Tag Archives: history
Revolutionary Soldiers’ Game Day At Historic Burrough-Dover House
While soldiers marched out to fight for or against American independence from 1775 to 1783, they spent more time waiting for their next duty or resting afterwards than they did in battle. While waiting, they drilled, they did chores, and they played.
Visit historic Burrough-Dover House off Haddonfield Rd. in Pennsauken on Sunday, Aug. 4, from noon to 4:00 p.m. to find out about the recreations of soldiers of the American Revolution. Re-enactors of a number of troops of the Revolution will demonstrate the games and amusements that went from camp to battlefield and from colony to state. With no AI, no internet, and no electricity, these pastimes amused and relieved when relief was most needed: from shut-the-box to the captain’s mistress. From cards to chess to farkle to lawn games, you can also be a player, 18th century style!
Griffth Morgan Homestead Reopens For First Sunday Events
Information provided by the Pennsauken Historical Society
On Sunday, July 3, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., the historic Griffith Morgan Homestead will reopen after important repair and restoration work, which was funded by a grant provided by the Camden County Open Space Historic Preservation Program. This event will include free tours of the olde house and museum, along with special historic displays and activities. For Independence Day weekend, Griffith Morgan Homestead will focus on the flag with a display of historic flags and their stories.
Pennsauken Historical Society Holds Annual Meeting This Saturday
On Saturday, Nov. 16, at 1:00 p.m., the Pennsauken Historical Society will hold its annual meeting at Griffith Morgan House, welcoming Richard Keiser, Ph.D., a retired instructor from the Community College of Philadelphia, who will offer a presentation on the women’s suffrage movement in the United States in the 19th and early 20th centuries, tracing the setbacks as well as the victories that finally assured women the right to vote, only 100 years ago. Dr. Keiser, who holds his degree from Oxford University, will draw lessons from the struggle for social change that are strikingly relevant to this day. The public is welcome and invited to attend this free program, which will follow a very brief election of officers for the year 2020.
Griffith Morgan House is located at 243 Griffith Morgan Lane, off River Rd. between Delair and Rt. 73.
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.
Paranormal Investigation Of Historic Homes Reported On April 7
By Robert Fisher-Hughes, AAP Columnist and Amateur Historian
On Sunday, April 7, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., both Burrough-Dover House and Griffith Morgan House in Pennsauken will be open to welcome the community for history and fun with tours, access to the museums and libraries of each house, hospitality, and something special! A very unusual program is planned at Griffith Morgan House, when the Pennsauken Historical Society welcomes the New Jersey Researchers of Paranormal Evidence to reveal the results of the first-ever investigation of Pennsauken’s two homes for history. Conducted simultaneously at both houses over two nights last year using sophisticated equipment, this investigation has gathered a variety of data for analysis and interpretation. Also, plans are being made to follow up with additional investigative opportunities for members of the public.
Henry W. Longfellow Elementary School And Its Beginnings
By Robert Fisher-Hughes, AAP Columnist and Amateur Historian
Henry W. Longfellow Elementary School was one of the schools built during the boom years of the 1920s, when the entire Delaware Valley region was rapidly growing, Pennsauken included. Much of this growth was spurred by the expectations aroused by the construction of the first automobile bridge across the Delaware River south of Trenton, then called the Delaware River Bridge and, later, the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. The post-World War years also caused a rapid expansion of business and industry in both Philadelphia and Camden; this in turn generated a rapid growth of population in the nearby suburbs, bringing many new families with children to Pennsauken.
Pennsauken’s Historic Homes Hold Dual Events On November 18
Saturday, Nov. 18 continues Pennsauken’s historic homes’ 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!
Pennsauken Historical Society Hosts First Sundays, Fall Festival, Special Presentation
By Robert Fisher-Hughes, Pennsauken Historical Society
This month’s first Sunday falls on Sept. 3, Labor Day weekend, and our Township’s historic connection to Labor Day will be marked as both our homes for history are open from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., featuring an exhibit of Labor Day history and memorabilia at Griffith Morgan House. Burrough-Dover House will also offer tours and its lovely grounds are always a great spot for recreation or a picnic, especially when the hospitality of the house is available.
Historic Homes Open For Independence Day Celebration
Both the Burrough-Dover House, 9201 Burrough-Dover Lane; and Griffith Morgan House, 243 Griffith Morgan Lane off River Rd., will be open to the public for an Independence Day celebration on Sunday, July 2 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. What could be more patriotic than a visit to our colonial past?
Both houses will be open for free guided tours and the lovely grounds of both sites are perfect for a picnic and outdoor play. Plenty of free parking is available at both houses.
Visit the Griffith Morgan House or Pennsauken Historical Society pages or the group “Pennsauken History Forum” on Facebook for more details or directions; you can also leave a message at (856) 486-9561 or e-mail pennsaukenhistoricalsociety@gmail.com.
Life And Events From 1892 In Pennsauken – Part II
By Robert Fisher-Hughes, AAP Columnist and Amateur Historian
The creation of Pensauken Township in 1892 was only one way the world was changing in that era.
Looking back on 1892, on the doorstep of the 20th Century, we can see change happening; and from our standpoint a century and a quarter later, we can even see its approach in events that would have been little noticed by the citizens of that era.
Life And Events From 1892 In Pennsauken
By Robert Fisher-Hughes, AAP Columnist and Amateur Historian
The world in 1892 was different, but people were much the same. Things new then are old now, but they persist in our lives. It was the year the Nutcracker ballet debuted in Tsarist Russia; the rules of the new game of basketball were published; and the character of Sherlock Holmes first appeared as a collection of stories in book form.
