Volume 11,Issue 1 Newsletter of the Atlantic County Historical Society SPRING 2013 Atlantic County Historical Society 100 Years Young! You are cordially invited to join us this year for the celebration of the 100 th birthday of the Atlantic County Historical Society. We celebrate 100 years of leadership in historical preservation and education, spanning decades and involving thousands of members, volunteers, financial donors, contributors of artifacts, visiting school children, and researchers. A Birthday worth celebrating! The small group of women who gathered in a home in Pleasantville in July 1913 to discuss the formation of a historical society were doers. They brought vision, intelligence, dedication, industriousness, and lots of hard work to their task.* They were living in an exciting time. 1913 saw women organizing in greater numbers for women s suffrage; a new President with connections to New Jersey has just been sworn in to the White House; the first coast to coast highway- the Lincoln Highway- had been opened, and the magnificent Grand Central Terminal in New York City had begun operation. They thought and dreamed big! Our founders were no exception. As was reported just two months later, the September meeting of the Atlantic County Historical Society was large and enthusiastic (AC Press, Sept17.1913) and in November 1913, The Historical Society is rapidly increasing in membership. The Society is doing good work and has a great work before it and it should receive the help of all interested in the County s history. (AC Press Nov26.1913). Once the group was organized their progress on the good and great work was steady and continual. In 1915 they published Early History of Atlantic County: A Report on the First Year s Work using a public subscription to raise the necessary funds for publishing. That volume was reprinted in 1988, in honor of the Society s 75 th birthday, and remains today an exceedingly valuable collection of the research done by the earliest members. Copies are still available for purchase. Over the years, the contributions of members and the public, built one of the finest genealogical libraries in South Jersey, if not the state, along with a fascinating museum filled with items from the early settlers and families of Atlantic County. In 1948 the Society began publishing an annual yearbook which it has done annually ever since. The Yearbook remains today a sought after source of local historical research. (Your current copy is enclosed). Preservation of the Somers Mansion, deeded to the Society in 1937, and deeded by it to the Historic Sites Commission of NJ for restoration and preservation assured its availability to the public and remains one of the signature achievements of the Society. The artifacts on display at the Somers Mansion are part of the permanent collection of the ACHS on loan to the state for exhibit purposes. The recent work by the state eliminating the Somers Point circle has enhanced the prominence of the Mansion and coupled with the site improvements and renovations has created opportunities for new collaboration between the ACHS and the state in our second 100 years, building on the work of our forebears. The good and great work continues. Story cont d on page 4. Our ACHS 100 th Anniversary Cookbook will be ready for sale this spring. Check our website for details about its release date. INSIDE THIS ISSUE: PAGE 2 Upcoming Events 3 Member News 4 Library Accessions 5 150 th Anniversary Civil War 6 Volunteer of the Quarter 7 New Book on Nucky Johnson Atlantic Heritage 1
Events and Happenings Program Logistics Risley Homestead 8 Virginia Avenue (near 400 block of Shore Road) Northfield, NJ Each Saturday 11:00am 4:00pm Each Sunday 1:00pm 4:00pm Closed on major holidays. Free Admission -Donations ATLANTIC COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY 907 Shore Road, Somers Point, NJ Monday, April 29, 2013 7:00pm ATLANTIC COUNTY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY Café on Main Street Atlantic Ave. Mays Landing, NJ May 2013 ATLANTIC COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY 907 Shore Road, Somers Point, NJ Monday, June 24, 2013 7:00pm Program Description The Risley Homestead is one of two 18th century houses in Atlantic County individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was home to many generations of Risley oystermen. The ACHS received the Homestead and its furnishings by bequest from Virginia Risley Stout in 1989. Open weekends from May through October. The Homestead is open for individual and small group guided tours. MEET THE AUTHORS NIGHT Local authors with books on a variety of subjects will speak about what inspired them to become writers and will present a brief overview of their book(s). Following the program, authors will have the opportunity to sign and sell their books. 