Category Archives: Visiting a Museum in New Jersey

Day Three Hundred and Eighty Four Bergecco-Parc Consulting presents “Bergen 250: Touring & Marketing the Pascack Historical Society Museum in Park Ridge, NJ for Tourism” April 29th, 2026

"A Local Journey: Exploring the outskirts of New York City, Bergecco-Parc Consulting Inc. Projects, Dedication to Warren Watrel, Exploring Historic Bergen County NJ, Exploring Historic Towns in New Jersey, Exploring Manhattan Block by Block, Exploring New Jersey, Exploring New York City by foot, Exploring Paramus NJ, Exploring the Island of Manhattan, Exploring the State of New Jersey, Historic New Jersey Towns and Neighborhoods, Historical Towns of New Jersey, My walk in Manhattan (MywalkinManhattan.com), MywalkinManhattan-Bergecco-Parc Consulting Inc., 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, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Every semester for my Business Marketing, Management and Communications classes, I create one big Team assignment for my students. In a Commuter College, it is a lot tougher for students to get to know one another between their studies and their jobs, so I create these projects to foster learning, creativity and especially Teamwork.

This semester I taught two sections of Business 101-Introduction to Business, which is the entry level course to the Business/Hotel Management School. This is a tough course to teach as you always have students of various age groups and various levels of industry experience.

The Spring semester was no different. This makes the class more interesting yet more challenging to teach. I still challenge them and test them to see what type of future executives they will become.

I also taught Principles of Management, which came with its own set of challenges. It was the amount of people in the class and what projects would they be working on.

In the past, I have created these Team projects under the Bergecco-Parc Consulting Inc. banner, the main consulting company, the Orion Malls banner, a Mall design company and the Buscomonzefi.com banner, my Tech Division. All of these business concepts are simulated.

Each business does its best to be creative, forward thinking and have a thought producing presentations. I also challenge the students to top on another in their presentations and build on what they have seen others do in the past.

The Bergecco-Parc Consulting Inc. concept is an acronym for Bergen Community College Paramus campus where I work.

Professor Justin Watrel, CEO Bergecco-Parc Consulting Inc.

Our Corporate site (created my one of my former President’s:

Additional Resources

While my morning Business 101 classes worked on their ‘Breakfast at Primo Pizza’ project and my International Marketing students worked on their “The Historic Revolutionary War Graveyards and Cemeteries of Bergen County” projects, I had my Principle of Management students create a game plan to market the Pascack Historical Society Museum in Park Ridge, NJ to a younger, more modern audience.

When choosing a project for this class, I had had two other ideas that fell through, then I had remembered working with the Pascack Historical Society Museum the prior year for my “Bergen 250” Team Project. We had proposed a Farm to Table Dinner at the Wortendyke Barn down the road with the dinner starting with a Cocktail Party here with a tour of the museum. I asked the museum again to partner with me on this project.

The “Bergen 250” Project in Spring 2025:

Day Three-Hundred and Thirty-Seven Bergecco-Parc Consulting Inc. presents “The Bergen 250-the 250th Anniversary of the Revolutionary War in Bergen County, NJ” April 23rd, 2025

The Video Presentation of the “Bergen 250” in 2024:

The museum had created a wonderful exhibition for the “Bergen 250” but when I went to visit it, no one was at the museum but myself. When I asked the volunteers that day how many people had visited the museum, they told me I was the first one. That got me thinking why people were not visiting this wonderful museum with its interesting artifacts and intriguing displays.

The outside of the Pascack Historical Society Museum at 19 Ridge Avenue in Park Ridge, NJ

Then I looked at their website and their displays. I realized that the museum was not adapting to the cellphone age. There were no QR codes at any of the displays, not enough pictures of the display on their website and their scavenger hunt bingo game needed an update to engage a younger crowd.

Home

https://www.facebook.com/pascackhistoricalsociety

My review on TripAdvisor:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g46713-d12610386-r1051662243-Pascack_Historical_Society_Museum-Park_Ridge_New_Jersey.html?m=19905

My review on VisitingaMuseum.com:

Pascack Historical Society Museum (John C. Storms Museum) 19 Ridge Avenue Park Ridge, NJ 07656

That’s when I came up with a Marketing plan for the museum and proposed it to their Executive Board. We worked together to come up with new ways to promote the museum and its collection. This was our combined idea and we looked at how to bring more traffic to the museum.

The Proposal for “Bergen 250: Touring the Pascack Historical Society Museum”:

BCC-Bergecco-Parc Consulting Inc. 2026 Touring the Pascack Valley Historical SocietyDownload

I presented the project to my students after the Spring Break and then the next week took my students on a mandatory field trip to the Pascack Historical Society Museum in early April. The Board members of the Museum led us on a tour of all the exhibitions, then discussed their plans for the “Bergen 250” and then discussed some of the challenges that the museum faced with attendance.

Touring the museum

The students on their part took pictures and notes about the museum and their displays. Many would make various trips back to the museum to crest the QR codes for the displays and map the museum’s backyard for the Farm to Table fundraiser and a proposed afternoon tea.

Touring the museum

Touring the museum

Touring the museum with the Board of the museum

The museum’s Board members could not have been nicer and more helpful to the students and myself. We got a lot of insights on what direction the Board wanted to go.

Our Team picture at the museum

The tour of the museum took about an hour. We then had a Division Team Dinner at Pompilio’s Pizzeria in Downtown Westwood, NJ:

https://www.pompiliospizzeria.com

My review on TripAdvisor:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g46923-d4643410-r1053567938-Pompilio_s_Pizzeria_Restaurant-Westwood_New_Jersey.html?m=19905

Dinner with my Divisional Team

I find that these Team dinners and lunches are very helpful in getting the students together to get to know each other and we share a nice meal as a Team should. We asked the Board to join us so we could continue the conversation.

Dinner with both the Board and my Team

For the next five weeks the three Teams broken into Marketing, Historical and Foodservice created their ideas and game-plans to help the museum increase traffic by trying to bring a younger and tech savvy visitor into the space.

The Pascack Historical Society PowerPoint:

https://onedrive.live.com/personal/de20296acb6718c2/_layouts/15/Doc.aspx?sourcedoc=%7Bbc38ac22-58a7-444e-8a3d-919c9e880890%7D&action=default&redeem=aHR0cHM6Ly8xZHJ2Lm1zL3AvYy9kZTIwMjk2YWNiNjcxOGMyL0lRQWlyRGk4cDFoT1JJbzlrWnllaUFpUUFXUktobTlXakl2R3NEUUZhQ0k5OFA4&slrid=f6a013a2-4017-1000-b492-bb60994c6fcb&originalPath=aHR0cHM6Ly9vbmVkcml2ZS5saXZlLmNvbS86cDovZy9wZXJzb25hbC9kZTIwMjk2YWNiNjcxOGMyL0lRQWlyRGk4cDFoT1JJbzlrWnllaUFpUUFXUktobTlXakl2R3NEUUZhQ0k5OFA4P3J0aW1lPW1yVHgtT3V4M2tnJnJlZGVlbT1hSFIwY0hNNkx5OHhaSEoyTG0xekwzQXZZeTlrWlRJd01qazJZV05pTmpjeE9HTXlMMGxSUVdseVJHazRjREZvVDFKSmJ6bHJXbmxsYVVGcFVVRlhVa3RvYlRsWGFrbDJSM05FVVVaaFEwazVPRkE0&CID=35417700-9c90-4764-923b-3c9c9a5a6ca3&_SRM=0%3AG%3A58&file=The%20Bergen%20250%20-%20Promoting%20the%20Pascack%20Valley%20Historical%20Society.pptx

The Pascack Historical Society Corporate Website:

https://ekucevic4.wixsite.com/bergecco-parc-consul

The Pascack Historical Society YouTube Presentation:

The video of our Presentation to the Board of the Pascack Historical Society Museum on the evening of April 29th, 2026

On the evening of April 29th, the Board members of the museum joined us for the Presentation of ideas the students came up with including setting new QR codes for all the displays, a revamped Marketing plan to showcase the museum, a new historical walking tour, one aimed at adults and one to children and the ideas for the fundraising dinner, a children’s birthday party concept and a Afternoon Tea fundraiser.

