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Community Corner

Lacey Township Historical Society to Mark 50th Anniversary with Series of Events

Sock Hop and Car Show to be held at Gille Park from 4 to 6 p.m. on Saturday

The Lacey Township Historical Society was formed in 1962 when three local residents sought to turn the town's  into a museum. This year the society is celebrating its 50 years of dedication to the preservation of the township's history with a series of events, continuing a Sock Hop and Car Show on Saturday, June 2 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Gille Park. 

The old schoolhouse had been vacant for more than six years when Stella Wilbert, Elizabeth "Betty" Grant and Charlotte Lane set out on their quest to preserve the building, said Pat Grant, Second Vice President of the Historical Society and a 57-year resident of the township.

"Stella asked people for donations of indigenous artifacts," said Grant, whose husband represents the third generation of his family born in Forked River.  "People in the town were very generous. Most artifacts in the museum were donated by residents."

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The schoolhouse was in disrepair, so the Township Committee replaced the windows and re-sided the building. The township continues to own the schoolhouse, renting it to the Historical Society, which maintains it, said Grant.

"There was a lot of interesting history in Lacey and most residents got involved in the historical society," she said. "It was very active in the beginning."

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At the time the society formed, Grant said there were between three and five thousand residents in town and fishing and boating were the main industries.

"It was a nice little town," she said. "We had mom and pop stores and there was entertainment at community hall."

Grant also said there has always been a strong spirit of community in Lacey.

"We never had welfare here," she said. "If someone was poor, people
just gave them food, clothes, whatever they needed." She said, 50 years  later, the town still has retained that neighbor-helping-neighbor feel.

Now, Grant said the historical society has about 150 members and holds a very popular Apple Festival each fall, as well as a holiday house tour. The museum at 126 South Main Street is a destination for school children, scout troops and vacationers.

Those attending are asked to bring township memorabilia to share or donate to the historical society. For reservations, call Pat at 609-693-2140.

Upcoming 50th Anniversary events include:

  • Saturday, June 2 -- Sock Hop and Car Show, 4-8 p.m. Gille Park, free. 
  • Saturday, June 9 -- Historical House Tour, 2-4 p.m. Lacey Township Town Hall, free. Call Recreation Director Jim Wioland at 609-693-1100, extension 2203 for reservations.
  • Sunday, July 15 -- Ice Cream Social, 3-5 p.m at Murray Grove, $5 fee, reservations required. Contact Mary at 609-693-2666 for tickets.
  • Saturday, August 11 -- Porch Chat, 7-8:30 p.m. at the McLaughlin House, 102 Bay Ave., Forked River, free. Explore the history of Lacey Township by listening to the "tales of town."
  • Saturday, September 29 -- Apple Festival, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Lacey Schoolhouse Museum, free.
  • Saturday, December 15 -- Holiday House Tour, 5-7 p.m. Lacey Schoolhouse Museum, free. Contact Virginia at 609-693-4130 for tickets.

For more information, call 609-971-0467.

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