Two Sites in Howell to be Featured on Old Monmouth Tour

Historic sites across Monmouth County will open their doors on Saturday, April 30 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday, May 1 from noon to 5 p.m. The 2011 Weekend in Old Monmouth Tour will highlight the Colonial, military and religious history of Monmouth County.

“Independent and local historic sites are generally operated independently of one another, but this special tour project synchronizes the hours of operation so history buffs can walk or drive to many of the county’s richest historic places and enjoy them in the spring,” Freehold Lillian G. Burry said.

Two sites in Howell are included in the celebration of Monmouth history, the old Ardena School Museum and the MacKenzie House. 

The Monmouth County Historical Commission created a tour booklet with detailed histories of the 40 locations on the tour, contact information for each site, and possible routes organized by location. The commission also designed a two-sided map to help guide travelers.

If you plan on staying local this weekend, here is what you need to know about the historic Howell sites included on the tour:

• 427 Lakewood-Farmingdale Road- 732-938-2212

The MacKenzie House started out having just one room downstairs and one room upstairs according to a map dating back to 1730, when it was known as Settler's Cabin. It originally served as the home to the miller of the local grist mill. It was not until 120 years later that it was expanded to nine rooms. Currently there are 10 rooms in the museum, including one where genealogical records and other important items can be found.

• Old Tavern Road- 732-938-2212

While nowhere near as big as the current Ardena School, the original structure dates back to around 1835 when the one room structure educated the children in the area. When it was first built the whole room was just 15 feet by 16 feet. A new building was constructed in 1855 with the original building being used as a carriage house for the Ardena Baptist Church, which is located on Farmingdale-Adelphia Road. 

The building was actually moved to East Freehold in 1939 when it was used as an upholstery shop but work began in 1973 to bring it back to its original location. Although it is not an official part of the tour, the municipal complex, located right up the hill is also noted as a historic part of the township.

Located on Preventorium Road, the facility was opened in 1912 to treat at risk children during a tuberculosis outbreak. