At Bedminster's Historic JACOBUS VANDERVEER House 11Th Annual

11th11th AnnualAnnual ColonialColonial ChristmasChristmas

Saturday, November 30 - Sunday, December 1 Thursday, December 5 - Sunday, December 8 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Daily

At Bedminster’s Historic JACOBUS VANDERVEER House

Photographs by Stephen Taylor

A Colonial Christmas at The Jacobus Vanderveer House Recorder Community Newspapers November 21, 2013 • About This Section •

A Colonial Recorder Community Newspapers welcomes you to our fifth edi- tion of A Colonial Christmas at The Jacobus Vanderveer House special Christmas at section. Highlighted in this issue you will find information about the Colonial Christmas which for the second consecutive year is expanded The JACOBUS to two weekends -- Nov. 30-Dec. 1 and Dec. 5-8 at The Jacobus Van- derveer House in Bedminster Township. In addition, there are many in- VANDERVEER teresting facts about the house, including what you will be able to do and see when you visit. House -- Philip J. Nardone, (908) 766-3900 is published by Recorder Community Newspapers 17-19 Morristown Road • What’s Inside • Bernardsville, NJ 07924 (908) 766-3900

CO-PUBLISHERS Stephen W. Parker and Elizabeth K. Parker

Elizabeth K. Parker Executive Editor

Stephen W. Parker Business Manager

Philip J. Nardone Photo courtesy Stephen Taylor Assistant Executive Editor The Vanderveer Parlor, part of the original Dutch home, circa 1772, features a fine Delaware Valley walnut William and Mary slant front desk and a walnut veneered Jerry O’Donnell double gilt shell mirror. A 1740 New Jersey wing chair is on loan from the Newark V.P. Advertising Museum. Pewter tankards and dishes, delftware and other accessories are displayed Toni Codd in the built-in cupboards. Advertising Designer Celebrate Christmas past and present ...... 3 Sally Harris Assistant Advertising Designer Fireplace was an integral fixture ...... 6 Gala is Friday, Dec. 6 ...... 7 Account Executives Colonial Christmas gala features premiere of cantonment animation . . . . .8

Ann Marie Jonas Bernards High Madrigals to entertain ...... 12 Lance Osborn Prich Matthews history center opens at Jacobus Vanderveer House . . . . .13 Jen Ward Revolutionary War history in our backyard ...... 14 Colonial Christmas gala to honor Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Merton . . . . .15 Colonial Christmas 2013 Committee ...... 17 SECTION EDITOR Lamb’s Artillery kicks off Colonial Christmas with a bang ...... 19 Philip J. Nardone Renáe Tesauro, president, RCB Communications, and a member of the Board of Trustees of the Friends of the Jacobus Vanderveer House, contributed articles for the Colonial Christmas at the Jacobus Vanderveer House section.

Page 2 A Colonial Christmas at The Jacobus Vanderveer House CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS PAST AND PRESENT Jacobus Vanderveer House Hosts 11th Annual Colonial Christmas

tep back in time (to the open fire cooking winter of 1778-79) and Holiday Shopping Svisit Bedminster’s historic Jacobus Vanderveer Colonial Re-Enactors House and Museum, which opens its wreath-clad doors for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. th the 11 annual Colonial Christ- The Enslows perform Colonial mas show house and tour Sat- American Christmas Music urday and Sunday, Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 and Thursday through 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5-8. Hours are from Santa Visit 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. The fundraiser features house tours, holiday shopping Sunday, Dec. 1 with boutique vendors and artisans, Colonial holiday decora- 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. tions by The Rose and Radish Photo courtesy Stephen Taylor Floral Design, Colonial musi- The 1813 Main Parlor of the Jacobus Vanderveer House. House Tours cians and re-enactors, Santa Holiday Shopping visits, and permanent exhibits clude: Chelsea Market Designs, Saturday, Nov. 30 — The Kitchen Hearth, The Rimi Studio Pottery, Secret Gar- Colonial Re-Enactors Vanderveer Parlor, The Knox den Soap, Nola Rose Jewelry, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Bedroom, The Lumber Room, Flower Basket Ladybug and • House tours and the recently opened Prich Stanton Sweets. Santa Visit Matthews History Center. Admission at the door is $10 Lambs Artillery Encampment House vendors and artisans in- (children 12 and under, free). featuring drilling, cannon firing, PLEASE SEE HOUSE, PAGE 4

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Recorder Community Newspapers November 21, 2013 Page 3 HOUSE FROM PAGE 3