After the Presentation, we had a Q & A on the ideas and after the Presentation was over, we had a reception for our guests and for the student consultants. Then we took our Corporate Team picture.

My Divisional Team the night of the Presentation

Our reception after the Presentation

It was another successful project accomplished and it looked like the Board went home with new ideas and the students learned a few things about themselves. I could not have been more proud of the students.

Historical Society of Boonton Township/Oscar A. Kincaid Home of History 591 Powerville Road Boonton Township, NJ 07005

"A Local Journey: Exploring the outskirts of New York City, Dedication to Warren Watrel, Exploring Historic Morris County, NJ, Exploring Historic Towns in New Jersey, Exploring Manhattan Block by Block, Exploring New York City by foot, Exploring the Farms of Morris County, NJ, Exploring the Island of Manhattan, Exploring the State of New Jersey, Historic New Jersey Towns and Neighborhoods, Historical Towns of New Jersey, Morris County NJ "Pathways to History" Tour, My walk in Manhattan (MywalkinManhattan.com), Pathways Tour of Morris County, Small museums in New Jersey, Smile! Your Visiting New Jersey!, Uncategorized, Visiting a Museum in New Jersey, Visiting Farms and Farm Stands of New Jersey, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Historical Society of Boonton Township/Oscar A. Kincaid Home of History

591 Powerville Road

Boonton Township, NJ 07005

https://historicalsocietyofboontontownship.org/

Open: For Special Events and Pathways Tours only

Admission: Free on the Pathways Tour

My Review on TripAdvisor:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Profile/R4960NKjustinw/mediabatch/14296162?m=19905

The Historical Society of Boonton Township

One of the last places I visited in the 2026 Pathways tour of Morris County was the Historical Society of Boonton Township which is located in the former Oscar Kincaid Farm Homestead. The house and what was left of the acreage of the farm was part of the current museum. The museum was an example of early New Jersey farming that dated from the 1800’s to the Twenty-First century. There was not much in the way of period furniture or farm equipment (items of the home were sold off since Mr. Kincaid’s passing), but the new historical society is buying artifacts and bringing them back to the farm. This includes one of Mr. Kincaid’s tractors. His roll up desk is also still in the display room which was once the Living Room of the home.

The Kincaid Homestead

History of Oscar Kincaid and Homestead:

(From the Morris County Historical Society website)

Originally a part of the extensive tract belonging to William Penn, the earliest portion of the home was constructed in 1785 by Adam Miller and Anna DeMouth Miller. Just over a decade later, they sold the property to Adam’s cousin, Sarah Miller Parlimen (of the Miller/Dixon homestead) and her husband, John, who built a sawmill there. After a brief ownership by William Scott of Powerville, a Miller relative, the land was sold to John Decker in 1828. An industrious man, Decker operated both a farm and successful forge, shipping his goods to New York via the Morris Canal. By 1837, he expanded the home, adding a distinctive folk-art painting of a face and unique plasterwork that can still be seen today (MCHS website).

The homestead passed through generations of Decker’s family, ultimately being inherited by Oscar Kincaid Sr. in the early 20th century. Kincaid ran a popular ice cream stand and dairy business throughout the 1920s and 30s. Following World War II, the family opened Valley Farm on the site, which continued until the death of Oscar Kincaid Jr. in 2000. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2005, the Decker-Kincaid Homestead today operates as a museum and headquarters of the Historical Society of Boonton Township (MCHS website).

The Kincaid House

The historical marker for the house

The front yard

The entrance to the house

The main foyer of the house

The house is a small farmhouse built in two sections. The original part of the house dates back to the late 1700’s and the newer part in the early 1800’s. The once furnished rooms now hold displays of Morris County and the farming industry of the time plus community artifacts.

The former Living Room

Oscar Kincaid’s desk

There were not much left in the way of family furnishings and heirlooms but this desk was Oscar Kinkaid’s.

The back bedroom

The Flag display for the ‘250th Anniversary’

Story of Oscar Kincaid’s life: Oscar Kincaid was a farmer/businessman, a politician and a conservationist.

On Community:

(From the museum website)

Oscar’s commitment to his community transcended farming. He served as a member of  the Boonton Township Committee for 30 years and was mayor for two terms. He was also a founding member of the Morris County Agricultural Development Board, on which he served for 17 years, six as board chairman. Oscar led the charge for farmland preservation in Morris County. His efforts resulted in the preservation of 41 farms covering 3,100 acres spanning several municipalities throughout the county. As one person put it: “Oscar had more impact on preserving the character of Boonton than any single individual.”

But to Oscar: “Farming and being active in local politics was simply a way of life.” Oscar passed away November 11, 2000

The contractor’s face on the wall

The face came about when Oscar Kincaid did not want to pay a contractor for his work. He created this face so that he would have to live with it for the rest of his life. It can not be planted over.

The ‘Mr. Face’ in Weird NJ

On Farming:

(From the Museum website)

Oscar Kincaid, Jr., was born into farm life. It was 1824 when the Kincaid family purchased 30 acres in Boonton Township, Morris  County and began farming. More than a century later, a young Oscar took over the operation, working alongside his father as they raised dairy cows, grew vegetables and developed a poultry business.  For years, they delivered eggs to retail establishments and sold vegetables from their roadside stand. Over time, Oscar moved away from the dairy and poultry business and focused his efforts on vegetable and hay production. 

The Kincaid house from the side

After the short tour around the house, I walked around the farm grounds. The house was set on a beautiful piece of land that sloped down to the old farmstand. There was also a swimming pond which was once part of the farm which is now private property.

The farm property from the side with the barn

The barn across the street

The property was about ten acres at the time of his death and parts have been developed. It still has some of the most wonderful views of the area.

The view of the old farm from the front porch

The farm land stretches over different sections of the road and the property is very picturesque. It is a very beautiful homestead.

The view of the farm from the lawn

The swimming pond on the edge of the property

The old farm stand that had been used for eighty years

The old Farm stand was used into the mid 2000’s

The full view of the farm

Since the house was just recently bought, there is still some design and artifacts that need to be collected to complete the look of a Jersey farm.

The Historical Society of Boonton Township is still expanding the collection of farm equipment for property and finding furniture for the home. The property is a beautiful and picturesque and shows how the traditional farm has adapted to modern times. Mr. Kincaid only passed a few years ago but kept the farm traditional and that worked for him. He left a legacy for us to appreciate the independent Jersey farmer.

Henry Doremus House 490 Main Road Towaco, NJ 07082

"A Local Journey: Exploring the outskirts of New York City, Dedication to Warren Watrel, Exploring Historic Morris 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, Exploring Towaco, NJ, Historic New Jersey Towns and Neighborhoods, Historical Towns of New Jersey, Morris County NJ "Pathways to History" Tour, My walk in Manhattan (MywalkinManhattan.com), Pathways Tour of Morris County, Small museums in New Jersey, Smile! Your Visiting New Jersey!, Uncategorized, Visiting a Museum in New Jersey, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Henry Doremus House

490 Main Road

Towaco, NJ 07082

https://www.montvilletwphistoricalsociety.com/museums

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Doremus_House

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1141264633508766/posts/1764205224548034

Open: Special Events and Pathways Tours in Spring and Fall-Please contact through their website

Admission: Free but donations are accepted

My review on TripAdvisor:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g46639-d4814175-r1059078529-Henry_Doremus_House-Montville_Morris_County_New_Jersey.html?m=19905

The Henry Doremus House during the Pathway’s tour

I visited the Henry Doremus House during the Morris County Pathways Tour in May of 2026 and it is good look at the early farming communities of New Jersey under the Dutch and then the English. The house was used by General George Washington while he was passing through this section of New Jersey during the Revolutionary War.

