Morris County Historical Society

At Acorn Hall

SUMMER 2010
MCHS is Looking for a few good Citizens
Please welcome the contributions to World War II and the
following new member: Korean War. We need the help of our
 Fayne Petok members, volunteers, and the public
to identify and tell Morris County’s
stories. If you or a loved one served in
any branch of the military, worked at
Picatinny Arsenal, or had some other
job related to the war effort, or if you
have memories, photos, letters, or ar-
tifacts to share, we’d like to hear from
you. Please contact the Society’s of-
fice at Acorn Hall at 973-267-3465 or
via e-mail at acornhall@juno.com.
Thank you in advance for your help
In 2011, the Society is planning a com- with this undertaking!
prehensive exhibit on Morris County’s

Inside this issue: Moretrench Clean Up Day a Success!

On Saturday, May 24, approximately
Historical Happenings 2
twenty-five volunteers from the More-
From the Director 3 trench American Corporation in Rock-
away, NJ, worked with MCHS volun-
Twilight Hours 4 teers to conduct a massive clean-up at
Acorn Hall. In just under four hours
Old Fashioned Fun Day 4 they installed our Women’s Heritage
Trail sign, cleaned large branches out
Garden Party 4
of the side yards and chipped them,
Costume Care Program 5
moved furniture from the Carriage
House into a PODS portable storage unit, moved cases of books from the base-
Harvest Tea 5 ment of Acorn Hall to the Carriage House for the yard sale, cleaned out the
foundation of the greenhouse, created a compost pile, and cleaned out the
Costuming Workshop 5 space underneath the back porch of Acorn Hall. Whew! Entire families joined
in the work and everyone put their all into it. The great people at Moretrench
New Trustees 6 even picked up the tab for lunch and hauled away a truckload of debris for dis-
Volunteer Wins Award 6 posal. Their hard work gave us desperately needed work and storage space,
which in turn helped us hold our most successful yard sale to date. We are also
Membership 7 grateful to the excellent folks at PODS who were wonderful to work with and
helped us stay within our budget.
PAGE 2
Historical Happenings
Boonton Historical Society
Saturday, July 17 — Walking
Tour of Historic Main Street, be-
gins at Canalside Park at the top
of Main Street, 10 a.m. $5 sug-
gested donation for non-members.
Stay for lunch and shopping—
attendees receive a 10% discount
coupon to use at participating res-
taurants, delis, and merchants on
the day of the tour.
Saturday, September 18 — Walk-
ing Tour of the Historic Residen-
tial District, begins at the Post Of-
fice, 501 Main Street, 10 a.m. $5
suggested donation for non-
members. Stay for lunch and
shopping—attendees receive a
10% discount coupon to use at
participating restaurants, delis,
and merchants on the day of the
tour.
For additional information:
973-316-0976
www.boonton.org/Community/
HistoricalSociety.htm.
Chester Historical Society
Thursday, September 9 — Cele-
brate NJ! Linda Barth will give an
armchair tour of NJ’s most inter-
esting and intriguing sites. 7 p.m.
Chester Public Library, 250 West
Main Street, Chester.
For additional information:
908-879-2761
www.HistoricChesterNJ.com
MCHS
Jefferson Township
Historical Society
Saturday, July 24 — Annual
Tour of Jefferson Gardens. 11
a.m. to 4 p.m. Proceeds of the
tour benefit the gardens at the
Jefferson Township Museum.
For additional information:
973-697-0258
www.jthistoricalsociety.org
Lake Hopatcong
Historical Museum
Friday, July 9 — Tour of the
Lake Hopatcong Yacht Club. 1
p.m. to 3 p.m. 75 North Bertrand
Road, Mt. Arlington.
Friday, July 9 — “Lake Hopat-
cong in the Year 1910,” a special
joint program with the Lake Ho-
patcong Yacht Club. 6 p.m. 75
North Bertrand Road, Mt. Ar-
lington.
Thursday, August 12 — “Lake
Hopatcong’s Boat Yards of Yes-
teryear.” 6 p.m. Jefferson House.
For additional information:
973-398-2616
www.hopatcong.org/museum
Mt. Tabor Historical Society
Saturday, September 25 — “A
Day in Old Mt. Tabor,” 17th An-
nual House Tour. Showcases
over 15 Victorian cottages and
buildings on a self-guided walk-
ing tour. Box lunches will be
available for sale. 11 a.m. to 4
SUMMER 2010
p.m. Rain or shine.
For additional information:
973-586-1564
www.mounttabornj.org
Historical Society of
Old Randolph
Monday, July 19 — Randolph
Reminisces. 7 p.m. Randolph
Museum, 630 Millbrook Ave-
nue, Randolph.
Monday, September 20 —
Randolph Reminisces. 7 p.m.
Randolph Museum, 630 Mill-
brook Avenue, Randolph.
For additional information:
973-989-7095
www.gti.net/randolph/hsor
Wharton
Saturday, August 21 — Canal
Day Music and Craft Festival. A
free family day of fun featuring
a juried craft show, food, educa-
tional events, and 10 live bands.
Proceeds benefit the restoration
of Morris Canal Lock 2 East. 10
a.m. to 5 p.m. Hugh Force Canal
Park, 270 West Central Avenue,
Wharton.
For additional information:
www.canalday.org
SUMMER 2010 PAGE 3
MCHS