3 p.m. to 4 p.m. 7 p.m. Harmonium Choral Group • Gala at Trump National Golf Club Sponsored by Investors Bank Thursday, Dec. 5 • Performance by Bernards High 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. School Madrigals at Trump Na- tional Golf Club • House Tours • Premier of “In Quarters Com- • Holiday Shopping fortable and Clever: The Conti- • Colonial Re-Enactors nental Artillery, Pluckemin, New Jersey 1778-1779,” a historically 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. accurate animation of the Pluck- • Group Tours featuring “Ben- emin Cantonment (digital repre- jamin Franklin” sentation of Pluckemin Canton- ment)

Photo courtesy Stephen Taylor Friday, Dec. 6 Saturday, Dec. 7 A breakfast table in the Knox Bedroom holds a rare tea set be- 1 a.m. to 4 p.m. longing to Gen. Henry Knox. The Knox Bedroom is one of the per- 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. • House Tours manent exhibitions in the Jacobus Vanderveer House. • House Tours • Holiday Shopping 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. • House Tours • Holiday Shopping • Colonial Re-Enactors • Santa Visit • Holiday Shopping • Colonial Re-Enactors 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. • Colonial Re-Enactors 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. • Champagne Tour for Gala At- Sunday, Dec. 8 • The Enslows perform Colonial tendees American Christmas Music 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. PLEASE SEE HOUSE, PAGE 5

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Page 4 A Colonial Christmas at The Jacobus Vanderveer House HOUSE FROM PAGE 4 DIRECTIONS TO JACOBUS VANDERVEER HOUSE 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The Jacobus Vanderveer house is conve- Santa Visit niently located near routes 78, 287, 22 on the southbound side of routes 202/206 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. just before the River Road Exit on Route • Purnell School Show Choir 202 South in Bedminster Township. Enter through River Road Park. 4 p.m. GPS users can input the following ad- 50/50 Raffle Drawing dress: 3055 River Road East, Bedminster, New Jersey. House Raffle Drawing >>TICKET Northbound on Route 202: Driving North on Rt. 202 from Somerville, INFORMATION drive through the village of Pluckemin (past the Pluckemin Presbyterian Church For tickets and infor- and “The Hills” development.) Take the mation about Colonial River Road Exit on the right, cross Rt. Christmas and Friday's 202 and enter through River Road Park gala, phone (908) 396- on the right. 6053 or visit www.jvan- derveerhouse.org. Pro- Southbound on Route 202: ceeds from Colonial Driving South on Rt. 202 from Bedmin- Christmas benefit ex- ster Township, look for the River Road hibit development, his- Exit and enter the Jacobus Vanderveer House property through River Road Park. torical interpretations, and educational pro- Parking and restroom facilities are available at the site. grams at the Jacobus Vanderveer House.

BERNARDSVILLE, NEW JERSEY TEL : 908-766-2287

ANDOVER, NEW JERSEY TEL : 973-398-2670

GREENWICH, CONNECTICUT TEL : 203-618-0270

Recorder Community Newspapers November 21, 2013 Page 5 FIREPLACE WAS AN INTEGRAL FIXTURE By MARTINE WHITE, ASA, AAA

ringing comfort and heat into the home, the fireplace was as inte- Bgral in the 18th century American home as the television is today. Deriving from European ancestry, the hearth was the center of family life pro- viding food and warmth, along with the comfort of social interaction. Whereas early fireplaces were constructed of field- stone, eventually these coal chambers evolved into brick edifices culminating in towering chimneys that any chimney sweep would find daunting. Initially, the mantel was just a beam from which to hang a wet cloak, but as center fireplaces became more elaborate, the low-end cabinetmaker met the high-end carpenter and early American homes were transformed by a simple mantel that adorned the warm fireplace it framed. The earliest American fireplaces, including the corner fireplace was found in Pennsylvania and traced back from Ger- manic roots. In the mid 18th century Dutch hearths began to appear in the homes of Photo courtesy Stephen Taylor prominent tradesman ornamented with The Vanderveer Parlor – part of the original 1772 structure — features a fireplace sur- PLEASE SEE FIREPLACE, PAGE 7 rounded by Delft tiles.

