Past Events
Chatham’s Historic Toboggan to be Featured in July 4th Parade
In the 1890’s, Mr. Edward Phillips was living at the top of Fairmount Avenue's steep hill.
As a hobby he built ice boats to race on the freshet on the north side of Chatham in the winter. In 1890, when tobogganing was all the rage, he built an 11’ bobsled for his daughters.
One account has the sled travel down Fairmount Ave over the railroad tracks, including sparks and turn right onto Main St and come to a stop in front of the Library!! Someone had to stand at the tracks to make way for this speeding mode of transportation!
The bobsled fell on hard times but thanks to keeping Chatham's past alive with the help of the Oral Histories of the Society, when Rich Bradley spotted it in a barn, he knew all about its celebrated past and rescued it. The toboggan has been resting in the attic of the Bradley Funeral Home garage - for many years. The Chatham Historical Society and the 11' toboggan owe a big debt of gratitude to the Bradley family!
See you at the Parade!! And if you see Rich or Scott Bradley at the parade, thank them for keeping the Toboggan safe!
As a hobby he built ice boats to race on the freshet on the north side of Chatham in the winter. In 1890, when tobogganing was all the rage, he built an 11’ bobsled for his daughters.
One account has the sled travel down Fairmount Ave over the railroad tracks, including sparks and turn right onto Main St and come to a stop in front of the Library!! Someone had to stand at the tracks to make way for this speeding mode of transportation!
The bobsled fell on hard times but thanks to keeping Chatham's past alive with the help of the Oral Histories of the Society, when Rich Bradley spotted it in a barn, he knew all about its celebrated past and rescued it. The toboggan has been resting in the attic of the Bradley Funeral Home garage - for many years. The Chatham Historical Society and the 11' toboggan owe a big debt of gratitude to the Bradley family!
See you at the Parade!! And if you see Rich or Scott Bradley at the parade, thank them for keeping the Toboggan safe!
JANET W. FOSTER: THE FUTURE IN THE PAST
CHS was excited to host our first Zoom Program on Sunday, November 15, 2020.
We were most fortunate to have Janet Foster as our speaker. Her program was entitled “The Future in the Past: 20th Century Suburban Architecture focused on Chatham, NJ.” Janet is a well-recognized local architectural historian, preservationist, and author who serves, and has served on many boards and commissions protecting the historical architecture of our state.
Over 70 guests logged-on to hear and see Janet’s educational and inspirational program focusing on how local rural areas quickly evolved into diverse suburban communities. We learned that dwellings 50 years or older are now considered “historic,” and we were enlightened as to how Chatham became “modern” from 1900 to 1970.
We visited the turn of the century when people imagined what the modern future would bring. Gustav Stickley introduced an innovative, yet simple design for housing and furniture. A visit to Craftsman Farms, his home in Parsippany, will introduce you to his dream of a “Lifestyle in Harmony with Nature.” His magazine illustrated “visions of what the future would hold.”
Stickley’s plans initiated the emergence of “kit” or mail order homes which quickly became a suburban phenomenon, referred to as a “bungalow.” Many companies quickly endorsed the trend. All construction supplies for a home would arrive in a train car – plan specs, wood, bricks, hardware, plumbing, electrical, even paint and wallpaper.
Janet elaborated on innovative housing plans such as Frank Lloyd Wright’s “Prairie House,” and the “Four-Square” which was very popular in Chatham during the 1930’s - at the time considered to be modern, even futuristic! The 1920’s and ’30 also experienced a “colonial revival,” in popular kit homes. A perfect melding of colonial and bungalow, traditional and modern.
Janet showed us several examples of Tudor Revival homes in Chatham, detailed to look older than their 1930’s construction. She touched on the clean lines of Mission Revival as a true statement of Modernity in the 20th Century. We learned about an ill-fated trend of concrete block homes, and metal and aluminum structures. Janet’s program concluded with our two lovely and unique examples of A-frame churches on Main Street exhibiting a post-war view of what modern churches should look like.
The Chatham Historical Society is most grateful to the Library of the Chathams for facilitating our program!
