"You better watch out, you better not cry, ...."
Though these words normally are sung in Dec. to remind folks to be on the lookout and ready for Santa.. it's also a word of advice during the latter week of deer hunting, and also with the arrival of freshly fallen snow and potential black ice [and equally treacherous grit, if driven onto too quickly].. to drive alert and with caution, leaving room between vehicles, and abiding by posted speed limits.
FYI As survey stakes are more noticed throughout the middle of town.. folks are now aware that the Tennessee Gas Pipeline Northeast Upgrade is deciding upon the route to use for their upgrade - already in the works as part of their 300 line in Vernon. Originally, the existing Tennessee Gas ROW and pipeline was put through in the 1950's. There is a proposal to add a new loop because the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area was created afterwards, so using the original route would require new federal legislation, as the NPS does not have the authority to allow use of the existing ROW on Federal land. The proposed route would cross Clove Rd. above the Mini-mall and proceed towards the Delaware River and cross River Rd. near New Mashipacong. Scoping meetings have been held.
Eve Of St. Nicholas
Ever wonder where we got the name "Santa Claus"? It actually comes from Sinterklass - the Dutch name for St. Nicholas, who would leave presents for children on this evening.
Christmas Day itself was a day for attending church services and enjoying family, rather than the gift-giving celebration it has evolved to today. Click here to learn more about how this feast was celebrated during our region's early days, while we were part of New Netherlands.
Ever wonder where we got the name "Santa Claus"? It actually comes from Sinterklass - the Dutch name for St. Nicholas, who would leave presents for children on this evening.
Christmas Day itself was a day for attending church services and enjoying family, rather than the gift-giving celebration it has evolved to today. Click here to learn more about how this feast was celebrated during our region's early days, while we were part of New Netherlands.
Steal away from the hustle and the bustle of the holidays...
to recall times when friends and neighbors came together to celebrate the season!
Please stop by when the Foster-Armstrong House is open, to see the special now displays and exhibits highlighting the Store and Post Office run by James B. Armstrong; Julius Foster's Tavern [documented as having operated from 1798-1814]; a newly acquired Native American collection; vintage Christmas postcards and greeting cards; the Foster & Armstrong family heritage. Donations welcomed to support both sites maintained by M.A.R.C.H. which are located within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
to recall times when friends and neighbors came together to celebrate the season!
Visit the c. 1790 Foster-Armstrong House at 320 River Rd. in Montague, NJ for MARCH’s Old-Fashioned Holiday Weekends
Please stop by when the Foster-Armstrong House is open, to see the special now displays and exhibits highlighting the Store and Post Office run by James B. Armstrong; Julius Foster's Tavern [documented as having operated from 1798-1814]; a newly acquired Native American collection; vintage Christmas postcards and greeting cards; the Foster & Armstrong family heritage. Donations welcomed to support both sites maintained by M.A.R.C.H. which are located within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
November brings.........
a time shift - as clocks "fall back" one hour on the 7th ; deer on the move - motorists remain alert; bears scavenging to fill up before winter hibernation; need to clear gutters before water freezes or snow arrives; and a time to acknowledge the men and women who fought for our country on Veteran's Day.
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An extra special exhibit by J.W. Carpenter was featured on about antique bicycles - one example shown.
As you drive from the Nelden-Roberts Stonehouse on Rote 206 to the Foster-Armstrong House .. you can pull over to read the historic marker placed alongside CR 521 North ; located just across from a traffic triangle where Route 206 and River Rd. intersect.
If you turn around to look towards the bridge approach, you can view this marker noting the actual location of the "Brick House".
There is an exhibit dedicated to the Brick House, its village, and the many structures lost - first to the bridge project and then to Tocks Island acquisitions, at the Foster-Armstrong site.
about Railroads & Montague....
Though spared the invasion of the rails, Montague did depend on its nearby connections - to the Erie RR, and also the Sussex Railroad - which came up to Branchville, NJ.
Most folks are aware that the Erie Railroad ran through nearby Port Jervis, and that it succeeded the D&H Canal for the movement of goods and produce.
But....
did you know that in July of 1873, the Eastern Division of the Erie RR proposed a railroad route following Clove Brook through Montague?
Can you only imagine how different the township would appear today.. and how the peaceful and tranquil scene between Zitone's Field and the Westfall Farm would have looked instead,
had railroad tracks crossed this valley?
Though spared the invasion of the rails, Montague did depend on its nearby connections - to the Erie RR, and also the Sussex Railroad - which came up to Branchville, NJ.