From The Director

There have been many times over the years that I have used this column
to reach out and ask for the support of volunteers, members, and the
public. In this issue I take great delight in being able to thank you all for
your support. Our third annual Yard Sale at Acorn Hall was the most
successful fundraiser to date. More than 30 volunteers put in countless
hours doing everything from cleaning and pricing merchandise to prep-
ping the Carriage House to setting up tables and tents the day before the
event — not to mention the sales people, cashiers, and assistants for the
actual sale! As one of the cashiers on the front porch of Acorn Hall I had
a ringside seat for the action and I was thrilled to see so many of our
members come out in support of the event. Numerous members also do-
nated merchandise for the event — one even brought a carload from Vir-
ginia! The result was more than $5,000 in total merchandise sales. If
you’d like to donate, we are especially seeking antique or vintage items
— this category brought in more than half of the total sales.

Some of those funds have already been put to use! We purchased addi-
tional mannequins for the Gowns exhibit. A recently donated piece of Volunteers Marilyn Jaeger and Vivi
furniture underwent minor repairs. We also have used the money to buy Klesch lend a hand at the vintage
additional materials for the preservation of items in the archives. We are clothing booth at the Yard Sale.
continuously striving to improve the quality of care that we give the
items in our collection. So, the more successful our Yard Sale is, the more we can do!

The Yard Sale, as well as the clean-up day described on Page 1, are great examples of what can be ac-
complished when people come together to achieve a goal. I look forward to seeing you at some of our
upcoming events. They promise to be a lot of fun, and just by attending you are helping us to meet our
goals!
— Bonnie-Lynn Nadzeika