100 th ANNIVERSARY COOKBOOK LAUNCH Our 100 th Anniversary cookbook, entitled Recipes Through The Years, featuring photos from our kitchen/dining room, cooking facts, vintage quips will be unveiled at a dinner at the ACIT Café on Main Street. The cookbook was printed through the cooperation of the Atlantic County Institute of Technology. Our joint effort involved the ACIT culinary arts, IT and history programs. Dinner will feature recipes from the cookbook. Look for updated information on our Web site for the date and cost or contact the Atlantic County Historical Society at 609-927-5218. OUR VERY OWN Antiques Roadshow Appraisers will be on-site at the Atlantic County Historical Society. Look for updated information on our Web site for the date and cost or contact the Atlantic County Historical Society at 609-927-5218. ATLANTIC COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY 907 Shore Road, Somers Point, NJ September 7, 2013 Time: TBD (Inside, 2 nd Floor) Free and open to the public COURTHOUSE CORNER Check out the newest exhibit at the Atlantic County Courthouse in Mays Landing on the Jersey Devil. Highlighted are several Jersey Devil myths and drawings. As an added bonus, some of local artist Susan Heinz Jersey Devil paintings are on display on the walls by the exhibit cases. The exhibit is on display until the 2 nd week of June. EVENING OF BLUE GRASS - BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! By popular demand, this fall sees the return of the Bennetts and Claytons for an Evening of Bluegrass. This much loved local group will once again delight us with their mixed bag of Bluegrass, gospel songs, patriotic renditions and some of their own down home compositions. This event will coincide with Somers Point s annual Good Old Days Festival. What a perfect way to wind down your day of browsing and playing through the Festival! For more information please call the Atlantic County Historical Society at 609-927-5218. Minimal Impact from Super Storm Sandy We have received several inquiries about how the Society was affected by Super Storm Sandy in late October of last year. While the devastation to coastal New Jersey was of historic significance, especially in points north, we are happy to report that our damage was confined to exterior signage. And thanks to the recommendation of Trustee Ruth Faust a few years ago, our large, beautifully carved sign was insured! Though our building is located just a block from the bay front, the foresight of our predecessors in locating on a high point of ground proved invaluable. Our brick construction withstood the hurricane force winds well, and our basement museum did not flood. Once electrical power was restored, our devoted volunteers, some of whom were impacted on a personal level, were ready to reopen. Atlantic Heritage 2
In Memoriam Frances B. Reynolds It was with sadness that we learned of the passing of Frances B. Reynolds on Wednesday, January 30 at Voorhees Virtua Hospital at the age of 89. Fran, as we called her, was a very dedicated, long-term volunteer until she retired to Medford Leas a few years ago. Born in Goshen, Indiana, and a graduate of DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana, she was married to husband Charles C. Reynolds (deceased) for 57 years. They lived in Des Moines, Iowa, and then Linwood, raising four children: Richard (deceased), Sara (Matthew Nebel), Thomas (Olivia) and Emily. Her outstanding service to our Society included the positions of Treasurer (1985-1991), Assistant Curator (1985-1986), 2 nd Vice President (2001-2003), Vice President (2003-2005) and Financial Secretary (2006-2008). This wonderful lady was a familiar face to our visitors, assisting with library research and giving museum tours. She was also one of our research volunteers who respond to the queries of those who cannot visit our library in person. Her service to the community did not stop here. Fran also served on the Mainland Regional High School Board of Education, was active with the Linwood Historical Society, volunteered at Shore Memorial Hospital and the Atlantic City Library, and was a member of the American Association of University Women. Especially close to her heart was her participation with CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates for children). We miss her. The Atlantic County Historical Society is pleased to welcome and thank our newest members: James Leopardi, Egg Harbor City, NJ Louise and Leonard Barrett, Auburndale, FL Mark Maxwell, Egg Harbor City, NJ Nancy Menton Lyons, Hockessin, DE Joe Schiavo, Northfield, NJ LIFE MEMBER Robert L. Barnett, Cologne, NJ NEW CORPORATE PARTNERs Glenn Insurance, Inc., Absecon, NJ Atlantic City Electric Company THANKS AGAIN! To all our members, friends and veterans, we want to thank you once more for your generosity and continuing support. Our thanks to the following: FRIEND: $1-$49 Earl Sutton, Marjory Standiford and Lorraine Merryman PATRON: $50-$249 Donald and Carolyn Perry, Alvin E. Hood, Sr., Veteran Clinton B. Campbell in honor of Sheryl Collins SPONSOR: $250-$1000 Farley Memorial Foundation BENEFACTOR: $1000 + William R. Fenton, IMO of Gertrude McGuire Fenton, wife, and Frances N. Glaven, sister President: Richard Squires Vice-President: Sid Parker, Jr. Recording Secy: Barbara Perry-Silva Treasurer: Charlene Canale Asst. Treasurer: Pat Parker Financial Secretary: Kevin Little Atlantic County Historical Society Governing Board Librarian: Freda Heintz Assistant Librarian: Diane Miller Curator: Assistant Curator: Allen Boo Pergament Chaplain: Rev. Norman Goos Trustees: Jerry Bell, Skip Bellino, Frank Ferry, Helen Walsh, James Mason,V, Richlyn Goddard, Ruth Taylor, Ellen Hyatt, Ruth Faust, Alex Marino, Donald Perry, Sheryl Collins. Atlantic Heritage 3