Miss Montague and Company 
{Jr. Miss, and Little Miss and Little Mr.}
for 2010
Our local pageant was held July 17th at the grounds of the Montague Vol. Fire Department. The winning contestant for Miss Montague was Danielle Dieckman.
Special thanks go to the Committee - particularly Lori Coss and Blennie Kelly for arranging for the contest, judges, & awards and sponsorships, to Toni Lu Martin, who served as Emcee, and to the Montague Vol. Fire Dept. for hosting the overall event.
Also picked as runner-up to Miss Montague is Amanda Johnson; Jr. Miss is Hailey Aligo; Little Mr. is "C.J." Woel; Little Miss is Brianne Olenick.
Miss Montague will now represent our township and participate in the Miss Sussex County Pageant held during the NJ State Fair.
June.....June 1, 1813: New Jersey native Captain James Lawrence uttered the famous expression "Don't give up the ship" after being wounded in a naval battle during the War of 1812.
June 3rd Birthdays: Future vice president of the United States Garrett Hobart born in Long Branch in 1844, and future poet Allen Ginsberg born in Newark in 1926.
June 19, 1846: First recorded baseball game played with modern rules took place in Hoboken.
June 24, 1664: A new colony named New Jersey was established by the Duke of York, who later became James II, King of England. The year 2014 will mark the 350th anniversary for this colony!
June 28, 1778: The legend of Molly Pitcher was born when an American army wife at the Battle of Monmouth was seen firing a cannon at the British enemy.
Remembering those who fought to preserve freedom...... 
Capt. Cornelius Shimer, Co. A, 15th NJ,
KIA Spottsylvania, VA
WW1 & local veterans - photos courtesy of MARCH
As you drive about, you may notice in the local cemeteries and the small family plots which dot the countryside, fresh American and Marine flags set out by local veteran groups. These mark the known grave sites where soldiers were laid to eternal rest. There are those who defended this early frontier in the French and Indian War and some of those who died protecting their homesteads during the raids and skirmishes of the Revolutionary war, interred in burials forgotten over time.
The individuals, known to have served during the Civil War, World War's 1 & 2, in Korea or in Vietnam, or also when there was no active conflict, are recognized and honored in a special way this weekend. Unfortunately, for many, it has evolved to mark the preview to summer rather than the time we pause to recall the personal sacrifices of individuals and the families they left behind while actively serving their country. It is when we express our gratitude to those who also and still serve, so we continue to live our lives in peace.
Montague's WW2 Banner {displayed at M.A.R.C.H.} Gold Star's = those who lost their lives.
An observance to honor our American Heroes will be held on Monday, May 31 at 10:00 on the grounds of the Montague Town Hall. All veterans, and serviceman and women, are invited and welcome to attend.
An observance to honor our American Heroes will be held on Monday, May 31 at 10:00 on the grounds of the Montague Town Hall. All veterans, and serviceman and women, are invited and welcome to attend.
Volcanic activity...........
what History reveals:
and the year without a Summer in 1816
Most consider that recorded climate anomaly to have been caused by both the combination of an historic low in solar activity with a volcanic event. While news was not instantly passed along years ago.. there has been scientific evidence found of even greater geological activity from prior years.
VOTE...... School Elections held Tuesday, April 20, 2010
The ballot in 2010 includes those individuals seeking to serve on the School Board as well as the proposed budget = to support the education at our local K-6 Elementary school - as well as paying for tuition for all the Montague students who attend at a public Middle or High School, or for our Special Needs students sent out of district + Transportation costs. Images courtesy of M.A.R.C.H.
AN EARTH DAY CELEBRATION..{Ever see a Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker?.. this one was spotted on 4/14/10}
Trail Blazers and Nature Conservancy are hosting an Open House at Mashipacong Bogs on Deckertown Tpke. [entrance is on the left hand side as you head East] on Sat. 4/17 to let residents experience the unique beauty of that part of the mountains and also to learn what Trail Blazers has to offer.
Itching to STITCH??
The Montague Grange which still uses their original building located on River Road, between Millville and Weider Roads, will be offering Community Sewing. This will be held the 1st & 3rd Saturdays of the month, starting April 17th - from 1:30 to 4:30pm.
Beginners to experts, all levels welcome. Anyone that would like help on a project or who is interested in sewing with people that have different skills... is welcome. Crocheting will also be available.
Montague's Own! 
Mrs. Jeanne Moran.. Montague Elementary's Teacher of the Year and Art Instructor had some of her own paintings on display at the Sussex County Arts & Heritage Gallery at 133 Spring St. in Newton, NJ.
