by Lisa Rich, Special Writer
ROBBINSVILLE – The year was 1859.
James Buchanan held the office of presidency; ground had just broken to create the Suez Canal. Charles Darwin published his book “Origin of Species” and frontier outlaw Billy the Kid was born.
But something else was born, too: a new township.
March 15 marked the 150th birthday of Robbinsville Township – once known as Windsor, Newtown, and later, Washington.
Roughly 100 residents and local officials kicked off a yearlong celebration of the sesquicentennial milestone Sunday at Robbinsville High School, giving children and families a glimpse of what life was like in this once predominantly farmland community.
In those days, women rose with the rooster to fetch water for cooking and prepare their children for school. The men tended their crops and livestock, working long, arduous hours, according to Janet Van Nest, a resident and one of many event organizers.
No electricity existed. No automobiles. No antibiotics.
”There were no iPods, no computers,” Van Nest said. “It was completely different.”
For some, the old photographs, tools and other memorabilia on display served as reminders of a better, and simpler, time.
”It was easier living back then,” said lifelong resident 84-year-old Elizabeth Buckley.
”We made our own butter, our own Irish soda bread. This was a distinct farming district. It’s not the same now,” said Ms. Buckley, as her voice trailed off. “It’s altogether different. I do miss the good old days.”
Changes indeed have occurred over the last 150 years, transforming the rural township into an expanding community of new housing developments, roadways, businesses and schools.
Ms. Buckley’s daughter, Barb Van Horn, says it’s “still a great township to live in,” but seeing the photographs is surreal nonetheless. Her memories of petered-out traditions include fishing derbies, dances hosted by the Lions Club and dashing to Stewards General Store to buy candy after school.
”It’s an interesting opportunity to look at where we are, where we are headed and to reflect on where we once were,” said Mayor David Fried.
Back in 1859, the state Legislature granted the township’s request to separate from East Windsor and create a new municipality.
East Windsor Mayor Janice Mironov joked to residents “as mayor of your former town” that Robbinsville is free to come back and join East Windsor once more.
”That’s probably not likely,” Mironov chuckled.
The 150th anniversary celebration will end March 2010 with the burying of a time capsule that will include recorded history, photographs and newspaper clippings. Until then, the Robbinsville 150 Committee will host monthly events to keep the sesquicentennial momentum alive.
”We’re going to celebrate all year long. Why not?” said committee member Jean Ward. “But we are always looking for more volunteers.”
Those interested in helping out or learning more about the planned events, should log onto the committee Web site, robbinsville150.org.

