Local historian Joseph Wilson has spent years studying the Civil War through the first person accounts of his great, great Grandfather, Corporal George Garman of the 36th Pennsylvania Volunteer regiment.  On Wednesday, May 23rd at 7:30 PM he will bring the story of Andersonville Prison [...]]]> Civil War Historian to Speak at the Historical Society of Haddonfield

Local historian Joseph Wilson has spent years studying the Civil War through the first person accounts of his great, great Grandfather, Corporal George Garman of the 36th Pennsylvania Volunteer regiment.  On Wednesday, May 23rd at 7:30 PM he will bring the story of Andersonville Prison to the General Meeting of the Historical Society of Haddonfield at Greenfield Hall.  In addition to his talk, Joe has also accumulated a very large collection of Civil War relics, and will be bringing a few of these to share and to tell their stories at the meeting. A number of the Historical Society’s holdings from the era should be available to view as well. A question and answer session will follow the talk.

The General Meeting is, as always, an excellent opportunity to join with fellow members and friends of the Society and enjoy their company within the gracious walls of Greenfield Hall. All are welcome to join in the hospitality and admission is free to members; a $5 donation is requested of non-members. Light refreshments will be served after the talk. We hope you will join us for an educational and entertaining evening.

For more info call 856-354-9761 or the Society’s office at 856-429-7375. Click through our website to learn more about the Historical Society of Haddonfield.

Download Menu and Reservation Form (PDF format)

Wednesday, March 28, 2012, Tavistock Country Club

6 pm – Cocktails 7 pm – Dinner followed by special program

Program: Ed Mauger, founder “Philadelphia on Foot”.

The spirit of historical exploration is always strong, but the weather doesn’t always cooperate, particularly toward the [...]]]> Reservation Information

Download Menu and Reservation Form (PDF format)

Wednesday, March 28, 2012, Tavistock Country Club

6 pm – Cocktails
7 pm – Dinner followed by special program

Program: Ed Mauger, founder “Philadelphia on Foot”.

The spirit of historical exploration is always strong, but the weather doesn’t always cooperate, particularly toward the end of March.  That’s why it’s such good news that Ed Mauger, the Philadelphia area’s premier colonial walking tour guide, will be bringing the tour to us in the comfort of the Tavistock Country Club at the Society’s annual Candlelight Dinner on March 28th.

Ed is the founder and director of Philadelphia on Foot, an innovative organizer of tour groups for people who hate group tours. A former resident of Haddonfield and Associate Dean at Rutgers, Ed’s life’s work is now sharing his love for the hidden side of history through his books and walks throughout the region. His talks always have a few surprises about eminences such as Penn, Washington and Franklin, some of which occurred right in Haddonfield’s own back yard. He has an affinity for finding skeletons in both historic graveyards and in closets.

Never willing to settle for the ordinary, Ed has led such tours as “Exercise your Rights” for conservatives (involving only right turns) and the
complementary Exercise your Lefts for liberals.  He’s also led tours focusing on romance during colonial times, women, Four Funerals and a Wedding and the mysteriously named The Quack and Dead (hint: the Quack is not for the queasy and there’s not a duck boat in sight.) All of the tours ably combine an in-depth knowledge of history with a sense of fun.

Ed’s reputation has led to appearances on Good Morning America, PBS and The History Channel.  Philadelphia on Foot has been hailed as
“Philadelphia’s Best Tour” by Forbestraveler.com and Ed himself praised as “a captivating blend of historian and gossip” by the Travel Channel .com.  He comes strongly recommended as “Philadelphia’s favorite colonial guide” by USA Today, The Chicago Tribune and others.

Ed will also have copies available to be purchased and signed of his latest book, Philadelphia Then and Now, a fascinating comparison of old and new photographs of the city enlivened by his stories associated with the scenes. Proceeds of these sales will go to support the Elfreth’s Alley Association, of which Ed serves as Vice president.