Mrs. Jeanne Moran.. Montague Elementary's Teacher of the Year and Art Instructor had some of her own paintings on display at the Sussex County Arts & Heritage Gallery at 133 Spring St. in Newton, NJ.
Sings of Spring!
A new law goes into effect - April 1st which will affect both motorists and pedestrians. Motorists, previously required to yield to pedestrians, will have to come to a full stop and remain stopped or risk $200 tickets (double the current fine) and two points on their licenses. They can also be subject to 15 days of community service and insurance surcharges. Pedestrians can be fined $54 for not obeying traffic signals.
The law applies to both marked and unmarked crosswalks, which the state traffic code designates as existing at the intersection of any two roadways.
With the advent of Spring and warmer weather - deer, turkeys, and other critters are also on the move. Remain alert!
A new law goes into effect - April 1st which will affect both motorists and pedestrians. Motorists, previously required to yield to pedestrians, will have to come to a full stop and remain stopped or risk $200 tickets (double the current fine) and two points on their licenses. They can also be subject to 15 days of community service and insurance surcharges. Pedestrians can be fined $54 for not obeying traffic signals.
The law applies to both marked and unmarked crosswalks, which the state traffic code designates as existing at the intersection of any two roadways.
With the advent of Spring and warmer weather - deer, turkeys, and other critters are also on the move. Remain alert!
Water, water, ........
With Spring's arrival has come the long anticipated snow melt and unexpected downpours. The rise in the Delaware river is reminiscent of freshets which helped support the transportation of logs downriver to Easton, Philadelphia and Trenton in the olden days.
All along the Delaware and far up along it's branches,
men engaged in logging hemlock, pine, maple and oak. These would be brought to local sawmills and the logs would await the seasonal rise of the river. They would be lashed into rafts and floated downstream. This industry was maintained until canals, aqueducts and bridges impaired the rafts easy passage on the river.
During the journey, the men steering the rafts would tie up at locations along the river, to be able to stop for meals or to rest.
With Spring's arrival has come the long anticipated snow melt and unexpected downpours. The rise in the Delaware river is reminiscent of freshets which helped support the transportation of logs downriver to Easton, Philadelphia and Trenton in the olden days.
All along the Delaware and far up along it's branches,
men engaged in logging hemlock, pine, maple and oak. These would be brought to local sawmills and the logs would await the seasonal rise of the river. They would be lashed into rafts and floated downstream. This industry was maintained until canals, aqueducts and bridges impaired the rafts easy passage on the river. During the journey, the men steering the rafts would tie up at locations along the river, to be able to stop for meals or to rest.
Lá Fhéile Pádraig Today we celebrate St. Patrick's Day & the contributions of individuals of Irish heritage.
John A. O'Grady was born on July 3rd, 1849 in our own hamlet of Montague to Irish parents: Michael and Bridget O'Grady. Fr. Senez, a travelling missionary serving Sussex and Warren Counties, would baptise this child of a Catholic family he "discovered in Montagu, near the Delaware River". The family would eventually relocate to Randolph Township's Dover area.
At the age of sixteen, he chose to follow a calling to enter the priesthood and attended the seminary at Seton Hall - being ordained in 1874 and worked in the diocese of Trenton. While residing in New Brunswick, during his assignment to St. Peter's Parish, he became more than a denominational figure. His sympathies and interests extended into all fields affecting the welfare and happiness of his fellowmen, irrespective of race or belief, his admirers being found in all classes alike. Rev. O'Grady became active in civic affairs and served as a member of the City Park Commission and of the Board of Trade. A devoted friend of Rutgers College, for several years he was the donor of an annual oratory prize, known as the "O'Grady prize."
He accomplished much during his life and was responsible for the the founding of St. Peter's General Hospital as a non-sectarian institution, and was elevated to the status of a Monsignor. For a number of years he also occupied the position of Rural Dean of the northern section of the diocese of Trenton. Monsignor O'Grady died January 15th, 1919.
Celebrate the month of March as Women's History Month!
One of America's unsung heroine's is Ellen Swallow Richards.
If you're confident that your tap water is safe to drink and that your groceries are safe to eat, your confidence rests on her work.
Born in 1842 - Ellen Swallow Richards received no formal education until the age of 16, and was the first woman admitted to MIT. She was the first American woman to earn a degree in Chemistry, helped pioneer the field of Home Economics, and is called the founder of Ecology.
One of America's unsung heroine's is Ellen Swallow Richards.
If you're confident that your tap water is safe to drink and that your groceries are safe to eat, your confidence rests on her work.
