Philcon 2021

     Friday, November 19, 2021: I arrived at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Cherry Hill, New Jersey to attend the Philadelphia Science Fiction Conference or Philcon. The Philadelphia Science Fiction Society or PSFS has held Philcon since 1936, and it has been at this hotel since 2008—except for last year when it became a virtual convention. Overall, it felt good to be back after two years! Since 2019, I decided that I have seen much that went on at a science fiction convention (SF con) because I have been going to SF cons since 1977. Therefore, I got to the point where I preferred staying in mostly one place and letting the people at the con come past or near me—or letting the con come to me. Nevertheless, despite my staying put, Philcon had something for almost everybody in its programming: panels or presentations about SF literature, SF art, and SF films & TV shows, as well as SF fan activities, costuming, and science. Other activities included writing workshops, gaming, filk singing (putting SF lyrics to popular tunes—mostly folk tunes),  author readings, videos of SF films & TV shows, room parties, a masquerade contest, a hospitality room or con suite, an art show room, and a dealers’ or vendors’ room, etc. There were also fan tables out in the hallways for different groups for different purposes such as people from other future SF cons promoting and selling memberships to their SF cons and our group: The National Space Society (NSS)/Philadelphia Area Space Alliance (PASA). After I registered, I headed first to the Con Suite for a short time. Here, I could talk with other SF fans while those running this room offered snacks and soft drinks in a living room setting overlooking Cooper River Park. Then for the next few hours, I sat at our NSS/PASA table.

     Saturday, November 20, 2021: Before sitting at the NSS/PASA table for the rest of the day, I toured the Art Show room. Inside this room I noticed that about 90% of the artists showed paintings and drawings, and rest exhibited other forms of art: jewelry, sculptures, dishes, and so forth. Around 75% of the art themes displayed fantasy art, and the rest presented SF and space art. 

     Saturday night: The one event I saw was the Masquerade. Altogether, I looked at 15 entries, and aside from two of the contestants wearing SF costumes, the rest wore fantasy costumes. 

     Sunday, November 21, 2021: On this day I went to the Dealers’ Room, browsed around, and bought a magazine. Meanwhile, from what I observed, about half of the dealers sold reading materials of books, magazines, fanzines, and comic books. The other half of the dealers sold other merchandise: artwork, jewelry, and accessories, as well as mugs, sculptures, games, crafts, toys, and so on. Then I spent the last few hours back at the NSS/PASA table trying to recruit more people to join PASA, NSS, or both. Now, I’m looking forward to attending next year’s Philcon.                                                

 

Englishtown Auction

     Saturday, November 14, 2021: I decided to make one more daytrip for 2021, and on the above date, I traveled to Monmouth County, New Jersey. My destination became the Englishtown Auction, 90 Wilson Avenue, Englishtown (732-446-9644). Some people told me that this place has been the largest farmers’ market in NJ, and I arrived with high expectations. Nevertheless, when I was there, I noticed a lot of outdoor vendors near both sides of the five buildings that were supposed to contain indoor vendors. Once I entered the different buildings, however, I saw a few merchants in each building, but otherwise, these building seemed quiet and many of the stores were closed. Maybe it had to do with the time of year or covid 19, but unlike other farmers’ markets where the buildings inside could be as active as the outside, this wasn’t the case here. Despite that, I walked quite a bit as I browsed through the areas with the outside vendors! These vendors sold many kinds of merchandise at bargain prices: clothing, jewelry, and accessories, as well as cosmetics, toys, foods, hardware, furniture, electronics, etc. Thus, roaming through here took a few hours or more of my time. So this trip was totally worth it.    

Sickler's Circle View Farm

     Saturday, November 6, 2021: While we were taking a drive through Salem County, New Jersey on the above date, we stopped at this place: Sickler’s Circle View Farm, 450 Bridgeton Pike, Monroeville (856-712-0849). Unlike other farm market stores that mostly sold produce, this store sold meats of beef and pork from cattle and hogs raised on their surrounding farm. Inside this store, I saw a freezer of meats, and in a nearby refrigerator, they also sold eggs from their chickens and cheese. In addition to their farm products, they also had food products from other nearby farms. Meanwhile, I noticed other foods for sale such as honey, beef jerky, bbq sauce, etc. As for non-edible merchandise, they stocked t-shirts, hats, stickers, and so forth. I bought a few items here and once outside, I looked at the hogs and cattle. Anyway, if you want to try local meats, eggs, and dairy products, this is the place to visit!   

The Find

      Tuesday, November 2, 2021: After seeing Cowtown, we drove along Route 40 in Salem County, New Jersey, and we stopped at what looked like an interesting place: The Find Marketplace, 1207 Rt. 40, Woodstown (856-823-5017). Inside, this place contained around 30 plus resale vendors selling furniture, antiques & collectables, and jarred foods. Surprisingly, the jarred foods were cheaper in price than what some of the farm markets wanted for similar stuff! Meanwhile, similar to the antique market in Hammonton, NJ, browsing here reminded me of being in a decorative arts museum—except that this art, too, was for sale. Anyway, this store proved to be an interesting place.  

Cowtown Market

      Tuesday, November 2, 2021: I remembered my parents taking me here as a child and a teen a few times: Cowtown Farmers Market, 780 Harding Highway (Route 40), Pilesgrove (Salem County), New Jersey (856-769-3000). This market and rodeo has been around since 1926. On Saturday nights in the summer, Cowtown presented the rodeo, and back in the 1950s and ‘60s, this rodeo used to be on network TV. My main interest, however, was the year-round farmers market. This large indoor and outdoor market contained 100s of vendors offering bargains in many kinds of merchandise: food, clothing, and jewelry, as well as cosmetics, furniture, accessories, toys, electronics, flowers & plants, luggage, home goods, tools, memorabilia, etc. Whew! Upon arrival, you can’t miss seeing the giant cowboy and cow in front of this market.  

Salem Historical Society

     Thursday, October 28, 2021: It’s been 20 years since I’ve been to Salem, Salem County, New Jersey, and I visited the same place that I saw back then: Salem County Historical Society, 83 Market Street (856-935-5004). Here in a building from the 1700s in a few different rooms on two floors, I looked at decorative arts and furniture from the 18th-, 19th-, and 20th-century, as well as items from the local Native Americans—the Lenni-Lenapes; a special room honoring the late Salem Oak that died on June 6, 2019 (It was estimated to be over 500 years old.); and a room displaying textiles in clothing and samplers. In addition, I also saw a few rooms with furnishings from the 1700s, work equipment from the different trades practiced in the last few centuries, and glassware. Most of the upstairs rooms showed pictures, texts, and exhibits honoring those who lived in Salem County. Overall, this place was packed with information about Salem County!     

