January 20, 2011--Kevin Hughes, South Brunswick Police Department, Graduates from FBI Academy

On January 20, 2011, it was reported in the news that Kevin Hughes, Deputy Chief of the South Brunswick Township Police Department, had graduated from the FBI National Academy.  He completed a grueling twelve-week program at Quantico, Virginia, along with representatives from all fifty states, the District of Columbia, and twenty-two other nations.  Deputy Chief Hughes took a college-like course load which included "Understanding Terrorism," "Juvenile Crime," "Labor Law," "Stress Management," and "Fitness."  The culminating event of his last choice was the show-no-mercy "Yellow Brick Road" challenge run, which was 7.2 miles long.  Participation in this federal program was by invitation only.  It involved an extensive and thorough nomination process in order to get accepted.  Deputy Chief Hughes was the first South Brunswick officer to be accepted into this program in ten years.  According to then Police Chief, Raymond Hayducka, "Deputy Chief Hughes excelled while at the Academy.  His graduation will benefit our agency and community . . ."  Hats off to Deputy Chief Hughes for a job well done.

Fat Eddie's opens January 19th, 1978

On this day in South Brunswick History…
Fat Eddie's Groaning Board opens in Dayton in 1978. Fat Eddie's was a popular eatery on Georges Road. This historic building housed many businesses. Today it is La Taverna. Originally it was the Whitlock Tavern built in 1739.

Fat Eddie's-The Full Story

Some South Brunswick legends refuse to die. Of the stories about local eateries, one stands out above the rest even though the establishment closed its doors several years ago. At the site of the colonial public house, called the Whitlock Inn, Fat Eddie's Groaning Board opened its doors on January 19, 1978. It was located on the corner of Georges Road and Ridge Road in Dayton. To appease the ghosts that reside in this place, mention must be made of the first establishment there. The Whitlock Inn opened for business in the late 1700's, as a residence and public house run by James and Moses Whitlock. John Barricklo ran this popular watering hole in the 1790's. His son took charge and lasted until 1825, when William Schenck ran the place. W. B. Schenck kept a store there until the Vandeveer family took over. For the next hundred years the place served as a residence for various families. It was eventually sold to Mr. and Mrs. Ed "Fat Eddie" Grumes, who turned it into a restaurant which specialized in Mexican food. Grumes made extensive repairs before opening his new place of business. He created a seating capacity of a hundred. With Fat Eddie's unique way of doing things, a local legendary landmark was given new life and an interesting reputation. Besides his Mexican specialties, Fat Eddie offered the usual American cuisine, which included his intriguing and kid-friendly favorite--"Animal Burgers." He also featured Rev. John Maltby's irresistible homemade pies. Right after Fat Eddie's Groaning Board closed it doors, it was sorely missed. The place is not the same. Who will ever forget the signs on the restroom doors--"Groaners" and "Groanettes"! Many locals remember Fat Eddie's fondly. So do the ghosts who still frequent the place.

Titus Barn burns down January 18th, 2007

On this day in South Brunswick History…
by Ed Belding South Brunswick Historical Society

A long-neglected South Brunswick landmark of sorts was destroyed by fire on January 18, 2007. Few took notice and few cared. The ruined structure was the main barn on the eleven-acre farm of Thomas Titus, a freed slave who had purchased the property from Ferdinand Van Dyke for $50 in August of 1817. This farm remained in the family for three generations until Allen Hooper sold it to the Beekman family. The irony here was that Beekmans had once owned Thomas Titus. At the time of the fire (of suspicious origin), the property was owned by the Moravcek family. Shortly after the fire, the rest of the buildings on the property were torn down. Eventually, the eleven acres were added to Woodlot Park. All traces of the history of the place vanished except for a freed slave's grave marker. It can be found on the northeast corner of the land Thomas Titus once farmed. He passed away in 1849 when he succumbed to the plague. A ceremony dedicating Titus's marker was held in June of 2007, behind Benson Road in Kendall Park. Of added historical significance of the main barn was that it was filled with old farm equipment worthy of a display in a museum. However, all of it was destroyed in the fire. Included in the artifacts were a vintage steam generator and a very old, but stout, wagon. The flames of the barn fire destroyed everything except a few memories of days gone by. Sadly, at this time, even the memories are drifting away like the smoke from a barn fire . . .

Kingston Ladies Auxiliary Kingston Fire Company formed January 17th, 1927

On this day in South Brunswick History…
by Ed Belding South Brunswick Historical Society

Behind the brave Kingston volunteer firefighters stands a worthy support system, known as the Kingston Ladies Auxiliary. This organization was started by Katherine Mathews on January 17th, 1927. It was chartered under the Kingston Volunteer Fire Company Number 1. The members are responsible for serving and supporting the fire company when needed. They are also involved in fund-raising activities. The money raised allow the firemen to purchase new equipment. The ladies are also responsible for organizing an annual banquet. At one time or another, they held minstrel shows at the firehouse, as well as card parties, tricky-tray auctions, rummage sales, bingo socials, a November holiday bazaar, and lunch with Santa for the children. Most importantly, they have prepared and served food for the firefighters during emergency situations. One of their many shining moments was in March of 1997 when the Auxiliary served food at the firehouse for five days and nights in a row while the firefighters battled the Iron Mountain Warehouse blaze. Usually folks who work behind the scenes don't get the credit they deserve. The Kingston Ladies Auxiliary is an example of this. They deserve much more.

SB Boys Indoor Track wins January 16, 2004

On this day in South Brunswick History…
by Ed Belding South Brunswick Historical Society

Lightning and Viking are close rhymes . . . even closer are twice and nice--all four words came together for the South Brunswick High School's Boys Indoor Track Team on January 16, 2014. That's when lightning struck twice and all Vikings felt nice about it. It was especially nice for team members Morgan Murray, Alex and Evan Kainer, Elijah Suggs, Wendell Allen, Matt Zamorski, Matthew Tamasi, Tyler Sanders, Nicholas Neville, and Juan and Joelle Baxter. They were instrumental in winning the NJSIAA Group IV Relays at the Bennett Center in Toms River, New Jersey. The team garnered 40 points, finishing first in the 4x800, the sprint medley, and the shuttle hurdles. The time in the 4x800 was 8:07.17, with Zamorski, Tamasi, Sanders, and Neville involved. The shuttle hurdle team's time was 31.56, with the two Kainers and the two Baxters involved. The sprint medley's time was 3:37.13, with Allen, Suggs, one of the Kainers, and Murray involved. Key to the victory was Morgan Murray's come-from-behind anchor lap against arch-rival, Gerard D'Ambrosio, the runner for Old Bridge. South Brunswick also picked up points in the 4x200, 4x400, distance medley, shot put, and pole vault. This gave the Viking team enough points to clinch the title for the second time. Yes, lightning did strike twice . . . and it sure felt nice!

Aaron Hush, Civil War Hero Get Pension Approved January 15th, 1898

On this day in South Brunswick History…
by Ed Belding South Brunswick Historical Society

January 15, 1898--Civil War Hero, Aaron Hush, Gets Pension Approved

South Brunswick has its share of military heroes and Aaron Hush stands with them. He volunteered for the United States Army during the Civil War. Hush entered military service at age 19, on February 29, 1864. He was honorably discharged on August 22, 1865. He was in Company H of the Thirty-Second Regiment of Infantry--United States Colored Troops. He saw action in battles at, or near, Charleston, Fort Sumter, Honey Hill, Savannah Railroad, Deveaux Neck, Boydkins Mills, Beach Creek, Denkins Mills, and a few other locations. His pension application was finally approved on January 15, 1898. Aaron Hush was born in 1845 (the exact date is unknown). He wed Sarah Catharine Roberts and had eight children. He owned property in the Sand Hill area of South Brunswick and was buried there in the woods after his death on January 20, 1916. He and his grave site were soon forgotten by most. Eighty-four years later, VFW Post 9111 Historian, Al Kady, found Aaron Hush's neglected grave. During Black History Month, in the year 2000, Hush was honored at a Township Council meeting. Plans were made to make the Hush grave site accessible to the public. Old soldiers do fade away, but that does not mean they should be forgotten. May brave Aaron Hush always remind us not to forget.

Fire Razes Monmouth Junction Hotel January 14, 1923

On this day in South Brunswick History…
by Ed Belding South Brunswick Historical Society
January 14, 1923--Fire Razes Monmouth Junction Hotel

There were strange doings at the site of the destructive fire which razed the Monmouth Junction Hotel on the Tuesday before the account was covered in the newspaper. How the fire got started is still unknown. By January 14, 1923, information became widespread about the unusual challenges volunteer firefighters from Jamesburg and Cranbury had to face. That early Tuesday morning, the firefighters answered the alarm, arrived to lay several hundred feet of hose, and readied themselves for battling the fast-spreading flames. However, Monmouth Junction residents, who had gathered at the site of the blaze, started harassing the firefighters. They told the Jamesburg fireman to go back home and mind their own business. These folks also told the Cranbury firemen to disconnect their hoses and return from whence they came. Heated discussions turned to hot arguments. By this time the hotel was engulfed in flames. Things eventually settled down between firemen and locals. Hoses were again connected--too late for the doomed hotel, but in the nick of time to save nearby structures. In the aftermath of the blaze, the Cranbury firemen were treated to sandwiches and coffee, provided by South Brunswick locals. The Jamesburg volunteers, however, received nothing in the form of gratitude. Rumors spread as to the cause for such friction and ill will. The picture cleared by the 14th. It was revealed that many of the law-abiding and God-fearing locals were glad to see the "hotel of ill-repute" burn to the ground--good riddance to illicit activities and bad characters. That appears to be the main reason why locals interfered with the actions of the brave firefighters. This all goes to prove that there is a right way to do things, a wrong way to do things, and a broad gray way to do things . . .

January 13, 2001--SBHS Wrestlers Beat Top-Ranked South Plainfield

On this day in South Brunswick History…
by Ed Belding South Brunswick Historical Society

January 13, 2001--SBHS Wrestlers Beat Top-Ranked South Plainfield
For years the South Plainfield High School wrestling team dominated the competition in central Jersey. Going into the meet against South Brunswick High School on January 13, 2001, South Plainfield was ranked number one by the Home News Tribune. South Brunswick was ranked third. South Plainfield had not lost to a Middlesex County opponent since the 1996-97 season. South Brunswick was determined to keep the match as close as possible and, at least, look respectable against such a superior opponent. At 103 pounds, Strinkoski of South Brunswick decisioned his opponent 5-0; at 135 pounds, Had Duca decisioned his opponent 13-9; at 145 pounds, Kyle Nasdeo decisioned his opponent 6-5; at 160 pounds Kevin Fox pinned his opponent in 44 seconds; at 171 pounds, Blake Sframeli pinned his opponent in 3 minutes, 43 seconds; at 189, Pete Gibb decisioned his opponent 5-4. Things were close and things were tight . . . it was nail biting time. Next came what proved to be the key match. At 215 pounds, Derrick Cromartie of the Vikings made a furious comeback and decisioned his opponent 14-9. South Plainfield was still on top in total points, but there was one more match to go. It was time for the heavyweights. Ben Henry of the Vikings was ready and raring to go, but the South Plainfield heavyweight was not. The latter had to forfeit. Old Ben was declared the winner. South Brunswick won the match 30-28! A wild celebration followed this exciting match. You would expect nothing less. After all, the South Brunswick Vikings had not beaten South Plainfield since the 1990-91 season.

Barefoot Brunson

On the Border with Barefoot Brunson
by Ed Belding South Brunswick Historical Society

This historical information comes from the research done for the South Brunswick Historical Society Calendar. We still have a handful for sale at the Borrower Services desk. Get one before they're gone!