Page 6 A Colonial Christmas at The Jacobus Vanderveer House COLONIAL CHRISTMAS GALA FIREPLACE FROM PAGE 6 If you should decide to give your home the ultimate ‘house- IS FRIDAY, DEC. 6 to remain on the “straight and warming gift’ the best recom- narrow”. mendation for choosing the n Friday, Dec. 6, the Continental Artillery, Pluck- Eventually these large cooking right mantel is to find your ar- Friends of The Ja- emin, New Jersey 1778-1779,” facilities evolved into smaller chitectural theme first and de- Ocobus Vanderveer an historically accurate ani- more heat efficient hearths with sign your interior around this House Board of Trustees, mation of the Pluckemin Ar- “fireplace walls” consisting of concept. with the support of Investors tillery Cantonment, the na- raised paneling and the addition Whether you’re after a mini- Bank, will host a Colonial tion’s first military training of the “mantel shelf” which ulti- malist modern design or a Christmas Holiday Gala. academy, produced by schol- mately metamorphosed into the primitive folk art theme, a The evening begins at 6 p.m. ars and students at Washing- familiar “mantel” - that paneled beautiful mantel to frame your with a champagne tour of ton College. fireplace surround that adds fireplace will become the focal the Jacobus Vanderveer Mr. and Mrs. Christopher character to all our homes. point of any room. Rest as- House and Museum followed Merton of Pottersville will As the Georgian-style swept the sured, your investment will not by a gala reception at 7 p.m. be honored for their long- country, so did our taste for aes- go up in smoke. at Trump National Golf time support of the Jacobus thetically appealing details in ar- Club. Vanderveer House. chitecture. Martine White, of Bernards Ap- Guests will enjoy a silent Tickets (includes admis- The impressive features of the praisal Associates, LLC. in Glad- auction and boutique shop- sion to show house): Georgian home with its arched stone, is a Senior Certified Ap- ping among a variety of ven- fanlights, pedimented windows praiser of Antiques & Decorative dors, including J. McLaugh- Knox Benefactor -$300 and doorways would not be com- Arts with the American Society of lin, Zwikker & Zacher, Ltd., Vanderveer Patron -$225 plete without an ornate fireplace Appraisers and the Appraisers As- Bonnie Jennifer, Deux Amis Young Patron (25 years and mantel. sociation of America. Ms. White Designs and F. Gerald New; Setting the stage for social has been appraising personal under) - $150 sumptuous wine and food gatherings in the Victorian peri- property in the Somerset Hills Corporate Table of 10 - $3,000 pairings; and entertainment od, the parlor displayed this new- since 1988. Martine and her associ- by the Bernards High School ly acquired taste for grandeur ates specialize in appraising an- Madrigals. For tickets and informa- and elegance and the fireplace tique furniture, silver, paintings, The gala will feature the tion, phone (908) 396-6053 or mantel became the focal point ac- decorative art, jewelry and Orien- premier of “In Quarters visit www.jvanderveer- centing this new sense of harmo- tal Rugs. She can be reached at Comfortable and Clever: The house.org. ny in design. (908) 234-1153.

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Recorder Community Newspapers November 21, 2013 Page 7 COLONIAL CHRISTMAS GALA FEATURES PREMIER OF CANTONMENT ANIMATION