Lapp's Dutch Market

     Thursday, October 28, 2021: It was another day and another daytrip to Salem County, New Jersey! This time we went to a market that didn’t look like much on the outside, but inside, it was a different story. Lapp’s Dutch Market, 23 North Virginia Avenue (Route 130), Penns Grove (856-299-4224) had quite a variety of stuff: different meats that were fresh, processed, and cooked; baked goods; and canned foods; as well as jarred foods; snack foods; etc. Besides local products, I also noticed foods from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and some food from Canada. This store has been in business for over 25 years. Therefore, they must be doing something right.   

Parvin State Park

 

     Wednesday, October 27, 2021: Once we were on the road again after being at Jersey Farm Market in Salem County, New Jersey, we stopped at out final destination: Parvin State Park, 701 Almond Road, Pittsgrove (856-358-8616). In the 1960s and ‘70s, my family camped here a few times. This time, however, after we stopped at the main office to pick up some literature, we had a picnic lunch near Parvin Lake. This lake looked pretty much the same as it did when I used to swim there as a child! In addition to camping, swimming, and picnicking, Parvin offered nine trails for hiking, and one of those trails was an equestrian trail. Other activities this park offered were boating and canoeing, as well as fishing and hunting. I also noticed a few playgrounds. After our picnic, we drove through different areas of this state park, and it brought back a few memories to me.  

Jersey Farm Market

     Wednesday, October 27, 2021: After we saw Finns Point Lighthouse, Salem County, New Jersey, we stopped at (Graham’s) Jersey Farm Market, US-40, Carney’s Point (856-299-2021). This farm market wasn’t big or fancy, but they had a good selection of produce, and for the time of year I was there, lots of pumpkins, apples, potatoes, and a few other vegetables and fruits. (They close from November until spring.) It all looked fresh and reasonable in price! I also noticed chickens walking around this market.  

Finns Point Lighthouse

 

     Wednesday, October 27, 2021: On this day trip I chose to visit the attractions in Salem County, New Jersey, and the first place I went to was in Supawna Meadows National Wildlife Refuse: Finns Point Lighthouse, Fort Mott & Lighthouse Roads, Pennsville (609-463-0994). This 1876 lighthouse looked similar to the one at Paulsboro, NJ, and it too was a rear-range lighthouse. While the inside of this lighthouse wasn’t open, I viewed the outside and read nearby signs informing me about the history of Finns Point Lighthouse and about the flora & fauna of Supawna Refuse. In the area was also Ft. Mott State Park and its attractions. Therefore, this could be a full day in itself! 

Antique Marketplace

      Thursday, October 21, 2021: After seeing Egg Harbor City and while still in Atlantic County, New Jersey, we drove through downtown Hammonton, NJ, on Bellevue Avenue or 12th Street. Unlike Egg Harbor City, Hammonton has had a livelier downtown with many kinds of businesses: service, restaurants, and retail. One of those retail businesses was the Antique Marketplace, 109 12th Street, Hammonton (609-567-1889). With two floors of antiques & collectables, this place looked like a crowded decorative arts museum, except that this art was for sale. Just about anything from the past that you could imagine was here: furniture, household items, and artworks, as well as clothing, jewelry, reading materials, records, CDs, etc. Seeing was believing! There was something here for almost everybody. Anyway, this visit completed my visits to Atlantic County, and I proved that there has been more to see in Atlantic County than Atlantic City. 

Angelo's Farm Market

      Thursday, October 21, 2021: Many times I’ve been past downtown Egg Harbor City, Atlantic County, New Jersey, but I have never stopped there once until the date above. To tell the truth, we drove down Egg Harbor City’s main street, Philadelphia Avenue. While there were a few retail businesses, most of the businesses were service orientated along with a few restaurants. Anyway, I liked the parking along this street because it wasn’t parallel parking. Nevertheless, once we were back on Route 30, we stopped at Angelo’s Farm Market, 5600 White Horse Pike (Route 30), Egg Harbor City (609-965-0919). Here, I noticed plenty of produce, some jarred foods, and some baked goods, as well as honey, flowers, and shrubs. It all looked so colorful and fresh!   

Carmen's Farm Market

      Thursday, October 14, 2021: After being at Estell Manor Park, I made a stop at Carmen’s Farm Market, 6181 E. Black Horse Pike, Mays Landing (Atlantic County), New Jersey (609-625-2596). Although I’ve been to bigger farm markets, this place had a very good selection of produce and jarred foods, especially honey! They also sold farm and garden supplies, but their specialty was flowers. In several greenhouses, I noticed many different flowers in many different colors. Therefore, this place made for a pleasant stop.   

Estell Manor

      Thursday, October 14, 2021: Because it was a nice day, weather wise, I decided to visit Estell Manor Park, 109 State Highway 50, Estell Manor (Atlantic County), New Jersey (609-625-1897). The first place I saw was the Warren B. Fox Nature Center. Inside, from floor to ceiling, I noticed many kinds of displays of taxidermy animals from tiny insects to a black bear, as well as different animal bones and exhibits from plants, especially samples of tree bark. In addition, I looked at a diorama of many kinds of birds and a few mammals! Meanwhile, I saw displays of pictures and texts explaining more about the flora & fauna from NJ, the USA, and the world. Another area showed pictures and texts about the former industries that were once here: a glassworks from the early 1800s and a munitions plant from World War I. After around 70 years of abandonment, nature reclaimed the area. Nowadays, it has belonged to the Atlantic County Parks system. After I left the Nature Center, I picnicked nearby on the grounds. Nevertheless, there has been a lot more to do here than visiting the Nature Center and picnicking: There were around 27 miles of trails, and some of those trails were for walking, biking, horseback riding, or driving. Along areas of the park you could see the ruins of the glassworks. Other activities included areas to practice different sports, two playgrounds, and a lake that offered its own activities such as fishing and boating. As if that were not enough, this park also had a campground. From what I saw, there was something to keep many people interested. 

