					~ A Crossroads Celebration ~ *Battle of Bound Brook:* *The Encampments at Middlebrook* Living History Weekend at the Abraham Staats House *April 12th & 13th, 2008*

The BATTLE of BOUND BROOK~ 2008

“The Middlebrook Encampments”

Saturday, April 12 & Sunday, April 13

News Release

Contacts:

South Bound Brook

SBB Historic Preservation Advisory Commission &

The Friends of Abraham Staats House, Inc

Tom Harabin: 732-469-3198

Kathy Ormosi: 732-356-4789

Brian & Kathy Faulks: 732-469-5836 (evenings)

Web site: http://www.staatshouse.com

Bound Brook

Linda Brnicevic

Bbcitizensgroup@aol.com

732-690-3438 (cell)

Hendrick Fisher Homestead

Ukrainian Orthodox Church of USA

Office: 732-356-0090

Event information: http://www.staatshouse.com

For Immediate Release

“Battle of Bound Brook 2008: The Encampments at Middlebrook”

Saturday, April 12 & Sunday, April 13 ~

Living History in South Bound Brook and Bound Brook

Experience Living History and Learn about the American War for Independence! Featured speakers include author John Cunningham, Professor Richard Veit, historian Kels Swan and Dr. David Valuska as “Baron von Steuben.” 18^th Century Soldier’s Encampment, Ceremony at Old Stone Bridge, Colonial Crafts, Pasta Dinner, Sunday Buffet Breakfast, Historic House tours and More!

South Bound Brook and Bound Brook, NJ - Come join us for an exciting and historic weekend April 12 & 13, 2008! The two-day program explores the American Revolutionary War during the time of the Middlebrook Encampments of 1777 – 1779. Learn about and experience this important moment in American history. Weekend activities include:

« 18^th century Soldiers’ Encampment on the grounds of the Abraham Staats House, 17 von Steuben Lane, South Bound Brook, 08807. Come walk through camp and see what life was like for American and British troops during the time of the American Revolution.

« Historic house tours: The Abraham Staats House, with the original structure c. 1740, was home to the Staats family for nearly 200 years and served as the headquarters for George Washington’s “Drillmaster” Baron von Steuben. Also open for touring: The neighboring Hendrick Fisher house.

« Lectures and presentations at the Abraham Staats House, throughout the weekend, include:

« Noted historian and author John T. Cunningham, on the Middlebrook Encampment. Mr. Cunningham will also sign copies of his newest book, “The Uncertain Revolution - Washington and the Continental Army at Morristown” (Sunday, 1 pm.)

· Dr. Richard Veit, Professor in the Department of History and Anthropology at Monmouth University, will present a 30-minute talk on the Staats family: "Patriots, Tories, Inebriates, and Hussies: The History and Archaeology of the Abraham Staats House." (Sat., 4 pm.)

· Dr. David L. Valuska will offer lectures and a portrayal of Baron von Steuben, the Inspector General of George Washington’s army. “The Baron” will also review the troops. (2 p.m. Sat., 11:30 a.m. Sun. and throughout)

· Antique musket and guns expert Earl Becker offers a lecture, with examples from his collection, on guns of the 18^th century. Mr. Becker will also provide appraisals on antique (pre-1898) guns, (must be in case and unloaded). (Sat. 12:45 pm. / Sun. 10:30 am.)

· Eminent historian H. Kels Swan will speak about the 1778-79 Middlebrook Encampment. His presentation includes a viewing of artifacts including original documents detailing the building of the Queens Bridge in 1763, an original copy of von Steuben’s drill manual used during the American Revolution and more. (Fri. 8 pm., and throughout weekend.)

· Ken Miller, of the New Jersey Militia, Heard’s Brigade, portrays Thomas Paine, author of “Common Sense,” the pamphlet that helped spark the American Revolution and a dedicated champion of “the cause.” Presentation, Sat. 1:30 PM, Sun. 10 a.m.)

· Gary DePaolo, New Jersey Militia, Heard’s Brigade, portrays a surgeon of the Colonial era. Learn about medical practices of the 18^th century and view surgical instruments used during that time.

· Iain Haight-Ashton, Proprietor of a traveling 18^th century field tavern, The Mumbling Manxman. The tavern was an important feature of Colonial life; stop by and learn more! (Grounds of the Abraham Staats House)

· Tom Harabin, President, Friends of the Abraham Staats House, Music of the Colonial Era (throughout the weekend.)

