, Exploring Historic Towns in New Jersey, Exploring Manhattan Block by Block, Exploring New York City by foot, Exploring the Island of Manhattan, Exploring the State of New Jersey, Historic New Jersey Towns and Neighborhoods, Historical Towns of New Jersey, Hot Dog, Hamburger & Fries for the budget minded., My walk in Manhattan (MywalkinManhattan.com), Sandwich and Deli's for the budget minded, Smile! Your Visiting New Jersey!, Uncategorized, Walking Downtown Dumont, NJ, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Jolly Nick’s Famous Hot Dogs

31 East Madison Avenue

Dumont, NJ 07638

(201) 501-0889

https://www.facebook.com/p/Jolly-Nicks-100054249801176

Open: Sunday Closed/Monday-Friday 11:00am-6:00pm/Saturday 11:30am-5:00pm

My review on TripAdvisor:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Profile/R4960NKjustinw/photo/873865997?m=19905

Jolly Nick’s is a small local restaurant in Downtown Dumont, NJ with a menu of deep fried hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken sandwiches and cheesesteaks. They have other deep fried treats like French Fries, Onion Rings and Mozzarella sticks.

The front of Jolly Nick’s at 31 East Madison Avenue

The inside is like a step back in the 1970’s and 80’s with classic chairs and tables and menu prices to match. The menu is so reasonable at a time when everything is getting so expensive. The owner keeps the prices with reach of his customers.

The inside of the restaurant

The menu is varied and very reasonable

What I love about the hot dogs here is that he deep fries them so they come out crackled and crisp. Then he puts them in a soft bun and you can choose from a variety of toppings

The hot dog and French Fries lunch special with a drink

I chose to keep it traditional and chose mustard and relish. It was loaded on top and I liked the combination of spicy and sweet in the taste.

The special meal

The deep fried hot dogs

The French Fries

Lunch was so good!

It was nice to sit back and talk to the owner while I was eating. He really loves what he is doing and the food he makes brings back a lot of memories of high school and summers.

On my last day of class at the college, I stopped in for lunch to try more of their delicious and very reasonable menu.

I was in the mood for a Cheeseburger with a side of Onion Rings and a Dr. Brown Black Cherry soda. It was the perfect meal at the end of the semester.

The Cheeseburger and Onion Rings

The burger was perfectly cooked and had a nice caramelized flavor to it. It was topped with lettuce, tomato and a pickle.

My burger and Onion Rings

The Onion Rings were perfectly fried and crisp and had nice slices of onion in every bite.

The Onion Rings

I really enjoyed my lunch out!

What I like about lunches here is they are reasonable, filling and well cooked. You can a nice meal for a fair price.

Woodside Cemetery West Madison and Prospect Avenue Dumont, NJ 07628

"A Local Journey: Exploring the outskirts of New York City, Dedication to Warren Watrel, Exploring Dumont, NJ, Exploring Historic Bergen County NJ, Exploring Historic Graveyards and Cemeteries, Exploring Historic Towns in New Jersey, Exploring Manhattan Block by Block, Exploring New Jersey, Exploring New York City, Exploring New York City by foot, Exploring the Island of Manhattan, Exploring the State of New Jersey, Historic Cemeteries and Graveyards in New Jersey, Historic New Jersey Towns and Neighborhoods, Historical Towns of New Jersey, My walk in Manhattan (MywalkinManhattan.com), Small museums in New Jersey, Smile! Your Visiting New Jersey!, The Bergen 250-250th Anniversary of the Revolutionary War in Bergen County, NJ, Uncategorized, Visiting a Museum in New Jersey, Walking Downtown Dumont, NJ, Walking In Downtown Dumont, NJ, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Woodside Cemetery

West Madison and Prospect Avenue

Dumont, NJ 07628

(201) 551-9760

https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/100305/woodside-cemetery

https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/221402383

https://newjerseycivilwargravestones.org/cemetery.php?cemID=590

Open: Sunday-Saturday Dawn to Dusk

My review on TripAdvisor:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Profile/R4960NKjustinw/mediabatch/14461975?m=19905

The Woodside Cemetery in Dumont, NJ

The historic Woodside Cemetery in Dumont, NJ. It is the home of many ‘founding families’ of Bergen County, NJ., such as the Demarest’s, Hopper’s, Van Buskirk’s, Haring’s (Hering’s), Van Saun’s, DeBaun’s, Westervelt’s and Zabriskie’s. These are the families that dominated the farming industry in Bergen County before and after the Revolutionary War. It is one of the many historical cemeteries and graveyards in Bergen County, NJ.

