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I have visited the Ringwood Manor during the Christmas holidays over the last four years and it keeps getting better. Each room in the house is tastefully decorated for the holidays. The West Milford Garden Club does an excellent job decorating every year and in the post-COVID environment, it is nice to see such a beautiful and well thought out display for Christmas.

The outside of the house was decorated with garland and ribbons and welcomed visitors with Christmas cheer.

The entrance of Ringwood Manor.

The entrance to the estate.

The patio of Ringwood Manor.

The outside of the house was tastefully decorated in garland and bows.

The decorated front door on the Ryerson side of Ringwood Manor.

History of Ringwood, NJ:

Colonial Ringwood:

Long before the Forges & Manor of Ringwood existed this property was occupied by the Native American people. Prehistoric artifacts found on the grounds confirm their inhabitants back to the Archaic and Woodlands periods. Living in a hunting and farming paradise, these Munsee-speaking Lenape peoples dwelled at the head of the Topompock or Ringwood River Valley. This paradise attracted colonial prospectors, who by 1740, came for the iron ore found in the ground. Recognizing the rich magnetite ores, Cornelius Board settled here in 1739 and first utilized the property for iron mining. He was followed shortly thereafter by the Ogden family who established the Ringwood Company and built the first blast furnace here in 1742.

After twenty years of production, a German promoter, Peter Hasenclever, organized the American Iron Company to exploit the resources in colonial North America, purchasing the Ringwood area in 1764. He would also develop forges at Long Pond and Charlotteburg but made Ringwood the center of his iron empire. Hasenclever established iron plantations and developed the production of flax and timber across 50,00 acres of land stretching through New Jersey and New York, from present day Butler to New Foundland and Nova Scotia. The iron was said to have been “the best iron in the American colonies.” Robert Erskine, the last ironmaster of the American Iron Company, was sent from England in 1771 and would manage the company during the Revolutionary War.

(History of Ringwood, NJ)

The decorated carriage house.

When you walk into the home, the first rooms is decorated tastefully around a collection of antique guns and hunting equipment. The Great Hall was decorated with garland and ornaments with a large tree in the corner.

The Great Hall of the Ringwood Manor when you enter for Christmas.

The Great Hall upon entering.

The Chamber Gun display.

The Chamber Gun display in the Great Hall of Ringwood Manor.

The Great Hall fireplace decorated for the holidays.

The formal dining room was set for Christmas dinner for the family after church. The elegant china was set on the table with poppers and small Christmas gifts for the guests. The side boards were set with the dinner entrees and sides for the family meal. There was a little discussion of how the Hewitt family would entertain during the holidays and in 2019 and in 2023, they opened up the kitchen and Butler’s pantry for touring.

The Hallway leading to the formal Dining Room.

The decorated staircase in the Great Hall

The Great Hall hallway

The Dining Room sign

The Dining Room at the Ringwood Manor.

The Dining Room set for Christmas dinner.

Dining Room set for Christmas dinner beautifully.

The details of the Dining Room

The Dining Room paintings and details.

Preparing for the holidays in the Dining Room

The statuary of the Dining Room

The lighting fixtures of the Dining Room.

Each room was set for the holidays with garlands, trees and decorations. As it was explained to me on another house tour during the holidays, the Victorians would normally only decorate one or two rooms for the holidays and not the whole house. The whole house might be decorated based on the wealth of the family and the amount of servants to take care of the home. Needles would have to cleaned up and the trees would have to be attended to on a daily basis.

the Butler’s Pantry just off the Dining Room

The Butler’s Pantry in preparation for Christmas dinner

The Christmas treats in the Butler’s Pantry.

I then walked back through the house and passed by the Office on my way to the social rooms of the first floor. The office is where business was taken care by Mr. Hewitt when he was in residence.

Mr. Hewitt’s Office decorated for Christmas

Mr. Hewitt’s office at Christmas time.

The Christmas tree in Mr. Hewitt’s office.

Before I left this part of the house, I passed the Breakfast Room which is just off the Dining Room. It had beautifully decorated for a Christmas breakfast.

The Breakfast Room sign

The Breakfast Room was decorated with desserts and sweets for the Christmas holidays.

The Breakfast Room beautifully decorated for the holidays.

The Breakfast Room for a Christmas feast.

The Christmas tree in the Breakfast Room.

Before entering the Great Hall, I visited the Receiving Room, where guests waited until dinner was served.

The Waiting Room

The Waiting Room was for guests to relax and wait for Mr. & Mrs. Hewitt.

The Waiting Room fireplace is nicely decorated.

The ‘Birdcage’ in the Waiting Room

Passing through the Great Hall again, I entered what had once been the original Ryerson House built in the early 1800’s. The first room on the tour of this side of the house was the French Drawing Room decked out for the holidays. This room was used by the ladies after dinner was over to converse and get away from their husbands, who would have still been in the dining room.

French Drawing Room, the “Withdrawing” room.

The French Drawing Room

The French Drawing Room in all its Christmas glory.

The Christmas tree in the French Drawing Room

The fireplace in the French Drawing Room.

On the other side of the house is the original Ryerson mansion that was added on by the Hewitt’s when they bought the house. The older house had the original moldings and windows from the early 1800’s and that side of the house had a different feel to it starting with the original entrance and staircase.

The Ryerson Staircase and foyer sign

The Ryerson Staircase and foyer

The decorated Ryerson staircase.

One of the nicest rooms that was decorated was the screened in porch. Here there was a tree set with presents, hot house flowers and garland lining the room. The sunlight shined throughout the room and the decorations sparkled.

The South Ryerson Parlor

The South Ryerson South Parlor

The fireplace in the South Parlor.

The latest addition to the house was the screened in porch, The Glass Piazza, of the house which was used in the summer months for rest and relaxation. The screen in porch was beautifully decorated for the holidays with all sorts of Christmas trees and decorations.

The Glass Piazza, the screened in porch of the main house.

The Glass Piazza decked out at Christmas time.

The doll mini tea service in the Glass Piazza.

The Glass Piazza set for tea at the holidays.

The Glass Piazza at Christmas time.

The beautiful Christmas tree in the Glass Piazza in 2023.

When you leave the Glass Piazza, you enter the original part of the house again with the North Ryerson Parlor. This room was used by the family for less formal affairs but it was still decked out of the holidays.

The North Ryerson Parlor

The Ryerson North Parlor decorated for tea.

The Ryerson North Parlor fireplace decorated for Christmas time.

The last room I visited on the tour was the Music Room in the original Ryerson House. The room was used by both the Ryerson’s and the Hewitt’s for social occasions and the Hewitt’s were all musically inclined.

The Music Room at the Ringwood Manor

The Music Room at the Ringwood Manor.

The Music Room at the Ringwood Manor.

The fireplace in the Music Room decked out for the holidays.

The Music Room during Christmas time.