Saturday, April 12

9 AM Festivities kick off Saturday, April 12--Flag raising ceremony at the Soldiers Encampment at the Abraham Staats House, 17 von Steuben Lane, South Bound Brook, NJ, 08880.

10 AM ~ 5 PM Soldiers Encampment open to the public

10 AM Soldiers march down Main Street, South Bound Brook to the the Old Stone Bridge, site of the original Battle of Bound Brook in 1777. The bridge site is located on the Bound Brook side of the Queens Bridge, at the border of Bound Brook and Middlesex on Railroad Ave.

10:30 AM Ceremony and presentation at the historic Old Stone Bridge, c. 1730, one of the oldest surviving stone bridges in New Jersey and a rare example of colonial highway engineering. Key speakers are slated to include Somerset County’s Director Freeholder Peter S. Palmer and Cultural and Heritage Commission Historic Sites Coordinator Tom D’Amico.

11 AM 11 AM March of the Soldiers and Street Battle in the vicinity of the Queens Bridge, Memorial

Library (402 E. High St., Bound Brook, 08805) and adjacent Old Presbyterian Graveyard in

Bound Brook. Following the ceremony at the Old Bridge, the soldiers will reenact a street battle,

marching on Main Street, Bound Brook, and north on East Street to the Bound Brook Memorial

Library and Old Presbyterian Graveyard .

11:30 AM Brief ceremony at the Old Presbyterian Graveyard in Bound Brook, final resting place of many of the area’s early patriots and founders. Soldiers begin march and street battle back to South Bound Brook via Queens Bridge.

10:30 AM ~ Bound Brook Memorial Library: Featuring a Revolutionary War slide show presentation,

2:30 PM speaker and bake sale.

11 AM ~ 5 PM The Hendrick Fisher House open for tours.

12 PM Noon Soldiers Street Battle in vicinity of Queens Bridge and Main Street in South Bound Brook

American and British troops demostrate military tactics and street battle over the Queens Bridge and onto Main Street, South Bound Brook.

12:30 PM Soldiers return to the Soldiers Encampment at the Abraham Staats House

At the Soldier’s Encampment/Abraham Staats House:

Inside the Abraham Staats House: Special lectures, exhibits and tours inside the Abraham Staats House (Fee: $10 for adults & $3 for children under 12, for 2-day, weekend pass to activities in the house.)

12 Noon-4 PM Gary DePaolo, New Jersey Militia, Heard’s Brigade, Surgeon of the Colonial era. Learn about medical practices of the 18^th century and view surgical instruments used during that time.

12:45 PM Earl Becker, presentation on muskets of the American Revolutionary War.

1:30 PM Ken Miller: presentation on Tom Paine, author of “Common Sense” published

in 1776, which sparked an American Revolution.

2:00 PM Dr. David L. Valuska: Lecture: Presents “Baron von Steuben,” the

Drillmaster of the American Army of George Washington.

2:45 PM Review of the troops by Baron von Steuben, living history Military

Drills and Battle Demonstrations, British and American soldiers of the

American Revolution.

4:00 PM Dr. Richard Veit: Presentation: "Patriots, Tories, Inebriates, and

Hussies: The History and and Archaeology of the Abraham Staats House."

On the grounds of the Abraham Staats House:

1 ~ 5 PM Visit the living history American Revolutionary Soldiers Encampment at the Abraham Staats House c. 1740, (17 von Steuben Lane, South Bound Brook). Come see life as it existed for the soldiers, camp followers and others who lived the American past.

Living history demonstrations, , soldiers drilling and practicing military tactics, an 18^th century tavern, fowling, angling and boating exhibits, sutlers (merchants) selling colonial goods, sewing, basket weaving and cooking, period music and refreshments at the camp. The soldiers will be drilling during the afternoon, just as they did 200 years ago – come see an historic review of the troops by Baron von Steuben. (No fee for activities on outside grounds of the Abraham Staats House.)

Visit the Hendrick Fisher Homestead, (intersection of Easton Ave. /Davidson Ave., Franklin Township, which will be open for tours from 11 a.m – 5 p.m.

5:00 PM Soldiers Encampment and Abraham Staats House closed.

4 PM ~ 8 PM Pasta Dinner: Eat with the troops at a great Pasta Dinner, available for purchase at the Fellowship Hall of the Reformed Church of Bound Brook in South Bound Brook (located in South Bound Brook, on Clinton Street) from 4:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. Adults: $8, Seniors: $7, 5-12 years: $6, 4 and under: Free.