The sign for the Henry Doremus House

The historic sign for the house

Montville Township Historical Society:

(from the Museum website)

Established in 1963, the Montville Township Historical Society is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the cultural heritage of Montville Township. Our unwavering commitment to meticulous archival work, interactive educational programs, and community outreach initiatives is aimed safeguarding the rich history of our town. Our ultimate objective is to ensure that the stories and traditions of Montville Township are cherished and celebrated for years to come.

The farm and harvest equipment

General Washington’s payment to the Doremus family for use of their home during the Revolutionary War

The farming equipment

The farm and household equipment room

The farm equipment from the time of the Revolutionary War

Henry Doremus House History:

(from the Museum’s website)

The Henry Doremus House is a Dutch American stone farmhouse that has been remarkably preserved since the time the first portion was built, circa 1760. The house has never been modernized with heating, plumbing, electricity, or wiring, and is one of only seven left in New Jersey without modern electricity. What is now Route 202 was one of the main military routes during the Revolutionary War through Montville and Towaco, (then part of Pequannock Township). The Henry Doremus house was located in a small community often referred to as Doremus Town.​

The main room of the original house during the tour

The kitchen and cooking equipment by the open hearth fireplace

The open hearth fireplace for cooking and heat for the home

Cooking items

(from the Henry Doremus website)

General George Washington and his troops often traveled this route between Morristown and West Point. In June of 1780, Washington’s troops (2000 soldiers and 40 aides) were in Whippany and traveled to Doremus Town after the retreat of the Battle of Springfield. General Washington and his aides (which General George Washington at age 45 about the time he stayed at the Henry Doremus House (Mount Vernon)  included Alexander Hamilton) stayed two and a half days in the Doremus House as General Andre Rochambeau (NIAHD Journals)   documented by Washington’s expense account and letters. A payment of $40 was  made to Mrs. Doremus at Pequannock on June 25th, to house General George Washington and his soldiers after the Battle of Springfield. French General Rochambeau stayed in the orchards around the house with over 5000 of his men, women, and camp followers on his way to the Battle of Yorktown in 1781.​

The items for processing wool and flack for clothing

A closer look at the equipment

Household equipment

The house addition towards the back had a spinning wheel and demonstration on how to make cloth.

​The Henry Doremus House was placed, in 1972, on both the National Register of Historic Places and the New Jersey Register of Historic Places. It was also listed on the Montville Township Local Register in 1987, as well as the Crossroads of American Revolution Greenway. In addition, the preservation and protection of the Henry Doremus House won the New Jersey Historic House Preservation Award in 2009.

The demonstrations on spinning yarn and making clothing in the back of the house

When I toured the house, the docents described how the household functioned and how the farm worked during the season. Men and women had different roles to make the household function. There was not much buying things for the house so clothes were made, foods were preserved and pickled for the Winter and then meals had to be prepared while the men worked out in the field. Men had to grow, tend to and then pick all the fruits and vegetables. Then there was tending to the animals, sheering animals and just working on tending the farm with repairs and working through the seasons. It was a lot of physical work through all the seasons.

Household equipment and furnishings plus another open hearth for heating the house

The front of the house facing the street with twin Dutch doors and entrance to the root cellar

The Doremus House is open mostly during the Pathways tour in May and October. The Montville Historical Society also runs the Montville Historical Society Schoolhouse Museum in Montville.

Harding Township Historical Society/Tunis-Ellicks House 16 Village Road New Vernon, NJ 07976

"A Local Journey: Exploring the outskirts of New York City, Dedication to Warren Watrel, Exploring Historic Morris County, NJ, Exploring Historic Towns in New Jersey, Exploring Manhattan Block by Block, Exploring New Vernon NJ, 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, Morris County NJ "Pathways to History" Tour, My walk in Manhattan (MywalkinManhattan.com), Pathways Tour of Morris County, Small museums in New Jersey, Smile! Your Visiting New Jersey!, Uncategorized, Visiting a Museum in New Jersey, Visiting Farms and Farm Stands of New Jersey, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Harding Township Historical Society/Tunis-Ellicks House

16 Village Road

New Vernon, NJ 07976

(973) 272-3661

https://www.hths.org/museum

Open: Special Events and Pathways Tours

Admission: Free but donations are accepted

My review on TripAdvisor:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g46670-d24085125-r1058924664-Tunis_ellicks_House_Museum-New_Vernon_Morris_County_New_Jersey.html?m=19905

I visited the Tunis-Ellicks House on the Morris County ‘Pathways’ tour of historical sites throughout the County and enjoyed the self-guided tour of this well maintained and displayed home. Unlike many sites I have visited over the years where things are left out and jumbled on tables, the Tunis-Ellicks House offers a look at small family farms from before the Civil War. The displays depict and discuss the life of a farming family in Central New Jersey.

The Tunis-Ellicks House in New Vernon, NJ

The house sign

The house is located in the New Vernon Historic District

The house was located in one of the oldest sections of the community, facing other structures in the historical district of New Vernon, NJ.

The house and front garden from the road

The vegetable garden in the front of house

In front of the house was a large vegetable and fruit garden with a grape arbor for spirits on the side of the house. These items would be jarred and pickled for the winter months or sold at market.

Mission Statement:

(From the Museum website)

The Harding Township Historical Society is a private, not-for-profit corporation founded in 1977 to stimulate interest in the history of Harding Township. The Society shall support, assist in and seek to achieve the preservation of documents, buildings and sites related to Harding Township. It shall also collect, preserve, maintain and interpret original cultural material, which illuminates this history. In addition, The Society is responsible for preserving and maintaining the Tunis-Ellicks House and environs. Through use of its historic site, collections and programs, the society endeavors to document and illustrate the history of Harding Township for present and future generations (Tunis-Ellicks website).

You enter the museum from the back of the house. In the backyard of the home, there were all sorts of activities going on while you could start a self-guided tour of the house.

The back of the Tunis-Ellick’s House

The beautiful view from the back door of the home

The inside of the main part of the museum

The main part of the museum was the newer extension of the home where the living room and dining rooms were located. There were displays on the walls discussing farm life in New Jersey during the late 1700’s and early 1800’s.

The Dining Room section of the house

The workings of the Dining Room

The story of ‘Country Life’ and the gentleman farmer

Pieces of the decor on display

The kitchen area of the older part of the home offers a homey fireplace for cooking and summer storage for jarred and pickled food stuffs for the winter.

The kitchen and storage areas of the home

Pottery collection in the museum

The pottery collection

The kitchen dining and cooking area of the home

The fireplace for cooking, roasting and stewing of foods

The oven for baking breads, cookies and pies and the baking equipment

The Summer storage area for canned and jarred provisions for the winter months and for cooking.

The bathrooms were on the second floor of the home/museum and I got a quick tour of the upstairs bedrooms.

Bedroom One

Bedroom Two

These were not part of the self-guided tour but I was able to see them and how they were decorated.

History of the Harding Township Historical Society:

(From the Museum website)

The Harding Township Historical Society was formed in 1977 to save the circa 1795 Tunis-Ellicks House and restore it as it appeared in the early 19th century. The society discovered an original 18th century hearth and Federal-style mantel and a water-fed cooling room besides the well.  Areas of the house were left exposed to showcase the post-and-beam construction. A permanent exhibit on 19th century farming was created as well as space for temporary exhibits. 

The Society saved a circa 1870 Tramp House from destruction when the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge was created by having the building moved the Tunis-Ellicks House property.  The Harding Township Historical Society maintains an extensive archive containing records, maps, and objects since the colonial era pertaining to the town. The archive is open to researchers, genealogists and the public. Each year we provide an award  to a student at the Harding Township School that excels in the subject of history. The Society produces exhibits, lectures, tours, and interactive events to bring history to the public.

I then joined many of the other visitors to hear an historical reading on the patio of the home from a descendant of a Colonial family. He was discussing life in Colonial New Jersey.

The Colonial talks

They also had a table set up for arts and crafts. The volunteers were making corn husk dolls with some of the visitors.

