A History of Slavery in New Jersey

Durand-Hedden and the South Orange-Maplewood Community Coalition on Race created an extensive exploration of the history of slavery in New Jersey. The exhibit was done in conjunction with our annual programs on Juneteenth, the African American celebration of the end of slavery, and turned into a book, Slavery in New Jersey: A Troubled History, available from the Durand-Hedden House Country Store or by mail by clicking on the link on the home page.

An article about the Juneteenth program and exhibit also was published in Matters Magazine in 2019.

Shuttles, Spindle and Flyer Wheels: Hand Spinning and Weaving in the 21st Century

The Essex County Hand Spinners Guild visited Durand-Hedden House to demonstrate the magical art of spinning fibers into yarn on hand spindles and spinning wheels, some antique or traditional in appearance, and some contemporary with a modern look. Weavers demonstrated how cloth is made on a variety of looms, and visitors were invited to try their hand at spinning and weaving.

Spinning and weaving fibers have been part of human existence for tens of thousands of years. While the tools have been modified over time, the basic result of twisting fibers into useable string, yarn or rope and then weaving it in an organized manner remains the same. Despite the industrial revolutions of the 18th and 19th centuries that mechanized these processes, people throughout the world carry on these earlier practices and many follow traditions particular to a specific culture. In this country, hand spinners and weavers continue these crafts for the love of learning about and continuing a tradition, and the ability to produce unique yarns and fabrics.

Exploring Golf Island

The Golf Island neighborhood of Maplewood, bordered by the Maplewood Country Club golf course, the Morris and Essex rail line, and the Maplewood Middle School, evolved from farmland in the 19th and early 20th centuries to today’s cohesive suburban neighborhood. Beginning with New York druggist John W. Shedden’s 1861-1867 purchases of 30 acres around Maple Street, home lots were mapped and two “cottages” were built. Of larger consequence to the town was Shedden’s donation of one acre of land (near Lenox Avenue in the current Village) to the Morris and Essex Railroad to build a station, soon named ‘Maplewood Station’ for a notable nearby tree and maple swamp.

Development began slowly, then accelerated in the early 1900s with new streets and houses and the construction of the 1903 brick Maplewood School on Baker Street. By 1910, the neighborhood largely took on the layout we see today. In 1916, the Maplewood Field Club (later the Maplewood Country Club) acquired property to the east previously owned by Charles DeGrasse, builder of the Maplewood Sporting Club, beginning the setting of clear boundaries and preventing development of the land surrounding Golf Island.

Various town residents had their hand in selling and subdividing property or building houses, including the Brower, Pierson, and Salter families, and architect Kenneth Dalzell. The homes are primarily early 20th century single-family dwellings in the Colonial Revival, Italian Revival, and Craftsman styles. Some Victorian houses remain at the northeastern end.

In 2017-18, an architectural survey of Golf Island was completed for the Maplewood Historic Preservation Commission by Hunter Research Inc. An exhibit at the Durand-Hedden House displayed maps, shows representative houses, explained the history of the golf course and Maplewood Middle School, and featured stories of some early developers and residents.