Plainsboro Preserve

      Saturday, October 9, 2021: After seeing Cranbury, New Jersey, and while I was still in Middlesex County, we drove a few miles over to the Plainsboro Preserve, 80 Scotts Corner Road, Plainsboro (609-897-9400). This preserve contained around five miles of trails and has been home to over 150 species of birds, over ten kinds of rare plants, and other flora & fauna. When I was there, I visited their environmental center first and saw two creatures in tanks: a box turtle and a corn snake. In the library with its collection of nature books, I also looked at displays of taxidermy birds and a few mammals as well as wood-carved birds. A conference room in the back exhibited photos of birds and insects. Meanwhile throughout the building, pictures and texts helped explain the surrounding area better. Outside, I walked through some of the grounds and glanced at Lake McCormack. All in all, I received a touch of nature! This also completed my places to visit in both Middlesex County and the Gateway counties of NJ. 

Cranbury

      Saturday, October 9, 2021: European settlers have been living in the area that has been currently the town of Cranbury (Middlesex County), New Jersey, since the 1680s, and in 1997, Cranbury celebrated its 300th anniversary. On the date above, I visited the downtown area known as “the Village of Cranbury.” Here, I noticed several buildings along Main Street that dated from the 18th-, 19th-, and 20th-century. Although many of the retail businesses have closed due to covid-19, the town did have service businesses, restaurants, and a few retail businesses. Two of them that attracted me were a comic book store & collectables, and my favorite, Market on Main, 17 Main Street (609-409-2000). This somewhat upscale food store sold mostly Greek-styled foods and especially baked goods. I bought some of those baked goods, and later, had a picnic at nearby Village Park. This park offered places to take part in different sports, a playground, and a dirt hill, as well as a picnic area, places to walk, and a lake. Overall, Cranbury has been a pretty town to spend a few hours!  

Capclave 2021

      Friday, October 1, 2021: Wow! Capclave 2021 would be the first science fiction convention (SF con) that I attended since Philcon 2019. The Washington, DC, Science Fiction Society (WSFS) played host to this SF con, and they held it at the Rockville Hilton, 1750 Rockville Pike, Rockville, Maryland, for three days. Capclave has been a smaller SF con compared to other local SF cons such as Philcon and Balticon, etc. They mainly focused on writing short stories and most of their panels usually had to do with writing, but they also presented some panels & lectures on science, an area for playing games, author readings, and so on. For the SF con’s first day, I mainly hung out at the Con Suite where I could talk with other SF fans while masked. This hospitality suite also offered soft drinks and snacks. 

     Saturday, October 2, 2021: My days of going to different events and panels have been pretty much over, but I attended one panel: Softening Up Hard SF. Here the panelists, David Walton, Alan Smale, Kristin Janz, Jack Campbell, and Martin Berman-Gorvine wondered how to write the science in SF stories so that those who only had high school science could understand it. Another subject that they discussed was about stories that were once thought of as hard SF, but nowadays, would be thought of as soft SF or science fantasy. They also suggested putting scientific explanations in scattered parts of the story rather than in one long section. Overall, while the science had to be mostly correct, character and plot development has also been important. After this, I spent most of the day hanging around the sitting area and watched the SF con go by. (Yes, I do meet a lot of SF fans that way.) 

     On Saturday night I listened to a lecture that mostly went over my head, The Quantum Internet: Hype Or The Next Step? John Ashmead explained what quantum Internet was, if we needed it or not, the pros & cons of it, and so forth. I could follow some of it, but much of it was confusing to me. He used PowerPoint in his presentation to aid in his talk, and I’m sure some people got it better than I did.  For the next few hours, I was doing what I did during the day: sitting by and watching the SF con go by as well as talking to a few SF fans. 

     Sunday, October 3, 2021: After more hanging around, I went to the Dealers’ Room and bought a T-shirt. There were 15 vendors, and 12 of them sold reading materials of books, magazines, and fanzines. The rest sold jewelry, games, and T-shirts. After this, I went home. It was what I expected in a smaller SF con, and a good place for me to get back into the SF con world.    

Cheesequake State Park

      Saturday, September 25, 2021: Cheesequake State Park, 300 Gordon Road, Old Bridge (Middlesex County), New Jersey (732-566-2161) proved unique in that this was one state park containing two eco systems near each other: wetlands and forest. This 1,509 acre park offered five trails to observe the local flora & fauna. On one of those trails, the White Trail, the public could walk or go bicycling. All the trails required moderate hiking skills except for the Yellow Trail that park officials listed as an easy trail for hiking. In addition to hiking, the public could also go fishing, crabbing, and camping, as well as boating, canoeing, and kayaking. For a more relaxing change of pace, many people came here to picnic. During the winter, sledding proved popular, and in summer, swimming in Hook’s Creek Lake seemed to be the most popular activity with the public. After I stopped into the park station to pick up some literature, we headed over to the lake section and picnicked. Afterward, we drove to different sections of this park to look at both the wetlands and forest areas. (When I was there, the Nature Center was closed due to covid-19.) Anyway, close to the beach, on opposite sides, I saw some of the forest area on one side and the wetlands area on the other side. They were that close!    

Egg Harbor Township Nature Reserve

      Saturday, September 18, 2021: On the way back from Somers Point, New Jersey, we stopped at the Egg Harbor Township Nature Preserve (EHTNP), 317 Zion Road, Egg Harbor Township (Atlantic County) NJ (609-625-1897). Here on a 220-acre nature sanctuary, this wooded area contained three sections: a learning center (that was closed when I was there due to covid-19), a wooded forest, and a lake area. Unlike other park areas, the EHTNP had no plans to add sports areas and playgrounds. Instead, they planned to keep this park as a nature preserve only! Nevertheless, they provided opportunities to observe the local flora & fauna, fish at the lake, and walk the different trails, as well as go biking, canoeing or kayaking on the lake, and picnicing. Overall, I found this place relaxing as I picnicked by the lake.   

Somers Point

     Saturday, September 18, 2021: In the past, the only part of Somers Point (Atlantic County), New Jersey I ever saw was Route 52 that led to Ocean City, NJ. This time, however, I did stop at Somers Point and visited the oldest building in Atlantic County: Somers Mansion, 1000 Shore Road, Somers Point (609-927-2212). Richard Somers built this house of Flemish-bond bricks in the 1720s. The house stayed with the Somers family until 1937 when the family gave it to Atlantic County. Then in 1941, the State of NJ took over ownership of this house and started restoration through the Works Progress Administration (WPA). The goal of the WPA was to restore the house to the way it looked in the 1720s—and the work went on! The Atlantic County Historical Society loaned the furniture and other items inside the house. When I was there, I saw a room on the ground floor that included a large open-hearth fireplace, benches, and a table, as well as cooking items, dinnerware, and other household tools. Upstairs, I noticed a bedroom with a large bed and warming pan, other furniture, and a smaller fireplace. Another room exhibited spinning wheels, toys, and a few other items from the 18th century. A local non-profit group, Patriots for the Somers Mansion, have been fund raising and working to improve the mansion. I was impressed with what I saw.    

