Allaire Village - Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Allaire Village - Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Allaire Village is a living history museum located within New Jersey's Allaire State Park in Wall Township, Monmouth County, New Jersey. The property was initially an Indian ceremonial ground prior to 1650, by 1750 a sawmill had been established on the propertyHonig, Milton; 1958, Ghost Town Opens at a Jersey Park, May 25, 1958, Page 68 by Issac Palmer.Deserted Village at Allaire Recreates 19th Century Industrial Community, Joe King, The Independent, March 7, 1973, Page 8 The village was later established as a bog iron furnace originally known as Williamsburg ForgeFreudenheim, Betty, 1990, "Crafts - A Fair that's Full of Style", New York Times, July 8, 1980 'Monmouth Furnace'Agar, Ruth, March 17, 1960, "Silent Streets of a Deserted Village Return to Life", Freehold Transcript, Page 21 was then renamed the Howell Works by Benjamin B. Howell. In 1822,"Old Monmouth County Village Returning to Life", The New York Times, June 4, 1966, Page 25 it was then purchased by philanthropist James P. Allaire, who endeavoured to turn into a self-contained community.James Peter Allaire - official Allaire Village website. The wood burning furnace business collapsed in 1846 and the village closed. During its height, the town supported about 500 people.Demonstrations Slated at Allaire, Amy Spiezio, The Independent, July 20, 1994, page 13 Following his death, the property passed through a number of family members before being used by the Boy Scouts who started to restore the buildings for use as a summer camp. Losing the lease, the property then passed to the State of New Jersey. Allaire Village and its existing buildings are now operated by a non-profit organization - Allaire Village, Inc. Historic interpreters work using period tools and equipment in the blacksmith, tinsmith, and carpentry shops, while the old bakery sells cookies, and general store serves as a museum gift-shop styled store. The church building is frequently used for weddings. The site is also host to community events such as community band concerts,Concert Sunday, The Matawan Journal, August 10, 1972, Page 3 antique sales, weekly flea markets and square dance competitions.Square Dance Set for Sunday, Matawan Journal, September 14, 1972, Page 7 Read more on Wikipedia
Source: en.wikipedia.org