Hardwick Day was markedly different this year but pleasant for all ages. Deciding not to rely on Hardwick’s usual venues and hosts for the event – three of the five vast recreation camps in town had generously taken turns playing host each year (except when Covid was rampant), the Committee decided to give them a break and instead have the celebration at the Vass Farmstead, off Route 521. The Township is the new lease holder of the property.
Built in 1812, the Vass House represents one of the cut-stone homes still standing from that era. It was the home of Jon Vass, who designed the home for his family of 10, after buying 500+ acres which included the giant lake beyond.
It’s written that young Vass was born enroute from Germany and as a young man was ‘bounded, or indentured. His home was a testament to the perseverance of early settlers in the area. The Hardwick Historical Society was on hand offering tours of this beautiful farmhouse.
Indeed, the venue was ideal for a home-spun, low-key event, with the County-owned White Lake just across the street offering a dramatic setting plus kayaking monitored by the Phillipsburg Youth Group.
A highlight of the event was a presentation by the Delaware Valley Raptor Center, a favorite for the standing-room only crowd. Visiting the event thus were birds of prey, many rescued from horrible circumstances. From the very small to the very large, the presenter informed attendees about each bird, it’s origin and characteristics.
Due to Covid, the Center is suffering a loss in event scheduling. Whereas they survived on 50 shows per year, they now book about 15. They receive no federal or state funding and their mission is to educate the public about the importance of these birds. More can be learned from their website: www.dvronline.org
D.L. Dunn, Managing Editor
Born & educated in NY with an Environmental Science degree, my husband and I reside in Hardwick with our young daughter and several spoiled pets. This is a true gem in Northwest New Jersey, and my commitment to the people and environs has been shown in the many different fields I've worked - municipal & county official, election clerk, open space plan writer, newspaper & radio journalist, grant writer, events coordinator and farm market manager as well as retail, waitressing, archiological digger and once for a short while in a very huge warehouse.
My favorite was as a reporter where I could take my camera and notebook to capture some of the interesting people and stories around us. I'm thrilled to now serve as RVE's Managing Editor and hope to help fellow writers hone their skills and show you the issues as well as treasures that exist in North Warren, through their eyes.