JANET W. FOSTER: THE FUTURE IN THE PAST
CHS was excited to host our first Zoom Program on Sunday, November 15, 2020.
We were most fortunate to have Janet Foster as our speaker. Her program was entitled “The Future in the Past: 20th Century Suburban Architecture focused on Chatham, NJ.” Janet is a well-recognized local architectural historian, preservationist, and author who serves, and has served on many boards and commissions protecting the historical architecture of our state.
Over 70 guests logged-on to hear and see Janet’s educational and inspirational program focusing on how local rural areas quickly evolved into diverse suburban communities. We learned that dwellings 50 years or older are now considered “historic,” and we were enlightened as to how Chatham became “modern” from 1900 to 1970.
We visited the turn of the century when people imagined what the modern future would bring. Gustav Stickley introduced an innovative, yet simple design for housing and furniture. A visit to Craftsman Farms, his home in Parsippany, will introduce you to his dream of a “Lifestyle in Harmony with Nature.” His magazine illustrated “visions of what the future would hold.”
Stickley’s plans initiated the emergence of “kit” or mail order homes which quickly became a suburban phenomenon, referred to as a “bungalow.” Many companies quickly endorsed the trend. All construction supplies for a home would arrive in a train car – plan specs, wood, bricks, hardware, plumbing, electrical, even paint and wallpaper.
Janet elaborated on innovative housing plans such as Frank Lloyd Wright’s “Prairie House,” and the “Four-Square” which was very popular in Chatham during the 1930’s - at the time considered to be modern, even futuristic! The 1920’s and ’30 also experienced a “colonial revival,” in popular kit homes. A perfect melding of colonial and bungalow, traditional and modern.
Janet showed us several examples of Tudor Revival homes in Chatham, detailed to look older than their 1930’s construction. She touched on the clean lines of Mission Revival as a true statement of Modernity in the 20th Century. We learned about an ill-fated trend of concrete block homes, and metal and aluminum structures. Janet’s program concluded with our two lovely and unique examples of A-frame churches on Main Street exhibiting a post-war view of what modern churches should look like.
The Chatham Historical Society is most grateful to the Library of the Chathams for facilitating our program!
THE SPACE RACE
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon landing in 1969, Kevin Woyce will present a new presentation, packed with historic photographs and vintage concept art. Relive the dramatic “Space Race,” from the pioneering Mercury and Gemini flights to the first Apollo Moon landings and the lesser-known scientific missions that followed.
Bring a friend, admission is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.
We look forward to seeing you!
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon landing in 1969, Kevin Woyce will present a new presentation, packed with historic photographs and vintage concept art. Relive the dramatic “Space Race,” from the pioneering Mercury and Gemini flights to the first Apollo Moon landings and the lesser-known scientific missions that followed.
Bring a friend, admission is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.
We look forward to seeing you!
TICKETS ON SALE NOW
Fall is just around the corner and it’s time to mark your calendar for autumn festivities! Join us on Friday, October 25 for our fourth annual History & Hops. This is an evening you won’t want to miss!
The Chatham Fish & Game Club will be transformed into a beautiful beer garden featuring beer and wine representing countries around the world. Of course, food goes well with drink so there will be a delicious array from which to choose. Add to the mix live music by Chatham’s own Sal Arnuk and Mike McLaughlin and you have the perfect brew for a great time.
So please join us and see old friends, make new ones and raise your glass to Chatham’s history.
Tickets: $50 per person
Click the Paypal button on the right or Send a check to:
The Chatham Historical Society | PO Box 682 | Chatham, NJ 07928
Fall is just around the corner and it’s time to mark your calendar for autumn festivities! Join us on Friday, October 25 for our fourth annual History & Hops. This is an evening you won’t want to miss!
The Chatham Fish & Game Club will be transformed into a beautiful beer garden featuring beer and wine representing countries around the world. Of course, food goes well with drink so there will be a delicious array from which to choose. Add to the mix live music by Chatham’s own Sal Arnuk and Mike McLaughlin and you have the perfect brew for a great time.
