1897: HAVE I FOUND ASAY SPRINGS?

I have had two or three visitors to my website asking about the location of Asay Springs. I think I may have found the answer. The obit in the shaded area above right reports the passing of Mr. Pearson A. Cubberley, and as you can see, it mentions his farm which is located on the site of Asay Springs. I have super-imposed a black arrow, pointing to the farm of "P. Cubberley, including two buildings, and if you look closeley, you will see that he held 80 acres. That area along Crosswick's Creek, along with Broad Street Park's Spring Lake, was the location of numerous underground springs. The draw bridge shown in the map is long gone, replaced by the bridge that crosses Crosswicks Creek on Route 206 South.

(A note from Tom: There was a Revolutionary War skirmish
at that draw bridge.)

1915: THE ROBERT PEARSON HOUSE

Gone but not forgotten is the historic Robert Pearson House, not to be confused with the Isaac Pearson House over on Hamilton's Independence Avenue. The Robert Pearson House is no more. Using today's topography, it was located beyond the White Horse Circle between White Horse and Yardville, in the general area of the apartments on South Broad Street and in closer proximity to Crosswicks Creek and the area in which I believed "Asay Springs" was located. I have been searching for years for information of the Asay Springs-Bordentown Water Works connection. Hopefully, more info will evolve as I dig deeper and deeper into my newspaper collection. I have learned that the area from Riverview Cemetery down in South Trenton, and the marshes southeastward to Spring Lake and Bordentown were the site of numerous natural springs.

1915: ELIZABETH CUBBERLEY ASAY SPRINGS NATIVE

One of the many elusive historical subjects along with Camp Olden, is the actual location of the Bordentown Water Works' reserve water supply which was at "Asay Springs." The above is my take on the location, but please understand this is my position at this time, and certainly subject to correction. My research as revealed the the "P. Cubberley" farm shown on the map I have inserted in the graphic above, is in the area of the historic skirmish the Continental soldiers had with the British during the Revolutionary War. At the time, it was a drawbridge. Today is the bridge over the Crosswicks Creek on Route 206. My contention is that Asay Springs is that body of water shown in the map just to the right of the drawbridge as shown on the map.

FROM "LAKESIDE GIRL"

Tom - Check the facts about the skirmish over the Crosswicks Creek at a drawbridge - I believe it was over the drawbridge in the village of Crosswicks - the skirmish taking place when a cannonball was lodged in the wall of the Crosswicks Meeting House. Not sure. Lakeside Girl

That was a different skirmish, Lakeside Girl. This one was at the drawbridge that spans the creek on today's Route 206. As I recall, it was only a rifle type skirmish. No artillery.

Tom

Gary Lippincott said...

I don't believe there ever was a drawbridge in Crosswicks, the water there is not navigable. Sailing vessels did sail from Groveville and the docks at Yardville to the Delaware. The bridge on the Bordentown Road was low enough to the water, to warrant a draw bridge to accommodate sailing vessels

Wednesday, August 04, 2010

Anonymous said...

Tom & Gary - I stand corrected. Thank you.
Lakeside Girl

I'VE REACHED THE "GOOGLE-MAX"

In the absence of the ability to post graphics until Google re-instates my 10 Gigabyte space on this website, I will be posting Microsoft Word articles which I hand transcribed back before the advent of the personal computer. All of these articles were generated on a device which was known as a typewriter. In this case an IBM "Selectric" electric typewriter. Talk about "Hi Tech!"

SATURDAY, MAY 2, 1891- Gazette

A RAMBLE AROUND BROAD STREET PARK

Every day there can be seen at the Broad Street Park, groups of delighted ramblers and pleasure seekers. It is remarkable how each year the charms of this beautiful spot increase, and the general attractiveness of the place becomes more popular. A GAZETTE reporter spent yesterday rambling among the many features of the place.

The apple trees are blushing into bloom, and the grand and majestic forest oaks are just bursting their buds. It is a rare sight to see the little April violet peep forth from the tall meadow grass in countless numbers. The glassy lake has become a beautiful mirror.

By going down Cedar lane, the Overlook House is reached, formerly called the Mansion House. The occupant of the house is Mrs. Newell, wife of Dr. Wm. D. Newell, who was a brother to ex-Governor Newell, and who served in the late civil war in the Twenty-eighth New Jersey Regiment. Mrs. Newell is a woman of "go-aheadative-ness." She expects to run a first-class boarding house this Summer, and at the same time will serve Gilbert's ice cream, and other refreshments. There will also be swings, razzle-dazzle and cable road for the amusement of pleasure seekers. The old barn will he torn down and a dancing pavilion erected in its place.

The next place of attraction is called the Amphitheater. This is a great gorge at the foot of a steep embankment in the form of a semi--circle, and must be from forty to fifty feet deep.

The next place visited was lookout Point. Here is obtained a splendid view of the park in all its beauty and romance. To the east is Cliff Way, another peculiar gorge, full of gnarled roots and green moss. To the west is Rowan avenue, a charming situation for a home.