Garden Farm Market

      Friday, September 10, 2021: Unlike the last two farm markets, Garden Farm Market (or Garden State Farmers’ Market as it is sometimes called), 2545 US-1, North Brunswick (Middlesex County), New Jersey (732-940-9877) was not in a peaceful farm setting. In fact, it has not been on any farm but located near a busy highway. Inside, however, I saw what looked like a medium-sized supermarket. Unlike most supermarkets, however, this place sold more and different kinds of produce than most supermarkets—even compared to large supermarkets! I would estimate that about two-thirds to three-quarters of the store sold produce. Nevertheless, this store did sell other foods and in more varieties than most other grocery stores, including products from overseas that I seldom or have never seen in other supermarkets in my area.    

Giamarese Farm

     Friday, September 10, 2021: While traveling the back roads of Middlesex County, New Jersey, I arrived at Giamarese Farm & Orchards, 155 Fresh Ponds Road, East Brunswick (732-821-9494). This farm, like Von Thun Farm, offered pick your own produce; family events in the autumn that included hay rides, pony rides, a corn maze, vendors, and so on; and a greenhouse displaying and selling flowers and herbs. Then there was the farm market. Here, I noticed many kinds of produce that has been grown on the farm for sale, baked goods, food in jars, dairy, and seasonal decorations. In another part of the farm, I saw where they grew Christmas trees. Therefore, Giamarese Farm also proved to be colorful and interesting!     

Von Thun's Farm Market

      Friday, September 10, 2021: On this day, I did my share of browsing and a bit of shopping at different farm markets in Middlesex County, New Jersey. At the first of them, Von Thun’s Farm Market, 505 Ridge Road, South Brunswick (732-329-8656), there has been a lot more going for it than just the farm market. This farm offered opportunities for the public to pick seasonal fruits and vegetables, go to special events for the whole family, and see the nearby greenhouses with their colorful displays of flowers for sale, as well as meet the farm animals, learn about gardening, and learn about life on a farm. As for the farm market, I browsed—and sometimes bought—many kinds of seasonal produce that has been grown on this farm. The market also sold Angus Beef, eggs, and honey. Other food products for sale included jarred foods, candies, baked goods, apple cider, and so on. This place is definitely worth the trip!

   

Longport

     Thursday, August 26, 2021: I felt like I entered a different world when I arrived in Longport (Atlantic County), New Jersey. When I saw the mostly lavish homes along Atlantic Avenue, I was stunned! If a certain stretch of Ventnor Avenue in Margate was the “Beverly Hills” of Absecon Island, then Longport must be the “Bel Air” of this island—except that this town, unlike Bel Air, California, isn’t gated. I’m glad because I stopped into the Longport Public Library, 2305 Atlantic Avenue (609-487-7403). Here, I noticed a few showcases displaying old pictures of Longport, and I saw other old pictures of Longport along the walls. On the back wall I looked at a gallery showcasing the works of a local artist. When I was there, I saw photos that photographer Chris Adams took of her travels. Next door, Longport also had a larger museum, the Longport Historical Society Museum, housed in an old Coast Guard Station, but the hours were tight, and it wasn’t opened when I was there. (Nevertheless, I did see all of its eight rooms online.) Behind both buildings, I glanced at some lovely parkland, containing many colorful flowers and a gazebo, which led to a fishing area. Afterward, we drove to the end of Absecon Island in Longport where the Atlantic Ocean met the Great Egg Harbor Inlet, called “the Point.” When I was there, several people were either fishing or just hanging out at the beach.         

Margate

      Thursday, August 26, 2021: Unlike Ventnor City, Margate City (Atlantic County), New Jersey, didn’t have a boardwalk, but it has had other attractions: a giant elephant-shaped building named “Lucy,” some majestic homes along a certain part of Ventnor Avenue, and colorful homes in an area called Marvin Gardens. These and other facts I learned in the Margate Historical Society Museum, 1 South Washington Avenue, Margate (609-823-6546). Housed in the town’s historic city hall, this one-room museum presented its share of history in the form of pictures, texts, and many memorabilia exhibit items! Originally called South Atlantic City during its founding in 1885, the town later changed its name to Margate in 1909 because of Ventnor’s founding just north of Margate. (Before 1891, there was no town between Atlantic City and Margate. Ventnor was just an area of sand dunes.) In addition to this museum, Margate had what looked like a lively downtown with different shops, and like the other towns around here, the town also provided opportunities to fish—both on shore and in a boat, swim, or just relax on the beach. They also have a farmers’ market on Thursdays in summer and its share of nightlife, including Memories nightclub, owned by disk jockey Jerry Blavat.    

Ventnor

     Thursday, August 26, 2021: For years I have visited Atlantic City (AC), New Jersey, from the time I was a child when my parents used to take me there in the 1960s. Nevertheless, until the date above, I have never been to the three towns south of AC on Absecon Island in Atlantic County. The first of these towns was Ventnor, NJ, where the Boardwalk from AC extended down to this town. Unlike AC’s Boardwalk, Ventnor’s boardwalk was not commercial. I was close to this boardwalk as I stopped at the Ventnor Branch of the Atlantic County Library, 6500 Atlantic Avenue (609-823-4614). Inside one of the rooms, I entered the Ventnor City Historical Society Museum. Here, a volunteer told us about how the opening of the Carisbrooke Hotel in 1891 led to the development of the town and its official founding in 1903. I also learned about the Richards Family who helped in the growth of this town. Meanwhile, I noticed many exhibit items, mementos, pictures, and texts—all in this one-room museum! The subjects ranged from vacationing in Ventnor to the everyday lives of those in the past who lived and worked here. Afterward, a short walk on Ventnor’s boardwalk proved relaxing.   

