Towns celebrate the Battle of Monmouth

The Battle of Monmouth celebration brought out history buffs and those looking for a fun way to learn about history.

By: Matt Kirdahy
   The air was sultry just as it was back in 1778. A haze loomed and there was some cloud cover, but the sky didn’t break. There was no rain, but it is said to have been a steady downpour when Gen. George Washington and his Continental company marched into Cranberry Town seeking shelter on the way to Monmouth.
   On June 26, at about 1:30 p.m., historical re-enactors traveled into the Cranbury village from the intersection of North Main Street and Plainsboro Road to commemorate the moment in history when Gen. Washington came to town 225 years ago.


Monroe celebration a hit

   MONROE — The township’s celebration of the 225th anniversary of the eve of the Battle of Monmouth had the Revolutionary War cast it expected – including Gen. George Washington, Capt. James Monroe and Molly Pitcher – and the strong support of volunteers who made the whole thing work.

   "There were members of the township’s Historic Preservation Commission and other volunteers on the grounds of the Dey Farm Museum from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. Friday (June 27), an hour before the celebration officially began to an hour after it closed," said John Katerba, township historian.

   The Historic Preservation commissioners, who hold appointive positions without pay, brought their dedication and enthusiasm to the event, Mr. Katerba said.

   "They put in a lot of hours getting the museum and farm buildings, including the farmhouse and barn, ready for the big day," he said.

   Members of the commission joined with other volunteers to staff the Dey Farm Museum and introduced the public to farm equipment and the objects of everyday life on a farm in the 1700s and 1800s.

   It was a big day for children as spectators and helpers. Girl Scout Troop No. 227 and Boy Scout Troop No. 3 were kept busy providing refreshments.

   Kaylyn Christian of Plainsboro, who helped with the chickens and baby goats in the farm-animal area, said the goats, in particular, received a lot of attention.

   The day-long celebration had the music of a fife and drum group and the services of Revolutionary War re-enactors, some of whom were wrapping up a week on the road following the paths of the British army and the American Continental army in their march from Pennsylvania across Central Jersey to the Monmouth battlefield.

   The armies of re-enactors finished off the weekend on Saturday and Sunday with re-enactments of the battle at Battleground State Park in Manalapan.

   When the original battle was fought in 1778, the Continentals proved they were capable of matching firepower with the British, while the British succeeded in moving their army, relatively intact, to the safety of New York City.

   Mr. Katerba said it was difficult to estimate how many attended last week, but he was more than pleased with the turnout.

   Councilman Hank Miller said estimates were that, with the comings and goings of an eight-hour celebration, there were some 1,000 attendees.

   Shannon Cenci of the township engineering office, who helped coordinate the event, said 120 took advantage of the free historic-sites bus tours.

   "Our registration book was filled. The public response was remarkable. It was a marvelous celebration of the event and a great way to open the museum," Mr. Katerba said.

   Mr. Katerba said the cooperation of the township Department of Public Works was appreciated.

   "DPW Superintendent Wayne Horvath came over every morning during the week when we were preparing to make sure everything that needed to be done was being done," he said.

   In addition, he said, the Recreation Department and Superintendent Tom Allen played a role, providing chairs and the podium for the program.

   Ms. Cenci said, while the Public Works Department played a major role in seeing that the grounds, including parking and vendor areas, were in top condition, there was help from the Police Department, the First Aid Squad and township Transportation Division, which provided buses for the tours.

   Mr. Katerba said the Historic Preservation Commission was able to do the event without a budget because so many people helped.

   "We borrowed hay bails that were used as seats for the audience for the fife and drum players’ performance in the barn.

   "Then, we found we needed more hay to feed the horses of several cavalrymen. Roy Etsch solved the problem by providing some hay from his farm," Mr. Katerba said.

   Ms. Cenci said she believes many of the day’s spectators were surprised at the number of historic artifacts in the township’s new museum.

   Mr. Katerba said the event helped add to the museum’s collection.

