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Community Corner

Colonial Christmas 2011 at Jacobus Vanderveer House in Bedminster

The historical house opens its doors through Sunday for an exquisite holiday celebration.

During the winter of 1778-1779, American General Henry Knox and his family stayed in a small colonial house at the edge of what is now Route 202/206 in Bedminster.

Historians don't know exactly Christmas was celebrated in the year that Knox was a guest of the home's owner, the miller Jacobus Vanderveer. But each year,  The Friends of the Jacobus Vanderveer House throw open the doors of the 18th-century house with a vision of how it may have been decorated for a colonial-era holiday season.

This year, the annual Colonial Christmas Tour will be open to the general public between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Friday through Sunday. Arranged tours already have begun on Thursday.

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"It's the biggest fundraiser we have all year, and little by little we have been able to purchase antiques from the period for the home," said Renae Biale, publicity chairwoman for the Jacobus Vanderveer house and a resident of Basking Ridge.

The goal of the non-profit organization that has brought together history lovers as well as a talent pool of designers and other professionals is to eventually have the home open as a museum on a full-time basis.

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"This is a great story of a community saving a house that would have otherwise been demolished," Biale said on the small brown structure, which once was slated to be demolished. The property was purchased by Bedminster Township in 1989. "The Colonial Christmas is a wonderful way to give the house back to the community," she said.

Jacobus Vanderveer's house was significant at the time for its proximity to the Pluckemin Continental Artillery Cantonment Site — America's first military training academy — 24 years before the existence of West Point. Knox was commanding the Continental Army Artillery Cantonment, the local historians said.

The Friends of the Jacobus Vanderveer House have been working to showcase the site's historic significance at the same time progress is being made on restoring and furnishing the structure. The home, visible from the highway, is at 955 Route 202/206 south.

Aside from being a means to raise funds to continue to operate the house, the Colonial Christmas Show and Tour includes a full schedule of events and features to display the house.

This year's decorations and schedule include a special exhibition of 12 Revolutionary War paintings by John Ward Dunsmore, courtesy of Fraunces Tavern Museum in New York, including a newly restored portrait of Gen. George Washington, made possible through the generosity of James F. Hurley Insurance Agency and Chubb Personal Insurance.

Also on display are colonial and federal-era antique furniture on loan from the Newark Museum; the recently-unveiled Vanderveer Parlor and Knox Bedroom; home decorations for Christmas 1778 and the latest permanent exhibit — The Kitchen Hearth — made possible through donations from Oldwick residents Mr. John E. Runnells, III and Mrs. Paula Peterson Runnells. 

The Hearth, which includes a mural painted by articst Dan Mulligan is representative of the entire house, featuring authentic representation of the Revolutionary War period, reflected in handmade wood chests, beds, tables and chairs, silverware and other eating utensils, clothing — and decorations true to a 18th century Christmas.

Decorations that are unique and authentic to the period

To assist with period decoration, The Jacobus Vanderveer House's board enlisted the help of New Vernon-based artist David Mitchell of Still Life Fine Event Design who created a "living Colonial Christmas interpretation." It is designed to be a holiday decor inspired by nature.

Think you have seen Christmas in all its forms? Guess again. Next to The Kitchen Hearth exhibit is a Christmas tree that is adorned with slim candles formed onto tree branches and adorned with large shallots. In the Vanderveer Parlor, a centerpiece on the table is a Christmas tree made of out of dates. In the family room is dried fruit strung across the mantle, and alongside the bannister to the second floor are several rows of large real apples string as garland. Outside the home, Mitchell has hung candle lanterns and piled rows of firewood. 

Last year, The Jacobus Vanderveer House hosted more than 1,500 visitors, including newcomers and area schoolchildren The house frequently is used to educate children on the history of the home. Throughout the weekend the house will be hosting boutique shopping, colonial musicians, re-renactors, a performance by the Pingry Balladeers and Santa visits.

Santa is scheduled to be at the home from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The Pingry Balladeers are scheduled to present their annual performance at 3 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $10, with children 12 and under admitted free.

For tickets and further information about Colonial Christmas events, call the Bedminster Township office at (908) 212-7000 ext. 611 or visit the Colonial Christmas website.

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