The Battleground Historical Society
The Battleground Historical Society was organized thirty-nine years ago. Over the years, we have helped in saving from destruction three historic buildings: the West Freehold one room school (later turned over to Freehold Township's historical group), the former Old Tennent Church Manse, known as the Cobb house, (now used as offices for the Battleground State Park) and the 1726 former tavern, the Village Inn, located in Englishtown, NJ. Its importance was not only its age but because it was located on the pathway that the continental troops took on their march to fight General Clinton's army. Also of importance is the record of George Washington's letter court martialing General Charles Lee, dated Englishtown, NJ.
An historical dig verified the fact that it had once been a tailor shop before becoming a stage coach stop and tavern. Recently these findings have been catalogued and displayed in lighted display cases. The building changed hands and was enlarged in 1749. By 1766 it became a tavern. In 1815 a large two story addition was added to the east end of the building.
In 1978, through the efforts of the Battleground Historical Society and from Community Development funds the exterior of the Inn was saved and restored. Many hours of dedicated members were spent restoring the interior of the Inn. From that time forward our efforts have been dedicated to educating the public about the importance of taverns in those early times. As the brochure states the Village Inn gives tours at numerous occasions and by appointment.
Within the last six months, the Village Inn has had a new look. We have been fortunate in having knowledgeable new members. They have completely transformed a dull museum to an authentic resemblance of a real tavern of that period (similar to the Allen House in Shrewsbury).
From Lydia Wikoff