Allaire Funnies

I have to start off this post by apologizing for shamefully ignoring my blogger duties. In between several big events, a vacation and an earthquake, there really hasn’t been much time. This is being rectified today! (Side note: NJ earthquake…who would’ve thought?!)

Anyway, this week I posed a question on the Allaire Facebook: “Do you have any funny stories about/that took place at Allaire?”

Keith G: Years ago when I worked at Allaire there was a horse stable( Sears Barn) in the village. When we got to work we all had to go roundup the horses from all over the village. He Ha!

Candy U: I’m far away from Jersey and Allaire now, but lived close when my kids were little and Allaire was one of their favorite places to go–we went there at least once a week. Back in the 80′s, there was some horror movie out that had a bad scene in a gazebo. Every time we’d walk the trail past the church at Allaire, my son would run out in the field by the gazebo and try to re-do the movie scene and scare the bejeezus out of his sister :)

Flo S: Sam and I were there early one morning. I was in “My” house and she was upstairs getting ready. When I went up she asked why I’d been ignoring her. I told I’d just gotten there. She was talking to ghost ‘cuz she swore that someone had come up the stairs and gone into another room. We were the only people in the building at the time.

Awesome photo by Laura Howard

Cindy L: Pig iron being mistaken for petrified pigs…

That could be pretty horrifying while explaining the iron production process…

One of my personal favorite stories was seeing a squirrel run into the General Store, steal a twizzler, and run back out again…the next day, the squirrel was dead :( Needless to say, we’ve upped our security against woodland creatures since then.

And Hayrides are a completely separate story...don't even get me started!

Do you have any funny Allaire stories? Let us know! Comment, share, subscribe!

-Hannah

 

Villagers Just Wanna Have Fun: Favorite behind the scenes moments at Allaire

It goes without saying that our villagers do a wonderful job bringing history to life in NJ. Through historic events and reenactments visitors can get a taste of what life was like in James P. Allaire’s 1830′s iron works. While we work hard, we also have a lot of fun!

Wardrobe malfunction

Behind the scenes of a Fall Harvest Festival puppet show

Preparing the Allaire Mansion for our Funeral event

Relaxing

No big deal.

Preparing for a militia demonstration

Meanwhile in the office...

On the loose

Carpenter Jack reading some thank you cards from a group of school children who visited his shop

Hey...wait...

Behind the scenes at Ducky Derby

We have quite a few events coming up this weekend and throughout the Summer. For a complete list, check out our calendar!

-Hannah

Why We Love Our Volunteers

In addition to it being National Library Week, April 10th-16th is National Volunteer Week! The majority of personnel who make up Allaire Village are volunteers who devote their time, care, and energy to keeping history alive. Without volunteers, there’s no way the Village would be able to put on historic events, fundraisers, building tours, and Hayrides. They’re the heart and soul of our Village and honestly we can’t sing their praises enough!

While there isn’t enough room on our blog for all the reasons we love our volunteers, here’s a few:

 

It's hard work. Especially on those sweltering summer days and freezing winter ones.

 

They're always great sports about the bonnets on regular days and fangs on Hayride days...actually we're pretty sure they love the fangs.

 

 

Hayrides. You never know what you'll be doing. See previous photo.

 

It takes a ton of courage to speak and perform in front of a large audience. We're always so proud of you!

 

Same with the dancing!

 

They're always willing to learn and share new information.

 

There's always lots of enthusiasm! (Which we love)

 

They know how to have a good time...

 

And when to keep things serious.

 

They're devoted to making history interesting to the public...

 

And equally devoted to keeping history alive.

 

And honestly, we just couldn't do it without them!

 

We can’t say it enough, but the volunteer are who keep Allaire such a special place. So next time you visit the Village, thank our volunteers!

-Hannah

100 Things to do at Allaire Village

Throughout the year, Allaire Village hosts numerous historical events, fundraisers, festivals and concerts to keep history alive and provide family fun to the community. While these 100 activities don’t all happen at a single event, There’s always something fun and educational going on for visitors of all ages to experience at Allaire!