My mapping of historical cemeteries and graveyards in Bergen County, NJ:

https://visitingamuseum.com/tag/historic-cemeteries-of-bergen-county

https://mywalkinmanhattan.com/tag/historic-cemeteries-of-bergen-county-nj

My class’s Team Project on the Historical Revolutionary War Cemeteries and Graveyards of Bergen County, NJ:
https://visitingamuseum.com/2026/05/23/day-three-hundred-and-eighty-three-bergecco-parc-consulting-presents-bergen-250-exploring-bergen-countys-revolutionary-war-era-cemeteries-a/

The sign that welcomes you

The inside of the cemetery in the historical section of the cemetery

The historical Woodside cemetery is the resting place of many of the founding families of Bergen County and the surrounding communities of New York State.

Lining the historical Main Street of Downtown Dumont, the older part of the cemetery holds the family plots of some of the original settlers who shaped this country from its beginning.

The Voorhis family plot

The Zabriskie family plot

The Brinkerhoff family plot

The Waite Van Bushkirk family plot

The Van Bushkirk family family plot

The large Demarest family plot

The Hasbrouck family plot (The Family who Hasbrouck Heights is named after)

The Blauvelt family plot

The DeBaum-Westervelt family plot

The Van Saun-Demarest family plot

The Demarest-Haring-Van Vliet-Vorhees family plot

The Demarest-Van Bushkirk family plot

The Brinkerhoff-Doremus-Demarest family plot

The Van Bushkirk-Hopper family plot

The grave of James Blauvelt DeMott

The cemetery is the resting place of many War of 1812, Civil War, the World Wars, Korean and Vietnam and the modern wars.

The cemetery is a place of respect and quiet contemplation. To see the contributions of these members of the community is to reflect on the history of Bergen County. These families and many people buried here have helped shape Bergen County and the State of New Jersey to what it is today.

Day Three Hundred and Eight-Nine Visiting the Orange County Fair in Orange County, NY and the 4H Fair in Bridgewater, NJ July 26th, and August 7th, 2026

"A Local Journey: Exploring the outskirts of New York City, Dedication to Warren Watrel, Dining on a Shoe String Restaurants in New Jersey, Exploring Bridgewater, NJ, Exploring Historic Dutchess County NY, Exploring Historic Somerset County, NJ, Exploring Historic Towns of Upstate New York, Exploring Manhattan Block by Block, Exploring Middletown, NY, Exploring New Jersey, Exploring New York City by foot, Exploring the Island of Manhattan, Exploring the State of New Jersey, Interesting Pizzerias in New Jersey, My walk in Manhattan (MywalkinManhattan.com), Smile! Your Visiting New Jersey!, Uncategorized, Visiting a Museum in New Jersey, Visiting a Museum in New York State, Visiting Farms and Farm Stands in New York, Visiting Farms and Farm Stands of New Jersey, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

I took a ride to Upstate New York in July to visit museums and historical sites in Orange County, NY that had been on my bucket list but most were closed on the sunny Sunday. I made a U turn on the local highway and stopped to visit the Hill-Hold Museum in Campbell Hill, NY.

The Hill-Hold Museum at 128 NY 416 in Campbell Hill, NY

https://www.orangecountyny.gov/1477/Hill-Hold-Museum

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bull-Jackson_House

Home

Open: Sunday 12:00pm-4:00pm/Monday-Friday Closed/Saturday 12:00pm-4:00pm Seasonal Tours from May to August.

Admission: Adults $5.00/Children $3.00/Group Tours $4.00-Group Tours for over 20 people have to arranged in advance.

