The Historical Preservation Society of Upper Township held election of officers for the upcoming year at a recent meeting at the Upper Branch Library, and Doug Longenecker of Tuckahoe was chosen to assume the role of president of the group.
The speaker for the evening meeting was Mike Houdart, also a member of the Society, who spoke about Cape May County in the Civil War. While no Civil War battles were fought in Cape May County or New Jersey, there were 19 Medal of Honor winners from the state, two of whom were from Cape May County.
Adding to his presentation, Houdart had also prepared and distributed hardtack for the group to sample. Made of flour, water, and salt – hardtack was a food staple eaten by Civil War soldiers.
At the present time, Houdart is working on a project, along with the Historical Society, titled “A Comprehensive Compilation of Civil War Soldiers from Cape May County.” He described the project as “a data base of Civil War soldiers, who were born, enlisted, served, or who are buried in Cape May County.” Houdart added, “Although it is not complete, this list is being published so others may add more information to this project.”
For more information about the Historical Preservation Society of Upper Township, visit www. uppertwphistory.org.
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The Fast and Furriest 5K Turkey Trot – A 5K run/walk, and a 1 mile fun run for children, which benefits the Ocean City Humane Society and the OC Police K-9 Unit, will take place Thurs., Nov. 24. Registration is at 7 a.m. in front of the Music Pier on the Boardwalk. Fur further infurmation, call 609-398-5068.
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An Old-Fashioned Christmas in Ocean City – The celebration will be held Fri., Nov. 25, from 2 to 5 p.m. on Asbury Ave., from Sixth to 11th streets. There will be free horse and carriage rides, photos with Santa in a Beach Patrol boat at Ninth and Asbury Avenue, face painters, carolers, and more. From 4 to 5:30 p.m., the Philly Phanatic will be there. At 5 p.m. the tree will be lit, Santa will arrive, and he then will descend from the rooftop of City Hall onto a Fire Dept. ladder truck. All weekend, there will be shopping and dining specials. Call 609-525-9300 for more information.
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It’s “Auld Lang Syne” Time again for anglers – The Sixth annual Last Cast Striper Tournament, sponsored by the Strathmere Fishing and Environmental Club, starts at 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25, to 5 p.m. Sat., Nov. 26. The location of the tournament extends from the GE Inlet to the TI Inlet to 3 NM offshore and back bays.
A Captains’ meeting will be held Fri., Nov. 25, starting at 5:30 p.m. at Corson’s Inlet Marina, Bayview Ave. and Putnam Rd., in Strathmere. The entry contribution is $15. An Awards’ Barbecue will take place at the Strathmere Firehouse on Sat., Nov. 26, at 5:30 p.m. For further information, call Rob Coffey at 609-231-3303 or email him at Rob-ertcoffey01@hotmail.com.
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Rotary Club’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony – The Upper Township/Ocean City Noon Rotary will hold its Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Mon., Nov. 28, at 6:30 p.m. at Upper Township Hall, 2100 Tuckahoe Road. Songs of the season will be sung by the Uptown Singers, directed by Missy Schenck. During the evening, the Rotary Club will announce its Person of the Year. Following the festivities, light snacks will be provided. Call the Township at 609-628-2011 for more information.
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Toys for Tots – Township Hall will be collecting new, unwrapped toys to be distributed by the Toys for Tots organization. For those who need toys, applications will be taken until close of day, Friday, Dec. 2. For more information, call the Township at 609-628-2011.
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Poultry Pardon – a Thanksgiving tradition – Millions of turkeys will be eaten this year, but two (one is an alternate) will be lucky enough to receive presidential pardons. The first time that a turkey was officially pardoned was in 1989 by President George H. W. Bush. The tradition has continued, and the fortuitous fowls now spend the rest of their lives at George Washington’s Mt. Vernon Estate in Virginia.
Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone!
For a complete list of upcoming events in the county go to the Herald calendar, in print and online, at www. capemaycountyherald.com/ calendar.
If you would like to make the public aware of happenings in your town, classroom, group, or club, please email me at RWhelan@cmcherald.com.
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