Born in 1842 - Ellen Swallow Richards received no formal education until the age of 16, and was the first woman admitted to MIT. She was the first American woman to earn a degree in Chemistry, helped pioneer the field of Home Economics, and is called the founder of Ecology.
Spring forward, Fall back
During DST, clocks are turned forward an hour, effectively moving an hour of daylight from the morning to the evening.
Daylight saving time was first used during World War I, as part of an effort in the United States and other warring countries to conserve fuel. In theory, using daylight more efficiently saves fuel and energy because it reduces the nation's need for artificial light.
The first American to advocate for daylight saving was Benjamin Franklin. He realized in 1784 that many people burned candles at night yet slept past dawn in the summer, wasting early-morning sunlight.
Don't forget to reset your clocks when you go to bed Sat. evening !
Many fire departments encourage people to change the batteries in their smoke detectors when they reset their clocks. A correctly functioning smoke detector more than doubles a person's chances of surviving a home fire.
Daylight Saving Time [DST] returns March 14th
During DST, clocks are turned forward an hour, effectively moving an hour of daylight from the morning to the evening.
Daylight saving time was first used during World War I, as part of an effort in the United States and other warring countries to conserve fuel. In theory, using daylight more efficiently saves fuel and energy because it reduces the nation's need for artificial light.
The first American to advocate for daylight saving was Benjamin Franklin. He realized in 1784 that many people burned candles at night yet slept past dawn in the summer, wasting early-morning sunlight.
Don't forget to reset your clocks when you go to bed Sat. evening !
Many fire departments encourage people to change the batteries in their smoke detectors when they reset their clocks. A correctly functioning smoke detector more than doubles a person's chances of surviving a home fire.
Montague... over the years - as reported in local newspapers:
1795 The Minisink Reformed Church Consistory petitioned the NJ State Legislature for permission to hold a lottery to raise funds needed to repair its meeting house. One of the two petitions noted it had been used as a hospital during the period of the Revolutionary War.
June 1869 Jacob Hornbeck is reported to have raised mammoth strawberries 6 to 8.5 inches in circumference.
Oct. 1869 Flood left cattle in one of Mr. Westfall’s fields nearly submerged.
May 1871 Martin Cole, Esq. erected new Blacksmith and Wheelright shops near his residence at Brick House {village}.
May 1872 Joseph Shimer tore down old Westbrook place.. the scene of the Jobs family massacre in Rev. War, and began to build a new modern home on its foundation.
Oct. 1869 Joshua Cole’s stallion, “American Emperor” was hoping to race at the Brick House track.
July 1873 The Eastern Div. of Erie RR proposed a railroad route following Clove Brook through Montague {… and through what we now call the Westfall Farm or Winery property}.
Nov. 1873 Montague NJ news boasted of a turnip weighing 11 lbs!
Feb. 1878 100,000 feet of white pine logs harvested in Montague were waiting by the river to be taken downstream as one large raft in the spring.
May 1910 High Point Inn sold to Kusers. It was proposed to convert the property into country homes with club membership.
Sept. 1932 JCP&L agreed to extend its distribution lines from the end of the concrete highway in Hainesville to the residence of George Armstrong, as sought by the Montague Improvement Assoc.
June 1934 Folks from Hainesville and Montague attended a baseball game held at the Montague diamond.
Nov. 1937 A new Bar & Grill opened at Rock View.
1946 A site was picked at Wallpack Bend for a proposed dam for the city of Phidadelphia’s water supply.
1966 Montague was the last Sussex County Township to adopt a subdivision ordinance. Had 300 taxpayers in the community at the time. {2000 census had a population of over 3000.}
1795 The Minisink Reformed Church Consistory petitioned the NJ State Legislature for permission to hold a lottery to raise funds needed to repair its meeting house. One of the two petitions noted it had been used as a hospital during the period of the Revolutionary War.
June 1869 Jacob Hornbeck is reported to have raised mammoth strawberries 6 to 8.5 inches in circumference.
Oct. 1869 Flood left cattle in one of Mr. Westfall’s fields nearly submerged.
May 1871 Martin Cole, Esq. erected new Blacksmith and Wheelright shops near his residence at Brick House {village}.
May 1872 Joseph Shimer tore down old Westbrook place.. the scene of the Jobs family massacre in Rev. War, and began to build a new modern home on its foundation.
Oct. 1869 Joshua Cole’s stallion, “American Emperor” was hoping to race at the Brick House track.
July 1873 The Eastern Div. of Erie RR proposed a railroad route following Clove Brook through Montague {… and through what we now call the Westfall Farm or Winery property}.
