An early NY-NJ tug of war over our common boundary

On Thurs. April 30th at 7pm, at Montague Township Elementary, Historian Peter Osborne spoke about: While New Jersey Slept, New York Was Wide Awake.

Few realize that the colony of NJ laid claim to territory as far north along the Delaware River as present day Cochecton, NY. New York, also once tried to extend it's bounds as far south as across from Easton, PA.

The program explored the various issues surrounding the most significant boundary dispute in colonial America. It began in 1664 between the colonies of East and West Jersey and New York and was not finally resolved until 1884. Additional parts of boundary demarcation were not resolved until a Supreme Court decision in 2000.

The program included slides and a handout of maps that demonstrated the complicated nature of the dispute. Co-sponsored by M.A.R.C.H.

Entered into the Congressional Record

to read - click on images

& from our Senator's:

Blast to the Past
The PRIDE Committee at Montague Township Elementary invited MARCH to present an afternoon program to help the students and staff better understand and celebrate the township's heritage. Many students were dressed in Native American, Colonial, Civil War or 20th century era costumes. Artifacts were shown to the students and a historic timeline.

{shown L-R : Mrs. Batko- Historian, Mrs. Hodge - Chief School Administrator, Mrs. Marion - ESL Teacher and PTA Pres., and Mrs. Goyette - Enrichment/ LEAP Instructor}

Students returned in the evening to enjoy a rendition of Stone Soup, along with appropriate refreshments, with their parents and to partake of assorted activities.

The evening ended with a wrap-up by the Township Historian - who explained the significance of the township's 250th logo. A plaque was presented to MARCH for its work with the school and one was also given to recognize Mrs. Moran - for her work with the Art Club in creating the historic mural, and all the participating staff were also acknowledged.

Mural Installed at Montague Elementary School

Mrs. Moran admires the mural which the Art Club created over two school terms. It now will greet students, staff and visitors at the school's main entry. The wall it is attached to is part of the original 3 classroom structure built in 1954 - the school having witnessed many additions with the growth of the community.