Each room had a docent to explain the decor or what the room’s use had been in the family’s time. A visitor can roam the house at their leisure and see the rooms as many times as they want. There is also a gift shop in a room off the formal dining room that contains some beautiful Christmas crafts for sale by the Women’s Club of New Milford. Some of these women are very creative and sell the most amazing Christmas ornaments made of glitter, wood, branches, walnuts and moss.

The decor of the home changes over time and there are different things to see every year. The barn also on the property as you drive in has more artwork and crafts. In the Gardener’s Shed next to the house, the Society has a small cafe with sandwiches, desserts and coffee/tea/hot chocolate.

The Carriage House was used as a gift shop and a place to get something to eat.

The tour of Ringwood Manor is wonderful during the holiday season and the rest of the house opens up during the warmer months of the year.

History of the House:

This 582 acre historic site is open to the public year round. The historic house museum, Ringwood Manor is open Wednesday to Sundays year round.

History of 19th Century Manor House and Landscape:

The present manor house was begun by Martin J. Ryerson in 1807. He and his sons controlled not only the iron mines and forges on the property but also operated productions at four other locations in the area. The Ryerson family resided in their 10 room Federal style home for almost 50 years.

The entrance to the historical home.

In 1853, the Ryerson’s house and property were purchased by business partners Peter Cooper and his son in law Abram S. Hewitt. The 22,000 acre ironworks and the Ryerson’s home were purchased for a sum of $100,000. Their company, Cooper-Hewitt & Company, grew to be the fifth largest corporation in the United States. The Hewitt’s, one of the most influential and wealthiest families of the 19th century, fell in love with the Ringwood estate.

The expanded Ringwood Manor estate in the winter months.

Ringwood manor at the holidays.

They decided to make this site of their summer home, naming it The Forges and Manor of Ringwood. They enlarged the home of the Ryerson’s, constructing major additions or renovations in 1864, 1875, 1900 and 1910. The completed 51 room house is 226.5 feet long and features 28 bedrooms, 24 fireplaces and 13 bathrooms and more than 250 windows. The house was built in an eclectic style, typical of the Victorian period. In 1875, the Manor House was an excellent example of the Gothic Revival style of architecture. By 1900, the Hewitt’s changed the exterior facade to its present appearance, adding the neo-classical portico and columns of the front porch and affixing white stucco to the exterior walls. The furnishings of the house reflect the varying tastes and styles of the family and time period.

Ringwood Manor during the holidays.

(From the Ringwood Manor website)

The formal gardens surrounding the Manor House were developed by Mrs. Hewitt and her daughter, Eleanor around 1900. Their design was influenced by the Hewitt’s many trips overseas. The gardens possess a mysterious old world charm that captivates visitors as they enjoy the serenity of reflecting pools and the progression of blooms from early spring to late fall. Placed throughout the garden are French and Italian statuary and garden ornaments as well many interesting architectural items from New York City acquired while Abram Hewitt served as Mayor and Congressman. Examples of these features include columns from the old New York Life building, gates from the Astor family’s home and gate posts from Columbia College. Relics from the iron company that are found on the grounds include a trip hammer and anvil, cog wheel and a Dictator-class mortar the base of which was created by the Hewitt’s company and used at the Battle of Vicksburg in Mississippi during the Civil War.

The Ringwood Manor in the Fall of 2026:

I visited the park again in October of 2026 after taking a tour of the NJ Botanical Gardens down the road at the Skylands Manor. The grounds were just changing colors during all the cool weather we were having and the grounds could not have been more picturesque.

The lawn of the estate in the early Fall in 2026

Walking through the walkways and driveway of the estate

Walking up to the Manor House at Ringwood Park

The pond by the house overlooking the barns

The marble walkway up to the house

The Manor House in the Fall of 2026

The estate lawn from the house

The gardens and landscaped gardens on the estate

In the barn which is used as a Art Gallery, hosts a Jazz Concert on some weekends during the Fall. We had a nice time listening the music.

The Jazz Concert in the afternoon

The Jazz Concert at the barn

The grounds are so beautiful at any time of the year.

Empire State Railway Museum 70 Lower 70 High Street Phoenicia, NY 12464

September 15, 2026"A Local Journey: Exploring the outskirts of New York City, Dedication to Warren Watrel, Exploring Historic Towns of Upstate New York, Exploring Historic Ulster County NY, Exploring Historic Ulster County, NY, Exploring Manhattan Block by Block, Exploring New York City by foot, Exploring New York State, Exploring Phoenicia, NY, Exploring the Island of Manhattan, Historic New York State neighborhoods, My walk in Manhattan (MywalkinManhattan.com), Uncategorized, Visiting a Museum in New York StateAddthistoyourgrocerylist@Wordpress.com, Author Justin Watral, Author Justin Watrel, BergenCountyCaregiver.com, DiningonaShoeString@Wordpress.com, Empire State Railway Museum, europe, Exploring Phoenicia, NY, Exploring Upstate NY, history, Justin Watral, Justin Watrel, LittleShoponMainStreet@Wordpress.com, MywalkinManhattan.com, railroad, Railroad Museum of New York State, Small Historical Societies New York State, Small Museum of New York State, trains, travel, VisitingaMuseum.com, Warren George Watrel, Warren Watreljwatrel

Empire State Railway Museum

70 Lower 70 High Street

Phoenicia, NY 12464

(845) 688-7501

https://www.esrm.com/

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

Empire State Railway Museum

Open: Sunday 10:00am-4:00pm/Monday-Friday Closed/Saturday 10:00am-4:00pm (the museum is seasonal and closes Columbus Day weekend until the next April)

Admission: Free but donations are accepted

My review on TripAdvisor:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g48391-d587665-Reviews-Empire_State_Railway_Museum-Phoenicia_Catskill_Region_New_York.html

The front of the Empire State Railway Museum

The History of the Rail Station:

(From the museum pamphlet)

The Empire State Railway Museum is housed in the historic, restored Phoenicia Railway Station, which was built in 1899 and example of the stations built by the Ulster & Delaware Railroad.

From the 1800’s through the 1940’s, the steam locomotives of the Ulster & Delaware climbed the mountain grades bound for the grand hotels and boarding houses of the Catskills. The trains carried thousands of passengers over the years. This transportation system was instrumental in the region becoming famous. All the trains stopped at the Phoenicia Station. Beside the passenger trains, there were many freight trains carrying lumber, blue stone, dairy and agricultural products bound for New York City and beyond.

The History of the Museum:

(From the museum website)

Founded in 1960 and then moved to Phoenicia in 1983. The historic Phoenicia Station, built in 1899, allow visitors to view the three interior rooms of the building. Enjoy the unique architecture of the Waiting Room with its framed artwork, photographs and artifacts on display. Step into the Agent’s Office and view the diorama with the HO-scaled layout of the Ulster & Delaware Railroad as it was in the early 1900s, plus several other dioramas and antique telegraph equipment (The Empire State Railway Museum website).

