A South Brunswick Historian Speaks

Alive and kicking

2008-01-29T17:08:00.000-08:00

Don't Call it a Comeback!!! Back from the dead I have finally returned. And I bring good news many things have happened in these 3 months. Most important is the Middlesex County Cultural and Heritage Commission has examined and measured the Titus headstone and have begun the process of restoration. They are attaining price quotes to make the decision who to use for the work. I already have a verbal commitment from the township to protect and beautify the grave site on the farm. My dream is almost complete for the farm. The EVA has begun a new campaign to get the public back on board to protect and preserve the Van Dyke farm. Interviews have been conducted with us from newspaper and the TV show Due Process on TV12. The TV show will air February 10Th and 12Th Slavery in New Jersey. http://www.njn.net/television/njnseries/dueprocess/ So still keeping busy in the history world trying to right some wrongs and stop some wrongs before they happen. More to come....

Hell on earth for all god's creatures

2007-10-23T15:57:00.000-07:00

I have never seen such fiery destruction as what is taking place in San Diego Ca. It actually looks like the Apocalypse out there. The home devastation is bad enough but the loss of animal life will be massive. Since I have been on Blogger I have followed the horses of Jean and Claire and grown found of the companionship and dedication they have for each other. Listening to NPR and hearing the horror stories of trying to save livestock, cattle and horses is gut wrenching. I heard the story of a woman who moved two horse. She then went back through the inferno snuck past police and rescued two more. But she could not make the last trip for the lone stallion she left behind. You can imagine how much anguish this woman was feeling. Not to say human life is not valuable but our animal mates need our extra help. As vast as the United States is I often wonder if anyone ever thinks that maybe we were not meant to populate every corner of this country no matter how beautiful it is. Nature seems to have a way of reclaiming what is hers as we saw in New Orleans. I hope and pray most animals can be saved, as for the wildlife I can only say a prayer for them.

Lost three good ones this week

2007-10-19T18:47:00.000-07:00

What a week. We lost Mrs. Anna this week Deborah Kerr I know most remember From Here to Eternity and the beach kiss. The King and I stands only with West Side Story as my favorite musicals. I even played the King in Middle school. She was most charming in that movie. I can still see her in those hoop dresses flowing around I loved those big productions. Teresa Brewer died as well. Now that's when pop was pop music. "Put another nickle in, in the Nickelodeon...." gees they are truly leaving us. Now in case you don't know I am a rabid Rat Pack fan. With that said it brings me great sadness that the smartest one of them all Joey Bishop died this week. He was a comic genius way ahead of his time and way sharper than the other Rat Packers. The era is officially gone now they are all gone, Sammy, Dean, Frank, Peter and now Joey. Thank god for video and Cd's I can visit them anytime I like. It was a bitter sweet for me. Sammy has always been my hero. When he performed in Vegas they made him eat and stay downtown, which is why that old section of Vegas is bad, only the poor and the segregated blacks stayed and gambled down there. All the action was down the strip. Of course Frank put a stop to that. Like him or not, Sammy did it his way and broke into American culture leading a lot of blacks into the light. He does not receive the credit he deserves and I can't say enough about the Palies. Those were some times, and those suits....

The shrinking historian

2007-10-16T13:09:00.000-07:00

I don't like to write about too much personnel stuff but I guess I feel relieved and proud and need to share it. In July 2007 my doctor put me on meds for blood pressure. I am borderline but with my weight she wanted to be sure. At this point I decided to get my act together if I could. I have never been fond of the word diet so I knew I needed a lifestyle change. You see for me, eating relieves stress, since I am a keep it all inside type of guy that is not a good thing. Being a very positive person, the overeating was something to take in stride. Of course the nagging issues crept up on me. Sore knees, backaches, sleep apnea all of the overweight symptoms together in one nice package, lucky me. In June a co-worker on my old job had a massive heart attack in the office. That same month Joel Segal passed away from a colon cancer battle. I was feeling ready, two people I really cared about suffer a possible fate with my name written on them. I got the message. By mid July I was changing my eating habits. By the end of July Leslie Sansone and I are walking ourselves fit in my bedroom with aerobic walking. I am almost up to 4 miles. On Sunday I finally broke down and went clothes shopping because things are, well falling off of me. I knew a change was on. First up shirts. In June I was basically between 3 and 4 xl. As I tried on a Champion sweat my wife said it looks too big, I wish I could have seen my own face because that was a 2 xl I had on. Sure enough the XL was perfect. In the end I decided on 2xl tall in my shirts so the length would work well but if I continue shortly I'll be in XL on most tops. Amazing. Pants, my scariest clothing area. Size in June 56 (OYE VEY) after trying a few styles for fit (The ladies know the woos of foreign sizes) I settled on two pairs of 50 except when I started wearing them they slip down with the belt. So I am at the crossroads of 48 pants and XL tall tops. I was pretty speechless. All I really did was stop soda and be careful of what I was eating. Trying to eat roasted instead of fried, more veggies, sensible eating. Lots of water and of course exercise. I am not over board about doing these things I tried to bring this into my life as a slow change. No more indigestion's, odd aches and pains, unexplained tiredness. My goal now is to get off these meds. I try to take baby steps and ease into a new way of thinking but now it's easier, because I feel good I see a difference in the mirror. No one has yet said wow you look smaller which is good because it makes me realize how bad it was and how far I have to go. But I know my success and you do too now. Small steps and small victories are leading me on the good path. I have amazed myself in this and some days I have to make my self eat meals because I know when I am trying to eat out of habit not hunger. This blog alone is a testament to my new fond confidence. Discussing my size is not a favorite thing for me so I needed to let it go and embrace a new me since it has been 3 months and I feel good about it all. Thanks for listening out there....

The Town Council gets a cold slap

2007-10-10T13:47:00.000-07:00

Last night's council meeting was the most interesting one I have ever seen. I watched a lawyer basically tell our council they did not know the laws. They did not know the right protocol. They were rushing to judgement. And a night of rather arrogant insults aimed at the council. I have had my complaints and my disagreements but never ever became nasty or disrespectful I would think if you want something like this the lawyer would have used a little sugar but he choose salt and vinegar which backfired right on him. Not only did they state they would change the ordinance but they now would take two weeks to fine tune it for the impending lawsuit which they stated publicly. These lawyers may have encouraged the council to see the light, let's hope for the best...

Watching them vanish

2007-10-05T15:48:00.000-07:00

I work on College Ave in Plainsboro so I travel past our local high school every day. So many open plots of land are in development. Machinery grading the land building curbs and foundations it looks quite normal. Until I start to remember the barn that was there or the field of corn that used to grow. I know development has to come but doesn't anyone miss the landscape? The fields changing from season to season? The wildlife lurking? Foxes, deer, wild turkeys are still present in our wooded areas. Why have the masses become complacent? When I travel throughout the tri state I marvel when I see rolling hills, farms, JERSEY cattle it has such a calming effect on me. I always feel refreshed and come when I have been around these things even for one day. I know our neighbors have become interested in the battle that the EVA has long been waging but do they see what's lost or could be lost? Or do they see development in there own backyard only? When I think of Van Dyke farm leaving us I see those barns and that house leaving a irreplaceable footprint. It feels like losing a friend even the areas across the pike are like lost friends..Fields of plenty graded to become warehouses. I wish I could spread my heartfelt loss into others so they could feel the sense of loss I and my EVA'ers feel...

We ain't seen nothin yet...

2007-10-04T17:44:00.000-07:00

Well the Historic Preservation Commission finally presented it's cemetery report I helped work on in July of 2006. The Town Council requested it somewhere around 6 months to a year before hand and the Township Planning Board presented it just this week to the Council. Now I know things take time but this was almost two years down the road just to get to a point for them to discuss it. I was very disillusioned with the speed of that report mainly because I know the small plots need something anything to protect them. If a developer says OPPS and plows it over it's just too bad. My heart is so concerned with this small plots one of my goals was to protect them or at least get them in the public eye, with the Titus farm people are excited to see it spruced up and want to help keep it protected. There are other residents willing to do the same. I hope they can move on a decision fast to help save these tiny pieces of history through out South Brunswick.

Working hours and Criminal Minds

2007-10-03T17:33:00.000-07:00

Since I started my new hours 3 months ago 2:30-11:30PM television has not been a thing a missed. But now some of my shows are coming back but my favorite show has changed. Criminal Minds has lost star Mandy Patankin. That's like losing a leg on a person. This guy made the show for me and since my other show (LOST!) is gone till February (Which is nuts in itself) I just don't miss anything on the tube. I found it different from the other cop shows and forensics shows it really had heart but Mandy made it tick. OOO well what can I do? Jean was talking about hear thieving groundhog today. I have a gang in my yard two. Moles, chipmunks and these crazy squirrel's. They try to throw nuts at us in the trees. Can't wait for everybody to start hibernating.

Impossible Moves

2007-09-26T19:46:00.000-07:00

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

2007-09-26T19:28:00.000-07:00

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

2007-09-24T20:09:00.000-07:00

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

2007-09-24T19:49:00.000-07:00

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

2007-09-24T17:51:00.000-07:00

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

2007-09-14T19:53:00.000-07:00

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

2007-09-13T20:11:00.000-07:00

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

2007-09-12T20:11:00.000-07:00

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....

When it's all said and done history begins at home...

2007-08-31T16:57:00.001-07:00

Well just some final muse before I head for Virginia and vacation at Kings Dominion. I have spent the last 6 years working in local history. Be it research or lectures or just small meetings this has become a staple in my life, I cannot imagine life without it. My daughter Shannon has just completed her youth history. I can remember her birth in 1984 and the stress of being a preemie. Her mother waking me at 3AM just having to see her while she rested in the hospital. She was a mild baby, calm and laid back, at six months we had her in Little Italy having dinner practically under Gotti's house, she was so happy. As a toddler she smiled a lot and I loved seeing her spend time with Clara and then Rachael. She always seemed a little wise for her years which gave me a lot of respect for her even as a preteen. She ALWAYS loved music something we share to this day. Looking back I realize she just held her troubles and dealt with them in her own way, I do wish I could have been more helpful with that. As a high school student she soldier through and even in tough situations she held her self together better than many adults twice her age can do. But when I think of Shannon I think music. Instruments, vocals, plays she shined in all of that and took it right with her to college. Her Freshman year was a nightmare having to live alone in a house with no housing available at Monmouth University. She soldiered through again. 5 years of college life with not much love for the students at the school and few friends she graduated, with honors, with a degree in Special Education and Music. Presenting a recital I will never forget for the rest of my life. Yesterday the road came full circle as she received the call she was being hired in East Brunswick as a special ed teacher. You see Shannon is modest and sometimes unsure, but she needs not be. She carried herself with poise and style. She is mature, caring and honest. When she walks into a room she can light it up without effort. She told me she was nervous with so much to do and learn. There is no need for her to be nervous, she is confident and poised, I just need her to see it in herself. Shannon has become everything you can ask in your child, but so much more. She has it all, she just needs to allow herself to see it. Am I bragging? No I tell it like it is. She completed this part of her life I only helped along the way. She will exceed her own expectations and I'll be watching and crying and proud as she does. This child is special and I want the world to know it, we were blessed to have someone like her as a daughter. GO GET EM GURL!

