Historic Roxbury Homes and Buildings Recognized
by Elsie Walker
Each year, the Roxbury Historic Advisory Committee (HAC) recognizes some Roxbury property owners for preserving the historic character of their buildings. Earlier this summer, certificates of recognition and commendation were presented during a Roxbury Township Council Meeting. In attendance to accept certificates were Rev. Timothy Clarkson and congregation members for the First Presbyterian Church of Succasunna; Pastor Holly Paul for the Port Morris United Methodist Church in Landing; Emedin and Mary Rivera for their home on Kings Highway in Landing, and the Overman family for their home on Main Street, Ledgewood. Also, receiving a certificate was the Gray Building in Succasunna, a former school which now houses the Roxbury Board of Education’s Administrative Offices. Marge Cushing, a member of the Roxbury HAC, presented each certificate along with giving a brief history of each structure; she later presented each recipient with a synopsis of the presentation.
Cushing has noted that recipients receive the recognition for considering the original exterior character of their historically significant properties when maintaining and renovating them. In doing so, she shared that “neighborhoods are enhanced; civic pride is instilled, and the buildings help convey the stories of those who built them, inhabited them and worshipped in them.” Those stories were reflected in the certificate presentation and the synopsis of it.
In sharing about the First Presbyterian Church of Succasunna, Cushing praised their consistent historically accurate maintenance of the existing 1853 building. She noted that building had replaced the “original 1760 primitive church, known to have served for hospitalization of
George Washington’s sick soldiers during 1778 and 1789 winter encampments in Morristown.” In addition, Cushing mentioned the recent “authentic restoration of the church’s lighted belfry and the Eliza Platt Stoddard Memorial Chapel, which memorializes Dr. and Mrs. Stoddard’s daughter, Linnet, who died at age 17 in 1869.”
The other church receiving recognition was the Port Morris United Methodist Church. The recognition was particularly special to the church as it is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. Cushing talked about the church’s tie to the railroad industry in the late 1800s. Cushing noted that “In 1875, Port Morris, a stop on the Morris Canal, was also the Delaware Lackawanna & Western’s Railroad hub with miles of track and the Railroad Round House dominating the countryside.” She went on to share that “the church history is rooted in a children’s Sunday School
Pastor Holly
Local dentist & implant expert, Dr. Ira Goldberg, will be holding a free public seminar on Saturday, September 20th regarding dental implants. Although it is free, registration is required. Details regarding registration can be found at the end of this article.
“Dental implants have become commonplace within the field of dentistry,” states Dr. Goldberg.
Dr. Goldberg is a leading expert on dental implants. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral
Dentistry, which is a degree held by only 1% of dentists worldwide. Whether you require a single implant or complex full-mouth rehabilitation, a free consultation with Dr. Goldberg should be considered.
General & Cosmetic Dentistry
Free Dental Implant Seminar
“They can be utilized for single teeth, multiple teeth such as bridges or dentures, and even full arch tooth replacement such as hybrids or All-On-Four. The amount of information available on the internet can be overwhelming: it provides both education and confusion. I hope to share my knowledge and present some clarity to those individuals who feel they can improve their oral & overall health with dental implants.”
Dr. Goldberg treats entire families, from toddlers to seniors. Services include cleanings, check-ups, fillings, dentures, cosmetics, and more! He and his staff enjoy the long-term relationships they build with their patients.
New Patient Special $149 Cleaning, Exam, Full Set of Films
Regularly $362.00
implants: this is a very common procedure that generates much interest, and he is well known for providing this service.
New Patient Special FREE General Dentistry Consultation
Cannot be combined with other discounts
Refer to New Patient Specials on our website for details
Coupon must be presented, & mentioned at time of scheduling Expires 2/28/22
Dr. Goldberg is the owner of Morris County Dental Associates, a well-established dental practice located at the Roxbury Mall in Succasunna, NJ above the Bank Of America. He has been practicing dentistry for 30 years, and has been placing & restoring dental implants for just as long. He is considered an
expert in the field of dental implants, proven by his Diplomate status within the American Board of Oral Implantology and advanced degrees within other implant organizations. “Dental implants have always been an interest of mine. I sought out education early in my career and quickly turned into both a provider of the services to the public, and an educator to dentists who also share the interest.”
Dr. Goldberg intends to provide information regarding many implant topics: what implants are, what you can do with them, who is / is not a good candidate for implants, the treatment process, maintenance, expectations, complications, financials & financing, and more. One area he will spend time on is full-arch
3/5/6
“We provide free consultations within our practice, but some people are just not at the point they are ready to move forward with their dental care. I have found seminars provide an anonymous way for people to start getting their thoughts together regarding what they know they will eventually need.”
As mentioned above, registration is required. The seminar will held at the Courtyard by Marriott located at 15 Howard Blvd in Mt. Arlington. It will start promptly at 9:30am with will last between 1 and 1.5 hours. To register for the seminar, please go to MorrisCountyDentist.com/
seminar or email patientcare.mcda@gmail.com with your first name, last name, and telephone number. ...About Dr. Goldberg / Disclaimers: Dr. Ira Goldberg has been performing implant procedures for 30 years. He is a General Dentist. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology / Implant Dentistry, a Diplomate of the International Congress
of Oral Implantologists, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. He performs all phases of implant dentistry at his office in Succasunna, NJ. He lectures to dentists in the field of implantology. He is also a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry. For more information, please visit his website at www.MorrisCountyDentist.com
Dr.
General
Dr.
Ira Goldberg, DDS, FAGD, DICOI
Dr. Goldberg is a general dentist with credentials in multiple organizations. Please visit his website for a complete listing. Dental implants are not a recognized dental specialty.
Ira Goldberg, DDS, FAGD, DICOI
Annual Backpack Giveaway Returns to CCM in Partnership with Table of Hope
ounty College of Morris (CCM) is proud to once again partner with Table of Hope to host the annual Backpack Giveaway on its Randolph campus to help Morris County families gear up for the upcoming school year.
This community-driven event will take place on Friday, August 15, from 1-2:30 p.m. in Parking Lot 1 at CCM, 214 Center Grove Road, Randolph. Families must be Morris County residents and are encouraged to pre-register at www.tableofhopenj. org/backpack-giveaway-registration.
To ensure a safe and smooth distribution process, participants must remain in their vehicles. Walk-ups are not permitted, and backpacks will be distributed to Morris County families in need on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last.
Now in its fifth year, this much-anticipated distribution event, which includes backpacks and school supplies, is part of CCM’s ongoing partnership with Table of Hope and other dedicated community organizations. In addition to the backpack distribution, CCM also collaborates with Table of Hope each November to host a Thanksgiving food distribution event, which provides holiday
meals to more than 600 families.
“Partnering with Table of Hope for this annual event reflects our commitment to changing lives and strengthening communities,” said Dr. Anthony J. Iacono, president of CCM. “As part of our mission, CCM embraces the opportunity to bring the community together for the benefit of others. We take pride in supporting local families, helping ensure children have the tools and resources they need to succeed in school. We are grateful to the many partners involved in this event, from those who provide the supplies to those who help it run smoothly.”
This meaningful initiative is made possible by the efforts of many, including Table of Hope, local and state leaders, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Alstede Farms, CCM staff and faculty, numerous corporate partners and other sponsors, as well as a tremendous team of volunteers.
Founded in 2011, the mission of Table of Hope is to significantly enhance the quality of life for families in Morris County. The philanthropic organization strives to create a nurturing ecosystem that addresses vital
2025 Table of Hope Backpack Giveaway information card; The 2024 Table of
held at County College of
needs from food security to educational support.