My review on TripAdvisor:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g47402-d27087686-r1070368379-Hill_Hold_Museum-Campbell_Hall_New_York.html?m=19905

After the tour of the house was over, I decided to stop at the Orange County Fair for the evening and get something to eat.

Being a frequent visitor of the Dutchess County Fair, I expect all the fairs to be of the size and scope of that fair. This one was much smaller but still had a lot to offer.

The entrance to the Orange County Fairgrounds in Middletown, NY

https://www.orangecountyfair.com

https://www.facebook.com/OrangeCountyFairNewYork

When I arrived in the late afternoon, the fair was rather quiet as it was the late afternoon and most of the demonstrations and entertainment would be later that evening.

Walking through the entrance of the fairgrounds past the rides and the concessions

Still there was a sizable crowd already at the fair riding the rides, playing games of chance and eating at the somewhat over-priced concession stands.

There were a nice variety of rides and things to do while I walked around surveying the grounds to what there was to do and experience.

Looking over the rides which were filled with families

The first tent I visited was the Livestock Tent and the petting zoo. While the fair did not have the livestock displays that the other fairs did or the 4H presence, the tent had friendly selection of animals to see and feed. They looked so happy to see humans with food.

Walking through the petting zoo

Walking through the petting zoo

The sheep and llamas were waiting by the edge of the pens for treat from a human hand. I found them inquisitive of us especially as we fed them.

Watching the llamas decor an ice cream cone filled with treats

The next tent I visited was the 4H tent with all the craft and food items on display. The judging had taken place and all the ribbons were on display.

Walking through the crafts tents

The Scarecrow Contest in the Crafts Tent

We even got to vote on a scarecrow. I thought that was interesting.

Nightmare Manor, the haunted funhouse

The preview of the movie “The Funhouse”

I next walked along the Midway past a whole series of rides and attractions. The first ones were the funhouse and the glory, the Nightmare Manor haunted ride. The lines were short so most people were getting in quickly.

The next thing I did was visit the grandstands where they were having a demonstration on Monster Trucks. This I had to see.

The Monster Trick Rally competition

They were offering rides to patrons before the show (which was a separate fee), so I got to see people driving around the field having a great time.

I did not want to stay for the show as those lines were getting long and I wanted to head home before it got dark. I left the ever growing line to head to the concession to get something to eat.

Stopping for dessert at Tootsie’s Fried Dough Concession

Tootsie’s Fried Dough

Someone had just walked by me with a steaming funnel cake and then I had to have one. The one thing I have to say about Tootsie’s Fried Dough is that everything is made fresh to order and the quality of the funnel cake was better than any one that I had at the Dutchess County Fair, which are always premade and soggy by the time you get them.

The Funnel Cake was made to order and out of this world

Yum! These were the best!

The last thing that I attended was the circus, which had just started at 6:00pm as I was leaving the fairgrounds. I decided to stay for the most of the show. I enjoyed the high wire acts and the acrobatic displays.

The high wire acts

These brothers from South America were extremely talented and do the most amazing tricks on the high wire.

The bicycle ride over the high wire

Skipping rope on the high wire acts

I really had a nice time at the fair. While it was not as big as either the Dutchess or Ulster County fairs that I attended in the past, there was a lot to see and do at the Orange County Fair.

The Bridgewater, NJ 4H Fair:

Going to the 4H Fair in Bridgewater, NJ was like a step back in time. I used to come here with friends after swim team practice as kids and we all used to garbage up eating our way through the Food Tent. After that, we would enjoy the fair.

The entrance to the Somerset County 4H Fair in Bridgewater, NJ

https://4histops.org/visitors

https://www.facebook.com/SCNJ4H

Walking into the 4H Fairgrounds was like stepping back over forty years as I had not been here since 1981. I even searched all the tents to find someone I knew (I did not know anyone).

The various displays of crafts, hobby cars, crafts and gardening tips

I first visited the Craft and Hobby tents with the displays of model trains, planes, automobiles and artwork. It was mostly families talking amongst themselves. The I next visited the Cow pens.

The cow pens

The cow pens

The cows were getting their afternoon feeding

I next visited the Sheep tent and they were in the middle of having their lunch as well not paying too much attention to us humans.