Sometimes things just work out

2007-08-30T17:40:00.000-07:00

Much to my delight I received a call from the Cultural and Heritage Commission offering a replacement headstone or even a restoration of the old one. Thomas Titus must be smiling down from the heavens with news like this coming from no where. 9/12 is the date we meet and view the old stone and discuss what to do. I have given this a lot of thought and I have decided I want it all. Since South Brunswick will never pony up any cash for this project I have decided to make a request of my own. I will request a new stone made for his grave and the old one set up right by a iron smith. Once the old one is up and sturdy I want it to be donated to the Cornelius Low house with a sign explaining the history story and where it came from. That way it will be safe for the future and the one on the farm will have a long life. That's what I always wanted so I will ask for this maybe receiving this piece of history will make them receptive to the idea I can only wait and see. Imagine in June I convinced myself to take a what and see attitude and then this happens. HAVE MERCY.....

Holy PULDA Batman

2007-08-24T14:56:00.000-07:00

I went out today to see where a possible site for a cemetery of the Buckelews may be. The description lead me to Old Georges Rd in North Brunswick. I drove up first but I found a older gentleman cutting the grass so I opted for a walk up. As I walked the rows of corn I got that good feeling I have not had in a while. The feeling of discovering something new. I really need that ever once and a while to recharge my batteries. So as I walked up the dirt driveway I felt that battery charge hitting me in each step I took. Finally I stopped and he shut off the John Deere. "Hi my name is James and I am a local historian looking for a family plot on this land". Then it hit me square between the eyes, PULDA, it was on the mailbox across the street. This was owned by Toll Brothers it was owned by the Morris Company. There I was back in the Morris saddle again. Gus was very friendly and explained to me Mr. Morris likes for him to continue the upkeep of the farm since the elder Mr. Pulda is primarily incapacitated. He also mentioned the daughters of the other Pulda brother cut him off from Mr. Pulda. He had worked for him and cared for him for many years. One day they moved him to a new nursing home and cut Gus out completely. He had been visiting every Sunday for years. I thanked him and walked onto the property with his blessing. Lord knows I did mention EVA (HAHAHAH). The home stands with everything in tack looks like he will walk home any day. Has a lot of barns, coops, corn crib, outhouses and other structures. A long walk path covered in concord grape vines, I loved that. It's old but still charming, I'll hate to see it go but things look in bad condition once you looked closely. The area where the cemetery may lay, if it is really there, is covered in brush, fruit trees and weeds. There is no way in the world I will be able to examine it till winter when all the growth dies out. It is a daunting task to cover all that overgrown area but I can imagine a cemetery buried in there so deep no knows it is there. How will History Man cut the brush? Will he encounter the evil Morris in his journey? Are there lost souls calling out to him? Stay tuned for this and other questions to be answered, same bat time same bat channel!

Bethel reclaims itself

2007-08-23T18:12:00.000-07:00

Well Monroe has a problem on it's hands now. Word is some artifacts have shown up at the site of the new high school. If they are from the historic village building will not happen on this land. I do feel for the township in that I'm sure they felt this was a perfect location and I don't believe anyone except for Rich Walling was sure anything would be found out there. The history gods sure have a strange way of showing themselves but it must be respected. I hope that all parties involved can find a way to work through this whole mess, kind of glad I am not in this one it could get really ugly... :-)

Into the woods

2007-08-22T17:20:00.000-07:00

Finally a new search for me to embark upon:

April 3 1795 Will of John Burkerlew Middlesex County NJ-

her husbands "Negro man" Pompey was to become the property of wife Mary Buckerlew. If Pompey lived to become unfit for service he was to live with any of John's sons, and all of the sons were to contribute equally towards maintaining Pompey while he lived"

Now I need to find the cemetery this family is buried in. Pompey's burial site as well. Worse yet this find may be the only thing to save the house from destruction. I love a challenge and yes I'll bet that cemetery is still out there somewhere covered up and forgotten. All I need is a address and off I go. YEEEEEEE HAAAAA!!!!!!!

Tough summer to rest your mind

2007-08-20T17:10:00.000-07:00

The news has become a three ring circus. Vick dog fighting, dumb-a%#. Hurricane Dean. Merv Griffin, Mrs Astor and Leona Helmsley in one week? For the record Mrs. Astor was the last true lady of a long gone era. A New York treasure who spent her life and millions giving to people in need. God bless you my lady :-) Buildings still burning near ground zero yikes. Bridges falling. What the heck is going on? I'll become a hermit if this keeps up!

Victory in Dayton

2007-08-17T17:19:00.000-07:00

Looks like the present danger has been avoided in Dayton. No warehouse at this point. It is a pleasure to see one refused after so many have been built. Now we can only wait and see if they pull "a Morris' and come up with some other madcap idea for the land. Guess the council decided those voting seniors would let it be known how they felt at the polls!!! Good show!

Sadness abounds

2007-08-10T16:49:00.000-07:00

Lately I have not been up to the blog. Twister in Brooklyn, bridge collapse in Minnesota, senseless executions in Newark have left me flat. My exercise has been increasing, my health improving yet I feel sad so much lately. All of these incidents make it hard to enjoy the summer. When this streak of craziness subsides I'll be ready to talk again.

Tough times in the east

2007-08-08T19:26:00.000-07:00

What terrible storms today even a possible 2 twisters in Brooklyn. This is oddly violent weather for these parts. I hope it calms down for a while. I saw row houses with roofs torn off. I hope nothing historic was effected there are many historic buildings throughout Brooklyn. Let's hope for the best...

The EVA message is spreading

2007-08-07T19:16:00.000-07:00

Well well well. For two years the EVA has been kicking and screaming about warehouses in South Brunswick's eastern side. Today an email pops up into my inbox suggesting Dayton citizens start to unite in order to stop warehouses coming into OUR side of town. Well there's a fine how do you do for you. People just sat by and watched it happen when EVA was fighting. Hardly anyone from other sections even moved when told about the history of the farm. It takes a warehouse in YOUR backyard to ignite some passion. I am proud to have been in this fight when it was raging in the eastern village and I will be involved when it rages in my town of Dayton, heck pretty soon we will have warehouses coming into all 5 of our villages and then everyone will want to join the fight. This must be the true meaning of not in my backyard!

Here is a sample (Yea Baby..Yea!)

"Some of our members helped to create Friends of Southern Middlesex County in order to fight the construction of warehouses near residential areas. Below is information that they are sending about the proposed construction. If you live near Friendship Road, Wetherill, Debra Drive, and Hay press, please read as this immediately impacts you. "

Here is more! Careful James the excitement is running over!

Warehouse Sprawl Effects Us All

"More than 75 residents from the Dayton area of South Brunswick have joined together to form the “Friends of Southern Middlesex County.” This group was formed in response to the last minute notification that the Matrix Development Corporation had submitted a proposal to build a 744,000 sq. ft warehouse on the corner of Route 130 and Friendship Road, as well as three additional warehouse complexes further down Friendship Road. Upon further investigation, it was discovered that Matrix planned to build additional complexes south of Friendship Road, a Fed Ex Distribution Center on Stults Road, along with additional warehouses in that vicinity.

The Friends of Southern Middlesex County oppose the “building out of South Brunswick with warehouses” because of the negative impact it will have on quality of life in their immediate neighborhood, as well as the significant negative impact it will have on all of the citizens in South Brunswick and the surrounding areas."

"This is like Deja Vu, all over again!"
Yogi Berra

Horror in Minnesota

2007-08-02T17:29:00.001-07:00

My heart goes out to all those touched in Minnesota what a horrific event...

It's a lonely world out there

2007-08-01T19:25:00.000-07:00

I read a very sad story in the paper today about a man living alone in central NJ. His neighbors thought he had fallen so the EMS came to check on him. Once in the house they found it covered in urine and feces from a huge array of cats. The animals were moved and the poor mans house had to be condemned. How lonely this man must have been and most likely had no one to care about him. When I see people being so rude and nasty as they seem so much to be these days, I want to tell them to have some kindness and take it easy. I do not want to end up like that man, that means you have to keep people in your life that care about you and your well being. That takes some kindness from time to time. If I could only bottle it and make people drink. O well that's what dreams are for.

Labor Day vacation

2007-07-31T17:51:00.000-07:00

We have decided to go on vacation Labor Day weekend to Kings Dominion in Virgina. In our 24 years of marriage we have never vacationed on this holiday so it should be most interesting. Since I am feeling so good these days I am up for the drive. The pressure is way down and I feel great since I started a in home walking routine. Weight is dropping as well as I am feeling lighter on my feet. It is a great time to start this for me since I really don't do any work in the summer while the family is home. In September is when I get back to the research. By then I think I'll be really feeling well. My knees don't like it but I will work through it since I have made so much progress in two weeks. If I can get the legs in shape it makes trampling through the areas I trample through much easier and I would love to loss a significant amount of weight through diet and exercise. Not that I am dieting, I have changed my eating habits and amounts, with fast results in better digestion and alertness. I actually went from a blood pressure of 140/90 to 125/75. So the doc (My Russian doctor I love her accent) says that if I lose the weight and keep this going I won't need the meds too long. So that's my goal.

Poking it with a stick

2007-07-27T16:49:00.000-07:00

The Van Dyke farm took a loud sigh today as Chris at the Sentinel tried to breath some new life into the story. The continued silence made some noise as he questioned the goings on behind closed doors. There was one ominous comment made by Robert Johnson who stated "Most financial institutions won't accept an appraisal after six months, and some even three months". Don't know how that will pay into the situation but it could have a effect. The wheels are moving so slow I bet they will actually fall off the wagon. Stay tuned for more on this saga.

Artificial Downtown Dayton

2007-07-24T17:19:00.000-07:00

I live in a small hamlet in central New Jersey called Dayton. Not Ohio, I'm in New Jersey. We are a small community with rich history. Washington and his troops passed through on there way to battle. We have a very small downtown with a church, old cemetery, old tavern and various other old homes. Lenape Indians created the path which is our main road. Now a developer has a bright idea to build a new downtown area about a mile north. Similar to the Faux downtown which is being built in Plainsboro. Nice structures but they are not the real thing, see my post on NEW HOPE PA! Condos, stores and old looking street lights do not make a downtown USA. I hope the Town Council keeps this in mind as these ideas come forth to build this. Jeez I bet there aren't planning a Inn so I may sleep and tend my horses either.

