Press release from The Parker Homestead — 1665
On Sunday, October 16, The Parker Homestead, one of the oldest homes in America, will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the restoration of the three antique barns on the property.
State, county and local officials are scheduled to be in attendance at the ceremony that commences at 12:30 p.m. The three structures – Horse Barn (1790), Cow Barn (1825), and Wagon Barn (1875) — were in dilapidated condition and were nearly lost. But now, after the completion of a five year restoration project, they are once again a beautiful representation of our rich agrarian past.
The barn restoration is the result of the combined efforts of the Borough of Little Silver, Monmouth County and The Parker Homestead – 1665 Inc. (PH1665) – a private, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation that encourages and guides the restoration and use of The Parker Homestead.
In 1665 brothers Peter and Joseph Parker arrived in our area with the first European settlers to settle their property, which was part of a King’s Land Grant. Eight generations and 330 years later, Julia Parker deeded The Parker Homestead to the residents of Little Silver. Her intent was that it be preserved forever as a living historic and educational site, especially focused on providing future generations with pride in their history and knowledge of the past. The Homestead is listed on both the National and New Jersey Register of Historic Places.
In 2016, PH1665, with community support, has nearly completed the first-floor restoration of The Homestead, and has held free community events including Touch-A-Truck with the Little Silver Fire Company, a camp out for local Cub Scouts, a vintage 1864 baseball game and a classic car show.
Light refreshments will be available after the ribbon cutting, compliments of PH1665 and Sickles Market. Tours of the barns and the Homestead will be offered from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend and it is free to all.
