The Jamesburg Historical Association will sponsor a celebration of James Buckelew’s 205th birthday at the association’s annual Buckelew Day Festival set for noon to 5 p.m. on Sept. 9 on the grounds of Buckelew Park, Route 522, across from Dunkin’ Donuts. Parking will be available in lots on Buckelew, East Railroad and West Railroad avenues, all near the park. The event will be held rain or shine.
The festival will celebrate the history of Jamesburg and the life, accomplishments and lasting legacy of Jamesburg’s namesake, James Buckelew. Born Aug. 12, 1801, Buckelew was a 19th-century entrepreneur, whose dealings in agriculture, commerce and transportation had a large influence not only on the local level, but also on the state and national levels. Buckelew was an early investor in the Camden-Amboy Railroad, and his success in the venture led to his establishment of the Freehold-Jamesburg Agricultural Railroad. He founded the First National Bank of Jamesburg.
Buckelew Day will include dedication ceremonies for the newly renovated Louise Kerwin Jamesburg-Area History Room and the Jamesburg High School Room. Scheduled activities include tours of Lakeview Mansion, the temporary exhibit “Bank Notes: The First National Bank of Jamesburg,” the historic Jamesburg train room and the Lincoln Coach. The day also will feature Civil War re-enactors, the firing of the 1844 Jamesburg Civil War cannon, an appearance by “Abraham Lincoln,” vendor booths, food, 19th-century children’s activities and more. The video program “Jamesburg of Yesteryear” will be shown throughout the day.
A lecture on the history of the Jersey tomato is scheduled for 2 p.m. A harpist and flutist will perform period music in the parlors of the mansion at 1, 2:45 and 4:40 p.m. Blacksmith demonstrations in the Dingfeld Blacksmith Museum are scheduled throughout the day.
The Buckelew Mansion, which serves as Jamesburg’s museum, is open for public tours from 2-4 p.m. on the second and fourth Sundays of the month.
For more information on the Buckelew Day Festival and Jamesburg Historical Association activities, call (732) 521-2040 or log on to www.jamesburghistory.com.