Tickets for the Candlelight dinner can be purchased by sending in the reservation form linked on this website with payment or conveniently purchased using Paypal at the Historical Society’s website.  Information is also available by calling the Society at (856) 429-7375 or via email at info@haddonfieldhistory.org. Cash bar and hors d’oeuvres will be served at 6pm, followed by dinner at 7. So you can leave your sensible shoes at home, but join us for an evening of food, fellowship and fun March the 28th.

Photos from the 2011 Candlelight Dinner honoring Haddonfield’s own Samuel Nicholson Rhoads.

Visit Rhinoceros Gamery & Toys

It’s October in Haddonfield, when the autumn weather turns the leaves to flame.  But is that the sound of rustling leaves or perhaps awakened spirits of bygone days?   Come join [...]]]>  

Haunted Haddonfield Tour

Haunted Haddonfield by William Meehan

It’s October in Haddonfield, when the autumn weather turns the leaves to flame.  But is that the sound of rustling leaves or perhaps awakened spirits of bygone days?   Come join us on a walking tour of Old Haddonfield as local author William Meehan regales us with ghost stories and legends from his popular paperback, Haunted Haddonfield.  The tour begins at Greenfield Hall (343 Kings Hwy East) and winds past the cemetery and familiar homes along the way.  The tour lasts about 90 minutes and can be enjoyed by everyone: couples, groups and families.  

Tour dates are Friday and Saturday, Oct 21 & 22 and 28 & 29 at 7pm.  Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children under 13, and free for children under 3.   Tickets can be purchased at the tour (cash only) or ahead of time by visiting Greenfield Hall, the Haddonfield Public Library, or the Haddonfield Visitor Center.  There are no rain dates, but tickets can be used on any of the tour dates.  Please remember to wear comfortable walking shoes, bring a flashlight and wear somewhat reflective clothing as a safety precaution.

The autumn season also features the annual transformation of Greenfield Hall from a stately colonial center hall into the ghoul-infested Haunted Mansion for two special events.

The Ghostly Gathering

Saturday, October 29

All are invited to a “Ghostly Gathering” where party goers can enjoy the spooky décor and creaky sounds of the season, join in the séance or just take in the “spirits.” Costumes are not required but will add to the ambiance. Tickets for the Ghostly Gathering are $10 and can be purchased ahead of time by calling Greenfield Hall, 343 Kings Highway East, 856-429-7375. 

The Haunted House

Sunday, October 30

An annual Haddonfield tradition, ghostly tours begin immediately following the town parade on October 30th. Refreshments are offered in the courtyard to all the brave survivors!  Tickets for the tour are $3 for adults and $2 for children and are available at the door.

Guest Speaker: Mr. Bill Schaal, Chairman of the Batsto Citizens Committee, Inc.

HSH kicks off its new year of membership meetings on Wednesday, September 28, 2011 when Bill Schaal, chairman of the Batsto Citizens Committee, Inc. regales us with tales of the “Wharton Homes of the Gilded Age.” [...]]]> General Membership Meeting, September 28, 2011

Guest Speaker: Mr. Bill Schaal, Chairman of the Batsto Citizens Committee, Inc.

HSH kicks off its new year of membership meetings on Wednesday, September 28, 2011 when Bill Schaal, chairman of the Batsto Citizens Committee, Inc. regales us with tales of the “Wharton Homes of the Gilded Age.”   Learn more about the connection between the fabulous cottages of Newport and mansions of Philadelphia as associated with the one in our backyard at Batsto.

The Wharton name abounds in Philadelphia.  Joseph Wharton was a major industrialist in the region.  He owned coal lands in West Virginia and mines in Arizona, Michigan and Nevada, and co-founded the Bethlehem Steel Company among other business enterprises.  He believed in the power of education helping to establish Swarthmore College in 1869 and in 1881 gave $100,000 to the University of Pennsylvania to establish what would become the Wharton School, one of the nation’s premier business schools.  

