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Historical society invites residents to live history

| 06 Mar 2017 | 03:58
    PHOTOS BY JANET REDYKE Several arrowheads of the Lenni Lenape Native Americans found at the Black Creek site are displayed at the Vernon Historical Society.
    PHOTOS BY JANET REDYKE Several arrowheads of the Lenni Lenape Native Americans found at the Black Creek site are displayed at the Vernon Historical Society.
    Member Judy Storms poses with VernonþÄôs famous mastodon Matilda at the historical societyþÄôs Route 94 headquarters.
    Member Judy Storms poses with VernonþÄôs famous mastodon Matilda at the historical societyþÄôs Route 94 headquarters.
    A poodle skirt outfit is on display at the societyþÄôs museum.
    A poodle skirt outfit is on display at the societyþÄôs museum.

VERNON — Incorporated back in 1792, the township of Vernon has a multitude of historical facts and happenings in its 225-year-span and the Vernon Historical Society headquarters and museum is the center of historical investigation and learning. The society’s building located on Route 94 overlooking the construction of the town’s new Taco Bell is open for the curious and those seeking township knowledge every first Sunday of the month from 1 to 4 p.m.
“There are so many interesting exhibits at our museum,” said historical society President Jessi Paladini.
Paladini suggested family genealogy and ancestors are possibly the most requested at the Vernon Historical Society, followed by local historic properties and lifestyles of Vernon’s first residents, the Lenape Native Americans occupying the Black Creek area. Palladini hinted that the society may be taking up a new residence at the current Board of Education building on Route 515, the former site of one of Vernon’s old schoolhouses.
“We love our current building but being in the old schoolhouse would simply seal the historical aspect," Paladini said.
According to Vernon Historical Society member and retired Lounsberry Hollow Middle School teacher Judy Storms, the Matilda the Mastodon’s display lures numerous people to learn about the area during pre-historic times.
“I enjoy the old phonographs of the town and townspeople,” Storms said. “Seeing the horses and wagons, the clothing of those long-ago people, the old building structures, the vast farmlands back then in Vernon, it’s all so fascinating.”
Receiving a grant, the historical society is looking to the future and moving forward with the work of establishing Route 515 as a new Scenic Byway in New Jersey. The process for the byway is currently ongoing and in the preliminary stage according to society members.
“Jessi is the engine of the historical society,” Storms said.
Palladini and the society are constantly providing township history programs to enlighten Vernon and surrounding area residents. Upcoming events include another chapter of the Sunday afternoon program Those were the Days: Vernon Then and Now on March 19. Those were the Days second annual Sing-Along, featuring Dan Blotz, will be held on April 9.
For additional information on the Vernon Historical Society, programs, events or membership, call 973-764-6545.