Morris County Historical Society

At Acorn Hall

WINTER 2010
… and our membership Spend Valentine’s Day with Us!
continues to grow
Green Village, and for bership in the MCHS. Cur-
Please welcome the reelection as Secretary, rent MCHS members are
following new members: Barbara M. Benedict of also encouraged to attend
Madison. All Society and bring a guest at no
 Suzanne Andrews members whose mem- charge. No advance reser-
 Craig Berry bership is current as of vation is required for the
 Matthew Connahan January 14 may vote. tea.
 Cosy Cupboard Tea
During the tea, pro- A portion of the tea re-
Room
spective members can freshments is being under-
 Kathryn DeMarco learn about the Soci- written by the Cosy Cup-
 David & Diane Fish ety’s many benefits and board Tea Room, a tradi-
resources while enjoy- tional afternoon tea room
 Mary Flintosh
ing the Victorian ritual opening in March at 4 Old
 Wayne Frey Alice Castleman Hone listens in of afternoon tea. The Turnpike Road in Convent
on the conversation between
 Mary Harrigan Jennifer Ochman and Helen day’s $6 admission fee Station. The tea is also co-
 Uma Rathore Clear. ($5 for seniors, $3 for sponsored by the Metro-
students, and of course, politan Ladies Society,
 Lauren Swern The Morris County His- free to MCHS mem- whose members will be on
torical Society will hold bers) includes a tour of hand to model nineteenth
Inside this issue: both its annual member- the Acorn Hall, the ex- and early twentieth century
ship drive tea and its hibit “Life After fashions. The tri-state-
Historical Happenings 2
annual meeting on Sun- George: Morristown area-based group is in-
From the Director 3 day, February 14, at After the Revolution,” volved in living history
Acorn Hall. The tea will and a delicious after- demonstrations and a vari-
Home Garden Club 3 run from 1 to 4 p.m., noon tea buffet. The ety of philanthropic pro-
Spinning Demonstration 4
with the annual meeting fee is applicable to- jects.
taking place at 2 p.m. wards an annual mem-
Revolutionary Weekend 4
The business meeting,
In the Oakleaf Gallery 5
which is open to the Save the Date!
Thank you! 5 public, will include elec-
tions and a brief presen- The MCHS Annual Yard Sale will be held on
At the Ball 6 tation on the Society’s Saturday, May 22, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at
2009 Annual Campaign 6 activities and growth Acorn Hall. You may find a new treasure, and all
during the past year. Up proceeds benefit MCHS programs.
Membership 7 for reelection to the po-
sition of President is
David G. Holdsworth of
PAGE 2
Historical Happenings
Boonton Historical Society
Wednesday, February 17 —
“Lincoln: Man of Sorrow” gives
insights into the personal and po-
litical struggles of one of our
greatest presidents. A program
sponsored by the New Jersey
Council for the Humanities. 2
p.m., Senior Center, 126 North
Main Street. Free.
Wednesday, March 17 — “The
Boonton Police Department:
1867-1999,” with former police
Chief Steven Stross. 7 p.m., Sen-
ior Center, 126 North Main Street.
Free.
For additional information:
(973) 316-0976
www.boonton.org/Community/
HistoricalSociety.htm.
Madison Historical Society
Wednesday, March 24 — “History
of the Madison Fire Department.”
7 p.m., Chase Room, Madison
Public Library, 39 Keep Street.
Free.
For additional information:
(973) 377-0722 ext. 8
Mt. Tabor Historical Society
Thursday, February 11 —
“Victorianism,” presented by
Bonnie-Lynn Nadzeika of the
Morris County Historical Society.
7 p.m., The Bethel in Mt. Tabor
Thursday, March 11 —
“Traditional Celtic Tales” with
David Emerson. A program spon-
sored by the New Jersey Council
MCHS
for the Humanities. 7 p.m., The
Bethel in Mt. Tabor.
For additional information:
(973) 586-1564
www.mounttabornj.org
Roxbury Historic Trust &
Roxbury Township
Historical Society
Sunday, February 14 — Open
House at the King Store, King
Homestead Museum and Silas
Riggs Saltbox House. 1 – 4 p.m.
Sunday, March 14 — Open
House at the King Store, King
Homestead Museum and Silas
Riggs Saltbox House. 1 – 4 p.m.
For additional information:
(973) 927-7603
www.roxburynewjersey.com
Washington Township
Historical Society
Wednesday, March 3 —
“Practical Tips for the Care of
Historical Documents,” pre-
sented by Joseph M. Ciccone,
J.D., C.A.; co-sponsored by the
Morris County Heritage Com-
mission. Networking and re-
freshments at 5:30 p.m.; pro-
gram 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Morris
County Cultural Center, 300
Mendham Road, Morris Twp.
Free, but advance registration by
February 26 is required. Contact
the Washington Township His-
torical Society by e-mail at
info@wthsnj.org, by telephone
at 908-876-9696, or by mail at
WTHS, P.O. Box 189, Long
WINTER 2010
Valley, NJ 07853. If you have
additional questions about this
workshop, contact Shelly Here-
tyk at the WTHS at 908-876-
9 6 9 6 o r b y e - ma i l a t
info@wthsnj.org.
Is your business fashion-
oriented? Contact the MCHS
office to learn about sponsor-
ship opportunities for the next
Society exhibit, Gowns: From
Birth to Bedroom to Ballroom.
Your company name can be
included in exhibit signage,
press releases, the MCHS
newsletter and website, the
catalogue, and other exhibit-
related materials. Featuring a
Worth gown, an elaborate
three-dimensional lace court
gown, and other stunning
dresses, this
exhibit prom-
ises to be a
show-
stopper and
a crowd-
pleaser –
and one
worth
being
a
part
of.
WINTER 2010 PAGE 3
MCHS