Smithville

      Tuesday, August 24, 2021: Therefore, after visiting two places connected with nature, I decided to visit a quaint-looking town: Historic Smithville, Route 9 and Moss Mill Road, Smithville (Atlantic County), New Jersey (609-652-7777). The original Smithville Inn opened in 1787. By 1874, this inn grew to six times its original size, but by the early 20th century, the building was abandoned. In the 1950s, Ethel and Fred Noyes bought the building, restored it, and opened it as a restaurant. Sometime in the 1960s, the Noyes bought different historic buildings from other sections of Southern NJ, moved them near the Smithville Inn, and turned them into shops. It was in the early 1970s that my parents took me to the Smithville Inn for lunch, and we later walked around this town of shops to browse and sometimes buy something. By the 1980s, my husband and I did the same here. Then when we made a return visit in the 1990s, we noticed that there was a whole other area of buildings containing shops and other businesses called the Village Green. On this most recent visit, we viewed the shops and other businesses there as well as the attractions: arcades, an area to operate remote boats and cars, and paddle boats. Other attractions included a shooting gallery, train ride, and carousel. Anyway, it made for an interesting diversion!  

Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge

      Thursday, August 24, 2021: With nature still on my mind after visiting the Marine Mammal Standing Center in Brigantine, New Jersey, we headed up Route 9 to the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, 800 Great Creek Road, Oceanville (Atlantic County), NJ (609-652-1665). This wildlife refuse contained over 47,000 acres of coastal habitats and wetlands. There have been more than 322 kinds of birds and 10 locations opened to the public to view. The area most popular with the public was the eight-mile wildlife drive. Here on a one-way unpaved road, were two observations towers and an observation deck with scopes for taking a closer look at nature. There were also four hiking trails. During normal times, the Visitor Center provided displays and a video about this refuse, a gift & book store, and a member of the staff would answer questions. The date above was not normal due to covid-19, but we did see some nature on a nearby trail! Along the trail, place cards mentioned the plant life in the area, especially the pine and cedar trees. I also noticed some birds and a few mammals: squirrels and rabbits. Then, we had a picnic lunch in a wooded area with picnic tables which added to a relaxing time for us.     

Marine Mammal Stranding Center

      Tuesday, August 24, 2021: On the date above, I did the first of my daytrips in Atlantic County, New Jersey. Because Atlantic County was close to where I grew up in Camden County, NJ, I have been to a few different places in this county through the years. (I also wanted to prove that there is more to Atlantic County than Atlantic City.) Therefore, I entered the Sea Life Museum at the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, 3625 Atlantic Brigantine Boulevard, Brigantine (609-266-0538). In this small museum/gift shop, one of the volunteers pointed out the displays on the ceiling, walls, and elsewhere of models of different fish, mammals, and turtles that live off the coast of NJ. She also mentioned the work that this center did in rescuing and rehabilitation of seals. (While this center also rescues turtles, they later send them to a place in East Orange, NJ, for rehabilitation.) Meanwhile, I saw, via closed-circuit cameras, the two areas where the staff kept the rescued seals until they were well and then later released back into the ocean. Other displays included bones from different sea mammals & fish and turtle shells. Other areas showed pictures and texts of marine mammals, fish, and turtles as well as a special area about ecology. Since this has been a non-profit place, items bought in the gift shop or donations have been appreciated. Outside, I noticed a “bone and shell” garden and a nearby pool containing spider crabs, hermit crabs, and fish. While this museum was small, it was unique, and the work that the staff has done has been very important! 

Columbus Farmers' Market

      Thursday, August 19, 2021: I liked farmers’ markets, even though I didn’t usually buy much there, but I do buy a few items whenever I’m at a farm market or farmers’ market. On the date above, I visited the Delaware Valley’s oldest and largest flea & farmers’ market: Columbus Farmers’ Market, 2919 Route 206, Columbus (Burlington County), New Jersey (609-267-0400). At first glance, I could see that they were not kidding: This place was huge. Inside, this market contained over 65 retail stores divided into six color-coded sections. Here, the retail stores sold many kinds of merchandise: foods, toys, and cosmetics, as well as different services, jewelry, clothing, home furnishing & interiors, electronics, luggage, etc. Other businesses included restaurants, an arcade, pet supplies, outdoor furnishings, and an Amish section. (This was my favorite section.) The Amish area had a restaurant, and they sold many kinds of foods and some crafts. As if that weren’t enough, on some days there were outdoor vendors selling their share of food and non-food items—usually at bargain prices. Another area called Produce Row, sold many different foods in addition to produce and flowers. Nearby was a gardening area, a farm equipment area, and a pallet supply company, as well as an area selling sheds, a self-storage area, and a Goodwill store. Whew! Meanwhile the only complaint I had was the lack of shopping carts. Other farmers’ markets provided them, and it helped when one was buying several items and didn’t wish to carry all of them through the market. An added bonus would be something to rest on as one’s feet and legs got tired walking through such a large shopping area. In the meantime, somebody could bring a folding shopping cart, but he or she couldn’t lean on it.    

Whitesbog

      Tuesday, August 17, 2021: Compared to Roebling, New Jersey, Whitesbog Historic Village, 120 West Whitesbog Road, #34, Browns Mills (Burlington County), NJ (609-893-4646), was a much smaller company town. In this rural community, growing cranberries and blueberries were its biggest industries. In 1916, Elizabeth White and Dr. Frederick A. Coville developed the first cultivated blueberry here. At the time, Whitesbog was already the largest cranberry farm in NJ. In addition, the White Family built this company town from 1890 to 1925, and provided workers’ houses, a general store, and a school, as well as an office, processing buildings, and storage buildings. Currently, this village has been part of Brendan T. Byrne State Forest, and many of the buildings still stand: the general store, a gallery, an interpretive cottage, a barrel factory, and a cranberry & blueberry museum. In another area, I saw blueberry fields; a cranberry processing substation; and Suningive, Elizabeth White’s house. All of this on 3,000 acres! Because of covid-19, only the general store has been opened on certain Saturdays, and this place has started running special events again. Nevertheless, we did stop by, took pictures, and drove through the village. In time, I’m sure they will open the other buildings in the village and extend the opening days for the general store.      

Burlington Lyceum

      Sunday, August 15, 2021: This was a shorter visit compared to the day before because this museum in the Burlington County seat was a smaller museum: Burlington County Lyceum of History and Natural Sciences, 307 High Street, Mount Holly, New Jersey (609-845-3513). In this 1830s mansion, I saw four rooms. The first room’s interior looked similar to the way it might have looked when the original owners, the Langstaff Family, lived there. This room displayed a formal Victorian-styled parlor. Anyway, the next room covered the history of how important the Rancocas River was to the economy of that area via texts, pictures, and exhibit items. Another room displayed the natural history of the area. Here, I saw mastodon bones, and other items, texts, and pictures explaining more about the very distance past of Burlington County and its more recent flora & fauna. The last room was a book & gift shop, and a staff member nearby could answer questions. It wasn’t a long visit, but it was worthwhile! Meanwhile, Mount Holly’s downtown had many shops in quaint-looking buildings from the past few centuries. Combined with this museum, it could be a lively few hours.  