The front of the museum station

The welcoming sign to the Museum in the Summer of 2026

The Mission of the Museum:

The Empire State Railway Museum’s mission is to preserve the history of the Catskill Mountain and surrounding railroads and their impact on our culture, society, economy and communities through education, interpretation, restoration and preservation of not only railroad records, photographs, equipment, cars and locomotives, but also that of the personal histories and recollections of those involved with and affected by the railroads (Empire State Railway Museum website).

The Rail Explorers Building

When I visited the museum for the first time, I started with a tour of the grounds where the tracks are still being used for recreation purposes by the bike business that runs on the tracks next to the museum.

The railway on the museum’s grounds

I then toured the caboose that has been restored and displayed outside where the trains used arrive from the City. The museum did a nice job with the restoration showing was life was like on the train lines back at the turn of the last century.

The caboose car at the museum

The caboose car was acquired recently is from the Leigh Valley, PA line and is from the 1940’s (Museum pamphlet).

The inside of the caboose

The view from the back of the caboose

The cooking area of the caboose

The views from the caboose of the railways

I then toured the barn where train cars were being restored. This was fascinating. The volunteers are restoring all these train pieces back to their original glory with a small staff of volunteers.

The barn where the train cars are being restored and renovated

The cars being renovated

The front of the locomotive

Fixing the locomotive equipment

The sides of the cars being restored

It was fascinating to see how these train cars were being cared for by a small army of people and for the many hours it takes to care for these train pieces.

The inside of the museum and the building once served as the train station bringing people from the City to the Hudson River Valley for recreation and tourism to the Grand Hotels. The original waiting room has a rustic opened ended look about it and still looks like it is ready to welcome people from the early 1900’s.

The inside of the old train station that serves as the gallery

I love how elaborate the main Waiting Room was with the dark woods and rustic appearance, which must have fascinated visitors to the hotels when they arrived.

The history of the train station

The hallway that leads to waiting rooms and the old offices

The artifacts from railways

The sides of the museum displayed all sorts of artifacts that would have been used on the lines for maintenance and construction. There is all sorts of lanterns and lights on the tables and shelves.

The train artifacts

Lanterns, spikes and oil cans used on the rail lines

The lanterns used on the rail lines by workers at the station

The signal lights used on the train lines

All around the museum, the history of the area is told in pictures from the turn of the last century. People arriving to the area, the construction of the rail lines, the development of the Grand Resorts and the functions of the trains. It was an interesting history of the affects of the railroads on rural areas.

The development on three rail industry in the area

The construction of the Ashoken Reservoir

The Grand Hotels that brought tourism to the area

The area once boast the Grand Hotels of the Catskills long before air travel. Once upon a time, this was only accessible to the wealthy by carriage but with the coming of the railroads, opened these resorts up to a larger clientele. The famous Mountain House Hotel and others are featured in this display.

A video discussions on the tools to repair the rails

Rail and tourism artifacts from the era

In the center of the museum, there was a display case of many artifacts used in the rail service. All sorts of tools of the trade, functions of the rails and memoribilia are displayed in these cases.

The museum artifacts in the displays cases

The display of the rail cars and movements

Servicing the railroad

The deeds and business of the railroad

The workings of the railroads

The old Brake Stand of the rail yard on display

Off to the side of the old Waiting Room was the Conductor’s old office, which was now another gallery of model trains. The displays showcased the old railroads and have all sorts of artifacts on the Conductor’s old office and life at the station.

The Conductor’s old office now the Model Train Room

The model of the old railways

The Conductor’s old desk

A picture of the old station

The pot belly stove that kept him warm in the colder months

At the end of the tour is a small gift shop and information area of other cultural sites to visit. There is all sorts of information about the area and other cultural sites in the area.

The Gift Shop

The information area

The museum is an interesting look at travel after the Civil War until after WWII when the area opened up to automobiles. Jet travel in the 1960’s changed the area again as families left these grand hotels and traveled to places like Florida and the Caribbean.

It is an interesting peek at the past and the volunteers really showcase all their restoration work.

The Town of Shandaken Historical Museum 26 Academy Street Pine Hill, New York 12465

September 15, 2026"A Local Journey: Exploring the outskirts of New York City, Dedication to Warren Watrel, Exploring Catskill, NY, Exploring Historic Towns of Upstate New York, Exploring Historic Ulster County NY, Exploring Manhattan Block by Block, Exploring New York City by foot, Exploring the Historic Hudson River Valley in New York State, Exploring the Island of Manhattan, Historic New York State neighborhoods, My walk in Manhattan (MywalkinManhattan.com), Uncategorized, Visiting a Museum in New York StateAddthistoyourgrocerylist@Wordpress.com, Author Justin Watral, Author Justin Watrel, BergenCountyCaregiver.com, DiningonaShoeString@Wordpress.com, europe, Exploring Pine Hill NY, Exploring Shandaken NY, hiking, history, Justin Watral, Justin Watrel, LittleShoponMainStreet@Wordpress.com, MywalkinManhattan.com, nature, Small Historical Societies New York State, Small museums of New York State, The Town of Shandaken Historical Museum, travel, VisitingaMuseum.com, Warren George Watrel, Warren Watreljwatrel

The Town of Shandaken Historical Museum

26 Academy Street

Pine Hill, NY 12465

(845) 254-4460

https://shandakennymuseum.org

https://www.facebook.com/shandakenmuseum

Open: Sunday 10:00am-4:00pm/Monday-Thursday Closed/Friday-Saturday 10:00am-4:00pm

Admission: Free but donations are accepted

My review on TripAdvisor:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g48400-d12862963-r1076722006-Shandaken_Historical_Museum-Pine_Hill_Catskill_Region_New_York.html?m=19905

History of the Museum:

(from the museum website)

The Shandaken Historical Museum began as the second school house of Pine Hill, District #10. There were two school rooms on the second floor. Where the office of the museum is now located was the library. The rooms were divided by a cloak room used by both rooms. The room to the right was used by the upper grades.

When they started to send high school children to Fleischmanns High School their room was closed. The large room on the left them housed grades 1-8. Downstairs was the gym. On the west end was a stage that folded up against the wall. The stage was used for recitals and at Christmas time, a play was put on for the whole town. For most of the year it was the gym, the favorite sport was basketball (TSHS website).

The old school could tell some pretty good tales. It has housed a coat factory, a furniture stripping business, a community center, as a village building it held Boy Scout meetings, Red Cross gatherings as well as free vaccination clinics and is now the Town of Shandaken Historical Museum (TSHS website).

The museum sign that greets you outside

The Museum’s Mission:

The museum displays a fascinating collection of 19th and 20th Century tools, machinery, clothing, letters and artifacts relating to the Town of Pine Hill and the surrounding hamlets of Allaben, Big Indian, Bushnellsville, Chichester, Highmount, Mt. Pleasant, Mt. Tremper, Oliverea, Phoenicia, Pine Hill, Shandaken and Woodland.

