[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 25 (Friday, February 9, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E314]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO ROXBURY TOWNSHIP HISTORICAL SOCIETY

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                      HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, February 9, 2007

  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Roxbury 
Township Historical Society in the Township of Roxbury, Morris County, 
New Jersey, a vibrant community I am proud to represent. On February 
10, 2007, the good citizens will celebrate the Roxbury Township 
Historical Society's 45th Anniversary.
  In the early 1960's Roxbury citizens were cataloguing historic sites 
and structures in preparation for participation in the State of New 
Jersey's Three Hundredth Anniversary when several active participants 
determined the need for a town historical society. The Roxbury Township 
Historical Society was formed on February 12, 1962 to research, 
preserve and promote the township's heritage, one of the four original 
townships designated by the County of Morris in 1740.
  One home in the inventory, in the Ledgewood section of Roxbury 
Township, with a sloping rear roof-line reminiscent of early salt 
containers, was threatened by demolition. The rescue of this pre-
Revolutionary dwelling became the Society's first major project. With 
great effort that included having the intact structure moved to its 
present site; fundraising; help from various sectors of the community; 
and the guidance of architectural historian, John Dodd, the Society 
transformed the Silas Riggs Saltbox House from a forlorn old building 
into a warm and welcoming living history museum. The house now hosts a 
variety of events that provide a glimpse into the past for those who 
step inside. It also serves as the Society's meeting place and 
repository of historical data.
  By 1976, our nation's bicentennial's year, the house was completely 
restored and the Society held a dedication ceremony in honor of its 
restoration. During the Bicentennial, the Society spear-headed a 
variety of township-wide activities, and did so again in 1990 when 
Roxbury Township celebrated its 250th anniversary.
  Over the years, Society members collectively and individually have 
provided numerous services to the community. Society accomplishments 
include the publication of three volumes of township history and lore; 
the sponsoring of house tours; tours of the township and activities at 
the Saltbox House for lower grade school children over a fourteen year 
period ftom 1975 through 1989. The Society members have hosted living 
history days for the interpretation of early skills and crafts and 
scouting activities that encourage community participation on the part 
of our young people. They reach out to other historically and 
preservation minded organizations; and have achieved State and National 
Historic Register status for the Saltbox House, as well as for other 
historical structures in the township, including the Theodore King 
Canal Store and King Homestead. Society members provide programs to 
civic groups and schools not only in the township, but also to 
neighboring communities.
  Madam Speaker, I urge you and my colleagues to join me in 
congratulating the Roxbury Township Historical Society on the 
celebration of its 45th Anniversary.

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