They also had corn husk doll making as an activity

Then I was able to tour the grounds and visit the ‘Tramp House’ that was used for workers of these farms. This had been moved from the ‘Great Swamp’ to this location. It showed the living conditions of workers on the farm.

Walking on the grounds of the farm

The Wine Arbor on the side of the house

History of the Tunis-Ellicks House:

(From the Museum website)

The Tunis-Ellicks House was built in 1795 when George Mitchell bought it from Michael Pearce, a Minuteman in the Revolutionary War. The deed for 7 acres of land is dated April 22, 1795. Interestingly, the ledgers of Daniel Tunis, who lived down Millbrook Rd and had a store, show that, beginning May 9, 1795, Mitchell bought items consistent with building a house: a load of timber and half a bushel of hair (used for plaster).

In 1838, a local farmer named Silas Tunis bought the farm and his descendants owned the house until 1923. Eva and Lee Ellicks sold the house to the township in 1968. In 1977, the Harding Township Historical Society began to restore the home as it would have appeared in the early 19th century. The house is a post-and-beam East Jersey cottage complete with a cooling room fed by the well outside. The museum features a permanent exhibit entitled A Country Life about the workings of 18th-century farms.

The ‘Tramp House’ for farm workers

The historic sign

The inside of the small living quarters

The farm equipment used in processing crops

History of the Tramp House:

(from the Museum website)

The Tramp House is a simple stone building built about 1870 by the Morris Overseer of the Poor as a place to stay for wandering Civil War veterans searching the countryside for work.  By providing a place to stay, farmers protected their barns from accidental fires by the men trying to cook or keep warm. The men would work on the farms in exchange for a safe and warm place to sleep

The house was located in one of the oldest sections of the community, facing other structures in the historical district.

The house and front garden from the road

I really enjoyed visiting the site and got a good view how life on a New Jersey farm was before the Civil War. The museum was very nicely organized and the displays were engaging. The volunteers and docents could not have been nicer and it was a fun afternoon.

Meadowlands Museum 91 Crane Avenue Rutherford, NJ 07070

"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 New York City by foot, Exploring Rutherford, NJ, 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), Small museums in New Jersey, Smile! Your Visiting New Jersey!, Spanish Restaurants for the budget minded, Uncategorized, Visiting a Museum in New Jersey, Walking Downtown Wood Ridge, NJ, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Meadowlands Museum

91 Crane Avenue

Rutherford, NJ  07070

Phone: (201) 935-1175

Email: meadowlandsmuseum@verizon.net

https://www.meadowlandsmuseum.com/

https://www.facebook.com/MMusRutherford/

Open: Most Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10:00am-4:00pm

TripAdvisor Review:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g46796-d2403380-Reviews-Meadowlands_Museum-Rutherford_New_Jersey.html?m=19905

Both Curator & Chronicler

The entrance of the museum

The Meadowlands Museum is the main steward of the history and culture of the Meadowlands region and one of its leading storyteller.

The sign welcoming you

Its mission and collection, which resides in the Yereance-Berry House in southern Bergen County in Rutherford, NJ are distinctive and unique. The house too is a historic treasure and landmark and was built in 1804 by the Berry family, who were among the county’s earliest European settlers.

The front of the museum in the Spring of 2026

Rooms in the three-level American Dutch farmhouse are alive with permanent and temporary exhibits and sometimes include loaned objects from other museums and private collections.  Historical artifacts like archives and photographs are mingled with textiles, furniture, housewares and artwork.

The display on the history of area

There is even correspondence by the daughters of John Rutherfurd, a close confidant of George Washington.

The display in the local artifacts

The gardens outside in the Spring of 2016

Grounds include the William Carlos Williams Poetry Garden, which acknowledges the legacy of Rutherford’s most famous native and the town’s history as a cultural center.

The everyday products of the Meadowlands Museum

Founder in 1961 as the Rutherford Junior Museum by parents of school age children to help connect them to their community, the museum is staffed by professionals assisted by dedicated volunteers and involved trustees. Interns add to the rich resource of individuals who contribute to its present and future.

A recent commercial developed by my Business 101 Class for the Meadowlands Museum for the project “Rocking it in Rutherford: Being a Tourist in your own Town”

The location of the Yereance-Berry House suggests a colonial farm dating to 1740. The oldest house in south Bergen County in close to original condition, it was part of the Historic American Building Survey project of the 1930’s. The building is also listed on the state and national registers of historic places and the Bergen County Stone House Survey.

The Yereance-Berry House is the now the Meadowlands Museum

Affiliated organization include the American Alliance of Museums, American Association for State and Local History, Meadowlands Regional Chamber of Commerce, New Jersey Association of Museums and The National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Programming & Community Service:

Free and reasonably priced services for individuals, community groups, businesses, government bodies and educational institutions are available.

*Educational programs, lectures and traveling exhibits.

The ‘Historic Rutherford Homes’ exhibition at the museum in 2026

The Historic Homes exhibition

The Historic Homes exhibition

*Customized on and off site programs.

*Collaborative ventures with a wide range of partners.

*Assistance with academic research and other archival support.

Special Events:

Special events, which often are made possible by partnerships with businesses and other organizations, are an additional way for visitors of all ages to enjoy the museum. Public and private events occur on a regular or one-time basis; many are fundraisers. Call or email for a current calendar and sponsorship possibilities. The house hosts both permanent and special exhibits.

Our permanent exhibits include:

*Yereance Berry House: During the Spring of 2026.

The outside of the museum

*Pre-electric kitchen: This unique kitchen in the basement shows off the collection of equipment that would be used in the kitchen from the Civil War to the 1950’s. There are coffee grinders, whisks, wash boards and such. It showed how much effort was put into preparing the family meal through the ages.

The Farm Kitchen of Bergen County

The Farm Kitchen at the Turn of the Century

*Meadowlands Geology: there are all sorts of rocks and gems not just from the area but all over the state. There are two different rooms one of the specimens locally and there is a separate room for glowing stones. It is very interesting to see when the lights are out.

The Mineral Collection at the Meadowlands Museum

The fluorescent Zinc display

The Mining Display

*Mining in South Bergen: This is how the county has changed when we mined ore.

The Mining Display at the Meadowlands Museum

The Mining Display

The Mining Display

*19th century Laundry Room: The Laundry room that is located in the basement has many of the things our grandparents would have used. The washboards,  scrub bushes, old washing machines and ringers. Washing clothes was much harder back then.

The Wash Room of the Turn of the Century

*The wonderful Toy Exhibition of turn of the last century toys and from the 1960’s 70’s and 80’s. This contains Dolls, Board Games, play things and instruments:

The Toy Collection fascinates kids of all ages

The Factory Toys display

Meadowlands Museum Scarecrow Day III

The wonderful toy factory in Kearny, NJ that used to produce all these wonderful toys.

The Toy Display

The Toy Display

The Doll display

The Doll display

The ‘Brownies’ display in the Toy Room

*The Bergen County Farm display:

Farming in the County in the past

The Farm display

The home Spinning Wheel display

Spinning Wheel display

The new Turn of the Century Furnace display

*Horse elevator

Recent special exhibits have included:

*High school football

*Needlecraft

*Steampunk

*Medical Innovations

*Maps of the region

*Civil Rights

*Dr. Williams’ Babies

Dr. William’s display

Dr. Williams display

Dr. William’s display

Dr. William’s display

Dr. William’s display

*World War I

Special Events:

Scarecrow Day 2018:

I went to the recent Scarecrow Day on October 20, 2018 where guests of the museum created their own scarecrows using their own creativity. All the scarecrows were lined up facing the street with their interesting clothes and accessories.

Each person got to use their own clothes and each one had its own style to it. It was fun watching the families show their creativity at this annual event.

Image result for scarecrow day at meadowland museum

Scarecrow Day at the museum in 2018

Meadowlands Museum Scarecrow Day

Scarecrow Day in 2021: the winners of the contest for best Scarecrow

I also stopped by for the Dutch Christmas decorations. The museum was decorated for the holidays with garland and trees. On December 1st, they had a Dutch Christmas festival (I could not attend) with food and entertainment.