Imagine going through life with the first name--"Barefoot." Yes, there actually was a Barefoot . . . Barefoot Brunson (aka--Brunson, Brinton, Brynson, Brimson, Brymson, and so on). He hailed from the west bank of the Millstone River opposite Kingston, New Jersey, in the late 1600's to early 1700's. He was born around 1686 to David Brunson and Frances Greenland, daughter of Dr. Henry Greenland--a man of influence in the area. Dr. Greenland was married to Mary Barefoote, who was related to Greenland's best friend, Dr. Walter Barefoote. Thus, our Mr. Brunson was given a surname for his first name. The Barefoote name was originally "Barford" in England and americanized to Barefoot or Bearfoot in the 17th century. So its meaning was neither "naked feet" nor "bear's paw." Brunson not only inherited his first name from these folks. He also inherited a quick and fiery temper. Dr. Walter Barefoote was a contentious soul in the Piscataqua region of New England where the Brunson's came from after leaving England. He wore many hats--doctor, captain, prison keeper, deputy governor, land speculator, and chief justice; and with each position he made many enemies and left folks quaking in their boots. He always argued for the Stuart position, which irritated Puritans to no end. David Brunson, Barefoot's father, was also a cantankerous sort. He often got physical when he lost his temper. Dr. Greenland had to bring him to court in 1694 on a charge of abusing Frances, the mother of Barefoot. Fiery-tempered David Brunson died two years later. A relieved Frances re-married in 1697. This time she chose wisely, wedding an even-tempered Quaker, named John Hornor, Jr., of Stony Brook. All through the turbulent childhood years, Barefoot Brunson grew up to become just as quick-tempered and domineering as his male predecessors. He was notorious for holding a grudge and getting even. Neighbors in Somerset and Middlesex counties considered him "peculiar in his ways." He did manage to become a successful gentleman farmer and he did earn an "Esquire" after his name. He became Somerset County's first Sheriff (as early as 1709 and as late as 1720). He meted out justice with an iron fist until 1730-31, and seemed well-suited for enforcing the King's Law. He wed Marritje "Mary" Lawrence Pipinga, who was born in New York in 1692. He and Mary had two children, John and Ruth; and possibly another daughter, Frances. John (aka--Daniel John) was born in 1723-25. His descendants eventually migrated to Pulaski County, Kentucky, and intermarried with the Earp family (the ones from whom Wyatt Earp descended). Barefoot Brunswon owned hundreds of acres of land in Somerset County and half that much in Middlesex county. Some of his former holdings now lie in Mercer County and may have included land on which Princeton University stands. On some of the earliest maps of the King's Highway (now Route 27) area, the name Barefoot Brunson appears. Old Barefoot is not considered a "Son of South Brunswick," but at least he is borderline--probably in more ways than one . . .

January 12, 1953--Dr. Ivan B. Smith, Appointed Township Physician

On this day in South Brunswick History…
January 12, 1953--Dr. Ivan B. Smith, Appointed Township Physician
by Ed Belding South Brunswick Historical Society

Dr. Ivan B. Smith (1908-1985) was a local general practitioner who served his community for thirty-eight years. His office was on Georges Road in Dayton. Along the way he became involved with the Township's First Aid Squad and the Volunteer Fire Department. He assisted rescue workers in emergency situations and gave physical examinations to firefighters in his spare time. Dr. Smith started his local practice here in 1940 after receiving his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania. On April 11, 1950 he was appointed Medical Inspector at the Dayton School. On January 9, 1951, he became a member of the South Brunswick Board of Health. On January 12, 1953 (the historical calendar lists this date mistakenly as his demise), he was named Township Physician on a fee basis. Later, that same year, he was chosen as a reporter for the Middlesex County Medical Society. On August 22, 1956, he and Dr. Frank E. Bristol administered the Salk polio vaccine to five-hundred local children. Dr. Smith continued to serve on the South Brunswick Board of Health in the 1960's. He officially retired from medical practice in 1980.

January 11, 1994--Wetherill-Mount House Opens to the Public

On this day in South Brunswick History...
January 11, 1994--Wetherill-Mount House Opens to the Public
by Ed Belding South Brunswick Historical Society