Roebling Museum

      Saturday, August 14, 2021: For years I would ride the RiverLine to and from Trenton, New Jersey, and along the way, one of the train stops was in Roebling, NJ. Outside the window, I would see large objects of metal in a large grassy area. Recently, I learned that this grassy field once held several buildings which functioned as the Kinkora Steelworks, once owned by the Roebling family. Around 2010, the building that was once the entrance building to the steelworks became a museum: Roebling Museum, 100 Second Avenue, Roebling, (Burlington County) NJ (609-499-7200). When I arrived, I saw a 15-minute film presentation about the Roebling Family, especially about John Roebling who invented steel cables. He started a factory for making these cables in Pennsylvania, and he later moved the factory to Trenton, NJ. When he decided to make his own steel for the cables, he needed more space. Therefore, he bought some potato and peach farms south of Trenton, cleared the land, built the steelworks, and the surrounding town. From the early 20th century, Roebling, NJ, was a company town for the workers at the steelworks. The Roebling family sold the steelworks in the 1950s, and the factory closed in 1974. Because the grounds became toxic, the Environmental Protection Agency torn down the metal works buildings—except for the entrance building, and cleared the grounds. Anyway, in this museum, in different rooms, I learned via exhibit items, pictures, and texts more about the Roebling family, their employees, everyday life in Roebling for about the first three-quarters of the 20th century, and how the Roeblings and Kinkora Steelworks contributed to many technologies. After seeing this museum, I’ll never look at Roebling the same way again! The factory in gone, but the town lives on.      

Bass River

     Tuesday, August 10, 2021: On his day I felt a bit of nostalgia because I visited a place where my parents used to take my brothers and me camping in the 1960s and ‘70s: Bass River State Forest, 762 Stage Road, Bass River Township (Burlington County), New Jersey (609-296-1114). This was NJ’s first state forest, founded in 1905, In 1933, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built most of the structures here, built the roads, planted many of the trees, and so forth. As a child in the 1960s and a teen in the ‘70s, I would sleep in the tent or a soft-top tent-trailer at the camp ground. Or in colder weather, I also slept in their shelters and cabins. In the summer, I would swim in Lake Absegami, go fishing & crabbing in areas near Bass River State Forest, and hike some of the trails in this park. On some nights, a park ranger near the nature center would present a slideshow about the flora, fauna, and history of this area. Those were my memories of this place! On this day, I stopped into the park office where I saw an exhibit case showing items pictures, and texts about the CCC. This place also offered plenty of free literature about this place, the NJ Pinelands, and other nearby attractions. Afterward, we drove to the main beach area and ate a picnic lunch while looking at the lake and the rest of the local scenery. Later, we drove around the different camp areas, and I noticed some changes, but for the most part, it looked like I remembered it in the late 1960s and early ‘70s.   

Pinelands Visitor Center

      Monday, August 9, 2021: The Pinelands Visitor Center, 17 Pemberton Road, Southampton (Burlington County), New Jersey (609-859-8860), has been a good place to learn about the NJ Pinelands and what it has to offer in recreation, history, and nature! Inside this 1853 farmhouse, the visitor center contained a room with books and items for sale having to do with the local area and NJ in general. Along one of the walls, I saw pictures and texts explaining the flora, fauna, history, and ecology of the Pinelands of NJ. In addition, a very helpful staff member could give advice and answer questions. Meanwhile, this center offered plenty of free literature about this area. Outside, I saw a big red barn that somebody built in the 1930s and could be rented for special occasions. I also noticed the plants and gardens on the grounds, and a nearby farm grew vegetables organically. The Pinelands are a unique part of NJ, and this is the best place to visit first to appreciate better what you would plan to see in the area.     

Valley Forge, PA

      Saturday, August 7, 2021: After about a year and a half, I have finally visited some place outside of New Jersey: Valley Forge National Park, 1400 North Outer Line Drive, King of Prussia (Montgomery County), Pennsylvania (610-783-1000). I have been to Valley Forge many times: my parents took me there as a child, a fifth-grade school trip, and about 20 years ago. Therefore, I thought that this place made for a relaxing trip on my first trip out of state in a long time. Because of covid-19, only a few of the buildings were opened to the public. The visitors’ center was one of those places. Inside, it was a work-in-progress because the video presentation would not be ready until the autumn. Thus, the visitors’ center was a shop selling books and souvenirs, and there was an information desk. They also had a smaller-screen video about the attractions in the area. Then, we drove over to the Washington Memorial Chapel and the nearby Cabin Shop. This area of the park was not officially part of Valley Forge National Park. Instead, it was run by the nearby church. Washington Memorial Chapel has been an Episcopal Church that dated back to the 1920s, and in the bell tower, the Carillion bells play chimes often. We arrived in time for lunch, and we ate it near this church as we listened to the tunes from this tower. It was a nice way to have lunch! The Cabin Shop has been the only place in Valley Forge to buy food and snacks in this park. They also had a gift, book, and souvenir shop; plus, I found many of the merchandise here to be a bit better than at the Visitors’ Center. Finally we drove through other parts of the park with its buildings: Washington’s Headquarters at Isaac Potts’ House & other historic buildings—all from the outside, and there were recreated log cabins similar to what the troops stayed in 1777/’78, as well as displays of memorials, cannons, and the lovely countryside.   

Highland Park

 

   Friday, August 6, 2021: This was a longer trip to a farmers’ market in Middlesex County, New Jersey: Highland Park Farmers’ Market, 212 Raritan Ave., Highland Park (732-828-8444). Compared to Metuchen’s Farmers’ Market, it was larger with over 30 vendors, and many of these vendors sold other merchandise in addition to foods. One vendor offered a knife sharpening service, and others sold cosmetics, jewelry, books, and so forth. As for food, many vendors sold fresh, locally grown produce, baked goods, and meats, as well as dairy, packaged foods, and preserved foods. Overall, once I got to this market, I liked what I saw, but there was a big problem here: parking! Again compared to Metuchen, this was worse. There was limited street parking, and even though we arrived early, we still had to park a few very long blocks away. So I would advise anyone getting there to arrive early.  