The sheep were enjoying their lunch when I got there and stopped for a second to see what I was doing

They all went back to feeding

There was a llama tent as well and they seemed very welcoming to human interaction

While walking around the fair, I could see the dark clouds coming in the distance. I had thought the storms were not coming until that evening, so I hustled through the rest of the tents.

Walking down the Midway of the fair with dark clouds in the distance

Entering the Poultry Tent

There were all sorts of varieties of chickens, ducks and geese to visit at the fair.

The prize chickens in their pens

The chickens were eating their lunch and pecking away

The highlight of the 4H Fair to me as a child was the Food tent with all the hot dogs, hamburgers, fried dough and funnel cakes and the popcorn and cotton candy for dessert.

The Food Concession tent

The Food tent

Just as I was deciding what to eat for dinner, there was a panicked announcement over the loudspeaker that they were closing the fair due to incoming storm clouds and lightening.

Everyone made a mad dash for their cars and I actually felt for all the concessions, who had all this food to sell and now how to shut down quickly. Some of the patrons had a ‘screw it’ attitude and kept eating probably until they kicked them out of the tent.

It started to rain while I was in the parking lot and I just checked messages on my phone and worked on blogs until most of the traffic got out of the parking lot. Then I drove into Bridgewater and had dinner at Joe’s Pizzeria at 1938 Washington Valley Road in Martinsville.

Joe’s Pizzeria at 1938 Washington Valley Road in Bridgewater, NJ

https://www.joespizzamartinsville.com/

Open: Monday-Saturday-11:00am-9:30pm/Sunday-4:00pm-9:30pm

My review on TripAdvisor:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g46604-d3395400-Reviews-Joe_s_Pizza-Martinsville_New_Jersey.html?m=19905

My review on DiningonaShoeStringinNYC@Wordpress.com:

Joe’s Pizza 1938 Washington Valley Road Martinsville, NJ 08822

I had been coming to Joe’s since I was five and the pizza has not changed on bit since then. The next and the current owner both use the original Joe’s recipe for tomato sauce for the pies and calzones. Dinner here is another step back in time to my teen years. The inside of the pizzeria has not changed much in 35 years.

I was in the mood for a sandwich but I did not see any on the menu. They no longer make them so I ordered the Sausage and Pepperoni Roll. When it came out, it looked like a small pizza folded over. They made it fresh for me.

The Sausage and Pepperoni Roll with a side of red sauce

The roll was stuffed with a half pound of sweet fried sausage and spicy pepperoni, tucked in a pizza dough shell and baked to perfection.

It was the perfect meal for me covering both lunch and dinner. This could have been shared by two people.

The food here has been excellent since I started to come here in the 1970’s and has not changed since.

The dining area has not changed much since I was a kid

There’s more fairs to see and many more experiences to be had at them.

The Hill-Hold House Museum 128 NY 416 Campbell Hall, NY 10916

"A Local Journey: Exploring the outskirts of New York City, Exploring Campbell Hall, NY, Exploring Historic Orange County NY, Exploring Historic Towns of Upstate New York, Exploring Manhattan Block by Block, Exploring Montgomery NY, Exploring New York City by foot, Exploring New York State, Exploring the Historic Hudson River Valley in New York State, Exploring the Island of Manhattan, Historic New York State neighborhoods, Hot Dog, Hamburger & Fries for the budget minded., My walk in Manhattan (MywalkinManhattan.com), Uncategorized, Visiting a Museum in New York State, Walking Downtown Montgomery NY, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Hill-Hold House Museum

128 NY 416

Campbell Hall, NY 10916

(845) 291-2404

https://www.orangecountyny.gov/1477/Hill-Hold-Museum

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bull-Jackson_House

Home

Open: Sunday 12:00pm-4:00pm/Monday-Friday Closed/Saturday 12:00pm-4:00pm Seasonal Tours from May to August.

Admission: Adults $5.00/Children $3.00/Group Tours $4.00-Group Tours for over 20 people have to arranged in advance.