Sunday, April 13

8 AM – 1 PM Buffet Breakfast: South Bound Brook Firehouse Co. #1 Firehouse. Eat with the soldiers and colonial camp followers at the famous All-You-Can-Eat Sunday Buffet Breakfast at the Firehouse on Edgewood Terrace, available for purchase from 7:30 a.m. – 12 noon. Adults: $9, Seniors: $8; under age ten: $6, under age 5: free.

10 AM Flag Raising Ceremony~Abraham Staats House

10 AM ~ 4 PM Soldiers Encampment at Abraham Staats House open to public

In the Abraham Staats House:

10:30 AM Earl Becker: Presentation: Muskets of the 18^th Century. Free Appraisals of antique (pre-1898) firearms (must be in the case, unloaded.)

11:00 Ken Miller: presentation on Tom Paine, author of “Common Sense” published in 1776, which sparked an American Revolution.

11:30 AM Dr. David Valuska: Baron von Steuben lecture/ Review of the troops.

12:15 PM Review of soldiers by Baron von Steuben and officers. 18^th century military drills.

1:00 PM Lecture by Author John T. Cunningham: Noted historian and author will offer a lecture on the Middlebrook Encampment. Mr. Cunningham will be also sign copies of his newest book, “The Uncertain Revolution - Washington and the Continental Army at Morristown.”

2 PM Soldiers Drills and Battle Demonstration on the grounds. Watch the American and British soldiers as they perform military maneuvers of the American Revolution. The Soldiers Encampment as well as exhibits and tours in the Abraham Staats House also available.

4 PM Soldiers Encampment and Abraham Staats House closed to public.

Directions: I-287, Exit 10, Rt. 527 (Easton Ave to South Bound Brook) to Von Steuben Lane (approx. 3/4 mile) Follow Von Steuben Lane to end, driveway entrance and parking for house.

Information: http://www.staatshouse.com

About the Annual Battle of Bound Brook Weekend:

The annual Anniversary of The Battle of Bound Brook, launched in 2001, is a multi-community event created to raise pride and awareness in our area’s historic character and vital contribution to the American struggle for independence. The event also supports preservation of key Revolutionary War sites, including the Abraham Staats House in South Bound Brook, the historic Old Stone Bridge in Bound Brook and the Hendrick Fisher Homestead in Franklin Township, among others.

The Friends of Abraham Staats House, Inc. has received an operating support grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State.

Parking for events in South Bound Brook is available along Main Street and along public streets in the area of the Soldiers Encampment. Parking in Bound Brook is available throughout the town. Parking is available in the vicinity of the Fisher Homestead and grounds at the Ukrainian Community Center. Intermittent street closings are expected during the weekend in South Bound Brook, and Bound Brook to accommodate the march of the soldiers.

Battle of Bound Brook Web sites: Visit http://www.staatshouse.com/battleofboundbrook and http://www.staatshouse.com for event schedules, information and updates.

ABOUT:

The Battle of Bound Brook and Middlebrook Encampments

On Sunday, April 13, 1777, a four-column force of 4,000 British Crown troops led by Lord Charles Cornwallis attacked a small American garrison of about 500 commanded by General Benjamin Lincoln and located in the town of Bound Brook. The objective: surround the town, capture the garrison and provisions located at this patriot stronghold and gain a foothold in the war against the American Revolutionary army. In the surprise attack, an advance column led by Hessian Jaeger scouts fighting for the British were pinned down by Colonial soldiers who put up a spirited resistance at the Old Stone Bridge located near the Queens’ Bridge.

The skirmish bought precious time for the bulk of the American force in Bound Brook as British forces poured into the area. When a second column of 1,000 British soldiers charged over the Queen’s Bridge to attack, the Colonials retreated, escaping the trap. The American army regrouped in the area later in 1777, in a larger encampment called First Middlebrook. General George Washington’s army was also settled in the winter and spring of 1778-79 in a Second Middlebrook encampment, in the area of Bound Brook. Nearly 10,000 troops gathered at Middlebrook, with attendant artillery camps, hospitals, commissaries, post office, artificers, quartermasters stores, corrals and other military operations situated in nearby locations. General Washington and many of his officers stayed in homes in the area, near to the main encampment. General Baron Frederich von Steuben made his headquarters at the home of Abraham Staats in South Bound Brook, today known as the Abraham Staats House.

