Tag: Historic Museums of New Jersey

Matchbox Road Museum 15 Pearl Street Newfield, NJ 08344

Matchbox Road Museum

15 Pearl Street

Newfield, NJ 08344

(609) 381-2332

https://www.facebook.com/MatchboxRoadMuseum

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Open: Sunday-Friday Closed/Saturday 10:00am-2:00pm or by appointment

My review on TripAdvisor:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Profile/R4960NKjustinw/mediabatch/14537611?m=19905

The Matchbox Road Museum at 15 Pearl Street

The logo of the museum

I was recently traveling around the Newfield, NJ area, where a small museum dedicated to Matchbox cars was located. I had enjoyed playing with them and collected them when I was little and it sounded fascinating to have a whole museum dedicated to them.

They were not open that day but arranged to visit the museum when I was in the area on my next trip. A few weeks later I arranged a private tour of the museum and got a very interested and detailed tour of the collection, the history of Matchbox cars and the owner of the collection and his collection.

The museum sign at the front of the museum

The rows and rows of cars and trucks

The museum houses one of the most extensive and complete collections of Matchbox cars from not just the collectibles but cars that were part of their promotions in Happy meals and in boxes of Kellogg cereal.

The rows and rows of the collection

The collection also extended out to toys from the company that manufactured the cars from Universal Toys to Tyco Toys to the current owner, Mattel (Wiki.com).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matchbox_(brand)

Matchbox Collector Cars

matchbox

The first car created as part of this vast collection

The collection contained some of the original die cast cars from the first set that were created.

All the cars are so neatly organized

We went row by row and room by room and I was fascinated by the detail and extensive knowledge the docent had on the collection and the history of Matchbox cars. This is a great museum to take kids on just for the sheer collection and for toy collectors who are interesting in Matchbox items.

Our Story, Our Passion

(From the museum website)

The concept of Matchbox Road Museum was formed out of a life-long interest in miniature automotive perfection. The personal collection turned into a well-renowned museum of the preservation of the rare, discontinued and historically important die-cast models. Every item in our assortment symbolizes the art, nostalgia, and cultural impact of the small cars over time.

The inside of the Galley

We think such miniature cars are not just collectibles but narrators of innovations, design and childhood fantasy. By means of professional conservation, careful exhibitions and devotion to authenticity, we give our visitors and collectors an experience that is informative and inspirational.

The Matchbox cars in Happy Meals

The cars available in cereal boxes

The models of Queen Elizabeth II coronation carriages that helped start the company

We have a very easy mission to fulfill, which is to secure the legacy, celebrate the history and make sure these small cars keep on telling big stories in the coming decades.

The Legacy of Matchbox Cars

(From the museum website)

Since its inception in the year 1953, Matchbox cars have changed the way we view toys as well as the toy industry.

They were not only iconic in size but storytelling. Real-world vehicles. Authentic detail. The palm of your hand Dreams at affordable prices.

These small masterpieces attracted the minds of millions of people during decades. Nowadays, they are not just toys, but a part of history, art of engineering, and culture.

We celebrate that tradition at Matchbox Road Museum.

Video on the tour

The museum also has an extensive collection of toys and playthings on display.

Walking around the extensive collections of cars

About the Founder

(From the museum website)

Every great collection begins with a single spark.

A childhood obsession turned into a lifetime goal – retain the heritage of miniature car perfection to the generations to come. The creator of Matchbox Road Museum devoted several decades to the collection of rare, discontinued, and historically important models.

This museum is not constructed using shelves of cars.

It is built on passion. Dedication. Obsession with detail.

And now that heritage open to you is there.

The museum is open for private tours that can be arranged in advance. The tour will take about an hour and you will see a lot. I was taken in by the sheer collection and the walls filled with rows and rows of cars. I really is a fascinating museum.

Clayton Historical Museum 29 East Avenue Clayton, NJ 08312

Clayton Historical Museum

29 East Avenue

Clayton, NJ 08312

(856) 881-3039

https://claytonhistoric.org

https://www.facebook.com/ClaytonHistoric

Open: Sunday-Friday Closed/Saturday 11:00am-1:00pm (every third Saturday)

My review on TripAdvisor:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Profile/R4960NKjustinw/mediabatch/14542111?m=19905

The Clayton Historical Museum at 29 East Avenue

The sign welcoming you to the museum

The Clayton Historical Museum is the perfect example of a community recording and preserving its past and showing the direction of its future through historical timeline of this town. From its place in glass manufacturing the the cheer of its high school, the museum displays the community pride of Clayton, NJ.

