Green Brook's 250th Anniversary Celebration at Washington Rock State Park

Washington Rock State park was teeming with spirit last Saturday, when it held its celebration for America’s 250th birthday. Organized by the Green Brook Historical Society and the Township of Green Brook, the event was a befitting commemoration of our country’s revolutionary period. People of all ages were thoroughly entertained with food, crafts, re-enactments, and even a speech from George Washington himself. With the compliment of beautiful clear skies throughout the day, the event proved to be enjoyable, educational, and a wonderful display of patriotic fanfare.

The entire side of the park facing the lookout was filled with booths, tents, and stations where each visitor enjoyed different aspects of Revolutionary times. The New Jersey Fifes and Drums band greeted visitors with the sounds a Continental soldier would be serenaded with on their way into the battlefield. Representing the New Jersey Fifes and Drums were three drummers and three fifers, who were dressed in traditional late 18th century clothing. While they wear red coats, they are in no way sided with the British. These guys are patriots through and through. The continental army’s fife and drum regiments actually wore red coats with blue facings to distinguish themselves on the battlefield. They remained a prominent fixture around the park and were highlighted by a one hour performance of colonial era music. Afterwards, they acted as an accompaniment to the New Jersey militia re-enactors. (More detail about the re-enactors later.)

In between major events, several docents portraying different colonial occupations were available to demonstrate their respective skillsets. A colonial era doctor showcased the various instruments and elixirs someone may require if they were in medical need. It can be assumed that all visitors were much happier with the medical technology of 2026. A woodcutter demonstrated all of the various tools and furniture that can be made using the local trees. The expert craftsman also showcased his skills in splitting wood, while utilizing a combination of both metal and wooden tools. The craftsman was quite popular, as a crowd was consistently gathered around his station. Another notable figure was the leader of the local militia. His station was adorned with various papers pertaining to volunteering for the Patriot Colonial Militia. Upon receiving volunteering papers, each visitor was given a generous eighteen pence signing bonus.

The Colonial Militia was represented by Outwater's Militia, based in Bergen County. They gathered close to the lookout point at 2:00 PM to educate visitors about the everyday and military practices of a revolutionary minuteman. Each militia member would have to supply themselves with everything including clothes, blankets, and weapons. Nothing was provided. The company who were also all dressed in authentic late 18th century clothing, consisted of six core members. They were supported by the New Jersey Fifes and Drums band and the docents of other occupations. The militia then demonstrated their drilling ability, marching in perfect order while drawing and withdrawing their weapons in unison. The re-enactors then fired blank rounds from their muskets in a few different positions and even fixed bayonets at one point to demonstrate a walking charge. The New Jersey Fifes and Drums also took some time to explain their role while also playing behind the company as they marched. The Outwater's Militia demonstration was arguably the most popular attraction at the event. Each attendee gave their full attention equally towards both the educational aspects and the military presentation. The exhibition went off with a bang!

Not everything at the event was devoted to the harsh conditions of the Revolutionary period. Craft tables and educational booths lined the walkway from the entrance to the lookout point. In addition to the Green Brook Historical Society, other groups such as the Plainfield Historical Society and the local Daughters of the Revolution chapter were represented. Craft tables included patriotic themed stencil making, tin punch craft making, and quill ink writing. If someone was feeling bold enough they could have signed their name with a quill on the militia’s volunteering papers.

A celebration of our country’s 250th anniversary wouldn’t be complete without a speech from George Washington himself. Introduced by Mayor James Van Arsdale, the crowd gathered as Washington spoke at the park’s great flag pole. Of course, he was nothing short of a great speaker, highlighting the New Jersey signers of the Declaration of Independence. It was no surprise that the entire crowd thoroughly enjoyed his address. Washington stayed for the rest of the event, delighting in the joy and patriotism each visitor brought, to celebrate our great nation’s history.

The Green Brook 250th celebration on Saturday June 6th was a delightful tribute to our country’s founding. The Green Brook Historical Society and the township undoubtedly deserve high praises for their efforts in organizing this patriotic commemoration.

A special thanks to all of the additional groups involved including: Kelly Cupit, Ray Murray, and Jim Benscoter from the local government of Green Brook, the Green Brook DPW, The Green Brook Leo club, The Green Brook Recreation Group, and the students who volunteered from Watchung Hills High School.

-All photos taken by the author unless otherwise noted.