The Abraham Staats House

17 Von Steuben Lane, South Bound Brook

During the American Revolution, the house was owned by American patriot Abraham Staats, marked as an enemy of the Crown by the British. His family hosted General Baron Frederich von Steuben, drillmaster of the American Revolutionary Army, who used the house as headquarters during the Second Middlebrook encampment in the winter of 1778-79. Research indicates the earliest portion of the house dates from around 1738, with sections added around 1800 and 1840 by the Staats family, which owned the home for 200 years. Following the Battle of Bound Brook in April 1777, a retreating British column crossed the Staats’ property, taking items which Abraham later made claim as war damages. The home was the setting for visits by General George Washington and other key figures during the War. The Abraham Staats House was purchased by the Borough of South Bound Brook in 1999 for historic preservation. The South Bound Brook Historic Preservation Advisory Commission and Friends of the Abraham Staats House, Inc. are dedicated to preservation of the house, which has been placed on both the State and National Register of Historic Places.

The Old Stone Bridge

This triple-arch bridge is one of the oldest surviving stone bridges in New Jersey and a rare example of colonial highway engineering. Construction of the bridge was authorized by the Legislature in 1730. It was probably built soon thereafter to span the Green Brook, a channel of the Bound Brook, and form part of a causeway that crossed a large area of marshy ground along the Bound Brook and Raritan River. The bridge played a significant role in the defense of Bound Brook during the Revolutionary War, and it is one of the few existing battlefield resources in New Jersey for which a first-hand action account exists. The diary of Hessian officer Johann von Ewald records the fighting along the causeway during the Battle of Bound Brook in April 1777. Made of locally quarried rough sandstone and shale, the bridge spans the boundary between Somerset and Middlesex counties and the boroughs of Bound Brook and Middlesex. Approximately 85 feet long and 33 feet wide, its remains are almost completely buried by fill on its north side; on the south side they are exposed above the top of the arches, including two large buttresses, one of which is relatively intact.

(Excerpt from “Preservation New Jersey: info@preservationnj.org )

The Hendrick Fisher Homestead

Grounds of the Orthodox Ukrainian Church of the USA, north of the juncture of Easton Ave. and Davidson Ave, Franklin Township

Hendrick Fisher, close neighbor and friend of Abraham Staats, was an ardent American patriot present at the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, who brought a copy when he returned home. Days later he read the Declaration to people gathered in Bound Brook at the Frelinghuysen Tavern, where the Klompus Thread Shop later stood. There is a plaque on the current building at 213 East Main street commemorating the event. He died in 1779 and was buried on the home’s property. The Fisher house is located on the grounds of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA north of the juncture of Easton Ave. and Davidson Ave.

Life in Camp:

Encampment at The Abraham Staats House, 17 von Steuben Lane, South Bound Brook

The soldiers and camp followers will be living life in camp much as it would have been in 1777. Visitors may tour the camp, observe camp artifacts and equipment, and see how the troops of the American Revolution, British Crown and American forces, lived and view Camp Food Preparation, Military Training and Drills, Artillery and Small Arms Practice. Members of the reenactor’s units involved in the encampment are dedicated to recreating the history of the American colonial 18th century period through demonstrations, exhibits, lectures, encampments, and interpretations. Equipment used and clothing worn by members is authentic and documented. The men, women, and children who participate volunteer their time to recreate the lives of everyday people struggling for independence during the American Revolution. Members are encouraged to learn 18th century skills and strive for authenticity in their interpretations.

Participating Organizations/Internet Links:

Battle of Bound Brook Web site: http://www.staatshouse.com/battleofboundbrook

Friends of the Abraham Staats House: http://www.staatshouse.com

Henrick Fisher House: http://www.uocofusa.org/center/fisher.shtml

24th Connecticut Militia Regiment: http://www.24cmr.org/

New Jersey Milita Heard’s Brigade: http://www.newjerseymilitia.org/

Outwater’s Militia: http://www.outwatersmilitia.com/

11^th Pennsylvania Regiment: http://www.11thpa.org/

1st Battalion of NJ Volunteers http://mysite.verizon.net/valachovic2/home.html

Mumbling Manxman 18^th Century Field Tavern: http://www.mumblingmanxmantavern.org/

Living History Weekend at the

Abraham Staats House