uests at this year’s Colonial Christmas will be the first to see a ‘In Quarters Gnewly created visual interpretation of Pluckemin’s long-lost but never-for- Comfortable and gotten Artillery Cantonment. Produced by students, staff and faculty Clever: The at the Washington College Center for Envi- ronment and Society, the 3D visualization Continental Artillery is a historically accurate animation of the at Pluckemin, New Pluckemin Artillery Cantonment, the nation’s first military training academy. Jersey, 1778-1779.’ “Lacking the presence of a physical site to visit, the Friends of the Jacobus Van- derveer House felt it was important to use digital technology to tell the story of Amer- The Backstory – The History Behind The Cantonment A drawing of the Pluckemin Encampment was cre- ica’s first military academy and the re- ated by Captain John Lillie late 1778 or early 1779. markable leadership of General Henry During the American Revolu- John Lillie was Captain in November 1778, and was Knox,” said Sean Blinn, president of the tion, the Somerset Hills were a Friends of the Jacobus Vanderveer House hotbed of military activity. The also the Continental Army's Commander of the 12th Board of Trustees. area fell victim to British raids, Company, 3rd Regiment. Lillie was also later the Working with archaeologist John Seidel, saw the capture of American pa- "aide-de-camp" to General Knox. The original draw- historical geographer Stewart Bruce, other triots and played host to the Conti- ing is in the possession of the National Park Service historians, and students at Washington nental Army’s Artillery. For Pluck- at the Morristown National Historical Park. This College, in Chestertown, Md., the Friends emin in Bedminster Township, the authorized the use of sophisticated map- most important chapter of the drawing shows the buildings identified. ping software to create a 3D visualization of Revolutionary War period was the the lost Pluckemin cantonment (now locat- winter of 1778-1779 when, on orders from Henry Knox oversaw the Pluckemin Ar- ed in the Hills Development) in a series of Washington, General Henry Knox, Chief of tillery Cantonment and resided at the near- digital animations that is interpreted and the Continental Army Artillery, estab- by Jacobus Vanderveer House, the only re- narrated by scholars. lished in the village of Pluckemin a can- maining and restored structure in the area tonment, or training ground, for the Conti- from the Revolutionary War era Digital Presentation nental Artillery, an extensive winter facili- The Pluckemin Cantonment, which was The animated visualization of the 1778- ty hosting as many as 1,000 troops under considerably more ambitious than previ- 79 cantonment depicts buildings (officers’ his command. The Artillery cantonment ous efforts, included an array of carpen- quarters, armorers’ shop, artificers’ quar- was a secondary location to the larger Mid- ters, blacksmiths, wheelwrights, gun- ters, tin smith’s shop, etc.) as well as the dlebrook encampment, where almost 8,000 smiths and weapons specialists, along with physical materials, tools and daily activi- soldiers from the general infantry spent the one thousand soldiers who made up twen- ties of life on the site. winter of 1778/1779. ty-two companies of artillery. In a matter of The 21st century digital presentation What differentiates Pluckemin from any weeks, substantial structures rose in an complements the Friends’ more traditional other encampment or cantonment began “E” formation that stretched five hundred interpretive programs – authentic arti- back on December 20, 1776. General Wash- feet, encircling spacious parade grounds facts, beautiful period rooms, history cen- ington forwarded” A plan for the establish- along a hillside between the North Branch ter, museum displays, art works, maps and ment of a Continental Artillery, magazines, of the Raritan River and the village. At the printed materials. laboratories ... “ that was written by Gen- center stood an academy, thirty feet wide by The virtual cantonment will be present- eral Henry Knox, to the Board of War. fifty feet long, with plastered interior and ed on-site at the Jacobus Vanderveer House While Congress balked temporarily, there glass windows, where officers studied and Museum, and excerpts will be posted on the is evidence now that Washington later artillerists trained. A headquarters build- museum’s website and Facebook page. (1778) allowed Knox to create Pluckemin, a ing and a line of barracks flanked the acad- Funding support for the 3D visualization formal officer and artillery training facili- emy to complete the middle line of the “E” was provided by two recent grant awards: a ty, which is now recognized as the Pluck- sloping downhill. Across the top were offi- grant of $45,000 from the Somerset County emin Artillery Academy. The Academy is cers’ barracks and workshops where crafts- Cultural and Heritage Commission and a the first documented officer training facili- men made and repaired equipment. Lining grant of $10,000 from the New Jersey Coun- ty and is now recognized as America’s First the north edge were more artillery bar- cil for the Humanities. Military Academy, the precursor to the racks, and on the opposite side, warehous- For more information and a sneek peek United States Military Academy at West es to store materials gathered to resupply at how history meets high-tech in telling Point. the Continental Army. Quarters for senior the story of the Pluckemin’s long lost can- The site chosen for the encampment was officers stood above the formation near the tonment, visit: http://www.jvanderveer- at the foot of the Second Watchung Moun- house.org/ tain, secure from British attack. General PLEASE SEE PREMIERE, PAGE16

Page 8 A Colonial Christmas at The Jacobus Vanderveer House BEDROOM GARAGE ENTRYWAY WALL BED MEDIA CENTER KIDS OFFICE STORAGE CRAFT

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Recorder Community Newspapers November 21, 2013 Page 9 DINING AT ITS BEST

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Page 10 A Colonial Christmas at The Jacobus Vanderveer House IIGA T BEST ITS AT DINING

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Recorder Community Newspapers November 21, 2013 Page 11 BERNARDS HIGH SCHOOL MADRIGALS TO ENTERTAIN uests at this year’s Colonial arrangements. Members of the esteemed High School’s Director of Choral Music, Christmas Gala will be treated to ensemble are chosen through a highly se- the ensemble has a busy season ahead with Ga performance by the award-win- lective audition process. The Bernards its annual Christmas caroling tour and per- ning Bernards High School Madrigals. Madrigals have recently performed at the formances in the Somerset Hills and New The Madrigals, Bernards High School’s Virginia International Music Festival in York City. highest-level curricular choral ensemble, Norfolk, Va., and the Thomas Jefferson The Madrigals will perform at the Gala boast an extensive repertoire that includes Memorial in Washington, D.C. at Trump National Golf Club on Friday, Renaissance-era music to contemporary According to Matthew LaPine, Bernards Dec. 6.