So please join us and see old friends, make new ones and raise your glass to Chatham’s history.
Tickets: $50 per person
Click the Paypal button on the right or Send a check to:
The Chatham Historical Society | PO Box 682 | Chatham, NJ 07928
RECLAIMING OUR VOICE Presented by Carol Simon Levin who portrays Lillian Feickert, president of the New Jersey Woman Suffrage Association, to tell the story of the role of New Jersey women in the long struggle for women’s suffrage. Levin’s presentation includes stories of leading Suffragettes and their tireless efforts to propel women’s suffrage past reluctant male voters and through state and national legislatures to the final success of the 19th Amendment.
Admission is free and open to the public. Bring a friend and join us as we celebrate the 19th Amendment.
We look forward to seeing you!
Admission is free and open to the public. Bring a friend and join us as we celebrate the 19th Amendment.
We look forward to seeing you!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS! It’s time to celebrate the holidays and we kicked off the season in style. The annual holiday party was held December 10 at the home Karen and Mark Hoerrner of 194 Fairmount Avenue. They recently finished a major renovation restoring their home to its past splendor - inside and out.
Using archival photos, the Hoerrners meticulously captured every detail of the original home and enhanced it with modern updates and amenities. Built in 1921, it is eclectic in style with a strong Prairie School influence. Prairie School is a truly American concept, where buildings echo the wide, flat expanses of the mid-West plains and are intended to meet basic needs without being too showy. This fine example is built of buff bricks with a green tiled hipped roof and broad overhanging eaves creating a strong horizontal presence intended to blend into the landscape.
This vintage home was the perfect venue for members to enjoy delicious food and libations while mingling with old friends and new. An eight foot Christmas tree was the centerpiece of the decorations and added to the festive atmosphere.
This annual tradition is a way to thank members for their support during the year. A special thank you to the Hoerrners for hosting the holiday celebration.
Using archival photos, the Hoerrners meticulously captured every detail of the original home and enhanced it with modern updates and amenities. Built in 1921, it is eclectic in style with a strong Prairie School influence. Prairie School is a truly American concept, where buildings echo the wide, flat expanses of the mid-West plains and are intended to meet basic needs without being too showy. This fine example is built of buff bricks with a green tiled hipped roof and broad overhanging eaves creating a strong horizontal presence intended to blend into the landscape.
This vintage home was the perfect venue for members to enjoy delicious food and libations while mingling with old friends and new. An eight foot Christmas tree was the centerpiece of the decorations and added to the festive atmosphere.
This annual tradition is a way to thank members for their support during the year. A special thank you to the Hoerrners for hosting the holiday celebration.
HISTORY & HOPS 2017 Fall is just around the corner and it’s time to mark your calendar for autumn festivities! Join us on Friday, October 20, 2017 for our second annual “History & Hops.” Last year it was a sold out event so get your tickets early. This is an evening you won’t want to miss!
The Chatham Fish & Game Club will be transformed into a traditional beer garden featuring beer and wine representing countries around the world. Of course, food goes well with drink so there will be a tempting array of eatables to chose from and live music will keep it festive. Food, drink, music and good company – the perfect brew for a great time! Music will be provided by Chatham’s own Sal Arnuk, Mike McLaughlin and special guest Chris “Sarge” Tomaino.
The Chatham Fish & Game Club will be transformed into a traditional beer garden featuring beer and wine representing countries around the world. Of course, food goes well with drink so there will be a tempting array of eatables to chose from and live music will keep it festive. Food, drink, music and good company – the perfect brew for a great time! Music will be provided by Chatham’s own Sal Arnuk, Mike McLaughlin and special guest Chris “Sarge” Tomaino.
FROM HELL GATE TO THE GOLDEN GATE In 1909, 22 year old Alice Huyler Ramsey of Hackensack, New Jersey became the first woman to drive across the United States.
Laurie MacDonald-Gaulke, an actress and story teller brings Alice's journey to life. So, settle into the passenger seat of her Maxwell 30 touring car and experience her adventure—no GPS, no maps, no roads! A full decade would go by before women earned the right to vote, but this plucky young woman showed our country that women would take on any challenge!
