The Kingston Historical Society’s walking tour of Main Street will be held Saturday, April 29th. George Luck, Jr will share his knowledge of the history of Kingston’s Inns and Taverns.
For more Information on the walk, which begins at 1 PM, see this “Event” HERE
Preregistration is required. To Register, go directly to the registration page HERE
It is a chance for folks in our community organizations to show off, and for neighbor to meet neighbor. We usually have some music, and maybe some games.
The Kingston Historical Society and the Kingston Village Advisory Committee are looking for other organizations and individuals who are willing to help make the Kingston picnic an annual event open to the entire community.
So far we are looking for volunteers… by mid-summer we hope to have a general invite for everyone in the greater Kingston community.
Want to learn more and volunteer? Fill out our form HERE
Along the trading routes of the Lenape people, the village of Kingston began to be home to some Dutch, English, and Scotch-Irish settles around 1675. It wouldn’t be until 1723 that there would be a formal declaration of a village church. Settlers gathered in faith inside homes, and then in a log cabin along the Millstone river. The faithful grew into a gathered community and took a charter to affirm publicly what it had grown into—the worshipping body of the Kingston community.
By the time of the church’s official charter, January 21, 1723, the church had already moved up from the river, having acquired land from Jedediah Higgins sometime before his death in 1715. The church was built on land which is now Kingston Presbyterian’s cemetery; the graves grew in number around it, as was the custom of the day. In 1852, the community moved from the cemetery to its present position. For three centuries Kingston Presbyterian Church has sought to love God and love their neighbors, all to God’s glory.
Throughout 2023 the church will celebrate. The whole Kingston community and neighbors are invited to share in the festivities.
Rev Sharyl M Dixon Kingston Presbyterian Church
The congregation has scheduled many events for the anniversary year 2023
January 21st 300th Charter Luncheon
January 22nd Kick off of 300th Anniversary Worship with Quilt Presentation
January 29th Annual Meeting
March 5th Chili Cookoff Lunch
April 9th Easter
May 21st Welcome Home Worship, Welcoming John & Shirley Heinsohn, and others
June 3rd Historical Society Conversation and Refreshments
June 24th Blueberry Festival
July 29th Vacation Bible School Worship and Picnic
September 17th Friendship Sunday and Celebration of 50years + members
October 14th Cemetery Tales
October 15th Worship in the First Church in Cemetery
October 28th Friends For Health In Haiti Luncheon
November 19th Thanksgiving Service and Time Capsule
Thank you to all who attended the Kingston Picnic on August 27,2022. As evening fell the Kingston Park, behind the Laurel Avenue school, was filled with conversation, community and music.
We ended the event with a showing of KINGSTON:Crossroads to History (see end of post)
Kingstonians from near and far. Newcomers and friends of General Washington. Families, Frisbees, and Fans of Jazz.
If the weather cooperates on Saturday, August 27, come end the summer with a community celebration.
What to bring?
Bring a chair, blanket, and a picnic and enjoy live music and the delightful company of your neighbors and friends (and meet some new ones!)
What to see and do?
While we have not had a village picnic in several years, the KHS and KVAC are ready to say “we are back!” It won’t be the full extravaganza of years ago, but we will have the usual Kingston things…. Fire Trucks, fine music, and even a movie at 8 PM
Local churches will have tables, and local organizations too, so come meet everyone in town. Yes, you can even learn about volunteering with the Kingston Volunteer Fire Company!
STEVE HILTNER is a longtime jazz saxophonist, clarinetist, composer and leader of Sustainable Jazz. A 2018 CD, “Until I Find the Words”, features his original compositions across a broad range of jazz and Latin styles.
A video of the June 22nd 2022 presentation is now available HERE.
The video is approximately 90 minutes long and includes images of Kingston, NJ’s Main Street (a.k.a. The Kings Highway, The Lincoln Highway, NJ Route 27) and stories of those who lived along it.
A video of this presentation is now available below.
Panel for Kingston: Main Street Reflections
About the evening
The Kingston Historical Society hosted an evening panel discussion featuring stories of Main Street through the eyes of longtime residents. Led by Anne Zeman, the panel included
Sharon O’Donnell Hansan’s family owned and operated the Union Line Hotel.
George Luck, Jr., former Chief and 50-year member of Kingston Fire Department
Theresa Russo is a third generation Kingstonian.
Bob Brian, Kingston’s most popular native son and lifelong resident.
also scheduled was Kathy McCarthy, whose father, Lou Sincak, was one of Kingston’s barbers for over 50 years. Anne shared some of Kathy’s memories at the end of the evening.
Postcard of Kingston Main Street, early 1900s (KHSNJ collection)
Video of evening (90 minutes)
Good evening everybody;thank you all for coming I’m Robert von Zumbush, president of the Kingston Historical Society. I’d like to, first of all, thank the Kingston Volunteer Fire Company for letting us use this hall as they have so many times, we are very grateful to them… The program this evening was organized by Anne Zeman… Anne is a long time member and trustee.
Charlie Dieterich technical help and Tari Pataleo provided publicity. And our trusees present tonight: Tom Jacoby, Charlie Dieterich, George Luck Jr (our vice president), and Anne Zeman
Introduction, KHS President Robert von Zumbusch
This video is viewable here. It is hosted from archive.org’s website. We thank them for providing hosting for our video presentations. click on their “Columns” logo to download the presentation for later (higher quality) viewing.
A .pdf poster for the June 22nd event is available HERE