The Silver Lake YMCA Scouts camp. (Photos courtesy of Bill Truran) Sussex County History Today: The Old Turnpike, Part 2 A few weeks ago, I told of a hiking trail I’ve known my whole life that is out of the way and little used. It used to be... Columns 11 Apr 2024 | 02:40
Sussex County History Today: RevolutionNJ proclamation We in Sussex County are preparing for a great event in the history of the United States. That will be the 250th celebration... Columns 31 Mar 2024 | 12:14
Three new historical markets usually are approved each year. (Photo provided by Bill Truran) Sussex County History Today: Spring update Welcome to today! That is, each day is a new one, and there’s always change. The world is always readjusting in front of... Columns 17 Mar 2024 | 04:27
Laborers work on the railroad near Franklin about 1905. (Photo provided by Bill Truran) Sussex County History Today: Irish immigrants St. Patrick’s Day is Sunday, March 17. It is what is known as a feast day in the Catholic church. The day has taken on additional... Columns 11 Mar 2024 | 09:11
The Sussex-Wantage Historical Society Museum will hold its grand opening March 2. (Photo provided) Sussex County History Today: New museum in Sussex Borough This week, I would like to introduce Mario Poggi, Sussex Borough historian, who has an important announcement to make. Sussex-Wantage... Columns 02 Mar 2024 | 09:38
The 1924 concrete mill, including the 90-foot tower/grain silo, on Gingerbread Castle Road just off Route 23 in Hamburg is being demolished. The owner also began demolition of the shorter office tower - without permission. A stop-work order was issued until it is determined what can be saved, stabilized and how. (Photo provided) Sussex County History Today: Wheatsworth Mills The Grinding Down of Wheatsworth Mills By Ron Dupont From Franklin Pond to Hamburg, the Wallkill River runs 4½ miles and... Columns 19 Feb 2024 | 03:25
The zinc ore Palmer Plant in Franklin and the remaining buildings. (Photo courtesy of Bill Truran) Sussex County History Today: Palmer Plant in Franklin A significant historical site in Sussex County soon may be lost forever. During the first half of the 20th century, Franklin... Columns 12 Feb 2024 | 07:04
GB1 Greg Baty, right, with NFL Hall of Famer Dan Marino of the Miami Dolphins. (Photo courtesy of Greg Baty) Sussex County History Today: Sparta’s Greg Baty and the NFL The dream of practically every boy who plays football is to make it in the NFL. Greg Baty of Sparta lived the dream for nine... Columns 06 Feb 2024 | 12:49
The Kuser Mansion was turned into a museum, visitor’s center and lodge with two Civil War cannons on the front lawn. (Photo provided) Sussex County History Today: High Point State Park I am very pleased to have a guest historian this week: Ron Dupont of Vernon. 1923: High Point Park is Born By Ron Dupont By... Columns 28 Jan 2024 | 07:34
Sussex County History Today: What to expect in 2024 Well, I wish you a Happy New Year. I hope you are looking forward in a positive fashion as life is good and optimism is a... Columns 06 Jan 2024 | 04:41
Volunteers sing carols outside the Walmart in Franklin before Christmas as they collect donations for the Bells of Franklin charity. From left are Robert Ernst of the Franklin Band with his son Samuel; Ian Scott and his wife, Kaylee; and Bill Truran. (Photo courtesy of Bill Truran) Sussex County History Today: 2023 was a year of conflict We are starting the brand-new year of 2024. How was 2023 for us here in Sussex County? I’d like to write from a personal point... Columns 29 Dec 2023 | 11:07
Pfc. Harrison B. Shauger of Vernon was killed in action in 1968. (Photo provided) Sussex County History Today: Christmas at the front Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Most of us have had a warm and festive time with family and friends. We have sat beside... Columns 25 Dec 2023 | 11:25
The main battery gun turret mount on the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor. (Photo by Bill Truran) Sussex County History Today: Day of Infamy Recently, I had the good fortune to scratch off a couple items from my “bucket list.” While on the West Coast for work, I... Columns 30 Nov 2023 | 09:15
Sussex County History Today: Taking on Vermont, Niagara It is my pleasure to leave the floor open to the Sussex County basketball star Mike Ferrara, describing his success on the... Columns 24 Nov 2023 | 09:08
Vietnam vets being spat on is an old myth Often have I enjoyed reading Sussex County historian Bill Truran’s accounts of local lore in the pages of the Advertiser-News... Letters to the Editor 17 Nov 2023 | 11:18