FRIENDS OF MONMOUTH BATTLEFIELD
NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 2014
NEW VISITOR CENTER
OPEN A YEAR
We have been greatly enjoying the new Visitor Center, which was
dedicated on June 13, 2013 and has now been open for its second summer. It
has been all the more appreciated since the old Visitor Center was closed for
the previous year and a half during the construction project. We have noted in
previous newsletters that the display area in the old Visitor Center was gutted
and the old office wing was reconfigured into work rooms and an educational
facility. The old workshop area on the west side of the complex was demolished
and the new museum and office area constructed on their footprint.
The new exhibits in the museum are well done and have been well
received. They include numerous maps, several manikins in period uniforms,
and some specially commissioned large paintings. The best appreciated feature
is the new 105 seat auditorium, which shows a newly created 11 minute
orientation film. At the close of the film the screen rises up to show a lovely
view of the battlefield. The auditorium is also being used for meetings and
special presentations and events. The museum also features a brand new
electric map showing troop movements with colored lights on a model of the
battle’s terrain.
We are delighted to have a new gift shop, which has about twice the
space of the old one.
The spectacular new Visitor Center, however, has not been without its
problems, chief of which was a design flaw in the roof drainage system that
resulted in severe roof leakage last February. The worst leak was directly over
our gust shop, which received around $400 in water damage. The Visitor
Center building needed to be closed for a couple days while everything was
spread out to dry out and the cause of the problem was investigated and dealt
with. Another problem has still not been resolved – the ceiling panels in the
museum area were not manufactured correctly and we are still awaiting arrival
of the replacements.
If you have not yet visited the new museum and Visitor Center, come and
do so!! It is well worth the trip. Hours are 9 AM – 4 PM every day (both
weekdays and weekends). It is closed major holidays.
BATTLE REENACTMENT
AND COMMEMORATIVE
WEEKEND
SUCCESSFUL IN JUNE
The annual reenactment of the Battle of Monmouth, cosponsored by
Monmouth Battlefield State Park and the Friends of Monmouth Battlefield, was
held successfully on the weekend of June 21-22, 2014. It was not nearly as
large as last year, when we had over 1200 participants, but the close to 300
reenactors and living historians who participated this year put on a fine show.
The weather was ideal, and the number of visitors was greater than
anticipated. Everything ran smoothly. We wish to thank those members of the
Friends who gave freely of their time to help run the event: Andy Beagle, Mike
Cervini, George Dawson, Kathy and Eric Doherty, Walt Kowalski, David Martin,
Marilyn Miller, and Pete Wagner. Heather MacDonald was also present in
period dress demonstrating her musical skill on the dulcimer. (Our apologies if
we missed anyone!)
Proceeds from the event will help fund our current projects, which
include equipping the new James T. Raleigh Memorial Research library at the
Park; setting up additional historical waysides and markers on the battlefield;
and helping preserve the historic Craig House.
As has been our practice the past several years, we held commemorative
programs and activities on the weekend closest to the battle anniversary date
again this year. It has been difficult to get as many reenactors together as we
would like at the very end of June (the battle was fought on June 28) due to
conflicting events and the fact that many units are committed to activities at or
near July 4 and do not like to do events two weekends in a row. As a result, the
battle reenactment recently has usually been held in the middle of June, not at
or near the battle’s anniversary date. Since we in the Friends have not wanted
the anniversary of the battle to pass by without commemoration, we have been
holding special lectures, programs, tours and other events on the weekend
closest to the battle’s actual anniversary date. All events are free and (unlike
reenactment weekend) there is no suggested donation for parking. This
programming has proved quite successful and will be continued in the future.
This year’s commemoration of the 236th anniversary of the battle was held
on June 28-29. The weekend included lectures, demonstrations and tours. The
Craig House was open both Saturday and Sunday, interpreted by Kathy and
Eric Doherty. David Martin gave hiking tours of the battlefield and George
Dawson helped to man the gift shop.
Next year the Battle Reenactment is slated for the weekend of June 20-21,
(father’s day weekend) and the Commemorative Weekend will be on June 2728.
STACY ROTH COMPLETES SERIES
OF MOLLY PITCHER PRESENTATIONS
For the past number of years our good friend Stacy Roth has been giving
her presentation “Over Here Molly Pitcher” at the reenactment and battle
commemoration weekends as well as at other events. She is well versed in her
subject and always gives an entertaining and informative program.