From the Director

It’s a new year, and in keeping with that, we are going to try some new activities this year at the Morris
County Historical Society. Many of these events will tie in with our upcoming exhibit, Gowns: From
Birth to Bedroom to Ballroom. We are working to assemble a talented group of artisans to demonstrate
traditional arts and crafts at Acorn Hall on Sunday afternoons. Among these will be a spinning demon-
stration by Elizabeth Cherry and a lace-making demonstration by the Lost Art Lacers. Fall workshops
will include a program for those interested in making period-correct costumes for their own enjoyment
or for use by volunteers at historic sites. We will retire Holly Walk, but are planning extended holiday
hours and brand-new events throughout December and into January, allowing more people to experi-
ence the Victorian splendor of an Acorn Hall Christmas. We are also looking ahead to 2011, as we de-
velop an exhibition on Morris County’s contributions to World War II and the Korean War.

Like every other historic organization, we are dealing with a loss of income, particularly from grants so
we are trying new things to bring in new members. Few people realize that MCHS is not an official
government entity and we receive less than x% of funds from the County. We are currently looking for
new members to fill positions in our Board of Trustees, which raises funds and directs Society policy.
If you are interested and have some new ideas, please contact me.

I look forward to seeing our many members and friends in the months to come!

-- Bonnie-Lynn Nadzeika

Home Garden Club

What makes the Great Swamp Haggerty Education Center at 1
great? p.m. on Wednesday, March 17.
The talk is free and open to the
Sally Rubin, Executive Director public.
of the Great Swamp Watershed
Association, will
discuss the won- Please remember the
ders of the Swamp Morris County
and explain how to
protect the water-
Historical Society
shed where we in your will.
live, play, and
work. Her talk will
take place at the
Frelinghuysen Ar-
boretum’s
PAGE 4
Spinning Demonstration
New York fiber artist Elizabeth
Cherry will be demonstrating
how fibers are spun into yarn at
Acorn Hall on Sunday, March
21, from 1 to 4 p.m. Ms. Cherry
will produce knitter-friendly
yarns from animal and vegetable
materials using her Kromski Ma-
zurka spinning wheel. Visitors
can try their hands at spinning
using drop spindles. Drop spin-
dle kits will also be available for
purchase.
Spinning was an essential skill
prior to the Industrial Revolu-
tion. Prior to the American
Revolution, wearing clothing
made out of “homespun” fabric
was a sign of rebellion against
Great Britain’s tax on imported
Revolutionary Weekend
Visitors in Morristown for the
“Revolutionary Weekend” April
16 through 18 may be interested
in finding out what happened
next – after Washington left
town. They can find the answer
WINTER 2010
MCHS
goods. In the Victorian era, spin- both spinning and sharing her
ning demonstrations recalled millinery skills.
days of yore and were often fea-
tured during patriotic celebra- The demonstration is free with
tions like the Fourth of July. In regular admission to Acorn Hall.
recent years it has regained
popularity and even has its
own magazine, Spin Off.