PTL

2007-07-23T16:50:00.000-07:00

Tammy Faye lost her battle with cancer and I must say the sight of her frail body was just so sad. I found the actions of her and Jim Bakker horrendous and I have been just annoyed with them for years. Taking advantage of one's religious emotions is the worst in my book. Seeing her suffer like that softened my heart, no one should have to go through that. Hopefully she honestly made peace with her maker before she left. I had a very relaxed weekend although I did clean a shed and trim the hedges. The weather was so good I didn't mind the work because I was outdoors. Best yet my meds are working well and I feel good, the exercise routine I have fallen into must be helping. So far so....

The truth hits everybody, the truth hits everyone...

2007-07-20T14:22:00.000-07:00

Last night in Philadelphia the skies opened up like a dam bursting. I often wonder if this raining sideways phenom is unique to Pennsylvania because it was hitting us from the side full force. Now being in Philly for a outdoor concert with sideways rain is not encouraging but we soldiered on into Wal-Mart bought ponchos and hit the car. Having just spent 3 hours at Dave and Busters my son and I were in real good moods and even the rain would not dampen our spirits. Once we got the Citizens Bank Park (I still prefer the VET!) the skies cleared and the air became much cooler in essence the perfect night for a concert. As the opening acts sang we walked the complex and every food you can imagine was there. I was quite proud of myself not having anything but a diet coke. My son finally got to try Chickie and Pete's Crab Fries which had quite a impressive line. They were good but nothing to get too excited about for me but CJ was thrilled. So by now your wondering who the heck did we see? Well if your a fan it's in the title. The Police reunion tour. Now I saw them in 1979 and they were fabulous and I'm happy to report they are still fabulous only...Only well... Age has kicked my butt and Stings but too. His falsetto is gone so the edge on the music has changed not that I did not enjoy it but it was noticeable of course I am a heck of a lot heavier since 1979 so were even :-) The energy and fun was still there. Andy Summers the(OMG) 63 year old guitarist has since publicly stated he could not play through out most of the career of the Police. Can you imagine winging it in such a popular band? He made up for it and I felt he really had something to prove on this tour, he was amazingly improved. Now the main reason my son wanted to go was Stewart Copeland drummer extraordinaire. He did not let my son down. He played the kit and had various instruments set up behind the kit so he could stand and play it was a clinic on proper drumming. The crowd was very young and lots of families like us, parents sharing there music experience with the kids. I felt right at home at the show. This is what family is about sharing some amazing moments once and a while. He will never forget the show and I will never forget him enjoying it. Some day I'll tell my grand kids about the day CJ and I saw the band who made that song Roxanne. Lastly Sting I lost a few steps too but thanks for giving it your all, the truth hits everybody, the truth hits everyone. (OO OO OO)

Been a weird week so far

2007-07-17T19:17:00.000-07:00

My doctor has put me on meds for my blood pressure. Being a black male I get diuretics too lucky me. So I have been feeling a little off the past week or so. After my check up it only went down two points so now I must double the dose. I never had meds consistently so it's odd for me but I need it so I will learn to adjust.

Historic New Hope

2007-07-16T17:20:00.000-07:00

I spent the day strolling New Hope Pa. with Char. She went into various shops and enjoyed a nice walk and some fun shopping. Me on the other hand? I enjoyed the same thing, when I wasn't trying to read the historic markers all over town. There is nothing better than seeing those markers all over town a historians dream. I must say my Titus marker is much nicer but they had so much more history on display, it was a shame more people did not take notice. Maybe they did and I missed them. I also drove down to Washington's Crossing Pa. side. Looks about the same as the NJ side. It was a lovely day to ride through history made me feel good all afternoon. I need more days like that!

Sometimes you need to stop and be thankful

2007-07-13T16:44:00.000-07:00

On my way to work today I reflected on my life a bit. The family, the marriage , the history, the health and all the things that go into making a life. My overall conclusion is I am a very blessed man. My wife and I have been together for 30 years this year, 24 of them married. My kids are healthy and safe trying to make a life for themselves. My health is good and I had a decent check up this month. I found my passion and my voice in history. I have made good relationships and lasting friendships. I feel good being James and though times get rough they go back to smooth too and make life livable. Yea corny, cheesy, but I don't care I see so many unhappy and miserable people, with more possessions than my parents have had there entire lives. Sometimes you need to be thankful for the little things and appreciate the big ones, that's what gets you through the bad times and keeps me smiling and cheerful most days. Thank god for the good things in my life and the strength to make it through the bad things. And keep a eye out for those seniors, most of us will be there someday and I want someone to keep a eye out for me.

The Sound of Silence

2007-07-12T19:13:00.000-07:00

Paul Simon said it all so well :

"Fools said i, you do not know Silence like a cancer grows. Hear my words that I might teach you, Take my arms that I might reach you. But my words like silent raindrops fell, And echoed In the wells of silence".

I was feeling very frustrated yesterday about the Van Dyke farm and let loose into the Letter to the Editor of several newspapers. That evening I received a email that mentioned the fact of things not going well and the sudden "silence" we are in. Bingo my brain smelled trouble for me. Nothing has been said officially but this was the first we heard of anything negative. Think it's time for a meeting y'all. I bet if we start to contact officials they will start dancing like Gene Kelly around the issue. Or just jump into that cone of silence I mentioned yesterday. Where is Agent 86 when you need him?

Discussions on the Van Dyke Farm surrounded by the “Cone of Silence”.

2007-07-11T17:09:00.000-07:00

I have been the historian for the Eastern Village Association since October 2005. Many hours have been spent researching the Van Dyke family history and the history of the slaves they once owned. South Brunswick New Jersey has also been my home for almost 25 years. Although I am proud to be a member of this citizen’s group I have tried to keep my public conversations strictly on the subject of the family and the slaves. Many members can speak about the subject of this farm with more knowledge than I have. Since I became a part of this group the discussion of saving the Van Dyke farm has moved through many channels. The Township Council has faced some difficult decisions concerning the farm. The State of New Jersey is facing tough decisions about the farm. The developer and the property owners are facing issues I am sure they never anticipated. This farm property issue has been bounced to and fro the entire time I have been involved with the E.V.A. As of April of 2007 there have been discussions going on which have brought the interested parties to the table. All of this has been done in quiet for almost four months. We do not know if they sat and spoke for one day and walked away. We do not know of they have been holding a dialogue the entire time. We do not know if anything is really happening. The point I am making is that for four months we have had no updates, conversations, hints or allegations of any kind. For all that we know it all fell through and something completely different may happen. As a concerned citizen I feel outrage at this process, a process that seems to have a “Cone of Silence” around it. Either the sides have come to common ground or they have walked away either way I believe we deserve to have some kind of update to the situation. We are all adults in this situation and I know we can handle whatever the outcome is at this point but the silence on the subject is deafening. No one knows, or wants to discuss it no matter who is asked we receive the standard response, be patient something is happening. My patience has run out, I know this farmhouse was built in the late 1700’s, I know the family burial plot exists, I know slaves were owned by this family and I know it was custom to bury them 800 to 1000 yards away from the homestead. There is history all over the Van Dyke farm and it is attached to Pigeon Swamp State Park which makes it ideal to include the farm right into the park. All we need to know is what is happening with these talks, is this question too hard or scary for anyone to answer?

And the Wetherwill will fall

2007-07-09T17:17:00.000-07:00

Sunday was the Dayton Coalition Family Picnic and some friends of ours were very involved setting it up so we went over for a hour chatting with our fellow Daytonites. It was pretty hot out there at Wetherill but we kept hydrated and did just fine. such a lovely piece of land it's a shame the old homestead is in bad condition it's only a matter of time till that house just falls down and we will have the Titus structures all over again. K&W will be bulldozing it down. Quite a shame but with no money put into it's upkeep it feels like the township is just going to watch it crumble. Well I have no weight round here so all I can do is sit and watch it happen, what a pity.

2007-07-07T09:26:00.000-07:00

I spent the morning at a day spa in East Brunswick with my wife. Christmas present from the family. I was massaged and exfoliated rubbed with hot stones and cold stones and I think I melted. I mentioned attention to the legs and arms and boy did she take me to task. She found muscles and pressure points in my legs I did not know I had and it hurt! I hung in there even when she started on my Achilles tendons YIKES! She also worked the flexibility of my legs which has bad range because I work at a desk all day long. Now I am loosey goosey and feeling groovy. I feel like a new man guys should loosen up and get this done it makes you feel great.

Beautiful days

2007-07-06T15:17:00.000-07:00

The next few days are going to be lovely weather days. I look forward to getting out and looking about for some undiscovered stones very soon. Word is that some unrecorded headstones are out there waiting for me once I get some idea of the location. Now that is my idea of a great start to the weekend!

The World's Deadliest Joke

2007-07-05T14:55:00.000-07:00

I spent 2 hours in Python heaven having chatted about them on the 4Th with Jean, my son and various others. My brother in law lent me the full 45 episodes and I am having a grand time. As funny and silly as it is the show really calls your mind to think about history which would explain me breaking the culture barrier and learning about British culture to understand more of the show. Be it the Queen, Attila the Hun or yes, even the Spanish Inquisition, (NO EXPECTS THE SPANISH INQUISITION!) I learned a lot about history figures and events which made me search out the story on them when I was young. See humour CAN be educational. Naked women had nothing to do with it I swear. My wife forced me out the door for my yearly check up on Tuesday and I am now borderline on high blood pressure. The doc put me on 5mg of a med and it has made me feel pretty good so far. I have a Russian doctor who sounds mean because of her accent but she is good and very thorough. Being a big guy everyone has always assumed I would have high pressure but it seems my personality does much to keep it down. We'll see how it goes! The World's Deadliest Joke? If I wrote it for you we would die....

Food and family

2007-07-04T15:09:00.000-07:00

Visited two spots for the 4Th today. I was at the Van Dyke farm with my son and the Fritz family. Had a lovely time just as I did last year. Sorry to say I had to leave early to spend time with my sister in law. Not a bad thing but we were pretty comfy either way. I am always thankful that I have many places to welcomed in makes the holiday a lot more fun. Have a good time today and all be safe.

