For past Newsletters click here
Current Newsletter: June 2026
View From the Porch
Who could anticipate, that after almost two years of meticulous planning, that we would have two such glorious days to celebrate America’s 250th birthday and Moorestown’s role in the American Revolution? After anonymous donors told us they would like to bring a hand-stitched replica of George Washington’s Revolutionary War field tent—also known as the First Oval Office Project—to Moorestown, our vision began to come into focus.
Beginning under the leadership of Lenny Wagner, then President of the Historical Society, the Moorestown 250 initiative came to life, bringing together local organizations including the Rotary Club of Moorestown, Perkins Center for the Arts, the American Legion, and Saving Historic Moorestown. The M250 committee evolved over the years and each member of the committee brought great ideas. Bit by bit the pieces of the puzzle came together as contracts were signed, sponsors identified, insurances obtained. A major grant from the Burlington County Commissioners along with generous sponsorships by local businesses and organizations gave us the funding to move ahead. The Museum of the American Revolution, who manages their First Oval Office Project as an interactive education and outreach program, agreed to give us a date on the most glorious Saturday in the month of May.
In addition, we were able to engage Justin Cherry, the official bread maker and culinary historian from Washington’s Mt. Vernon (who set up his oven the day before the event and started baking at 3 AM) and renowned silhouette artist Lauren Muney, who cut profiles. The Sea Dogs, the First Volunteer Battalion of New Jersey, George and Martha Washington, Betsy Ross and Ben Franklin and the Golden Eagle Band also descended on Locust Street Park to entertain and inform almost 2,000 visitors on May 16th.
The Township of Moorestown, from our Mayor, Quinton Law, Town Council (especially Councilwoman Sue Mammarella), the Department of Public Safety, the Fire Department, and Recreation Department, all pitched in to make this happen. Students from Moorestown High School’s History Club under the leadership of Lorenzo Eagles volunteered countless hours. Students from the Upper Elementary School under the leadership of Glenn Furman submitted over 60 entries to a History Poster Contest. And many thanks to the residents of Locust Street Park neighborhood for welcoming us!
All this took place the day after “George Washington” arrived on his horse, held court at Percheron Park, and then enjoyed a police escort up the old King’s Highway to Van Meter Hall for a fund-raiser cocktail party where we enjoyed the first President’s beer specially brewed by Double Nickel Brewing Company from Washington’s own handwritten recipe and his other favorite, Madeira wine (donated by Moore Brothers Wine Company).
The Members of the Historical Society, Moorestown 250 Committee, and Saving Historic Moorestown all worked together like a fine symphony to create this magnum opus. In the words of our board member, Gary Ell, “This was the finest day Moorestown has seen in 250 years!”
Linda Vizi, President
moorestownhistory@comcast.net
To view a color PDF of this June 2026 Newsletter, click here.
Top right: Model of Smith-Cadbury Mansion, built by Bill Rose. Image shows north side of the house with the restored side porch.
