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SHREWSBURY: VOICES OF INDEPENDENCE

shrews independence 070416 12shrews independence 070416 11Shrewsbury residents and other visitors to the historic Allen House, a circa-1710 tavern at Broad Street and Sycamore Avenue, took turns reading passages from the Declaration of Independence during an Independence Day event that drew several hundred onlookers Monday. Volunteers in Colonial-era clothing added to an air of another time, even if one or two did whip out their cellphones.

We’ve got more photos after the “read more,” below.

An 1880 reprint of the declaration that was on display for the event will now be on permanent display at either the Eastern Branch Library on Route 35 in Shrewsbury, or the county’s Headquarters Library at 125 Symmes Drive in Manalapan. (Photos by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge)

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July 5, 2016 - 7:01 am |

SHREWSBURY: A VERY SPECIAL JULY 4 EVENT

Press release from Monmouth County Historical Association

allenhouseThe first formal showing of an 1880 reprint of the Declaration of Independence will be on display at The Monmouth County Historical Association’s Allen House, during the reading of the Declaration on Monday, July 4 at 10 a.m.

The Monmouth County Library Commission, chaired by Renee Swartz, has partnered with the Historical Association the Shrewsbury Boy Scout Troop, Christ Church, and Mayor Donald Barden in presenting a Fourth of July celebration at Shrewsbury’s  “Four Corners,” the Historic District of buildings at the intersection of Broad Street (Route 35) and Sycamore Avenue. The special observance celebrates the 240th anniversary of the signing the Declaration at Philadelphia.

Swartz said County Library Director Judi Tolchin will bring the unique document to the Allen House prior to the reading of the Declaration, hosted by the Historical Association. The document will be on display outside, weather permitting, near the entrance to the Allen House at 400 Sycamore Avenue.

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June 28, 2016 - 5:00 am |

RUMSON: CLOSING OUT A HISTORIC CAREER

IMG_1497Monmouth County Historical Association president Linda Bricker greets C. Glenn May, during a recent ceremony honoring his 30 years of service with the MCHA.

Press release from Monmouth County Historical Association

Close to 100 employees, board members, volunteers and friends were in attendance on May 12, during a ceremony honoring C. Glenn May upon his retirement after 30 years with The Monmouth County Historical Association, most recently as Senior Education Coordinator.

The event was held at the Rumson home of trustee Mark and Andrea Aikens. The couple welcomed everyone to their home; introducing MCHA president Linda Bricker (who served as mistress of ceremonies), Association director Dr. Evelyn C. Murphy, Monmouth County Freeholder Lillian Burry, as well as many other representatives of the board, staff and volunteers.

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May 19, 2015 - 10:01 am |

RED BANK: PAST, FUTURE AND A NICE PRESENT

front_cover_2015_dorn's_calendarFrom press materials furnished by Prown’s and Dorn’s Classic Images

It’s that time of year again — that time when thoughts start creeping toward next year, and another 12 months’ worth of little numbered boxes to fill with appointments, commitments, resolutions and reminders.

As has become a recently minted tradition, two of the most time-honored names in the Red Bank community have announced the 2015 editions of their sought-after custom calendars — daily datekeepers that are designed to kindle warm-‘n-fuzzy feelings for anyone with a nostalgic spot for the towns of the greater Red Bank green; even as they help some of the area’s hardworking nonprofits fulfill their mission in the here and now.

Available online and in-store now at Prown’s Home Improvements, the sixth annual Prown’s Olde Tyme Red Bank Area Calendar collects 14 priceless images of local life — this year organized around the theme “Remembering Places of Entertainment.” As David Prown — third-generation steward of the family business that will mark its 90th anniversary next year — put it, “memories will come flooding back” to all who gaze upon the images of good times across the decades. The calendars, which tend to sell out each year, are priced at $12, with proceeds dedicated to the “Number One non-profit entertainmen charity organization,” Holiday Express.

