1979: June Cunningham Hammill's Gift to Hamilton

Those who are interested in our Colonial and Revolutionary War heritage here in Hamilton will be intererested to know that Hamilton's John Abbott II House on Kuser Road at the entrance to Veterans' Park played a small part in the war by virtue of hiding money from the British. The full story can be found in the current Hamilton History, "The History of Hamilton Township, Written by People Who Live Here." The late June Cunningham Hammill was a colleague of mine who also freelanced for the Mercer Messenger. June had a little cottage directly next to the Mercerville Fire Company back in the 50's and 60's. The article above will explain. That Doctors' House has been restored and sits proudly in the back yard of the Abbott House property.

BY THE WAY, THIS SUNDAY FROM 2 TO PM, THE SOCIETY IS HOLDING THEIR ANNUAL OLD FASHIONED "WASSAIL PARTY." IT'S FREE, AND THE "PUBLICK" IS INVITED TO ATTEND. I WILL BE BRINGING MY CHRISTMAS MUSIC FOR A CHRISTMAS SINGALONG. SEE YOU THERE!

2008: THE JOHN ABBOTT II DOCTOR'S HOUSE

THIS, AND THE NEXT POST PUTS THE SPOTLIGHT ON ONE OF THE ATTRACTIONS TO BE SEEN AT SUNDAY'S SEPTEMBER FEST CELEBRATION. THE DOCTOR'S HOUSE IS BEING MAINTAINED BY THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF HAMILTON TOWNSHIP. BE SURE TO VISIT THE ABBOTT FARM AREA IF YOU GO TO SEPTEMBERFEST. YOU WILL ALSO BE ABLE TO PURHASE A COPY OF HAMILTON'S NEWEST HISTORY BOOK AT VERY ATTRACTIVE PRICES: $10.00 FOR THE SOFT COVER VERSION, AND $20.00 FOR THE HARDBOUND EDITION.

1979: THE DOCTOR'S HOUSE

MANY YEARS AGO, I WAS A COLUMNIST WITH MY DEAR FRIEND, THE LATE JUNE CUNNINGHAM HAMMIL. JUNE HAD A LITTLE ANTIQUE SHOP DIRECTLY NEXT TO THE MERCERVILLE FIRE HOUSE BACK IN THE 1960's. I recall purchasing a huge collection of "Life" magazines from her, which are still in my collection. I love to read about life in the 30's and 40's. June disposed of her little antiques building, donating it to the Historical Society of Hamilton Township. It has been restored to its original state and furnished with vintage physician' s tools. The photo above shows the little building with Hamilton historian Bob Simpkins taking the part of a Colonial physician.

The John Abbott II House on Kuser Road

At the Kuser Road entrance to Veteran's Park you will find the delightful pre-Revolutionary War John Abbott II house. The lady you see in the article featuring the historic building is Ms. Lillian Tindall Smith, who grew up in the house. Lillian and her numerous docents from the historical society can recount the fascinating history that lies within the centuries old walls. The John Abbott II house is open for tours on Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 PM. If you haven't been on one of these tours, treat yourself and your family; you won't be sorry.

This is the John Abbott II House

Oh yeah! There wasn't enough space in previous Historical Society posts to include this photo of the BEAUTIFUL John Abbott II house. If you visit, and I hope you will, you will be taken on a tour of the grand old home which exudes an incredible sense of antiquity. Wait 'till you hear the story of the broken crockery and the hidden rebel money they stashed there!