Free at last, Free at last, thank god almighty

2007-07-03T13:15:00.000-07:00

When we get to the 4Th I always think about the Road to Monmouth and the revolution. It makes me think about the lives of our local slaves and how they were effected by the war. It has been documented throughout the north that owners sent the slaves off to war in the owners names. I feel that was such a cowardly act. Send this man to battle for your countries freedom while he has no freedom of his own. That is indeed irony. Some were promised freedom but returned to life as usual. How sad could this man's heart be to have been lied to in such a way? I imagine they knew in their hearts before they even returned. This historical and educational journey I travel has taught me to be thankful. I live in a time when blacks can do whatever they want and reach goals once thought unattainable as Barack Obama is proving by becoming the highest fund raiser 33 million that is astounding for any candidate. I am so thankful to all who lost their lives and suffered for me and my family. When I think of Independence Day I think of the freedoms my people have come to take for granted. I do not take this for granted, I remember Selma, Montgomery, Memphis and all the rest of those towns, even George Wallace on his capital steps vowing not to let the niggers in. I harbor no anger but I remember the pain of it. As every black American should and if they are too young my generation should remind them of it, that is our responsibility. I am proud to be an American and I am thankful to have opportunities my parents did not have. I hope to instill that in my children and my grandchildren. Happy 4th to all.....

Another Pleasant Valley Sunday

2007-07-02T18:28:00.000-07:00

Sunday was filled with my favorite things. (except Julie with her voice back) Attended church in Cranbury at the 273 year old Presbyterian Church. I don't have to mention how wonderful that was. My daughter performed the offertory hymn which sounded fabulous in the 273 year old church. I met very warm and lovely worshippers in the 273 year old church. (CAN YOU FEEL ME?) Let's just sum it up. The church, the members, the Minister all very welcoming to this visitor. I shall return again and maybe again. I even had lunch with Jean and some wonderfully nice members of the church. This actually set the tone for my day. I felt good all day even doing the groceries. Watched a movie or two and had a calm evening. One of those days you step back to smell the roses, snip a few and place them right in the bedroom. Indeed a Pleasant Valley Sunday.

I lost a good friend today

2007-06-29T18:32:00.000-07:00

There are no icons of TV or the movies that I can say I have a real connection with except for two people. Leonard Maltin is one (My animation guy) and Joel Segal was the second. Joel passed today I am sad to say. His taste was my taste and I followed his movie advice for 30 years. I am a movie buff and I spent a long time looking for someone who's taste matched mine. He was funny, witty and charming. Joel was no blue eyed handsome man he was just a guy, like me, who had a vast knowledge of movies. A everyday guy I like to call them. When the cancer really attacked him earlier this year my heart broke to see him so frail and sick but he hung in and tried to continue his work, I admire him for that. He even left his young son a book to cherish even though he would be gone, I respect him for that. Every time he did a review he was honest and fun to see, especially with Charlie, I loved him for that. Now it's his time to rest and put his worries behind him. I will miss this man but he truly earned a place in my heart and a seat upstairs.

Stareing into the abyss

2007-06-28T18:49:00.000-07:00

I had the opportunity to present ideas to a non profit group that is looking to fund programs which nuture the spirit and the mind. I wrote a lengthy letter explaining my desire to present slavery education in NJ schools. This is a dream I have had for a long time. Some of you out there are aware of my desire. I never committed those ideas to paper before and I most admit I impressed my own self with such bright eyed ambitions. I have participated with other performers in programs and find this very satisfying work. Since it has only been two years that I came out and started speaking publicly I still feel so green some days. Now I see that Crossroads in front of me, you know the one, Clapton and King keep singing about? This group contacted me and told me I needed to be a tax exempt group. Now that gets me thinking of a few people who support me in what I do and maybe I need to look into doing that. JEAN(wink) DOT (wink) CHARLEEN (wink) I need to research what it takes. Why do I keep sticking my hands into these big projects? This one will have a big payoff if I can make it happen. Everything I do, the lectures, the research, the dedication, seems to pump me up to take a bigger challenge my instincts have been good since the start so follow them I must!

New job fits me well

2007-06-27T18:40:00.000-07:00

I am now on week two of the new job in Plainsboro. I can go home or to a local place for dinner. Takes me no time to get in and back home. The loss of a 50 minute commute is sweetness. I can feel the difference in stress everyday. I used to get home around 7PM exhausted. I get home at 11:45 feeling fine. Having a bit of trouble getting settled for bed actually. I have not felt this good in a long time. Stress should get more credit for making our lives difficult. I feel like a new man.

When will man learn?

2007-06-26T14:38:00.000-07:00

I'm 48 years old and I have seen a lot of things, many I wish I had not. Today I read that Chris Benoit smothered his 7 year old, killed his wife and hung himself. For those who don't know he was a WWE wrestling star. Evidently it seems to have stemmed from steroid use. Which seems to be OK in the wrestling world. Guess it is not ok anymore. Now we will hear all the reasons why this is bad and basically the same crap we have heard for years except most of the people who will use it are not listening. I am sick and tired of men using this stuff and committing horrible acts. It's harmful, dangerous and anyone caught with it needs to be treated as any other drug possession. I am a father, husband and hopefully a good dad it hurts me to see men behaving in such horrible ways as Mr. Cutts or Mr. Benoit or Mr. Peterson or any man who needs to savagely kill his family. There is a door just walk away and move on, let them be, way is this so hard for men to do, it's easier to kill them?

Since I can't find Sarah, I'll visit Elsie

2007-06-25T10:01:00.000-07:00

Headed out for Plainsboro today in search of Sarah Titus, Tommy is looking for the wife of Thomas Titus burial spot, so I went looking. Not a surprise I did not find anything on Sarah and the Historical Society was closed so I took a minute to find a old friend. Since I was right on Plainsboro Rd I headed down to the development called Walker Gordon Farms. I quickly had a nightmare in my mind of Van Dyke farm looking like this. Beautiful townhouses with open fields between, a playground and several balls fields for the kids. Very lovely bike and walking paths throughout the community. Every thing was there except Walker Gordon farms. The cows and pastures, the testing facilities all gone. No milk, no cows, no pastures nothing but townhouses. Just another famous farming facility wiped clean from the map. Except for one small thing. Elsie is still there. Come on you remember, Borden cheese and dairy products, the 1939 World's Fair, the introduction of the new face of Borden, Elsie the Cow. I have fonds memories of her commercials in the 60's. Further back she made appearances and become one of the first real corporate symbols. I remember her being animated but I always loved that cow. So here she lies 5 miles from my home. Right outside a townhouse windowsill wonder if the owner got a break for the view of the dead commercial cow?

I found my "Laughing Place"

2007-06-22T17:12:00.000-07:00

I took time this week to enjoy articles that had some of my work in them. I have saved newspapers from late 2004 till the present most talk about slavery in South Brunswick, Titus or Van Dyke farms. It seems so much longer ago that I met Debbie from the Home News or Chris at The Sentinel to talk about slavery and cemeteries. Chris has been my favorite from the start. His writings seem to bring my passion across and that is always most important to me next to preservation. Last week I took time to pick my favorite three articles from 2007, 2006 and 2005 and have them matted and framed. I plan to do my first from 2004 soon. 2005 Debbie wrote the article on the headstone in the broom closet. I so love that one because the title is so powerful, no one wants to see a headstone in a broom closet. 2006 I took Chris on a tour of six cemeteries in the town and he wrote a article chronicling my efforts at these cemeteries which was so much fun for us both. He really enjoyed seeing what he had already heard so much about. Finally in 2007 I used the Titus dedication article with 91 year old Tommy and his niece clutching a family member portrait. As I looked back at these articles it became clear how much time and effort I have used on this project. Well not really a project more of a work in progress. I truly hope to continue with this long into my golden years come on, how many of you have found your "Laughing Place"?

Holy cow i'm back...

2007-06-21T18:16:00.000-07:00

Been a long while but I am now back. The Titus Farm dedication was a success. I have a new job just ten minutes from my home and it's 2ND shift 2:30 till 11:30 which means I can get back to research in the morning!!! My son has graduated 8Th grade and is off to the high school. My daughter has her own cell phone account (OOO YES!) My dog has colitis (?) and he's on a special diet. (Yorkie) The SB skate park opens Saturday and my son is ready and able and registered. Spent a evening with my man Bill and his wife's co workers last week. Jean has mentioned my daughter to her church and she's ready to sing on July 1st. As you can tell life has been full in June. I have much more to say but this is enough for tonight enough to say my life is full and I feel very blessed today.
TTFN

Historic Church Visit

2007-05-29T12:12:00.000-07:00

Over the Memorial Day weekend I attended a christening for a family friend who lives in Philadelphia. Little did I know the church is a famous historic landmark in Philly. This is also the very first church of it's kind in the United States. The Mother Bethel AME church was established around 1787. It has been a National historic landmark since 1974. Of course there was no AC so it was rather moist for us suit wearers but the church has such a nice feel to it I did not mind at all. A guest speaker from Nigeria made it even more fun for me. I have never attended a African Methodist Episcopal church before but there are similarities to services to the Baptist church I have attended. So I felt quite at home during the service which lasted around 90 minutes. They offer tours so I plan to return to do the historical tour and learn more about the structure and the founder Richard Allen. Should be fun learning something so new.

Van Dyke Jigsaw Puzzle

2007-05-23T12:07:00.000-07:00

Finally after 6 weeks I started putting together my research on the African American Van Dykes. Not that I researched that long it was tough squeezing in Tituses and Van Dykes at the same time. Turns out what little I got has them related anyway. The main conclusion I have come to is that once they were released the black Van Dykes seemed to have settled in Franklin Township on both sides Franklin and South Brunswick. To make matters more confusing Van Dykes lived in Montgomery (Harlingen Reformed Church) Franklin and South Brunswick (Six Mile Run Church) holding properties in all three areas and in some cases property stretching into the three areas. I researched the Harlingen Reformed Church, State Archives, Rutgers Library, Freehold's Monmouth County Historical Society and the Administrations building in New Brunswick for wills and deeds. Nothing but tiny tidbits of information and worse yet nothing to confirm the existence of the slave cemetery at Fresh Ponds. I was able to confirm two Black Van Dykes in South Brunswick, Hattie Van Dyke (died around 1946) who's sister Bertha Ten Broeck, is related to the wife of Thomas Titus and is buried in Kendall Park. Libbie Van Dyke lived across the street from Six Mile Run Church on the South Brunswick side of 27 and I suspect is actually Eliza Van Dyke (cannot prove it with certainty) who shows on a hand written map from 1896 of this area. There are several other black Van Dykes in Franklin census records and also in Hillsborough census records. (Can you tell I went DEEP!) Let's break it all down in simple terms. No one ever bothered to document these people except for some census records. The only way I will be able to get further is to find living relatives, but that puts me back into the same issue. Proof I need documented proof on these people. I even discovered a family bible of the Van Dykes given to a Rev J Addison Henry of Philadelphia (Could he have served in Cranbury Presbyterian HELP ME OUT Jean)by Catharine Rue. It only lists the whites in the family although it was neat to become aware of it's existence. What I need is a family bible from the black Van Dykes with where everyone was buried, talk about dreaming large...

