2007 Chester Historical Society Programs
January 11
"Indians in the Ramapos" Edward J. Lenik, professional archaeologist, weaves together the archaeological, oral, and written remains of these early inhabitants in this comprehensive and intriguing lecture. [At press time this program got great reviews!]
February 8
"Many Lands, One County: the Impact of Immigration on Morris County" Bonnie-Lynn Nadzeika, Director of the Morris County Historical Society, tells the story of immigrant populations in Morris County from the first Dutch settlers in the 17th century to the Hispanic and Asian immigrants in the 21st.
March 8
"Antiques Show and Tell" Members are invited to bring one or two articles of kitchen collectibles, lighting, pottery, glass, furniture, or sewing-related items to gain further information and a value opinion on them from Chester Antique Mall owner Bill Cogger and his associates Bob and Karen Grossman.
April 12
"Greetings from Bertrand Island" Relive the days when big bands, beauty pagents, Nickel Nights, Kiddieland, and the boardwalk brought thousands each day to this bustling resort. Martin Kane, president of the Lake Hopatcong Historical Museum presents this award-winning video.
May 10
"Schooley's Mountain Heydays" George E. Scheller, resident of Schooley's Mountain for almost 80 years, recalls the days when one of America's earliest health resorts had three thriving hotels that offered rejuvenative spring waters to such notables as the Vanderbilts, Thomas Edison, U.S. Grant, the Marquis de Lafayette, and many others.
June and July - Members are encouraged to enjoy the wealth of opportunities we have in our own backyard, including Bamboo Brook Outdoor Education Center, Willowwood Arboretum, Cooper Mill, the Elizabeth D. Kay Environmental Center, Fosterfields Living Historical Farm, and many others.
August 19
"CHS Annual Summer Picnic" All CHS members are invited to gather at the Cooper Mill Carriage House for this summertime tradition. Bring a side dish or dessert, and enjoy the food, music, and comeraderie. Reservations are requested. Join the fun!
Thursday, Sept. 13, 7:00 pm - "The History of Greystone"
Shake off the fears and misconceptions you may have about Greystone Psychiatric Hospital, and learn of its history from 1875-1950. Peg Schultz, History Program Coordinator for the Morris County Heritage Commission, will present an in depth discussion of this intriguing facility.
Ms. Schultz is well versed in Greystone's history, having completed her Master's thesis on this subject, which is also the subject of her PhD dissertation, in progress through SUNY Binghamton. Ms. Schultz is an adjunct instructor in the History Dept. of William Paterson University, where she earned her M.A. in History.
Thursday, Oct. 11th, 7:00 pm - "Ghosts at our Doorsteps"
We welcome back author and educator Gordon E. Ward as a Chester Historical Society presenter, just in time for Halloween, to entertain us with ghostlore and classic tales from near and far. The program "places an emphasis on ghostlore as entertainment and celebrates the importance of documenting local stories and sharing them in the oral tradition" according the Mr. Ward's description.
Mr. Ward's slide show and lecture will include ghostlore about local historic sites, many of which are in the Somerset, Morris, and Hunterdon County areas of New Jersey. Learn what ghostlore can teach us about our past at this fascinating program.
Thursday, Nov. 8th, 7:00 pm - "Pioneer Soap Making"
Get ready to laugh and learn with another returning presenter, Jane Chrysostom, as she presents part of her "Homesteading 101" series of lectures. Ms. Chrysostom's specializes in the study of early American women's pioneering skills, and describes her soap making program as learning how to make a bucket of fat into a bar of soap. She's delightfully humorous.
Ms. Chrysostom runs a B&B in Canada from May through October, then returns to her lecture circuit for the winter months. Soap making was often done in preparation for the approaching winter, so this is perfect timing, and you'll bring a bar home with you!
December 2
"The Chester Historical Society Holiday Celebration" at the Allen Farm. Share your holiday spirit and enjoy delectable hors d'oeuvres and desserts at this historic Chester residence. Traditional holiday punch will be served and reservations are requested.