The Fair!

Back in 1869, Montague hosted its own horse fair!

Excerpt from Evening Gazette

about Railroads & Montague....

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.