Library Accessions Freda Heintz, Librarian Diane Miller, Assistant Librarian Accession# Source / Description 2012.108 Gift of Cape May County Historical Society: booklet - The Cape May County Magazine of History and Genealogy, 2012, Vol. 12 4. 2012.115 Gift of Richard Squires: Collection of Booklets, Programs, Photos, and Postcards. 2012.125 Gift of Donald Nyce: Collection of Booklets, Programs, Photos, Photo Albums, Postcards, and 13 Good Old Days Calendars. 2012.158 Gift of Ben Meritt: Flash drive - Boardwalk Empire, HBO Press kit. 2012.158 Gift of R.E. Hanson: Family Records - Daniel Scull Babcock. Will - Isaac Johnson. 2013.115 Gift of Richard Squires: Computer Disk - Atlantic City Answers the Call of World War II. 2013.116 Gift of Frank Ferry: Book - Nucky, The Real Story of the Atlantic City Boardwalk Boss. 2013.126 Gift of Norman Ritz: Photos - 2 Lydia Johnson, 2 John George Hess, 2 Maria Johnson Hess, 1 Somers Wellington Hess, 3 Somers J. Hess, 3 Olive May Hess. 2013.128 Gift of Elaine Gustafson: Book - Sketches of Egg Harbor Township. Book - Genealogical Research, Methods and Sources Vol. 1. 2013.129 Gift of Don Pocher: 22 postcards - William Leeds Family photographs and cards. 2013.130 Gift of Edward Doughty: Document The Doughtys - Back to 1650. 2013.131 Gift of Myrtle Robinson: Photo - Police Parade, Atlantic City, 1910. Postcard packet - Atlantic City, NJ Newspaper clippings. 2013.132 Gift of Thomas B. Leeds: Letters - To Thomas B. Leeds from Carrie M. Leeds regarding Leeds family genealogy, 5 pages. ACHS 100 th Anniversary, continued There is much to celebrate in the achievements of the past and in the commitment to continue with the mission of the Society. We hope that members will mark their calendars and plan to join in the festivities: Some of the highlights planned for the year include: Publication of a 100 th Birthday Cookbook with old and new recipes, available in the late Spring; a special Birthday dinner, utilizing recipes from the Cookbook, hosted by the Atlantic County Institute of Technology; a Power Point Presentation prepared by Diane Miller and Dale Lonkard featuring our founders and our early history to be shown at the Estell Manor Historical Society in April and available to other groups afterwards; plus a full schedule of interesting programs throughout the year (see the Upcoming Events). Perhaps the best way to celebrate is to make this a special year of visiting and using the Society s facilities. This is a great opportunity to begin, or to resume, family or historical research. It is also a great time to sign on to volunteer and spend some time enjoying the treasures collected over the years. We invite you to join in. For additional information on the founders see Founding Mothers of the Atlantic County Historical Society by Diane I. Miller in the 2012 issue of the Atlantic County Yearbook. Items from the ACHS Maritime Collection and Victorian Clothing Collection on display at the Museum. Atlantic Heritage 4
150 th Anniversary of The Civil War By Skip Bellino UPDATE ON THE WAR: DECEMEBR 1862 MARCH 1863 1862 ended on both high and low notes. The victory at Antietam in effect accomplished two important things. First, the victory was just what President Lincoln was waiting for to unveil his Emancipation Proclamation, which he did. Secondly, the introduction of the Proclamation effectively thwarted any motion by England or France to lend support to the Confederate cause. The result of General McClellan s allowing General Robert E. Lee to escape across the river back into Virginia incensed the President. His further failure to pursue Lee after Antietam caused him to again and finally relieve McClellan of his command of the Army of the Potomac. He replaced McClellan with Maj. General Ambrose Burnside. Burnside was a well liked officer who had some successes even though his difficulty getting his troops across the bridge at Antietam was somewhat questionable. This was not the first time that President Lincoln considered replacing McClellan with Burnside. On a previous date Lincoln spoke with Burnside on the subject and Burnside candidly advised Lincoln that he did not feel that he was competent to command such a large army. On this occasion, it was an order, not a request. He again expressed his doubts to the President and those concerns were summarily dismissed. Burnside proved the sagacity of his self-evaluation in the months that followed, ending with his defeat at Fredericksburg. Burnside, sporting a formidable pair of sideburns, and yes sideburns are in fact named after Burnside, moved his army into position across the Rappahannock River with the intention to take Fredericksburg in preparation for an invasion of Richmond. He arrived