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The Blessing of the Hounds – A Countryside Tradition
Views: 3,345 An annual tradition for the Essex Fox Hounds of Peapack, New Jersey Blessing of the Hounds Back in 2007, before there was a Mr. Local History, there was just a local looking for fun historic events to go… Read More »The Blessing of the Hounds – A Countryside Tradition
Thanksgiving Meet – Horses, Hounds and Foxes Before Turkey – A Countryside Tradition
Views: 6,795 President George Washington proclaimed Nov. 26, 1789, the last Thursday of November that year, to be a “day of public thanksgiving.” What is known as the “Gentry”, in New Jersey they held fox hunts on Thanksgiving Day. Fox… Read More »Thanksgiving Meet – Horses, Hounds and Foxes Before Turkey – A Countryside Tradition
Origins of Cold as Balls and Cold as a Witch’s Teet
The phrase “cold as balls” reportedly comes from the contraction of metal on ship’s cannons, causing the iron balls to fall. The expression “cold as a witch’s tit” originated from the belief that witches, portrayed as cold-blooded in the 1600s, had an ‘unholy’ body part feeding familiars or the devil.
John Morton – General Washington’s Rebel Banker Hid in Basking Ridge
Views: 2,894 John Morton was a Colonel in the Continental Army. Still, he gave up his commission in 1761 to become a highly successful merchant, specializing in the trade of flax back home to his native Ulster in Northern Ireland… Read More »John Morton – General Washington’s Rebel Banker Hid in Basking Ridge
Jersey’s History with Bar Room Shuffleboard
Views: 4,615 Isn’t it interesting how history becomes history. Take for example pay phones. When you were using them, you never thought about it and then they’re gone. Not just gone……totally gone. Then you see them 20 years later on… Read More »Jersey’s History with Bar Room Shuffleboard
Make a Donation – Get a Historic Map as our Gift
Views: 6,974 Make a Tax Deductible Donation – Get a Frameable Map Finding New Ways to Share Local History.We call it “Maps for a Cause” supporting Our Ridge and Bernards High Scholarship Funds The Mr. Local History Project continues its… Read More »Make a Donation – Get a Historic Map as our Gift
10 More Haunted Tales From Central New Jersey
Views: 9,790 Believe it or not, the dead is alive in central New Jersey especially in northern Somerset County. The question is not whether they are real or not, but more like are they disturbing or friendly? As we share,… Read More »10 More Haunted Tales From Central New Jersey
Jersey’s History Bucket List
Views: 4,700 Wow, this story was one of our most controversial and difficult stories we’ve ever prepared. Just the thought of picking only 10 Jersey historic sites is an insane task. But I think we’re up to it. The 10… Read More »Jersey’s History Bucket List
Basking Ridge’s Oldest Cemetery
Views: 4,724 Cemeteries showcase some of history’s greatest reminders of where we came from. Many people new to the area are unaware of the local history until you trace it back to some of the originating families that chose this… Read More »Basking Ridge’s Oldest Cemetery
‘Buy A Veteran a Burger’ Fundraiser For Our Lyons VA Veterans
Views: 2,023 Again this year, we’re hoping that you will participate with the Mr. Local History Project and support #buyavetaburger is a grass- roots campaign that started years ago to bring and prepare food for formerly homeless veterans at the… Read More »‘Buy A Veteran a Burger’ Fundraiser For Our Lyons VA Veterans
Township Resolution Honors Bernards Township Day
Views: 982 The Bernards Township Committee passed Resolution #2023-0244 honoring Bernards Township Day of Community Service and Pride to be held across Bernards Township on Wednesday, May 24, 2023. Resolution #2023-0244 Recognition of Mr. Local History Project’s” support of Bernards… Read More »Township Resolution Honors Bernards Township Day
Meet (Sir) Francis Bernard Esq. – New Jersey’s Royal Governor
Views: 6,700 Our curiosity started with a round-table discussion: Who is Francis Bernard, and should there be a statue to recognize his service to New Jersey? Read the story and tell us what you think at the end. It is… Read More »Meet (Sir) Francis Bernard Esq. – New Jersey’s Royal Governor
Sir Francis Bernard Honored With American Town Names
Views: 3,142 Sir Francis Bernard’s Legacy Carries On as Towns Honor the Royal Governor of New Jersey and Massachusetts In 1758, Francis Bernard, originally from Lincolnshire, England, was appointed Governor of the province of Nova Caesarea (New Jersey). He packed… Read More »Sir Francis Bernard Honored With American Town Names
Honoring Black History Month in the Somerset Hills
Views: 3,891 NOTE: As with many Mr. Local History retrospectives, we often update the post when we learn stories and are sent photos from our community. We will continue to expand this piece as information becomes available. Mr. Local History… Read More »Honoring Black History Month in the Somerset Hills