Admission is free and open to the public. Bring a friend and join us for an exciting trip across the country. Refreshments will be served.
Laurie MacDonald-Gaulke creates historical portrayals of real women with real stories to tell. Each character is portrayed in a historically, culturally and socially accurate manner. Laurie has a Master’s degree in cultural anthropology; her research skills and her talent as an actress and storyteller bring historical figures to life in an entertaining and educational way.
Laurie MacDonald-Gaulke, an actress and story teller brings Alice's journey to life. So, settle into the passenger seat of her Maxwell 30 touring car and experience her adventure—no GPS, no maps, no roads! A full decade would go by before women earned the right to vote, but this plucky young woman showed our country that women would take on any challenge!
Admission is free and open to the public. Bring a friend and join us for an exciting trip across the country. Refreshments will be served.
Laurie MacDonald-Gaulke creates historical portrayals of real women with real stories to tell. Each character is portrayed in a historically, culturally and socially accurate manner. Laurie has a Master’s degree in cultural anthropology; her research skills and her talent as an actress and storyteller bring historical figures to life in an entertaining and educational way.
PLEASE JOIN US AS WE HONOR THE WWI FALLEN SOLDIERS OF CHATHAM In France during the Great War, five Chatham Borough men lost their lives. In 1919, their sacrifice was honored by the planting of five red oak trees on the grounds of Public School #1, now Chatham Borough Hall. Sadly none remain.
In conjunction with the 100th anniversary of the United States entry into WWI, the Chatham Historical Society will dedicate another red oak tree in memory of the soldiers whose lives it commemorates and in gratitude for their ultimate sacrifice.
FRED R. PIHLMAN was a member of the first graduating class of Chatham High School in 1911. He was proficient in his studies as well as the captain of the football and baseball teams. He attended Middlebury College and graduated from Pratt Institute of Technology in 1916. He was working as a chemical engineer when he was drafted. After his parents received a telegram their son had been killed in action, they received letters from him indicating he was injured but doing well. It took months to clarify he was dead but the full details of his death were never found. He was 25.
FREDERICK P. PARCELLS was a volunteer fireman. In war, he was a communications expert. At the front line he was hit by heavy fire but continued keeping communications running. He was then injured by a shell blast and died the next day at the age of 23.
VAN HORN D. WOLFE was injured by a gas shell explosion which killed all his men. He died two months later while recovering. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, he was a talented artist and architect working in NYC until he resigned to enter the service. He was 26 years old. His father was the local doctor.
EUGENE P. HUBBARD was 22 years old when he was the first killed in action. He was posthumously cited for bravery, for repeatedly and voluntarily exposing himself to enemy artillery fire in the performance of his duties. He was killed while directing the removal of the bodies of three of his men. A graduate of Middlebury College, he went to officers’ school in Plattsburg.
PAUL C. VAN FLEET was 24 and engaged to be married when he enlisted. He was killed in the trenches trying to repair a vital communication wire which was damaged. He was the son of a decorated Civil War veteran.
In conjunction with the 100th anniversary of the United States entry into WWI, the Chatham Historical Society will dedicate another red oak tree in memory of the soldiers whose lives it commemorates and in gratitude for their ultimate sacrifice.
FRED R. PIHLMAN was a member of the first graduating class of Chatham High School in 1911. He was proficient in his studies as well as the captain of the football and baseball teams. He attended Middlebury College and graduated from Pratt Institute of Technology in 1916. He was working as a chemical engineer when he was drafted. After his parents received a telegram their son had been killed in action, they received letters from him indicating he was injured but doing well. It took months to clarify he was dead but the full details of his death were never found. He was 25.
FREDERICK P. PARCELLS was a volunteer fireman. In war, he was a communications expert. At the front line he was hit by heavy fire but continued keeping communications running. He was then injured by a shell blast and died the next day at the age of 23.
VAN HORN D. WOLFE was injured by a gas shell explosion which killed all his men. He died two months later while recovering. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, he was a talented artist and architect working in NYC until he resigned to enter the service. He was 26 years old. His father was the local doctor.