on location a day in advance of General James Longstreet, CSA, and pulled up short. Had Burnside continued he could have entered Fredericksburg virtually unopposed. He decided to wait for the delivery of some pontoon bridges. The bridges were delayed in transit due to a misunderstanding of his orders. His orders were known for their being vague and he would pay the price for this mistake. After a week s delay, General Lee had sufficient time to move the main part of his army up and to re-enforce Longstreet. The opportunity was lost. To complicate the matters even more, Burnside incredibly chose to attack Lee with a frontal movement. The Confederate troops were deployed in the hills behind the town and were in a defensive position waiting for the Union troops. On December 13 th, after a morning fog cleared, the Confederates opened up on the Union soldiers. General Thomas Stonewall Jackson s artillery began a decimating barrage on the Union troops wreaking extensive damage. General Lee was observing the battle from his command post and uttered his now famous It is well that war is so terrible lest we should grow too fond of it. At the close of the battle, the Union would lose 12,700 killed and wounded compared to the 5,300 killed and wounded suffered by the Confederacy. The Union would not be able to mount any response to this debacle. Burnside was relieved of his command at his request in January 1863. There was speculation that President Lincoln would once again turn to General George McClellan, but this action never materialized. General Burnside would be replaced by Maj. General Joseph ( Fightin Joe ) Hooker, who would later add his name to the many Generals that disappointed President Lincoln. The other noteworthy event during this time was the enactment of the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863. New Year s Day in Washington was the scene of an old custom of having the White House open to the public on that day. Anyone could stand in line to meet and greet the President and shake his hand. After almost four hours of handshaking, President Lincoln repaired to his office to formally sign the document. He picked up his pen and immediately put it down. He explained that from all the handshaking, his hand was swollen and trembling. He waited until he could sign the paper with his normal signature without future generations misinterpreting his signature as one who was not sure of the action he was undertaking. In truth, the Proclamation did not free anyone, as it stated that all slaves in areas in open rebellion to the United States were forever free. Therefore, the Proclamation only addressed those areas where the government lacked appropriate jurisdiction. It was instrumental however in paving the way for the Thirteenth Amendment which did abolish slavery in the United States. The first quarter of 1863 contained other minor battles with victories and defeats on both sides. The action picks up again in April 1863 with significant events. These will be discussed in the next installment of this series. Newsletter Editor, Layout & Graphics Ellen Hyatt Contributors to this Issue: Sid Parker, Pat Parker, Freda Heintz, Diane Miller, Sheryl Collins, Skip Bellino, Helen Walsh & Dale Lonkart The Atlantic County Historical Society received an operating grant from the Atlantic County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs. The Atlantic County Historical Society will be closed: March 29 th & 30 th. Need to Contact Us? Phone: (609) 927-5218 Email: ACHSinfo@comcast.net Website: www.atlanticcountyhistoricalsocietynj.org Newsletter available online! ACHS Hours: Wednesday Saturday: 10:00am to 3:30pm Parking and entrance at the rear of our building Atlantic Heritage 5
Veteran s History Project Spotlight The Atlantic County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs has renewed its grant to the Atlantic County Historical Society for support of the Veterans History Project. The 2013 grant of $1400 is matched by the ACHS. Monies from the grant pay for administrative support of an ACCC intern, for supplies, mailing, copying, equipment, and interview facilities. We are extremely grateful for this continued County support which makes this project feasible. We have a great team and continue to exceed the Library of Congress goal of 25 new interviews per annum. Thus far we have added 184 interviews to the National Data Bank. reports Committee Chair Sheryl Collins. The Committee has scheduled three group interview days in 2013: Feb 27 th, April 24 th and June 26 th. Interviews will be held at 10am and 1pm on those days. Five interviews will be scheduled in each time slot. If you or a member of your family, or a friend, would like to participate in this project by adding your interview to the national data bank, please call (927-5218) and leave your contact information and someone will follow up with you. It is a wonderful gift to give to your heirs and descendants and to the country. Collins added. VHP team members are: Chair Sheryl Collins, past Chair Dr. Richlyn Goddard, Helen Walsh, Charlene Canale, John Horn, Susan