This year we expanded her schedule, with the aid of a grant from the
New Jersey Historical Commission, and sponsored a series of fourteen
presentations over the spring and summer. Performance dates were April 26,
April 27, May 3, May 4, May 31, June 1, June 15, June 21, June 22, June 18,
June 29, July 5, July 6, and July 15. Several of the Molly Pitcher presentations
(which were given in the new Visitor Center auditorium) were to a standing
room only audience.
In additional to giving her hour long program “Meet Molly Pitcher,” Stacy
also gave “cannon drill” demonstrations to young and old, using a reproduction
wooden cannon to show how an artillery crew was organized and worked to fire
a cannon.
Her presentations were quite popular, as she spoke to an average of 100
Park Visitors each date. In the process she brought a large number of new
visitors to the Park, as we learned from questionnaires distributed at the
programs.
We are pleased to have been able to offer this programming, and are
thankful both to Ms. Roth and to the New Jersey Historical Commission.
PROJECT TO REPLACE WINDOWS
AT CRAIG HOUSE DELAYED
We are very pleased to have received a grant from the Monmouth County
Historical Commission to replace three damaged windows at the historic Craig
House, the 1740s era farmhouse on the eastern side of the park that is one of
the few remaining eighteenth century buildings that were a witness to the
Battle of Monmouth in 1778.
We are not pleased to report that implementation of the project has been
delayed pending the receipt of approval from the state’s Historic Preservation
Office to begin the work. We hope that this hurdle will be passed in time to get
the work done this Fall.
Many thanks are owed to FOMB members Kathy and Eric Doherty, who
have been acting as docents at the Craig House, which is open free of charge
on Sundays from 1-4 PM. It will close for the season on December 7.
Craig House is located just west of Route 9, off of Schibanoff Road, about
a mile north of the intersection of Route 9 and Business Route 33.
WORK CONTINUES ON NEW
JAMES T. RALEIGH
MEMORIAL LIBRARY
It is hard to believe that Jim Raleigh, long time member of the Friends
and our President for the previous ten years, passed away exactly a year ago,
on September 18, 2013. His enthusiasm and understanding of the Monmouth
Battle and Campaign have been much missed.
Jim had a large library of books and maps related to Monmouth and to
different other aspects of the Revolution. We are grateful to his wife Fran for
donating much of this library to the Friends as the nucleus of the new James
T. Raleigh Memorial Library being set up at the Park. Over 700 volumes were
received and categorized this summer. They constitute a rich repository of
information on the war in New Jersey, the generals and officers who fought
here, the units and their equipment, and also about the battles and campaigns
of the war.
We are fortunate to have received another large reference library on New
Jersey and the Revolutionary War, donated to us this summer by a friend of
the Raleighs, Ellen Thorne Morris. This collection consists of over 300 volumes,
much of it genealogical in nature, and nicely complements the Raleigh
Collection. Thanks, Ellen!
We are also thankful to Park Superintendant Mark Pitchell and Historian
Michael Timpanaro for working with us and allowing us to set up the new
library at the Park. Most of the books will be installed in what is called the
“classroom,” which is located where the Park offices were in the old wing of the
Visitor Center. The Friends have purchased five sturdy metal bookcases with
sliding, lockable glass doors, to house the more valuable books in the library.
They are now installed and filled with biographies and books about Monmouth,
units, and military equipment. Another five wooden bookcases with open
shelving are presently being put together and set up in the library to house
general histories and other aspects of the Revolution and local history.
Much work remains to be done after the bookcases are installed and
filled. It will be quite a project to prepare a shelf listing, which will be made
available on our website. The books will be on loan to the Park, so they will
remain the property of the Friends. This will not be a lending library, but a
research library with books and materials kept on site. Procedural details are
still being drawn up. The library will also include Jim’s large collection of
Revolutionary War maps, as well as the maps and books donated by the late
Frank Hendershot, a former trustee, and books donated by former Park
seasonal historian John Pepe. A date for the library dedication and formal
opening has not been set yet. We will keep you informed in future newsletters.
Anticipated cost of the library project is about $3000. At the moment
about half the cost has been covered by donations.
