Historic Allaire Village Hosts 1830s Thanksgiving Celebration

WALL, NJ — Get a glimpse of Thanksgiving of the past when the Historic Village at Allaire State Park hosts its 19th Century Thanksgiving re-enactment this Sunday, Nov. 19.

The 19th century Thanksgiving showcases setting aside time to give thanks for one's blessings, along with holding a feast to celebrate the recent fall harvest, park officials said.

Visit with the villagers to learn the history of James P. Allaire’s 19th century industrial village, which in the 1830s was a melting pot of various nationalities. For this event, everyone will be coming together in unity for a common cause – to give thanks.

Hearth cooking at the Manager’s House with the Foodways Guild – preparing the Thanksgiving feast 1830s style!

"For the first time this fall, we will be doing hearth cooking at the Bakery, in addition to selling baked goods, pastries, breads and other goodies! We will also be doing cooking over the open fire pit by the Carriage House (a stew)."

There will be craft demonstrations at the Blacksmith Shop (recently restored so that all four forges are in working condition once again), Tinsmith Shop, and Carpenter Shop. The General Store, Enameling Building (with its Museum Gift Shop) and historic homes will also be open. Old-fashioned games will take place on the village green. The Village Militia will be out demonstrating and drilling.

The historic buildings will start to open at 10 a.m. and the chapel program begins at at 1 p.m. and will be open for the remainder of the day with a costumed interpreter who will convey the history of the chapel and how it can be used presently to host weddings, memorial services, baptisms, or other gatherings.

The Historic Village at Allaire State Park is located at 4263 Atlantic Ave., just west of 18th Avenue.

Image via Morguefile