My review on TripAdvisor:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g47402-d27087686-r1070368379-Hill_Hold_Museum-Campbell_Hall_New_York.html?m=19905

I had never heard of the Hill-Hold Museum and I happened to come across it when I saw a sign on the local highway that the museum was open that day. I thought it was a very interesting home and grounds with historical homes and buildings. Some came from other parts of Orange County, NY.

There are group tours on the hour with the last tour at 3:00pm. I took the last tour by myself with the tour guide and got a one on one tour of the house and grounds. The tour takes you into a step back in time to an agricultural society that no longer exists and times were slower and more structured.

The Hill-Hold Museum

The estate in the background

The Hill-Hold Museum:

A Farm for Two Centuries. This stone farmhouse was built in 1769. This museum reflects the life of the Bull-Jackson family spanning over 200 years. Hill-Hold Museum has circa 1830 Furnishings,  a one room School House, a historic 1870 barn, Goosetown Gift Shop, picnic benches, and parking (Museum website).

The house on the estate grounds

The Mission Statement:

(From the museum website)

The Friends of Hill-Hold and Brick House Museums serve to preserve and enhance the preservation of history in Orange County, by maintaining, furnishing and operating programs at both these exemplary 18th century houses. These museums include portraits, memorabilia, photographs, and furnishings pertinent to them, the county and the past ages that touched each house (Museum website).

The front of the Hill-Hold Museum at the start of the tour

History of the Hill-Hold house museum:

(From the museum website)

Visit Hill-Hold museum and see what life was like on a Hudson Valley farm in the 1830s. This was still the era of candlelight, fireplace heat, homegrown food, and homespun clothing. The stone farmhouse was built in 1769 with wide plank floors, handsome paneling, and huge fireplaces (Museum website).

It was the home of a prosperous farmer, Thomas Bull, and his family. Original furnishings range from a prized old mahogany sideboard to made-on-the-farm pieces. Most of the rural family’s needs – food, clothing, fuel came directly from the farm. The property was gifted to the County in 1968 by Eleanor Jackson and the house went through an extensive restoration in the 1970’s to return it to how it appeared when it was originally built in the 18th century. (Museum website).

The Hill-Hold farm served the Bull-Jackson family for more than two hundred years. Now visitors are welcome to tour the farm. As we wander through Orange County, reveling in its rolling farmland scenery, we can go back to when the early Americans brought the gracious living and energetic husbandry to this unique part of the Hudson Valley (Museum website).

The Parlor-sitting room on the first floor was once a bedroom

We started the tour in the formal parlor, which the tour guide told me was once a bedroom along with the Living Room before the house was expanded. The house is filled with Bull family heirlooms that were donated back to the house by distance family members.

The family portrait’s in the Parlor-sitting room with the family piano that was used in the evening for entertainment

The portrait below is of the last member of the Bull family to live in the house before it was donated to the State of New York.

A portrait of the last family member to live in the house

The room was used by the family for entertainment, relaxation and for every evening activities. The room was used for pursuits such a sewing, needlepoint, conversation and with a piano in the room, evening activities with the family. With so much going on the farm, people retired in the evening early as the morning brought a lot of work on this working farm.

The spinning wheel by the fireplace

The Dining Room again was a former bedroom that was expanded for a formal eating as the both the house was expanded as well as the family. Breakfast and a late lunch/supper were served in this room. The Dining Room table, chairs, sideboards and china were pieces that part of the house donated back by the family.

The family dining room

The family China in the sideboard cub-bard in the Dining Room

The complete formal china set was displayed in the china closet as if ready to be used for a formal dinner party.

The sitting area in the Dining Room

The upstairs bedroom

We toured the master bedroom on the second floor of the home. Each of the rooms had fireplaces to keep them warm in the long winter nights with a canopy bed to keep the warmth inside. I could not believe how small people were at this time. This would have barely held one person today.

The canopy bed in the upstairs bedroom

The other bedroom would have been used by the children of the family. Now it contains sewing and weaving machines as well as spinning wheel to create the family clothing.

The second bedroom

The Sewing Room on the second floor with the oven/heater and family spinning wheels

Fabric and clothing was created in the home. Whether flax and wool, material was spun on the farm and the family wardrobe was created here.