Wharton focused his attention upon New Jersey as well, owning land and business interests in Camden as well as North Jersey.  In the mid-nineteenth century he began to buy land in the Pinelands, ultimately acquiring 96,000 acres. He purchased Batsto the iron and glass making village nestled in the Pine Barrens in 1876.  With this purchase came the house which Wharton renovated in an Italianate style.  Wharton pursued a number of agricultural and environmental interests from this region including the proposal to sell water to Philadelphia.

While Wharton’s primary residence was in Philadelphia he also maintained homes in Batsto which is still standing and in Jamestown, Rhode Island, across the bay from the well known Newport Mansions.  Joseph Wharton owned Batsto from 1876-1909.  Major renovations were done on the Batsto Mansion from 2002-2005 with the house reopening for public tours in 2005.  This program features the history of these three houses, and the family and servants that occupied them.

Bill Schaal developed his interest in the history of the Pinelands as a child growing up in the Medford Lakes region.  While he spent much of his adult life in other parts of the country Bill returned to the Pinelands and has spent the last seven years extensively researching the Wharton family and their connections to this very special area.
 
The program will begin at 7:30 pm.  Admission for members is free; a $5 donation is requested for non-members.

Our Society has planned an afternoon of fun and fellowship for the first Sunday of June. Come to the Gardens of Greenfield Hall between 2 and 4 to honor the many volunteers who make [...]]]>

GARDEN PARTY & SILENT AUCTION
JUNE 5th 2-4 p.m.

Music and Light Refreshments Will Be Offered

Our Society has planned an afternoon of fun and fellowship for the first Sunday of June. Come to the Gardens of Greenfield Hall between 2 and 4 to honor the many volunteers who make the Society possible as we also celebrate the centennial of the Haddonfield Civic Association and thank them for their many contributions to our community during 100 years of service. If the weather cooperates over the next week, our beautiful new pergola will be finished and you will be among the first to enjoy it!

Adding to the celebration and fun will be a Silent Auction. You’ll have the opportunity to bid for the items offered on the various tables arranged in Greenfield Hall.

The merchants of Haddonfield have been VERY generous with their donations to our Silent Auction. Be assured you will find it hard to resist the array of the temptations we have gathered! A partial list is posted below.

Remember what our vice-president advised us at the last silent auction:

“There are NO friends at an auction – it’s everyone for him or herself.”

Payment for auction items can be cash, check or by credit card (Paypal on our computer). We look forward to seeing you on June 5th!

ITEMS FOR SILENT AUCTION (partial list)
Antiques:
Tin Storage Box “19th C. (?)
11.5″” w X 6.5″”h X 3″”d”
Bud Vase “Yellow tint glass, 9″” high”
Box of Sewing Machine Attachments. GREIST, box top “Rotary”
Wood Splint Market Basket 18″w X 13″d X 7″h
Hat Stand 10.5″high, blue painted wood, head with bonnet
Doll (male) 8″ high
Doll (baby girl) 13″ high
Message Stand, Rooster
Lot, 1939 Golden Gate International Exposition Memorabilia (brochure, 4 ticket stubs, map, 2 postcards, sterling silver teaspoon, etc.)
Jug, stoneware unmarked, cork stopper, 9″ high 6″ diameter
Print “Ashes” framed, 1/1, signed Nestor?, Title “Ashes”
Portfolio Prints, “Painting of Land & Sea” c. 1940′s with description Provident Mutual Life Insurance Co.
Cane Silvertip
Cane Brasstip, “London” mark
Lot, Canes mixed conditions, 6 in lot
Pictureframe oval, 5.5″w X 4″h, stand, metal
One Ladies Luncheon Placemat, woven & embroidered by Mrs. Evan Lawrie Rhoads from Haddonfield
Lady’s Handkerchief 19th c, linen, hemstitched
Lady’s Nightgown 19th c, cotton
Lady’s Petticoat late 19th c, cotton
Towel 19th c, cotton
“Greenfield Hall” Commemorative Plate 1963, 250th Anniversary of Haddonfield, 10″ diameter
“Indian King Tavern” Commemorative Plate INK of Haddonfield, 10″ diameter
Toy Diorama Soldiers & Indians with horses
“Blue Venice” Framed Print Monet, new condition, original tag, 36″w X 31″ h

