Sorry to see you go Harry (Harry Leeds) !

Harry Leads former Galloway Township Mayor dies at 75

The above link is to the Obituary in The Press today.

Harry always said he was the 11th generation descended from Mother Leeds, the mother of the Jersey Devil. He loved talking about it and could sometimes be talked in to showing you the location of her house.
Here is one of the many video clips that included Harry. Jersey Devil

He was proud to be a "Piney" and would again tell you what it was like growing up in the area, before development.

I, always, loved talking to him.

We'll miss you Harry!

Back to Wall Stadium where we started the blog.

I began this blog with the sad but funny story about Wall Stadium closing just as I was about to publish an article. (The History Writer Blog begins with a laugh) The good news was that they were able to hold and successful Turkey Derby series over Thanksgiving Weekend and the article was alive again and part of  Garden State Legacy of December 2010 . Be sure to look closely at the view of the stands. It is full of people in hats, coats and gloves, making it look more like a football stadium then a Car Race. :-)

Wall Stadium - Charlie Birdsall

The Turkey Derby was a great event and there was new hope for a 2011 season, but the sad news is that even after a successful Turkey Derbey Weekend, there is a For Sale sign on the track and it looks like racing at Wall Stadium has ended.

Battle of Chestnut Neck and The Affair at Little Egg Harbor

The events of October 6 to October 22, 1778, although commonly referred to as the “Battle of Chestnut Neck” or the “Affair at Little Egg Harbor,” could in my opinion better be thought of as “The Burning of Chestnut Neck and the Affair at Little Egg Harbor.”

Several years ago, I wrote a synopsis of  “A Nest of Rebel Pirates” by Franklin Kemp. It is on one of my long neglected websites at NJ-ALHN.  http://tiny.cc/fwex3

The Chestnut Neck Monument was Erected through General Lafayette Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution.  Dedicated October 6, 1911. The Chapter has an excerpt written by Georgiana C. Blake,  from the Atlantic County Historical Society Yearbook, Volume 1, Number 3, Page 111-116.  October 1950.

http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~njdar/General_Lafayette/chestnut_neck.html

The Col. Richard Somers Chapter of Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) has been assisting with the maintenance. I was there for the 230th anniversary Celebration of the Battle of Chestnut Neck in 2008.

The Chapter has some great pictures posted on their website and a very nice paper on the events of 1778, written by Harry P. Folger, 3rd. http://tiny.cc/imm1s 

They have now added a plaque and information displays to the Monument area. I have not seen it yet, but I look forward to going. Here are the pictures from the dedication in October 2010 of the informational displays. http://colrichardsomers.com/ChestnutNeck10910.aspx

Reverend Norman Goos, President of the Sons of American Revolution Chapter, is in the process of completing a wonderful project. He has looked up the pension records from a good many of the South Jersey veterans and has come across an amazing amount of information. I attended one of his lectures last year and was surprised by some of his finds. Thank you for the great work, Rev. Goos!

I look forward to hearing more from Reverend Goos. Look around on the SAR website- you will see an amazing amount of dedication and effort at work.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Both the General Laffette Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Col. Somers Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution would welcome your attendance at the 100th Anniversary Celebration of the Chestut Neck Monument. It will be held on Saturday, October 8, 2011, at 10:30am.

Mark your calendar. I hope they will send me a reminder and I will be sure to post it a month or so before the event.
________________________

A Special Thank You for some clarification I received on the blog post. I hate to make errors and not find out about it.
Susan

Elijah Clark and Fort Clark??

A couple months ago, while volunteering at the Atlantic Heritage Center, I came across a comment in The Press, dated 1963.
It listed a NJ Historic Plaque at 431 Casrson Ave, just across from the Coast Guard Station in Atlantic City:

Fort Clark, built in 1777, to protect ships anchored in Clam Creek during the Revolution.

The American Privateer "Northwind" was burned near the spot. Nov. 17, 1779.
______________________________________________________________________

I have asked around the Atlantic City and Atlantic County Historic Community and not found any information about this fort or the Northwind.
_____________________________________________________

This is what I have found in an excert from the Atlantic County Historical Society Magazine, Vol 1, # 3 October 1950:

Letter from John Cox and Elijah Clark to the President of the Council of Safety:

___________________________________________________________
Correspondence from NJ History list adds the following information.

Susan,

Confirmation of referenced letter from Elijah Clark and John Cox to Council of Safety is transcribed below from "Minutes of the Council of Safety of the State of New Jersey" Jersey City (1872) pp.76.