EUGENE P. HUBBARD was 22 years old when he was the first killed in action. He was posthumously cited for bravery, for repeatedly and voluntarily exposing himself to enemy artillery fire in the performance of his duties. He was killed while directing the removal of the bodies of three of his men. A graduate of Middlebury College, he went to officers’ school in Plattsburg.
PAUL C. VAN FLEET was 24 and engaged to be married when he enlisted. He was killed in the trenches trying to repair a vital communication wire which was damaged. He was the son of a decorated Civil War veteran.
QUEEN VICTORIA, QUEEN ANNE and AMERICAN ARCHITECTURE in the 19th CENTURY This illustrated lecture by Janet W. Foster will focus on domestic architecture in the era of Queen Victoria.
It will also explain why calling a building “Victorian” doesn’t help describe what it looks like, or even when it was built. The many architectural expressions of the period from about 1840 to 1900 will be touched upon, including the style called Queen Anne. Local examples will be used occasionally, but be prepared for an exciting, fast-paced survey of buildings from across the United States.
There will be an opportunity for discussion and questions following the approximately 45 minute program.
Janet W. Foster is an architectural historian and historic preservation consultant with over 30 years of experience with New Jersey’s buildings. She studied at the Columbia University Historic Preservation Program, and then founded Acroterion, a preservation consulting firm, in 1983. At Acroterion, she had the opportunity to study hundreds of buildings in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania through preparation of National Register nominations, Historic Structures Reports, historic buildings surveys, and other projects.
Ms. Foster is a noted teacher and lecturer on historic architecture. She helped to develop the curriculum at the Drew University Continuing Education Program in Historic Preservation. From 2002 through 2012, Janet W. Foster worked for Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture, Planning & Preservation as Associate Director for the Urban Planning & Historic Preservation Programs. She continues an association with the university as an adjunct professor in the Historic Preservation Program.
She has published numerous articles and books focused on New Jersey architecture, among them, Legacy Through the Lens: Mendham’s Architecture (1986), Building By the Book: Pattern-book Architecture in New Jersey (1992, Rutgers University Press), and The Queen Anne House: America’s Victorian Vernacular (2006, Abrams Publishing).
Ms. Foster lives in Madison, New Jersey, with her husband, in a Queen Anne style house they restored. She currently serves on the New Jersey State Review Board for Historic Sites, and she has a gubernatorial appointment to the board of the New Jersey Historic Trust, where she is currently serving as the Chair.
It will also explain why calling a building “Victorian” doesn’t help describe what it looks like, or even when it was built. The many architectural expressions of the period from about 1840 to 1900 will be touched upon, including the style called Queen Anne. Local examples will be used occasionally, but be prepared for an exciting, fast-paced survey of buildings from across the United States.
There will be an opportunity for discussion and questions following the approximately 45 minute program.
Janet W. Foster is an architectural historian and historic preservation consultant with over 30 years of experience with New Jersey’s buildings. She studied at the Columbia University Historic Preservation Program, and then founded Acroterion, a preservation consulting firm, in 1983. At Acroterion, she had the opportunity to study hundreds of buildings in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania through preparation of National Register nominations, Historic Structures Reports, historic buildings surveys, and other projects.
Ms. Foster is a noted teacher and lecturer on historic architecture. She helped to develop the curriculum at the Drew University Continuing Education Program in Historic Preservation. From 2002 through 2012, Janet W. Foster worked for Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture, Planning & Preservation as Associate Director for the Urban Planning & Historic Preservation Programs. She continues an association with the university as an adjunct professor in the Historic Preservation Program.
She has published numerous articles and books focused on New Jersey architecture, among them, Legacy Through the Lens: Mendham’s Architecture (1986), Building By the Book: Pattern-book Architecture in New Jersey (1992, Rutgers University Press), and The Queen Anne House: America’s Victorian Vernacular (2006, Abrams Publishing).
Ms. Foster lives in Madison, New Jersey, with her husband, in a Queen Anne style house they restored. She currently serves on the New Jersey State Review Board for Historic Sites, and she has a gubernatorial appointment to the board of the New Jersey Historic Trust, where she is currently serving as the Chair.
