All Around Pennsauken

By Bob Fisher-Hughes, Pennsauken Historical Society

The harvest done, the feed gathered in, the firewood stacked, and the cool air of November sweeping the farm, our colonial forebears’ lives assumed a different pace. Celebration of the successful completion of a year’s work and family life, and thoughts and plans for the year to ensue, then had their season. The same could be said of generations that followed, until our modern lives at last evolved away from the cycles of the land and its seasons. At Griffith Morgan House and Burrough-Dover House, we look back and celebrate the rhythms by which our ancestors lived, even as we wind down the year of history here in our 125-year-old township.

Planning for the coming year begins this month, as both historic homes offer a special welcome for our First Sunday to those who want to become involved in history in 2017. On Sunday, Nov. 5, a special day of welcome and orientation will be given to any who are curious and interested in our mission of local history. Visitors can learn about giving tours, doing research, maintaining historic buildings, and serving their local communities by preserving its memory. Both the Burrough-Dover House and Griffith Morgan House were saved by community volunteers; and the tradition of home-grown history continues with your help as a volunteer! Come visit us on Sunday, Nov. 5, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. to get started!

Saturday, Nov. 18 continues our tradition of the dual themes of the season. Life in the colonial home as winter approaches is the theme of at historic Griffith Morgan House’s “Frost on the Pumpkin” event from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Here, the warm fire of the hearth will prepare savory seasonal foods and home-baked goods and refreshments entice, while other domestic chores and pastimes bring the household and friends together in preparation for the frost and snow. Meanwhile, the “Holiday Open House” at Burrough-Dover House from noon to 4:00 p.m., opens the season of holiday warmth with historical cheer! Harking back to the 19th century when the Dover family occupied the old home, the trimmings of the holiday season with tree and greens and candles, warming refreshments, holiday music, and more bring friends and family merrily back to the traditions of the festive time of year!

Griffith Morgan House is located at 243 Griffith Morgan Lane, off River Rd. between Delair and Route 73. Burrough-Dover House is located at 9201 Burrough-Dover Lane, off Haddonfield Rd. near the Wyndam Rd. traffic light. At both our Pennsauken homes for history, admission and tours are free and there is also plenty of free parking available. In addition, both Burrough-Dover House and Griffith Morgan House are also open for tours and research by appointment throughout the year.

Visit the Griffith Morgan House and Pennsauken Historical Society pages, or the group, “Pennsauken History Forum,” on Facebook for more details and directions; or call (856) 486-9561 and leave a message or e-mail to pennsaukenhistoricalsociety@gmail.com. Be sure to contact Pennsauken Historical Society or Griffith Morgan Committee about volunteer opportunities; you too can make history!