The inside of the main gallery showcases the best of the surrounding hamlets. Each small town surrounding Pine Hill history is displayed town by town with artifacts from each community.

Pine Hill’s history is prominently displayed in the front starting with a display of an old classroom. It is amazing how things stay the same over the years.

Each of the displays have interesting details in all the artifacts that being showcased in each section. There are all sorts of photos, historical objects, artworks and personal affects of local citizens.

The classrooms of the past are similar to today

Local artifacts from the town

Each of the small hamlets surrounding Pine Hill had their own displays of artifacts ranging from local history, schools, fire and police departments, local events and residents and their day to day lives. Many of the residents from these communities have donated their or their family’s personal affects to the museum to build this collection.

When you visit some of these communities and look at the pictures on the wall, you can see in some cases not much has changed in these Upstate towns.

The display of artifacts from Pine Hill

https://www.centralcatskills.com/pine-hill

https://www.pinehillny.com/general-8

The display for the Town of Phoenicia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenicia,_New_York

Phoenicia: The Secret of the Catskills

The artifacts from the Town of Phonecia

The Wedding ‘Morning’ Dresses from Phonecia

The display of Opera Singer Amelita Gaffi-Cicco, a star of the stage in the 1920’s

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amelita_Galli-Curci

Artist Profile: Amelita Galli-Curci, A Legend From the Early 20th Century

The Town of Big Indian display

https://www.centralcatskills.com/big-indian

https://www.americancatskills.com/blog/2023/1/big-indian-in-the-catskills

https://www.iloveny.com/listing/big-indian-park/124196

The Town of Big Indian display

The Town of Mount Pleasant display

https://www.mtpleasantny.gov

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Pleasant,_New_York

The Town of Allaben

https://www.catskillarchive.com/gazetteer/Allaben/index.htm

Hamlets of Shandaken

The museum celebrated the 250th Anniversary of the United States with an interesting display of the history of the Country and New York’s contributions.

The New York State display of the 250th Anniversary of the Country

The lower level of the museum is a reflection of life on the farm and an agrarian society from the turn of the last century. The funny part is that only being two hours out of New York City, many small towns in New York State still have that feel.

The lower level Farm Living Galleries

The first set of artifacts are dedicated to the home, family and faith. Everyday living to most families in the small farming communities of Upstate New York. These artifacts reflect homelife from the late 1880’s to the 1930’s.

Home and Living on the farm

The kitchen tools and equipment to run a household

The tools of the trade for the life in these rural communities was based on what they could grow and trade with other farmers. Before WWII, you can see the life of the rural housewife was tedious with growing, preserving, pickling, baking and canning for the winter months long before modern supermarkets and refrigeration. It was a lot more work to get meals on the table and took a lot of grit and a budget of both money and time.

The Baking and Jarring on the farm to prepare for the Winter Season

The workings of the farm kitchen

Children’s playthings and cribs

Children’s play was based around the household and work in the future.

The family and faith

The items in a household that make it function

The workings of the home and farm

Life and functions of the Upstate Farm

The communities of Upstate New York still have agriculture as a base and even though electronic gadgets still help, many of these ‘tools of trade’ are still being used. These are the tools that built the farming industry Upstate through the 1970’s.

Tools of the Trade

The farm tools

Farm and field equipment

The equipment of the Farm

Small businesses were part of the community and the druggist was very important

The museum touches on life in small and large Upstate New York towns and the challenges they still face in a economy where farming and tourism are dependent on the economy. Though many of these communities are only two hours outside New York City, they might as well be a world away.

The displays are an interesting look of how communities develop and how they sustain themselves over time and we can see how COVID and the transplants from New York City and beyond are still shaping these communities.

Old Schoolhouse and Firehouse Museum 6 Passaic Avenue Ogdensburg, NJ 07439

August 28, 2026"A Local Journey: Exploring the outskirts of New York City, Dedication to Warren Watrel, Exploring Historic Sussex County NJ, Exploring Historic Towns in New Jersey, Exploring Manhattan Block by Block, Exploring New Jersey, Exploring New York City by foot, Exploring Ogdensburg, NJ, 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 walk in Manhattan (MywalkinManhattan.com), Small museums in New Jersey, Smile! Your Visiting New Jersey!, Sussex County Heritage Weekend, Uncategorized, Visiting a Museum in New JerseyAddthistoyourgrocerylist@Wordpress.com, adventure, Author Justin Watral, Author Justin Watrel, BergenCountyCaregiver.com, DiningonaShoeString@Wordpress.com, europe, Exploring Historic Sussex County NJ, Exploring Ogdensburg, NJ, Firefighter Museums of New Jersey, hiking, history, Justin Watral, Justin Watrel, LittleShoponMainStreet@Wordpress.com, MywalkinManhattan.com, Ogdensburg Old Schoolhouse and Firehouse Museum, Small Historical Societies of New Jersey, Small museums of New Jersey, Smile! Your Visiting New Jersey!, travel, VisitingaMuseum.com, Warren George Watrel, Warren Watreljwatrel

Old Schoolhouse and Firehouse Museum

6 Passaic Avenue

Ogdensburg, NJ 07439

https://www.sussex.nj.us/561/Old-Schoolhouse-Fire-Museum

https://www.facebook.com/oburghistoricalsocietypage

Ogdensburg Historical Society

Open: Sunday 1:00pm-4:00pm (Only on the forth Sunday of the Month) Monday-Saturday Closed-Check the website for seasonality.

Admission: Free but a donation is appreciated

My review on TripAdvisor:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Profile/R4960NKjustinw/mediabatch/14495681?m=19905

The front of the museum

I recently visited the Ogdensburg Old Schoolhouse and Firehouse Museum at 6 Passaic Avenue in Downtown Ogdensburg and discovered the community’s rich history of farming and mining in its past and its current destination as a weekend vacation spot and a up and coming bedroom community of New York City.

The County still has some farming and agriculture going on as the County continues to be built up with expats from the City, and Bergen and Morris Counties. The first floor is dedicated to the history of the Ogdensburg Fire Department with an old Engine and Ladders trucks, artifacts from the Sterling Mine just up the road and township property such as an old voting booth. You can read about the history of the Ogdensburg family as you head to the outside gallery.

The second floor has displays of various town departments including the Rescue, the Police Department and Fire Department. There are various displays of the town’s school system and various clubs in town. There are displays on the town’s mining and agricultural past with items such as farm advertising and mining equipment and minerals. Each display plays a role in the development of the community and how it progressed from farming to mining to manufacturing to the bedroom community it is today.

