Passing on a Passion for the Past
By Joe Bordonaro · Originally published April 2019 · p. 20
Scattered throughout communities across the United States are small groups of dedicated individuals who strive to preserve our nation’s history. One such is the Lawrence Township Historical Society in Cedarville, N.J. On the evening of Feb. 19, 2019, members of the local reenacting community gathered together to make a presentation on Civil War history to the LTHS. They were led by local resident, Dan Casella, who made his passion for passing on the past literal by bringing his son, Sebastian, to the event. The presentation was very well received and a new link between local historians and living historians has been forged. Perhaps other reenactors will consider doing the same, especially those who may be stepping down from an active participation in reenactments. Sharing your passion with people in your community, especially the young, is an excellent way to pass your passion for the past on to the next generation. The following information about the present Lawrence Township Historical Society building was provided by the Society: “The present home of the Lawrence Township Historical Society, located at 177 Main Street in Cedarville, N.J., was originally a schoolhouse in Stow Creek Township. It was brought to Cedarville in the late 1920’s or early 1930’s by Frank H. Tongue, the local funeral director, for use as a funeral parlor. The building was brought here in sections…”stained glass windows” replaced the original tall windows… (and were obtained) from a chapel at Girard College…The first meeting of the Society was held in April 1980 with 31 charter members attending…Monthly business meetings at 177 Main Street are held on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. and are concluded with interesting programs. The public is always cordially invited to attend these meetings.”
Joe Bordonaro is a USAF veteran (1973–1977), Glassboro State College graduate (1980), Catholic school teacher (St. Joseph’s ProCathedral, 1983–1988), and retired public school teacher (Mullica Township School, 1988–2009). He has been involved with Civil War reenacting/living history since 1999. Joe began submitting articles to the Civil War News in 2005 and has been covering events for the News on a regular basis since 2016. Joe lives in Mount Laurel, NJ, and has been married to his wife Karen for 29 years. If you wish to contact Joe, you may send an email to [email protected].