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Page 12 A Colonial Christmas at The Jacobus Vanderveer House PRICH MATTHEWS HISTORY CENTER OPENS AT JACOBUS VANDERVEER HOUSe

his fall, the Board of Trustees of the Friends of the Jacobus Van- Tderveer House (JVH) celebrated the opening of the Prich Matthews History Center. Bedminster Township officials, JVH supporters and friends joined Robert L. Matthews in dedicating the history center in memory of his late wife, Prich, who was a founding member of the JVH Board of Trustees and a former Bedminster Township historian. “Prich was passionate about preserving local history and among the first to become involved in the restoration of the Jacobus Vanderveer House. It’s only fitting that this history center be dedicated in her hon- or,” said Leslie Molé, former JVH Board President, who spearheaded development of the Prich Matthews History Center. “We are proud to be able to continue Prich’s legacy with a center that is open to the public and allows anyone with an interest in history to stop by and learn more about what happened here during the American Revolution,” commented Sean Leslie Molé, right, former president of the Board of Trustees of the Friends of the Jacobus PLEASE SEE MATTHEWS, PAGE 17 Vanderveer House, and Robert L. Matthews examine a document.

Recorder Community Newspapers November 21, 2013 Page 13 REVOLUTIONARY WAR HISTORY IN OUR BACKYARD

or more than two cen- turies, the Jacobus Van- Fderveer House, located on Route 202-206, has been at the center of Bedminster Town- ship’s rich and colorful history. It is situated on part of the 218 acres that make up River Road Park in Bedminster Township, Somerset County. Jacobus Vanderveer Jr., son of Vanderveer, Sr., a wealthy Dutch miller, built a small Dutch frame-style farmhouse just west of the North Branch of the Raritan River on the northern outskirts of Pluck- emin. In 1778, during the War of Independence, Vanderveer lent his home to General Henry Knox, who was to command a Photo courtesy Stephen Taylor new artillery encampment and training academy being estab- The Jacobus Vanderveer House in Bedminster was home to Gen. Henry Knox, Chief of the Continen- lished by the Continental Army tal Army Artillery, while he commanded an artillery and training encampment in nearby Pluckemin. on a hillside above the village of Pluckemin. General Knox, The Vanderveer house is the America to train officers in en- along with his wife Lucy and only surviving building associ- gineering and artillery. Gener- family, occupied the house from ated with the Pluckemin en- al Knox established “The Acad- the winter of 1778 through the campment, which is considered emy” and subsequently created summer of 1779. to be the first installation in its successor, The United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. The Jacobus Vanderveer House and property were pur- chased by Bedminster Town- ship in 1989 with the help of Green Acres funding. The house was listed in 1995 on the National and New Jersey Registers of Historic Places. The Friends of the Jacobus Vanderveer House is a nonprof- General Henry Knox at age 28 Thank you for your patience during our renovations. it organization formed to re- We are still seeing patients. store and develop the historic tours and information along Some services may be interrupted. Please feel free to call our office. site as an important education- with guest presenters, includ- al and cultural resource. ing local artists and colonial Bedminster Animal Hospital During the past 15 years, the craft specialists. Other public is now Friends have restored the programs are conducted in Blaicher Veterinary house, created historically ac- partnership with the Heritage Health Care. curate period room exhibitions, Trail Association, other nearby Dr. Kurt Blaicher and his established historic collections, Revolutionary War sites, Bed- Blaicher Veterinary Health supported important research, minster Township and Somer- Care team are here to offer and embarked on a program of set County’s Cultural and Her- the Bedminster community education and interpretation to itage Commission. and surrounding areas, tell the stories of General Hen- The Vanderveer House is sup- professional and ry Knox, the Pluckemin mili- ported by contributions from personalized veterinary Dr. Kurt E. Blaicher, DVM, DABVP tary encampment and the com- private donors and grants from care with expanded Board Certified, munity’s key role in the Ameri- state and county historic hours and services. Canine and Feline Practice can Revolution. preservation agencies. For The Vanderveer House has more information about the his- 908.234.0650 • www.BlaicherVeterinaryHealthCare.com been open to the public on the toric house and “Colonial 330 Main Street / Route 202 North, Bedminster second Sunday of each month. Christmas,” visit www.jvan- Volunteer docents provide derveerhouse.org.