Elizabeth Cherry is a vo-
cal musician who also
holds a millinery certifi-
cate from the Fashion In-
stitute of Technology in
New York. She worked at
Waterloo Village where
she conducted demonstra-
tions in pottery. She has
been a popular attraction
at Acorn Hall’s Victorian
Weekend in past years,
in the Morris County Historical open during that weekend from
Society’s exhibit Life After 10 to 4 on Friday, April 16, and
George: Morristown After the 1 to 4 on Sunday, April 18
Revolution. This will be the final (closed Saturday).
opportunity to view the exhibit,
which examines the history – The exhibit recounts significant
technological, events that occurred in Morris-
social, and cul- town in the 19th and early 20th
tural – that con- centuries. Those years saw the
tinued to be invention of the telegraph, the
made after that development of the Morris Ca-
date through the nal, and the growth of the town
early 20th century from a sleepy farming commu-
in Morristown nity to a major population and
and the surround- commercial center to the “town
ing area. Life Af- of millionaires” in the Gilded
ter George is in Age. Also spotlighted are his-
Acorn Hall’s sec- toric sites including Macculloch
ond-floor exhibit Hall, Historic Speedwell, Foster-
rooms. It will be fields, and Acorn Hall itself.
WINTER 2010 PAGE 5
MCHS

In the Oakleaf Gallery Gift Shop

fordable luxury! Fans of Murano
glass will appreciate our new
perfume bottles and necklaces
available in a variety of styles.
For crafters we have expanded
our line of Victorian scrap art.
Each $3 set is acid-free and can
be used for shadow boxes, scrap
booking, or decoupage.
line of local history publica-
tions and Acorn Hall souve-
nirs. These items are available
at the Oakleaf Gallery or on-
line at www.acornhall.org. We
accept all major credit cards
and members always save
10%.

Not looking for Victoriana?

It’s cold outside, but spring has
arrived at the Oakleaf Gallery.
Our shop is filled to the brim
with new merchandise. Paper
flowers are featured in a new
line of gift items ranging from
boxes in the shape of rose bou-
quets to pins featuring peonies
and rose clusters. They are
available in a wide variety of
colors and range in price from
$3 to $5, making them an af-
How about a gift for someone
who appreciates history? Ex-
clusive to MCHS is a new line
of linen items featuring vin-
tage postcard images of Mor-
ristown. Tea towels are $5 and
pillows are $10. They make
great gifts for friends, family,
and colleagues. They are
genuine linen and made just
for us!
We always carry an extensive

Thank You!
We may be prejudiced, but we think Acorn Hall Special thanks to
looked better than ever during this year’s holiday The Home Garden Club of Morristown
season. Thanks to all the volunteers who assisted MCD Print and Document Solutions
with decorations. The Metropolitan Ladies Society
The young ladies of the Villa Walsh Academy
Lucia Borecki History Club
Helen Clear
Betsy Cooper
Lucille Eckerson
Diane Freedman
Vivi Klesch
Meg Imbriale
Mo Khawaja
The students of Montgomery Academy
Elizabeth Pierce
Bob Schultz
Lynne Taylor
Tom Thornton
PAGE 6 WINTER 2010
MCHS

At 2009 Armistice Ball

Want to come next year but

don’t know how to dance?
A free workshop is included
with the price of admission!

