Sussex County Historical Society

Lecture on Lake Hopatcong
2017-11-12 14:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Hill Memorial, 82 Main Street, Newton, NJ, 07860, United States
This presentation about the history of Lake Hopatcong will be delivered by Marty Kane. According to The Lake Hopatcong Historical Museum, “from the time the Lenape first discovered the waters of Lake Hopatcong some 12,000 years ago, the lake was a special place. A deep spring-fed lake formed by glaciers, it was the perfect setting for a Native American community. Its forested shores supported ample game while the water furnished abundant fish.
“The body of water the Lenape knew was twelve feet below the level of the Lake we know today. In ensuing years, dams and dredging have increased the Lake to its current size. Even at its original size, Lake Hopatcong would be the largest lake in the State of New Jersey.
“As railroads emerged as the modern transportation alternative, it became clear that a railroad to support the Morris Canal contained an unnecessary step – the canal. In 1882, the Central Railroad of New Jersey completed a connection from its main tracks to the Ogden Mine Railroad terminus at Nolan’s Point. It did not take long for the Central Railroad of New Jersey management to realize that there was great passenger potential for this newly formed line. Here was a direct rail link to a large lake just over one hour from numerous large cities, as well as New York City itself. In September 1882, the first passenger excursion train arrived at Nolan’s Point and the tourist boom at Lake Hopatcong was on! The Lackawanna Railroad, whose tracks passed by the southern end of Lake Hopatcong, quickly added a station to share in the business and two major rail lines were now serving the new resort.”
Kane will talk about these early years and the period when the lake was a destination point for many city residents who came here for the clean mountain air and the great hotels that lined the shores of this body of water.
When it comes to the subject of Lake Hopatcong historical knowledge, Marty Kane rises above all others. As President of the Lake Hopatcong Historical Museum, Kane is a virtual lake area encyclopedia. Marty has been actively promoting interest in the history of Lake Hopatcong for well over 25 years. He noted that he first became active with the local historical organization through “a combination of my love for the lake and my love of history. I most enjoy expanding people’s knowledge of Lake Hopatcong’s past whether it is through the programs we do or the ongoing exhibits at the museum.” Currently, Marty is deeply involved in the restoration of the former Hopatcong railroad station that is to be used to accommodate the modernization and expansion of the Lake Hopatcong Historical Museum.

Lecture on Lake Mohawk
2017-11-05 14:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Hill Memorial, 82 Main Street, Newton, NJ, 07860, United States
Holly Fiorella will present the history of the lake community from when it was just an idea up through the years of its planning and construction. In 1924, the Arthur D. Crane Company, an innovative developer of lake communities in New Jersey, acquired 2,600 acres of farmland in the valley of the headwaters of the Wallkill River (also referred to as the Brogden Meadow), which was mostly in Sparta Township and partially in Byram Township.
In 1926, Brogden Meadow was cleared and work was started on the dam that would create Lake Mohawk. In August of that year, the dam gate was closed and the stream overflowed its banks and began to flood the surrounding territory, forming the beginnings of the lake. In 1928, the first waters passed over the spillway of the dam when Lake Mohawk reached its capacity.
Holly Fiorella has been a resident of Lake Mohawk since 1998. In April 2015, the Lake Board of Trustees approved her starting the Lake Mohawk Historic Committee to address the need for historic preservation within Lake Mohawk. She has served as the Chairperson of the Committee since its inception. Holly is a regular contributor to the Papoose, the monthly publication for Lake Mohawk members, researching and providing history related articles. In June 2017, Holly was elected as a Trustee of the Lake Mohawk Preservation Foundation and in July, the bylaws of the Foundation were amended to include the preservation of historic structures within Lake Mohawk. Holly lives with her husband and two daughters and enjoys all that the Lake Mohawk Reservation has to offer.

Halloween In The Cemetery (RAIN DATE)
2017-11-04 14:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Old Newton Burial Grounds, 75-79 Main Street, Newton, NJ, 07860, United States
A Historical Tour, Not a Scary Tour! This is a Fundraiser for the preservation of the Tully House and the Newton Academy building. Tickets available at the Museum or at the event.

Adults-$10.00 / ages 12-18-$5.00 / Ages Under 12-Free

SCHS Trustee Meeting
2017-10-23 19:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York), 2017-09-25 19:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York), 2017-08-28 19:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York), 2017-07-24 19:00 - 22:00 UTC, 2017-06-26 19:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York), 2017-05-22 19:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York), 2017-03-27 19:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York), 2017-02-27 19:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | Hill Memorial, 82 Main Street, Newton, NJ, 07860, United States
The monthly meeting of the Sussex County Historical Society’s board of trustees. The meeting is open to the public and starts promptly at 7PM.

Revolutionary War Flag Dedication
2017-10-21 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Hill Memorial, 82 Main Street, Newton, NJ, 07860, United States
Please come to a ceremony in commemoration of our newly restored and mounted Revolutionary War Flag.

