The Colts Neck Historic Preservation Committee is pleased to announce the completion of its revised "Welcome to Historic Colts Neck" brochure. The beautiful reading room at the Colts Neck Library was a fitting setting to debut the revised brochure.
First produced in 2002, the brochure was completely updated over the past year. It now features new information as well as new photos and artwork to maximize its informational value.
Copies are available at Town Hall, the Colts Neck Library and Colts Neck Realty on Route 537 next to the General Store; both historic locales. Copies will also be presented to Colts Neck schools' central offices.
"We are very proud of the brochure, its look and most importantly, its valuable content. Our thanks go to everyone who worked so hard over many months to make the revised version reality," said Freeholder Lillian Burry, who is also the liaison to the Monmouth County Library System, the historic committee chairperson and a former mayor of Colts Neck. "Colts Neck's place in U.S. history is both fascinating and highly significant. It's critical we perpetuate knowledge of Colts Neck's past for current and future generations."
"I'm glad a new Colts Neck Historic brochure has been produced," said Colts Neck Library Branch Manager Stephanie Laurino. "It's an enhancement to the community and the patrons of the library, increasing their awareness and education about their town."
Brochure Spotlights Colts Neck History
The brochure, printed on parchment-like stock, includes detailed descriptions of 23 of Colts Neck's most notable and historically significant sites and structures, along with updated maps depicting their locations. For this in-depth revision, several sources of historical information were used to fully research each locale to expand and improve descriptions. Before it went to print, all data was reviewed by Colts Neck Historic Preservation Committee Chairperson Lillian Burry and Vice-Chairman Harold Kilbride.
Additionally, the committee approached Randall Gabrielan of Middletown, noted author and official Monmouth County Historian, seeking to use photos, artwork and factual information from his book, "Images of America – Colts Neck". Mr. Gabrielan allowed the material to be used by the committee free of charge.
Since the committee's budget was significantly reduced by the Colts Neck Township Committee over the past two years, the cost of the brochure was covered by funds raised by the Colts Neck Historic Preservation Committee through its various fund-raising activities and events; all of which are designed to enhance, expand and preserve knowledge and appreciation of Colts Neck's considerable role in the early history of the country.
Research, writing and production oversight of the revised brochure was donated by local resident and committee member Laura Kolnoski, saving the committee over $500. Printing was coordinated by Fitzpatrick Printing Solutions, Inc. at special pricing. Mrs. Fitzpatrick, a long-time resident and member of the Colts Neck Business Association, is president of Fitzpatrick Printing Solutions, Inc. Photography and artwork credit for the late Jean Fazewski and Colts Neck Landscape Architect Julie McGowan from the original 2002 brochure was retained.
"The brochure is a wonderful piece to have," said Mayor Jarrett Engel. "It is very well done and well-written. A study of history is essential for good citizenship."
"I read the whole thing," commented Deputy Mayor Michael Fitzgerald. "It's a good step because education is the precursor of preservation. If we don't know, we can't preserve."
Among the iconic historic locales included in the brochure, some of which no longer exist, are Bucks Mill, the North American Phalanx, the Colts Neck Inn, Holly Bush Farm, the Honey Shop, Wide Horizons/Polhemus Farm, the original St. Mary's R.C. Church and the township's one-room schoolhouses.
Due to cost considerations, the "Welcome to Historic Colts Neck" brochure was produced in very limited quantity. While the brochure is free to residents, committee members are hopeful recipients will consider making a donation when procuring one. The cost per brochure was approximately $1. Donations will help fund re-printing once the current brochures run out.
Copies are available at Town Hall, the Colts Neck Library and Colts Neck Realty on Route 537 next to the General Store; both historic locales. Copies will also be presented to Colts Neck schools' central offices. Donation checks can be made out to the Colts Neck Historic Preservation Committee, c/o Colts Neck Realty, P.O. Box 128, Colts Neck, New Jersey 07722.