Slaninka, Mike Garvin. Skip Bellino, Ruth Nierenberg and intern Anne Kemp. If you would like to join the team and be trained as an interviewer or transcriber call Sheryl Collins at 927 5218. Volunteer of the Quarter This is a new column which will appear in our newsletter on a regular basis. It is one way to pay tribute to our many volunteers, for as a volunteer-run organization, we could not exist without their dedication and enthusiasm. If you think that you would like to join our volunteers, you are welcome to contact us. LEE ELLENBERG Lady is a word that describes Lee. Gracious is another. We are most fortunate to have had her serve as a duty volunteer for 17 years. And if you visit on the day she is assisting in the library or giving museum tours, this petite woman will surely greet you with a warm smile. Born in Ventnor, Lee has lived in Linwood for 50 years. She graduated from Ventnor City Public School and Atlantic City High School. After the birth of five children, she attended Glassboro State College (now Rowan University), and then taught for 17 years at the Pomona School in Galloway Township. Retiring as an elementary teacher in 1992, Lee was drawn to volunteer here by the enthusiasm and encouragement of friends who were already enjoying the Society s volunteer opportunities. Elizabeth Hess, Joanne Steifbold and Ruth Stamps were their names. Descended from a long line of Sooys who arrived in America in the 1600s, Lee said that she enjoys her time in the library, doing whatever comes up and helping others with their research. Her family, which has grown to include five grandchildren, keeps her busy. She is also secretary of the Atlantic Audubon Society, and is a member of the American Association of University Women, the National Audubon Society, the New Jersey Sierra Club and the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology. She said she loves birding and gardening. We thank you, Lee! US Navy Veteran Leroy Louis Gilbert Cold War Era/Vietnam. Atlantic Heritage 6
The Real Boardwalk Empire On Sunday, January 20, 2013, the one hundred and third birthday of Enoch Nucky Johnson, Frank J. Ferry, Esq., Atlantic County Historical Society Trustee, hosted a book signing for the book he authored, Nucky, the Real Story of the Atlantic City Boardwalk Boss. Frank, who knew Nucky personally and, as a fledgling attorney, represented him in a court of law, felt compelled to write of his memories of The Boss. After ten years of research and writing, Frank believes this to be the most thorough biography of Johnson. We don t know how proud Frank is of his achievement but the Historical Society couldn t be prouder. In support of Frank, a large contingency of Society members attended this event that was held at the Knife and Fork Inn, in Atlantic City, Nucky Johnson s favorite stomping ground. Following through on the Nucky theme, Frank sported a red carnation on his lapel as was Nucky s daily habit and, replicating Johnson s penchant for fine food and drink, oysters and clams on-the-half-shell were served, along with huge shrimp cocktails, crab cake sandwiches and delicious Bloody Mary s. The Atlantic County Historical Society members stood in a line, along with over 200 other fans, that stretched from the parking lot of the Knife and Fork Inn, through the front door, past the lengthy bar and into the back room where our host was seated; warmly greeting each person and autographing his book with personal words for each attendee. Among those honoring Frank on this occasion were past and present politicians, members of the local media, Frank s constituents in his chosen profession, many long time friends and family. The Atlantic County Historical Society has Frank s autographed books in stock. They can be purchased during our days of operation Wednesday through Saturday, 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM. YUM! One evening and one whole day in the middle of December 2012, much to the delight of its members and volunteers, the Atlantic County Historical Society was besieged by hordes of Cookie Monsters and Christmas Elves with a sweet tooth for goodies. After sampling our Holiday Sweets last year our return customers swore they d never bake holiday cookies again. The Historical Society women are the best bakers outside of Mrs. Claus kitchen, and our prices are right. Watch for the Holiday Sweets Sale again next year. Just follow the crowds and the aroma to our door. Top: Helen Walsh & Sheryl Collins prepare for the sale. Bottom: Charlene Canale & Sheryl put finishing touches on the baskets. Atlantic Heritage 7
NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 164 Pleasantville, NJ 08232 907 Shore Road Post Office Box 301 Somers Point, New Jersey 08244-0301 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Our Mission: To collect and preserve historical materials exemplifying the events, places, and lifestyles of the people of Atlantic County and southern New Jersey. To encourage the study of history and genealogy. To provide historical and genealogical information to our membership and the general public. Atlantic Heritage 8