Celebrating the Easter Holidays in 2026

Help tell the story…

(from the museum website)

Individuals who value the purpose and work of the Meadowlands Museum remain its inspiration and abiding spirit. Donations, memberships, sponsorship’s, grants and fundraisers are crucial elements of the museum’s financial well-being.

Admission to the museum is free but donations are greatly appreciated. Fees for events and other services vary. A personal letter to the appropriate person acknowledges a gift made in the name of an individual. Donations to provide for the buildings and grounds are valuable links to the future and a kind of giving that is among the museum’s top priorities.

Disclaimer: This information was taken directly from the Meadowlands Museum’s pamphlet. For information on the site, please call or email the museum for more information.

My Bergen Community College Team Project in 2022:

Bergecco-Parc Consulting Inc.-Rocking it in Rutherford:

My Business 101 class at Bergen Community College Lyndhurst branch visit in the Spring of 2022 for the project “Rocking it in Rutherford: Be a Tourist in your own Town”.

For Spring Semester in 2022, my Business 101-Introduction to Business class made a weekend visit to the Meadowlands Museum for the project “Rocking it in Rutherford-Be a Tourist in your own Town”. We were promoting the museum to increase tourism with a fundraiser and a barbecue. So on the weekend, I took my Team to the museum to tour it for extra credit. They ended up learning a lot about not just the museum but the history of Rutherford and Bergen County, NJ.

The project was promoting the Town of Rutherford for Domestic and Foreign Tourism and created a fundraiser and modernization of displays for the museum. This is a copy of the project, presentation and Commercials.

The Team Project “Rocking it in Rutherford: Be a Tourist in your own Town”:

Day Two Hundred and Thirty-Four- Bergecco-Parc Consulting Inc. presents: “Rocking it in Rutherford, NJ: Be a Tourist in your own Town” April 28th, 2022

Video’s of the Presentation:

The video presentation promoting the museum:

The Project showcased the museum in such a professional and creative way.

Van Bushkirk Burial Ground 45 East Saddle River Road Saddle River, NJ 07458

"A Local Journey: Exploring the outskirts of New York City, Dedication to Warren Watrel, 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 by foot, Exploring Saddle River NJ, Exploring Saddle River, NJ, 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), MywalkinManhattan Experiences, 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, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Van Bushkirk Burial Ground

45 East Saddle River Road

Saddle River, NJ 07458

https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/2160733/edit

Click to access Re-exam_Master_Plan(1).pdf

The Van Bushkirk Burial Ground behind the residence at 45 East Saddle River Road

The Van Bushkirk Burial Ground is part of the history of Saddle River, NJ’s early settlement period. The burial ground has about 40 tombstones that are arched and shaped. These are some of the first residents both of Saddle River and Bergen County, NJ.

The burial ground lies next to a creek off East Saddle River Road and can only be accessed by going through private property of the residents living at 45 East Saddle River Road. Please do not enter without permission of the owner of the home. These pictures were taken with a long distance camera from the street.

The Van Bushkirk Burial Ground at 45 East Saddle River Road

The History of Saddle River:

(from the Saddle River Town website):

In 1675, Lenni Lenape tribal leaders sold a large amount of land on the Eastern side of the Saddle River (known as Werimus) to Albert Zabriskie. In 1708, Zabriskie sold this tract of land to Thomas Van Buskirk. The first house in Saddle River was built by the Van Buskirk family in 1709. The original Van Buskirk homestead still stands at 164 East Saddle River Road across from Borough Hall.

In 1709, the Lenni Lenape sold the land on the west side of the Saddle River to the English as part of the Ramapo Tract. Property on the west side of the Saddle River was acquired from this Tract throughout the 1700’s. The Ackerman Family was the most prolific buyer of these early Saddle River parcels and first settled on the West side of the Saddle River in 1745 when Johannes Ackerman acquired 245 acres.

The graves of George and Margaret Achenbach

Saddle River continued to grow and populate during the 18th century.  Families such as the Van Buskirk’s, the Ackerman’s, the Achenbach’s, the Hopper’s, the Zabriskie’s, the Stilwell’s and the Baldwin’s farmed and developed the area.

The grave of George Achenbach

The first of many Saddle River mills was built in 1714 and the first school was constructed in 1720. Another early 18th century business was the blacksmith shop operated by the Ackerman family. Over the years, these 1st families built the quintessential “Old Dutch Homesteads” from actual sandstone that was found in town.

The Revolutionary War era tombstones

The Revolutionary War was a horrendous time for the residents of Saddle River. The townsfolk had spent the entire 18th century developing the area into a well established community and all growth essentially stopped during the war. Since the Jersey Dutch initially considered the revolution to be an English issue, it was particularly shocking when the fighting came to their backyards. From December 1776 until the end of the war, both American and British forces traveled through Saddle River and many times set up camp in the center of town.

Residents were in constant fear of the British employed Hessian soldiers who would terrorize families by raiding the houses for food and then burning the fields before leaving. Although no major battles took place in Saddle River, there were small skirmishes to fend off raids and the Blue Mill on East Saddle River Road was destroyed. Even George Washington, the future father of our country, passed through Saddle River on multiple occasions and tradition has him staying overnight at the Ackerman Homestead on the East road.

When the Revolutionary War ended, Saddle River residents picked up right where they left off in terms of community and industry development. The Ackerman’s built a Foundry on what is now Waterford Gardens. Tice and Berdan both opened stores in town and the Bulls Head Tavern opened its doors to weary travelers in 1802. Old mills were re-opened and new ones such as Van Riper’s Saw Mill and Basket Factory were established. The post war growth continued for decades and culminated in the 1820s with the construction of the Zion Lutheran Church in 1821 and a new schoolhouse behind the church in 1825.

The worn tombstones in the cemetery

History of the Van Bushkirk family in Bergen County during the Revolutionary War:

(From the Bergen County Historical Society website):

Loyalists in Bergen County | Bergen County Historical Society

Loyalists in Bergen County came from all backgrounds, religions and economic classes. At the beginning of the war, a number were officers in the militia, the military force composed of all able-bodied males maintained by each province, and later the states. The lieutenant colonel of the militia was John Zabriskie of New Bridge. Zabriskie understood the sentiments of many of his neighbors, particularly those of Abraham Van Buskirk, whose property was directly across the bridge in Teaneck. Van Buskirk was a surgeon in the militia under Zabriskie, and with whom he served on Bergen County’s Committee of Correspondence, an entity established to keep in touch with other New Jersey counties and the events occurring there.

Van Houten Family Cemetery 108 Delaware Lane Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417

"A Local Journey: Exploring the outskirts of New York City, Dedication to Warren Watrel, Exploring ' The Northwest Bergen History Coalition', Exploring Franklin Lakes, NJ, Exploring Historic Bergen County NJ, Exploring Historic Graveyards and Cemeteries, 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 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, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Van Houten Family Cemetery

108 Delaware Lane

Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417

https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/1598327/van-houten-family-cemetery

https://www.myheritage.com/names/john_vanhouten

https://www.wikitree.com/genealogy/VANHOUTEN

My review on TripAdvisor:

The Van Houton Family Cemetery at 108 Delaware Lane on what was once the family farm

The historic Marker from 1822

The family plot from the entrance of the cemetery

About five generations of Van Houton’s have been buried in this spot, with an impressive list of family members who have served in all the nation’s wars.

From the Revolutionary War up to World War II, the family’s contribution extends not just to Bergen County but our entire country.

The family extends to other older ‘first families’ of Bergen County, such as the Snyder’s, the Demarest’s, DeBuan’s and the Van Ripper’s.

History of the Cemetery:

https://www.interment.net/data/us/nj/bergen/vanhouten/van.htm

(From the research of Richard Hrazanek)

This multi-generational cemetery is still used today by the descendents of John Van Houten, who left the property in his will. The grounds of the cemetery are well maintained. A metal fence around the property could use some minor repairs. Unfortunately a couple of the obelisk markers have fallen off their bases.

In the August 1992 Cemetery Inventory Booklet, published by the Bergen County Department of Parks, Division of Cultural and Historic Affairs, they listed Andrew Schaaf as a contact person for the cemetery, with an address of 749 High Mountain Road, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417. The same publication mentions that an inventory of the cemetery was done by John Neafie in 1911.

The oldest tombstones in the center

The History of Franklin Lakes:

(From the Franklin Lakes Town website):

https://activerain.com/blogsview/238626/franklin-lakes-new-jersey-history

In the 17th century, Lenape Indians traveled the land we now call Franklin Lakes.  They made winter camp in the “Clove” near Buttermilk Falls and fished in Micharagrape Pond ( now Franklin Lake).

Slowly, the Dutch settlers made their way west from the Hudson River Valley.  In 1701 the East Jersey Proprietors confirmed to Michael Hawden the land around the Pond.  In 1772 Franklin Township was formed and included much of northwestern Bergen County.  Farming was the major occupation of the early inhabitants, mostly Dutch with the names of Van Winkle, Van Houten, Ackerman, Pulisfelt, Van Blarcom, etc.  They built solid farmhouses of sandstone and fieldstone.  Fourteen of these historic homes still stand in our Borough.

Some of the original family member tombstones in the cemetery

Mills sprang up along the creeks: sawmills, gristmills, tanneries and forges.  Daniel Youman’s Grist Mill on Franklin Lake was probably the first business established (it later served as a saw mill and a cider mill).

The 1876 Walker Atlas showed Franklin Lakes had about 100 residences, 5 mills, 1 tannery, 3 schools, 4 blacksmith and wagon shops, 1 church, 2 hotels, 1 store, and 2 railroad depots.

The railroad stations were built in 1869 when the New Jersey Midland Railroad was extended to Oakland.  One station stood at Campgaw on Pulis Avenue, the other at Crystal Lake on High Mountain Road.  Residents used the train for commuting, moving goods and mail.

Around the turn of the century, estate houses and mansions began to appear in the area.  The industrial revolution brought wealth, and many of the wealthy became “gentleman farmers,” sometimes living here only in the summer.  Examples of these houses include the Bartholf-Hughes house on Somerset, the Post-Terhune house on Franklin Lake Road, and the Atterbury-Brockhurst house on Ewing Avenue.

Eventually, the Campgaw section became the civic center of our Borough.  In 1922 Franklin Lakes separated from Franklin Township, incorporated, and elected William V. Pulis as its first Mayor. 

Edward May built three lakes and started the Shadow Lake Swim Club, which evolved into Shadow Lakes Estates.  On the other side of the Borough, J. Nevins McBride purchased land around Franklin Lake and began building single-family homes in Urban Farms.

When Route 208 was extended to Oakland in 1959, Franklin Lakes became more accessible, and by 1980 there were more than 8,500 residents.  The completion of Interstate 287 in the early 1990’s stimulated another boom in building.  Today, the population of our Borough is 10,422.

From a sleepy rural community to an affluent metropolitan suburb, Franklin Lakes has changed extensively, continuing to be a desirable place to live and raise families.

The Franklin Lakes Historical Society was created to help preserve our Borough’s rich history, while at the same time looking to the future of our unique community and those who choose to make this their home.

courtesy http://www.franklinlakes.org 

The family still uses the cemetery into the twenty-first century

Part of the cemetery into modern times

Multiple family members are often buried together

The cemetery in modern times

The children of Ralph Van Houten who passed within a few years of one another

The grave of Abraham Van Houton and his wife, Bridget

The front part of the cemetery shows the different branches of the family and when they were buried.

The back part of the cemetery is rather old

The Snyder branch of the family

Another branch of the Van Houten family is buried together here

Members of the Ackerman and Cooper side of the family

Conrad and Elizabeth Van Houten

Jacob and Elizabeth Van Houten

Some of the modern graves of the Van Houten’s and Ackerman sides of the family

Many of these small family plots sit on buffs and have the most amazing views. It is as if the final resting place was to be a place of beauty and contemplation.

Unfortunately the family farm is long gone and the cemetery is now surrounded by McMansions. Talk about progress!

The African Art Museum of the SMA Fathers (Society of African Missions) 23 Bliss Avenue Tenafly, NJ 07670

"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 New Jersey, Exploring New York City by foot, Exploring Tenafly, NJ, Exploring the Island of Manhattan, Exploring the State of 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!, Uncategorized, Visiting a Museum in New Jersey, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The African Art Museum of the SMA Fathers (Society of African Missions)

23 Bliss Avenue

Tenafly, NJ  07670

(201) 894-8611

http://www.smafathers.org/museum

https://smafathers.org/museum/

https://smafathers.org/museum/about-us/

Open: 8:00am-5:00pm Seven Days a week

Please contact us for group tours.

Fee: Free admission but a donation is suggested.

TripAdvisor Review:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g46863-d3967225-Reviews-African_Art_Museum_of_the_Society_of_African_Missions-Tenafly_New_Jersey.html?m=19905

I recently revisited the African Museum of Art on the SMA Father’s and on this trip really took my time to learn about the Mission and study the art in the various displays. Each country that the Mission is involved with is represented here with detailed information on the meaning of the art and its purpose. It is an interesting approach to understanding the culture of each of these countries.

The beautiful stained glass windows line the ceiling and walls and has a beautiful effect in the room on a sunny day.

The sculpture in the middle of the main hall

The History of the Museum:

(From the museum website)

This museum was established in 1980 and is one of the only rare few in the United States dedicated solely to the arts of Africa. Its permanent collections, exhibited on a rotating basis, offer a unique advantage in the study and research of sub-Saharan sculpture and painting, costumes, textiles and decorative arts, religion and folklore.

The main hall of the museum

The history of the Mission

The history of the Mission

The history of the Mission

The African Art Museum of the SMA Fathers is one of five museums around the world founded and maintained by the Society of African Missions, an International Roman Catholic missionary organization that serves the people of Africa.

The display case that line the main hall

The display case that line the main hall

The art works up close

The descriptions of the works

The display case that line the main hall

Some of the works up close

The description of the masks

The display case that line the main hall

The museum is the continued vision of SMA’s founder, Bishop Melchior de Marion Bresillac (1813-1859). The French-born clergyman urged his Society to respect and preserve the culture of the peoples they serve, the unique among the missionaries of his time. (This information is provided by the museum).

Some of the works being featured in the exhibition

Their current exhibitions is on the “Africanizing of Christian Art” which shows the 20th Century encounter between Catholic Christianity and the visual culture of the Yoruba, a prominent west African people of southwest Nigeria under the conditions of late colonization (This information provided by the museum).

The hallway off the main room

Linking the walls of the main room are wooden carved doors from a palace in Africa. The interesting detail work tells it own story.

The description of one of the doors

Panel One

Panel Two

Panel Three

Panel Four

The collection contains many works in the form of masks, textile work, religious figurines and decorative arts. Each display case shows a different theme in the art.

The works of art in the cases

The puppets in the case

The works of art lining the cases

The engaging Mask collection

The museum is the main hallway of the church. I found it a quiet place where you could really concentrate on the beauty of the art. It grounds are also nice to walk around in in the nice weather.

The Chapel just off the museum is interesting to visit. I wondered how many people came to serve here and how the service was performed.

The main chapel of the mission

The beautiful stained glass windows in the chapel

The museum is a true hidden gem of wonderful and interesting testimonial and contemporary art. An inspiring museum if you take the time to really enjoy it.

Sturr Family Cemetery 375 Pulis Avenue Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417

"A Local Journey: Exploring the outskirts of New York City, Addthistoyourgrocerylist@Wordpress.com, Bergecco-Parc Consulting Inc. Projects, Dedication to Warren Watrel, Exploring Franklin Lakes, NJ, Exploring Historic Bergen 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, Historic Cemeteries and Graveyards in New Jersey, Historic New Jersey Towns and Neighborhoods, Historical Towns of New Jersey, MywalkinManhattan Experiences, Uncategorized, Visiting a Museum in New Jersey, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Sturr Family Cemetery

375 Pulis Avenue

Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417

https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/2227047/sturr-family-cemetery

https://www.wikitree.com/genealogy/STURR

My review on TripAdvisor:

The Sturr Family Cemetery sits on a bend of the driveway of the Chabad Jewish Center of Northwest Bergen County and is a small cemetery that once sat on the edge of the J.H, Sturr farm.

The Sturr Family Cemetery

The farmhouse of the Sturr Family sits on the lot across the street from the cemetery property. This is located on a small buff on what was the edge of the farm.

The Sturr Family cemetery tombstones

The tombstones of the Courter and Carlouch family members

The grave of William Courter

The only visible tombstones that are left in the cemetery are an Ackerman family member, Anny Ackerman and members of the Courter and the Carlouch family’s (who must have married into the family).

The Ackerman family tombstones (the one to the right was unreadable)

The other tombstones are broken and no one is sure who is buried where in the cemetery.

The History of the Cemetery:

(From Find a Grave website)

The cemetery is located in Franklin Township, Bergen County, New Jersey, on what was once the family farm of J.H. Sturr. As of October 1991 only 6 markers were still remaining.

The Sturr Family Cemetery in full view

History of the House:

(From the Franklin Lakes Municipal Website)

H. Sturr House or Blue Meadow Farm
Built 1860
378 Pulis Avenue, Block 1510, Lot 8
Franklin Lakes, New Jersey 07417 

The Sturr House – also known as Blue Meadow Farm -is a handsome and little altered example of mid 19th century vernacular architecture which incorporates several stylistic elements such as gable returns and frieze area of the early 19th century Greek Revival style. The Borough of Franklin Lakes lists the erection year of the house as 1860. 

The façade of this 2 ½ story house consists of clapboard. The front porch has five bays with square posts and a rectangular entrance door with rectangular sidelights. Two tall 1st story windows are on one side of the porch. A single hitching post with iron rings sits in front of the porch stairs. The building has a frieze area with linear design. Semi-circular headed louvered vents are in all gable ends. The rear of the house has a one story wing.  There is a detached garage to the west side of the house as well as a round frame well. Further west of the house is a stable which has been extensively remodeled and converted into a residence in recent times. The house combined with associated structures is a significant remnant of the large farmsteads which ones dotted the Borough’s landscape prior to the recent suburban housing boom.

History of the Family:

(From the Franklin Lakes Municipal website)

This Sturr house and the nearby more altered house at 402 Pulis Avenue were duplicate structures and were probably built around the same time by members of the Sturr family. The 19th century Sturr family was descended from Conraedt Sturr who purchased 190 acres of land in this area with John Coeter from Robert Livingston in 1793.

The non-extant homestead and mill was located at present-day 930 Old Mill Road. It is known that Henry Sturr, the son of Conraedt, had a fanning mill at this location in 1850. In a will dated 1852 he bequeathed his property and mill to his grandsons John, Henry, and Daniel (Maria Braun – 1976 page 26 & 27).

The property along Pulis Avenue upon which these houses are situated was probably included in this will since the homes were built around the mid-19th century. Future deed research is recommended to identify the original builder and the construction date of the house (1861: H. Sturr, 1876 Estate of H.M. Sturr). Presently the house is privately owned and occupied.

Day Three Hundred and Seventy-Five Exploring Downtown Bridgeton, NJ-A Local Journey September 13th, 2023, September 15th, 2024 and November 5th, 2025

"A Local Journey: Exploring the outskirts of New York City, Bakeries for the budget minded, Cheap Spanish Restaurant for Budget Minded, Dedication to Warren Watrel, Dining on a Shoe String Restaurants in New Jersey, Exploring Bridgeton, NJ, Exploring Historic Cumberland County, NJ, Exploring Historic Graveyards and Cemeteries, Exploring Historic Towns in New Jersey, Exploring Manhattan Block by Block, Exploring New Jersey, Exploring the Island of Manhattan, Exploring the State of New Jersey, Historic Cemeteries and Graveyards in New Jersey, Historic Churches of New Jersey, Historic New Jersey Towns and Neighborhoods, Historical Towns of New Jersey, Interesting Bakeries, Interesting Parks and Zoos in New Jersey, My walk in Manhattan (MywalkinManhattan.com), Smile! Your Visiting New Jersey!, Uncategorized, Visiting a Museum in New Jersey, Visiting Farms and Farm Stands of New Jersey, Walking Downtown Bridgeton NJ, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Over the years I have heard newspapers saying some negative things about the City of Bridgeton, NJ in Cumberland County. The crime, the problems and the rows of rundown housing. I have to admit that the city has its share of problems like any city but Bridgeton is a paradox. For all its problems, it has so many interesting things to see and do. As I have been exploring historical sites of South Jersey, I have made many trips through the city and driven through the neighborhoods and walked the downtown and its really interesting.

When you leave the city on any side, you are in the countryside. There are all sorts of fields of crops as far as the eye can see and many Farmers Markets just outside its borders. When you return though, you know immediately that you are in the city’s borders as housing just seems to pop out of nowwhere.

When I was visiting museums and historical sites for a blog I was writing on Southern New Jersey, I left Greenwich, NJ and took a local country road that took me through the back roads and farm country to the big city of Bridgeton, NJ where I explored their now rundown downtown. I then explored the crown jewel of the community, the Old Presbyterian Church and Cemetery.

The church stands out like a stately jewel in the middle of the town and is so beautiful and graceful at any time of the year especially in the late Spring and the early Fall when it is perfect for taking pictures. I love its historic cemetery with its Colonial era church and the gravesite that dates back to the 1700’s.

The Old Presbyterian Church and Cemetery at 54 West Avenue South in Bridgeton, NJ

http://cumberlandnjart.org/cumberland-historic-sites/broad-st-presbyterian-church/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Broad_Street_Presbyterian_Church_and_Cemetery

https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=107949879227430&tn=CH-R

My review on TripAdvisor:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g46324-d24140698-Reviews-Old_Broad_Street_Presbyterian_Church_Cemetery-Bridgeton_New_Jersey.html

My review on VisitingaMuseum.com:

https://wordpress.com/post/visitingamuseum.com/7751

Visiting the Old Presbyterian Church and Cemetery was an interesting experience. While trying to get from Greenwich to Bridgeton should have been a straight run but there were no names on the signs, and you just had to figure it out. I found the right road and it led me right to the cemetery.

The Presbyterian Church itself is only used now for special occasions and events but is an elegant building that sits on top of a bluff overlooking the downtown area. During the daylight hours you are allowed to roam around the cemetery looking at the gravesites (See my reviews on TripAdvisor and VisitingaMuseum.com).

So many famous politicians, war heroes, founding fathers of the City of Bridgeton and entrepreneurs at the turn of the last century are buried here.

The church and the historic cemetery.

What I found interesting about the cemetery was the family plots with the generations of people buried next to one another and their stories. It was sad when the parents buried their children and then died a few years later. Trying to figure the narrative of these families can be heartbreaking.

The family plots at the cemetery

The really sad part of such a historic cemetery is that it is so overgrown. I was walking through in some parts a foot of weeds. I know that taking care of a cemetery this size must be hard, but I would think there would be more care of the dead considering this is a destination for historians.

The historic cemetery in the Summer of 2024

When I finished touring the church grounds, I took a tour of the Bridgeton Historical Downtown. It was such a waste to see a bunch of old buildings falling apart and most of the businesses closed or small run-down businesses located in them. A block away was a more modern downtown with newer buildings. The shopping district caters to the very large Hispanic population that lives here and is great if you are looking for provisions for a picnic.

The one place that did stand out for me was the Century Bakery at 525 North Pearl Street in Downtown Bridgeton. They have some of the best and most creative doughnuts around. I could never make up my mind.