Page 14 A Colonial Christmas at The Jacobus Vanderveer House COLONIAL CHRISTMAS GALA TO HONOR MR. AND MRS. CHRISTOPHER MERTON

his year’s Colonial Christmas in history, art and historic homes, it Gala pays special tribute to Mr. seemed fitting that the Mertons decided Tand Mrs. Christopher Merton, to fund the conservation of several of Pottersville, for their longtime sup- pieces of furniture that are on perma- port of the Jacobus Vanderveer House nent loan to the Vanderveer House from through their family foundation – The Newark Museum. These include two Homestead Foundation. Chris and Jazz card tables (ca. 1770-1795); a Dutch Kas both grew up in the Somerset Hills and (wardrobe/cupboard, ca. 17550-1800) by attended Far Hills Country Day School. Matthew Egerton Jr., a leading cabinet- They married in 2002 and have two maker from New Brunswick; a ma- children, Willa and Wilder, ages 8 and 5. hogany desk (ca. 1814-1820) built by New Chris’ former role as a history York City cabinetmaker Michael Alli- teacher and his strong interest in the son; and a sideboard (ca. 1790). Revolutionary War era precipitated his “These period pieces add character tenure as a trustee of the Friends of the and authenticity to the Jacobus Van- Jacobus Vanderveer House from 2008-12 derveer experience. We’ve been proud to and his chairmanship of the Develop- play a role in helping to transform the ment Committee. Jazz’s interest in art Jacbous Vanderveer House into a muse- led her to the position of Board Chair um that is representative of its historic (2002-05) of the Olana Partnership – sup- significance and can be appreciated by porting arm of the New York State His- others,” comments Jazz. toric Site, Olana – home and studio of Through their generosity and in their the famed 19th century Hudson River daily lives, Chris and Jazz spend much School painter Frederic Edwin Church. Considering their combined interests PLEASE SEE HONOR, PAGE 18 MR. AND MRS. CHRISTOPHER MERTON

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Recorder Community Newspapers November 21, 2013 Page 15 PREMIERE FROM PAGE 8 way up and down the mountain looking for old walls confirmed Lillie’s depiction, and top of the hill, and guardhouses and can- foundations. The search went on for twen- hundreds of thousands of artifacts told a non lined the bottom. ty weeks over two summer vacations. Even- fascinating story. Among the most prized Although the cantonment saw continued tually, a reporter provided a crucial clue. were musket balls, a rusty bayonet, and a use as a hospital during the following win- Poring over the archives of her belt buckle decorated with a canon and ter, the Pluckemin site was abandoned in Bernardsville News, Anne O’Brien found thirteen-star flag, the earliest war-time ar- favor of the Continental Army outpost at a report based on some archaeological tifact showing the American flag. Mon- West Point, NY, for eventual development rummaging. The report noted that a mouth University archaeologist, Dr. Rich as a permanent military academy. garbage dump had been uncovered that Veit, who later worked with Dr. Seidel to re- contained thousands of clam and oyster analyze the extraordinary collection of ar- Fast Forward – Discovering shells. tifacts unearthed at the site called it “one of The Cantonment Sekel had been over the pile before, mis- the great overlooked stories of the Ameri- Except for a few acres preserved as a taking it for a Lenape Indian pit. Now, read- can Revolution. park by the Washington Camp Ground As- ing the photocopied newspaper article in “The collection provides an unparalleled sociation on Middlebrook Road in Bridge- his home in Somerville, he leapt up and glimpse of the lives of Revolutionary War water, much of the larger encampment lies raced back to the mountain. soldiers…While far less famous than Val- buried under Routes 22 and 287. Locating the dump, he began clearing the ley Forge or Morristown, the 1778-1779 Were it not for the vigilance and ef- surrounding area, and soon he had found Pluckemin cantonment had a lasting im- forts of a local special education the outlines of a building. It was fall 1967. pact on the outcome of the war and the fu- teacher, graduate student and Revolu- It took Sekel another ten years to raise ture of the nation.” tionary War reenactor, Cliff Sekel, the enough interest to secure the site for the Pluckemin Artillery Cantonment may non-profit Pluckemin Archaeological Pro- Preserving The Past have long been forgotten. ject, supported by the Hills Development For Future Generations Certainly, any possibility of excava- Corporation, Bedminster Township, and The Friends lost a great ally when Mr. tion and historical evaluation would scores of small businesses, foundations, Sekel died in 2008, but John Seidel, who lat- have been obliterated by the rapidly ex- and individuals. er wrote a dissertation about the archaeo- panding residential development at The A decade-long excavation, led by Rutgers logical project, remains an active partner. Hills. archaeologist, John Seidel, and a team of Working with Seidel, historical geographer Frustrated that so little was known about volunteers, was guided by a drawing of the Stewart Bruce, other historians, and stu- the site, Sekel (during the summer of 1966), cantonment by a Continental Army Cap- armed with a machete, began hacking his tain named John Lillie. Lines of stone and PLEASE SEE PREMIERE, PAGE 18

