West Portal Historical Society
Meetings will be held at 1:00 PM in the Community Center Meeting Room at the Bethlehem Township Municipal Complex on Mine Road.
2016 Dates: Mar 17, Apr 21, May 19, June 16, July 21, Aug 18, Sept 15, Oct 13, Nov 17, Dec 15
Office Location: 292 Asbury-West Portal Road, Bethlehem, NJ
Mail: P.O. Box 134, Asbury, NJ 08802
Email: [email protected] (Subject: WPHS)
Background
The West Portal Historic Society was founded in 1982 by a spirited group of Bethlehem Township citizens dedicated to researching West Portal history. At the story’s heart lie the farms of fertile Musconetcong Valley, including those of Jacob Vliet, Joseph W. Willever, W. Drake and Benjamin Opdyke. Other significant highlights include the West Portal Tunnel, the West Portal Hotel and the Fred Duckworth Log Cabin. Today, that documented research plus ruins such as the Vanetta Creamery and the Valley School provide insight into 18th and 19th century life. Encouraging Interest in Local History
When our Old Town House in West Portal, one of the oldest municipal structures in Hunterdon County, was threatened by decay, the Society engaged residents and the Township Committee in restoration efforts. The Committee’s commitment and funding helped the Society to obtain financing for a new roof and attic repairs. Energized Boy Scouts provided landscaping and a driveway. From inception, the Society has sponsored guest speakers to excite interest in local history, including topics such as historic research and architecture. Documenting Township Heritage
The Society is working to document all existing Bethlehem Township historic buildings. Efforts began with a 2006 Master Plan Update surveying the state of historic structures included in earlier Plans. Members have begun recording the fascinating oral histories of our long-time residents so these personal remembrances can bring the Township’s past to life for others. The Society also welcomes donations or loans of artifacts for displays that will shed more light on our heritage. Expanding Understanding of the Past’s Impact on the Present and Future
The Society continues to provide educational programs with a focus on ways the past has impacted our community. For example, the program on railroad development promoted understanding of ways transportation affected local economic development. From this viewpoint, we can better understand how newer transportation forms changed it further. The Society is actively seeking long-time residents willing to give oral histories, which will then be transcribed and shared with residents. Adults and children can use these fascinating accounts to compare their experiences with those of the past — and possibly to speculate on the future. Exploring Opportunities to Preserve Historic Structures and Landscapes
Committed to the restoration and preservation of the Old Town House, the Society secured a grant from the NJ Historic Trust for roof and attic repairs. That funding, plus Hunterdon County Planning Board Trust Fund Program grant and private investment, provided the means to reclaim this charming historic building. It will be the first Township building listed on the National and NJ Registers of Historic Places.
