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Making history in Griggstown

Documentary to be screened again on Thursday, Nov. 29

    It was a memorable night in Griggstown. The evening after Thanksgiving, Nov. 23, normally referred to as “black Friday,” was a red carpet event. It was a night of celebration as more than 100 residents, friends and dignitaries attended the premiere of the documentary film, “Historic Griggstown — Then and Now.”
    Fred Frintrup of Visionary Video Studios of Milltown produced and directed the film, which was funded by a grant from the Griggstown Historical Society. Mr. Frintrup also produced and directed “The Griggstown Schoolhouse Story,” which was also shown. This film was funded by the Franklin Foundation for Educational Excellence of Franklin Township.
    During the evening, Tom D’Amico of the Somerset County Cultural and Heritage Commission announced that a grant had been awarded to fully restore the Griggstown one-room schoolhouse, which served the children of the community from 1830 to 1932. It is now a meeting place and museum.
    Two presentations by John Allen, president of the Griggstown Historical Society, were made. Mark Alan Hewitt, project architect, received an autographed copy of “Moy Sand & Gravel” by Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Paul Muldoon, a Griggstown resident. In appreciation for his wonderful support, Mr. Muldoon was presented with a copy of “Episodes in the History of Griggstown” by Laura Terhune.
    After the presentation, Henry Lasch, president of the Griggstown Volunteer Fire Company, gave an overview of the genesis of making the documentary film. The two documentaries were applauded by the audience, which was evidently pleased that the films had captured the spirit and essence of the town.
    To further commemorate this special evening, sponsored by the Griggstown Historical Society, champagne and cake were served, aided by the members of the Griggstown Volunteer Fire Company and the Ladies’ Auxiliary.
    The next public screening of “Historic Griggstown — Then and Now” will take place Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at the Griggstown Reformed Church on Canal Road. All are invited.
    For more information about the Griggstown Historical Society, call John Allen at (908) 359-3589. For more information about Visionary Video, call (732) 828-9086 or visit www.visionaryvideostudios.com.