History of the Building:

“Built in 1910 as Ogdensburg’s fifth public school, it was adapted for re-use in 1930 as the Borough’s first firehouse replacing the one built in 1872. In 1984, with the aid of two state grants, the Ogdensburg Historical Society adapted it for re-use and dedicated it as the Old Schoolhouse and Firehouse Museum in 1987.

After 97 years, the Museum continues to serve the Borough of Ogdensburg as an historical learning and preservation center, and as a meeting hall. On June 10, 2006 it was dedicated as an Ogdensburg Historic Site.”

The historic sign of the museum

The Borough of Ogdensburg is the host of this marker commemorating the rich history provided by this building. This building has been maintained with much thought and care and remains as a museum and meeting place for the residents of the town. The marker is located in front of the building on Passaic Avenue just off Main Street by the Ogdensburg Elementary School. This marker was part of the 2008 placement (Museum website).

The outside of the museum which served as a school and a firehouse

The first floor of the building has the fire trucks, the history of the fire department and Ogdensburg’s 250th Anniversary of the United States on display.

The museum artifacts from the 250th celebration of the Country

The museum is on the heart of mining country of Sussex County, NJ and the museum has an interesting mineral collection along with their collection of mining artifacts.

The Mineral and Mining Collection

The museum being home to the Ogdensburg Fire Department contains the history of the local fire department along with vehicles and artifacts from the department.

The history of the Ogdensburg Fire Department

https://www.facebook.com/oburgfd

Fire Department

One of the early Ladder Trucks

The history of the department

One of the early Engine Trucks

The history of the department

One of the early pull hose beds pulled by men and then by horses

The first floor also contains the history of the Ogden family in the region.

The history of the Ogden family in the community

The town voting booth and a turn of the last century phone

The second floor gallery used to serve as offices and living space of the fire department.

The main gallery on the second floor

The gallery case lines are filled with memorabilia from different aspects of the community telling the story of the growth of the community that included Mining and Farming. It explains the growth into the modern suburbs of today.

The main gallery on the second floor of the museum

The main gallery on the second floor

The display case of Ogdensburg departments including school, fire and police departments

The display of the Ogdensburg Police Department

https://www.facebook.com/people/Ogdensburg-NJ-Police-Department/61590226020577

Police Department

The display of the Ogdensburg First Aid Squad

Blanket with historical sites and artifacts of the town of Ogdensburg, NJ

The businesses including schools and the domestic and farming industries

Each of the display cases represented different aspects of the town and has a variety of pictures and memorabilia from a variety of eras. The case lines show how the community changed over time from a mining community to the changes of a bedroom community of Newark and New York City.

The school system with classes and sports teams

https://www.obboe.org/apps/events

Household, town and business artifacts

Military and early Native American artifacts

The Glenbrook Farm Milk Bucket

The Domestic home display

The Entertainment display of recorders, phonographs, radios and early record players

The influence that Thomas Edison had on the community with new technology. Several pieces of Thomas A. Edison memorabilia are on exhibit to honor the ten years Edison spent mining iron ore at the old Edison Ore Milling Company on Sparta Mountain. Several of his phonographic inventions were created here (Ogdensburg Historical Society website).

Close up view of record players and Victrola’s

The School system display

The Ogdensburg Presbyterian Church display of artifacts from inside the church

The Sterling Mine display with minerals and equipment

The NJ Zinc Mine and Mineral display is a small s as molding of the museum down the street and the importance of the mining industry at the turn of the last century.

A closer look at the minerals display

A replica of a working mine operation. The machine shows how workers descending and brought up rock from the mines.

The Dedication to Mr. Waco Hadowantez, the town historian

The last display as you leave the museum is dedicated to the man who founded the historical society, Waco Hadowantez.

The museum tells an interesting story of the history of Ogdensburg and the surrounding area. It shows the importance of the Mining Community at the turn of the last century and how the community is pivoting towards tourism to tell its story.

Please contact the museum directly for seasonal hours and tours.

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

August 8, 2026"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 NYAddthistoyourgrocerylist@Wordpress.com, Author Justin Watral, Author Justin Watrel, BergenCountyCaregiver.com, DiningonaShoeString@Wordpress.com, europe, Exploring Campbell Hall NY, Exploring Historic Orange County NY, Historic homes of Upstate New York, history, Justin Watral, Justin Watrel, LittleShoponMainStreet@Wordpress.com, MywalkinManhattan.com, nature, The Hill-Hold Museum, travel, VisitingaMuseum.com, Warren George Watrel, Warren Watrel, writingjwatrel

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.

Day Three Hundred and Eighty-Seven Touring the Cloister Gardens and viewing Mythical Beasts at The Met Cloisters June 14th, 2026

June 28, 2026Dedication to Warren Watrel, Exploring Inwood in Manhattan, Exploring Manhattan, Exploring Manhattan Block by Block, Exploring New York City, Exploring New York City by foot, Exploring New York City Parks, Exploring the Island of Manhattan, Historic New York City neighborhoods, My walk in Manhattan (MywalkinManhattan.com), MywalkinManhattan Experiences, Uncategorized, Visiting a Museum in New York City, Walking around ManhattanAddthistoyourgrocerylist@Wordpress.com, Author Justin Watral, Author Justin Watrel, BergenCountyCaregiver.com, books, DiningonaShoeString@Wordpress.com, europe, Exploring Inwood, Exploring Manhattan, Exploring Manhattan Block by Block, Exploring New York City, Exploring New York City by foot, Exploring the Island of Manhattan, Exploring the Metropolitan Museum of Art, history, Justin Watral, Justin Watrel, LittleShoponMainStreet@Wordpress.com, MywalkinManhattan.com, nature, The Cloisters Garden Tour, The Cloisters Museum, travel, VisitingaMuseum.com, Warren George Watrel, Warren Watreljwatrel

The Cloisters Museum & Gardens: A Branch of The Metropolitan Museum of Art

99 Margaret Corbin Drive

Fort Tryon Park

New York, NY 10040

(212) 923-3700

Open: March-October 10:00am-5:15pm/November-February-10:00am-4:45pm

http://www.metmuseum.org

https://www.metmuseum.org/visit/plan-your-visit/met-cloisters

Fee: Adults $30.00/Seniors/Students $17.00/Children $12.00/Members & Patrons and Children under 12 are free (prices do fluctuate). NY, NJ and CT students and NY residents Pay as you wish.

Museum Hours:

Hours: Open 7 days a week

March-October 10:00am-5:15pm

November-February 10:00am- 4:45pm

Closed Thanksgiving Day, December 25th and January 1st.

*Some galleries may be closed for construction or maintenance.

TripAdvisor Review:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g60763-d106609-Reviews-The_Met_Cloisters-New_York_City_New_York.html?m=19905

The Met Cloisters in Fort Tryon Park in the Inwood section of Manhattan

Touring the Cloisters for the Garden Tour:

https://www.metmuseum.org/about-the-met/collection-areas/medieval-art-and-the-cloisters/met-cloisters-gardens

I went on the Spring Garden tour at the Cloisters Museum with a discussion on Spring plantings and the use of those plants during Medieval times. The museum studied what plants were used for religious and medical practices.