The family spinning wheels

The sitting area on the second floor

The last part of the house tour was of the family kitchen in the main house. The Summer kitchen was on the other side of the garden outside. The main kitchen inside the house had the fireplace, cooking materials, the family pewter and everything you would need to cook a complete meal.

The family kitchen

The family table set for cooking

Items for bread and dessert baking, butter making, roasting and stewing and all the items needed to cook three meals a day. The bounty of the Spring, Summer and Fall had to supply the long winters when there was no grocery shopping available.

The equipment for washing clothes and other household chores

Wash Day was a whole day reserved for sorting, boiling, scrubbing and hanging clothing to dry. Until the more modern machines were invented in the 1920’s after WWII, this was the weekly ritual for the farm housewife or the staff.

The open hearth and cooking equipment

The cooking equipment

The family pewter set

After we finished the house tour, we explored the outer buildings which included a Summer Kitchen, a smoke house, the vegetable and flower gardens. These buildings were spread around the main house.

The Summer Kitchen

The inside of the Summer kitchen

This Summer Kitchen came from a different property but the use is still the same. As the warmer months of the Summer were upon them, cooking was done in a separate building to keep the house cooler.

Some of the cooking and baking equipment

The flower beds on the side of the house

The flower and vegetable beds on the side of the property and the smoke house

Outside the main house were the vegetable, fruit and flower gardens. Items used in the household for meals, decorations and entertaining.

The barn, the outhouse and the smoke house in the distance

The inside of the smoke house where meats once hung used for family meals

All the family meats were placed in here for cooking and smoking for the family meals. The process took much longer than it does today.

The well in the middle of the property

They also moved an old school house to the property and it was furnished as a complete turn of the last century school house. It was used until 1936.

The schoolhouse on the property

The inside of the school room

The classrooms of the 1700’s and 1800’s to today have not changed much. With the exception of modern heating and air conditioning, the class room set up has not changed much. There is still a board in the front of the room, chairs facing the teacher, who is in charge and books lining the walls.

The teachers desk and the furnace that kept the room warm in the cold months

Games and amusements that were used in recess

Wheels and bikes were part of the games children played at the turn of the last century

Before modern electronics took over starting in the 1970’s, bicycles, hoops and games such as tag and hopscotch were part of playground activities. Playing outside has not changed much throughout the centuries.

Looking over the grounds at the end of the tour

Before I left for the afternoon, I was able to tour the gift shop before the museum closed for the day.

The Goosetown gift shop at the museum entrance at the end of the tour

The Goosetown Gift Shop at Hill-Hold features books, gifts, toys, craft items, and souvenirs. The shop is operated by the Friends of Hill-Hold, Inc., a not-for-profit organization, which aids in the operation of Hill-Hold and Brick House museums (The Museum website).

It really is an interesting tour and a step back in time for a glimpse into the life of a Upper Middle Class farming family.

Joe’s Pizza 1938 Washington Valley Road Martinsville, NJ 08822

"A Local Journey: Exploring the outskirts of New York City, Dedication to Warren Watrel, Dining on a Shoe String Restaurants in New Jersey, Exploring Bridgewater, NJ, Exploring Historic Somerset County, NJ, Exploring Historic Towns in New Jersey, Exploring Manhattan Block by Block, Exploring New Jersey, Exploring New York City by foot, Exploring the Island of Manhattan, Exploring the State of New Jersey, Gourmet restaurants for the budget minded, Historic New Jersey Towns and Neighborhoods, Historical Towns of New Jersey, Interesting Pizzerias in New Jersey, Little Shop on Main Street in New York City (LittleShoponMainStreet), My walk in Manhattan (MywalkinManhattan.com), Pizzeria's and Italian Restaurants for the budget-minded, Smile! Your Visiting New Jersey!, Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Joe’s Pizza

1938 Washington Valley Road

Martinsville, NJ 08822

(732) 469-3356

https://www.joespizzamartinsville.com/

Open: Monday-Saturday-11:00am-9:30pm/Sunday-4:00pm-9:30pm

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g46604-d3395400-Reviews-Joe_s_Pizza-Martinsville_New_Jersey.html?m=19905

Joe’s Pizza at 1938 Washington Valley Road

*The blogger wants to note that the prices have gone up a few dollars but the quality and portion sizes are well worth it.

