Sunday Oct. 18, 2015 – Van Campen Day 2015 was a cold and partly-cloudy day, but there was a great turn out. There were close to 450 visitors that joined us in celebrating this special day about American history.
Beginning at Noon, visitors began arriving and filling the parking area. The Van Campen Inn was open to tours and was the best bet to take a break from the cold breezes and the occasional snow squalls. WHS Trustees Skip Hemschot and Jen Wycalek were on hand to answer questions about the history of the building. Bob Brandt was demonstrating chair caning and rushing while in another room Lydia Chiappini was showing guests wool spinning and had a display of garments she had made. Other volunteers were: Jane Butz – crocheting, Walt Colombo – Apple cider making (grinding and pressing) and Karen Stevenson was providing background music and history of the Autoharp.
Mid afternoon there was a parade lead by The Colonial Musketeers Fife & Drum Corp which lead visitors to the Rosenkrans Marker. From there, Frank Hennion lead a hike to the Shapanack, Clark and African American cemeteries. Gerald DeGroat, of the Sons of the American Revolution, provided the group with the history of the Rosenkrans Family. Meanwhile at the Rosenkrans Museum, Audrey and Allyson Schwab-Miller were on hand to greet over 60 visitors.
Considering the weather, the most popular items at the concession stand were hot coffee and apple cider donuts. We also provided hot tea, water and sodas as well as a selection of pumpkin donuts and brownies. A special thanks to Trustees Ruth Stieh, Chris Cunningham, Joanne Wirths and Myra Snook for braving the cold for all of us.
We appreciate the National Park Service’s support for this event and it was great having Jennifer Kavanaugh there to represent the NPS and all that they do to help preserve Walpack History.
Please make a note, this year’s Van Campen Day is on Sunday Oct. 16th, 2016. Check our website and Facebook for updates on this event and all the others provided by the Walpack Historical Society.