Spring Festival & Market Auction

So what can you do at Allaire Village?

1. Help the Villagers haul water with a 19^th century yoke
2. Watch a puppet show at the Charcoal Depot
3. Have a picnic on the Village Green
4. Meet Mr. Allaire & his family
5. Experience the sights and smells of open hearth cooking
6. Find out what living in an industrial village was like
7. Take a walk or bike ride on the numerous nature trails
8. Play a game of Blind Man’s Bluff with the Villagers
9. Watch the Blacksmith make an S hook
10. Join the Allaire Community & sign up to be a volunteer!
11. Purchase a giant cookie at the Bakery
12. Learn about the iron-ore making process at the Visitor’s Center
13. Take a horse & carriage ride through the Village and woods
14. Check out the fashions of 1836
15. Participate in a militia drill
    

    Don't worry, they're non-firing replicas!

16. Sponsor a duck at our 6^th Annual Ducky Derby
17. Tour the Blast Furnace with the Engineering Guild Master
18. Learn about 19^th century toys at the Carpenter’s Shop
19. Get married at Allaire!
20. See an exhibit on Arthur Brisbane, the man who made it all possible at the Enameling Building
21. Go fishing at the Mill Pond
22. Learn about the importance of The Howell Works in the 1830’s
23. Play a game of graces
24. Take part in the Election of 1836
25. Come to one of our Flea or Craft Markets
26. Visit the Wheelwright shop
27. Check in when you arrive at Allaire’s Foursquare page
28. Watch a quilt being made
29. Learn about the “current affairs” and pressing issues of 1836
30. Book a guided group tour
31. Visit during Autumn while the leaves are changing
32. Tour the Allaire Mansion
33. Experience an 1830’s school lesson
34. Figure out what the Climbing Bear helps you to learn
35. See the water wheel in the Visitor’s Center
36. Peek inside the Foreman’s Cottage
37. Help the Villagers garden
38. Ask about becoming an Allaire Village Member
39. Have your picture taken with a Villager
40. See how apple cider was made on a historic cider press
41. Explore a “modern” 1836 kitchen in the Manager’s House
42. Shop at the General Store & Museum Gift Shop
43. Take a ride on the Pine Creek Railroad
44. Experience 19^th century music
45. Find out what courting (dating) was like in 1836
46. Spend some time with the Tinsmith
47. Enjoy good music, good company, and great wine at our Annual Wine & Jazz Festival in September
48. See an old sleigh in the Carriage House
49. Take a lantern-lit tour during the Holiday season
50. Come see one of our night concerts
51. See what life was like without electricity
52. Explore The Howell Works Post Office located in the General Store
53. Ask about the stars on the outside of the buildings
54. Learn to Virginia Reel
55. See Allaire photos throughout the year on our Flickr page
56. Find out why the steeple is on the back of the Chapel
57. Take one of our Haunted Hayrides during October
58. Take a leisurely stroll through the Village any time of the year
59. Meet Sherlock Holmes, Edgar Allan Poe, Scrooge & others at our Cultural Events
60. Use a 19^th century hand drill at the Carpenter’s Shop
61. See Maria Allaire get married in June
62. Help the Villagers on laundry day
63. Find out why the shop signs have pictures on them as well as words
64. Take part in a Market Auction
65. See butter being churned
66. Try walking on stilts (not as easy as it sounds!)
67. Learn how bread was made
68. Have a cup of hot apple cider or hot chocolate at the Bakery on a cold day
69. See hundreds of antique cars & motorcycles at our Rolling Iron Antique Auto Show in August
70. Learn how the Village produced iron in the Visitor’s Center
71. Try on a bonnet or top hat at the General Store & Museum Gift Shop
72. Play apple toss & apple snap
73. Meet Reverend Tanser, Emeline Johnson, John Roche & other Villagers
74. Take home some 19^th century recipes
75. Watch a quilt being made
76. Learn about the education of girls and women at the Howell Works
77. Have a three-legged race across the Village Green
78. Help the villagers with some 19^th century chores
79. Learn what it took to be an apprentice to a blacksmith or carpenter
80. Visit when Allaire hosts The Spirit of the Jerseys State History Fair on May 7^th!
81. Root for your favorite team (or join in) at a townball game
82. Paint a pumpkin during our All Hallows’ Eve event
83. Learn all the “latest” Village gossip
84. Bring your dog to an outdoor event (we love friendly canine visitors!)
85. Flip through The Girls’ Own Book in the Manager’s House 
86. See the original Allaire Family Bible on display in the Allaire Mansion
87. Check out the Collier’s Mound on the Village Green
88. Follow us on Twitter
89. Find out what happened to the Village after 1836
90. Talk to Union soldiers during the Civil War Encampment in May
91. Help make a jigsaw puzzle
92. Find out what happened if you were caught sleeping in class
93. Jump in the leaves!
94. Post comments, suggestions, or stories on our Facebook page
95. Learn what being an immigrant was like in the early 19^th century
96. Take a photo of the Village and have it featured on our Flickr page & blog
97. Have a BBQ on the picnic grounds
98. Learn proper chivalry by having a Villager teach you to bow or curtsy
99. Bring your camera and take beautiful photos of the Village during any season
100. Sign up for our mailing list and receive updates, newsletters, and more!