The Wetherill-Mount House, at 269 Georges Road in Dayton, was opened to the public on January 11, 1994. This two-story Georgian style colonial home, located on a three-and-half acre site, was renovated by the South Brunswick Heritage Foundation with funding provided by Marcal Paper, BASF, Carlton Homes, and several other companies. Part of the structure may date to the 17th century, making this museum house one of the oldest in South Brunswick. It was originally an integral part of a 1,700 acre plantation owned and operated by Colonel John Wetherill, colonial Assemblyman for Middlesex County prior to the Revolutionary War and military and civilian leader during the war. His son, Vincent, was to have inherited the plantation, but he died a hero's death in the war, and his widow, Sarah, remarried. Thus, the Mount name for the house when she wed William H. Mount. They occupied the house from 1823 to 1840. Later on, it exchanged hands and became known as the Everett farm. Dr. Milton Sprague, a physician in Dayton, was the last to live in the house with his wife. It was occupied up to 1977. After that, it fell into disrepair until the Heritage Foundation sought to restore this important landmark. It now serves as the Township's first cultural and historic center. Artifacts of South Brunswick history are preserved and displayed there. Tours, lectures, meetings, and displays have been conducted there. Thus, it serves as a centerpiece for educating people about the rich history of the Township.

January 10, 1948--Steely Dan's Donald Fagen Born

On this day in South Brunswick History...
January 10, 1948--Steely Dan's Donald Fagen Born
by Ed Belding South Brunswick Historical Society

Music seems to be big in the DNA of South Brunswick Township. A dominant gene in our multi-cultural mix, old and new, is the music of Donald Fagen and Walter Becker--more popularly known and internationally acclaimed as "Steely Dan." South Brunswick, but more specifically, Kendall Park, can claim half of this platinum album duo as one of its own. Donald Fagen was born in New York on January 10, 1948, but he moved with his family to Kendall Park. He attended South Brunswick High School. The 1965 yearbook labeled Fagen as a "class wit" and the "most dramatic" male Senior. While in South Brunswick, he learned piano and immersed himself in the jazz medium. He joined a jazz trio, which included his teacher, Mr. Orzi, on bass guitar, and drummer, Rickey Schenck. Fagen's piano playing could be heard at such local gigs as the Dayton Grange Hall. After high school, Fagen attended Bard University where he met Walter Becker. The pair went on to produce several albums that went platinum. "Two Against Nature" was named Album of the Year. Steely Dan won Grammies and was inducted into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame in 2001. Several of the Steely Dan recordings are autobiographical. Some are Fagen's reflections on his years spent in South Brunswick. I recommend that the reader listen to the tracks on Fagen's solo album "The Nightfly" for a taste of this musical genius's take on a teenager's life experiences in South Brunswick. Many of the Steely Dan recordings are available on loan at the South Brunswick Public Library. Come peruse the collection and give a listen.

January 9, 1983--100th Anniversary of Miller Memorial Church

On this Day in South Brunswick History...
January 9, 1983--100th Anniversary of Miller Memorial Church
by Ed Belding South Brunswick Historical Society

In 1877, the Methodist Episcopal congregation in the South Brunswick area built a one-room church on "Old New Road" in Monmouth Junction. The building was sold to Reverend John Miller for $482 in 1884. This controversial pastor, who had been suspended by the New Brunswick Presbytery for heresy in books (such as--"Questions Awaked by the Bible" and "Fetish in Theology") he had published, established his own churches in South Brunswick, Plainsboro, Princeton, and New Brunswick. All of his churches became associated with the Cumberland Presbyterian movement. Thus, at that time, the original "Miller" church in Monmouth Junction was referred to as an independent Presbyterian church. In 1895, after Miller had passed away on a Palm Sunday, his daughters deeded the old church to the Cumberland Presbyterian organization. Visiting Cumberland ministers and Princeton Seminary students conducted services there until Rev. George Ashforth Burslem took the helm in 1913. By that time, the church came to be known as the First Presbyterian Church of Monmouth Junction, because the Cumberland Presbyterians had united with the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. in 1907. In 1922, Pastor Raymond A. Eckels succeeded Burslem and served until 1942. During his tenure, the old church was sold at auction and the congregation moved into the former Saint Paul's Episcopal Church on the corner of Ridge Road and Pierson Street in Monmouth Junction. This location is reputed to be the exact geographic center of Monmouth Junction. Since 1936, the old church had been called the Miller Memorial Church. At the first service, when the new church was dedicated on October 9, 1938, the name remained the Miller Memorial Presbyterian Church. The 100th anniversary of Miller's church was celebrated on January 8, 1983, during the tenure of Rev. John H. Maltby, who assumed his position in 1962. The Centennial was celebrated at a Sunday service with guest speaker, Rev. Russell W. Annich, Pastor Emiritus of Trenton's Bethany Presbyterian Church. Rev. Maltby conducted the service. A display of the church's history was featured after the service. Eldest church member, Mrs. Ethel Emens (92) was available to reminisce about the "old days" when men and women sat in opposite pews, when she was a child.

