UPLNION PAGE 6 Thurs - EDITORIAL - History lives in Bernards Anyone who thinks historic preservation is a waste of time and money should have been at the Farmstead Arts Center in Basking Ridge last Satur- day night. ‘Therestored English barn was the scene of alively event featuring a bluegrass band and caller who led the crowd of several dozen participants in a joyous square dance. Young and old joined in the dancing, while other observers watched the foot-stomping fun from the sidelines. A vast majority of those in, attendance participated in the easy-to-follow square dance, and all seemed to havea gemuinely good time. Meanwhile, outdoor games were offered in a field Just beyond the barn, where tables were also set up for those interesied in enjoying hearty chili, corn- ‘bread and fixings, The main house on the property was also open for self guided tours and a fund-rais- ingartauction, Twas justone example of the kind of unique, fam- ily-oriented programming being offered at this site, tucked discretely off King George Road in Basking Pico September 21, 2077 Art exhibitions and classes are regularly present- edhere, And this fall the Lord Stirling Theater Com- pany is also staging “Arsenic and Old Lace” for the public in the beautifully restored barn, an intrigu- ing setting for this classicshow. Holiday concerts and a sing-along are also on tap for later in the winter Also in Basking Ridge, the historic Ross Farm property off North Maple Avenue has been used in- creasingly in recent monchs for concerts and other ‘quality cultural offerings, Both sites have active vol- unteer organizations with dedicated members who have worlted hard over the years to tum these once neglected sites into interesting venues for unique public programs. We otter congratulations and thanks to those who had the vision to utilize these historic places in a modern era when everyone seems more focused on, ‘thelr cell phones than history —plus the courage to stay the course during Izborious restoration proj- ects, Kudos also to the many Bernards Township officials who've supported the submission of grant applications for these protects over the years, and to the Somerset County officials who've awarded the actual funding. As recently reported in this newspaper, the His- torical Society of Somerset Hills which operates out of the Brick Academy, a former school and meeting house on Oak Street in Basking Ridge, is also offer- ing some innovative programs to keep the flame of history alive in the area. We are particularly intrigued by the idea of ‘osting periodic “Elderly ‘Voices” gatherings wherelongtime local seniors can share their memories of days gone by with younger ‘generations in small, intimate groups. ‘The society's plan to bring back “Haunted Walk- ing Tours” of historic Basking Ridge this fall is also a great way of making history come alive for chil- “Man witl occasionally stumble ‘over the trudh, but most times he will pick himself up and carry on.’ Winston Churehill (1874-1965) dren, especially now that the town's lasting symbol, the Great Oak Tree at the Presbyterian Church, is sadly no more. Fall has become a special time for history buffs in the area, The county traditionally holds its “Week- end Journey Through the Past” in October at sev- eral local sites, including the Jacobus Vanderveer House in Bedminster, another tremendous local success story involving historic renovation. The county will also hold its armual 1770s Festival at Lord Stirling Park in Basking Ridge on Oct. 1. Both are wonderful opportunities to get kids to put down their electronic devices and learn about the signifi- cant role their hometowns played in the history of our great nation Don't let the season pass you by without taking acivantage of these and the many other great histo- ry programs being offered throughout the Somerset Hills area.