Speaker Series: Guest Speaker: Mr. Drew Tomlin Author of: Tidal Wave
February 23, 2020 @ 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Speaker Series
Sunday, February 23rd, 2020 – 2-4pm
Guest Speaker: Mr. Drew Tomlin
Author of: Tidal Wave
The Bayshore Center at Bivalve (BCB) has released its book “Tidal Wave The Great Appalachian Storm of 1950”. Firsthand accounts of this historic storm’s impact on Bayshore towns were compiled by volunteer Drew Tomlin and interns Shoanne Seijas and Ashley Hines.
November 25th, 1950, is a day that many New Jersey Bayshore residents have never forgotten. On that fateful day perfect storm conditions resulted in a devastating tidal wave that destroyed communities and took lives. Fifteen people along the Delaware Bayshore died that day and approximately 2,500 people were displaced. Homes were destroyed, boats and vehicles floated away and property damage was devastating. Residents carried their memories of this event as time went on, and many still still share their stories with one another, their families and friends. As years passed the events of the day became the best-known secret of the Bayshore area. Now, firsthand accounts of the Tidal Wave serve as a cautionary tale concerning disaster preparedness, poor housing practices and environmental injustice.
Books can also be purchased during the talk, at BCB, at https://bayshorecenter.org/store/ or by calling Teri at 856.785.2060. All sales benefit the BCB.
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CUMBERLAND COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY’S SITES TO SEE AND VISIT ALONG YE GREATE STREET IN GREENWICH
· 1730 Gibbon House – This well-preserved townhouse was erected by Nicholas Gibbon, who built his home in the village because it was convenient for his shipping business. The house is an excellent example of Flemish bond patterned brick work, with red and blue alternating headers and stretchers forming the pattern and a pent-roof. (Hours open: Tuesday through Sunday – 1 to 4 p.m. Closed January, February and March.)
· Cumberland County Log Granary – When the granary was built, this part of South Jersey was known as New Sweden. It is said to be the oldest agricultural building in the United States. (Same hours as the Gibbon House.)
· 1930 Red Barn Museum – On display are items once used in the homes, farms and industries of Cumberland County. (Same hours as the Gibbon House.)
· Warren and Reba Lummis Genealogical & Historical Library – This modern building (1969) was constructed in an authentic colonial style in order to harmonize with the other buildings on Ye Great Street. The decorative spikes on the slate roof prevent snow or ice from sliding off the roof. Originally built as a bank, the building is now owned by the Society and houses its genealogical library and many documents pertinent to the county’s history. (Hours open: Wednesday – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday – 1 to 4 p.m.)
· 1852 John DuBois Maritime Museum – This museum is home to an extraordinary collection of South Jersey Maritime artifacts collected by John DuBois. Visitors can step back in time and learn of Greenwich’s rich maritime history. It provides a look at the water industry that flourished in the area until the Second World War. Exhibits include models of oyster boats that once plied the bay. (Hours open: April through mid-December – Sundays only 1 – 4 p.m.)
· Alan Ewing Carman Museum of Prehistory in Cumberland County – This museum is home to the Archeological American Indian and Fossil Collection of Alan Ewing Carman. They were collected over fifty-one years of field work. (Hours open: Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday – 1 to 4 p.m. Closed January, February and March.)
· 1908 Tea Burners’ Monument – The monument was erected in 1908 to commemorate the burning of tea in protest of the hated British Tea Tax. No event in the history of Cumberland County has received such recognition or has been so highly honored as this act on the part of the young patriots whose names are listed on the monument.
OTHER SITES IN CUMBERLAND COUNTY MANAGED BY THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Cumberland County Liberty Bell – located in the Cumberland County Courthouse, Broad Street, Bridgeton, New Jersey
Potter’s Tavern – located on Broad Street in Bridgeton, New Jersey (Open on July 4th each year.)
Old Stone Church – located in Fairfield Township, Bridgeton, New Jersey
Additional information on front page.