Hill Memorial Museum Open
2017-10-15 13:00 - 16:00, 2017-09-17 13:00 - 16:00, 2017-09-03 13:00 - 16:00, 2017-03-19 13:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Hill Memorial, 82 Main Street, Newton, NJ, 07860, United States
In celebration of its’ 100 year anniversary the Hill Memorial Museum will have extended Sunday hours each month of 2017. Entry is free of charge and all are welcome. Please keep local history alive by supporting the Hill Memorial Museum!

Millbrook Village Society: Millbrook Days
2017-09-16 - 2017-09-17 | Millbrook Village, Old Mine Road & Millbrook Flatbrook Road, Hardwick, NJ, 07825, United States
Millbrook Village is located in Hardwick Township, NJ at the intersection of Old Mine Road and Millbrook Road, County Route 602N.
Are you tired of the fast pace of the 21st century? Step back to a quieter time where the high price of gas, credit cards, cell phones and computers are not found.
Experience Millbrook Days where Millbrook Village comes alive as it was over a century ago.
Volunteers in period clothing will demonstrate 19th century crafts and trades recreating the atmosphere of a late 19th century rural farming community.
Try the stilts, jump rope or roll the hoop. There will be kid’s games throughout the village . Marbles, checkers, ring toss, tug of war, sack race and corn husk doll making to name a few. Kids of all ages can join the fun. No batteries needed!
Millbrook’s “residents” will be busy plying their trades and doing everyday chores and activities. Woodstove cooking, butter churning, spinning yarn, weaving, natural dyes, gardening, lace making, sewing, quilting, food drying and preserving, , open hearth cooking and other things will be demonstrated.
The blacksmith, wood workers, wheelwright, carvers, , miller, rope maker, chair caner, chair maker, wooden pitch fork maker, and other craftsmen will be demonstrating their skills. Step in and ask if you can help; there are lots of hands-on things to try.
An assortment of hit and miss engines will be setting the tempo for the corn Sheller, grinder and other vintage machinery. To some the sound of the old engines is music too.
Apples are in season. The grinder and press will be turning out some fresh cider and the kettle will be cooking down some apples for delicious apple butter. Lend a hand, it’s fun.
There’s something for everyone to see and enjoy. A friendly atmosphere abounds and new friends are sure to be found at Millbrook Village. Everything is free of charge and family oriented. Donations are accepted.
Picnic and rest room facilities are available. A food concession is available on both days provided by the Harmony Hill Methodist Church.
Millbrook Days is presented by the Millbrook Village Society in cooperation with the National Park Service.
Parking and admission is free. Shuttle bus service is provided between the Watergate & Turtle beach area to Millbrook Village from 10 AM to 5 PM daily – free of charge.

Slate Mining in Sussex County
2017-09-07 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Hill Memorial, 82 Main Street, Newton, NJ, 07860, United States
Sussex County Historian, Wayne McCabe will discuss the history of Sussex County Slate Quarries. Most of New Jersey Slate is found along the base of the Kittatinny Mountains in Sussex and Warren County. It was primarily quarried for roofing materials. Many of our Sussex County historic structures are adorned with slate roofs.

Hill Memorial Building Centennial Lecture Series: "One Room School House"
2017-07-09 13:30 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | First Baptist Church, 110 Main Street, Newton, NJ, 07860, United States
Enjoy an afternoon of Roundtable Discussion of the One Room School House in Sussex County. SCHS Hill Memorial Museum Centennial Lecture will be held at the First Baptist Church, 110 Main Street, Newton.

Sussex County History Alliance Meeting
2017-05-30 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Hill Memorial, 82 Main Street, Newton, NJ, 07860, United States
The next meeting of the Sussex County History Alliance will be on Tuesday, May 30th at 7PM at the Hill Memorial Museum, home of the Sussex County Historical Society. As you all know the Hill Memorial Museum is celebrating its Centennial this year so Alex Everitt Jr., lifetime member of the SCHS will give a talk about the history of the museum. It is also the 100th Anniversary of the Crescent Theatre in my home town of Sussex and if there is time, I would be happy to speak about that. There is a lot to celebrate this year. Mostly though, this upcoming meeting is about celebrating you and your organizations. As we await the approach of Summer, I am sure that your organizations have got a lot planned and we want you to share that information by talking about it and we want to make sure that we get the word out about it. Please bring any handouts, brochures, flyers, etc. of your upcoming events to the meeting so we can put them out at the museum and we can spread the word on social media. There are a lot of visitors to the Hill Memorial Museum this anniversary year and we want to make sure that they all see your programs. The biggest event of all to get your word out is the upcoming Sussex County Farm & Horse Show. Let’s share our ideas of what we can do there to promote our organizations. All in all this should be a great meeting so please make every effort to come. All are welcome. See you there.