So come out to Allaire and try something new!

Thanks to all our Facebook friends and fans who shared their favorite Allaire experiences and helped compile this list!

-Hannah

Halloween Hayrides 2010

So I know I’ve been awfully neglectful of the Allaire blog but I think these pictures will make up for it…

BEHOLD…HALLOWEEN HAYRIDES 2010: HAUNTED LITERATURE!

Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde

"The Odyssey's" Sirens

A scene from "The Crucible"

"The Wizard of Oz"

The Mad Hatter & White Rabbit from "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland"

Dr. Frankenstein, Igor & Frankenstein's Monster

All photos by Jeff Tureaud.

Thank you everyone who participated in Hayrides 2010! The volunteers, staff, and the Brick Memorial Drama Club all did a fantastic job!

-Hannah

People are trapped in history, and history is trapped in them.

That quote comes from James Baldwin in his 1955 book of essays, Notes of a Native Son and I thought it was super interesting and blogworthy. Whether you agree with that particular quote or not, history is a constant source of interest and research in today’s world. Certainly working at a living history museum, we get the idea of being “trapped” in history. Although we rather like it.

As promised, I am posting our volunteer/staff answers to the oft-mentioned question: If you could meet a historical figure, who would it be and why? Being the history lovers they are, I am happy to present some very cool and thought-provoking responses!

Jack Giampalmi – Carpenter & Tourguide: If I could meet any historical character: Jesus Christ.  I would ask Him 2 questions; 1) Are me and my family on your list to see you later? and 2) Looking at the world today, was your sacrifice worth it?…..I may try to pry the winning lottery number from Him but that’s pushing it.

Marissa Shea – Youth Volunteer & Resident Artist: Marie Antoinette because the French Revolution is so interesting to learn about.

Our awesome Foodways Ladies in action

Donna Siregar – Foodways Guild Master: I would like to meet George Washington I would like to ask him how he managed to keep up the morale of his soldiers during that harsh winter in Valley Forge

Flo Spinazzolla – Foodways Guild Member: I would love to meet Gene Rodenberry. I am a Star Trek fan, have been since forever. Gene R. was so forward thinking and I think if the world lived by his ideas we’d all be better off.

In other news: The ladies of the Village have finally wrangled their way into the militia letting them shoot muskets are thinking of holding an uprising. Jen (our guest-blogger) comes home from her recent archeological stint in Azerbaijan (No, we hadn’t heard of it, either) in a couple weeks. And after watching Inception I’d like to be able to do this.That is all,

Hannah

Declarations, Celebrations, and Graduations

Greetings!

