Guide Me Home to North Jersey

Embracing the spirit of the season, I want to share with you all the wonderful gifts of Harding Township, NJ. Look for one gift everyday!

The 7th gift is Harding’s H istorical Society. It is located in the Tunis-Ellicks house on Village Road. Built in 1795, the Tunis-Ellicks house was originally owned by George Mitchell. In 1938 it was sold to Silas D. Tunis and then in 1978 the house and gardens were rejuvenated by the citizens of Harding. Today, it is the headquarters for the Historical Society and the gardens are maintained by the New Vernon Garden Club.

The house museum boasts an 18th century open-hearth kitchen. Outside is an 18th century parlor garden with 120 types of herbs, perennials, and shrubs. The second floor is a museum that showcases historical aspects of the area on a rotating basis. The home was recently the site of the 27th annual antique show preview party. 

The 8th “gift” will be Harding’s proximity to NYC. Open it up next!

PS- Don’t forget to read my other blogs below that may have more extensive information.

Posted by:  Mary Jane Benedetto

Chatham Borough (and Township) each have their own Historical Society, each dedicated to preserving the past. The Borough Historical Society was founded in 1923, with the mission “to bring together those who are interested in historical matters relating to the settlement and development of Chatham, and to make this material available to the public.”

The society presents programs, hosts an annual dinner for members, publishes a quarterly newsletter, takes oral histories, and gives walking tours of Chatham Borough. They have published several books and publications about Chatham, which are available for sale at the Chatham Public Library on Main Street. The Society researches the history of local houses and documents all findings. One current project is the digitizing of many of the old photos in the archives and creating DVDs of recent programs. They also offer for sale a reproduction from a 1910 map of Chatham Borough, which is printed on acid-free paper, and is approximately 22” by 30”.

The Chatham Historical Society is happy to welcome new members who are interested in helping celebrate Chatham’s rich history, and preserving the town’s historic character.

For details, write to:
Chatham Historical Society
P.O. Box 682
Chatham, NJ 07928

Posted by:Cynthia Edgar