Saturday July 5, 1777

[Newtown, Sussex County]

"A Memorial from Elijah Clark, Richard Wescott, & John Cox was read, Setting forth that the Enemy's ships of War entered little Egg harbor, Inlet, and seized two brigs lying at the Fox-barrows, just within the Inlet & carried them off, with a considerable quantity of Stock &c, and praying that little Egg Harbor may be fortified &c, and that this Board would issue the necessary orders for that purpose.

Agreed unanimously, That this Board is not competent to decide upon the subject-matter of the said Memorial; and therefore that it be referred to the Legislature."

A cursory review of published 1777 Legislature's minutes failed to turn-up anything further.

John Fabiano

Allentown, NJ   

_____________________________________________

·  Found Chestnut Neck referenced here also -cllick link to Google Book page

·  A nest of rebel pirates 

Franklin W. Kemp - 1966 - 181 pages Clark resigned his commission as lieutenant colonel in the 2nd Regiment, Gloucester County Militia on November 6, 1777, finding it incompatible with being a member of the New Jersey Assembly where he served between 1777 and 1778. ...

Alicia

________________________

On Fri, Jan 14, 2011 at 4:25 PM, Susan Ditmire - NJ History <writnnj@comcast.net> wrote:

Thanks Alicia!

The creek near the Coast Guard Station, where the sign was located is called Clam Creek. It is right on the island across from Absecon.

Chestnut Neck where I would expect to find a sign, if it is that fort is at the peninsula where Nacote Creek enters the Great Bay about 10 miles North of Clam Creek.

________________________________

______________________

Maybe there's a connection to the Coast Guard.. due to their like named ship: http://www.uscg.mil/history/webcutters/Northwind1945.asp

Alicia
_____________

From: Bob Craig [mailto:Bob.Craig@dep.state.nj.us]
Sent: Friday, January 14, 2011 10:12 AM
To: writnnj@comcast.net
Subject: NJ historical markers before 1963

Susan,

The Historic Preservation Office maintains files on the 2 generations of historical markers that were produced for the State of New Jersey.  The first was the group of markers installed between 1931 and 1942 by the NJ Highway Department for the NJ Commission on Historic Sites.  That Commission was a direct institutional ancestor of the present Historic Preservation Office.  141 roadside markers were installed, and lists of the markers were issued in 1939 and 1949.  Curiously, the Fort Clark marker does not seem to appear in those lists.

The second group of markers were the NJ Tercentenary series markers, most of which were installed between 1963 and 1965, with a few installed as late as the 1970s.  The Historic Preservation Office has an extensive but incomplete set of information about these markers.  HPO retained photocopies of these documents and transferred the originals to the State Archives.

Bob Craig

Historic Preservation Office

bob.craig@dep.state.nj.us

(609) 984-0541

Bob is taking one more look to confirm his findings. He will look not just in Atlantic County, but Ocean County, which is just across the bay from Chestnut Neck.

___________________________________________________________________

I appreciate all the help and information... The NJ History List is really great!!

Susan

Chestnut Neck seems to be slightly NW of Atlantic City according to Gogle maps. Could it be it was to indicate the fort in relationship to the ocean?

Do you know who placed or authorized the marker? Normally there has to be backup data.

The privateer eludes any searches.. except as the name of a 19th century Coast Guard vessel.

http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~njdar/General_Lafayette/chestnut_neck.html

Hmmm..

Richard Westcott Tavern owner at Chestnut Neck, the mini Tortuga of the Jersey Shore.

http://www.patriotpirates.com/people/id6.htm

What was the town back then, where the marker is now, called back in 1779?

http://history.rays-place.com/nj/atlantic-cty.htm

Llove to try and see what I can flush out.. since I live near the icebox of NJ in its NW corner. For me it's like doing a jigsaw puzzle.

