EDITOR’S JOURNAL (11/30/06)

Don’t know much about history … of Lawrence

By: John Dunphy
   But, I’m learning.
   Driving up Route 206, or Main Street, or Lawrenceville Road (I still can’t figure out when one ends and another begins), I notice the great old architecture of some of these houses that have existed through different presidents, different owners, different cultures and different decades. It really is a pretty nice road to drive down (save rush hour, but we won’t get into that this time).
   Monday marked the four-month anniversary since I became managing editor of The Lawrence Ledger and slowly, slooooowly, I have begun to familiarize myself with the landscape and the people that occupy it.
   I know that, if I drive down the beautiful Cold Soil Road, I’ll eventually meet back up with Carter Road. I have seen the expansive grounds Cherry Grove Farm occupies (and know some developer out there is probably champing at the bit to get his hands on such prime property). I have eaten at Vidalia and Chamber’s Walk in the Village — and look forward to trying out all the other culinary stops along the way.
   I’ve seen and done several things in my brief time here and am eager to continue — as winter chills and HomeFront provides warm clothes, and warm homes for the needy, as spring brings bright, green leaves back along the walkways around Rider University, as summer brings me out on my bike (because we all know things are just so much cooler when experienced on one).
   I have not, however, delved so deeply into its history. I’ve seen the high school yearbook-sized tome to the township that was issued in 1997 to mark its 300th anniversary, but I have to admit, I have not soaked up its contents. I’d much rather experience it than read about it.
   This week’s article about the home at 2705 Main St., and the historical photos that accompany it, makes me wonder just what this town looked like when that dwelling was the Lawrence municipal building. What was here; what wasn’t? How many people lived here and how many still call the former Maidenhead Township home sweet home?
   I might just have to read up about all this, locking myself away in a room somewhere in the Lawrence library, which, by the way, turned 45 this year. My, it’s quite the historical issue this week, isn’t it?
   So, I will continue to learn more about this 22-square-mile chunk of land, hopefully faster when I finally move to the area in January. I’ll learn about the numerous species of trees at ETS and The Lawrenceville School, eat the tasty apples at Terhune Orchards, and walk among the homes that have seen wars, residents and trends come and go, but still stand to wow us with their classical beauty.
   I’ll continue to learn … slooooowly. Like food, most experiences are much sweeter when savored.
   John Dunphy, since July 27, is managing editor of The Lawrence Ledger. He can be reached at [email protected].