TROOP 8 The Chatham Historical Society will present a free and open to the public program entitled: “Troop 8 - 100 Years of History”, on Sunday, October 30, at the Library of the Chathams. The program will begin at 2:30pm in the Lundt Meeting Room.
Troop 8, one of our nation's oldest boy scout troops, celebrates its centennial in 2016. In the last 100 years, over 1,400 young Chatham boys have passed through Troop 8 to emerge as confident young men.
This presentation is packed with vintage photos, colorful stories and archival illustrations.There will also be an array of memorabilia and historical artifacts.
Bring a friend to the library and please join us for an exciting trip through 100 years of Chatham's Troop 8
Troop 8, one of our nation's oldest boy scout troops, celebrates its centennial in 2016. In the last 100 years, over 1,400 young Chatham boys have passed through Troop 8 to emerge as confident young men.
This presentation is packed with vintage photos, colorful stories and archival illustrations.There will also be an array of memorabilia and historical artifacts.
Bring a friend to the library and please join us for an exciting trip through 100 years of Chatham's Troop 8
HISTORY & HOPS Fall is in the air! That means lots of beer and wine, food, live music and fun. On October 21st, the Chatham Fish & Game Club will be transformed into a beautiful beer garden featuring a variety of beers (and wine) from around the world representing where our forefathers hailed from.
Hearty, mouth-watering hors d’oeuvres and sandwiches will be served and rollicking music will be provided by Chatham’s own Sal Arnuk, Mike McLaughlin and special guest Chris “Sarge” Tomaino.
The party starts at 7:30pm and flows until the kegs run dry. Join us and have fun while celebrating Chatham’s history!
Hearty, mouth-watering hors d’oeuvres and sandwiches will be served and rollicking music will be provided by Chatham’s own Sal Arnuk, Mike McLaughlin and special guest Chris “Sarge” Tomaino.
The party starts at 7:30pm and flows until the kegs run dry. Join us and have fun while celebrating Chatham’s history!
Chatham Borough is planning its 300th Birthday Party this spring and everyone’s invited to join the festivities. The grand commemoration, set for Saturday, June 13 at Railraod Plaza South, coincides with Chatham’s annual Fishawack Festival and promises plenty of fascinating history, cool arts and crafts, tasty food and the chance to meet and mingle with Chatham residents past and present. The historical society is busy planning for the big event presenting Selfiemania!
We encourage you to tag your best Chatham selfie to #Chatham300Years on Instagram for a chance to win one of three $100 Visa Gift cards. You may also tag your favorite “Life in Chatham" photo. On June 13, be sure to stop by the Chatham Historical Society's display at Railroad Plaza South to take even more selfies with our extremely colorful and historically accurate directional sign post, Signs of Chatham-Then & Now. See if you can correctly name all the “Then & Now” locations and landmarks in Chatham. You can also pop your head through the wonderfully fun face-in-the-hole board, crafted by students from the Chatham High School art department. Bring your friends and family to the Chatham Historical Society’s display and have a lasting memory of the day…don’t forget to tag that selfie, too, for a chance to win!
Click HERE for a comical history on how the selfie came about and an inspirational video on how to take a selfie, produced by Chatham High School students!
Additional events celebrating Chatham's 300th Birthday will include:
Happy Birthday Chatham: Kick off the summer season by enjoying a tasty and traditional-style strawberry shortcake dessert with your family and friends, hosted by the Chatham Girl Scouts.
Meet Chatham’s Notables: A lot can happen in 300 years! Learn about Chatham’s colorful history by chatting with the folks who were there from the start—Actors from the Chatham High School Theater Department, dressed in period garb, will portray notable Chathamites and will be on hand to talk with visitors.
Chatham “Past-Port”: Kids of all ages can have a special Chatham “Past-Port” validated as they walk through Chatham’s history, then return to the Library of the Chathams’ booth to receive a participation prize.