Well it was officially the hottest weekend in the history of the world at Allaire but that didn’t stop us from putting on a good party. Last Sunday was our Independence Day event where we celebrated the 60th anniversary of our country’s Independence! While we didn’t have any fireworks,  (those pesky State Park rules) we did have a parade, speeches, toasts, a reading of the Declaration of Independence, children’s games, and abnormally popular militia demonstrations! (Pictures hopefully coming soon) Thanks to everyone who braved the heat and stopped by! And a special thank you to all our volunteers and staff who dressed up in 90+ degree heat like this:

And this:

Finally, Allaire has much to celebrate during the month of July. The Wedding of Maria Allaire has been re-scheduled to July 11th at 1:30 p.m. Come out for the celebrations! July 18th is Founders Day at Allaire (aka Mr. Allaire’s Birthday!) There will be lots of games, revelry and cake at both events. Be sure to stop by!

Us Allaire Office-Dwellers would also like to congratulate all of our graduates! This year we have over a dozen volunteers and staff members graduating from middle school, high school, college, and even graduate school! We’re so proud of you all!

Congrats,

Hannah

Town ball, Conan O’Brien, and hilarity.

Greetings Blogosphere, Hannah here. I have to apologize for being so neglectful of the blog but I’m hoping things calm down soon and I’m continually plotting good post ideas. Thankfully Mary, our second guest blogger, posted a great (and hilarious) piece about volunteering at Allaire. Like I said, things have been busy; our next big event is Maria Allaire’s Wedding which is always a lot of fun.

So remember way back when I mentioned we’d be starting Town Ball games?

Behold... town ball

Well we’re still pulling things together but we’ll be starting practices pretty soon. We’re hoping our first game will be on our Independence Day Celebration on June 27th. We have our teams, scoreboard, and equipment pretty much set up but we weren’t getting too excited about it. Thus, one of our Coaches found us this…and we only hope to be as entertaining.

Conan O’Brien Plays Baseball ala 1864

Enjoy,

Hannah

Volunteer Open House

Salutations,

Allaire Village, Inc.’s Museum Program and Education Coordinator here with a special invite just for you! No, not you, you’re weird looking…you, the person reading this blog. This Saturday, May 22, there will be an open house volunteer orientation in the Visitor’s Center at 1:00 p.m. We are going to meet in the back amphitheater.  If you have friends, bring them along too! If you don’t, well, keep reading and play close attention to Number Three. If you’ve never been to our Village before, never fear! I have included a picture of the Visitor’s Center for your benefit.

You should go to the second door at the other end.

Hmm, so now you’re thinking, “Why should I volunteer at Allaire Village?” or maybe you’re thinking it’s time for a bathroom break, but semantics can be discussed on other blogs I’m sure. Regardless, let’s answer that pending question, shall we?

In no particular order: WHY YOU SHOULD VOLUNTEER AT ALLAIRE VILLAGE, INC.

1) Because who wouldn’t want to live the same year over and over again until it was absolutely perfect? Bill Murray did it and, now, you can too!

2) Want to know what happened in 1836? Nothing. Yeah, that’s right. No depression, no war, no iconic musician’s deaths. How’s that for a great time? Okay, granted the Alamo fell, but news travels so slow, we only find out months later. Talk about a relaxing time!

3) You can make friends here. There is something bonding about dressing entirely different from everyone around you. You find someone else in a day cap or fall front trousers and you’ve already got a kindred spirit. Friendship is sure to follow. It’s practically inevitable.

4) Are you trying to get into college? Need to make your confirmation? Want to share your love of history with others? Clearing your criminal background through community service? If you answered yes to the first three, this is a great way to enhance your resume, collect volunteer hours, and teach others about New Jersey’s history. Sorry, we can’t help you with that last one.

5) Ever dream of time traveling? Well, can’t get much closer than this.

