Historical society gears up for 30th

The Hightstown-East Windsor Historical Society is preparing for a celebration Sept. 23 in honor of its 30th birthday.

By: Scott Morgan
   HIGHTSTOWN — The Hightstown-East Windsor Historical Society is gearing up to celebrate its 30th anniversary Sunday, Sept. 23.
   Many area groups and organizations are expected to be part of the festivities, including the Hightstown Women’s Club, the Brownies and the Lions Club.
   Among the centerpieces of the celebration will be a World War II display by Clark and Suzanne Hutchinson that examines the area’s role during the war. Items include those from Edward Hutchinson, who was killed during the Normandy invasion, and Gordon Hutchinson, who served in the Pacific.
   Also on display will be a model John Bull train. Shirley Olsen, chairwoman of the society’s anniversary, said the model will cruise through a scene straight from the 1930s. While Ms. Olsen said the Historical Society still is putting the finishing touches on the town (including a scale model of the Hightstown Baptist Church and the Smith House, which was the first house ever built in the borough), she said she expects the miniature town to be ready for the celebration.
   Ms. Olsen also said she is happy to have on hand East Windsor resident Gloria Hansen, an award-winning quilt maker who will exhibit a large part of her collection.
   Kate Middleton, the Historical Society librarian, said she is looking forward to the celebration. She said she is proud to know the Historical Society has played a key role in preserving the past and educating residents about their history.
   She is also proud to know the society has been a "building block" to the revitalization in Hightstown. Because of the interest in revitalization, she said, the society is playing a greater role in researching and connecting both the borough and the township with their pasts.
   "The society gives both communities a sense of community," she said.
   The celebration is expected to begin at 2 p.m. with hot dogs and cookies and refreshments provided by local groups. Both Ms. Olsen and Ms. Middleton said they hope to see a nice turnout for a day of old-fashioned fun.