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November 21, 2014 - 6:00 am |

LITTLE SILVER: HISTORY IN THE FUNDING

Bob_Sickles,_owner_Sickles_Market,__Robert_Sickles_Tori_Sickles,_Marketing_ManagerNick_Dawes,_Antiques_Roadshow_expertThree generations of the Sickles family — Bob, Robert and Tori — were present on September 13, when Sickles Market hosted a first of its kind, farm-to-table fundraiser for the ongoing restoration of the 17th century Parker Homestead, as well as for the programs of the Monmouth County Historical Association. Guest auctioneer Nicholas Dawes of TV’s ANTIQUES ROADSHOW (inset) raised $36,000, and the silent auction at the “As It Grows” event raised over $11,000. More than 250 guests enjoyed a casual, food-station style affair catered by the David Burke Restaurant Group, with raw bar by Lusty Lobster, wines by 4JGs Vineyards, and a farmstead cheese table provided by co-sponsor Sickles Market.

October 1, 2014 - 6:01 am |

CHEF BURKE GOES FARM-TO-TABLE

AmaPatTramaBurkeSB2012Superstar chef David Burke — pictured at right, with former Ama Ristorante owner Pat Trama during post-Sandy relief efforts in Sea Bright — has created a special menu for As It Grows, a September 13 benefit gala for Little Silver’s historic Parker Homestead. (File photo) 

Press release from Parker Homestead 1665                

Come celebrate the American Farm at one of America’s oldest farmsteads — The Parker Homestead in Little Silver — on Saturday, September 13 at 6:30 pm. The event, titled “As It Grows . . ,” will feature a tribute to the local bounty of New Jersey with a one-time-only, farm-to-table menu created by celebrity chef David Burke.   

The event, which will include music, dancing and a live auction conducted by Antiques Roadshow star Nicholas Dawes, will benefit The Parker Homestead – 1665, which is leading efforts to preserve the home, and The Monmouth County Historical Association, preserving Monmouth County history for last 115 years.

In addition to locally grown produce, meats, cheeses and specialty food products the event will feature New Jersey wines grown and harvested by 4JGs vineyards in Colts Neck. There will also be a rare, collectable wines donated from private wine collectors available at the Premium Wine Bar.

Dance music will be provided by Rip Tide and the Bobby Lynch Band. A silent auction and a live auction filled with unique items will be led by Dawes, from Heritage Auction Galleries in NYC.

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August 25, 2014 - 6:01 am |

LITTLE SILVER: A PICK TO CLICK AT PARKER’S

Parker HoVintage berry-picking baskets await fulfillment, as the historic Parker Family Homestead invites the community to a second session of blackberry gathering fun in Little Silver.

While we’re not suggesting that the loving restorations of Monmouth County’s historic places are watched over by benevolent spirits, Little Silver’s Parker Homestead has had its share of happy coincidences — witness the accidental uncovering of a Colonial five-foot high fireplace, big enough for several people to stand in — just as the hard work of cleanup and repair was really getting underway. Then there was the recent discovery of a cache of vintage wooden berry-picking baskets, just as preparations were being made for a first-ever Community Blackberry Pick.

Local families were invited to “put down the smartphones and pick up some blackberries” during the first scheduled pick on July 19 — and on Saturday, July 26, up to 50 groups will be able to participate (on an earlybird-gets-the-berries basis), as a second session takes place between the hours of 8 am and 12 pm, with a rain date of Sunday, July 27.

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July 25, 2014 - 12:00 pm |

FAMILY FUN FOR THE PICKING, AT PARKER’S

parker-homestead-2007-500x375The historic Parker Homestead in Little Silver will be the setting for two Community Blackberry Picking events, scheduled for July 19 and 26.

Press release from Parker Homestead 1665

One of New Jersey’s oldest standing dwellings invites local families to put down the smartphones and pick up some blackberries  — during a First-Ever Community Blackberry Pick at Little Silver’s Parker Homestead.

Up to 50 families will be able to participate on a first come first come basis, during each of two sessions scheduled for Saturday, July 19 and Saturday, July 26. Picking times are between 8 am and 12 pm each day, and rain dates for both events are scheduled for the following Sundays (July 20 and 27).

Little Silver residents will be provided priority registration, starting now through Saturday, July 12. Space permitting, non-residents may register beginning Sunday, July 13.  Parker Homestead trustees and volunteers will provide containers or “pickers” can bring their own. Comfortable working clothes and shoes and a broad brimmed hat are recommended. Ice chilled bottled water and favorite Sickles and Parker family recipes will be available to families.

