Wallace House and Old Dutch Parsonage

It took us two tries, but Ashley and I visited the Wallace House and Old Dutch Parsonage. That is why the best word of advice is to call before visiting a historic and verify that it will be open when you want to go. The first time I called the day before after they closed. I took a chance, and lost. The second time I called the day before and spoke with Jim, the curator. The only reason we gave it a second try was that it was recommended by our good friend, Heidi Harendza, as well as reenactors at Fosterfields.

The Wallace House's claim to fame is that Washington spent a winter in the house during the Revolutionary War. There were three winters during the War. The first winter he spent in Valley Forge, PA training the troops. The second winter he spent in Somerset, NJ at the Wallace House, and everything went well. The third winter he spent in Morristown, NJ and it was the coldest winter in the 18th century.

Jim is extremely knowledgeable. He answered all of our obscure questions. The only one he did not know the answer to (and which I will continue to ask) is what did women keep in their pockets during the Colonial Era? Each site will tell you about their pockets, but no one seems to know why they needed it. It wasn't for electronics (obviously), probably not for keys or even money (you could sign for things in town). What was left?

Practically in the backyard of the Wallace House is the Old Dutch Parsonage. Again, Jim gave us the tour of this work in progress. The house used to reside in another part of town. In 1907 when the railroad was going to be built through town, the house was slated for demolition. Fortunately it was able to be saved.

Jim asked me to remember that, in addition to being the home of pastors of the Dutch Reformed churches in the area, it was the home of Jacob Hardenbergh -- the first President of Queen's College, known today as Rutgers.

Wallace House: http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/historic/olddutch-wallace/odwh-wallacehouse.htm
Old Dutch Parsonage: http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/historic/olddutch-wallace/odwh-home.htm