Alicia

Forks of Little Egg Harbor, June 12, 1777

Sir: - We this morning received information from Capt. Bradley at the Foxborough, that on the 10th instant, about six o'clock in the evening, a brig appeared off Little Egg Harbor Inlet, and made a signal for a Pilot.  Joseph Sowey, with his brother and two boys, went off to conduct her into port, and were taken and carried off. Immediately on taking them on board the brig proceeded to the mouth of Great Egg Harbor Inlet, where she again threw out a signal for a pilot; on which Mr. Golder went off with his boat, and on approaching near enough finding she was a vessel of force, he immediately put about, and pushed for the shore, the enemy's boat pursuing, with only two men showing themselves.  On coming within 100 yards, a number of men showed themselves and fired on Golder and crew, who with some difficulty gained the shore, but were obliged to quit their boat, which fell into the hands of the enemy. As Sowey is one of our best pilots, we doubt not that he will be made use of by the enemy to bring in their tenders, and pilot them up the bay and river, which may be productive of most fatal consequences, the inhabitants being in most helpless condition, and having a great number of cattle and other property that must immediately fall into the hands of the pirates, unless some spirited steps are immediately taken to prevent it. We have presumed to take from Capt. Shaler, eight or ten pieces of cannon, belonging to a sloop of his lately cast away on the coast, which we have this day ordered to the Foxboroughs, under his direction, with orders immediately to throw up a battery to defend the Inlet, and to annony the enemy as much as possible should they attempt an entrance. There are now at Foxboroughs a guard of about 20 men, and Col. Clark will immediately order down as many more, to assist in doing the necessary work. Powder and provisions will be immediately wanted. Shot can be procured here. We doubt not the Council will think it expedient to lose no time giving the necessay directions for effecting what they think ought to be done on this alarming occasion.
    We are, with great respect your most ob't and h'e ser'ts.

                                                (signed)       John Cox
                                                                   Elijah Clark

Notes:

John Cox was at one time owner of Batsto iron works, His home was Bloomsbury Farm, now a part of Trenton. He was prominent in all state affairs.

Foxborough (Foxburrows) was a name for a section of Chestnut Neck.

So my question is: was the sign in Atlantic City at the wrong location??

Does anyone know of a way for me to find the list of Historic Markers that were posted before 1963?

I am working on the story of all the events of Chestnut Neck area, but I had never heard of a Fort Clark or anything else located on Absecon Island.  I do know that there were salt works in the area, so that was a legitimate target.

New Jersey 150th Anniversary of the Civil War

The 150th Anniversary of the US Civil War will be a big event throughout the country, and I am happy to post a link to the The New Jersey Civil War 150th Anniversary Committee!Not only will there be scheduled activities, but wonderful email list provides little tidbits of information. I will share part of this great story and provide a link for anyone interested in reading the New Jersey side of the story in detail.

It  may surprise many to know that actually were shots fired before the Attack on Fort Sumter. One incident took place on January 9, 1861 and involved the ship the Star of the West. The ship contained supplies and 200 troops to reinforce the garrison at Fort Sumter- and its captain was John McGowan of Elizabeth, New Jersey!

Captain McGowan tried to reach Fort Sumter in the dark, but found all the navigation lights in the harbor extinquished. He went in slowly using soundings. By dawn the Star was only a half mile from Morris Island, where South Carolina militia and forty cadets from The Citadel had assembled.



Word had reached Charleston earlier in the week that the Star of the West had been dispatched on its mission by President Buchanan. Buchanan had hoped to reinforce Fort Sumter enough to hold it until the inauguration of President -elect Abraham Lincoln on March 4.

The milita at Morris Island was determined that Captain McGowan would not succeed and began firing on the ship. After the first few shots, it is said that McGowan shouted, "you'll need bigger guns then that, boys." But the shots continued, and after they succeeded in bringing down one of the masts, McGowan decided to withdraw the unarmed Star of the West and set sail for the North.

January 26, 1861 edition of Harper's Weekly

The NY Times of January 14, 1861, was not impressed with Captain McGowan -
Fort Sumter and Captain McGowan.

_____________________________________________________________________

I was able to locate a more detailed account of the events in Charleston's "Post and Courier" newspaper. They will be having a series on the Civil War Anniversary Events and will make a good counterpoint to the New Jersey view points.
Stay tuned for more Civil War Anniversary Milestones. Don't forget to support the New Jersey Civil War 150th Sesquicentennial Committee.

_______________________________________________________________________

Correction from comments - Thanks!!