It shows how small towns all over New Jersey can preserve their past while still being part of the community at large. Each of the rooms in the museum displays a part of the community and its progression through time.

The first small gallery is dedicated to the uniformed forces that help protect this small community, the majority of the second gallery is dedicated to the glassworks business that once dominated the area and the back gallery displays its community with schools, the business district and the continuation of the glassworks.

The docents and volunteers give you the freedom to walk around but time is limited because the museum is only open for two hours a month plus special events happening in the town.

The History of the Museum:

(From the Museum website)

Clayton Historic Preservation collects personal papers, local business and organization records, photographs, early maps, genealogies, church histories, family Bibles, historic books, newspapers, artifacts and so much more.

The Veteran’s Exhibition in the middle of the museum

Our museum’s archives showcases the heritage and culture of Clayton, allowing visitors to explore and appreciate the town’s fascinating journey. Clayton Historic Museum is a guardian of the borough’s rich heritage, offering visitors a journey through its exhibits and displays (Clayton Historical Society pamphlet).

The entrance hall to the museum

The church artifacts in the first entrance gallery

The Clayton Historic Museum fosters a sense of pride and appreciation for Clayton’s past by preserving artifacts, documenting stories and engaging the community. CHP invites residents and visitors to explore, learn and connect with the borough’s history.

As a testament to the borough’s commitment to preserving its unique identity, CHP is creating an enduring legacy for future generations(Clayton Historical Society pamphlet).

The front gallery dedicated to the town’s First Responders:

The front gallery of Clayton Fire and EMS displays

The Clayton Police and Fire Department displays

The Clayton Police display

The middle gallery is dedicated to the glassworks businesses:

The middle gallery

The glass making industry was a majority of the work force at the turn of the last century and shows New Jersey’s craftsmanship over the years.

The glass milk bottles showing the areas both dairy and glass bottle industries of the past

The back gallery contained a lot of Clayton’s manufacturing and retail history

The glassworks history in the community run deep

The Clayton Glass Works factory at the turn of the last century

Decorative glass was one of its specialties

Creative glass works are part of the extensive collection at the museum

The everyday decorative items were made right here in New Jersey

The main part of the gallery discusses and displays how important the glass industry was to the community and the creativity of the artisans.

The display of the glass blowers chair and the time and effort once part of this craft

The glass blowers chair on display

The museum’s exhibits offer an overview of Clayton’s history, covering various aspects such as industry, agriculture, transportation and daily life.

Collections from The local Clayton High School

The Clayton, NJ local business district businesses

Through an assortment of photgraphs and documents, visitors can explore the Borough’s development.

The beautiful decorative glass on display

The Clayton High School display showing small town pride

The progression of the telephone

The antique Victrola got its start in the Edison labs here in New Jersey

The exhibits provide a deeper understanding of Clayton’s past, fostering an appreciation for the borough’s heritage.

A clipping from the Salem Oak in Salem, NJ is in the yard behind the museum

The Mission Statement of the Museum:

(From the Museum website)

• Acquire and preserve documents, records and relics of the Borough of Clayton, Gloucester County and the State of New Jersey

• Encourage the protection and preservation of the historical landmarks and points of interest

Furnish historical information and documentation to the Borough

• Partner with Clayton Special Events and neighboring Preservation Associations to exchange and display historical related information, documents and artifacts

The middle gallery of the museum’s extensive glassworks collection

Remember that the museum is only open from 11:00am-1:00pm the third Saturday of the month so plan your trip to museum accordingly.

Old Schoolhouse and Firehouse Museum 6 Passaic Avenue Ogdensburg, NJ 07439

Old Schoolhouse and Firehouse Museum

6 Passaic Avenue

Ogdensburg, NJ 07439

https://www.sussex.nj.us/561/Old-Schoolhouse-Fire-Museum

https://www.facebook.com/oburghistoricalsocietypage

Ogdensburg Historical Society

Open: Sunday 1:00pm-4:00pm (Only on the forth Sunday of the Month) Monday-Saturday Closed-Check the website for seasonality.