Headstone in the school

2007-05-22T07:47:00.000-07:00

For quite some time I have been hearing stories about headstones in one of our elementary schools. I actually requested it be checked although I cannot be sure anyone actually looked. At a dinner party last night I had a opportunity to meet a unnamed important person in the district who wants to personally investigate this. My wife confirmed 3 other people she knew in the school system who confirmed they saw the stones as well having attended this school in there youth. The stones were removed to build a play ground over the small family plot (Sad isn't it?) since a school sits on the property. They were supposed to have moved the stones into the back woods which I have walked many times without a sign of them. This is the list of who was buried in this cemetery I wonder how many stones were removed?
Morris, Ann, d. July 29, 1817, age 86.3.3

Rightmire, James, d. July 7, 1829, aged 59 years

Sutphin, Mary, wife of Richard Sutphin, d . May 6, 1841, aged 61 years

Sutphin, Richard, d. Aug. 17, 1840, aged 85 years

Van Cleef, Ann, wife of Jacobas, daughter of Thomas & Jane Caywood, d. May 25, 1811, aged 20.11.18

Van Pelt, Aaron, d. Aug. 11, 1830, aged 30.4.11

Van Pelt, Abigail, wife of Isaac Van Pelt, d. Oct. 7, 1849, aged 82.8.6

Van Pelt, Isaac, d. April 27, 1816, aged 65.7.17

Van Pelt, Isaac, d. April 27, 1816, aged 67 years

Van Pelt, Isaac, d. April 30, 1825, aged 37.2.2

I'll keep you all posted on this one should be interesting to see if I can find them.

Making my own history

2007-05-17T07:35:00.000-07:00

5/16/07 at 3:15 my daughter crossed the stage at the PNC Arts Center in NJ and received her B.A. degree in Special Education/Music. She is the first of the grandchildren to get her degree and it was a very special, even historical, moment for my family. She follows into the footsteps of her mother in special ed and into mine in music. That really makes it so wonderful to see the best parts of us as parents come through into the child. I have no doubt she will become a valued member of society and a good person. That is really what we all desire as parents when you boil it down. These are the days you want to relive over and over.

Running with scissors

2007-05-15T08:06:00.000-07:00

Took a few days away from the blog. Times are as busy as ever. Shannon graduates Monmouth U Wednesday, CJ graduates Middle School and has his final band concert in June and I am still in preparation for the Titus event. I spent Saturday with my assistant (yea I actually have one) and we are working on a correctly prepared program. I have the information now it needs to be placed with pictures correctly and I even have someone to set it up and print it. Tomorrow I visit the Mayor's office to make sure they are on top of the setup and to tell them I may have Senator Menendez lined up, I should find out by the end of the week. Such a slow process to get a politician to commit to a event. The Mayor's in for a surprise because none of them realize I have come this close in securing a solidly known speaker and this now needs to have a press release not to mention public awareness. I decided to keep it quiet till I was almost positive and it's looking good right now. Three speakers just as I wanted makes it smooth. Trying to contact the New Jersey Orators has become harder than I anticipated but I'll keep trying. My overall goal is to have a high turn out and create a atmosphere of discussion for history in South Brunswick. I'm praying harder than ever now and running with scissors....

Elaine, Spiderman and the EVA.

2007-05-11T12:08:00.000-07:00

One of the things I love most about the pursuit of saving the Van Dyke farm is the people I have worked with. I have worked very closely with 4 of the members and I have the utmost respect for each of them. On May 1st Elaine was featured in a story about the farm in the New Jersey Jewish News entitled "Once We Were Slaves". Elaine has such a tremendous drive in this effort and she has on more than one occasion picked me up when I was in research hell. Research hell is the place I wind up when I cannot find the information I need. She is sincere and very determined (Don't tell her my nickname for her is PITBULL heheheh). Elaine convinced me to lecture for the EVA at the Slave Symposium. No matter how many times I tell her I cannot find something she refuses to let me go without giving it a finally shot. Jonathan silently fights from his PC, Bill is the emotional fighter, Jean stands up to anyone for the fight, Elaine keeps pushing the fight and I look for the historic might for the fight. I am very proud to stand among the EVA and fight for the Van Dyke farm and today I am extra proud of Elaine pushing the fight anywhere it needs to go. Her article included this line. "East Brunswick woman cites her Jewish values in fight to preserve farm". That says it all about Elaine. Maybe we should all be Marvel Superheros, move your butt over Spidey!

Mr. Walling goes to Monroe

2007-05-10T09:07:00.000-07:00

Imagine my shock this morning when I started to read in my local South Brunswick Post that Richard Walling was involved in the Thompson Park mess in Jamesburg in which Monroe Township is trying to build a new school. Here is an excerpt:

"Enter Richard Walling, a historical preservationist and author who believes the proposed high school site to be the location of historical Bethel Indian Town, the Presbyterian mission run by the Rev. David Brainerd in the middle of the 1700s. Mr. Walling has filed an application with the state Historic Preservation Office to have it listed on the state Register of Historic Sites — and he says he'll sue if the state, township or school board go ahead with the school project before the application is reviewed. (He's also threatened township officials, via e-mail, with charges of official misconduct — which would be par for the course in a battle that has been rife with personal attacks from its beginning four years ago.)"

This is a great cause and it is always good to keep up the good fight but Mr. Walling has had some very difficult times in the public eye in the last few years and frankly I am very surprised he would become involved in this very public battle. I cannot judge him (lord knows we all have done things not to be proud) but if I were him I think it wise to keep myself in the background of a big situation such as this. For those of you who don't know him or what happened "allegedly" here is some of his story in East Brunswick NJ.

" Former East Brunswick councilman, disgraced teacher and local historian Richard Walling has pleaded guilty to theft in connection with checks from The Friends of Monmouth Battlefield that he wrote for eyeglasses, phone bills and to himself, authorities said. Walling, 48, served as the chief executive officer of the Monmouth County-based volunteer, nonprofit group when he stole $32,500 from it between August 2003 and February 2005 authorities said."

I will give him credit for being passionate but his previous issues could make his association with the situation turn poisonous. Stay tuned, this could get really good in the future....

Losing Ground

2007-05-09T09:30:00.000-07:00

A new movie is coming called Losing Ground http://www.losinggroundmovie.com/main.swf
Micheal Levine tells the story of a transformation of his farming community into McMansions, as he calls them. This story runs parallel to the Van Dyke farm and many other threatened farms throughout New Jersey. The story is about Pilesgrove Township in Salem County but it really could be anywhere in central or southern NJ. This will open dialogue which is constantly debated on the use of farmland in NJ. I can only hope it gets national attention and many others can see the effect developers and township officials are having on the landscape of my state.

Monroe school bus accident

2007-05-08T14:48:00.000-07:00

Strangely enough last week I was driving Route 522 past the area of the Monroe bus accident yesterday and when I reached the Barclay School we had to stop for the buses. A SUV driver passes me on the double yellow line and proceeds to pass the school bus who was waiting his turn to make the left. As he did this cars began to try and squeeze past him so he was basically making a third lane on a two lane road. When I heard the buses collided I was not very surprised. The drivers I see in this area need to take a lot more caution around these schools and these children.

The importance of history

2007-05-07T12:40:00.000-07:00

I have been lecturing and researching for a while and sometimes you take for granted the importance of what your doing. Sunday I decided to attend my childhood church home and it was a wonderful day even though it lasted a whopping three hours. It felt like I never left which has me pondering a return to 2ND Baptist on a weekly basis. Now I attended this church from 1970 or so through 1980 so I grew into a young man and then into a man while there. Yesterday I found myself full of joy and yet nagged with sorrow. As I glanced around the church I kept imagining the faces that were gone. And there were many faces gone, not due to choice, due to death. I have always felt at home with elders in my life a feeling all of my children seem to share with me. I looked at the Deacons, Roselle, Spears and many others were gone. Pastor's wife is in a nursing home. People I remember as kids were now men and women as I am some of them gone in death too. Seeing this made me really understand the value of oral history. That history that Aunt Fannie and Uncle Joe, Grandpa Jim and Grandma Flo have in there heads. People realize this way too late. Once they are gone you cannot get that history back. All the times they babbled those stories in your head, repeated the same one over and over again. Once they pass you may wish you had listened closer and paid better attention. In my family they just don't want to talk about it. My family experienced slavery in Georgia. here I am a slavery researcher with a oral history in my family and I cannot even approach the subject. I am practically begging them to tell me everything and they refuse. So take the time to listen and even write down those stories, that is your heritage and your legacy. You will be glad you did, hey it took me 48 years to understand this.

Spring time is here

2007-05-04T10:39:00.000-07:00

The weather is good, the sun is shining and warm. Time for some cemetery searches. Woodland exploration. Old house hunting. This is the time of the year I can head out and look at old structures and the like. I love when I can get back outside. Not that inside research isn't good too but I love to be outside searching for things. I have done some of my best work in the spring/summer. I remember the summer I went after the Titus headstone. I must have approached everyone in Kendall Park and Monmouth Junction looking for that stone. I found the farm and I found writings of the existence of the stone but the stone itself hid out almost an entire summer. Thank god someone finally recalled a man named Tom Morris (Head of recreation of all things)who knew about a stone. After a conversation with him I was sent to the Public Works building and inside of there, up the stairs, down the dirty corridor through a broom closet, in a corner lay the stone. In two pieces but still there never the less. The headstone in the broom closet. You better believe they don't keep it in a broom closet anymore :-) That was a grand accomplishment for me and I still recall that feeling once I laid eyes on it. It is a good feeling when you find something that eludes you for so long. I think everyone should experience that feeling once and a while, it acts like a boost of confidence inside you. I still years later carry that feeling with me. Who knows maybe I'll go over the Eastern side of town and play with Tucker, Toby and Chance....

The LOST connection to the USS Constellation

2007-05-03T12:09:00.000-07:00

I have resisted blogging about many other things than history and current history. (Don Imus)I can't stand it anymore I must bring up my favorite TV show LOST. Now if you never watched it you will have no idea of why we LOST fans are so perplexed and that really won't matter so please read on. The premise is:
Plane crashes on island,
Some survive,
Others are living on the island,
Strange things happen on the island.
There is is area on the island known as Black Rock. Within it is a huge old 19Th century ship. When this was found it had the markings of a slave ship. It is old and falling apart with unstable dynamite and dead bodies all around and inside. When we first were shown this ship I was so excited and I had to wait a long time till last night's episode not only brought it back but spent a lot of time within the ship. Mind you it is on dry land way back from the beach line of the island so it has a creepy aura about it. Because this episode was so intense I could not see a lot of the ship in the scenes but you better believe I will be watching this online just to keep eyes out for the ship background. It is such a treat for me to have such a piece of history written into a TV show and it is a part of the charm of LOST for me. You never know what will show up and how odd it may be. My curiosity of slave ships started back in 2002 I think. My family took a trip to Baltimore Inner Harbor. The gals went shopping and my son and I saw this ship docked and it looked really old. So we paid the price and boarded and I immediately felt uneasy. As I went deeper into the levels I felt down right chilled to the bone. My son who was about 9 at the time seemed fine so I shrugged it off. The thing that really bothered me was a map which showed how the slaves were packed in the hull like sardines. I finally had to leave the ship, not that I was not aware of these ships and the stories it just hounded me in my mind. I truly felt fear. So what did I do when I got back home? Hit the Internet and searched for the USS Constellation and I found it on many ghost hunters list as the most haunted ship. Now I did not SEE or HEAR anything. But the history of the ship starts as a slave ship and ends up in battle in the Civil War. So death and misery surrounded her throughout history. I cannot confirm or deny the existence of ghosts (Many others have worked that) but it did leave me cold. Best of all LOST has brought me back to that day in Baltimore of which I never planned to share with anyone (except the lovely Charleen :-) ). Since many who read this know me I hope you all know I am basically a sane man. (Go ahead disprove it, I dare ya) If you ever get to Baltimore board this ship and see for yourself, at least I warned you ahead of time!!!