Smithville Mansion

     Thursday, August 5, 2021: I have never been to this Smithville. (Not to be confused with the Smithville in Atlantic County. This Smithville is in Burlington County, New Jersey.) Anyway, Historic Smithville Park, 803 Smithville Road, Easthampton, NJ (609-265-5858), didn’t contain shops. Instead, I toured the Smithville Mansion, a mansion that the brother Jonathan and Samuel Shreve build in 1840. They also built a factory nearby that made thread and printed cotton. They called their workers’ village Shreveville. In the 1850s, they went bankrupt and the village was vacant until 1865 when Hezekiah Smith bought the grounds and renamed the village Smithville. Smith lived here until he died in 1887. On the mansion tour, my guide showed me two floors worth of Victorian interiors and furnishing for a wealthy family as she told us stories about the Smiths. Another area of the mansion, The Annex, mostly stayed unrestored with white walls inside the rooms and displays of artworks painted by local artists. This too, proved interesting! The rest of the area contained a workers’ village with a worker’s house, school house, and other buildings. As for the rest of the park, there was a playground for children, a picnic area, and hiking trails.      

Air Victory Museum

      Wednesday, August 4, 2021: For a different change of pace, I entered the Air Victory Museum, 68 Stacy Haines Road, Lumberton (Burlington County), New Jersey (609-267-4488). Located inside of a hanger at the South Jersey Regional Airport, this place exhibited a plethora of model-scaled military aircraft from World War I through the Viet Nam War. Also on display were dioramas of combat events that involved aircraft both on the ground and in the air. In addition, hanging from the ceiling above and located on the floor were full-sized aircraft, and more model-scale-sized military aircraft. Other exhibits showed aircraft engines, military uniforms, and flight simulators, as well as pictures, texts, and news clippings covering events in air and space. The staff were very helpful on answering questions about the exhibits. Overall, it was an educating and enlightening experience!   

Rancocas

      Tuesday, August 3, 2021: While still in the mood for nature, I went to the Rancocas Nature Center, 794 Rancocas-Mount Holley Road, Westhampton (Burlington County) New Jersey (609-668-5164). Although there were not as many displays in this nature center compared to Woodford, I did notice tanks with snakes, frogs, and turtles. In addition I saw stuffed animals, animal bones, and animal fur. Outside, there were about eight nature trails, a dragonfly pond, and a floral garden. I also glanced at a nearby picnic area. Along the trails, the public could view different habitats: meadows, forests, and wetlands. Therefore, between the nature center, the attractions outside, and picnicking, it sounded like a good way to spend a few hours!  

Woodford

     Monday, August 2, 2021: Giving nature a try, I visited Woodford-Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge, 4 Sawmill Road, Medford (Burlington County), New Jersey (856-983-3329). Starting with the nature center, I looked at some displays of cases containing reptiles: snakes and turtles. Other displays exhibited animal bones, fur, and feathers, as well as a video about this area and a play room where children could handle animal parts, plants, and other objects, especially similar items used by the local Native Americans: the Lenni-Lenapes. There were also childrens’ books about nature and about the original natives. I mainly came to see the wildlife housing area. After I crossed a foot bridge, I saw cages of many kinds of birds, especially predator birds, and some mammals: skunks, raccoons, squirrels, and deer. Nearby were some hiking trails and a picnic area. All of this in a lovely woodland background!   

Burlington

      Saturday, July 31, 2021: Similar to the day before, I visited another old Burlington County, New Jersey, town: Burlington—founded in 1677. I have been to Burlington in the past. Back in October 2004, I visited this town and the Burlington Historical Society Museum. I have a write up about the museum in volume 5, issue 4, of DOTTY’S DIMENSIONS. This time around, the museum was closed because of covid-19, but that wasn’t the reason I visited this town on the date above. According to Main Street Burlington, P.O. Box 1495, Burlington, NJ, 08016 (201-247-7951), there were plenty of stores, restaurants, and other businesses on Main Street, almost to the riverfront. However, similar to Bordentown, many of these businesses had limited hours: They didn’t open until noon, 1 P.M., or 2 P.M. Unlike Bordentown, most stores did operate from about Tuesday through Saturday. Some of them opened on Sunday or Monday. Again, I didn’t mind because like Bordentown, I only walked around the downtown, took some pictures, and window browsed. The views were worth it! Here too, the buildings went back to the 1700s, 1800s, and into the 1900s. On Wednesdays, from 3 P.M. to 6 P.M., from June through September, this town has a small farmers’ market with about six vendors in the middle of downtown. On certain Saturdays, this town also played host to concerts near the waterfront, and certain people conducted historic tours as well.  

Bordentown

      Friday, July 30, 2021: Now that I am finished with visiting Gloucester County, New Jersey, my next NJ county will be Burlington. Therefore, on the date above, I visited Bordentown, especially downtown Bordentown. (For more information, contact Downtown Bordentown Association, 200 Farnsworth Avenue [609-414-0818]). On a few blocks of Farnsworth Avenue, I noticed shops, restaurants, and other businesses housed in buildings from the 18th-, 19th-, and 20th-centuries. The town officials referred to this town as “the little city with a lot of charm.” While it did look charming, the days and hours of many of its businesses were limited. Unlike many downtowns whose business hours and days were usually Monday to Saturday from about 10 A.M. to about 5 or 6 P.M., and about noon to around 5 P.M. on Sundays, many of Bordentown’s shops usually didn’t open until sometime around 11 A.M., noon, 1 P.M. or even 2 P.M. until early evening. Meanwhile, many of these same businesses stayed closed on Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. In other words, the best time to shop in town was on a Thursday, Friday, or Saturday from afternoon to early evening. Personally, I didn’t mind because I only intended to walk through the downtown and take a few pictures! Nevertheless, they have held special events year round, and from June through September this town has a farmers’ market on Sunday mornings. This has been one of NJ’s oldest towns, going back to 1682.   

Williamstown Farmers' Market

     Thursday, July 22, 2021: For the last of my Gloucester County, New Jersey trips, I went to the Williamstown Farmers’ Market, 701 North White Horse Pike, Williamstown (856-875-8039). This was the largest farmers’ market in Gloucester County, and about two-thirds of this market contained food vendors, many of them Amish, selling a variety of foods: produce, meats, and cheeses, as well as baked goods, preserved foods, bulk foods, etc. In another section I noticed close to two dozen vendors selling non-food merchandise: furniture, books, and clothing, as well as toys, gifts, and other stuff. Outside, this market displayed storage sheds for sale. I easily spent a few hours here!     