We started the discussion of the plantings out in the first Cloister by the Hudson River

The Tour of the Gardens at The Cloisters in the Spring 2026:

(From the Museum website)

The gardens of the Middle Ages included both real and ideal gardens. Poets and artists delighted in the depiction of fantasy gardens like the Garden of Love or of Paradise, but no real garden of the time remains to us. Historical records are rare and incomplete; the ninth-century plan for the monastery of St. Gall, with its carefully drawn and labeled garden beds, is unique. Archaeological excavations are yielding valuable new evidence, but we still know more about infirmary gardens of medicinal plants and aristocratic pleasure gardens than we do about humble kitchen plots of potherbs and vegetables (Met.org).

The gardens of the Museum, planted in reconstructed Romanesque and Gothic cloisters, evoke those that provided sustenance and spiritual refreshment within the medieval monastery. Designed as an integral feature of the Museum, the gardens have been a major attraction of The Cloisters since its opening in 1938, enhancing both the setting in which the Museum’s collection of medieval art is displayed and the visitor’s understanding of medieval life. The gardens are designed and maintained by a horticultural staff actively engaged in researching and developing the living collection (Met.org).

The plantings of the first Cloister we visited

We walked through the Cloister discussing how plantings were determined by medical and religious purposes

The flower beds in the Cloister

The view of the Hudson River was amazing

The flowers in bloom

Flowers in bloom

Flowers in bloom

Flowers in bloom

We moved the next Cloister looking over the medical plants and flowers

The Cloister in bloom

Walking around the Cloister

The plants around the sills of the Cloisters

Touring the Cloisters and admiring the flowers

Everything in bloom

We toured the last Cloister while the tour guide explained the plantings

The last Cloister we toured

The garden in full bloom

The growth of the hops growing on a trellis

The hops planting up close

The flowers in bloom in the Cloister

We ended the tour admiring the art in the Tapestry Room and having a discussion about the use of plants and flowers in Medieval art. The artists at that time thought of the natural world with awe and respect. They admired the beauty of the natural world where in some points was still feared,

‘The Hunt of the Unicorn’ tapestry discussion

I then visited the ‘Creatures of Myth and Imagination-European and the Americas’ exhibition.

This exhibition was an interesting look at mythical beasts of the era of great exploration from European to the Americas. It reminded me of the book “In Search of Ancient Astronauts” with many golden creatures that look like they are visitors from another planet, Ancient Gods to worship and one civilization’s outlook on the unknown. The artwork was a cross between mysticism and respect.

The exhibition sign for “Creatures of Myth and Imagination: Europe and the Americas”

https://www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions/creatures-of-myth-and-imagination-europe-and-the-americas

(From the museum’s website)

Set in the evocative atmosphere of The Met Cloisters, Creatures of Myth and Imagination: Europe and the Americas sheds light on a selection of works created on either side of the Atlantic Ocean between 500 and 1500 CE. The exhibition’s exploration of hybrid creatures deepens our understanding of their apparent necessity among diverse peoples. In the Americas, a complex gold pendant by a Tairona artist of northern Colombia, depicting a confrontational figure with hands on hips, a crocodile-like head, and an enormous headdress, would have reflected and expressed the wearer’s status and power. In Europe, ferocious dragons such as the one depicted on a monumental fresco from the monastery of San Pedro de Arlanza, Spain, took center stage to convey a multiplicity of meanings both sacred and profane (Met.org).

The exhibition gallery

Unusual mythical creature

(From the museum website)

For as long as humans have told stories, we’ve imagined creatures that transcend the natural world. Fantastical beings combining the features of animals, humans, and even plants appear across cultures, emerging in the most ancient myths and enduring in contemporary epics. The widespread presence of these supernatural beings, possessing the power to transform and be transformed, reflects a global impulse to make sense of both known and unknown worlds. Visual artists have given form to these imaginary creatures, resulting in some of the most fearsome, beloved, and extraordinary works of art ever made (Met.org).

Small gold ancient Gods

Ritual Knives

Double pendants

Earth Deity

I took one last tour of the museum gardens before I left for the afternoon. On the balcony overlooking the Hudson River offered beautiful views and beautiful potted plants.

Walking out of the back Cloister

The back Cloister

The beautiful white flowers

The balcony overlooking the Hudson River

The potted plants by the doorway

The view of the Hudson River

Looking north up the Hudson River

The tour of the Gardens was amazing and the exhibition on the Pre-Columbian art interesting. It was a wonderful tour of the Cloisters.

Interesting video on YouTube on “Gardens and Art at the Met”

Lewes Life Saving Station & Museum 2 Shipcarpenter Street Lewes, DE 19958

May 18, 2026"A Local Journey: Exploring the outskirts of New York City, Dedication to Warren Watrel, Exploring Historic Towns of Delaware, Exploring Lewes DE, Exploring Manhattan Block by Block, Exploring New York City by foot, Exploring the Island of Manhattan, Historic Delaware Towns, My walk in Manhattan (MywalkinManhattan.com), Small museums of Delaware, Uncategorized, Visiting a Museum in Delaware, Walking Downtown Lewes DEAddthistoyourgrocerylist@Wordpress.com, art, Author Justin Watral, Author Justin Watrel, BergenCountyCaregiver.com, DiningonaShoeString@Wordpress.com, europe, Historical Society of Lewes DE, history, Justin Watral, Justin Watrel, Lewes Life Saving Station & Museum, LittleShoponMainStreet@Wordpress.com, MywalkinManhattan.com, photography, Small Historical Societies in Delaware, Small museums in Delaware, travel, VisitingaMuseum.com, Warren George Watrel, Warren Watreljwatrel

Lewes Life Saving Station & Museum

2 Shipcarpenter Street

Lewes, DE. 19958

(302) 645-7670

U.S. Life-Saving Service Boat House

Exploring the History of Life Saving Stations in Lewes

Open: Sunday-Tuesday Closed/Wednesday-Saturday 10:00am-4:00pm (In Season April 1st-October 11th-closed the rest of the year)

Admission: Free but a $5.00 donation is appreciated

My review on TripAdvisor:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g34028-d17640480-r1060547919-Lewes_Life_Saving_Station_Museum-Lewes_Delaware.html?m=19905

The back of the Lewes Lifeguard Station Museum

The description sign up front

I recently visited Lewes, DE for ‘Maritime Day’ by the harbor and there were a lot of interesting booths on the watersheds, environmental agencies that discussed their purpose with harbor issues and what the town of Lewes does for the environment.

The historic Blizzard from 1888

History of the Lewes Life Saving Station & Museum:

(From Historic Lewes.com)

It was also a busy station, guarding both the mouth of Delaware Bay and the protected waters created by the massive breakwaters of the National Harbor of Refuge. Its string of Keepers and their six- or seven-man crews of Surfmen enacted scores of rescues through the years and in particular won great praise for their tireless heroics during the Great White Hurricane of 1888, when they pulled scores of sailors from the frigid waters and iced-over hulks of wrecked vessels to safety.

The front of the museum

The History of the Lewes Lifeguard Museum:

(From the Historic Lewes.com)

The United States Life-Saving Service (USLSS) protected the American coast and saved lives in peril at sea from 1871 until 1915, when it became a part of the new United States Coast Guard (USCG). This incredible humanitarian mission came to Lewes in 1884, making it the fourth of six stations to be established in Delaware. Lewes was among the most desirable stations for the Keepers and Surfmen who manned it, with its original location on the site of the present-day Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal placing it not far from town and therefore civilization.

The view of the harbor which has changed over the years

I spent my time touring the Lewes Lifeguard Museum, which is an interesting little museum on the history of life saving along the Delaware coast. The museum’s artifacts show some of the earliest and innovative forms of rescue equipment from before the Civil War. This was the precursor to the United States Coast Guard.

The inside of the museum

The lower part of the museum contained most of the equipment, items like rescue ropes, wenches, rescue apparatus, lanterns and uniforms like jackets and boots.

Pulled and equipment used to rescue stranded people

History of the Lewes Historical Museum:

(Historic Lewes.com)

The United States Coast Guard maintained the Station Lewes from 1915 until 1969, when it was closed, declared surplus, and sold. The original main station building was relocated numerous times and still stands today, heavily modified, as the Rehoboth Beach VFW. The Boat House preserved by Historic Lewes, a unique 1884 addition to the USLSS station intended to launch lifeboats on a marine railway directly into the harbor, was acquired from the Pilots’ Association of the Bay & River Delaware in 1979 and moved to its present home at Canalfront Park. It stands proudly beside the Lightship OVERFALLS (LV-118), together commemorating the nation’s and community’s efforts to preserve life on hazardous waters.

The bullies and wenches used by the men

Information in the Lewes Life Saving Station

Biography of the men who worked there

Information on the Boat House

Some of the ropes and wenches used in the rescue procedures

On the other side of the building was the rescue boat the ‘Life Car’, a rudimentary form of rescue boat that the docents said was effective but clunky and hard to use. It shows how we have progressed in life saving.

The Life Car rescue unit

Information on the ‘Life Car’

The ‘Life Car’

The ores and other rescue equipment used

The small rope cannon

The ores

The rope equipment

The story of the ‘Great White Hurricane of March 1888’

The Men’s Dining area in the front of the building

There was no living area in the facility but a place to gather the team, eat and socialize when manning the station.

History of Lewes Lifeguard Museum:

(From the Lewes Lifeguard.com)

Guests visiting the USLSS Boat House today will find it furnished just as Keeper John Clampitt and his courageous Surfmen left it on March 12, 1888, as they pushed out into the roaring gale and whipping snow for their finest hours. It also features a display of early life-saving equipment, including the rope-and-pulley Breeches Buoy rescue system, a steel life-car, and a rare 1887 Long Branch, New Jersey-style surfboat under restoration.

The dining area and the schedule

The dining room table

The Lewes Life Saving Station & Museum is an example of early beach and shipping rescue at the East Coast Shore. It also shows the daily life of these brave men and how lonely and dangerous this job could be. It shows how times have progressed and how they have stayed the same. To save people and property.

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

May 18, 2026"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 JerseyAddthistoyourgrocerylist@Wordpress.com, art, Author Justin Watral, Author Justin Watrel, BergenCountyCaregiver.com, DiningonaShoeString@Wordpress.com, europe, Exploring Historic Morris County, NJ, Exploring New Vernon NJ, Harding Township Historical Society, history, Justin Watral, Justin Watrel, LittleShoponMainStreet@Wordpress.com, Morris County's "Pathways to History" Tour of Historical Sites, MywalkinManhattan.com, Pathways Tour of Morris County NJ, travel, Tunis-Ellicks House, VisitingaMuseum.com, Warren George Watrel, Warren Watrel, writingjwatrel

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.

John’s Caffe Pizza & Caterers 574 2nd Street Elizabeth, NJ 07202

May 18, 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 Elizabeth 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, Interesting Pizzerias in New Jersey, Little Shop on Main Street in New Jersey, My walk in Manhattan (MywalkinManhattan.com), Pizzeria's and Italian Restaurants for the budget-minded, Smile! Your Visiting New Jersey!, Uncategorized, Walking Downtown Elizabeth NJAddthistoyourgrocerylist@Wordpress.com, Author Justin Watral, Author Justin Watrel, BergenCountyCaregiver.com, DiningonaShoeString@Wordpress.com, europe, Exploring Elizabeth NJ, food, italy, John's Caffe Pizza & Caterers, Justin Watral, Justin Watrel, LittleShoponMainStreet@Wordpress.com, MywalkinManhattan.com, pizza, Reasonable Pizza in NJ, travel, VisitingaMuseum.com, Walking Downtown Elizabeth NJ, Warren George Watrel, Warren Watreljwatrel

John’s Caffe Pizza & Caterers

574 2nd Street

Elizabeth, NJ 07202

(908) 354-5260

Open: Sunday Closed/Monday-Thursday 9:30am-9:00pm/Friday-Saturday 9:30am-9:00pm

My review on TripAdvisor:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g46414-d6556551-r1058235386-Johns_Caffe_Pizza_Caterers-Elizabeth_New_Jersey.html?m=19905

The front of John’s Caffe Pizzeria & Caterer at 574 2nd Street in Downtown Elizabeth, NJ

The inside of the restaurant

I enjoy coming to John’s Caffe Pizzeria & Caterer when I am visiting Elizabeth, NJ for various appointments. One of the office workers recommended the pizzeria for lunch and I look forward to eating there when I am in town. The food and the service are great.

The Pizza case of all the delicious pizzas

I know there are a lot of pizzerias in New Jersey and since 80% of the State has some form of Italian blood in them, there are different way s that people prepare their pies. This is the same with John’s Caffe Pizzeria & Caterers. There prepare pizza all different ways and each one of them is more delicious than the next.

The Chicken Parmesan and Cheesesteak pizzas

The location is just off Downtown Elizabeth NJ and around the corner from my doctor’s office so I stop there for lunch when I am in town. I love the pizza here. There are so many choices to select from in the pizza case.

The first time I selected a piece of the Trenton style pizza and a slice of Hot Honey Pepperoni with Ricotta Cheese on top. The woman at the counter highly recommended these and they were delicious.

The Hot Honey Pepperoni and Trenton style pizza

They have all different types of lunch specials and one of my favorites (as of 2026) is the Specialty slice special with a Coke for $7.99. That is a bargain considering you get to choose the slices you want for lunch.