This iconic pizzeria has been open since 1970 and has been serving the Bridgewater, NJ community and beyond since then. I have been coming here since I was kid and have rediscovered again when travelling in the area. On only its third owner since its opening, the pizza and their amazing tomato sauce has not changed since then.

Their iconic sign

The original Joe sold the business to Joe II in 1984 and this year after 35 years of ownership, Joe II retired and his family did not want to take over the business and sold it to Sal, who I met recently who said he is keeping all the original recipes.

The longevity of this restaurant is the food and their prices. The mozzarella is always stringy on every bite, especially when a fresh pie comes out for slicing at lunch. The tomato sauce has a wonderful spicy tomato-y flavor to it that really brings out the sweet flavor of the fruit.

The pizza sauce recipe has been passed down through three owners!

The bottom of the pizza has a crisp consistency to it and you can taste the caramelization in every bite. The best thing to do is order a large and really enjoy it.

The pizza is really good!

Joe’s sandwiches are always consistent and delicious (See review on TripAdvisor). The half meatball hoagie comes with four rather large, freshly made meatballs. Joe’s meatballs are made fresh every day and are loaded with garlic. On a crusty fresh roll and lots of their tomato sauce each bite is special.

The meatball sandwiches here are amazing! (They no longer serve sandwiches)

Their half Italian hoagie is loaded with freshly sliced Italian cold cuts including ham, salami, provolone cheese with shredded lettuce and tomatoes with a vinegar and oil dressing. The combination of flavors of meats and vegetables really works.

Add a half dozen mozzarella sticks with fresh sauce on the side or garlic knots to a slice and it will give you the perfect afternoon lunch or dinner. In the almost fifty years I have been coming to Joe’s, I have never had a bad meal through the three owners.

The calzone was excellent

On a recent trip after a Michigan State versus Rutgers football game I decided to stop for dinner. I had the most delicious Sausage and Cheese Calzone that was made by the current owner. The calzone was huge. It was about the size of a small pizza that had been folded over.

Where the pizza magic happens

The calzone was filled with a combination of ricotta, mozzarella and parmesan cheeses with a big handful of fried sausage tucked into a soft pizza dough that was baked golden brown. It was accompanied by a bowl of their delicious tomato sauce that is based on the original Joe’s special recipe. Each bite was wonderful.

I went to Bridgewater again in 2026 to go to the 4H Fair and when a storm brewed during the fair, the organizers kicked everyone out before I could eat, so I decided to stop by Joe’s for a sandwich. They no longer make them so I ordered the Sausage and Pepperoni Roll. When it came out, it looked like a small pizza folded over. They made it fresh for me.

The Sausage and Pepperoni Roll with a side of red sauce

The roll was stuffed with a half pound of sweet fried sausage and spicy pepperoni, tucked in a pizza dough shell and baked to perfection.

It was the perfect meal for me covering both lunch and dinner. This could have been shared by two people.

The food here has been excellent since I started to come here in the 1970’s and has not changed since.

The dining area has not changed much since I was a kid

It’s nice to know that somethings never change. The restaurant has always been consistent and it’s nice to know that some things don’t change.

The outside of Joe’s Pizza in Martinsville, NJ

I am glad some things don’t change a lot!

West Place Chinese Restaurant 1288 Amsterdam Avenue New York, NY 10027

Chinese Restaurants for the budget minded, Dedication to Warren Watrel, Dining on a Shoe String Restaurants in New York City, Exploring Manhattan, Exploring Manhattan Block by Block, Exploring Morningside Heights, Exploring Morningside Heights in Manhattan, Exploring New York City, Exploring New York City by foot, Exploring the Island of Manhattan, Exploring the Upper West Side of Manhattan, Historic New York City neighborhoods, My walk in Manhattan (MywalkinManhattan.com), Uncategorized, Walking around Manhattan, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

West Place Chinese Restaurant 

1288 Amsterdam Avenue

New York, NY  10027

http://www.west-place-indy.com/

Telephone: (212) 932-9390 and 9376

Open: Sunday-Saturday 11:00am-11:00pm

My review on TripAdvisor:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g60763-d5065901-Reviews-West_Place-New_York_City_New_York.html?m=19905

(*Blogger wants to note that the prices have gone up over the years.)