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Page 16 A Colonial Christmas at The Jacobus Vanderveer House MATTHEWS Colonial FROM PAGE 13 Blinn, president of the Friends of the Jacobus Vanderveer Christmas 2013 House Board of Trustees. Housed in the small parlor of the 1813 wing of the Jacobus Committee Vanderveer House, the Prich Matthews History Center con- Chair tains a small but authoritative collection of historical docu- Robin Ray ments and books chronicling the origins and restoration of Gala Co-Chairs the Vanderveer House, colonial Robert L. Matthews in the Prich architecture, General Henry Matthews History Center. A still Diane Covello and Janice Marano Knox, the American Revolution life painting by Prich Matthews and Colonial life. Sean Blinn William Mosca The 150-volume library in- hangs above right. Antonella Celli Christine Pane cludes detailed archaeological, Erin Fredrickson Caitlyn Parker furnishings, structure and erty, General Knox, 18th centu- Jeanne Galbraith Katherine Rupert landscape reports of the Ja- ry magazines and a 1794 family Amy Matinho Renáe Tesauro cobus Vanderveer House; biog- bible. Karen Mlynarski Nancy Weeks raphies and autobiographies of Although items cannot be Leslie Molé individuals who participated in borrowed from the center, visi- the Revolutionary War; as well tors are welcome to read mate- as the writings of George Wash- rials in the comfort of the Friends of the Jacobus Vanderveer House ington, Benjamin Franklin, warm, classically decorated Board of Trustees Thomas Jefferson and James room outfitted with an illumi- Madison. nated bookcase, writing desk, Also on display are early im- table, chairs and a laptop com- Sean Blinn, President William Mosca ages and drawings of the prop- puter. Antonella Celli Caitlyn Park Diane Covello Robin Ray Erin Fredrickson Katherine Rupert Clai Martin III Doal Sanderson Sleep Better than General Knox. Janice Marano Stacy Santucci Amy Matinho John C. Smith Karen Mlynarski Renáe Tesauro Leslie Molé Nancy Weeks Honorary Trustees Upgrade Your Sleep. Upgrade Your Life. Joseph H. Metelski Laurie Brueckner Jeanne Galbraith Jay Petrillo Christopher Forbes Grania Allport Pam Vanderveer Jeanes Pritch Matthews, deceased Nancy Pyne Ellen Vreeland Our Mission

To restore, develop and operate the Jacobus Vanderveer House property, significant in United States military history, as a nationally important historical site and an educational community resource. The friends received a general operating support grant from New Jersey Historical Commission. Organic Mattresses | TempurPedic | Stearns & Foster | Sealy

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Recorder Community Newspapers November 21, 2013 Page 17 HONOR FROM PAGE 15

of their time connecting with the community. Chris is a member of Far Hills Country Day School Board of Trustees and is opening a unique coffee ware- house in Whitehouse Station, where he will showcase small-batch, artisan-roast- ed organic coffees from around the world. In addition to serving as Joint Master of the Essex Fox Hounds, Jazz manages her family farm in Oldwick, a Northeast Dairy of Distinction, horse farm, and commercial shooting preserve where she expresses her passion to “keep farming in New Jersey, maintain open space and Vendors at this year’s Colonial Christmas will sell hand-made items such as this necklace generate local food.” from Chelsea Market Designs, at left, and handbag from Flower Basket Ladybug. For ad- “We’re fortunate to be able to support ditional information about Colonial Christmas vendors, please see page 3. causes that can make a difference in peo- ples’ lives,” says Chris. The Friends of the Jacobus Van- picture in my mind the genius of these PREMIERE FROM PAGE 16 derveer House couldn’t agree more. men. It never ceases to amaze me how little “Supporters like the Mertons play a vi- dents at Washington College, in Chester- we know about them. We put them on tal role in helping the Jacobus Van- town, Md., the Friends have created a his- pedestals and dehumanize them, but they derveer House survive and thrive. torically accurate digital animation: “In are even more intriguing as mortals.” “We are extremely grateful for Quarters Comfortable and Clever: The Con- For more information about the their generosity and delighted to tinental Artillery at Pluckemin, New Jer- Vanderveer House, upcoming events, honor them at our upcoming Colo- sey, 1778-1779.” and a sneek peek at how history meets nial Christmas Gala,” said Sean Perhaps viewers will share Mr. Sekel’s high-tech in telling the story of the Blinn, president of the Friends of observation, which he described to the Pluckemin’s long lost cantonment, vis- the Jacobus Vanderveer House Star-Ledger in 2002: it the Friends’ website www.jvan- Board of Trustees. “Whenever I come here, I can honestly derveerhouse.org.

