Category: NJ

Historical African-American Landmarks of Monmouth County, New Jersey (part 1)

During a trip to Red Bank, NJ, we were compelled to visit two landmarks with deep-rooted history within the area. While these visits were quick and limited in terms of photography, the information we learned was profoundly enlightening. This is the very first of what will be several trips to Monmouth County’s historical African-American landmarks.

T. Thomas Fortune House and Cultural Center

The historical T. Thomas Fortune House and Cultural Center is a preserved property in Red Bank, New Jersey. Once owned by Timothy Thomas Fortune (1856-1928); a speaker, civil rights figure, writer, journalist, and editor; well known for being the editor of The New York Age – one of the leading black newspaper publications in the United States.

Fortune founded the National Afro-American League in 1890; later the National Afro-American Council, with the goals of providing advocacy and support for African-Americans and the socio-cultural injustices that they faced in the late Nineteenth Century and beyond. These organizations became a predecessor for the NAACP. Later, Fortune famously served as an editor for the highly influential Negro World, a publication that reached a circulation total of 200,000.

Fortune moved into the historic house, named Maple Hall, in 1901. Despite the family’s brief tenure in the house (1901 – 1911), the structure still served as a popular destination for local, cultural, social, and political events among the African-American community. Fortune also entertained famous guests, including Booker T. Washington. In 2019, the house was restored and donated to a local non-profit by a developing plan which included a housing complex on the physical property. As the historical structure was facing demolition, this new business development saved the house and all the history associated with it. To that end, the T. Thomas Fortune Foundation and Cultural Center was formed.

We visited the house on a Saturday afternoon after a visit to the downtown Boro of Red Bank. On the ground floor, there are two display rooms featured. First, in the main room to the left is an exhibit detailing the life and work of another famous Red Bank resident, legendary jazz pianist and bandleader “Count” Basie. In the other room to the right is a showcasing of pictures and documentation of Fortune and his family, including some of his most famous publications.

Upstairs leads us to a room converted into an open floor with a podium and chairs for speaking engagements and public events; a common activity at the Cultural Center, and also an exhibit on Drs. James W. Parker; Sr. and Jr., and the Parker family legacy of being among the pioneering African-American doctors in Monmouth County. A truly educational experience of which we should all be so grateful to still have with us – restored, and preserved.

For more information, please consider visiting

https://www.tthomasfortuneculturalcenter.org/

http://redbankmensclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Drs-James-Parker-1.pdf

Cedar View Cemetery, Lincroft, New Jersey

The Cedar View Cemetery at Lincroft is a historic resting place for black veterans and their families. Acquired in 1850 to 14 black men in a land deal from a wealthy farmer and slaveowner, the cemetery is situated along a quiet stretch of land within what is now a residential area within the unincorporated section of Lincroft in Middletown Township, NJ.

The first reporting of the Cedar View Cemetery was in 1900, when former slave Charles Reeves died at the age of 80. The article acknowledging his passing was the first publicized reference for the Cedar View Cemetery, despite being in existence for 50 years.

Over the latter half of the Twentieth Century, Cedar View Cemetery at Lincroft was largely forgotten as development happened around the space, and the decades moved along into the new century. However, some of the local residents and descendants of the former slaves and war heroes buried at the site would continue to uphold the historical integrity of the location.

In present day, thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Friends of Cedar View Cemetery, the site is now known among locals and historical travelers alike. The Friends have done their part to raise awareness and education for the importance of this location. Every Memorial Day, a ceremony is held at the cemetery, acknowledging the sacrifices made from the veterans and citizens buried there.

Turkey Swamp Park – Freehold Township, New Jersey

Turkey Swamp Park is an expansive park and campsite along the seasonal, rural colors of Freehold Township in Monmouth County, right in the center of NJ. A well traveled site for hikers, dog walkers, and campers, Turkey Swamp Park has been providing its year round public service for many years, with a beautiful lake for fishing and canoeing, and 9 miles of trails for hiking.

Oddly enough, the origin of the name Turkey Swamp Park is unexpected. Turkey was the former name of what is now known as Adelphia, an unincorporated community in Howell Township; and Swamp, referring to the occasional swampy ground conditions due to the proximity to the water line. No turkeys or swamps, but still a fitting name.

The beautiful floral display is sprawled throughout the trails, synonymous with the NJ Pinelands. Turkey Swamp Park’s greatest feature for us is its versatility and diverse landscapes, which allows year round activity, for all seasons and hobbies.
For more information, please consider visiting: Monmouth County Park System Parks Turkey Swamp Park

Mercer Lake at Mercer County Park, New Jersey

It’s tough to do any sort of activity after working all day, but when the weather is an unexpected 75 degrees, it’s hard to pass up on a trip to the park. In this case, one of our default destinations is the expansive Mercer County Park, covering portions of Hamilton, West Windsor, and Lawrence Township, New Jersey. Mercer County Park deserves its own wing of posts within our travel blog, as it is a fully functional space with facilities and activities for all hobbyists. 2,500 acres of property boasting services such as a world class tennis center, performing arts stage, festival grounds, ice skating rink, over 25 fields, a disc golf course (!), volleyball courts, basketball courts, dog parks, picnic areas, a truly moving 9/11 memorial, plenty of nature/hiking/fishing opportunities, a bald eagle habitat, and a boathouse and marina. Within the area of the boathouse and marina is Mercer Lake, the beautiful man-made reservoir, and today’s destination.

The story of Mercer Lake is standard in environmental infrastructure policy. In 1975 a dam was formed to contain the flooding of nearby Assunpink Creek from the former USDA Soil Conservation Service – now the Natural Resources Conservation Service. During the construction of I-295, work crews excavated the basin as a complimentary service with no additional cost to the taxpayers (hard to believe). The basin is now the beautiful Mercer Lake, flowing through the heart of the massive Mercer County Park that surrounds it.

Present day, the belly perimeter of Mercer Lake is a frequently traveled stretch for hikers, dog walkers, fisherman, families. Grilling pavilions are available for rent, and spacious green patches are ideal for picnics and photo opportunities. Most notably, Mercer Lake is home to one of the premiere US Olympic Rowing training centers. The Lake hosted US Olympic Team trials in 1988, 1992, 2004, and 2008. Both Junior and National Rowing regattas are held there. The Olympic Rowing presence at Mercer Lake is one of the stronghold legacies of the area, and Mercer County Park as a whole. When going for a walk along Mercer Lake, it is not uncommon to both witness and overhear the intense team rowing training going on at any given time. Mercer Lake is a frequent fishing destination, too. The Lake is well stocked with bass, catfish, and perch, with a high catch rate.

While not a natural body of water, Mercer Lake has both the historical framework of the development of infrastructure and flood control in the 1970s, and has since become a revered facility for Olympic caliber rowing. Aside from that, Mercer Lake is always popular for a stroll and some photography. A truly pleasant way to spend time in good weather.

For more information, please consider visiting: Mercer County Park Commission | Mercer County, NJ