Flex Your Muscles: The Mayor’s Wellness Campaign of the Chathams encourages you to test your strength, power and strategy in a fun bout of Tug of War.
Arts & Culture: The Public Art Council of the Chathams will be organizing a special tricentennial art project that will include art etching and Youth Courier editors. Participating children will pen the community’s newspaper.
Three Penny Tavern: Celebrate the day with an ice cold beer at an old-fashioned tavern decorated with a timeline of Chatham’s 300 years. Proceeds benefit mychatham.org, a not for profit organization dedicated to the beautification of Chatham.
We encourage you to tag your best Chatham selfie to #Chatham300Years on Instagram for a chance to win one of three $100 Visa Gift cards. You may also tag your favorite “Life in Chatham" photo. On June 13, be sure to stop by the Chatham Historical Society's display at Railroad Plaza South to take even more selfies with our extremely colorful and historically accurate directional sign post, Signs of Chatham-Then & Now. See if you can correctly name all the “Then & Now” locations and landmarks in Chatham. You can also pop your head through the wonderfully fun face-in-the-hole board, crafted by students from the Chatham High School art department. Bring your friends and family to the Chatham Historical Society’s display and have a lasting memory of the day…don’t forget to tag that selfie, too, for a chance to win!
Click HERE for a comical history on how the selfie came about and an inspirational video on how to take a selfie, produced by Chatham High School students!
Additional events celebrating Chatham's 300th Birthday will include:
Happy Birthday Chatham: Kick off the summer season by enjoying a tasty and traditional-style strawberry shortcake dessert with your family and friends, hosted by the Chatham Girl Scouts.
Meet Chatham’s Notables: A lot can happen in 300 years! Learn about Chatham’s colorful history by chatting with the folks who were there from the start—Actors from the Chatham High School Theater Department, dressed in period garb, will portray notable Chathamites and will be on hand to talk with visitors.
Chatham “Past-Port”: Kids of all ages can have a special Chatham “Past-Port” validated as they walk through Chatham’s history, then return to the Library of the Chathams’ booth to receive a participation prize.
Flex Your Muscles: The Mayor’s Wellness Campaign of the Chathams encourages you to test your strength, power and strategy in a fun bout of Tug of War.
Arts & Culture: The Public Art Council of the Chathams will be organizing a special tricentennial art project that will include art etching and Youth Courier editors. Participating children will pen the community’s newspaper.
Three Penny Tavern: Celebrate the day with an ice cold beer at an old-fashioned tavern decorated with a timeline of Chatham’s 300 years. Proceeds benefit mychatham.org, a not for profit organization dedicated to the beautification of Chatham.
WHEN DID THAT HAPPEN A look at Chatham Through the years The Chatham Historical Society will present a free and open to the pubic program entitled: “When Did That Happen? A look at Chatham Through the Years”, on Sunday, October 18, 2015, at the Library of the Chathams. The program will begin at 2:30pm in the Lundt Meeting Room of the library.
Follow the growth and evolution of Chatham from overnight stage coach stop to an important regional mill town. See how the arrival of the railroad in 1837 led to more growth for local industry, while at the same time shifting the focus of the town away from the river. Watch the transition of Chatham into the much sought after suburban community it is today.
This presentation will trace the unfolding of Chatham through vintage photos, colorful stories and archival illustrations. A question and answer session will follow the end of the program.
Bring a friend to the library on October 18th. No sign up is necessary and light refreshments will be served. Chatham Historical Society books and other products will be on sale
Follow the growth and evolution of Chatham from overnight stage coach stop to an important regional mill town. See how the arrival of the railroad in 1837 led to more growth for local industry, while at the same time shifting the focus of the town away from the river. Watch the transition of Chatham into the much sought after suburban community it is today.
This presentation will trace the unfolding of Chatham through vintage photos, colorful stories and archival illustrations. A question and answer session will follow the end of the program.
Bring a friend to the library on October 18th. No sign up is necessary and light refreshments will be served. Chatham Historical Society books and other products will be on sale
Chatham Historical Society | PO Box 682 | Chatham, NJ 07928 | chathamnjhistory@gmail.com