To learn more about Table of Hope or to make a donation, visit www.tableofhopenj. org. If you have questions, email info@ tableofhopenj.org.
With over 100 degree, certificate and training programs, CCM continues to be a leader in higher education and community outreach as it prepares students for successful careers. To learn more, visit www. ccm.edu.
Hope Backpack Giveaway
Morris.
Historic Roxbury...
continued from front page
adjacent to twelve row houses inhabited by railroad workers’ families, locally known as the twelve apostles’ houses.” Cushing briefly described a key piece of the church’s history which happened at the turn of the century. That was when the permanent church building was moved one winter from its original location to its current one to make it more accessible as the population increased. Cushing shared that the “75 ton building, with a brass bell from DL&W’s old locomotive Verona 41 in its belfry, was moved intact across railroad tracks and a frozen pond.” She also noted during the presentation that the church almost didn’t make it as the ice on the pond started to melt. However, the congregation prayed, and the church got across it. Pastor Paul added that the brass bell is still there in the belfry.
Homes receiving recognition were those of Emedin and Mary Rivera on Kings Highway in Landing and the Overman family of Main Street, Ledgewood.
In sharing about the Rivera home, Cushing described it as “the ivy-covered Pink Brick Cottage, perched on a grassy knoll surrounded by vintage perennials.” In her synopsis, Cushing noted that ” sturdily built in 1912 by Doratus L. Bryant, its solid brick exterior has required minimal maintenance, and its commodious interior only minor adaptations.” She shared that “Bryant’s lineage is traceable to prominent founders of Morris County. With successful ventures that included apple cider distilling, operation of Succasunna’s Bryant Mines, and construction and management of his acclaimed nearby Westmoreland Hotel,
one of Hopatcong’s ‘Jewels of the Mountain,’ now a lost landmark, it can be said that Bryant honored his family legacy, embodied in the pristine cottage…..”
Amy and Brian Overman and their daughters were commended on the exterior renovation of their home which kept with its historical character. Cushing’s synopsis noted that “Built circa 1905, the Overman home is one of many houses built in Ledgewood by the Scheer family who emigrated from Germany in the mid-1800’s, and contributed to the development of the township during the heyday of the Morris Canal. The canal path and its flowing water bordering the Overman property are daily reminders of the township’s past.” Cushing also noted that the Overman’s home is pictured in one of the Roxbury Township Historical Society’s history books, Old Homes of Roxbury Township and the Overman daughters take pride in pointing to it in that book.
The last certificate was given to the Gray Building, which is now home to the Roxbury Board of Education’s Administrative Offices. Cushing’s synopsis shared that it was the first school built by the 1894 Board of Education appearing today much as it did when it was built in 1903. She noted that its original school bell is mounted on the front lawn. Her synopsis explained that “Coalescing high school students on the second floor in 1904, with the cornerstone having been laid in 1903, Roxbury High School’s official year of establishment is 1903. A high school curriculum had already been introduced in the Succasunna’s Chestnut Hill School on Main Street. With all township
lower grades gathered on the first floor, the iconic district schools of the 1800’s were deemed obsolete. In the forefront of education, Roxbury High School accepted tuition paying students from neighboring towns until 1955, with only Mt. Arlington students still being enrolled.”
Later, Mary Rivera and Pastor Paul shared their feelings about receiving the recognition. Rivera shared that “the recognition means everything” and feels that her house is a landmark in the community. She and her husband were originally from the Bronx and Mary feels that God led them to the house in Landing. They were on their way to look at other houses, when Mary saw what would be their home. There was a real estate sign outside it and Mary asked to see the house. “I love anything antique,” she said. “We’ve put our hearts and souls into this house. This home for 35 years has been a labor of love,” she noted. Also, she praised Cushing’s historical knowledge by describing Cushing as a “walking encyclopedia”. Pastor Paul noted that being recognized by the Roxbury HAC is important to Port Morris United Methodist Church for many reasons. She shared, “It recognizes and validates the church’s long-standing presence and its contributions to the community as more than just a religious institution, but also as a landmark. It connects the current members to past generations and the struggles, triumphs, and faithful service that have shaped the church. Churches are often among the oldest and most architecturally significant buildings in a community. Recognition helps preserve our links to the past and cultural connection to the community.”
Kidz World Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
A Warrior’s Story: The Life and Legacy of Jamie Smith
By Megan Roche
In A Warrior’s Story, you’ll meet and learn about all the sides of Jamie Smith. Smith was a West Morris Central (WMC) High School graduate who paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving as a US Army Ranger during the Battle of Mogadishu in 1993. You’ll hear from Jamie’s former teachers, his Army Ranger battle buddies, and how his legacy still lives on to this day in the halls of WMC. This series will be an on-going feature in the months ahead.
While current students at the school may not have walked the halls with Jamie, that doesn’t stop teachers and staff from educating the next generation of the Wolfpack family about his heroic efforts.
In 2019, during ‘A Call to Courage’ week, history and English classes focused a lesson on learning about Corporal Jamie Smith and his life and service. Clubs got involved at the school as well, with Film Club screening Black Hawk Down (a movie that was inspired by Smith’s last battle). Veterans were also
At P&J Landscape Design LLC, we’re dedicated to enhancing the natural beauty of your outdoor spaces in Morris County, NJ. Our commitment to quality and community stems from our deep roots in the area. We pride ourselves in using local vendors, ensuring that each project contributes positively to our beloved community. Whether you’re looking for a complete landscape makeover or simple maintenance, our team is ready to bring your vision to life. Let us create a serene and stunning environment for your home.
invited to a roundtable discussing with students during the lunch period on Oct. 2 to give them a chance to ask any and all questions about their service. On Oct. 4 of that year a school wide assembly was held.
For Principal Tim Rymer, this assembly was a chance to extend the notion to the community that all those who walk the halls of West Morris Central are remembered, regardless of what activities they were involved in, if they were athletic, artistic, academically driven, etc.
“Leading up to our big celebration on Oct. 4, we wanted to make sure every student and every staff member knew who Jamie Smith was. We had a big school wide assembly where we had a keynote speaker, Debbie Gonzales, who was Jamie Smith’s English teacher while he was a student at West Morris and she also spoke the eulogy at Jamie’s funeral. Corporal Smith’s brothers and sister were also present to honor their brother’s life.” Rymer said.
That event in 2019 has led to an annual civics day where freshman learn about Smith and the legacy that he left behind. Phil Nicolosi and Christian Hildreth, two history teachers at the school, work to plan the civics day event each fall.
“We realized that these kids had no context for who Jamie was and no context as to why he was in Somalia. We decided to
set up his legacy, we really had to talk about the Battle for Mogadishu. We talked about the concepts behind courage and bravery, and how people are remembered. That transitioned into a brief discussion around Somalia and what led to the Battle,” Hildreth shared.
To make things even more real for the students, Hildreth and Nicolosi teamed up with Barry Buchanan, fellow WMC teacher, who was given the first ever Jamie Smith Award shortly after his passing.
For Nicolosi, to help preserve Jamie’s legacy, is incredibly important.
“Jamie Smith is just like them. He comes from their town. He sat in the same desks that they do. I always try to drive that point home to the kids. It’s the idea that Jamie embodied courage and bravery in his everyday life. One of the big things for me, I’ve been here for a long time and you never know if there is another Jamie Smith sitting in that group of kids that is sitting right in front of you. Jamie is a history maker and we want his story to be a point of inspiration,” Nicolosi said.
A Warrior’s Story: The Life and Legacy of Jamie Smith will continue in the September 2025 issue, where you’ll learn how Smith’s legacy became recognized in the State of New Jersey.
A banner hung in the hallway at West Morris Central during 2019’s “A Call to Courage” week.