Donations:
Dennis James Hair Salon Gift Certificate $25 certificate
Sam S. Yampell Jewelers Gift Card $150 gift card
“Decorating Solutions” Book By Donna Babylon
Personal Expressions Hair Studio Gift Certificate $50 certificate
Hand Knit Baby Hats (2) hand knit, 0-6 month size, cotton
Hand Embroidered Baby Receiving BlankeT, hand embroidered hem, crib size, 100% cotton
A Taste of Olive Gift Basket gift basket of gourmet items
The British Chip Shop Gift Certificate $10 gift certificate
The English Gardener Gift Shop Gift Basket gift basket of gourmet items
Vintage Movie Photograhs (for Press Release) 8 X 10 Black & White photographs for press release, c 1930′s +
Pipsqueak Gift Certificate $30 gift certificate
Riversharks Baseball Game Tickets
Haddonfield Inn (10) $50.00 gift certificates
Italian Themed Basket
Gifts & Gardens Herb Basket
Ramblewood Golf Course 2 Rounds of 18 holes
Whitcraft Farms Hanging Basket, Floral Hanging Basket

Speakers at the Samuel Nicholson Rhoads presentation

By all reports, the many dedicated supporters who braved the elements enjoyed both the program for the evening and the lovely dinner. The [...]]]> “Samuel Nicholson Rhoads: Commitment to Community, Conservaton & Cooperation”
March 23, 2011

Click Here To See Pictures From The Evening
(Video coming soon!)

Speakers at the Samuel Nicholson Rhoads presentation

By all reports, the many dedicated supporters who braved the elements enjoyed both the program for the evening and the lovely dinner. The presentation for the evening was a multi-faceted program created by the Research Library of the Historical Society in partnership with the Academy of Natural Science in Philadelpia and the Environmental Science Department of the Haddonfield Memorial High School.

The program was a departure from prior years with a heavy emphasis on the visual element of the presentation and organized as a series of brief talks on each aspect of the Rhoads’ project. The fascinating exhibits in the back of the dining room were a collection of original Rhoades journals/letters and bird specimens collected by Rhoades (loaned for the evening from the Academy). The original historical photographs on display were a trip back in time to the Haddonfield of Rhoads’ childhood and the scenes of his later travels.

The evening’s program:

The subject of the presentation, Samuel Nicholson Rhoads, was a noted late-19th century naturalist who resided in Haddonfield and in his youth began documenting his observations on birds found in the South Jersey area. An excerpt from his journal, written at age 10, was read as part of the evening’s program. As an adult, he was an active community volunteer, becoming one of the founding members of the Historical Society and a vocal spokesperson for the preservation of the Hopkins Pond area. His advocacy for the preservation of green and open space in Haddonfield laid the groundwork for subsequent efforts. He was also involved in the organization and production in 1911 of the 200th Anniversary of the founding of Haddonfield as well as the building of the Public Library/Historical Society building.

We at the Historical Society were tremendously proud of our volunteers, Kathy Tassini and Kim Custer, for the extraordinary talent, effort and persistence they showed in producing the wonderful presentation we all enjoyed on that rainy and cold spring evening.

And to think the genesis for entire project started with Kim Custer, up in the attic of the Mickle House in February 2010 musing to herself “I wonder WHAT is in that box over there?”

More About the Project

Rhodes at Yew Tree

This year the Historical Society Annual Dinner features a new and innovative program about Samuel Nicholson Rhoads (1862-1952), naturalist, historian, visionary and lifelong Haddonfield resident. The program will feature four speakers who will share their experiences in bringing this late 19^th and early 20^th century figure back to prominence in the 21^st century. Kathy Tassini and Kim Custer of the Historical Society Library will highlight the important achievements of Rhoads both locally and internationally and some of their implications for us today. Clare Flemming, Brooke Dolan Archivist of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, will speak on the Rhoads materials held by the ANSP. Finally, Ron Smith, environmental sciences teacher at Haddonfield Memorial High School will speak about how Rhoads’ work in environmental and natural sciences is being integrated into an exciting project for students at HMHS.