Admission: Free but a donation is appreciated

My review on TripAdvisor:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Profile/R4960NKjustinw/mediabatch/14495681?m=19905

The front of the museum

I recently visited the Ogdensburg Old Schoolhouse and Firehouse Museum at 6 Passaic Avenue in Downtown Ogdensburg and discovered the community’s rich history of farming and mining in its past and its current destination as a weekend vacation spot and a up and coming bedroom community of New York City.

The County still has some farming and agriculture going on as the County continues to be built up with expats from the City, and Bergen and Morris Counties. The first floor is dedicated to the history of the Ogdensburg Fire Department with an old Engine and Ladders trucks, artifacts from the Sterling Mine just up the road and township property such as an old voting booth. You can read about the history of the Ogdensburg family as you head to the outside gallery.

The second floor has displays of various town departments including the Rescue, the Police Department and Fire Department. There are various displays of the town’s school system and various clubs in town. There are displays on the town’s mining and agricultural past with items such as farm advertising and mining equipment and minerals. Each display plays a role in the development of the community and how it progressed from farming to mining to manufacturing to the bedroom community it is today.

History of the Building:

“Built in 1910 as Ogdensburg’s fifth public school, it was adapted for re-use in 1930 as the Borough’s first firehouse replacing the one built in 1872. In 1984, with the aid of two state grants, the Ogdensburg Historical Society adapted it for re-use and dedicated it as the Old Schoolhouse and Firehouse Museum in 1987.

After 97 years, the Museum continues to serve the Borough of Ogdensburg as an historical learning and preservation center, and as a meeting hall. On June 10, 2006 it was dedicated as an Ogdensburg Historic Site.”

The historic sign of the museum

The Borough of Ogdensburg is the host of this marker commemorating the rich history provided by this building. This building has been maintained with much thought and care and remains as a museum and meeting place for the residents of the town. The marker is located in front of the building on Passaic Avenue just off Main Street by the Ogdensburg Elementary School. This marker was part of the 2008 placement (Museum website).

The outside of the museum which served as a school and a firehouse

The first floor of the building has the fire trucks, the history of the fire department and Ogdensburg’s 250th Anniversary of the United States on display.

The museum artifacts from the 250th celebration of the Country

The museum is on the heart of mining country of Sussex County, NJ and the museum has an interesting mineral collection along with their collection of mining artifacts.

The Mineral and Mining Collection

The museum being home to the Ogdensburg Fire Department contains the history of the local fire department along with vehicles and artifacts from the department.

https://www.facebook.com/oburgfd

Fire Department

The history of the Ogdensburg Fire Department

One of the early Ladder Trucks

The history of the department

One of the early Engine Trucks

The history of the department

One of the early pull hose beds pulled by men and then by horses

The first floor also contains the history of the Ogden family in the region.

The history of the Ogden family in the community

The town voting booth and a turn of the last century phone

The second floor gallery used to serve as offices and living space of the fire department.

The main gallery on the second floor

The gallery case lines are filled with memorabilia from different aspects of the community telling the story of the growth of the community that included Mining and Farming. It explains the growth into the modern suburbs of today. This includes the Fire and Police and Rescue Departments, the School System and cultural events in the community.

The main gallery on the second floor of the museum

The main gallery on the second floor

The display case of Ogdensburg departments including school, fire and police departments

The display of the Ogdensburg Police Department

https://www.facebook.com/people/Ogdensburg-NJ-Police-Department/61590226020577

Police Department

The display of the Ogdensburg First Aid Squad

Blanket with historical sites and artifacts of the town of Ogdensburg, NJ

The businesses including schools and the domestic and farming industries

Each of the display cases represented different aspects of the town and has a variety of pictures and memorabilia from a variety of eras. The case lines show how the community changed over time from a mining community to the changes of a bedroom community of Newark and New York City.

The school system with classes and sports teams

https://www.obboe.org/apps/events

Household, town and business artifacts

Military and early Native American artifacts

The Glenbrook Farm Milk Bucket

The Domestic home display

The Entertainment display of recorders, phonographs, radios and early record players

The influence that Thomas Edison had on the community with new technology. Several pieces of Thomas A. Edison memorabilia are on exhibit to honor the ten years Edison spent mining iron ore at the old Edison Ore Milling Company on Sparta Mountain. Several of his phonographic inventions were created here (Ogdensburg Historical Society website).