By Henry M. Holden
INew Jersey Tea Party
t was a time when American colonist began to feel crushed with heavy and illegal taxes. Imposed by England. They felt that the heavy tax imposed on tea was illegal without physical representation in Parlement. It was unfortunate that the colonists, under the rule of Great Britain, had no means of voicing their grievances and there were 12 other colonies (States) that felt the same way.
The business of forcing tea on the American colonies had become a very serious matter. Tea was a major trading commodity, and the warehouses in London stored approximately 17 million pounds of tea. If there should be no sale to any of the American markets the outcome would be catastrophic for England.
In the pre-revolutionary war days liberty was a much wanted and needed commodity for the future United States of America. The colonist of New Jersey showed a strong desire for independence. Many were hopeful that the spirit that welcomed Philadelphia would also welcome the spirit in the hopeful and thriving inhabitants in Cumberland County.
Founded in 1675 by John Fenwick, Cumberland County, New Jersey, is older than Philadelphia, which was not founded until 1682. The hands of time had not touched Greenwich. It is much the same today as it was three hundred years ago, except the British flag is no longer flying;
instead it is the stars and stripes of 50 United States of America, that are no longer Colonies.
Boston Tea Party, (December 16, 1773), was an event in which 342 cases of tea belonging to the British East India Company were thrown from ships into Boston Harbor by American patriots disguised as Mohawk Indians. The Americans were protesting both a tax on tea (taxation without representation) and the monopoly of the East India Company. The events of that day would later spark a copycat action.
Tea from England was sent to the ports of Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Charleston; and what tea was used continued on page 12
By
Richard Mabey Jr.
Be It Ever So True: Kindness Is More Precious Than Gold
Igrew up in the small town of Lincoln Park, New Jersey. I was raised in the very home that my great grandfather, William Mabey Jr., built in 1890. My paternal grandparents, Watson and Bertha Mabey, lived with my mom, dad, sister and I. There were certain values
that were prevalent in small town life, growing up in the 1950’s. Now at 71, I am not so sure they are out of style, nor not in alignment with our modern world. Having been fairly recently diagnosed with the very serious heart disease of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, I do my
utmost best to keep my thoughts positive and filled with loving energy. The other day, I reflected upon a simple act of kindness that my dear Grandpa Mabey practiced with great regularity.
In the backyard of the old Mabey Homestead, there once stood six grand
and glorious apple trees. I remember, in the summer months, Grandpa and I would pick up all the apples that graced the green grass. We would put them in old pails and buckets, then walk to the forest path at the end of Mabey Lane.
Grandpa and I would walk the forest path together, carrying our pails of fallen apples. Every so often, Grandpa and I would stop along the wooded trail and I would follow Grandpa’s lead. We would spill out a few apples from one of our pails and then move on.
We would walk the forest trail for a short while, then stop again and spill out some apples along the edge of the path. There was a reason why Grandpa taught me to spill apples along the wooded trail that led to the towpath of the old Morris Canal. I remember it all so well, like it was yesterday. Grandpa would say to me,
with wisdom filling his voice, “Richie Jim we’re leaving dessert for the deer of the forest.”
Grandpa’s face would light up as he smiled his crooked grin. Grandpa truly loved the wild creatures of the forest. Now, over 60 years later, I reflect upon dear old Grandpa’s kindness and it brings warmth and joy to my heart.
Kindness is so ever incredibly precious. Truly, kind acts are more precious than gold.
Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He has recently had two books published. He currently hosts a YouTube Channel entitled, “Richard Mabey Presents.” Richard may be contacted at richardmabeyjr@gmail. com.
Dear old Grandpa Mabey, standing at the end of Mabey Lane. Please note Grandpa’s garage in the right hand side of the picture. To the best of my knowledge, Grandpa’s garage is still standing.
By Henry M. Holden
BBaseball –America’s Favorite Pastime
aseball is deeply woven into the fabric of American culture. From local little leagues to high-stakes games in Major League Baseball (MLB) stadiums, the sport has nurtured a sense of community and pride for generations.
There are iconic moments, such as Babe Ruth’s legendary home runs. Babe Ruth was a highly prolific baseball player who created history with his career records for home runs (714), slugging (690), runs batted in (2213) and bases on balls (2062)—many of which were broken only decades after his retirement.
Jackie Robinson became the first Black American to play in Major League Baseball in the modern era, on April 15, 1947.
Lou Gehrig’s moving farewell speech given on July 4, 1939, at Yankee Stadium (now known as Lou Gehrig Day) is considered the most famous speech in baseball history. The speech came just after Gehrig had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
Baseball, often referred to as “America’s pastime,” is much more than just a sport; it is a cultural phenomenon that has shaped the lives and identities of millions of fans worldwide. With its rich history, complicated strategies, and moments of sheer athleticism, baseball has maintained a exclusive position in the world of sports, flawlessly blending nostalgia with innovation.
The weather in New Jersey on Sunday, June 25, 1922, was close to picture-perfect. The sky was clear with puffy
white clouds and a warm breeze from the southwest. Temperatures were in the low 70s, perfect baseball game weather.
In Hackensack, 2000 eager fans packed the local field known as the Oval to watch their semi-pro team take on a visiting club from Westwood. A new centerfielder, listed on the roster as Josephs, put in a sterling performance. Hitting a single and a double and he slams one over the fence. His fielding was just outstanding. He rifled a line drive to the home plate getting the out and another from second base. Thanks to a lanky unknow player, the Westwood team won game 9 to 6.
The Hackensack players smelled a rat. Finally, the members of the Westwood team admitted they had this centerfielder called Jacksons.
There was something familiar about the player’s unique batting stance. The Westwood captain finally admitted the truth. Josephs was really Joseph “shoeless Joe Jackson” a former star of the Chicago White Sox.
How did the great Shoeless Joe wind up playing baseball under and assume name, on a Jersey farm team?
The 1919 World Series was the championship series in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the 1919 season. The 16th edition of the World Series, it matched the American League champion Chicago White Sox against the National League champion Cincinnati Reds. Although most World Series have been of the best-of-seven format, the 1919 World Series was a best-of-nine series. The National Commission decided to try the best-of-nine format to
Lou Gehrig’s moving farewell speech given on July 4, 1939, at Yankee Stadium (now known as Lou Gehrig Day) is considered the most famous speech in baseball history. continued on page 11
Baseball –America’s Favorite Pastime...
increase popularity of the sport and partly to generate more revenue.
The events of the 1919 World Series are often associated with the Black Sox Scandal, in which several members of the Chicago franchise conspired with gamblers, allegedly led by organized crime figure Arnold Rothstein, to throw the series. It was the last World Series to take place without a Commissioner of Baseball in place. In 1920, the various franchise owners installed Kenesaw Mountain Landis as the first “Commissioner of Baseball.”
In August 1921, despite being acquitted 0n criminal charges, eight players from the White Sox were banned from organized baseball for either fixing the series or having knowledge about the fix without alerting the league. Dickey Kerr, another player on the team who was not involved in the scandal, was later suspended after holding out for more pay, but was eventually reinstated. The nine banned players including Jackson were the first official players banned in the modern MLB era, as well as by Landis throughout his tenure as commissioner.
“Shoeless” Joe Jackson was one of baseball’s greatest hitters and most colorful
players. Born Joseph Jefferson Wofford Jackson on July 16, 1888, in Pickens County, South Carolina. Jackson went to work in a textile mill when he was six years old and got his start in baseball playing for the Brandon Mill team at the age of 13 earning $2.50 a game. He emerged as the star of the team and a favorite of fans with his hitting and throwing abilities, and moved up to play in the Carolina Association, where he received his nickname “Shoeless” because the blisters on his feet from new shoes forced him to play in his stockings. He then made his move to the major leagues, signing on with the Philadelphia Athletics and rising to fame.