Century Bakery at 525 North Pearl Street in Downtown Bridgeton

https://www.centurybakery.com/

My review on TripAdvisor:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g46324-d4983179-Reviews-Century_Bakery-Bridgeton_New_Jersey.html?m=69573

The bakery just smells good when you walk in and the staff could not be nicer and more accommodating. I could barely make up my mind with all the delicious doughnuts to choose from.

I could not figure out what I wanted with all these delicious choices displayed in the cases. I finally decided on a Glazed Cream filled doughnut that was just mind blowing. It was so delicious. I had wanted to go back for another but did not want to ruin my appetite for lunch. For another trip.

This was like biting into a piece of heaven

When I visited Bridgeton in the Fall of 2024 for Halloween, I took the time to visit the Cohanzick Zoo and that was an interesting detour. The Zoo is part of the Bridgeton Park system like it is up in Bergen County. It is a small County zoo that takes about an hour to visit.

The zoo has an old fashioned feel with smaller rescue animals and equally not too large cages. The zoo is mostly comprised of animals who were rescued from either being poached, illegally transported or had been used as pets, many of them being neglected and abused.

The sign that welcomes you to the park at the Cohanzick Zoo

https://cohanzick-zoo.org/

My Review on TripAdvisor:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g46324-d1425883-Reviews-Cohanzick_Zoo-Bridgeton_New_Jersey.html

My review on VisitingaMuseum.com:

https://wordpress.com/post/visitingamuseum.com/23956

Throughout the park amongst the cages of wildlife are strolling gardens and animal related statuary.

The pathways and gardens were still in bloom the afternoon that I was there and it is a nice way to spend do the afternoon.

The Elephant statuary at the entrance of the zoo

The status of how some animals found their home here

The first resident I finished was the Raccoon House, where it looked like the raccoon was taking a snooze. He really looked out of it when I passed the cage.

The Raccoon House

The Raccoon Crossing sign

This poor little guy was out like a light

The zoo is one of the smaller more localized ones that I have visited so you can see the whole zoo in a short amount of time. Then you can walk leisurely around the paths and revisit the exhibitions again. Some of the animals like the peacock family, just wonder around the park and do their thing.

This gorilla sculpture that greets you in the back part of the zoo

Following the walkway to the back pens where a lot of the small animal and bird displays were located

The next exhibition that I visited was the Sand Hill Crane and I read that the poor little guy had been injured. He seemed a bit more optimistic when I passed the cage. I think that the animals just want some attention.

The Sand Hill Crane display

The Crane was watching all of us as we passed his cage

The next small animal that I visited was the Fennec fox and the two that I saw were fast asleep on this warm afternoon. They must have had a busy morning.

The Fennec fox cage

The foxes that I saw that day were fast asleep

One of the historical sites that I had wanted to visit was the historic Potter’s Tavern across from City Hall. I tried twice to stop in to see the Potters Tavern in Bridgeton but then double checked the guide and found out that it is only open on Sundays in July from 1:00pm-4:00pm.

Finally in the Summer of 2024, Potter’s Tavern opened for touring again and is now open on Sundays. It is well worth stopping and touring this important part of our Revolutionary War history.

Potters Tavern at 49-51 West Broad Street in Bridgeton, NJ

https://www.co.cumberland.nj.us/potterstavern

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potter%27s_Tavern

My review on TripAdvisor:

My review on VisitingaMuseum.com:

Potter’s Tavern 49-51 West Broad Street Bridgetown, NJ 08302

The sign at the tavern

The tavern is one of the city’s connections to the Revolutionary War where patriots from that time met and plotted their strategy during the war. It was also a meeting place for men who need to gather after a hard day on the farm. These taverns were part of the social factor at a time before electronic communication.

The Entrance room of the Potter’s Tavern

The Hearth in the Kitchen in the Potter’s Tavern

The Bar at the Potter’s Tavern

The tavern has been rebuilt and furnished to reflex the time period. There are three floors to tour with the first floor being the tavern itself, the bedrooms upstairs where travelers would stay after a long stagecoach journey. The lower floor was the kitchen and store room where meals would be prepared and staff would sleep.

The upstairs of the Potter’s Tavern was the overnight accommodations

The lower level of Potter’s Tavern

It is an interesting tour that should not be missed but the museum’s hours can be sporadic even as they are posted online and are seasonal so plan accordingly.

On a recent trip to Bridgeton, I was able to finally see the Bridgeton Liberty Bell that sits in a display case across the street from Potter’s Tavern in Bridgeton’s modern courthouse.

The Bridgeton Liberty bell is located in the lobby of the Bridgeton Courthouse, which is open only during the week. You can walk in through the back door from the parking lot and walk through the metal detector to get to the bell that is displayed in the hallway.

The bell was cast in Massachusetts in 1765 and was a source of information during Colonial days.

The Bridgeton Liberty Bell

It was used to call people together for important news and meetings when hanging in the courthouse in the Courthouse that was built in 1760-61. It rang for liberty when the Declaration of Independence was signed and as a warning signal for the War of 1812 (South Jersey Early American Historical Trail pamphlet).

A close up look at the bell

The historic marker of the bell

While walking in the downtown area one afternoon in the summer, I was trying to stop in the Bridgeton Library to visit the Robert Woodruff Museum of Indian Artifacts (that is only open by appointment only). Since nobody was there to help me that afternoon I left the library.

Across the street, a mother-daughter team was barbecuing and preparing tacos and tamales for locals and some workers on the construction site around the corner. The tacos were amazing and they only charged $3.00 for two small tacos and a Coke. I thought this great and the tacos were excellent. The ladies could really cook.

The fresh tacos from the pop up taco stand across from the library

Continue to follow this blog as I explore more of Bridgeton and its historical downtown and all it has to offer. There is so much that can surprise you in the City of Bridgeton, NJ.

Places to Visit:

Old Broad Street Presbyterian Church & Cemetery

54 West Avenue

South Bridgeton, NJ 08302

Check website

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Broad_Street_Presbyterian_Church_and_Cemetery

http://cumberlandnjart.org/cumberland-historic-sites/broad-st-presbyterian-church/

https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=107949879227430&tn=CH-R
Open: From Dawn to Dusk every day

Admission: Free

My review on TripAdvisor:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g46324-d24140698-r844174571-Old_Broad_Street_Presbyterian_Church_Cemetery-Bridgeton_New_Jersey.html?m=19905

My review on VisitingaMuseum.com:

Old Broad Street Presbyterian Church & Cemetery 54 West Avenue South Bridgeton, NJ 08302

Potter’s Tavern

49-51 West Broad Street

Bridgeton, NJ 08302

(856) 453-2175

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potter%27s_Tavern

https://revolutionarynj.org/sites/potters-tavern/

https://explorecumberlandnj.com/cumberland-historic-sites/potters-tavern/

Open: Sunday 1:00pm-4:00pm/Monday-Saturday Closed-Seasonal please check the website

Admission: Free but donations are accepted

My review on TripAdvisor:

My review on VisitingaMuseum.com:

Potter’s Tavern 49-51 West Broad Street Bridgetown, NJ 08302

Cohanzick Zoo

Mayor Aitken Drive

Bridgeton, NJ 08302

(856) 453-1658

Open: Sunday-Saturday 9:00am-5:00pm

Admission: Free but donations are accepted

My review on TripAdvisor:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g46324-d1425883-Reviews-Cohanzick_Zoo-Bridgeton_New_Jersey.html

My review on VisitingaMuseum.com:

Cohanzick Zoo Mayor Aitken Drive Bridgeton, NJ 08302

Robert Woodruff Museum of Indian Art

(In the process of moving to a new location in 2026)

Places to Eat:

Century Bakery

525 North Pearl Street

Bridgeton, NJ

https://www.centurybakery.com/

https://www.facebook.com/centurybakerynj/

Open: Sunday-Monday Closed/Tuesday-Saturday 6:00am-6:00pm

My review on TripAdvisor:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g46324-d4983179-Reviews-Century_Bakery-Bridgeton_New_Jersey.html?m=69573