West Place Chinese Restaurant at 1288 Amsterdam Avenue

I came across West Place Chinese Restaurant when I was walking the neighborhood in Morningside Heights (MywalkinManhattan: Day Sixty-Nine Visiting SoHA, Morningside Heights last March). It was packed with Columbia students during the lunch hour and when I returned, people from the housing the complexes that surround it replaced them.

The inside of West Place Chinese Restaurant.

One afternoon towards my walk of the neighborhood, I went in for lunch and they have the nicest selection of lunch specials that are each priced at $10.00 (prices have changed over the years). This runs from 11:00am-3:00pm and the entree is served with Pork Fried Rice and a choice of either Wonton, Egg Drop, Chicken Noodle or Rice Soups. There is a dish from all over their menu and the few times I have eaten there, they have been excellent (see reviews on TripAdvisor).

The Wonton Soup is excellent

On the first trip there, I tried the General Tso’s Chicken, a combination of fried chicken pieces served in a tangy sweet/sour sauce served with a large portion of fried rice. The serving size was large enough for two people to easily share. The sauce coated a sizable portion of chicken that was perfectly cut and fried. There is a lot of flavor to their sauce and has a nice tartness to it. The fried rice is pretty standard but still tastes good. Not much as way of ingredients except bean sprouts.

The General Tso’s Chicken with Fried Rice is excellent

It was on this trip I noticed that at lunch they also have a small lunch buffet that is priced at $6.95. That is a combination of popular dishes and rice and noodle dishes as well. It seems to very popular with the locals and students alike. You might want to call the restaurant to ask what the hours of this buffet and if it is offered on the weekends.

The Roast Pork Lo Mein here is excellent!

The second time I ate here, I came for dinner on a rather cold night and the meal warmed me right up. At night, the restaurant offers a Special Combination Platter, a choice of sixteen popular dishes served with Pork Fried Rice or White Rice with an egg roll.

I tried the Chicken with String Beans with fried rice and an egg roll. The portion size of chicken with string beans was very large and even myself who has a large appetite could just about finish it. The string beans were fresh with a crisp snap and cooked perfectly with just the right amount of chicken where one did not dominate the other. It was served in a spicy garlic sauce that mixed well with the rice.

The Chicken and String Beans is really good

Their egg rolls are filled with roast pork and vegetables and were perfectly fried out. With a little sweet sauce, made a nice accompaniment to the dish.

The service here is very friendly and helpful and they get the food out quickly.

On a recent trip uptown, I stopped in for dinner and this time I tried the Boneless Spareribs with Fried Rice and an Egg Roll combination platter and the meal was excellent as usual. I had not eaten here in months and the food is consistently excellent. The portion size was larger than I remember from the last time. They really piled the food into the container.

The Boneless Spareribs with Fried Rice and an Egg Roll.

The Boneless Ribs were overflowing on the platter.

These sweet and juicy bites are full of flavor and piled into this small dish. There was enough food for two people.

The Egg Rolls are amazing.

When I revisited Harlem again to explore changes in the neighborhood, I stopped in for a late night dinner and had the Beef and Broccoli with Pork Fried Rice and an Egg Roll.

The Beef and Broccoli Combination meal

I had forgotten how good the food was here. The meal was excellent. The beef was so tender and the brown sauce had such a rich flavor to it. The Pork Fried Rice has lots of ingredients including nice sized pieces of roast pork.

The Beef and Broccoli was delicious

Their egg rolls are some of the best in the City with slices of cabbage and roast pork and fried to perfection.

The egg rolls were cooked to perfection

The dinner was delicious and hit the spot. If you are on the Columbia campus and have a yearning for good Chinese-American cooking, this is the perfect place for you.

Please call the above number for delivery. It is free in the area with the minimum of $8.00.