Farewell to a friend...

2007-05-02T09:33:00.000-07:00

I sent a invitation to the Plainsboro Historical Society yesterday and Robert Yuell responded back. He was the first person I encountered when I started my research on the Deans and slaves back in 2001 outside of South Brunswick. They helped me find a family history on the Titus family which they had a copy of and some of the elders of the town (Volunteers) knew the Tituses that lived in Plainsboro and gave me personnel accounts of the family. I have made several trips to Plainsboro for research and Robert has always been helpful and interested in the work I have done. Sadly he has decided to move to Florida in the coming months and it will be a loss for the community. As it always seems he was the main fountain of information there and I can only hope someone can pick up the job once Robert makes his move. He was very dedicated to the history of the town and I will surely miss his presence there. Good luck my friend, I will miss you.

Opening old wounds...

2007-05-01T14:51:00.000-07:00

I was thinking about sending some personal invites to the farm event to people who have been so helpful to me over the years. Plainsboro, Cranbury and Freehold historical groups have really helped me in my research. Of course now I am thinking about all the towns around me with historical societies and my town has none. It was said that when we had one in the 1980's the chairwoman got frustrated and dumped all the information at the library, which explains why the library has so much great information. We have some good locations and possibilities but we don't have the people. There are small bands of us throughout the township trying to preserve history here, but we have no consolidated efforts. Maybe once Titus is over and the Van Dyke farm is saved I should open a dialogue for residents on this subject, there are a lot of people with items needed to be collected but one person cannot do it. (God bless you Ceil) Maybe I should stop wondering and start some action....

Two speakers in the fold...

2007-04-30T13:54:00.000-07:00

Well now I have two confirmed yes for speakers for the Titus Farm. I will say one of the great things about coordinating an event is you can go for speakers you enjoy. So far the first two I know will hold the interest of the crowd and keep it flowing. I actually got the camps of Senator Menendez and Rep Holt to somewhat commit. Holt cannot give me the OK till 2 weeks out and he will be just back 2 days from a trip abroad. Menendez has a possible trip to Puerto Rico. If he goes I'm out, if he does not go I should be in. I now understand why organizers pull there hair out. It's not any ones fault it seems to be the nature of the political machines. This does make it hard for someone like me who wants to get it done early and stay on top of the situation. I really dislike last minute. I have already decided to compose the program and leave out the keynote speaker till I get the definitive word. I can actually see things start to take shape.

Titus starts to take shape

2007-04-28T15:59:00.000-07:00

Slowly it turns, step by step, inch by inch... The most difficult challenge to this dedication ceremony is nailing down a speaker. It's down to Rush Holt and Robert Menendez, neither camp will make a decision so I have to call and hound, call and hound. I did get Anna from the Middlesex County Cultural Commission. She will be a fun speaker, tells good stories and has been around through a lot of various politicians. I am still working the other 2 slots. The keynote speaker hopefully will be a politician if not I will use Giles Wright if I can convince him to do it. I do not want to coordinate this and be the keynote speaker, way to much pressure. June is coming fast and I need to light a fire under these butts!

Time to breath

2007-04-27T12:31:00.000-07:00

Well the recital is done and confirmation is completed. Only 8Th grade recognition and college graduation remain...
Speaking of confirmation my wife's uncle was here from Trinidad for my son's confirmation. He is a Catholic priest. Since his nephew was being confirmed he wanted to participate in the ceremony. Did anyone out there know there is some secret code for priests to use to positively identify themselves? Well there is and he robed up and came on out with the bishop and all to participate, really made the event extra special.

Short and to the point...

2007-04-25T12:09:00.000-07:00

The report was short and straight to the point on NJN. Bill, Jean and myself each had a turn to speak and there were some nice pictures of the house and cemeteries. Other than being a little longer I think it went well and hopefully will keep people asking questions...

Tonight's the night...

2007-04-24T14:32:00.000-07:00

Well the long anticipated piece on the farm will air on NJN tonight at 6:00PM, 7:30PM and 11PM est. Bill, Jean and I all contributed so I hope we all have a little time on the piece. I believe it is only 4 minutes or so and they should be talking about the Van Dyke Farm in South Brunswick NJ. Check your local programing for NJN or you may be able to see the stream at:

http://www.njn.net/television/webcast/

Keep a eye out for us!!!

"Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!" And bring back pally.

2007-04-23T12:47:00.000-07:00

President Reagan may have charged this duty to Gorbachev, but Boris Yeltsin was left to make it all work. It was never easy for Boris, he was blamed for all the financial woes that come from democracy. He was labeled an alcoholic. He could not stop looting of state industry as it went private. Some say he used his power to squash political adversaries. All of this is most likely true but I loved this guy. He steered the Soviets through an impossible task of democracy and they are still standing today. He was sick, he battled the bottle, but this was a real man in all his dorkiness. He stood on a tank and took power. He danced (terribly) during elections. He kept a smiling face while Russia almost imploded. I have always had a soft spot and much admiration for the manly men of politics. That era was gone once I reached manhood. I am a part of the sensitive, understanding, cooking, babysitting, how can I help you honey age of husbands. Yeltsin, Gorby, Reagan all real men. Bronson, Eastwood, Michum, Wayne ate nails for breakfast men. Even the Rat Pack, silly, funny real man's men. I look at our political leaders and there has been a change in the manly men landscape. President Bush, not so much. Today's Hollywood? DiCaprio, Cruise, Damon, Nicolas Cage, I think not. I am not saying that you must be a man's man to do these things, I am saying, I miss those types of guys. I grew up loving the aura and the style of those times and those men. Time marches on without a doubt but come on, wouldn't it be nice to throw on a tux or a gown, go to a show in Vegas (With cigarette smoke) only 250 people in the room, double shot of Bourbon(Guys) martini (Gals) listen to dirty jokes you need to THINK about before you get it? I know, I know in 1960 they would not even have let me in those places in Vegas. That's not the point, it was about style and class, black and white even through segregation both had it. One time ,just once I would loved to say "Hey Pally? Ain't nothing like a dame".

Once and only once....

2007-04-19T13:52:00.000-07:00

Having watched this tragedy unfold at Virgina Tech I felt I should blog it out at least once. All I can do is pray for the families, students and faculty of this institution. My heart is so full of sorrow for them and the nation. I have children in and almost out of college and I can almost feel the pain and suffering they experience. President Bush and many other important people have come to express support and sorrow for the victim's and all others associated to this horrific crime. But I reserve the most sorrow for the mother, father and sister of this young man. They have the weight of South Korea on there shoulders, with families in fear to send there students to the US. They have the guilt of a lifetime for not being able to save this young man. They have shame placed upon them, even though they did nothing shameful. This could have been me, or my neighbor, or the woman at the Post Office, or the waiter at Cheeseburger in Paradise. Do not be so naive to think this cannot happen to your family. I see so many students, Elementary, Middle school, High School, College depressed, suicidal, violent and some unstoppable. Yes unstoppable. How could we have stopped him, or the young men from Columbine or countless others. There is no easy response or solution to these issues. So join me and pray for them all, the victim's, students, faculty, perpetrator's and anyone else who has experienced this type of violence. Nothing else has worked we seem not to learn from these acts, maybe if we all pray to the power you believe in, we can say this happened once.....and only once....

The Van Dyke Tango

2007-04-19T13:38:00.000-07:00

I decided today to stop and just think about this for a few days. I have absorbed a lot of information for the past 2 weeks but much of it does not help me reach my goal of proof. So now, I stand back, Cha-Cha-Cha, try and contemplate what I have been able to find. Why am I only finding black Van Dyke's in the Western side of South Brunswick-Franklin Cha-Cha-Cha.
Why are there so many in that area Cha-Cha-Cha. All the ones in the eastern village just disappeared Cha-Cha-Cha. Have I gone mad with the Cha-Cha-Cha? Maybe I should stop watching Dancing with the Stars? Hell maybe I should just go over and start shoveling Jean's horse stalls. There is something I have not connected yet, I somehow can feel it, but what dots are missing? Well this and many other compelling revelations shall be revealed in coming episodes of the "Van Dyke Tango".

Research Hell

2007-04-18T07:40:00.000-07:00

My dad was here from Orlando till Tuesday morning. He came up for my daughters recital at Monmouth University. The event went off beautifully with only the rain making it a tough day. Her program went off without a hitch and a crowd of around 100 came to see the performance. She sang in four languages, French, Italian, German and English. Afterwards we had a reception for family at Rooney's right on the boardwalk in Long Branch. With the Northeaster dumping 8 inches of rain traveling was tricky but we made it through. After dropping dad off at the airport I headed straight to Trenton which was a tricky adventure, I actually took a route I never have and made it into the heart of town. That's when my week went sour. First I never have tried to eat in downtown Trenton before so I rode around for over 30 minutes looking for a place and then a few more looking for parking. The state parking deck was flooded out. I decided on J's Chicken and Waffles. Awesome meal and great service, a bit pricey for lunch (at $12 for basic Chicken and Waffle) but something very new here on the east coast. They have this in Los Angeles and it's very popular. So after a great meal and some relaxation I headed to the State Archives. Nothing. I found nothing. Nothing on slaves, nothing on the black Van Dykes or Ten Broecks. What little they had I have already exhausted. So now I am left with a lot of guessing and searching for a magic bullet.

The last word...

2007-04-13T09:34:00.000-07:00

Don Imus has been dropped from his TV show and his radio show. When the sponsors and the fellow employees stop there support there is only one thing left to do. Shut the man down.
Enough said.

