Editor's Note: As the 230th anniversary of the burning of the block house approaches, here is our previous article detailing the history of this Revolutionary War incident in Toms River. Just about anyone who passes through downtown Toms River has seen the small waterfront Huddy Park, which, save for a few weekend events in the summer, is usually nearly empty.  The quaint riverside park comes furnished with a few gazebos, a bridge, and…..a fort?  Why is there a replica blockhouse next to the ever-clogged intersection of Water and Main Streets? To answer this question, we need to go back over …

Not all that long ago, residents along the border of South Toms River and Beachwood had some neighbors "move in" to the woods.  This group was known as The Gatherers, an organization that held both environmental and self-betterment goals.  Originally planned for development, this 88-acre tract of Pine Barrens was instead preserved by South Toms River, with encouragement from the Gatherers. These woods had their share of problems, including illegal dumping, gangs, and drug dealing.  The Gatherers wanted to turn them into a positive place, both educational and beneficial to the community.  The …