Nov. 1873 Montague NJ news boasted of a turnip weighing 11 lbs!
Feb. 1878 100,000 feet of white pine logs harvested in Montague were waiting by the river to be taken downstream as one large raft in the spring.
May 1910 High Point Inn sold to Kusers. It was proposed to convert the property into country homes with club membership.
Sept. 1932 JCP&L agreed to extend its distribution lines from the end of the concrete highway in Hainesville to the residence of George Armstrong, as sought by the Montague Improvement Assoc.
June 1934 Folks from Hainesville and Montague attended a baseball game held at the Montague diamond.
Nov. 1937 A new Bar & Grill opened at Rock View.
1946 A site was picked at Wallpack Bend for a proposed dam for the city of Phidadelphia’s water supply.
1966 Montague was the last Sussex County Township to adopt a subdivision ordinance. Had 300 taxpayers in the community at the time. {2000 census had a population of over 3000.}
Route A still being considered for the Susquehannah-Roseland project ?
The NPS is currently in the process of accepting comments on PSE&G's approved Route B, which would cut through the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation area [Click the link via the underlined text]. Alternatives include revisiting the two previously proposed routes A or C - as well as other separate options of rerouting Route B and Do Not Build.
Everyone is able to comment.
Neighboring Wantage Township contines to stand in opposition to Route A, which would also impact Montague. Route A would initially enter NJ by the Delaware River, cross over from PA in the vicinity of lower Mashipacong Island.. run parallel to Mashipacong Rd., then head east into and through High Point State Park and cross across the Appalachian Trail.
Our PA neighbors are renewing their opposition. Data is presented online, which shows the height of the proposed power lines.
PSE&G Alternative Route Identification Report - is a report done of all three routes and notes data specifically pertinent to Montague.
Route B is currently opposed by Stop the Lines, and videos and information are posted at Oppose the Towers. The transmission lines would not bring additional power to many of the communities it would affect along the Delaware River. It is essentially a power highway.. with no local exits. The new lattice towers and poles for these lines are proposed at heights of 190 feet .. 30 feet shorter than High Point Monument.
The NPS is currently in the process of accepting comments on PSE&G's approved Route B, which would cut through the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation area [Click the link via the underlined text]. Alternatives include revisiting the two previously proposed routes A or C - as well as other separate options of rerouting Route B and Do Not Build.
Everyone is able to comment.
Neighboring Wantage Township contines to stand in opposition to Route A, which would also impact Montague. Route A would initially enter NJ by the Delaware River, cross over from PA in the vicinity of lower Mashipacong Island.. run parallel to Mashipacong Rd., then head east into and through High Point State Park and cross across the Appalachian Trail.
Our PA neighbors are renewing their opposition. Data is presented online, which shows the height of the proposed power lines.
PSE&G Alternative Route Identification Report - is a report done of all three routes and notes data specifically pertinent to Montague.
Route B is currently opposed by Stop the Lines, and videos and information are posted at Oppose the Towers. The transmission lines would not bring additional power to many of the communities it would affect along the Delaware River. It is essentially a power highway.. with no local exits. The new lattice towers and poles for these lines are proposed at heights of 190 feet .. 30 feet shorter than High Point Monument.
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2010 .... moving towards the future!
Montague Township is at the TOP OF NEW JERSEY and welcomes those travelling into New Jersey from New York and Pennsylvania - our neighbors in this Tri-State region. We are crowned with High Point, and the majestic Delaware River flows right alongside us. Less than 2 hours from Metropolitan NY City - the township sits amidst a backdrop of the beauty of nature in Sussex County - its people a blend of old and new, longtime resident and newcomer.
The celebration of Montague township, as having been in existence for a quarter of a millenium as of 2009, should help us to consider the years ahead. Little remains from our significant past which would allow us to fully appreciate our wonderful heritage, as a result of infrastructure changes and the Tocks Island Dam proposal. The town residents have the opportunity to reflect on what we want Montague to be - both for now, and the future - and what we wish to protect for future generations.
Montague Township is at the TOP OF NEW JERSEY and welcomes those travelling into New Jersey from New York and Pennsylvania - our neighbors in this Tri-State region. We are crowned with High Point, and the majestic Delaware River flows right alongside us. Less than 2 hours from Metropolitan NY City - the township sits amidst a backdrop of the beauty of nature in Sussex County - its people a blend of old and new, longtime resident and newcomer.While the actual 250th anniversary year is over, we continue to celebrate Montague and the people who call it "home".
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