New Public Service Announcement

2007-04-13T09:27:00.000-07:00

Thank goodness Governor Corzine (New Jersey) made it out of this accident alive with no brain damage. His body has suffered a high level trauma and it seems he will take at least three months to recuperate. Of course much of this would have been avoided if he had WORN his seat belt. If ever there was an example of the cost of not wearing the belt this surely would be the most visible one. In my mind I see the healed Governor months from now on a national Public Service message explaining the great importance of seat belts. He has survived and it seems he will mend, I hope he takes it to the next level and gets the message out on seat belt safety.

A Clear and present danger....

2007-04-12T13:38:00.000-07:00

It's 4:55 as I sit at my desk working my real job. I have been here for 7 years, don't make a lot but it's been steady work. Except for the layoffs. Every year since 9/11 we go through a round of layoffs. As I sit here and look around 3 of my co-workers have received envelopes stating there date of departure. People all over the building are receiving these envelopes and it truly is disturbing. I know companies feel they must do these things but the manner in which it is carried out needs more sensitivity training. They handed them envelopes sent them home, told them not to discuss the situation and they must work OUT there last days. In some cases that is 10 weeks. Don't get me wrong I am thankful to have my job (So far) but watching this unfold for the 7Th time is wearing my nerves thin. It is hard to watch people leave and then come back next week like all is well. The largest fear for me is uncertainty, am I next, could it be my turn, how long do I have? But worst of all that has happened today is this. We have a meeting at 9am this morning before this all starts and we see a grey haired man with a pistol side holstered walking around the building from department to department. No explanation, no word, just watch him walking all around. Then the layoffs start it seems he was here to make sure people stayed calm and not threw a fit of rage. But do you know how unnerving it is to see a man strapped with a weapon for no reason patrolling your office? There has got to be a better way of doing this, it leaves the surviving employees shaken and stirred.

Class and Poise

2007-04-11T14:50:00.000-07:00

It was a proud moment to be a Jerseyan as I listened to the Rutgers Lady Knights and coach speak about the hurt and suffering caused by Don Imus and crew. They spoke from the heart with anger and grief, yet they showed poise beyond there years. There message was brought to the public with grace and dignity. I applaud them for the way they handled themselves, it reinforces my faith in youth.

I get by with a little help from my friends...

2007-04-10T08:00:00.000-07:00

Last week while at Rutgers I was put in touch with Dorothy who had done extensive research on slavery in Franklin. She is 80 plus and has been working on this for 50 years. She seemed very pleased to have someone trying to research the subject asking for help from her research. I know that feeling of doing research and finding someone who can put it to a use. That makes all those days of tough research feel well worth while, she found seven African American Van Dyke's whom I will try and track to ours in Fresh Ponds. Complicating matters is the lack of maiden names. In the 18Th century everything was so male driven. Once women married in many case that maiden name just vanished. I have a connection between Ten Broeck(Brook)-Van Dyke-Titus which may allow me to work through families to maybe find out more about burials in the families. Problem is I show two sisters, Bertha Ten Broeck and Hattie Van Dyke, and I don't know the maiden names. Van Dyke could be it but they don't show under the name. If they were sisters at some point they would have lived together. Well no one ever said this would be easy. I'll just keep shaking that tree till something falls out.

Happy Easter days...

2007-04-09T07:31:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone had a great Easter. I spent my day at my sister in laws which is very nice because we did not have to do it at home. Calm and quiet with some good conversation then it was back home. Spoke to my parents a while and checked with my dad who is coming into New Jersey on Friday. I really enjoy holidays that run so smooth makes for a better meal. Last night I watched he Sopranos in real time for the first time, I have never had HBO at home till Saturday...Poor Bobby Bacala...On good holidays it is nice to watch a fictional family mess than having one of your own. OOH yea I bite ear top off my son's chocolate Easter bunny..These are the days...

Hey Don Imus, you have a nappy head too....

2007-04-07T11:45:00.000-07:00

"Bunch of nappy headed Ho's" That is the term Don Imus used on the radio last week and he is now in some very hot water. This is truly "a black thing". I very rarely use that phrase because I feel it is a bit divisive but when a term like this is used it has to be addressed that way. I feel I have a right to address Donald, my grandmother, my mother, my wife and my daughters are all black. I know a little bit about nappy and Ho's and next to being addressed as a "bitch" there are not many other terms more insulting to a black women or girl. First you have to understand the difficulty in hair care when you have hair that may become nappy, it is a nightmare. Basically chemicals, hot combs (iron comb heated over a flame and ran through your hair, just imagine that!) and flat irons are the only things that can help this problem and you cannot use them every day. Imagine whenever you wash your hair, BOING, it gets nappy. My daughter has suffered with this for years and it is a issue that can bring her to tears. (Makes a dad feel exceptionally useless) Being called a whore (ho) or prostitute needs no explanation. Put those words into a old white man who has no idea the years of suffrage about looks and perception in the black community, that's quite a recipe for disaster. It's no help that Imus has no taste either. Apparently no compassion as well. The black community will ask for his head and we should get it, this has been a sore subject back to slavery. Not only is humans in slavery a hideous idea, think about the hygiene issues and the fact that you could not take care of yourself properly. Even the owners had issues but also had resources to deal with it. What I heard in his words and my fellow blacks heard was, "nappy little niggers, good for only one thing". Think about it and repeat his words. "Bunch of nappy headed Ho's". Imus may not have meant to insult the community but he did, and did it in such a way I find inexcusable.

Such tiny bits...

2007-04-07T11:33:00.000-07:00

I spent Good Friday with my head in the books at Rutgers. I have discovered a Poor Book that may yield some more information on the Van Dyke-Ten Broeck connection. Problem is, it is from Franklin and to take the time to go through the two books on a hunch is very time consuming. So I will try the old fashioned ways first. I spent almost 8 research hours this week and hardly a thing to show. It would be nice if we had one from South Brunswick. And imagine this: there was a physical Poor farm and a Poor House. It really did exist, as many times as I used the term I never imagined looking through a book with people registered to it WOW! I'll keep digging though, I'll be damned if they will tear down that farmhouse without better than my best! Had digital cable and phone service added today so my whole package is in the hands of Comcast. Keep my fingers crossed on that decision.

What a week...

2007-04-05T18:50:00.000-07:00

I am supposed to be on vacation. My wife's car got a screw in the the tire. Off to Burlington (Mt. Holly NJ) to pick up the only one I could find. Then groceries (Hi Mrs K :-) ) Shannon brought us down to Monmouth University to see the room for her recital. Beautiful it sits in Wilson hall (Woodrow's summer house) hand painted walls spots for puppets shows very nice. Took the wife to Cheeseburger in Paradise in Langhorne Pa. Spent 3 days researching and I got nothing. I am so frustrated. I did however find two African American Van Dyke's. My only hope may be to find those ancestors. Tomorrow I'm off to Governor Corzine's office to plead for him to come to the Titus dedication in person. On a good note the township is providing the stage podium some trees from the Shade Tree Commission and seemed to have taken a interest in this thing, NY Times pressure never hurts either..HEHEEH And I have to go to the State Archives and BACK to Rutgers. WHAT A WEEK!!!!!

My dear friend and mentor....

2007-03-29T18:12:00.000-07:00

I had a situation this week where we were offered possible help saving the Van Dyke farm. Problem is the person who offered may have a different agenda than us so I emailed my mentor Dot as usual she pondered the situation and came back with bullet points to ponder which were fabulous. Through lecture proof reading, story opinions, and moral support Dot has earned the right to my trust in all that I do. She is always consistent in her opinion and advice and I admire all she has accomplished as a educator. One of the most difficult, if not impossible tasks for a writer is to accept criticism. Writing is very personal in that I am no exception. I knew I needed someone who would be brutal honest yet respectful of my emotions. From the first lecture till yesterday Dot has fulfilled that roll in my life and I cannot thank her enough. I speak to her from time to time, some stretches for months at a time but when I interviewed on two radio stations, she was there. When I stared into that TV camera yesterday, she was there. When I go to Governor Corzine's and ask him to review the Van Dyke farm and speak at my function, yea she'll be there too. You see I figured it out. A true friend inspires you, criticizes you, supports you, and leaves a little piece of themselves with you. Dot left me a good piece of herself, that makes me a better historian every day.

Saturday starts the work...

2007-03-29T13:59:00.000-07:00

I head off to Freehold to visit the The Monmouth County Historical Association Library & Archives. I will be looking through the history of the Van Dyke family to start my work on the slave issue. I used a wonderful book to look up the Beekmans. The book also includes the Van Dykes but at that time I was not working through them. I love going here because the workers are so helpful every research center should be as pleasant as these folks are. This is going to be great I hope I can find something.

A rolling historian gathers no moss.......

2007-03-28T13:20:00.000-07:00

Martin Luther King once went to the mountaintop and peered out to see the promised land. I just found my mountaintop and when I peered out I saw a long hill going down. Having spent the morning with Sammy & Army on 1600AM NYC and the late morning with NJN TV I can say I feel very accomplished and proud of my contributions to the cause. I felt my comfort zone with Jean at my side with her in depth knowledge of the farm situation. This allowed me to address the slave issue which is where I am most at home. I had a very hearty greeting from my co-workers once I stepped over to my desk because 4 of them had the show streaming onto the computers. (Heck yea I blush really well!). As I stared into the TV camera today I felt really confident and relaxed and with all that has happened the more I do it the better I will get. I am working till 9PM which allows me just enough time to get home for tonight's episode of Lost, I am a huge fan of the show. By 11PM I will have had one of my fullest days in quite some time. But hey, I feel good, I look good, and I didn't get moss covered, what more can one ask?

Preparation, Preparation, Preparation

2007-03-27T08:55:00.000-07:00

Since the EVA convinced me to speak in 2005 I have discovered some great things about myself. I always get nervous before I speak, but it leaves me half way in. I am quick on my feet when questioned. The more passion I feel the more I can convey to the audience. This all came into play while I was interviewed live on radio this morning. The key to what works for me is my preparation. I spoke to my fellow EVA ers last night and got a feel for the message I needed to convey. I put together some loose notes on the farm and the slaves, the developer, my goals and wants. As I sat in my PJ's on with eight separate pieces of paper on the table before me I calmly responded to the questions, and some were very deep questions, slowly feeling more confident as it went on. I do not think that Jean, Bill, Lanni or Jonathon realized I have only spoken about the slave aspect not the intimate details of the farms fight to be saved. What made me most nervous was that I wanted to present the group as competent, passionate and devoted. Not a loose group of people going off in all directions, I know how good these people are, I needed the audience to know it too. I never spoke on behalf of them all. Jean has assured me I did a good job and I feel good about the experience so far. Next week I start my research into the slaves and hopefully we will have other chances to get the word out to save Van Dyke farm.

There off....