A big “thank you” to the

students of the
Montgomery Academy!
They have volunteered
their time to lend a hand
at Acorn Hall doing everything from
yard clean-up work to assisting with
Don’t forget the Oakleaf Gallery at Acorn Hall mass mailings. We are grateful for all
carries an extensive selection of books on local of their hard work and their
history. It’s always a source for one-of-a-kind gifts,
too. We’ve just added some great fashion-themed enthusiasm!
items inspired by our “Gowns” exhibit!
PAGE 4
Twilight Hours Return
We’re celebrating summer by stay-
ing open late on Thursday evenings
in July, beginning Thursday, July 8.
Acorn Hall will be open until 7 p.m.
on those days, with the last tour
beginning at 6 p.m.
“Twilight Tours” are designed for
people who work in the Morristown
area and may want to make an eve-
ning of a museum tour and dinner
in town. They’re also ideal for those
who have family or other obliga-
tions during Acorn Hall’s regular
Have Some Old-Fashioned Fun
On Sunday, July 25, from 1 to 4
p.m., the Morris County Historical
Society invites children and their
parents to experience an afternoon
of 19th century fun at Acorn Hall’s
Old-Fashioned Fun Day.
Special “kid-friendly” tours of
Acorn Hall will show children what
life was like in 19th century Morris-
town. Antique toys, books, and
children’s clothing will be on dis-
play. Young visitors will learn that
You’re Invited to a Garden Party
Join us at Acorn Hall for an after-
noon of music and merriment! The
MCHS
weekday and Sunday afternoon
hours. Regular admission prices are
in effect, and no advance reserva-
tion is needed for the Twilight
Tours.
As an added incentive, visitors ar-
riving at Acorn Hall between 4 and
6 p.m. will receive a free copy (one
per family) of Tours in Historic
Morris County, a guidebook to heri-
tage sightseeing throughout the
county. Guests will also be able to
view the current exhibit, Gowns:
in the 19th century, “hoops” were
rolled, not shot into a basket, and
“graces” were played outdoors, not
learned in dance class. Youngsters
can challenge their parents to these
games or a round of croquet in
Acorn Hall’s backyard, and lemon-
ade and cookies will be served on
the Hall’s back porch.
A variety of Victorian style clothing
is available for dressing up – bring
your camera for pictures, or you can
Annual Garden Party at Acorn Hall
will take place on Sunday, August
29, from 1 to 4 p.m. Visitors can
bring a picnic lunch to enjoy in the
beautiful gardens. Cold beverages
and desserts will be served.
The event will also be a celebration
for the current exhibit, Gowns:
From Birth to Bedroom to Ball-
room. Ladies are welcome to wear
their favorite gown in celebration.
Here is a chance to drag out that old
prom or bridesmaid gown!
For your entertainment that after-
noon there will be a series of vocal
music performances by Elizabeth
SUMMER 2010
From Birth to Bedroom to Ball-
room, included in admission to
Acorn Hall.
have an antique-look sepia-toned
image printed for you for a small
fee! Craft activities will include
scrap-booking, creating sun prints,
decorating fans, and making button
bracelets.
Children under 12 are admitted
free. Admission for children 12 and
over is $3; for seniors, $5; and for
adults, $6. Of course, MCHS mem-
bers are admitted free.
Cherry. Ms. Cherry, who has per-
formed in regional and off-
Broadway musical theater, will
perform Victorian-era songs ac-
companied by Acorn Hall’s beauti-
ful Chickering parlor grand piano.
Performances will take place at
1:30, 2:30, and 3:30 p.m.
The event is free for MCHS mem-
bers; non-members will pay regular
admission rates. Admission is $6
for adults, $5 for seniors, $3 for
students, and free for children un-
der 12. To help us plan, we ask that
you please r.s.v.p. by calling the
office at 973-267-3465 by August
25.
SUMMER 2010
Collections Care Workshop
On Thursday, September 16, the
Morris County Historical Society
will present a workshop on caring
for and displaying costume and
textile collections. Presenters will
include MCHS curator Debra
Westmoreland and Carrie Fellows,
executive director of Macculloch
Hall Historical Museum and Gar-
dens.
Society staff members frequently
receive phone calls from individu-
als and historical societies on how
Harvest Tea
On Saturday, September 25, at 2:30
p.m., guests can sit down to a
proper afternoon tea in the ambi-
ance of Victorian Acorn Hall. The
traditional three-course “Autumn
Tea” will include a scone course,
sandwich course, and dessert
course. A choice of hot teas will
accompany the meal. The afternoon
will also include a brief presenta-
tion about
the variety
of teas and
how they
are grown.
Costume Workshop
If you’ve ever attended a costume
event at Acorn Hall and wished
you could wear the beautiful cloth-
ing of another era, the Society is
hosting a program for you! MCHS
will hold a costume workshop on
Sunday, September 26, from 12:30
to 3:30 p.m. at the Haggerty Educa-
tion Center at the Frelinghuysen
Arboretum.
Whether you’re interested in dress-
ing up as a Southern Belle for Hal-
loween or are looking to make an
MCHS
to care for their collections. Many
of those inquiries concern costumes
and textiles, from how to display
grandma’s crazy quilt to how to
store an antique wedding gown.
This workshop is designed to an-
swer those questions. Participants
will learn the basics for caring and
handling antique and vintage tex-
tiles. Many of the techniques are
relatively simple and inexpensive.
Participants will also take away a
list of supplier information and rec-
ommended textile conservators.
The cost is $25 for MCHS members
and $30 for non-members. As space
is very limited, reservations and