Thanks to students from

Felician College who
helped with decorations
MCHS members Wade & Heather and refreshments.
Speas take a turn on the dance
floor.

2009 Annual Campaign

Thank you to everyone who contrib- Betsy Cooper Jean M. Johnson
uted to our 2009 Annual Campaign. Nancy A. Cooper Caroline Knott
With funding cut from both the State Eleanor & Glenn K. Coutts Gregory C. Kurlander
of New Jersey and Morris County, we Robert Donaldson Yvonne & Lousi Lanzerotti
rely more than ever on the support of Frank Druetzler Cecilia Laureys
our members. We are grateful to each Marion Percell Fish Michelle Liggett
of these donors for their generosity. If Sarah Flaherty Donna Margetts
you’d still like to contribute, please Diane L. Freedman Henry & Carol Mauermeyer
contact our office at 973-267-3464. Peter H.B. Frelinghuysen Donna McNamara
(List complete as of February 3, Honorable Rodney P. Frelinghuysen Michele Newhouse
2010.) Lauren & Robert Garcia Elaine Obenhuber
Virginia Gebauer John & Jennifer Ochman
Salem Vincent Ahto Jeffrey German, German, Vreeland & Ruth Rene Phelan
Marianne Arnold Assoc. Bette Regazzi
Barbara Benedict Bennett & Nance Greenberg Preston B. Root III
Craig Berry Evelyn Hammaren Wilma L. Sagurton
Barbara & Ron Bromirski Betty Hardy Linda Stansfield
Learned T. Bulman David & Elizabeth Holdsworth Susan Wilder
Roy & Michele Bumiller Angela Homa Christine Williams
Gerald T. Caprio Nancy Lee & Donald B. Kiddoo William & Carolee Wineburgh
Lois E. Collins (in memory of Tom Caroline Knott Sam & Mary Jane Yaksich
Collins) Richard Thomas Irwin
WINTER 2010 PAGE 7
MCHS

Membership

 Student $15  Family/Institution $50  Sponsor $500

 Senior $20  Contributor $100  Patron $1000

 Individual $30  Sustaining $250  Life $2500

Account#_______________________________________________________
Expiration_______________ Signature_______________________________

 MasterCard  Visa  Discover  American Express

Make checks out to: Morris County Historical Society

68 Morris Avenue
Morristown, NJ 07960

NAME_______________________________________________________

ADDRESS____________________________________________________

CITY_____________________________________________STATE_____

ZIP___________PHONE(___)_____________EMAIL________________


 I have enclosed a matching gift form.
 I would like to volunteer.

www.acornhall.org

Where did you get this newsletter?_________________________________

Board of Trustees
Barbara Benedict
Learned T. Bulman
Nancy Cooper
Robert H. Donaldson
Heather Emelander
David G. Holdsworth
Diane Kafel
Gregory C. Kurlander
MCHS
Hours
Acorn Hall: Mon. and Thurs.
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sun. 1 p.m.-4 p.m.
Office: Mon. to Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
This newsletter is published quarterly by
the Morris County Historical Society, headquartered at
Acorn Hall, 68 Morris Avenue,
Morristown, NJ 07960-4315
Phone: 973-267-3465 Fax: 973-267-8773
www.acornhall.org
The mission of MCHS is to discover, preserve,
and make known the history of Morris County
through exhibits, programs, publications,
and preservation advocacy.
MCHS receives operating funds from
the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders,
the F.M. Kirby Foundation,
and the New Jersey Historical Commission.
President of the Board — David G. Holdsworth
Director — Bonnie-Lynn Nadzeika
Curator — Debra Westmoreland
Outreach Coordinator — Karen Ann Kurlander
Education Coordinator — Carie Levin
Morristown, NJ 07960-4315
68 Morris Avenue
At Acorn Hall
HISTORICAL SOCIETY
MORRIS COUNTY