Eighth-grader Amelia Mohabir, who received a Young Historian award, describes how her teachers inspired her interest in history. Sussex County historian Bill Truran, center, and county Commissioner Jack DeGroot listen. (Photo by Judy Perentin)
A historical marker was awarded for Franklin’s Palmer Plant. From left are county historian Bill Truran, Judy Williams of Franklin and county Commissioner Jack DeGroot. (Photo by Judy Perentin)
For me, a symbol of the essence of the spirit of Sussex County is the fair. Known by many as the Sussex County Fair and the Farm & Horse Show, this summer attraction is now also the New Jersey State Fair.
Our county has grown from hardy pioneers and settlers to a largely farming and cattle, horses and stock-raising community. These farmers were self-reliant and could live off the grains and animals that they raised on the good earth, sufficient water and rolling hills of Sussex.
The Farmers Picnic along Lake Grinnell was popular, and when the railroads came in the 1870s, it is said that it drew many thousands of attendees, coming on a day pass from far-flung destinations, such as Hamburg and Sparta.
The fair in Newton lasted for many years, preserved in some fine Currier and Ives-style paintings, and I remember going to the Branchville Fair, below Selected Risks, in the 1960s.
Today, it is a wonderful several hours in late afternoon that we go to the current fair in Augusta. I like to check if I have won a prize on my photography (not so this year, although two ribbons last year).
Seeing old friends, finding new ones, inspecting the prize crops of corn or apples, and observing the beautiful animals is an annual tradition. The county’s prize horses, Holsteins and Jerseys can be seen at the fair and are representative of what can be found on nearby farms and ranches along the hills of Wantage and Stillwater and other county places near and far.
We need to remember all that we are blessed to have here in Sussex County. We need to sustain our cultures and ways of life. We need to preserve vital artifacts and places. This is why I like to go to the Saturday night Historian Awards ceremony.
This is where the historical markers are awarded. They are partially funded by the county commissioners and partially by the applicant historical society, which is the recipient of the marker that has been vetted by our esteemed historians.
This year, the Palmer Plant in Franklin was awarded, recognizing the at one time largest zinc concentrating plant in the world. It closed exactly 80 years ago and the closing was on national TV in 1954.
This is where the Young Historians are acclaimed as the up-and-coming standard-bearers of keeping our history and heritage alive.
We all are thankful for the interest that these youth have in history, and we applaud their participation and hope that they keep the spirit of Sussex County alive for the next generation.
Bill Truran, Sussex County’s historian, may be contacted at billt1425@gmail.com