Close up view of record players and Victrola’s

The Ogdensburg School system display

The Ogdensburg Presbyterian Church display of artifacts from inside the church

The NJ Zinc Mine display with minerals and equipment

The NJ Zinc Mine and Mineral display is a small s as molding of the museum down the street and the importance of the mining industry at the turn of the last century.

A closer look at the minerals display

A replica of a working mine operation. The machine shows how workers descending and brought up rock from the mines.

The Dedication to Mr. Waco Hadowantez, the town historian

The last display as you leave the museum is dedicated to the man who founded the historical society, Waco Hadowantez.

The museum tells an interesting story of the history of Ogdensburg and the surrounding area. It shows the importance of the Mining Community at the turn of the last century and how the community is pivoting towards tourism to tell its story.

Please contact the museum directly for seasonal hours and tours.

Millville Historical Society 200 East Main Street Millville, NJ 08332

Millville Historical Society

200 East Main Street

Millville, NJ 08322

(856) 293-1078

http://millhistsoc.org/

https://www.facebook.com/Millvillehs/

Open: Sunday 1:00pm-4:00pm/Monday-Tuesday Closed/Wednesday 1:00pm-4:00pm/Thursday-Saturday Closed

Admission: Free but donations are accepted and recommended to help operate the museum

My review on TripAdvisor:

https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Attraction_Review-g46627-d27044122-Reviews-Millville_Historical_Society-Millville_New_Jersey.html

The Millville Historical Society at 200 East in tv Main Street

The Baracha-Dunn House right next door to the Historical Society is open for touring.

History of the museum:

(from the museum’s website)

The Millville Historical Society has been preserving Millville, New Jersey’s past for over nine decades. Incorporated in 1927, the organization’s headquarters and archives depositary is located in the historic 1857 Millville Bank at 200 E. Main St., Millville.

The main gallery of the Millville Historical Society

The Society has been entrusted with the care of three of Millville’s most historic structures: the 1857 Bank building at 200 E. Main Street, the 1798 Baracha Dunn House, and the 1814 Wood Mansion House.

Admission to all buildings is free. Donations are gratefully accepted.

The main gallery of the Millville Historical Society from the front door

I recently visited the Millville Historical Society and got to tour the museum and the historical home next door. The main part of the museum is built inside a historic bank that the Society took over in the 1970’s. All the displays are showcased around the museum.

The original picture of the Millville National Bank during the turn of the last century

One of the first displays you will see is the original drawing of the bank. This beautiful historic building sits on the very edge of the downtown as you enter Millville. On the top of the display was a model of a sand separator that was in the creation of glass which the area was known for in the previous century.

The historic map of Downtown Millville, NJ

Another display has a model one of the major ferries that once ran in Millville.

The model of the Millville

The ferry that once ran in the area

The pictures of when the boat was christened

There was school display with one of the old bells of the school’s in Millville and a picture of one of its long serving principles, Rebecca Mulford Bacon.

The bell from the schoolhouse

Principal Rebecca Milford Bacon

The Principal’s plaque

The museum houses the recorded history of the town and the genealogy of the town and its citizens for people to research.

The Research Library along with more artifacts

After I toured the displays along the perimeter of the museum, I had a tour of the Baracha-Dunn House next door which was part of the historical society’s complex. These historic buildings were built in the late 1700’s and the addition in the early 1800’s. The tour takes you through both the main house and the later addition both upstairs and downstairs.

The Barack’s-Dunn house was open for a tour

The entrance the house from the street

The main room of the original house with the hearth in the main room for cooking and for heat in the house

The hearth is the center of the house

The Living Room of the main home

The Living Room of the home

The Living Room

The other side of the house which was the later addition to the home offered more rooms.

The Living Room from the main door

We walked up the narrow stairs to the second floor to the bedrooms. Each small room on the second floor was furnished with period furniture.

The bedroom on one side of the house

The second floor bedroom the leads to the attic

The second floor bedroom

This room led to the connected room on the other side of the floor

The small room on the second floor

The bedroom on the second floor

The Children’s room display of toys, furniture and clothing

The display of Children’s item

The house really showed life in the early parts of the 1800. The home’s period furniture decorates all the rooms in this home. The museum has another historical home in the downtown area that was closed that day. The museum offers a glimpse of Millville in its past.

The historical sign outside the museum

On my second trip to the Millville Historical Society, I was able to visit the Wood Mansion from 1814. The home had been home to generations of the Wood family, the founders of Wawa, among other businesses.