SCHS - Talk on Lehigh and Hudson River Railway
2017-04-20 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Hill Memorial, 82 Main Street, Newton, NJ, 07860, United States
This Thursday, the public will be treated to an illustrated lecture by John Bazelewich about the history of the Lehigh and Hudson River Railway. This talk will take place on April 20 at 7:00 PM at the Hill Memorial Building at 82 Main Street in Newton, the headquarters of the Sussex County Historical Society.

SCHS Annual Luncheon - CANCELLED
2017-04-08 12:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Spring Street Pub and Grill, 144 Spring Street, Newton, NJ, 07860, United States
The SCHS Annual Luncheon will be held at the Spring Street Pub & Grill, Newton (parking in back). Martin Kane, the President of the Lake Hopatcong Historical Society will be speaking about Lake Hopatcong in 1917. The fee for the event is $35. Please provide the following form to attend…
Sorry but the annual luncheon has been cancelled.

Sussex-Wantage History Round Table
2017-04-06 18:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | Crescent Theatre, 74 Fountain Square, Sussex, NJ, 07461, United States
SAVE THE DATE – The Sussex-Wantage Historical Society is sponsoring a Sussex-Wantage History Round table discussion on Thursday evening, April 6 at the Crescent Theatre, 74 Main Street, Sussex Borough. This will be a non-formatted general discussion where we can all discuss the history of Sussex Borough and Wantage Township. Feel free to bring any documents, letters, maps or other artifacts that you feel will enhance the conversation or that you would like to talk about. There will be snacks and refreshments served beginning at 6PM with the general discussion beginning at 7PM. Come out and join the discussion or just listen in if you like. All are welcome. If you have any questions contact me at 973 864-7852. I hope to see you there. – Mario

SCHS Annual Meeting
2017-04-04 19:30 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Hill Memorial, 82 Main Street, Newton, NJ, 07860, United States
The Sussex County Historical Society holds its Annual Meeting for their life members and annually paid members on the first Tuesday in April each year. This year the SCHS Annual Meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 4th at 7:30 pm in the Joshua Hill Memorial Building, 82 Main Street, Newton, NJ 07860.
The Society encourages all Life members and all 2017 paid annual members to attend this meeting to be presented with this past year’s activities and proposals. Plus, the attending members will vote upon a docket of renewed and newly nominated members to serve on the SCHS Board of Trustees.
If you are unaware of your annual dues payment status, please call the SCHS at 973-383-6010 or email at sussexcountyhs@gmail.com (put in subject line: 2017 Annual Dues).

SCHS - Talk on Truck Farming
2017-04-02 13:30 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Hill Memorial, 82 Main Street, Newton, NJ, 07860, United States
Alex Everitt will discuss the history of truck farming in Sussex County. Truck farmers, who raised fruit and vegetables, transported their produce to markets in Newark and Philadelphia or sold their good at roadside stands.

SCHS - Talk on Todays’ Dairy Farms
2017-03-30 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Hill Memorial, 82 Main Street, Newton, NJ, 07860, United States
Richard Byma will talk about today’s dairy farms today and the Sussex Co. Co-op Milk Producers Association. Please join us at the Hill Memorial Museum on this evening for a talk about the current status of dairy farming in Sussex County.

SCHS - Talk on Dairy Farming
2017-03-26 13:30 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Hill Memorial, 82 Main Street, Newton, NJ, 07860, United States
Fred Hough will be talking about his life on a dairy farm, starting with his childhood. Please join us at the Hill Memorial Museum on this afternoon.

SCHS - Talk on Creameries
2017-03-16 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Hill Memorial, 82 Main Street, Newton, NJ, 07860, United States
Creameries played an incredibly important role in opening markets to Sussex County dairy farmers by being able to process and ship milk from a central location. Please join us at the Hill Memorial Museumon this evening to listen to Wayne McCabe discuss this most important aspect of the dairy industry in our county.

Hill Memorial Museum Fridays Hours
2017-02-24 09:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Hill Memorial, 82 Main Street, Newton, NJ, 07860, United States
The Hill Memorial Museum and Library are open every Friday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. In celebration of its 100 year anniversary the museum has newly renovated exhibits. The research library provides print resources to research your Sussex County ancestors.

Sussex County History Alliance Meeting
2017-02-20 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Crescent Theatre, 74 Fountain Square, Sussex, NJ, 07461, United States
Save the date – Our January 31, 2017 of the Sussex County History Alliance was snowed out so it has been rescheduled for Monday February 20, 2017 at 7PM at the Crescent Theatre, 74 Main Street, Sussex Borough, NJ. We will continue our discussion on gathering information surrounding the historical markers around Sussex County and putting it all on an interactive webpage to help boost tourism and interest in each of our organizations. This website will also serve as a research tool for schools, historians, students and all
The Crescent Theatre
who have an interest in Sussex County history. This is a very important step forward in preserving our history for future generations. We will have handouts outlining the whole process. Please be sure to attend and tell others too. All are welcome. This event will be live streamed right here on our Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/sussexcountyhistory/.