WALKING TOURS CONTINUE TO BE HELD;
SPECIAL TOUR TO BE GIVEN SEPT. 14
OF THE POINT OF WOODS AND HEDGEROW
Our popular series of battlefield hikes continues to be offered at 1:30 PM
on the first Sunday of every month. The number of participants usually varies
from ten to as many as forty. The tours, led by FOMB President David Martin,
usually cover the central part of the battlefield, visiting the Hedgerow and
Parsonage areas. They begin at the Visitor Center and cover about a mile of
rolling ground, and take about an hour after a 10 minute introduction.
Occasionally the tours will cover Perrine Hill, the Sutphin farm, and the new
Molly Pitcher overlook, all on the north side of the battlefield. These tours are
given as scheduled, or sometimes when those present for the regular monthly
tour request. The north side tour takes about an hour and half because of the
need to drive to the starting point from the Visitor Center. (A tour of Perrine
Hill and the Molly Pitcher overlook is also given every year on the morning of
January 1.)
Several times a year we offer special tours, focusing on little seen corners
of the battlefield or visiting sites outside the Park that are connected to the
battle and campaign. A very special tour will be given on Sunday, September
14, covering the key points of General Charles Lee’s retreat during the middle
part of the battle. Points to be visited will include the spot where Washington
encountered Lee, and the Point of Woods, where Anthony Wayne “ambushed”
the advancing British column. Included will be a presentation of new
information on where Colonel Ramsay of Maryland was badly wounded in one
of the more famous episodes of the battle. There will also be a more detailed
presentation than is usually given on what troops fought where on the
Hedgerow line.
This will be the first time that this special tour, given by FOMB President
David Martin, has been offered. It will begin with a brief orientation at the
Visitor Center at 1:30, after which we will drive about a mile to Wemrock Road
to visit the Point of Woods and Hedgerow. The tour itself will last about an hour
and a half, and will actually not cover as much ground as the usual walking
tours, but will be more detailed.
ANNUAL MEETING TO BE HELD DEC 3
The Friends’ annual meeting will be held this year at 7 PM on
Wednesday, December 3, at the main branch of the Monmouth County Library,
located on Symmes Drive in Manalapan Township. Candidates for Trustees and
officers will be announced and nominations received at our October 8 general
meeting. Ballots will be sent out approximately November 1.
SPECIAL PROGRAM SLATED
FOR OCTOBER 8 GENERAL MEETING
Our next general meeting will be held at 7 PM on Wednesday, October 8,
at the main branch of the Monmouth County Library, located on Symmes Drive
in Manalapan Township.
The meeting will include a brief business meeting, in particular an
update on the progress of the new James T. Raleigh Memorial Library being set
up at the Park. Candidates for office for 2015 will also be nominated.
The main purpose of the meeting is a historical lecture by our President,
Dr . David Martin, entitled “They Were Also There: Aaron Burr, Alexander
Hamilton, Henry Knox and Anthony Wayne at the Battle of Monmouth.”
Mention will also be made of the roles of Daniel Morgan and Baron von
Steuben. The participation of these famous American officers in the battle is
often overlooked and overshadowed by more noted generals such as Marquis
de Lafayette, Charles Lee, and, of course, George Washington. Yet they were
also on the battlefield at Monmouth, risking their lives for the American cause.
Come and find out what each officer contributed to the battle, and how their
role in the battle affected their personal lives and military careers.
The presentation is being co-sponsored by Monmouth County Library as
part of their “NJ350” series honoring New Jersey’s 350th anniversary.
FOMB MEMBERSHIPS
Thanks to members who have renewed for this year. If you have not
renewed recently, please send your renewal form from an earlier newsletter or
from our website to us at: The Friends of Monmouth Battlefield Inc., PO Box
122, Tennent, NJ 07763. This year we have set a record with 115 members and
families. Thanks!!
FOR MORE INFORMATION
For more information on the Friends of Monmouth Battlefield, Inc. and
our goals and programs, please contact President Dr. David Martin at 609-4486355 (dmartin@peddie.org). Our mailing address is: THE FRIENDS OF
MONMOUTH BATTLEFIELD, INC., PO BOX 122, TENNENT, NJ 07763.
OUR WEBSITE ADDRESS IS:
www.friendsofmonmouth.org.
