Walking through township history

Historical and Preservation Society offers history tour of Cranbury

By: Lacey Korevec
   The fountain on South Main Street, in front of Brainerd Lake, was built in 1907 by the Women’s Christian Temperance Union to encourage wagon drivers to drink water rather than liquor.
   The Brainerd Cemetery has 40, 18th century graves and is the burial ground to 80 Revolutionary War veterans.
   Everyone always hears interesting facts about Cranbury’s rich history, but the Cranbury Historical and Preservation Society is reaching out to lead residents on an actual stroll through the township’s past.
   On Oct. 7, community members will have the opportunity to tour the historic district and view the same old buildings and sites they see day after day, in a brand new light.
   Walking tours of Cranbury Village will begin at 1 p.m., at the Cranbury History Center, located at 6 S. Main St., next to the firehouse. From there, the groups of about 10 will make their way to the Town Hall and then to the First Presbyterian Church of Cranbury. In between, they’ll visit important sites including Hezekiah Stites House, where Gen. George Washington and his army rested on June 26, 1778, houses built in the 1700s and 1800s and more.
   There are few historic communities in the state that are as well maintained as Cranbury, which is why locals should take time out to tour the area, Township Historian Betty Wagner said.
   "I think it’s very important because people who come into Cranbury hear us talk about its significance and its importance," she said. "We think itsit’s very important that our residents understand and appreciate what they have in historic Cranbury."
   The tours, which are especially valuable to Cranbury’s newcomers, have been offered in the past, but have never drawn any real crowds, she said. Tours are always available upon request and are frequently given to Cranbury School fourth-graders, who concentrate on local history as part of their curriculum. But this is the first time the tours will be sponsored by the Historical and Preservation Society’s membership committee as part of a membership drive.
   Though she realizes people are very busy, Ms. Wagner said she hopes families take some time out for one of the free, hourlong tours.
   "I would be gratified if there were a large turn out to show that people appreciate this community in which they all live," she said. "The foliage is beautiful and it’s a nice time for walking."
   Locals with knowledge of the area will serve as tour guides and the groups will be kept small, she said.
   "We would prefer talking to people and having them close up so they can ask questions and feel more comfortable," she said.
   The Historical and Preservation Society is encouraging folks to make reservations by calling (609) 655–3032 by Wednesday. In case of rain, the tours will take place Oct. 8. All ages are welcome, but children must be accompanied by an adult. The tours are free of charge.