HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP: Delaware floods are Howell Farm focus Friday

Other programs coming up

   — Flooding on the Delaware — The Delaware River floods of 1903 and 1955 will be the subject of a slide show presented at Howell Living History Farm on Friday (Aug. 10) at 7:30 p.m. Local historians Bob and Carol Meszaros, of Titusville, will narrate the presentation, which includes 140 images of flooding that occurred along the 50-mile stretch of river between Trenton and Phillipsburg. Many of the slides are of subjects in nearby Titusville, Lambertville and Yardley.
   In addition, the Meszaros will exhibit mounted photographs of both floods.
   The hour-long presentation will be followed by a question and answer period, as well as an informal reception when guests can meet the Meszaros and learn about their ongoing research. Light refreshments will be available.
   Parking is free. There is a suggested program donation of $3 per person.
   Horse-drawn wagon tours of Hopewell Township’s Pleasant Valley Rural Historic District will be offered to the public on Aug. 11, courtesy of Howell Living History Farm. The district, which includes 11 properties, is listed on the National and State Register of Historic Places.
   The 30-minute tours will leave the farm on a continuous basis, from 10:15 a.m.-3:30 p.m. The rides are free, and will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Organized groups should call ahead to make special arrangements. A handicapped accessible wagon is available.
   Featured in the tours are the Pleasant Valley School, five 18th century farmsteads, a family burying ground, a millstream with archaeological sites, and many elements of the historic landscape including fields, fences and hedgerows, unpaved roads and hill farms.
   Tours will be hosted by local historians, Larry and Jane Kidder and David Blackwell.
   In addition to the historic district tours, the farm will offer a program for children featuring hands-on animal chores and a craft project, “Yarn Doll.” Cost is $3.
   HOWELL FARM is accepting applications for parent/child enrollment in its fall Hatchery Program, which begins in September. The program is designed to introduce children to life on the farm, while parents volunteer time helping the Howell Farm staff work with school group visits to the farm and other chores related to farming.
   One parent must work at the farm as a volunteer in exchange for one child’s participation in the program. No experience is necessary.
   The Hatchery Program is for children 3 to 5 years old and features activities, such as feeding farm animals, collecting eggs, storytelling and taking a hayride ride. The program runs one morning per week for 12 weeks, on either Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays or Fridays — Sept. 11, 12, 13 or 14 from 9:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
   Parents may enroll by attending an organizational meeting on either Aug .22 at 1 p.m. or Aug 29 at 1 p.m. Meetings are intended for parents only. Applications will not be accepted by mail or phone.
   There are still openings in the Summer Hatchery Program, the weeks of Aug. 20-24 and Aug. 27-31. Persons interested in the summer program should call the farm.
   Howell Farm is located on Valley Road in Hopewell Township. Parking and admission are free. Hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; Sundays noon-4 p.m. For more information, call 737-3299, or e-mail [email protected]. The GPS destination for the Visitor Center and barn is 70 Woodens Lane, Lambertville, 08530.