I think every historical society in Monmouth County is contributing something very special by researching, preserving, then keeping residents and visitors alike aware of just how special history is here in Monmouth County, dating back to the Lenni Lenape tribes as well as the important role the county played in the Revolution. Highlands is fortunate to have not one, but two local societies since the Twin Lights Friends concentrate on the lighthouse itself and the Highlands society does so much to preserve the history of the borough. Both are terrific, as is the Atlantic Highlands Historical Society which maintains the Strauss house so beautifully and does so much to keep that borough’s history alive. And of course my friends in Middletown do so much for their Historical Society as well and offer great speakers and great information virtually during the Covid pandemic. But I’d also like to heap praise on the
and the creative ways they preserve history and raise funds to do all they do. That bridal display of last year was nothing short of spectacular and drew crowds of admirers even wit h the pandemic when they had to wait patiently for their turn to see the beautiful array of wedding gowns and wedding memorabilia from three centuries. That Society also received the prestigious William G. Pomeroy Award earlier this year which is enabling them to install a roadside marker identifying the borough’s historic Four Corners. You know where I mean. That is a site on the National Register of Historic Places also known as the crossroad of civilization in Monmouth County, and it includes the Allen House, the Wardell House, the Shrewsbury Historic District and Christ Church at Route 35 and Sycamore Avenue. There are more than 93,000 properties on the National Register, including buildings, sites, districts, structures and objects. But it’s up to the individual unit to provide the roadside marker to recognize the sites. That’s where the Pomeroy Foundation comes in, helping historic societies with some funds. In the case of Shrewsbury, they received an $1,100 grant. That, coupled with the borough council approval, means the Society can purchase the sign and have it installed on the southwest corner of Broad St. and Sycamore Avenue. Congratulations Don Burden and all your hard working society members. What a great achievement