Jackson’s life from his poor beginnings to his involvement in the scandal surrounding the 1919 World Series to his life after baseball and his death December 5, 1951, with most of the work focusing on his baseball career.
Joe Jackson was an illiterate boy from the mountains of South Carolina. He got his start in baseball playing for a cotton mill team. His talent propelled him up into the minor leagues and then into the majors.
The origins of baseball can be traced back to the early 19th century in North
America, evolving from older bat-and-ball games such as rounders.
While the exact roots remain debated, Alexander Cartwright is widely credited with formalizing the rules of modern baseball in 1845. His codified rules laid the groundwork for the organized game we recognize today, including the diamondshaped field, three strikes per at-bat, and nine-player teams.
By the late 19th century, baseball had solidified itself as a professional sport with the creation of leagues such as the National League in 1876, and the American League in 1901. These leagues eventually merged to form Major League Baseball (MLB), which has since become the pinnacle of the sport globally.
Beyond the game itself, baseball has influenced art, literature, and film. Classics like “Field of Dreams” and “The Natural” capture its emotional core, while writers such as Ernest Thayer have mythologized its significance in poems like “Casey at the Bat.”
However, the sport faces challenges in maintaining its popularity in the age of fast-paced and high-action sports like basketball and soccer. Efforts are being made to attract younger audiences,
including rule changes to speed up the game, expanded playoffs, and more interactive fan experiences.
After being banned from baseball for his alleged role in the 1919 Black Sox Scandal, Shoeless Joe Jackson spent the remainder of his life running various businesses in the South, including a drycleaning business, a pool hall, and a liquor store. He consistently maintained his innocence regarding the scandal and died of a heart attack in 1951.
In 2025, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred removed Jackson from the permanently ineligible list, making him eligible for the Baseball Hall of Fame.
However, the bans that were once considered permanent by the MLB (like those of the Black Sox and Dickey Kerr) officially ended on May 12, 2025, by commissioner Rob Manfred due to him ruling that people that were banned from the league would no longer represent a threat to the game of baseball upon death, and as such were lifted on that fateful day. The nine players that were once banned by the MLB (most notably Shoeless Joe Jackson and Eddie Cicotte) are now considered eligible for entry into the Baseball Hall of Fame by as early as 2027.
New Jersey Tea Party...
continued from page 8
in New Jersey came from those places after the consignees had paid the tax.
The passage of the Tea Act (1773) by the British Parliament gave the East India Company exclusive rights to transport tea to the colonies and empowered it to undercut all its competitors. The leaders of the major cities in the colonies cancelled their orders in protest, but the governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony allowed tea to arrive in Boston.
In the early winter of 1774, the quiet residents along the banks of the creek were startled by the appearance of a British brig, (a sailing ship with two masts), called the “Greyhound,” by its captain. It avoided sailing to Philadelphia and sailed about four miles up the Cohansey Creek. The brig stopped at the village of Greenwich, which was its first landing laden with a cargo of tea sent out by the East India Tea Company. The little town of Greenwich, about forty miles from Philadelphia was the principal settlement of Cumberland County in 1774.
Meanwhile, the captain of the “Greyhound” vessel carrying tea realized that his vessel would be seized by the British and
he would have to pay a heavy tax on the tea. So, he diverted course from Philadelphia and headed up the Cohansey Creek, a navigable body of water running through Cumberland County and emptying into Delaware Bay.
On the evening of, December 22, 1774, a company of about forty young Whigs, (taking a page from the Boston Tea Party a year earlier) disguised as Indians, entered the cellar, of Dan Bowen’s house. Having found an English sympathizer, a Tory, as they were called, Daniel Bowen, allowed the Greyhound’s crew secretly stored the cargo of tea in the cellar of his home.
They took possession of the entire cargo of tea, transferred the tea cases from the cellar into an adjoining field, and piling them together, burned them in one general conflagration.
The Tea company was undoubtedly under the impression that the conservative feelings and principles of the people of New Jersey would induce them to submit quietly to a new tax. The result showed that the temper of the people was little understood by the East India Tea Company.
However, this unusual procedure was
noted by the citizens who immediately appointed a temporary committee of five to look after the matter until a county committee might be appointed.
A general committee of thirty-five was later appointed, with representatives from Greenwich, Deerfield, Jericho, Shiloh, Bridgeton, Fairfield and perhaps other places.
News of the Boston Tea Party had reached Greenwich, and the defiant example was regarded by many of the local settlers as worthy of their own contempt for the British. Fate now presented them with a ready-made opportunity to duplicate the act.
On the evening of, December 22, 1774, a company of about forty young Whigs, disguised as Mohawk Indians, entered the cellar of Bowen’s house. They took possession of the cargo and moved the tea chests from the cellar into an adjoining field, and piled them and together, burned them in
one general conflagration.
Thus, the patriots of Cumberland County living in Greenwich expressed their discontent by reacting to oppressive governmental measures. They had clearly taken a stand for independence and democracy.
Later, several participants in the Tea Party were brought up on charges by the representatives of the Crown. A call to every adult person for funds to help those under charges resulted in raising thousands for legal fees. However, there was never a trial because the issue was moot. The shooting war with the British had already begun.
Today, Greenwich has been granted the distinction of being one of the five tea-party towns in America, the others being Charleston, Annapolis, Princeton, and Boston. In 1908 a monument was erected to remember the original old marketplace on Ye Greate Street where the burning of a cargo of British tea first took place, on December 22, 1773.
By Richard Mabey Jr.
In September of 1969, I turned 16 and began my junior year at Boonton High School. It was late September that a most traumatic event came to my life. I got a “D” on a chemistry quiz. It was the first “D” I had ever received in my life. I was deeply hurt and thought that my unbroken yield of continuing
I Remember Dad: A Most Endearing Gift
to make the Honor Roll, had come to a grinding halt.
That very night, I confessed to my father about getting a grade of “D” on my first chemistry quiz. I was very embarrassed and felt ashamed. To my surprise, my father was not upset at all. The main thing that he told me was that I needed to study my chemistry, even more. It was just that simple.
The weekend that followed, Dad and I took a ride to a little bookstore in Wayne. Dad bought me a booklet titled, “The How and Why of Chemistry.” This booklet presented the subject of chemistry in a much more understandable style than my textbook did. I read this book, from cover to cover, that weekend.
When we got home from
the bookstore, that Saturday morning, Dad and I sat down at the dining room table of the old Mabey Homestead. Dad worked on scouting paperwork, which was part of his volunteer job of serving as Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 170. I remember that Dad and I spent that entire Saturday afternoon and evening sitting at the dining room table.
Dad did not know much about chemistry. But he knew that if I was going to get a good grade on my next chemistry quiz, I needed to study more than I had been studying. So, after church that following Sunday, once again, Dad and I began sharing the dining room table.
I remember that Mr. Toomey, my chemistry teacher, gave us another chemistry quiz that following week. To my amazement, I got a “B” on that quiz. I owe the sun and the moon and the stars to my
father. He believed in me, more than I believed in myself. He would never let me give up. He would never allow me accept defeat. My father had a rare blend of being both caring and stern with me.
Now at 71, nearly 20 years have passed since my beloved father went Home to be with the Lord. I still miss him very much. A day hasn’t gone by that I haven’t thought about him. My father built a foundation in my heart and soul, that was filled with inner strength and determination. He
taught me to never give up, to never ever give up. If you’re a parent, the most wonderful gift that you can give to your child, is to teach him or her to believe in themself, to never give up, to never surrender when things get tough. For truly, love is the most powerful force in the universe.
Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He has recently had two books published. He currently hosts a YouTube Channel entitled, “Richard Mabey Presents.” Richard may be contacted at richardmabeyjr@gmail.com.
From the Autumn of 1969, Dad and I studying at the dining room table of the old Mabey Homestead.
Ghost Girls: The Tragic Legacy of Radium Dial Painters
By Henry M. Holden
The story of the Ghost Girls more widely known as the Radium Girls is a haunting chapter in industrial history. In the early 1920s, young women in Essex County, New Jersey, began showing up in the office of doctors and dentists with problems such as aching bones, ulcers of the gum, toothlessness, anemia, and painful angina. The most common condition was Jaw Rot, the slow, partial and painful decay of bone and tissue in the mouth.
What puzzled scientists and medical personnel was the fact that the conditions were not seen in young males and seen only and in young females, in Essex County.
Much evidence of radiation poisoning was dismissed as anything other than what it was. For example, when a radium plant received complaints from neighbors that the fumes produced made it difficult to breathe and were staining their laundry yellow. They were dismissed as opportunism by immigrants desperate for money.
After being told that the paint was harmless, the women in each facility ingested deadly amounts of radium after being instructed to “point” their brushes on their lips in order to give them a fine tip. The women were instructed to point their brushes because using rags or a water rinse caused them to use more time and material, as the paint was made from powdered radium, zinc sulfide, gum Arabic, and water.
The Ghost Girls had lasting effects on the labor laws in the United States and Europe following expensive and plentiful lawsuits following deaths and illness from the ingestion of radium.
Early fact discovered that the women involved had worked at one time at the United States Radium Corporation, in Orange New Jersey.
For a while, the radium girls must have felt unbeatable. For one, unlike many other factory workers, dial-painters in the U.S. Radium Corporation (USRC) in Orange, New Jersey, made up to $40,000 per year, three times the average, and worked in much more serene and humane conditions. But the job had other inducements, too.
Not only were the women contributing to the war effort, but they were also inscribing their names and addresses on the backs of the watches they made, thereby receiving letters from soldiers in return. But their most significant contributions would be not to the war, but to science, medicine, and the rights of workers, and they would be made at a great personal cost.
When the women left their jobs and stepped out into the night, they glowed in the dark, earning the sobriquet nickname, the ghost girls, as a result. The glow was one of the side effects of unintentionally ingesting hazardous quantities of radium through dust at their workplace and the radioactive paint on their work brushes, which many of them licked to maintain a pointed end.
From 1917 to 1926, United States Radium Corporation (USRC), was engaged in the extraction and purification of radium from carnotite ore to produce luminous paints, which were marketed under the brand name “Undark.” The ore was mined from the Paradox Valley in Colorado and other “Undark mines” in Utah. As a defense contractor,
USRC was a major supplier of radial luminescent watches to the military. Their plant in Orange, New Jersey, employed as many as 300 workers, mainly very young girls and women, to paint radium-lit watch faces and instruments. USRC hired approximately 70 women to perform various tasks including handling radium, while the owners and the scientists familiar with the effects of radium carefully avoided any exposure to it themselves. Chemists at the plant used the Radium Girls› saga to hold an important place in the history of the fields of health physics, women›s rights, and the labor rights movement. The right of individual workers to sue for damages from corporations due to labor abuse was established. Industrial standards for safety improved as a result, and in 1949, Congress passed a bill continued on page 15
Ghost Girls...
that ruled compensation for all workers suffering from occupational diseases.
An estimated 4,000 workers were hired by corporations in the U.S. and Canada to paint watch faces with radium. At USRC, each of the painters mixed their own paint in a small container they used. They each had camel hairbrushes to apply the glowing paint onto dials. The rate of pay was about a penny and a half per dial (equivalent to $0.368 in 2024), earning the girls $3.75 (equivalent to $92.04 in 2024) for painting 250 dials per shift.
The brushes would lose shape after a few strokes, so the USRC supervisors encouraged their workers to point the brushes with their lips (“lip, dip, paint”), or use their tongues to keep them sharp. Because the true nature of the radium had been kept from them, the radium cirls also painted their nails, teeth, and faces for fun with the deadly paint produced at the factory. By 1927, more than 50 female factory workers had died from radium poisoning caused by the paint used.
The lawsuit and resulting publicity was a factor in the establishment of occupational disease labor law. Radium dial painters were instructed in proper safety precautions and
provided with protective gear; in particular, they no longer shaped paint brushes by lip and avoided ingesting or breathing the paint. Radium paint was still used in dials as late as the 1970s. The last factory manufacturing radium paint shut down in 1978.
Other side effects, caused by radium poisoning that irretrievably settled into their bones, were much more serious. From damaging tissue and constantly reproducing bone marrow to causing different types of cancer, the crippling and often fatal injuries resulting from working with radium were wide range and terrifying.
Two sisters, Bessie (King) and her older sister Josephine (Quinn) work at American Radium in Orange, New Jersey, in 1928; their eldest sister Mary was also employed at the same factory before her death, allegedly from syphilis, three years earlier.
Yet Bessie’s progress at work was slower, as she refused to use her lips to soften and refined the tip of her camel-hair paint brush before each application, a technique known as “lip-pointing” that transferred over from porcelain painting. Bessie’s position also makes her work sloppier, thus earning her less money. But, unknown to her at the time, it would spare her life.
Josephine, however, began to exhibit
side effects typical of radium poisoning; her teeth loosen and fell out, she coughs up blood and pieces of her “honeycombed” or “radium jaw”. Concerned about her ailing sister, Bessie asks the factory’s boss to recommend a doctor who could see Josephine. Instead of aiding his workers, the boss responds unfavorably.
Insinuating that Bessie and Josephine are acting like hysterical women, their boss tries to dismiss their symptoms as a byproduct of their sexuality or sexual repression. But, a doctor is finally sent their way, only to question Josephine about the adequacy of her personal hygiene regiment. He concluded that Josephine is fine, but the sisters ask him to run more tests.
The stigma of venereal disease and the implied promiscuity behind it, ensured that none of the respectable young ladies would be willing to bring negative attention to their illnesses. Radium victims frequently hired doctors who were more than happy to provide a false diagnosis for a sum they deemed high enough to silence their conscience.
Eventually, Josephine and Bess found Wylie Stephens, a lawyer gathering evidence of radium industrial poisoning, who convinces them of the need to exhume their sister Mary. In doing so, they discover that Mary’s bones contain 1,000 times the legal level of radium. Together, with their suspicions affirmed, they press on.
It’s also true that “at the beginning of the 20th century, radium was an additive in consumer products such as toothpaste, hair creams, and even food items because of its supposed beneficial health properties. In fact, ”the glowing element was hailed as a panacea for everything from blindness to hysteria.” As such, it was difficult for victims to find representation.
Radium girls is based on five real women who filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Radium Corporation in 1928; their names were Grace Fryer, Edna Hussman, Katherine Schaub, and sisters Quinta McDonald and Albina Larice. After a very public trial, the plant settled, with each victim receiving $10,000, plus $600 for every year they were alive, but they all died shortly after.
By 1925, numerous scientists and government officials knew that the element was causing serious illness. But radium industry leaders continued to deny this fact, and concealed data that supported its existence, and worked hard to control the public narrative by promoting opinions that put the blame for the dial painters’ illnesses elsewhere.
Similarly, a doctor was hired by USRC.