Susan, thanks for the post regarding Captain John McGowan of Elizabeth, New Jersey. Although the Citadel cadets did manage to strike the Star of the West -- probably twice -- no substantial damage was done to the vessel. And they did not succeed in bringing down one of her masts, as your informative post reports. As discovered by members of the New Jersey Civil War Sesquicentennial Committee, Captain McGowan, along with his wife and others from his family, now lies in Evergreen Cemetery in Hillside (Union County), New Jersey. One son, John McGowan Jr., joined the U.S. Navy during the Civil War, eventually retiring as an admiral in 1901. He now lies in Arlington National Cemetery. Another son, William, fought with the 19 Pennsylvania Cavalry. He is buried with his parents in Hillside. A one-page biography of Captain McGowan was recently published in "New Jersey Goes to War," which is available from the Committee: www.njcivilwar150.org

Atlantic Heritage Center - Jewish Farmers at Estelleville.



http://www.atlanticheritagecenternj.org/index.asp

 I have been a bit under the weather this week, but I did not miss my volunteer day at Atlantic Heritage Center. It use to be called Atlantic County Historic Society. I was not involved in the change and I have no clue as to why, so don't ask me. lol

Celebrating the Past, Present, and Future

of Atlantic County, New Jersey!

Okay, this is the headline on the home page so, I think it is a clue to the name change. Atlantic County has become a very divers place in the past 20 years and focusing on the present and future rather takes it out of the "Historic only."

I am constantly amazed at the level of documents, books, maps and other items that are part of the collection. There is a wonderful museum, where you can take a tour. (If you are lucky the curator, Ruth, will have time to show you around.) Not only are the library and museum full of information, but the people who volunteer and those who come to do research.

This month, two people were working on a talk for the Pineland Preservation Society. They were using a map of the area from 1872. A terrific map that not only had the owners names, but the location of their deed records. While the map was out, I took the opportunity to write down the names and deed numbers for the area which was the Jewish farming settlement, called Estellville.

Upon further research I found that the settlement did not exist until 1882, but I was already launched on my distraction for the day.

http://www.brandes-immigrantstofreedom.com/

I found a good book with some specific information:

Immigrants to Freedom, by Joseph Brandes, Ph.D

The Estelleville Jewish Community was part of a land development by General Burbridge of Atlantic City. It was poor soil, a few poorly built houses and no backup plan for getting through the first winter. I had hoped to find more information, but it disappeared withing a year after the crops failed and a sad fire. Apparently everyone moved back to cities.

I still have an interest in the group of land developers and the Jewish farmers, who came and went so quickly. If you know anything more, about it. Please get in touch with me.

There were 2 other Jewish Farming communities listed in the book. One in Mizpah and one called, Hebron, located near Landisville. Other more successful communities existed in Cape Many and Cumberland Counties.

It is a very interesting phase in the History of South Jersey. More about it on another day.

Chesapeake and Delaware Canal Bridge - Senator William V. Roth, Jr. Bridge

I cannot leave the discussion of bridges without talking about the C & D Canal Bridge. (officially named Senator William V. Roth, Jr. Bridge)

I thought that there could never be a bridge as beautiful as a suspension bridge. You may have guessed that my favorite one is the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge in Cincinnati. I grew up with it and it has a memory of family times on the Ohio River as well as the beauty of the bridge.

The C & D Canal Bridge is another one I met from the water side. In 1993 or 194, we were taking our sailboat the Innisfree from Atlantic City to the Chesapeake for the summer. We could see the bridge in the distance and wondered how it was being built. They were not very far from the North side, with what we later realized was preformed concrete. Also, we could see that there were only two single towers showing above the deck level. It was a curious way to build a bridge. 

We figured out the preformed pieces one day on the Chesapeake, when there appeared to be an Aircraft Carrier coming up the bay. We were in the upper Chesapeake and no way was it deep enough. As it got closer we realized that it was a barge carrying the preformed pieces for the bridge.



Evolution of Cable Stayed Bridges
http://www.structuremag.org/article.aspx?articleID=768





Chesapeake and Delaware Canal Bridgehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chesapeake_%26_Delaware_Canal_Bridge

  We were fascinated enough with the bridge, that when we drove down to the boat on the weekends, we would check in on the progress. It was fascinating watching it progress. I can imagine people having the same fascination with the building of the Great Suspension Bridges.I love the way the finished bridge looks like it has sails.

I was not on the return trip to bring the boat back to Atlantic City, but I have still maintained my love for this bridge.  Less lacey then the suspension bridge but beautiful in its simplicity. Below the pictures you will find links to the history of the bridge and other cable stayed bridges.

Evolution of Cable Stayed Bridges
http://www.structuremag.org/article.aspx?articleID=768

For more information:

Chesapeake and Delaware Canal (C & D Canal)
  http://www.pennways.com/CD_Canal.html

Chesapeake & Delaware Canal Bridge
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chesapeake_%26_Delaware_Canal_Bridge

Do you have a favorite bridge? Where is it? What kind of structure?