   "We received several donations, including an old family Bible," he said.
— Al Wicklund

   Residents watched as Gen. Washington, played by David Emerson of Burlington, rode a white steed into the small town, which in 1778 was known as Cranberry Town. According to historical accounts, it was a small farming community with maybe a dozen homes. It was Dr. Hezekiah Stites’ home at 53 South Main St., which is no longer standing, that Gen. Washington had retired to on the evening on June 26, 1778.
   After making their way into town last week for the re-enactment, Gen. Washington and a handful of tired troops arrived at Village Park where the Historical and Preservation Society greeted them with food and water on what felt like the hottest day of the year reaching temperatures as high as 95 degrees.
   "It’s just as hot as it was in 1778," said Wayne Wittman of the Historical Society. He co-coordinated the event.
   Among those that made the day possible were Cranbury Boy Scouts Keith Vinceletti, 15; Chris Wittman, 15; and Dan Stewart, 14, who threw coals on a hot fire that burned opposite the soldiers’ camp, supplying the present company with food until about 6:30 p.m.
   Helping with the cooking were Dylan Zink, 13, and Chelsea Wittman, 13, of Cranbury, who said that apple, peach and cherry cobblers were for dessert after serving a dinner of turkey, ham, potatoes, onions and carrots. They said the food was what the soldiers would’ve had to eat during their stay in Cranberry Town.
   The Historical Society sold commemorative Road to Monmouth plates during the day for $20. Society member Ginny Swanagan said the sale was flourishing.
   "They’re just flying out of here," she said seated behind a table that was covered in an American Flag.
   Next to that, the Cranbury Woman’s Club sold $10 blue Road to Monmouth T-shirts.
   At another table, Sharon Naeole, co-founder of the New Jersey Heritage Magazine, sold a special issue of her publication dedicated to the campaign. She said the whole event was a wonderful celebration of our country’s independence. The only real challenge for her and the other participating Cranburians was the intense heat.
   Despite the sultry conditions, the re-enactors that camped in Village Park kept their uniforms on, sweat beading on their pale faces.
   "We’re going to give a weapons demonstration now," one soldier said, standing upright with firm posture in front of a small crowd. Another soldier accompanied him once he heard the announcement.
   The two soldiers propped the muskets on their right shoulders, the butt of the gun resting in their palms. Shoulder-to-shoulder they marched roughly 50 paces out to the open field at Village Park, their muskets pointing at the sky.
   Stuffing the guns with black powder, the soldiers loaded their weapons and extended the long barrels on an angle away from onlookers.
   "Fire," one soldier shouted and with that there was a clamor that shook the trees. The rifle blast emitted a puff of white smoke that lingered for a moment and then disappeared completely.
   One of the soldiers’ shots jammed the gun, which he said was typical of the time because the musket, though a soldier’s most frequently used weapon, was somewhat unreliable.
   "It was typical of those days," the soldier said. "The black powder clogged up the muskets very easily."
   The two soldiers then retired to a small white tent that was pitched next to a blanket with food and other supplies left on top.
   "I requisitioned these supplies for my men from a group of British loyalists we ambushed on the way here," the soldier said with a smirk on his face applauding his actions.
   Gen. Washington stood close by with his arms crossed, occasionally using a hand to move the pipe that was clasped between his teeth. His brown locks were tied neatly in a ponytail. He wore full military dress, despite the heat. His clothes were similar to a regular soldier’s uniform except for a light blue sash that hung loose around his chest signifying rank. A sword in a black sheath dangled at his hip.
   The tall historian portraying the 40-year-old general answered questions about the Continental Army help from the French and the conditions and morale among his troops.
   "I think it is necessary to do this with our allies," Gen. Washington said about forming a relationship with the French. "We are not dependent on them as we fight for our independence, but we call them friends and certainly welcome their help."
   He also spoke of an allied support that in some ways was as important to him as winning a war with foreign aid.
   "My wife, Martha, has been a staunch supporter and she has come to my winter camps," Gen. Washington said proudly with his hands on his hips. He paused for a second. "It’s like having a little bit of home here."
   The general, with a firm tone in his voice, continued and said that no matter the price, his men are prepared to fight for their freedom. A soldier attested to his leader’s claims.
   "Our spirits are good," the soldier said as he removed his wool coat and sat on a canvas stool. "We will be ready to fight."
   At that point in 1778, Gen. Washington was prepping for a battle in Englishtown and he would get one. On Sunday, nearly 3,000 re-enactors staged the Battle of Monmouth at Monmouth Battleground State Park in Manalapan.
   Jim Raleigh of the Friends of Monmouth Battlefield said he anticipated a huge following for that event, but was pleasantly surprised at the success of the small Cranbury encampment. He also has been pleased with the Road to Monmouth Heritage Campaign since it started its trek across the state just two weeks ago.
   "What you’re seeing here is a tremendous pulling together by the people of Cranbury," Mr. Raleigh said. "The turnout has been absolutely fantastic."