He did not have a medical degree, but a PhD, which did not grant him the authority to examine the young woman. Still, he arrives at a diagnosis: syphilis. This is further unsettling, considering that Josephine is a virgin and the girls’ sister Mary, who also exhibited similar symptoms, had the same diagnosis.
Any film evidence of radiation poisoning was dismissed as anything other than what it was. For example, when a radium plant received complaints from neighbors that the fumes produced made it difficult to breathe, no one took the warning signs seriously.
“At the beginning of the 20th century, radium was an additive in consumer products such as toothpaste, hair creams, and even food items because of its supposed beneficial health properties. The glowing element was hailed as a panacea for everything from blindness to hysteria.” As such, it was difficult for victims to find representation.
“The Radium Girls’ lawsuit had tarnished the reputation of the magical miracle worker of radium,’’ wrote Taylor Orci, in 2013, for The Atlantic. “Gone were the days where the element was blindly celebrated, such as in the musical Piff, Paff, Pouf, where a song called The Radium Dance was a huge selling point.” But the fight was far from over, and other suits followed.
The final radium-related lawsuit was filed by fa workers against the Illinois-based Radium Dial Company. “Beginning in 1927, employees asked management for compensation for medical and dental bills, but they were consistently rebuffed, and in 1937, five women finally found an attorney to represent their interests in courts.”
It probably helped their case that Marie Curie (1867-1934) — who discovered radium in 1898, through her work on radioactivity, which partly involved searching for possible medical applications for the element — died of aplastic anemia just three years earlier, at the age of 66. Her illness was likely caused by her prolonged exposure to the element.
Though the Illinois Industrial Commission ruled in their favor in 1938, Radium Dial appealed, effectively sending the case to the U.S. Supreme Court. But, in October of 1939, the Supreme Court declined to hear the plant’s appeal and upheld the lower court’s original ruling. After eight more lawsuits, Radium was finally forced to pay the workers poisoned at their plant.
The half- life of radium is roughly 1,600 years. Today, roughly 100 years after their death, the Radium Girls are still glowing where they are buried
By Henry M. Holden
There are so many curious and unexpected things that occur during a war that greatly affect the people who live in the war zone. One event suddenly involved a young woman born in 1758 -(1822). Tempe (Probably short for Temperance) was born in Mendham on October 30, the youngest of five children in the Wick Family. Her father, Henry, had inherited a farm from his father John and her four older brothers and sisters were born there. In 1746, her father and Nathan Cooper jointly purchased 1,000 acres of good land, bordering the Passaic River. Nathan gave his share of the land to her father two years later. By that time, the family had moved to Jockey Hollow, just outside of Morristown, where the father purchased more land, expanding the property to 1,400 acres. He built a new, large home on the farm a few years later. Their property was one of the largest farms in Morristown. It had 1,000 acres of good timber, primarily oak and walnut. The orchards contained several hundred apple trees. Tempe said they made good, hard cider from this crop. They also had acreage under cultivation where they planted barley, oats and flax. Her four siblings moved out of the home before the War of
The Legend of Tempe Wick
Independence began. Tempe Wick was the owner of a fine horse. Tempe and the horse had an unwritten agreement of respect for one another. and one of the legends of America’s War for Independence.
The legend is one woven from equal measures of courage and ingenuity, a young woman alone and on the edge of a brutal winter, facing uncertainty with little more than her wits.
On December 21, 1780, Henry Wick died, leaving Tempe alone to care for her sick mother Mary, and her mentally ill brother. When her mother’s condition worsened, Tempe saddled her horse and rode for the home of Doctor William Leddell, who lived a few miles away. The doctor was not in, so Tempe left a message at the Leddell residence and headed home.
The Revolutionary War threw a dark shadow over the countryside, and rumors hung to the cold air like icicles on tree branches. In the muted quiet following her father’s death, the Wick homestead, in Jockey Hollow, became a fragile unbreakable dwelling and Tempe charged with care for her ailing mother and anxious brother.
But the region bristled with restless soldiers and whispers of mutiny. As Tempe was riding home from her visit to the doctor’s of-
fice, she was confronted by three mutineers from the Continental Army, demanding her horse.
Tempe’s prized mare became a target, coveted by weary men grown desperate. The threat was as real as the icy wind that whipped through the trees. Tempe understood that swift decisions might mean the difference between safety and loss, or life and death.
One of the mutineers grabbed the bridle of her horse, demanding that she give them her mount. Tempe agreed, but when the soldier released the bridle to help her down from the saddle, she whipped her horse and raced away for home. She arrived safely, but she feared the mutineers would follow her home and take the horse by force. Running away from them was not the answer and would only postpone the trouble for a short while. So, she knew she needed a different strategy. It would make no sense to ride past her house and ride on. She had no place to go. All the soldiers had to do was wait at her farm and for her to return.
Tempe road swiftly toward her home. Her thoughts were galloping as fast as her horse could run. As she was closing the distance to her home she reached a conclusion 0n
what to do.
She did not ride toward the barn but dashed through the gateway of the large yard and swiftly dismounted. She turned toward the road, but the men were not in sight. She knew they would eventually show up since they were without horses and would eventually find the Wick house, and Tempe, if she did nothing.
What she had decided to do was something which people never did, but it was the only thing she could think of, and she was a girl whose actions were as quick as her ideas were original. Without stopping for an instant, she took her horse to the back door and led him confidently into the house.
According to one version of the story, Tempe sprang from her horse and led the horse into the house via the back door and hid it in a
guest bedroom. She closed the shutter over the window and put a feather bed under it to muffle the sound of its hooves. She and her horse were now in total darkness. But none of the descriptions addressed the animal’s toilet needs.
In another version of the story, Tempe hid her horse in the kitchen. Claims are frequently made that a faint imprint of a horse’s shoe can be seen on the kitchen’s floor.
The soldiers arrived at her house soon after and searched the barn out buildings and woods around the house but they left empty-handed.
After the army passed Tempe’s home, she guided the horse out of the guest room and walked him back to his stall in the barn. The room in which the horse had spent so many quiet days (three weeks by some estimates} became guest quarters again.
• The local trusted media service since 1990
• Digitize your memories today...for tomorrow
• Tapes, Films, cassettes, photos, cell phone media preserved
• MOHS, HHS: We have your school graduation video
By Henry M. Holden
EGeorge Washington’s Life Guard
arly in the war for Independence, General
George Washington was aware that he was an obvious target for enemy kidnappers, snipers and assassins. Washington’s capture or death on the battlefield would probably result in a power vacuum giving the enemy an unprecedent advantage in the war.
Knowing his life was in real danger George Washington formed a special unit in 1776, to guard him personally, as well as his private papers and baggage. The unit was known as Washington’s Life Guard, but it also answered to such names as His Excellencies Guard, and the Commander in Chief. The Guard’s motto was Conquer or Die, leaving no uncertainty as to their mission.
The terms of enlistment in the Guard were the same as other enlisted men however, Washington directed specifications on the selection of this corps:
“His Excellency depends upon the Colonels for good men, such as they can recommend for their sobriety, honesty, and good behavior; he wishes them to be from five feet, eight inches high, to five feet, ten inches; handsomely and well made. There is nothing in his eyes more desirable, than cleanliness in a soldier. He desires that particular attention may be made, in the choice of such men, as are neat, and spruce. They were to be a “corps of sober, intelligent, and reliable men.”
Though assigned to protect the body of the Commander-in-Chief, they were not spared during battle, playing an active role when conditions warranted. When not in action, the Life Guard’s role would be similar to what is now
called a Headquarters Security Detachment.
Since it was a unit of distinction, it was deemed necessary to represent the entire army by having men selected from each colony. Every regiment was to provide four men. The corps marched to New York with approximately fifty men, but within a year had a strength of 180 men.