6) Did I mention the discount in the General Store and Bakery? Or the fact that we sell cookies roughly the size of your head?

7) Is your son, daughter, grandchild, etc. spoiled rotten? Demanding a new Xbox, texting at the table, racking up the electric bill? Well, they can’t do any of that stuff here! It doesn’t exist. Why not punish them by making them live in the 1800′s for 6 hours a day?

8) In 1836, do you know what all middle class people had in common? They weren’t fat. That’s right. Can’t afford a gym? Come on out and volunteer! Haul some water, pump some bellows, drill with the militia, and join the gardening guild. If you work, the inches will disappear! (that’s a personal guarantee…the gardening exercise plan did wonders for me in ’07!)

9) Like to act but can’t dedicate the amount of time to a community play house? Wouldn’t it be great if rehearsals were the day of the production only? That’s how we roll here! Come out and show your theatrical side. Jazz hands not required.

10) Don’t like history? That’s okay. We have plenty of non-historical events. Like our Annual Haunted Hayride. And we like to be scary. Like, really scary. Like…this:

All in a day's work.

So, now, because it’s past quitting time. I’ll turn this on over to the volunteers who follow the blog and maybe they’ll give you some reasons on why they volunteer. If you would like more information email maryatallaire@yahoo.com. Or, better yet go online and fill out a volunteer application form at www.allairevillage.org.

Hope to see you on Saturday!

Mary

Forget your old textbook, these history books are worth reading!

Mary and I went to a conference centered around using social media in historical settings. It was pretty interesting; more on that Monday. Today I want to continue our celebration of Natl. Library Week!I have a feeling our book recommendations are going to bleed into next week, we had such a great response! Besides, who says reading needs to only be celebrated for one week?

Maureen, a long-time tour guide and historic interpreter recommends the following:

Devil in the White City by Erik Larson: A story about the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair and a murder that took place there.

A Diary from Dixie by Mary Chestnut: A true account of a “southern belle” who left behind an interesting diary from the Civil War period.

The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire by Elaine Landau: A harrowing and informative piece about the tragic factory fire in NYC in the early 1900′s.

Dweep, one of our teenage volunteers and our 2010 Volunteer of the Year recommends:

Le Colonial: A Novel by Kien Nguyen: A story of three men who leave from France in search of the “colonial dream” in Annam, a far off land in the Middle East. When faced with the reality of civil war, famine, and disaster, they must redefine the meaning of their journey, and the morality of colonization.

Jen, our archivist and archeologist extraordinaire recommends the author Rudyard Kipling (AKA: Brilliance with a bushy mustache!).

The Jungle Book (1895): Kipling’s most famous book, composed of linked short stories about a human boy raised by wild animals in the jungle.  Throw all images of the Disney movie out of your mind before you pick up the book.  Mowgli has his old friends Baloo and Bagheera, but a host of feisty new allies and enemies that didn’t quite make the movie.  This is also a great book to read if you like silly poems or mongoose!

Stalky & Co. (1899): A collection of liked short stories following a mischievous group of British school boys and their quirky yet persuasive leader, Stalky.  The Dangerous Book for Boys may very well have gotten its inspiration from some of Stalky’s antics!

Just So Stories (1902): Yet another group of Kipling’s short stories, because he’s just brilliant.  These fantastical stories tell about how natural phenomena (like the armadillos… what’s up with that thing?) came into being…

Perhaps one of my own favorite books:

The Book Thief: Markus Zusak: It’s just a small story really, about among other things: a girl, some words, an accordionist, some fanatical Germans, a Jewish fist-fighter, and quite a lot of thievery. . . . Set during World War II in Germany, Markus Zusak’s groundbreaking new novel is the story of Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich. Liesel scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist–books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement before he is marched to Dachau. (Product Description) This book is beautifully written,a winner of the Michael L. Printz award, and in my opinion a book that should be read by everyone.

-Hannah