Historic Happenings Blog

The Edible History of Ice Cream Historic Walnford 62 Walnford Rd, Allentown, NJ 08501 Sunday, August 2, 2020, 3:00 PM (all ages, under 18 with adult) Using recipes from the 19th century we invite everyone to help us crank cool creamy ice cream in the shade of the all-important ice house, and then consume the results of our labor.

Chair Caning: Weaving a Pretty Seat Historic Walnford 62 Walnford Rd, Allentown, NJ 08501 Sunday, July 19, 2020, 1:00-4:00 PM (all ages, under 18 with adult) Chairs with caned seats are elegant, comfortable and cool. Be inspired to learn a new skill, restore a favorite chair or simply gain an appreciation of the craft. Brendan McConville will demonstrate the process and share a bit of the history of this furniture style at Historic Walnford.

The Roots of Root Beer Historic Walnford 62 Walnford Rd, Allentown, NJ 08501 Sunday, July 5, 2020, 1:00-4:00 PM Sip a tasty brew and identify some of the many ingredients used in what was originally considered a healthful tonic as you learn the fascinating history of this 19th c. soft drink and its connection to the Waln family. We present fun for all ages with historical facts in a beautiful landscape for you to enjoy.

Flag Day! Historic Walnford 62 Walnford Rd, Allentown, NJ 08501 Saturday, June 14, 2020, 1:00 PM-4:00 PM (all ages, under 18 with adult) Today is the day to celebrate the history of Old Glory! Do you know New Jersey’s connection to the design of America’s flag? How does Betsy Ross fit into the story? Design your own flag while you learn about our flag and the day designated to this important symbol of our country.

Antique Autos on Display Historic Walnford 62 Walnford Rd, Allentown, NJ 08501 Saturday, June 13, 2020, 10:00 AM-2:00 PM (all ages, under 18 with adult) A display of pre-WWII vehicles will take advantage of the shady landscape at Historic Walnford, weather permitting. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy a leisurely exploration of transportation history in addition to the operating 19th-century gristmill and the Waln family’s large, elegant pre-Revolutionary War home.

Functional and Fanciful, the History of Aprons Historic Walnford 62 Walnford Rd, Allentown, NJ 08501 Sunday, March 8, 2020, 1:30-3:00 PM (adults) Vintage aprons from the speaker's collection will be on display in the Wain House this afternoon for all to enjoy, in conjunction with a brief talk at 1:30 PM exploring the historic and sociological implications of this item of everyday wear. The impact of this simple garment will be discussed from early biblical references to the feminist movement of the late 20th century. Attendees are encouraged to bring a favorite apron and share its story in this informal yet informative program.

Historical Valentines Historic Walnford 62 Walnford Road, Upper Freehold, NJ 08501 Saturday & Sunday, February 8 & 9, 2020, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM (ages 10 and up) Elegant, simple or elaborate, humorous, even insulting cards are part of Valentine’s Day history. View samples of historical 19th century Valentines at Walnford and make your own heartfelt, carefully crafted card to send to your true love using our wide array of historically inspired materials. Open to ages 10 and up.   This event will take place at Historic Walnford from 1:00 - 4:00 pm. While there, visit the large, elegant Walnford home built in 1774, the 19th century gristmill and the farm buildings set in a beautiful landscape. Walnford is located at 62 Walnford Road, 08501. For more information, call 609-259-6275 or visit  www.monmouthcountyparks.com .

Groundhog’s Day! Historic Walnford 62 Walnford Road, Upper Freehold, NJ 08501 Sunday, February 2, 2020, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM Have we done this before? The groundhog doesn’t remember! February 2 is the half way mark to spring. Sun or shadow, we will have fun facts and activities for all ages to celebrate groundhogs and working our way through the winter.

Curl Up With a Good Book Historic Walnford 62 Walnford Road, Upper Freehold, NJ 08501 January 1-31, 2020, 9:00 AM-4:00 PM (ages 5 and up) We are offering an array of our favorite American historical fiction for adults and children to inspire you to curl up with a good book to peek into our (fictionalized) past. Book Club, read-a-loud family storytime or personal pleasure, we offer selections that may be familiar or may have been forgotten over time - come and see our recommendations on display.

The Gristmill in Action Historic Walnford 62 Walnford Rd, Allentown, NJ 08501 Weekends & Holidays, April 6-November 24, 1:00-4:00 PM Now that we have tightened our belts, greased the pulleys and cleaned the elevators, we are ready for another season of milling demonstrations: grinding corn in cornmeal in Waln’s Mill. This 19th c. mill brings historical technology, ingenuity and hard work to life right before your eyes, ears and noses. Come and experience this amazing historical process. Other days and times may be available by request.