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July 1, 2014 - 6:00 am |

LITTLE SILVER: A 3-HOUR, 350-YEAR TOUR

parker-homestead-2007-500x375

History buffs and the just-plain-curious lined up last December for a tour of the historic Parker Homestead farmhouse. The Little Silver landmark opens its doors Sunday morning, for another public perusal. 

In a December 2013 feature story that appeared here on redbankgreen, readers got a close-up look at Little Silver’s Parker Homestead, the local landmark (and one of New Jersey’s oldest homes) that opened its doors to a public tour, for the first time in its nearly 350 year history.

On Sunday, May 18, the historic Parker place at 235 Rumson Road farmhouse welcomes its 21st century neighbors once again, for an afternoon of guided exploration, informational presentations and other activities, culminating with the ceremonial planting of a red oak — our official state tree — to commemorate New Jersey’s 350th anniversary.

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May 18, 2014 - 8:00 am |

A BARN RAISING, AT PARKER HOMESTEAD

parker1Monmouth County University professor Richard Veit and his archeology students will conduct a “tree-ringing” test on the Parker Homestead-1665 barns this Friday, to determine the age of the structures prior to restoration work.

Press release from Parker Homestead-1665 Inc.

Efforts to preserve one of New Jersey’s oldest homes – the Parker Homestead-1665 in Little Silver – have now extended to the three barns on the historic property, thanks to a generous grant from the Monmouth County Municipal Open Space Fund. The $250,000 grant from the county will help fund the restoration of three barns – a horse barn, a livestock barn and a wagon barn – representing the second phase of restoration efforts at the 1665 property.

The work will be performed by Nickles Contracting of Haddon Heights, which works specifically on restoration projects including some of the state’s most significant historic structures, including Drumthwacket, Absecon Lighthouse, Lucy the Elephant, and the Parsippany home of famed furniture designer Gustav Stickley, and closer to home, the Little Silver Train Station.

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April 9, 2014 - 6:00 am |

WEEKENDER: A NOT YET WINTER WONDERLAND

lennon 120513 4The 33rd anniversary of John Lennon’s death finds a traveling exhibit of the Beatle’s artwork camped out in Red Bank.

Friday, December 6:

RED BANK: In the midst of the holiday cheer, this weekend marks the 33rd anniversary of the murder of John Lennon — and it so happens that the traveling “pop-up gallery” exhibit titled “The Artwork of John Lennon” will be stationed in downtown Red Bank for the occasion. Featuring prints and some 100 pieces from the Lennon collection, the show parks it at 21 Broad Street (formerly Agostino Antiques) for three days beginning December 6. Take it here for a redbankgreen feature with complete schedule details and more.

SHREWSBURY: It’s a rare opportunity to get a close-up look at the buildings in the borough’s state and national designated “Four Corners” Historic District, as the Monmouth County Historical Association conducts Holiday Lantern Tours in the area of Broad Street and Sycamore Avenue. Tours commence at 6 pm and 8 pm, with reservations required ($15 adults; $8 ages 12 and under) available at (732) 742-1277. Christ Church will be serving up dinner (Moravian Chicken Pot Pie!) with seatings at 5 pm and 7 pm, for an additional $10.

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December 6, 2013 - 9:35 am |

LS HISTORIC SITE BEGINS RESTORATION

ParkerHouseCommittee member Keith Wells is pictured at an 18th century fireplace, recently rediscovered inside Little Silver’s historic Parker Homestead.

By KAREN J. IRVINE, Press contact for Parker Homestead

It has survived the Revolutionary War, the Civil War and the countless storms that have battered the Jersey Shore for centuries. It has avoided fire and flood and miraculously escaped the developers’ wrecking ball.

And now the Parker Homestead — with its simple, lovely farmhouse that has stood in a quiet corner of Little Silver since 1665 — is being rewarded for its centuries of perseverance with badly needed restoration.

With seed money from grants provided by Monmouth County, a dedicated band of Little Silver residents has overseen the stabilization of the white farmhouse — one of the oldest structures in New Jersey, and one of the oldest in the United States to be continually occupied by a single family for eight generations — are now forming a 501c(3) not-for-profit corporation to begin raising funds for the ultimate complete restoration of the home and out buildings.

The interior restoration began in early October, and has already uncovered two long-neglected features of the house — a circa 1721 bricked-over fireplace, and large wooden ceiling beams that support the gorgeous wide board floors of the second story.

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November 29, 2013 - 6:01 am |
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