January 8, 1973--Ordinance for Realignment of Ridge Road

Today in South Brunswick History...
January 8, 1973--Ordinance for Realignment of Ridge Road
by Ed Belding South Brunswick Historical Society

The ordinance to realign and improve Ridge Road was approved by the South Brunswick Town Council on January 8, 1973. This venerable road had been in use since the early 1700's when it stretched from Barefoot Brunson's house near the Millstone River all the way to South River. Before that, legend has it that the dirt road was originally a native-american trail. In the early days of South Brunswick, the road ran from Mapleton Road, south of Kingston, through Monmouth Junction (formerly known as Longbridge Farm) paralleling Heathcote Brook. From there it passed through Dayton (formerly known as Cross Roads). For a time, Ridge Road was also called Monmouth Junction Road or Jamesburg Road. The ordinance, at the start of 1973, had to do with acquiring lands for the realignment project. The original appropriation of funds ($210,000) and issuance of bonds ($110,000) was increased by amendment to $855,000 for appropriations and bonds and notes to $755,000. The improvements would come from the purchase or condemnation of lands where necessity to realign Ridge Road, now also known as Middlesex County Route 522, from Kingston Lane to U. S. Route 1. This particular ordinance did not include new road construction. When all is said and done, the general consensus is that old Ridge Road as Route 522 is a welcome addition for getting from one point in the Township to another.

January 7, 1850--Deans Lane Dedicated

Today in South Brunswick History...
January 7, 1850--Deans Lane Dedicated
by Ed Belding South Brunswick Historical Society

The straight road running northwest to southwest, connecting what is now Route 1 and old Georges Road, might have been called Martinsville Road or McDowell's Road when it was dedicated on January 7, 1850. The area which the new road ran through was called Martinsville up into the 1860's. It was named after John Martin, a prominent resident in the area. This name appeared on several maps in the early 1800's. However, the two earliest families to settle in the area were the Deans and the McDowells. The Dean family arrived in the late l8th century. The McDowells came shortly thereafter. Local sentiment favored the Deans name for the road, as well as changing the name of the area from Martinsville to Deans. The Camden&Amboy Railroad line, which crossed the road, built a depot on the north side. It was decided to go with the shorter name for the station there. Deans Lane served as an accommodating road for to-and-from traffic for those using the railroad line as well as for residents clustered at the southern end of the road, and businesses such as H. G. Werner & Sons, as well as the Deans Post Office at the corner of Deans Lane and Georges Road.

January 6, 1982--Switzgable's "In Our Water" Released

Today in South Brunswick History...
January 6, 1982--Switzgable's "In Our Water" Released
by Ed Belding South Brunswick Historical Society

The Frank Kaler Family of South Brunswick discovered that their drinking water was being contaminated by a nearby landfill. Frank, a house painter, and his wife, Rita, were getting water from their own well. Their neighbors were getting the same from their wells. However, Frank took the lead in getting the government to acknowledge the problem and fix it. His attempts to reach local agencies and the State Department of Environmental Protection failed. Mr. Kaler ended up going to Washington, D. C., to testify at a Congressional hearing. Meg Switzgable, a documentary film director, heard about Kaler's efforts and decided to produce a film for Foresight Films of Brooklyn, New York, which followed five years of Kaler's struggle to find out what had happened to the groundwater and why it was happening. The release date for the film, "In Our Water," was January 6, 1982. The film was reviewed in the New York Times and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature and an Emmy Award. It won a Columbia/DuPont Award for Journalistic Excellence. Kudos to Ms. Switzgable for daring to reveal the truth about a crucial local issue . . . and double kudos to the Kaler family for going that extra mile to serve as the whistle-blowers on this issue.

Frank Kaler with wife, Rita. Looking at pot of polluted water

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Picks and Pans Review: In Our Water

Just when it seemed as if the docudrama had all but done in the documentary as an art form, Meg…

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