A-One Horse Open Sleigh Selfie Historic Walnford 62 Walnford Road, Upper Freehold, NJ 08501 Saturday & Sunday, November 16 & 17, 1:00-4:00 PM We provide a pretty little red sleigh with jingle bells, and a variety of historically styled hats, bonnets, and scarves for you to create a “Currier & Ives” style photo against a backdrop of green holly. You provide the smiling faces and camera. Please, no professional photographers.

Tour and Tea (adults) Historic Walnford 62 Walnford Road, Upper Freehold, NJ 08501 Thu, Nov 7, 2019, 2:00-3:45 PM A tour of Historic Walnford will focus on the evolution of the site across two centuries and the interior of the Walns’ home, constructed in 1773, where you will be served freshly brewed teas and sweet treats prepared from 18th, 19th and early 20th century recipes reflecting four generations of the Waln family at Walnford. Please dress comfortably for the weather. One Session $12.00 Per Person

Through Friday, November 1 - Upper Freehold, Monmouth County Lasting Impressions: Art from the Park Many artists have been inspired by the beauty of Historic Walnford’s landscape and structures throughout the seasons and across many years. View a selection of paintings, drawings, and photographs on display in the Cow Barn. Feel inspired to create your own lasting impression? Plein air artists are always welcome in the park. View the exhibit daily from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm. While there, visit the large, elegant Walnford home built in 1774, the 19th-century gristmill and the farm buildings set in a beautiful landscape. Walnford is located at 62 Walnford Road, Upper Freehold, NJ. For more information, call 609-259-6275 or visit  www.monmouthcountyparks.com .

Here Lies... Historical Headstone Carving Historic Walnford 62 Walnford Road, Upper Freehold, NJ 08501 Saturday & Sunday, October 26 & 27, 1:00-4:00 PM Weeping willow, angel, thoughtful sentiments or simply birth and death dates carefully carved in to a headstone carry a message from the past for all to remember. Watch skilled craftsman Tom Kelleher from Old Sturbridge Village as he carves a traditional slate headstone while sharing some early American social history on customs for passing from this life to the next. Add a side trip to one or more of the historic cemeteries in this area to view many early expressive headstones.

Earthen Oven - Plein Air Baking Historic Walnford 62 Walnford Road, Upper Freehold, NJ 08501 Saturday, October 5, 1:00-3:00 PM Enjoy an edible history lesson! Earthen ovens have been used across centuries, continents and cultures. We will share basic information on the construction and demonstrate the use of our simple small Colonial American style oven this afternoon.

Annual Cornbread Contest! Historic Walnford 62 Walnford Road, Upper Freehold, NJ 08501 Sunday, September 22, 12:30-3:30 PM It’s friendly and delicious fun! All ages and experience levels are welcome to enter by bringing your favorite sweet or savory, innovative or traditional cornbread in a 9”x13” pan or similar volume along with a typed copy of the recipe. Bring your entry to Historic Walnford between 12:30-1:00 PM. Peer tasting and voting from 1:30-2:30 PM. Ribbons awarded at 3:00 PM by our panel of judges and the popular vote.

Golden Ear Corny Joke Contest Historic Walnford 62 Walnford Road, Upper Freehold, NJ 08501 Sunday, September 22, 12:30-3:30 PM Share your best family-friendly side-splitting joke, the “cornier” the better, while the cornbread judges deliberate and we tally the contest votes. Anyone may enter by submitting up to three jokes by 2:30 PM. Jokes will be read and the audience laughter will decide the winner of the 2019 Golden Ear trophy.

Historical Fun and Games Historic Walnford 62 Walnford Rd, Allentown, NJ 08501 Sunday & Monday, September 1 & 2, 2019, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM It is a tradition at Historic Walnford to honor the shift from summer leisure to back to school schedules with a weekend and holiday afternoon packed with historical fun and games. Trap Ball, corn cob darts, ring toss, spinning tops, riddles, checkers, pick up sticks ... the list of activities to delight and challenge the whole family goes on and on.

Edible History - Ice Cream! Historic Walnford 62 Walnford Rd, Allentown, NJ 08501 Sunday, August 4, 2019, 3:00 PM There is no better time to enjoy this cool creamy treat than a summer afternoon in the shade of the ice house at Historic Walnford. Help us crank and then consume batches of ice cream made from historical recipes using 19th-century technology.

Weaving a Seat - Chair Caning Historic Walnford 62 Walnford Rd, Allentown, NJ 08501 Sunday, July 14, 2019, 1:00-4:00 PM Comfortable and decorative, caned seats were a popular feature of many 19th century chairs. We will provide a “show and tell” afternoon to enhance your visit to Historic Walnford with a variety of historic chairs on display and the opportunity to “sit a spell” on the front porch while the almost forgotten craft of cane chair seats is demonstrated.