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Page 18 A Colonial Christmas at The Jacobus Vanderveer House LAMB’S ARTILLERY KICKS OFF COLONIAL CHRISTMAS WITH A BANG

The Hills will be alive with bers are authentic to the period. the sound of cannon blasts and Lamb’s artillerymen wear uni- musket fire Saturday, Novem- forms of buff-faced blue wool ber 30, when members of John regimental coats, buff waist- Lamb’s Artillery encamp at the coats and breeches, and carry Jacobus Vanderveer House for swords, bayonets and reproduc- the first day of the Friends of tions of the British Brown Bess the Jacobus Vanderveer House or French Charleville flintlock Colonial Christmas fundraiser. muskets. At least a dozen men, women Their cannon is modeled on and children will participate in the British three-pounder field the Revolutionary War-era en- piece, the bronze barrel cast campment, from 10 a.m. to 4 from an original captured at the p.m., which will feature cannon Battle of Saratoga. firing, musket drilling, open The women portray camp fol- fire cooking and colonial crafts lowers, wives who followed amidst tents set up for the re-en- their men and tended to their actment. support in camp. According to Al Florio, based at the Pluckemin Canton- “This will be the artillery They are equipped in the use Lamb’s Artillery Unit Com- ment during the winter of 1778- company’s first visit to the Ja- of camp equipment, such as mander, the visit to the Jacobus 1779 under the command of cobus Vanderveer House, and tents and cooking utensils. Vanderveer House is a home- General Henry Knox, who certainly a fitting one,” said Mr. Some are adept with a rifle or coming of sorts for the artillery resided at the Jacobus Van- Florio. “We haven’t been in the musket and shoot along with company, which was founded in derveer House during that time. area since the 1970s, when our the men. 1959 after the original John John Lamb, a merchant and group held weekend drills in For more information about Lamb’s Artillery, established by leader of the Sons of Liberty, the Hills.” John Lamb’s Artillery Compa- John Lamb in May 1775. served as the principal advisor All clothing and equipment ny, visit: http://www.lambsar- John Lambs Artillery was to General Knox. used by Lambs Artillery mem- tillery.org/

Photo courtesy Stephen Taylor The Kitchen Hearth Exhibit features a trompe l'oeil working fireplace, depicting the large jambless fireplaces common in some 18th century Dutch homes, by local artist Dan Mulligan. The exhibit includes early 19th century furniture and numerous kitchen items such as an herb grinder, a dough box table, and pewter measuring utensils. A mannequin of a female slave, dressed in historically accurate at- tire, is also featured in the exhibit. The Kitchen Hearth Exhibit was underwritten by Oldwick residents Mr. John E. Runnells, III and his wife Paula Peterson Runnells.

Recorder Community Newspapers November 21, 2013 Page 19 THE FRIENDS OF THE JACOBUS VANDERVEER HOUSE & THE COLONIAL CHRISTMAS COMMITTEE THANK YOU FOR HELPING TO PRESERVE A PIECE OF BEDMINSTER REVOLUTIONARY WAR HISTORY

We are profoundly grateful to those who have generously supported this year’s event

Chubb Personal Insurance James F. Hurley Insurance Agency Peapack-Gladstone Bank The West Family Fund The Weeks Family

Many thanks to the following supporters for contribung their me, talents and resources to this year’s Colonial Christmas: The Rose and Radish Floral Design, Sll Life Fine Event Design, J.M. Stringer Gallery, 56 Degree Wine, Trump Naonal Golf Club, Stephen Taylor Photography, Bernardsville Print Center, twoﬁytwo Restaurant, John Lamb’s Arllery Company, Bernards High School Madrigals, The Purnell School Show Choir, Harmonium Choral Group & The Enslows.

The Friends of the Jacobus Vanderveer House received an operang support grant from

Page 20 A Colonial Christmas at The Jacobus Vanderveer House