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.

Casual Birder @ Crosswicks Creek Park  Crosswicks Creek Park (meet in the parking area across from 4 Polhemustown Rd.) 4 Polhemustown Road, Allentown, NJ 08501 Thursday, July 16, 2020, at 9:00 AM (ages 8 and up, 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 1/2-2 hour program, but feel free to join in or drop out at any point during the walk. Dress for the weather as light rain and snow are not deterrents. Hit the trails with us at 9:00 AM

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.

Casual Birder @ Crosswicks Creek Park  Thursday, February 27, 2020, at 9:00 AM at Crosswicks Creek Park Province Line Road Parking Area 350 Province Line Rd, Wrightstown, NJ 08562 (ages 8 and up, 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 1/2-2 hour program, but feel free to join in or drop out at any point during the walk. Dress for the weather as light rain and snow are not deterrents. Hit the trails with us at 9:00 AM

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.

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.

Casual Birder @ Crosswicks Creek Park Thursday, November 14, 2019, at 9:00 AM at Crosswicks Creek Park (meet in the Province Line Rd, parking area) Crosswicks Creek Greenway, 350 Province Line Rd, Wrightstown, NJ 08562 (ages 8 and up, under 18 with adult) Join a Park System Naturalist for these laid-back morning bird walks. We’ll meander through the parks for about an hour or so to see what birds we can find. No need to be an expert at identifying birds to enjoy these walks. A limited number of binoculars will be available to borrow if needed. Join us at 9:00 AM

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.