My selection of pizza slices for the lunch special

On my most recent trip I tried the Trenton style pizza, which was made famous the Little Italy that was once located in Downtown Trenton. This is when the cheese is baked on the bottom and the sauce is ladled on the top.

The Trenton style with cheese on the bottom and sauce on the top

The tomato sauce is a traditional sauce of fresh tomatoes, olive oil and garlic. The taste was amazing.

The Hot Honey with Pepperoni and Fresh Ricotta Cheese

The second slice I had was the shot Honey with Pepperoni and fresh Ricotta Cheese. I love the contrast of textures and flavors on the slice. It also has a pinchiness of the taste of the spices.

Yum!

When I came a second time I came in for lunch, I eyed the Sicilian pizzas in the case and had to have a slice of plain Sicilian. This was a full meal on its own.

The Sicilian pizzas plain and with pepperoni

A slice of plain Sicilian pizza

The slice was nicely sized and it tastes wonderful

The Sicilian slice has a wonderful taste and consistency

When I visited again, I had to have another slice of the Trenton style pizza and a piece of Pizza Bianco, a white pizza slice with Mozzarella and Ricotta Cheeses topped with Pepperoni. The pizza slices were spiced well and tasted wonderful.

The pizza selection on a recent afternoon

The Pizza Bianca with Pepperoni and the Trenton Style pizza

The Pepperoni Bianco slice

On all of my visits for lunch, the food and the service have been wonderful, the staff really nice and the restaurant has a nice neighborhood vibe about it.

The food and the service are really good.

The history of the Pizzeria:

(From the John’s Caffe Pizza & Caterers website):

In April 1968, Giovanni Cerullo and family opened up an Italian Caffe shop in a small Italian section of Elizabeth, NJ called “Peterstown”.

Over 40 years Johns Caffe’ was a staple of the Peterstown community and played many roles for the local people. Italian specialties, food, and pizza were some of the items Johns Caffe had to offer over the 40 years. Johns Caffe was one of the few vendors that participated in the famous Italian street fair called St. Rocco’s.

After many years of serving his customers Giovanni Cerullo passed in February of 2009. His son Gerry and grandson Giovanni decided to honor his legacy and keep Johns Caffe going!

In April 2009 they renovated and re-opened Johns Caffe Pizza & Caterers! They created an innovative menu that included their famous Paninis and other Italian delicacies such as focaccia sandwiches, thin crust pizza, wraps, salads and dinners, just to mention a few.

Green Village Deli 536 Green Village Road New Vernon, NJ 07935

May 7, 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 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, Gourmet restaurants for the budget minded, Historic New Jersey Towns and Neighborhoods, Historical Towns of New Jersey, Hot Dog, Hamburger & Fries for the budget minded., Interesting Delis and Bodegas, Little Shop on Main Street in New Jersey, Little Shop on Main Street in New York City (LittleShoponMainStreet), My walk in Manhattan (MywalkinManhattan.com), New Vernon, NJ, Sandwich and Deli's for the budget minded, Smile! Your Visiting New Jersey!, Uncategorized, Walking Downtown New Vernon, NJAddthistoyourgrocerylist@Wordpress.com, adventure, Author Justin Watral, Author Justin Watrel, BergenCountyCaregiver.com, DiningonaShoeString@Wordpress.com, europe, Exploring Historic Morris County, NJ, Exploring New Jersey, Exploring New Vernon NJ, food, hiking, Interesting Delis and Bodegas in NJ, Justin Watral, Justin Watrel, LittleShoponMainStreet@Wordpress.com, MywalkinManhattan.com, Smile! Your Visiting New Jersey!, travel, Village Green Deli, VisitingaMuseum.com, Walking Downtown New Vernon, NJ, Warren George Watrel, Warren Watreljwatrel

Green Village Deli

536 Green Village Road

New Vernon, NJ 07935

(973) 773-1709

https://www.greenvillagedeli.com/menu

https://www.facebook.com/GreenVillageDeli/

Open: Sunday 7:00am-3:30pm/Monday-Friday 6:30am-4:00pm/Saturday 7:00am-3:30pm

My review on TripAdvisor:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g46475-d4623019-r1058921757-Green_Village_Deli-Green_Village_Morris_County_New_Jersey.html?m=19905

The Green Village Deli at 536 Green Village Road

The sign that welcomes you to this local breakfast and lunch establishment

I was visiting New Vernon, NJ for the annual ‘Pathways Tour’ that the Morris County Historical Board sponsor’s twice a year. While visiting the Tunis-Eckllis House around the corner, I passed the Village Green Deli, a popular local sandwich shop while driving through this small downtown area facing the Village Green. I made note of it as it was getting closer to lunch time.

After the tour, I stopped by the deli, read the wonderful TripAdvisor reviews online in the parking lot and headed inside for lunch. I really liked the vibe of this small town deli where the owners knew everyone by name and I felt like an interloper at a private party.

The inside of the Village Green Deli

The deli has that small town feel to it, with local art and sports paraphernalia in the walls. The woman who worked the register was greeting everyone by name and the guys that worked the grill seemed happy to see me.

Looking at the menu at the grill

I looked at the extensive lunch menu of popular sandwiches and some wonderful combos. You could even still get breakfast as I saw some of the guys at the counter devouring as I decided on what I wanted to order.

The deli has a wonderful selection of sandwiches, hero’s and other delicious sounding items.

There were so many things I wanted to try that day that it was hard to choose. Was it a breakfast sandwich with local sausage? The Thanksgiving ‘Gobbler’ sandwich with turkey, stuffing and cranberry relish, that sounded so good? I decided on an Italian hero sandwich with a selection of deli meats with fresh lettuce, tomato and onion. The hero was excellent!

The Italian hero with a pickle

The sandwiches here are huge! One half of a sandwich a normal person could eat for lunch and save the rest for another meal. The sandwich was loaded with salami, bologna, ham, Swiss Cheese and fresh veggies. I could barely fit it in my mouth.

The sandwich was excellent

I was able to eat about half of the sandwich before I told myself I was finished and not to push anymore. I wrapped the rest up to go and went back to study the menu before I left. I definitely want to come back and try more. The food and the service were both excellent.

The historic Village Green sign

https://vernonhistoricalsociety.com/

After lunch was over, it was such a beautiful sunny day and I walked over to the historic Green across the street and looked over the artifacts in the park. New Vernon is a very picturesque and beautiful little town.

The New Vernon Village Green in the early Spring

It was nice to have a place to walk and digest after that wonderful meal. It is worth the trip to visit this wonderful little deli in the small town. I really enjoyed my meal and the afternoon that followed.

The New Milford Village Green

I have to come back. There are so many sandwiches to try and I want to visit the Great Swamp which is a mile away. Until the next time.

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