Our story starts with the Rhoads family donation of the papers, diaries, research notes, books and photographs of Samuel N. Rhoads to the Historical Society Library over a period of about thirty years. Over the past two years, the importance of these materials in the 21^stcentury has come to the fore as a result of community discussions surrounding Boxwood Hall, the home of his ancestors, natural history and green space, all topics of intense interest and study by Mr. Rhoads.

As a result of research trips to the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia by Kim Custer and Kathy Tassini, important cooperative studies involving these two institutions which each hold important Rhoads research materials, were initiated. In addition, the Academy has in its extensive specimen collections thousands of specimens collected by Samuel N. Rhoads in both the US and on foreign collecting trips for the Academy. Kim Custer, with help from Nate Rice, Collections Manager, Ornithology Department of the ANSP and Ron Smith of HMHS, has developed a GIS (Geographic Information System) mapping program that shows the locations around Haddonfield where some specimens were collected and coordinates these specimens with Rhoads’ field notes regarding the birds.

This will be an exciting introduction for many to the innovative use of 21^st century digital technology to bring to life an important and extremely interesting late 19^th and early 20^th century Haddonfield treasure, Samuel Nicholson Rhoads.

DOWNLOAD BOOKS BY SAMUEL NICHOLSON RHOADS! Click Here for page of free books in pdf format from [...]]]> Samuel Nicholson Rhoads:
Commitment to Community, Conservation & Cooperation

Click Here to Purchase Tickets Online, for Menu & Reserv. Form

DOWNLOAD BOOKS BY SAMUEL NICHOLSON RHOADS!
Click Here for page of free books in pdf format from Google

 
This year the Historical Society Annual Dinner features a new and innovative program about Samuel Nicholson Rhoads (1862-1952), naturalist, historian, visionary and lifelong Haddonfield resident. The program will feature four speakers who will share their experiences in bringing this late 19^th and early 20^th century figure back to prominence in the 21^st century. Kathy Tassini and Kim Custer of the Historical Society Library will highlight the important achievements of Rhoads both locally and internationally and some of their implications for us today. Clare Flemming, Brooke Dolan Archivist of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, will speak on the Rhoads materials held by the ANSP. Finally, Ron Smith, environmental sciences teacher at Haddonfield Memorial High School will speak about how Rhoads’ work in environmental and natural sciences is being integrated into an exciting project for students at HMHS.

Our story starts with the Rhoads family donation of the papers, diaries, research notes, books and photographs of Samuel N. Rhoads to the Historical Society Library over a period of about thirty years. Over the past two years, the importance of these materials in the 21^stcentury has come to the fore as a result of community discussions surrounding Boxwood Hall, the home of his ancestors, natural history and green space, all topics of intense interest and study by Mr. Rhoads.

As a result of research trips to the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia by Kim Custer and Kathy Tassini, important cooperative studies involving these two institutions which each hold important Rhoads research materials, were initiated. In addition, the Academy has in its extensive specimen collections thousands of specimens collected by Samuel N. Rhoads in both the US and on foreign collecting trips for the Academy. Kim Custer, with help from Nate Rice, Collections Manager, Ornithology Department of the ANSP and Ron Smith of HMHS, has developed a GIS (Geographic Information System) mapping program that shows the locations around Haddonfield where some specimens were collected and coordinates these specimens with Rhoads’ field notes regarding the birds.

This will be an exciting introduction for many to the innovative use of 21^st century digital technology to bring to life an important and extremely interesting late 19^th and early 20^th century Haddonfield treasure, Samuel Nicholson Rhoads.