CIVIL WAR ENCAMPMENT TO BE HELD SEPT. 13
Over the past year a series of small scale encampments, both
Revolutionary War era and Civil War period, have been held at the Park, some
at the Visitor Center and some at the Craig House. On Saturday, September
13, living historians from the 3rd New Jersey regiment will hold a Civil War
encampment at the Visitor Center. Participants will discuss camp life and will
have their uniforms and equipment on display. They will also demonstrate how
to fire a musket (but not with live ammunition!).
Plans are being discussed for the Friends to possibly sponsor a Civil War
living history unit, potentially to be called a company of the 14th New Jersey
infantry. You might well ask why we would be sponsoring a Civil War unit and
why we are having Civil War encampments at the Park.
The answer is simple. From summer 1862 to January 1864, there was a
Civil War training camp named Camp Vredenburg, named after a local judge,
Peter Vredenburg, Sr., located south of the Cobb House, within the boundaries
of Monmouth Battlefield State Park. The Camp raised and trained about 3000
soldiers in the 14th, 28th and 29th Regiments. It was not set up deliberately on
the battlefield, but just happened to be located there; nor did the State Park as
set up in the 1970s deliberately include Camp Vredenburg; that just happened
also. So, quite by accident, Monmouth Battlefield State Park includes the site
of Camp Vredenburg, which happens to be the best preserved Civil War
training camp site in the State.
At present there are no plans (or funds) to interpret the site of Camp
Vredenburg. A memorial marker to the Camp was set up in 1988,the Camp’s
125th anniversary, south of SR 522 and just west of the Cobb House parking
lot. It was rededicated last year.
If you want more information on Monmouth Battlefield’s Civil War
training camp, have a look at the booklet “Camp Vredenburg in the Civil War”
by David Martin (Hightstown, NJ: Longstreet House, 1993), which is available
at our gift shop or through our website, www.friendsofmonmouth.org.
For more information on the new Civil War living history unit that may
be formed at the Park, contact Dr. Martin or Park seasonal interpreter Pete
Michel. Donations for unit flags or tentage gladly accepted!
FOMB COSPONSORS PROGRAM
IN NEW BRUNSWICK ON JULY 4
This year we once again co-sponsored a commemorative program at New
Brunswick on July 4. FOMB Treasurer George Dawson, who is also New
Brunswick town historian, gave a brief talk on how Washington’s army
celebrated the Fourth of July, 1778 in New Brunswick (immediately following
the battle of Monmouth). The event was held at the Buccleuch Mansion in
Buccleuch Park in New Brunswick.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR
Sept 14, 2014 (Sun)
Program on the final stage of Lee’s Retreat.
Drive to Wemrock Road and walk the line of the American retreat route from
the Point of Woods to the Hedge Row. Visit the spot where Washington
confronted Maj. Gen Charles Lee in one of the most famous scenes of the battle.
Meet at Visitor Center at 1:30 PM.
Oct 5, 2014 (Sun)
Walking tour of the battlefield.
Meet at Visitor Center at 1:30 PM.
October 8, 2014 (Wed)
Program on the roles of Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr at the
battle.
Meeting held at 7 PM at the main branch of the Monmouth County Library,
Symmes Drive, Manalapan.
Nov 2, 2014 (Sun)
Walking tour of the battlefield.
Meet at Visitor Center at 1:30 PM.
Dec 3, 2014 (Wed)
Annual business meeting
Meeting held at 7 PM at the main branch of the Monmouth County Library,
Symmes Drive, Manalapan.
Dec 7, 2014 (Sun)
Walking tour of the battlefield.
Meet at Visitor Center at 1:30 PM.
Craig House closes for the season. Previously open Sundays 1-4 PM.
FOMB OFFICERS
President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Andrew Beagle
Richard Bellamy
Michael Cervini
George Dawson
Eric Doherty
Kathy Doherty
Walter Kowalsky
Dr. David Martin
Marilyn Miller
Joe Nemeth
Fran Raleigh
Peter Wagner
(terms expire December 3, 2014)
Dr. David Martin
George Dawson
Fran Raleigh
George Dawson
(end of term in parentheses)
(2016)
South Plainfield, NJ
(2014)
Spotswood, NJ
(2015)
Toms River, NJ
(2016)
New Brunswick, NJ
(2016)
Old Bridge, NJ
(2016)
Old Bridge, NJ
(2014)
Freehold, NJ
(2015)
East Windsor, NJ
(2015)
Toms River, NJ
(2016)
Edison, NJ
(2016)
Colts Neck, NJ
(2015)
Englishtown, NJ