On the way down the hill, one passes "Little Cupid's Bower." It consists of a cedar seat under a shady tree, and will hold "Just two." Right below it is Diana's Springs. On the other side are the picnic grounds and rambles. The old tree fences and cedar bowers, which have been added here and there since last year, are very picturesque and artistic. A pleasant place to ramble in is the "Serpentine Lane," which leads to the South Causeway. This road leads across the meadows to the railroad. The willow stumps which were planted last year are now out in full bloom. To the left is the water of Apollinaris Spring; to the right is one of the coolest springs in the park. Near this is the Indian Boiling Spring. Where the water comes from seems to be a mystery; what makes it boil and babble, more puzzling than ever.

The place is under continual care and good management, and by the time Summer arrives Broad Street Park will not be surpassed by any in the State of New Jersey. ' It is understood that Colonel Perrine proposes to connect the Cadwalader and Broad Street Parks in the near future.

Charles Conrad Abbott's "Meadows"

MONDAY, JULY 3, 1893
THE BEAUTY OF BROAD STREET PARK AND “THE MEADOWS”
Among the numerous near by places where a day’s outing can be obtained readily and cheaply, Broad Street Park is worth a passing notice. Having an hour or two to spare on Saturday, the writer boarded an electric car, and in a few minutes was set down at Harrison Avenue, the entrance to the park. and a walk of a very few minutes sufficed to reach the park itself, and enjoy a view of nature unadorned. The scenery at the park is quite diversified, consisting of highland, lowland, lake, field and forest. On the bluff is located the Overlook House, on the spacious verandah of which cool breezes constantly play, and on Saturday Winkler’s orchestra for an hour or two discoursed a number of choice selections. Near the mansion in the cozy groves are located tables and seats painted a vivid red an yellow, designed for the use of picnic parties.
The view from the bluff is somewhat restricted because of the thick growth of trees and underbrush, which while it affords abundant shade, interferes with the view of the lake and the long low lying levels toward the river. The visitor may descend the bluff by means of the terraced stairs, in easy stages, by the road that winds down with many a turn, and angle. In passing down the steps the visitor reaches the side of “Spring Lake,” which is supplied by springs, with which this locality abounds; in fact almost at the foot of the stairs is Silver Spring, affording an abundance of pure water cold as ice and distilled fresh from its rock-bound recesses. As one passes along Lakeside pathway other springs come in view bearing beautiful names. This pathway runs along the northern edge to its southern side, and then along in that direction until the ramble is reached, where the path diverges to the left beneath old forest trees grown heavy with age, and the real beauty of the place appears. Seats and tables are scattered about, and the debris lying around indicate that many a picnic party has had good times here. Passing over the Suspension Bridge, the Boiling Spring is reached, where the water boils up, cold as ice, and causes the white sand through which it forces its way to bubble as it in a cauldron. The meadows are covered with a luxuriant growth of red and white Boneset and other wild flowering plants, which present a beautiful appearance when in full bloom. If now wearied with walking, a boat is readily procured, and a row on the lake, covering twenty six (acres ?), is an enjoyable way of passing an hour, or if your taste runs to fishing, you may gratify that at the same time. Water lilies and other aquatic treasures may be secured with but little effort. Wearied perhaps, with all this, you ascend the bluff, and there are swings inviting you to a dreamy siesta, or seated on the comfortable seats on the terrace you can feast your beauty-loving eyes on the attractions spread before you. A number of the city Sunday schools have already engaged days on which to enjoy their annual picnics and the youngsters say they always have a good time when they go to the Broad Street Park.

1930: SOUTHERN AREA OF HAMILTON LACKS WATER

I HAVE ALWAYS WONDERED WHY SOME ENTERPRISING ORGANIZATION DIDN'T HARNESS THE WATER FROM THE NATURAL SPRINGS AT HAMILTON TOWNSHIP'S PORTION OF SPRING LAKE AT WHITE CITY. THERE WAS AN ATTEMPT TO DO JUST THAT BACK IN THE 1800'S, BUT FOR SOME REASON THE PROJECT WAS ABANDONED. PERHAPS A TRENTON-HAMILTON-BORDENTOWN MARSH PERSON KNOWS THE ANSWER. THERE WAS SUPPOSEDLY AN ETERNAL SUPPLY OF SPRING WATER JUST WAITING TO BE PROCESSED.

1934: Andrew Gropp, Jr.

Brian Smith, Palm Springs, CA said...

Andy & Gladys (Matelena) Gropp owned the Adam and Eve Health Spa on South Clinton. He went on to own several other Trenton area health clubs before retiring to Fort Lauderdale, FL where he still resides (as far as I know). Andy's wife Gladys and my mother Alberta (Matelena) Smith were first cousins and I am in contact with their daughter who lives in Robbinsville.

an earlier post from "Anonymous" said...

I believe Andy Gropp had a brother Walt. Walt Gropp and his family owned Gropp's Tavern on the White Horse Circle. The senior Walt Gropp was president of the NJ Beverage Assn. at one time.

Thanks for the comments, Brian and "Anonymous," The all add much to the info in the graphic.

