Historic Happenings Blog

Upper Freehold History Bus Tour Clayton Park Activity Center, Classroom 1 202 Davis Station Road, (Imlaystown) Upper Freehold, NJ 08514 Sat, Aug 29, 2020, 10:00 AM-1:00 PM (adults) Enjoy a mini-bus ride through Monmouth County’s history looking at some of its famous people and places, and led by a park system historian. This will be a fast-paced-3 hour journey through the Upper Freehold Historic Farmland Byway in Western Monmouth County. Let the Park System take care of the driving as you focus on the rich history of this scenic area. On this tour, we will start at the Clayton Park Activity Center and follow the 24 mile route running through the Allentown Historic District and Walnford with stops along the way! This picturesque drive will highlight some of the county’s finest preserved history. Participants are encouraged to bring their own snacks and water, as well as dress for the weather with comfortable walking shoes for short walks at some sites. One Session $32.00 Per Pe...

Wines and Pines Clayton Park 161 Emley's Hill Rd, Imlaystown, NJ 08526 Sun, Aug 23, 2020, 1:00-2:30 PM (approx.) (ages 21 and up) Come explore Monmouth County as we combine two activities which complement each other excellently, hiking and wine tasting! Take a 90-minute hike with a Park Naturalist, where we will explore and learn about the nature of Clayton Park. Then to celebrate our hard-work, participants can drive a quick five minutes down the road and join us for an optional picnic and wine tasting at Cream Ridge Winery ($5 pay on your own). One Session $10.00 Per Person

Ales and Trails Clayton Park 161 Emley's Hill Rd, Imlaystown, NJ 08526 Sat, Aug 22, 2020, 1:15-2:45 PM (approx.) (ages 21 and up) Something new is “brewing” as this program pairs two local treasures into one great experience! Tag along with a Park Naturalist on an exciting 90-minute hike, where we will explore any and all things nature, from the smallest of critters to the grandest of views. Then to celebrate after the program, participants can drive a quick three minutes down the road and join us for an optional picnic and beer tasting at Screamin’ Hill Brewery ($11 pay on your own). One Session $10 Per Person

Enviro-Quest Clayton Park Emley’s Hill Rd Parking Lot 161 Emley's Hill Road, (Imlaystown) Upper Freehold, NJ 08526 Thursday, July 2, 2020, 11:00 AM -12:00 PM (all ages) Don’t know what to do on a weekday this summer break? Why not seek out some nature fun. Follow the Enviro-Quest signs to where the Park System Naturalist is waiting. Once you are there you can join in a walk, activities, crafts, or games for 30-60 minutes of nature fun. Activities could include meeting a live animal, finding hidden treasure, discovering incredible parts of a flower, creating artwork with natural materials, or participating in a fun nature-themed game. You bring your sense of adventure and we’ll bring the rest! For additional details please call 732-751-9453.

Wines and Pines Clayton Park 161 Emley's Hill Rd, Imlaystown, NJ 08526 Sun, Jun 28, 2020, 1:15-2:45 PM (approx.) (ages 21 and up) Come explore Monmouth County as we combine two activities which complement each other excellently, hiking and wine tasting! Take a 90-minute hike with a Park Naturalist, where we will explore and learn about the nature of Clayton Park. Then to celebrate our hard-work, participants can drive a quick five minutes down the road and join us for an optional picnic and wine tasting at Cream Ridge Winery ($5 pay on your own). One Session $10.00 Per Person

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.

Stockings Hung with Care Historic Walnford 62 Walnford Road, Upper Freehold, NJ 08501 Saturday & Sunday, December 7 & 8, 1:00-4:00 PM (ages 5 and up, with adult) Enjoy an early 19th century Christmas tradition at Historic Walnford by decorating and “sewing” your own paper stocking to take home. Learn more about long-held holiday traditions as adults and children work together on this free family fun activity in a lovely historic setting.

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.

Awesome Autumn Amble  Wednesday, November 20, 2019, 10-11:30 AM Clayton Park Emley’s Hill Rd. Parking Area 161 Emley's Hill Road, (Imlaystown) Upper Freehold, NJ 08526 (all ages, under 18 with adult) Autumn is the time of year our parks become a kaleidoscope of color! Explore our trails with a Park System Naturalist as we discuss all manners of plant and animal phenomenon. Please Note: Sturdy footwear is recommended, trails used may have inclines or tree roots to step over.

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.

CLIMB TIME Sunday, October 13, 2019, 12:00-4:00 PM Clayton Park, Upper Freehold 202 Davis Station Road, (Imlaystown) Upper Freehold, NJ 08514 (ages 8 and up, with adult) Catch a glimpse of your county’s parks from a whole new angle. Climbers will get to experience the thrill of rock climbing as they make their way to the top of our 25’ portable climbing wall. You must be at least 8 years old AND 42” or taller to climb. Cost: $2.00 for 3 attempts or climbs, unless otherwise noted (cash or check only)

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.

Roving Naturalist @ Clayton Park Saturday, October 5, 20019, at 9:00 AM Clayton Park (meet in the Emley’s Hill Rd. parking area) 161 Emley's Hill Rd, Imlaystown, NJ 08526 (all ages, under 18 with adult) Join a Park System Naturalist for a leisurely walk on well-maintained trails in our parks. We will explore a different park each session as we discuss seasonal points of interest, search for signs of wildlife and identify a bird or two. This is a free 1.5 to 2-hour program, but feel free to join in or drop out at any point during the walk. Dress for the weather as light rain is not a deterrent. Explore nature with us on Saturdays at 9:00 AM.

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.