Haynicz's Orchard View Farm Market

      Sunday, July 18, 2021: Although the Haynicz’s Orchard View Farm and Greenhouse, 1093 Elk Road, Monroeville, New Jersey (856-340-6370) wasn’t as large as the other farm markets that I’ve been to in Gloucester County, it did sell certain items that I didn’t see in abundance elsewhere: flowers, herbs, and other plants. Of course, this market also sold its share of produce (most of it grown in the surrounding fields), preserved foods, baked goods, and so forth. Meanwhile, looking at the surrounding farmland, one gets to understand why NJ has been known as “The Garden State!”  

Pitman Laurel Farmers' Market

 

     Saturday, July 17, 2021: The Gloucester County town of Pitman, New Jersey, has been a lively, walkable town with its share of retail businesses, restaurants, and a theater—all within a few blocks! Nevertheless, on a Saturday morning in summer, another place worth seeing has been the Pitman Laurel Farmers’ Market, at Sunset Auditorium, 200 Laurel Avenue, Pitman, NJ (856-256-8380). Here, I saw about a dozen and a half vendors selling produce, baked goods, and preserved foods, as well as non-food vendors selling jewelry, crafts, and soaps, etc. Therefore, before seeing downtown Pitman, I would recommend visiting here on a summer Saturday. Between this market and downtown, you could spend a whole day there. 

Duffield's Farm

      Thursday, July 15, 2021: I visited another farm market in Gloucester County: Duffield’s Farm & Market, 280 Chapel Heights Road, Sewell, New Jersey (856-589-7090). This place was bigger than the farm market I went to the other day, and their variety of produce was vast as well. They also stocked much more in baked goods; plus, they had a deli! Most all of the produce for sale grew in the surrounding fields, and some of the produce ended up being sold in jars of preserved food. In addition, they sold jars of preserved food from Kitchen Kettle Village in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. As for baked goods, they offered many kinds of pies, cakes, and breads, as well as cookies, donuts, and so on. Throughout the year, the owner plays host to special events for the whole family, especially for children and school trips.   

Maugeri's Farm Market, Swedesboro

      Tuesday, July 13, 2021: Thus, I went to a farm market. (The differences are that a farmers’ market had different vendors selling their merchandise in one place. Whereas a farm market is a retail business located on a farm, and the owner owns both the farm and the retail business that can be anything from a farm stand to a mid-sized store.) On the date above, I browsed and bought a few items in Gloucester County at Maugeri’s Farm Market, 1991 Oldman’s Creek Road, Swedesboro, New Jersey (856-294-9900). Unlike many farm and farmers’ markets that only operate one or a few days a week—mostly on weekends, this market operated seven days a week. While that market from the outside didn’t look large, it was surrounded by fields where most of the produce grew. In addition to produce, this place sold baked goods, gift items, and cheeses, as well as preserved foods that they canned there, food items in freezers, etc. Therefore, what they lacked in building size, they made up for in variety—especially in produce!  

Tinicum Rear Range Lighthouse

      Sunday, July 11, 2021: Because the weather was nice, I decided to do a quick visit to Gloucester County, New Jersey, and the Tinicum Rear Range Lighthouse, 70 Second Street, Paulsboro (856-423-1505). Although this place wasn’t open for tours to the top, I didn’t mind because I have not been a big fan of climbing up a lot of stairs—even if the views were good! (I also saw the views online, and they were good.) Nevertheless, I looked at the outside of this lighthouse and the 1880 building below it. Throughout the year, the society who maintained this place played host to special events. Otherwise, if you have been visiting someplace else nearby and wanted to visit a quiet place later, then I would recommend coming here. Be warned: Use your GPS, MapQuest, Google Maps, or some other maps because many of the local streets didn’t have signs. 

Metuchen Farmers' Market

     Saturday, July 10, 2021: As some of you have guessed, I like going to farm, farmers’, and flea markets. On the date above, I traveled to Middlesex County, New Jersey, to visit the following farmers’ market: Metuchen Farmers’ Market, 33 Pearl Street, Metuchen (732-510-0242). Located on a corner plaza, this market included about a dozen vendors selling locally-grown produce, preserved foods, and baked goods, as well as cheeses, meats, and other foods. While the prices were a bit higher than many grocery stores, on the other hand, you couldn’t ask for fresher food! A nearby garage offered up to three hours of free parking. As if that weren’t enough, downtown Metuchen offered its share of retail businesses in buildings that dated from the 19th-, 20th-, and into the 21st-century. 

Scotland Run Park

      Sunday, June 27, 2021: I had nature on my mind as I headed toward this destination: Scotland Run Park, 980 Academy Street, Clayton, New Jersey (Gloucester County) (856-881-0845). As soon as I arrived, I entered the nature center! In this small, one-room, mini museum covering the flora & fauna of the area, I saw one wall that showed five display tanks of reptiles, amphibians, and insects, as well as a showcase exhibiting human-made items in glassware, pottery, and metal pieces that go back to the last few centuries. Along the other side of this room, I looked at bones from different animals—especially deer, taxidermy animals & birds, and cases displaying butterflies, moths, & insects. In addition, pictures and texts explained more about the natural attractions around the area. As for the rest of the park, along the lake, the public could rent canoes and kayaks, launch their own boats on this lake, fish, and walk the trails. There was also a playground for children, a picnic area with grills, and nearby pavilions. I also noticed some people paddle boarding on the lake, but many people just relaxed and sat by the picnic tables. This was one of those places where you could be as active or relaxing as you want.   

Heritage Glass Museum

       Saturday, June 26, 2021: Of course, a town named Glassboro would have had many glass making industries in its past! Nowadays, the downtown included the following attraction: Heritage Glass Museum, 25 East High Street, Glassboro, New Jersey (in Gloucester County) (856-881-7468). On one floor, I could view different kinds of glass in chronological order by going clockwise around the room. Here, they displayed glass from the 1700s to the current time. I looked at glass in the form of bottles, plates, and lids, as well as glasses, vases, bowls, paperweights, jewelry, a glass-beaded dress from the 1920s, etc. In addition, packed into this room were exhibits of glass making equipment, pictures, and texts about the history of glassmaking in NJ and other parts of the USA. This small museum contained a lot of things to see.