advance payment are required and
will be honored on a first-come ba-
sis. You must make a reservation by
Monday, September 20. All of the
food is made to order and if there
are not sufficient reservations by
that time the event is subject to can-
cellation. Reservations may be
made and paid for online at
www.acornhall.org; checks payable
to MCHS may be mailed to the
Morris County Historical Society,
authentic costume to wear at your
historic site, you’ll learn valuable
tips and resources. Participants will
learn where to find authentic pat-
terns, appropriate fabrics, and spe-
cialty items to create their own pe-
riod wardrobe. Each participant will
leave with a packet of information
and fabric samples. The cost is $10
for non-members and $5 for MCHS
members. Reservations and pay-
ment (checks or credit card ) are
required by Friday, September 17.
PAGE 5
This program is offered free of
charge for volunteers of Morris
County museums. Reservations
will be taken on a first-come,
first-served basis and organiza-
tions are limited to two represen-
tatives per group. The program
will be held at the Haggerty Edu-
cation Center at the
Frelinghuysen Arboretum from 6
to 8 p.m. To make a
reservation or for
additional informa-
tion, call 973-267-
3465.
68 Morris Avenue, Morristown,
NJ 07960; or guests may call
973-267-3465 with a credit card
number.
Tea guests will be able to view
the current MCHS exhibit,
Gowns: From Birth to Bedroom
to Ballroom, featuring an array of
stunning gowns, dating from the
early nineteenth through the late
twentieth century, from the Soci-
ety’s costume collection. Our
charming Oakleaf Gallery gift
shop will also be open.
MCHS member
and volunteer
Jennifer
Ochman
wearing a Civil
War period-
correct gown
she made.
PAGE 6
MCHS
MCHS Welcomes New Board Members
The Morris County Historical So- Kelley Drye, Mr. D’Angelo
ciety has named two new mem- served as a Presidential appointee
bers to its Board of Trustees. for the Environmental Protection
Added to the board are Steven K. Agency in the office of the Gen-
Johnson of Randolph and Wayne eral Counsel and the office of the
D’Angelo of Denville. Administrator. He also served as a
Legislative Assistant in the office
Wayne D’Angelo grew up in Un- of Congressman Bob Franks of
ion County, NJ, and attended Uni- New Jersey.
versity of Scranton where he re-
ceived a B.A. in History. He at- Mr. Johnson, a native of
tended George Mason University Schenectady, NY, received his
School of Law where he earned B.A. in Government from Nor-
his J.D. He currently lives in Den- wich University, Northfield, VT,
ville with his wife Denise and and also did graduate work at
their dog Millie. SUNY at Albany. He was com-
missioned as a second lieutenant
Mr. D’Angelo is an associate in in the US Army Reserves, Adju-
Kelley Drye & Warren LLP’s Par- tant General Branch. He is cur-
sippany office. Prior to joining rently employed by Colonial Title
MCHS Volunteer Wins Award
20. The award, given by St.
Francis, the Morris County
Office on Aging, and the
local AARP chapter, recog-
nizes seniors who have
made significant volunteer
contributions to their com-
munity. Criteria for the
award include community
involvement, leadership,
integrity, and enthusiasm.
When Outreach Coordina-
tor Karen Ann Kurlander
read about the award, she
Tom Thornton, right, accepts his award knew that Mr. Thornton fit the bill!
from Freeholder Jim Murray.
Mr. Thornton contributes to MCHS
Tom Thornton, one of MCHS’s most in many ways. He was critical to the
faithful volunteers, received the Mor- success of the digitization of collec-
ris County’s Living Treasure Award tions records, he turned the slides
in a ceremony at St. Francis Residen- and paper scripts for the Community
tial Community in Denville on May Speakers Program into PowerPoint
SUMMER 2010
and Abstract Service, Morristown,
and Signature Closing Services as
an independent contractor.
Mr. Johnson is married and has
two sons.
Additional openings on the Board
of Trustees remain. If you’d be
interested in serving in this impor-
tant capacity, or to learn more
about the requirements to do so,
please call the office at 973-267-
3465.
presentations, he does handyman
work, he created a Yahoo! Group
for MCHS volunteers, and he even
lends a hand washing dishes during
special events. He’s also treasured
by the staff for his encouragement
and kind words. The award recog-
nized not only his work at Acorn
Hall, but also his involvement with
the Cincinnati Lodge of Masons of
Morristown, St. Hubert’s animal
rescue, and playing music for the
residents at several senior centers.
Mr. Thornton was presented with an
award plaque, photograph, and
timepiece by Freeholder Jim
Murray. His portrait has also been
added to the wall of Living Treas-
ures that is on view at St. Francis.
Congratulations, Tom, and thank
you for everything you do!
SPRING 2010 PAGE 7
MCHS

Membership
THIS FORM IS SUPPLIED FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF NEW MEMEBRS. IF YOU ARE ALREADY A
MEMBER, YOU WILL RECEIVE A RENEWAL REMINDER IN THE MAIL WHEN YOUR MEMBERSHIP
IS COMING DUE. THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

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

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

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

Account#_______________________________________________________

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 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
Wayne D’Angelo
Robert H. Donaldson
Heather Emelander
David G. Holdsworth
Steven. K. Johnson
Gregory C. Kurlander
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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