During the winter of 1779-80, initially there were only 50 handpicked men in the Guard. Each had to be a native-born American. They were elite troops better dressed and better drilled for the task of providing safety for the chief. For all the prestige and responsibility, the salary of the Guard was paid the same wage as all other officers and soldiers.
The Guard’s exclusive primary responsibility, however, was to protect Washington, at any cost. When the word of possible British advance on Newark, George Washington’s elite soldiers were placed on roads surrounding Morristown.
Morristown was a town the British needed to capture and exploit. It held the routes to the thriving iron mines and forges. The British needed to stop the army from turning the iron into steel that could then be turned into weapons.
Mount Freedom, situated on the top of an 800-foot mountain part of the Watchung Mountain range was also General Washington’s headquarters, and command and control center and considered by the British to be the heart of the war.
Occasionally, as many as 300 men were posted to guard George Washington, although about 150 was more like-
ly the average. A roaming George Washington Guard was sent from Jockey Hollow each day to augmented Lifeguard. The Guard arrived in Morristown, in 1779, three days after Washington who had been living in the Ford Mansion, Guard members built their own huts on the property continued on page 19
AL’S CONSTRUCTION
George Washington...
continued from page 18
about 200 feet south of the mission mansion. Later they cured and trimmed logs and built the walls and a roof of a new kitchen for the Ford Mansion. There is some evidence that they may also have built a log cabin; and a log office attached to the west side of the mansion.
Hercules Mulligan emigrated with his family to New York as a child in 1740. He eventually opened a tailoring business in Manhattan, where he made suits for high-ranking British officers. But behind the measuring tape, Mulligan was working for the American cause—risking his life to spy on his own customers.
Charming, clever, and completely underestimated, Mulligan had exactly what the revolution needed, access. British soldiers who confided in him, unaware that he was passing on their plans to the rebels—often through his enslaved assistant, Cato, who acted as a courier. The pair were an unlikely but critical link in Washington’s intelligence network.
Mulligan risked his life not once but twice knowing that if he were discovered he would be executed as a spy for the Colonials.
For all the responsibility of George Washington’s Life Guard they were paid the same wage as all other officers and soldiers. They were not all well-educated, and several are known to have signed their payments payrolls with an X.
Many of the jobs were menial. At least six of them worked for Washington as servants. and another as a cook. Three men worked as stable hands. As many as fourteen
could be assigned to pick up supplies and many worked as messengers. The commander of the Guard, Captain Caleb Gibbs, was responsible for keeping the headquarters expense accounts and overseeing the Guard’s responsibility.
Throughout the American Revolutionary War, George Washington’s personal bodyguard was an elite corps of infantry and mounted men. It was officially entitled The Commander-in-Chief’s Guard but was more commonly known as The Lifeguard.
Troop movements became dangers to Washington’s person. A surprise raid upon headquarters by colonial Tories and or British raiders became a serious possibility. A personal Guard to the Commander-in-Chief became necessary.
The Guard’s purpose was to physically protect General George Washington. However, they were also further assigned the responsibility of protecting the Continental Army’s official papers as well as the general’s baggage.
The Guard was increased to 250 while the army was stationed in Morristown, NJ, close to the British army. Its strength returned to 180 men in the spring and in the last year of its existence, reduced to 64 men. Besides officers and enlisted, there were six drummers, six fifers, and a drum major.
The Life Guard was first commanded by Rhode Islander Captain Caleb Gibbs who bore the title of ‘Captain Commandante.’ Gibbs formed the corps with the assistance of Washington’s nephew, Lieutenant George Lewis. The other lieutenants were Henry Livingston of New York, William Colfax of New Jersey, and Benjamin Goyman of Virginia.
Under Gibbs, the guard participated in every major battle of the northern campaign. Many guardsmen were wounded while guarding Washington or detached to other regiments during the action. Gibbs was promoted to major by June 6th, 1780, when 152 guardsmen, along with the Rhode Island Regiment, held off a heavy frontal attack during the Battle of Springfield. By the end of the year, Gibbs was promoted to Brevet Lt. Colonel and transferred to the 2nd Massachusetts. William Colfax of New Jersey succeeded Gibbs as commander and towards the end of the war, he was replaced by Captain Bezaleel Howe, of the New Hampshire Battalion. Howe was destined to command the Life Guard on its last mission – seeing that Washington’s baggage and army records were transferred to Mt. Vernon, VA.
Despite the extraordinary efforts 0f today’s U.S. Secret Service to keep their charges safe; attempts on presidents and presidential candidates continues to be a seemingly endless threat. On April 14, 1865, Abraham Lincoln was assassinated, followed by James A. Garfield in 1881, William M, Mckinley 1901, John F. Kennedy 1963. There have been fourteen attempted assassinations (two of which were on Gerald Ford, and two on Donald J. Trump within weeks of each other).
Photo caption
Each of the Guard had to be a native-born American. They were elite troops better dressed and better drilled for the task of providing safety for the chief. For all the prestige and responsibility, the salary of the Guard was paid the same wage as all other officers and soldiers.
and
By Richard Mabey Jr.
IRemembering My Days As Quartermaster
n February of 1967, I was 13 years old and in the eighth grade at dear old Chapel Hill School. It was at that time that a most wonderful and honorable title was bestowed upon me by the Troop Committee of Boy Scout Troop 170. That honor was becoming a Warrant Officer, in the role of Troop Quartermaster. A job that I took very serious.
The role of the Troop Quartermaster was multifaceted. As Quartermaster, I was in charge of keeping an inventory of all of the troop’s tents, cooking gear and equipment. It was my job to be the leader for tent repair Saturdays that we used to have twice a year in the backyard at the old Mabey Homestead. And, it was my job to make sure that all of the tent poles were in working condition. And, that every tent had enough tent stakes in each tent’s little stake pouch.
But the truth of the matter is, that at the time, I wasn’t completely happy to be the Troop Quartermaster. Deep inside my heart, I really wanted to be the Senior Patrol Leader. That was the seemingly glorious position.
It was the Senior Patrol Leader who got to run each scout meeting. It was the Senior Patrol Leader who would lead Troop 170 in the big annual Lincoln Park Memorial Day Parade. And, it was the Senior Patrol Leader who would represent the troop at the Saturday evening
best value in transportation since 1939!
Commissioner’s Round Table Meeting at both the big District Spring Camporee and the Fall Camporee.
I didn’t realize it at the time, but God had put me in the right position to be the Troop Quartermaster. I learned all so much, in my two years serving as Quartermaster. I kept detailed inventory records of the troop equipment. I led the scouts in the Saturday tent repair days. I kept our troop closet, at Thorpe Hall at Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church, in immaculate condition. I learned to be very organized and to present equipment status reports at some of the Troop Committee Meetings. Being the Troop Quartermaster was not the most grand and glorious position, but it was the very place where God planned me to be, to grow and learn, to become a good leader.
In September of 1969, as I began my junior year at Boonton High School, I became Boy Scout Troop 170’s newest Senior Patrol Leader. I soon learned it wasn’t all glory, but rather a lot of hard work. Leadership is not easy. I can honestly say that I did a fairly good job in my role as Senior Patrol Leader. But paramount to it all, I would have never really been ready for the job of being the Senior Patrol Leader, if I had not grown and learned all so very much that I did in my role as Troop Quartermaster for two years.
Sometimes, God puts us in a position that doesn’t quite match where we want to be at the time. We dream
of greater heights. But God, in His infinite wisdom, knows the best place for us to be, in order to learn and grow to prepare for the next higher step in life.
Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He has recently had two books published. He currently hosts a YouTube Channel entitled, “Richard Mabey Presents.” Richard may be contacted at richardmabeyjr@gmail.com.