2007-03-26T14:08:00.000-07:00

Sitting at work today near the Jersey shore I heard something on the Breeze (Local radio) that made me giggle. They were talking about a group of New Jerseyans trying to save a farm in South Brunswick on the noon news. 5 minutes later a co-worker walked up with the Asbury Park Press and showed me a shorter version of the Times article in this paper. Driving down the road from lunch I received a phone call from the producer of WURD 900 AM talk radio. The only black owned radio station in Philadelphia PA. They want to interview me at 7:30 am Tuesday morning about the farm. Now I joked with Bill about us suddenly getting calls from all around but I did not really think it would happen. And not as fast as it has either. I am getting the sense we have opened a real dialogue and I am preparing myself for more to come. I hope the gang is ready, because even if your not, our time may be here.

Made the Times

2007-03-25T19:13:00.000-07:00

We made the NY Times. Such a wonderful thing to be recognized by a important news organization!!! Click this link and read the story I hope you all enjoy!!

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/25/nyregion/25slave.html?_r=1&ref=nyregion&oref=slogin

The sometimes makes no sense....

2007-03-23T13:27:00.000-07:00

I woke this morning to hear the news person explaining that 15 British Naval members had been taken to Iran while in Iraq waters. That made no sense to me as these thing usually don't make sense. As if we don't have enough trouble dealing with Iraq Iran throws it's hat in the ring full force. Lord I pray this is a temporary set back and can be resolved quickly..God willing..

My turn to be a concertgoer...

2007-03-22T13:55:00.000-07:00

Now that Claire has seen Dolly I must wait till July to see The Police. Funny how they came out of the Punk era to be such a melodic band. Some say they are fluff others say they are Reggae wannabees but Stewart Copeland (Drums) and Andy Summers (Guitar) are amazing musicians. Sting can annoy me but in the group setting he should slip in well. I saw them on the Zenyatta Mondotta tour at Madison Square Garden in '79 and it turned out to be a legendary performance. After the first song the power went out in the Garden. It took about 20-30 minutes to come back up. Sting promised us they would rock the house for the inconvenience and they rocked the house accordingly. One of my best concert memories next to Queen (With Freddie), Bruce, the late Robert Palmer (Such style) Pink Floyd and The Kinks. The reason I am attending the show is my 13 year old son Chris (Rock on dude) has become a fan of music of my generation. His favorite band is AC/DC. I took him to see Roger Waters (Once of Floyd) and he loved it. He is a drummer and I am sure he will be amazed by Stewart's drummer. I must admit it is a joy to share my music taste with him which allows us to attend concerts together I'm sure he will look back fondly on these shows in his adult years.

Now the waiting begins...

2007-03-21T08:03:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a busy one. I started to contact my hopefuls for the Titus Farm dedication. So far I have sent invitations to Rep. Rush Holt, Senator Menendez, Congressman Charles Rangel and hell, I even sent one to Barack Obama. I figure the worst they can say is no. I would have sent one to Hillary Clinton but I don't have the minimum 100 grand she has to get as of now. (That sounds so greedy when I write it!) I still have to get one to Governer Corizine. If anyone out there has a idea for a good speaker who may actually want to speak for his constitutes let me know!
I also have been putting the Van Dykes in order of ownership. When dealing with slave history it is so frustrating only having first names. What really stokes my fire is when I see other family with surnames for the slaves. I believe they all had them but some masters just didn't bother mentioning them. UGH! On the positive note I am glad to be pretty organized in research. I know I will be doing this the first week in April so I am collecting as much information as possible ahead of time so when I head to New Brunswick and Trenton I will focused on Van Dykes and the correct ones only. I find it so simply to get distracted by other information I come by. I try to be disciplined to keep to the subject at hand but sometimes that is hard to do. I love knowing I have to research though, it feels ooo so good......

A day without history is like a day without sunshine

2007-03-19T07:52:00.000-07:00

Sunday was a great day for me. The New York Times reporter Courtney came out to the farm to write a story on the struggle to save it and the slavery aspect. Before I knew it we were at 4 hours and she was heading back home to New York. I can talk about history for hours at a time, it feels like time is standing still for me. It's even better when I am surrounded by people who love it as well. I realized yesterday I lose myself into it with a joyous feeling that comes over me. There are not many things that bring such passion to me, family, but nothing else.
Seems I have missed my calling in life. Teaching, researcher, lecturing all aspects of history appeal to me on deep levels. With that passion comes pain also. Feeling so passionate about something makes it hard when you cannot create that excitement in others. I try and enjoy the small victories. When I can see the spark in someones eyes when they get it, come to understand the importance I can see, it washes over me and makes it all worth. Taking it person by person keeps me going, there are many like me out there, I have to keep working to find them.
In the mean time I keep working and researching, while allowing my EVA Er's to energize my batteries like they did yesterday. I do not believe they even realize how important it is for me to have afternoons like we did Sunday. This kind of passion I cannot really share with a co-worker, friend or even my wife. They are excited for me but they cannot feel the passion or share that passion with me. Yesterday we all reveled in the passion, let it sweep us away, and shared it with someone young who could feel it too. Damn, I need more Sundays like this Sunday.

Saturday is a snow out...

2007-03-17T12:52:00.000-07:00

The Van Dyke farm will have to wait till Sunday. That is good because it gives me a little more time to get myself together. Digging out my car was a challenge today. The plows came through in the early morning hours and the snow they pushed froze solid. I have to go with the the 7 Iron shovel and chip away to get my cars out. Yes cars. All the drivers are women in my house (3) plus me. Dad gets to shovel out the cars and then my reward was a trip to the supermarket for groceries. What a day, dig out cars, chose food, load food, pay then load car unload car and bring in house and unload at home. I AM BUSHED. I'd rather be thumbing through a 100 year old musky book....

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow....

2007-03-16T09:40:00.000-07:00

I decided to go ahead and head off to work today despite the snowfall. Now I am beginning to regret the decision. As usual back in South Brunswick we are starting to get the snow but here in Tinton Falls it is sleet and hail. This always makes for a bad combo for me because as soon as I clear the ice I hit the snow. On Route 18 I can actually see where the snow line hits. Beautiful to see difficult to drive. Thankfully the historian in me is very patient. So I choose some good music and drive slow, as I watch the insane New Jersey speedsters fly bye, not knowing what I am thinking. Having done this drive for 7 years now I know what they are in for. I've seen it so many times I use it to describe my commute back and forth. So far I have quite a few descriptions starting with a 1 out, and ending with a 9 out. You see Route 18 has a grass divider between south-north bounds. When we have snow I use this description to show how many spin outs I have seen. The worst has been 9, hence a 9 out! Last year I saw a man fly by and I thought give him 2 miles and he's toast. Sure enough I saw him spin 360 into the grass divide. Age and time have made me wise when it comes to patience. Patience saves your life....

Bad timing for a snowfall...

2007-03-15T12:59:00.000-07:00

Great! Saturday is the day we meet with the reporter from the NY Times and 3-6 inches of snow is to fall. I can only hope she really wants this story and will brave the weather. She seems to be really excited about coming so I hope that enthusiasm continues.
Speaking of enthusiasm my daughter has her recital on April 15Th at Monmouth University in Woodrow Wilson hall. This is the building used as Daddy Warbucks mansion in the movie version of Annie. She will be performing music from the 17Th century up to today to fulfill her requirements. Afterwards we will head to the Jersey shore for dinner with family on the boardwalk. Surely this will be one of the proudest days in my life. Even if I cannot understand the language (HAHA) ! She will graduate in May with a degree in Special Education and Elementary Ed and music. Now I live with two special ed teachers I feel like I'm a teacher too! (I feel your pain Jean :-) ).

I leave you with this thought...

"History is for human self-knowledge ... the only clue to what man can do is what man has done. The value of history, then, is that it teaches us what man has done and thus what man is."

R. G. Collingwood

New York Times

2007-03-14T13:23:00.000-07:00

Today my quest to publish the Titus-Van Dyke slave story got a boost with word that the Times reporter is coming to the farm Saturday. She also knows who I am which is quite a wonderful thing. Now I have to finish the story for the newspaper. Now that the E.V.A. seems to be pushing the ball again it's good to see the story has not gone stale. It takes a massive amount of determination to keep a story in the public eye since that eye has a very short attention span. I am glad my pals don't lose sight of the important work they have started and seem determined to see it all the way through. I hope I can shake, rattle or roll some slavery tales out of the family history to help underline the importance of the farm.

Been quite a while...

2007-03-13T10:31:00.000-07:00

Well I have been busy with the farm celebration and it still has me running. But I have decided to take some time and research the slaves on the Van Dyke farm in South Brunswick. Since the farm is already on the endangered list any of this of information can only bolster the case to save the farm. Times have changed so drastically since my childhood. Our neighborhoods have become disjointed. We do not socialize as we once did and I believe this has created a discourse between our towns and it's citizens. People live in a town or city but they have no emotional investment in the area. It's a place to hang your hat, sleep, grab a cup of coffee and off you go. The weekend comes and it's off to drag the kids around or entertain ourselves. My experience in lecturing to Seniors has taught me they will care eventually, but at that point there will be little impact they can have. Sometimes I feel I have to shame my local officials into doing anything right by the towns history, they react to many things as if it was a bother. I am sure my friend Jean can agree when you have so much passion you don't have much patience for foolishness.

"Homophobic Hardaway"

2007-02-15T13:19:00.000-08:00

Listen to these words...

"You know, I hate gay people, so I let it be known. I don't like gay people and I don't like to be around gay people". Tim Hardaway retired NBA player

I was born in 1958. For those of you who are to young or just don't know listen to these words in terms of the American south in 1958.

"You know, I hate niggers, so I let it be known. I don't like negro people and I don't like to be around niggers".

I actually heard a man in Orlando Florida use almost these exact words in front of me in a 7-11 in August 1983 and turn to me and say he did not care if I heard him or not.

Hate is hate. Jews, women, blacks, gays you can substitute almost anything and it still gives birth to hate. I cannot understand being gay, nor the psychology or physiology of it. It is not necessary for me to understand. I accept people for being human beings and I respect them because ALL human beings deserve respect period, end of conversation. Tim Hardaways past generations, and mine as well, fought for equality, fair treatment for all people. Mr. Hardaway words indicate gays in the locker room should be the exception. 200 years of fighting oppression for free speech and treatment allow him to use these words of hate, but what troubles me is the underlining message. You better not be gay in the NBA, and damn sure better not let us know or else. These young men who are setting some of the lowest standards in the history of the NBA are dictating how gay people should be treated. Isn't that ironic? The sports world is full of scandals, steroids, murder, drugs, spouse abuse, weapons and yet a gay athlete has to stay in the closet. This is where they put the foot down! Today's black athletes whom we allow our kids to use as role models should be ashamed of themselves, all the blood, sweat and tears it took to allow them the privilege they are now afforded and this is how they show the appreciation. I guess I'll have to hang my head in shame for them, they certainly won't be doing it themselves.
James