Hell on earth for all god's creatures

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

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

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

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

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...

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

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

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

What a wonderful world

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

I have a pick axe and a shovel to grind

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

See the stump:

See the original headstone postion:

See the original position as it looks today:

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

A fond farewell to a friend

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

What a difference 9 months make

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

History and music

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

The wheels keep rolling

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

I've held my breath and now I can exhale

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!!!!!!!