Tom Glover

From my "NOTABLE PERSONS" and "WHITE HORSE" folders, this "then and now" photo of Andrew Gropp, Jr., whose White Horse family links go back forever. I have a question directed to someone who might know the answer: Back in my Trenton Bearing Company years, a very athletic Andy Gropp came in for bearings, roller chain, vee belts, and other parts for his exercise equipment. He obviously utilized his exercise equipment on a daily basis. He had muscles on top of his muscles. Can anyone fill me in on the relationship of that Andy Gropp? His gym was located on South Clinton Avenue; I believe in Hamilton Township.

Thanks to Dave and Glenn Rogers for family information on the McGalliard family. File this under "Little Known White Horse History:" I know White Horse is named after a legend that George Washington passed through the hamlet on a white horse, and thus the name. An appropriate name could have been "McGalliardville" due to the incredible history this family has and had over the years in the area of Hamilton we know of as White Horse. Here's a vignette of graphics showing the business of William McGalliard and his son as they supplied water to the surrounding suburban neighborhoods. The article on the left is from the Hamilton Library digital files and tells of W.V.'s failed attempt to draw artesian well water from the many springs in the Hamilton area and supply it to the city of Trenton.

JoeB said...

Tom:
I live on E. McGalliard Avenue moved here in 1957. At the time the road was gravel. A few years later the road was repaved. During the repaving they discovered wooden pipes under the road. At that time I was told that the pipes were from the water towers from the McGalliard Estate. This article confirms the fact, I never saw pictures of the towers. I was also told that East McGalliard was the drive to the McGalliard Estate. Originally was lined with Maple and Pine trees, driving down the street was like driving through a tunnel.

Thursday, January 26, 2012

1891: "SILVER SPRING" AT BROAD STREET PARK

This exquisite photo is from a very popular and quite rare publication entitled, "TRENTON ILLUSTRATED." I have digitized most of the photos and will be posting them as time permits. This photo gives an idea of the lake before the amusement parks of the 20th century. Back in 1889, the Broad Street Land Association was advertising theis beautiful area, inviting visitors to visit Spring Lake and Lookout Point.

Anonymous said...

Those are beautiful designs. The boats are low so not affected by the wind and have a nice "work platform" at the stern. I have to wonder if they pulled the boats or sunk them end of season to keep the swollen so they didn't leak or get ice damage. That was the custom up north. Lord Tom, it is hard to visualize that area in a pristine state since it has been marsh since I was a kid in the 1950's. Now I should have remembered this a week or so ago when you had the article about Asay Springs which is close, but I didn't so allow me the liberty now. I remember a nice fellow Ray Londahl or Londell who sold bait (live killies or worms), and rented row boats right where the bridge crosses on Route 206 and I think you can see remnants of the property on the north bound side. Thank you again for these wonderful memories and they were wonderful times, indeed! We are just not nostalgic fools.

Ed Millerick

Friday, August 12, 2011

Many thanks for the input, Ed. It's folks like you who make all the hard work worthwhile.

Tom Glover

1921: WHITE CITY OPENS FOR THE SEASON

Above is an ad from the entertainment page of the State Gazette announcing the opening of Hamilton Township's legendary White City Park. Did you know that Broad Street Park area historian Jim Colello has a website dedicated to the Broad Street Park-White City area?Check out Broad Street Park Yesteryears at  bsp086.blogspot.com

Jim C said...

1921 was the last year the park operated as "The White City". New ownership took over in 1922 and named it "Boiling Springs Amusement Park". It operated for one year then went defunct.

Saturday, June 08, 2013

 

Tom Glover wrote:

 

See? I told you all to visit Jim's Broad Street Park website?

 

1941: WHEN BICYCLES WERE BICYCLES

Remember when you could ride in a sitting up position on your bike, and not have to lean over and DOWN to reach the handle bars? Remember when the bicycle seat had soft springs that would soften the impact of bumps on the road and on your derriere? Remember when bikes had fenders that caught the water and mud on those rainy day outings? Remember when you could use a backward "crank" on your pedals and those old reliable "New Departure" brakes skidded you to an instant stop? Well I sure do. Not being a racing bike expert nor being interested in bicycle racing, I can't for the life of me understand why the modern, titanium, aluminum and other space age bikes are only manufactured for the guy or gal who is affluent enough to put mucho bucks down on the counter to buy a bone crunching "Raleigh" or "Schwinn." Fortunately, there is an oasis for those of us who recall those wonderful years of casual, comfortable, and easy-going bike rides. In fact, a few years ago my daughter and son in law bought me a bike much like the "Hawthorne" in the illustration above and I love it. It doesn't have all those gears and sprockets and other junk to break down. It's just a bare bones bike with reflectors and oversize balloon tires (instead of those tires that are the size of a garden hose,) and a very effective "New Departure" coaster brake. Add those "Texas Steer" handle bars we had on the bike of yesteryear instead of those "pretzel" type handle bars that you have to stretch forward and downward to reach, and you have a bike that fits the human body. Of course, this all assumes that you are a casual bike user.

(I hand colored the graphic which was from an old black and white "Gazette" ad from Montgomery Ward in downtown Trenton, December, 1941. Both of my brothers had the fabled "Hawthorne" bicycle.)