PLUMSTED – It was a bright sunny Saturday when the members of the New Egypt Historical Society came out to hold their Baked Goods and Yard Sale event.
The event held outside their museum on Evergreen Road also proved an occasion for a nice reunion of their membership. A variety of items were put out for display as well.
“We are trying to raise money for the painting of the building,” President Carol Reed said. “We are also trying to raise money to address the condition of our building. It’s going to be rough this winter when the fuel oil bills come in. We are looking into a couple of grants through the state for the painting job, most are for the arts and not for outside maintenance.”
Reed added that “our upcoming events may help the coffers: Car show Sept 16 – Scarecrow festival Oct 7, Jersey Devil presentation in November (no date yet) and our open house on November 12, 19 and 26, the hours of which are 1 to 4 p.m.”
Members of the Society had a big presence at this year’s Memorial Day parade. Some walked the parade route wearing period attire while others enjoyed a ride on their float.
The group also enjoyed a field trip to the Peachfield Mansion in Westampton. That historic attraction resonated with members because of its own connection to the past.
The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in The State of New Jersey, founded in 1892, maintains two museum properties including Peachfield and the Old Schoolhouse in Mount Holly.
The membership enjoyed their visit and they learned a lot about New Jersey’s Quaker roots and heritage at both of these historic sites. Both are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
In June, Patricia Trasferini gave a presentation on the charcoal industry. Mary May, a New Jersey folk artist specializing in South Jersey basket weaving, was also present.
The New Egypt Historical Society has the largest collection of baskets in Ocean County. In the late 1800s and early 1900s charcoal making was a means of livelihood and charcoal baskets were in much demand at that time.
Reed said, “we have 60 members. A lot of them are out of state but half of them live here in New Egypt and the Cream Ridge area.”
The township has a rich historical history. A Revolutionary War veteran Private Thomas Chafe/Chaffy is interred at the Old Zion Methodist Cemetery. He was a member of the New Jersey 1st Regiment from 1780-1783. A plaque was placed for Patriot Burials during Memorial Day weekend thanks to the William C. Pomeroy Foundation.
The presentation featured members of the Foundation and Sons of the American Revolution who placed the plaque in the cemetery located in the township. The actual dedication of the plaque is set to take place on November 11, Veterans Day. Reed noted there were also veterans buried at that cemetery from the Civil War era as well.
The organization has a strong social media presence that reflects their mission to preserve township history with records and memories of Plumsted landmarks like Magnolia Farm.
A recent post showcased that historic home that once operated as a boardinghouse. The sunken English gardens had boxwoods alongside the brick sidewalks and a stream running through it.
Another recent post concerned a photo featuring the New Egypt baseball team of 1928 who had been sponsored by the Patriotic Order Sons of America.
The museum hours are every Wednesday 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
