Impossible Moves

I've been watching this show on National Geographic Channel. I watched them cut one house into four pieces and move it. Watched them cut a church up and remove the steeple to move it. It is amazing what these workers can do. Most amazing is that it takes a lot of know how and feel for the work. They sketch out the idea but of course things go wrong and they must improvise often. I found this so fascinating. Also today I found a new series of books from Arcadia who publish the history books of local towns. South Brunswick has a very nice one written. They are called here and now. They have one old photo and today's photo for comparison. Quite the interesting read. I have often stopped and wondered what a area look like 100 years back and this book gives a glimpse into that. So far I just see Princeton and Jamesburg/Monroe. Hope more are coming!!!

What a wonderful world

When Louis Armstrong recorded that song he sure did not see the 2000's coming. Micheal Vick not just dogs now pot smoking. Phil Spector pulls a OJ. Britneys just lost her mind. The South Brunswick Board of Ed has a systems guy accused of stalking a 14 year old North Brunswick girl. I could go on but it's depressing. Remember when embezzlement and tax fraud were the worse crimes around? Have people just gone mad? I spent Saturday in Lancaster Pa. In 2 buggy sightings I was ready to take a nap. My entire self relaxed so fast I didn't know what hit me. No hurry, no worry, no problems. I did not want to come back to Jersey. We all have to stop and feel life a while to have any chance at enjoying life. Adults don't stalk children. We don't need gun play, dog fights, "recreational" drugs or booze. We need to relax, I bet there are seniors out there who realize they have worried and stressed there entire lives away and now it's too late to do so many things. Not me nor my wife. I am living life to the fullest and I'm dragging her with me.

I have a pick axe and a shovel to grind

One day this week I will be out at the Titus farm with my pick and my shovel Yes to dig this headstone stump from it's 158 year old resting place.

See the stump:

See the original headstone postion:

See the original position as it looks today:

So now I've got a big job ahead of me. Dig it out safely and get it transported. There are worse things in life :-)

A fond farewell to a friend

I received news today that Chris Gateno was leaving The Sentinel to be Managing Editor at the Metuchen newspaper. This is fabulous news for Chris but sad for me and the EVA. Chris's coverage of the Van Dyke farm helped keep the issue out front for years. He writes with passion and a commitment to honest journalism. I know this because throughout the Titus years, about three now, he has written about my work and the farm. He quotes well, listens better and writes with passion. Chris was interested in what we were doing, not just writing the story. Often hurried and on a tight schedule he never made me feel cheated in a interview and if I wanted press coverage he has ALWAYS been number one on my list. I will miss him and his presence around the South Brunswick news world. Metuchen receives a great newsman!

What a difference 9 months make

Well here I am 9 months after the Historic Marker was presented with the prospect of the headstone being restored. I stopped by the Historic Preservation office and got five, count em' five hugs from the President Anna. All she kept saying was we wanted to help in some way. Well I said restoring the headstone is the best of all and I was speechless. I said I had no words to tell her my depth of gratitude. So bear with me while I step up on my soapbox. UPHMPH!
You cannot do anything in this world without help and knowing when to ask and when to accept. My list is long and here is a small portion of the people who make my dreams possible.
Charleen
Dorothy
Jean
Jonathon
Lanni
Bill
Rev Turton
Anna
Iysha
Ceil
Chris
SB Council
Public Works
Titus Family
Dean Family
I could go on and on and on.... It's like dominoes falling. If the EVA had not encouraged me to speak in 2005...If Ceil had not recommended I apply for a marker...If Char and Dot didn't push me to create a program...If I didn't choose Anna as my keynote speaker...If I didn't work closely with the Mayors office and Public Works...If all these people had not believed in me... None of what I've done is possible without those little moments and I thank you all. As I stood there hugging Anna knowing she knew what my heart felt and the passion within me, I grow full of joy and thankfulness. This journey has been so rewarding and I have been able to touch others lives in a positive way. Even the residents around the farm keep asking to help in this project and they want to stay involved protecting the stone. When I started this early on I dreamt that maybe people would care. Maybe I could tell the Titus story. Maybe I could preserve the farm equipment. Maybe I could fix the stone and mark Thomas again. I knew it was impossible for a Joe Smuck like me to effect that sort of change. I was very wrong and I'm so glad to be wrong. When this stone is done and interred back to the grave I will cry. But those will be tears of joy and amazement of all that's happened. I feel a sense of confidence in my fellow man again. I stopped and realized how special 2007 is and appreciate every person on my journey I'm in the moment and I will enjoy every second of it...

History and music

I spent a good part of the evening talking about the good olds at work. A co-worker used to hang out on Rte 35 in Sayerville in the early 80's as did I. So much has changed I cannot beleive it when I drive down there. The structures are the same but all the business has changed. My own modern day history. We also spoke about all the things we have seen in 40 plus years. Kennedy, Nixon , Reagen and Clinton. Cold war and the Berlin wall. PC's and the internet. Black and white TV and the radio to CD's and MP3s. I could go on forever. It is mind boggling to think about.... When I was chatting with Jean today I could really see how much passion we share. That always make me feel good. When you are so passionate it always feels good to share it with someone who really knows how you feel, THANKS JEAN! The Smithereens and Chuck Berry tomorrow HOT DAMN!

The wheels keep rolling

Now the Town Council has been informed of the possibility of restoration to the Titus headstone and Public Works is on board. All I can do now is wait for a decision although I think Anna the director has a soft spot for the farm since she spoke out there in June. I sure hope the good vibrations keep on rolling along. Within the next two weeks I'll be out there probing and digging looking for that stump of headstone and maybe 2 mounds. Also the expert mention the African Americans liked to bury with possessions at this time. Pottery and the like. So I can poke around for that too. Now that I have some knowledge it will be fun to continue on!

I've held my breath and now I can exhale

Well today was the day. The Cultural and Heritage Commission came out to examine the headstone from the Titus farm. They brought Mark headstone and cemetery expert. Now I understand the stone. It is made of marble. Most likely from Virginia via New Brunswick. this was common is the mid 1800's. The stone was professionally carved. It broke at the base and snapped in two once it hit the ground. A piece should still be in the ground. I am having Public Works clear the area of brush so we can examine the ground to find that base. To restore the stone Teflon bolts will be placed into one piece and matching holes in the other. Then they will be joined together. The stone will be polished which will give it that white look. The cracks will be filled. If they approve the project it will be placed back into it's original place on the farm. This is my dream come true. Even if it falls and breaks again the Teflon will break and keep the break clean. So the cleaning has been requested, the Commission will report the significance of the project and my Titus Project may soon be completed. Have mercy....