A photo of the actual Warrant Officer Award presented to me by Troop 170’s Committee, back in February of 1967.
Donate Your Car to Veterans Today! Help and Support our Veterans. Fast - FREE pick up. 100% tax deductible. Call 800-245-0398 Old guitars wanted! Gibson, Fender, Martin, Etc. 1930’s to 1980’s. Top dollar paid. Call 866-433-8277 Claris FileMaker - Existing FileMaker file needing updates? Certified FileMaker developer, 23 years experience, training, development 386-984-0081 chris@littlefishbigocean.com
Reach millions of homes nationwide with one easy, affordable buy in the ADS Network! For more information www.communitypublishers.com/category/all-products SunSetter. America’s #1 awning! Instant shade at the touch of a button. Transform your deck or patio into an outdoor oasis. Up to 10-year limited warranty. Call now and save $350! 855-914-1148
We buy houses for cash as is! No repairs or fuss. Any condition. Easy 3-step process: Call, get cash offer, get paid. Get your fair cash offer today. Liz Buys Houses: 844-8775833 Portable oxygen concentrator may be covered by Medicare! Reclaim independence & mobility w/the compact design & long-lasting battery. Inogen One free info kit! 877-3051535
Consumer Cellular - same reliable, nationwide coverage as large carriers. No long-term contract or hidden fees, free activation. All plans unlimited talk & text starting at just $20/ mo. 877-751-0866
Become a published author. We want to read your book! Dorrance Publishing trusted since 1920. Consultation, production, promotion & distribution. Free author`s guide 877-729-4998 or dorranceinfo.com/ ads
No cleaning gutters guaranteed! LeafFilter - most ad-vanced gutter protection, backed by a no-clog guaran-tee & lifetime warranty. 833610-1936 schedule free inspection & estimate. Get 20% off! Seniors/ military save extra 10%. Restrictions apply, see rep for warran-ty & details
Replace your roof w/the best looking & longest lasting material steel from Erie Metal Roofs! 3 styles/multiple colors available. Guaranteed to last a lifetime! Limited time offer up to 50% off install + additional 10% off install military, health & 1st responders. 833-370-1234
Inflation at 40-year highs. Interest rates are up. Credit cards, medical bills, car loans. Have $10k+ in debt? Call National Debt Relief to find out how to pay off your debt for much less than you owe! Free quote: 844955-4930
Don’t let the stairs limit your mobility! Discover the solution for anyone who struggles on the stairs, concerned about a fall or wants to regain access to their entire home. AmeriGlide 833-399-3595
Home break-ins take less than 60 seconds. Don’t wait! Protect your family, home, assets now for as little as 70¢/day! 833-890-1262
Jacuzzi Bath Remodel can install a new, custom bath or shower in as little as 1-day. Limited time, waving all installation costs! Additional terms apply. Subject to change & vary by dealer. Ends 9/30/25. 844-501-3208
Pest control: Protect your home from pests safely. Roaches, Bed Bugs, Rodent, Termite, Spiders & more. Locally owned & affordable. For service or inspection today! 833860-0657 Have zip code ready!
MobileHelp America’s premier mobile medical alert system. Home or away. For safety & peace of mind. No long term contracts, free brochure! 888-489-3936
Aging roof? New homeowner? Storm damage? You need a local expert provider that proudly stands behind their work. Fast, free estimate. Financing available. 833-6404753 Have zip code ready when calling!
Water damage cleanup & restoration: A small amount of water can lead to major damage in your home. Our trusted professionals do repairs to protect your family & home value! 833-887-0117. Have zip code ready! Professional lawn service: Fertilization, weed control, seeding, aeration & mosquito control. Free quote. Ask about first application special! 833860-0811
DIRECTV Stream - Carries the most local MLB games! Choice Pkg $89.99/mo for 12 mos Stream on 20 devic-es. HBO Max included for 3 mos w/Choice Package or higher. No contract or hidden fees! Restrictions apply. IVS 866-859-0405
Wesley Financial Group, LLC timeshare cancellation experts over $50 million timeshare debt/fees cancelled in 2019. Free info package. Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. 833-308-1971
Bath & shower updates in as little as 1-day! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & military discounts available. 1-877-543-9189
Prepare for power outages todayGenerac Home Standby Generator. Receive free 5-Year warranty w/ qualifying purchase. 855-948-6176 to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move. Donate your car, truck, boat, RV and more to support our veterans! Schedule a FAST, FREE vehicle pickup and receive a top tax deduction! Call Veteran Car Donations at 1-877-327-0686 today!
Become a Published Author. We want to Read Your Book! Dorrance Publishing-Trusted by Authors Since 1920 Book manuscript submissions currently being reviewed. Comprehensive Services: Consultation, Production, Promotion and Distribution Call for Your Free Author`s Guide 1-866-482-1576 or visit dorranceinfo.com/macnet
Get a break on your taxes! Donate your car, truck, or SUV to assist the blind and visually impaired. Arrange a swift, no-cost vehicle pickup and secure a generous tax credit for 2025. Call Heritage for the Blind Today at 1-844-320-2804 today!
Inflation is at 40 year highs. Interest rates are way up. Credit Cards. Medical Bills. Car Loans. Do you have $10k or more in debt? Call NATIONAL DEBT RELIEF and find out how to pay off your debt for significantly less than what you owe! FREE quote: Call 1-866-272-0492
Metal Roofing & Siding for Houses, Barns, Sheds, Liner. Closeouts, Returns, Seconds, Overruns, etc. Discount Prices. Made in Ephrata, PA. Email: sa***@********22.com 717-445-5222
DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 350 plus procedures. Real dental insurance – NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-877-5531891 www.dental50plus.com/macnet #6258
Don’t let the stairs limit your mobility! Discover the ideal solution for anyone who struggles on the stairs, is concerned about a fall or wants to regain access to their entire home. Call AmeriGlide today! 1-844-3175246
Safe Step. North America’s #1 WalkIn Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 1-833-3561954
Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-855-465-7624 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.
Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. Plus 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-855-791-1626
Replace your roof with the best looking and longest lasting material – steel from Erie Metal Roofs! Three styles and multiple colors available. Guaranteed to last a lifetime! Limited Time Offer – up to 50% off installation + Additional 10% off install (for military, health workers & 1st responders.) Call Erie Metal Roofs: 1-855338-4807 Jacuzzi Bath Remodel can install a new, custom bath or shower in as little as one day. For a limited time, waiving ALL installation costs! (Additional terms apply. Subject to change and vary by dealer. (Offer ends 9/30/25.) Call 1-844-826-2535 DIRECTV OVER INTERNET – Get your favorite live TV, sports and local channels. 99% signal reliability! CHOICE Package, $84.99/mo for 12 months. HBO Max and Premium Channels included for 3 mos (w/ CHOICE Package or higher.) No annual contract, no hidden fees! Some restrictions apply. Call IVS 1-866629-6086
Do you know what’s in your water? Leaf Home Water Solutions offers FREE water testing and whole home water treatment systems that can be installed in as little one day. 15% off your entire purchase. Plus 10% senior & military discounts. Restrictions apply. Schedule your FREE test today. Call 1-866-996-1526
WANTED! MOTORCYCLES & MINI BIKES! ANTIQUE AND CLASSIC. Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha, Triumph, BSA, and other foreign models. $$PAYING CA$H$$ 717577-8206 KR**********@***oo.com
BUYING CLASSIC CARS, TRUCKS, SUVs **American and Foreign** Any Condition. Buying entire car collections. $$PAYING CA$H$$ Please call 717-577-8206 KR**********@***oo.com
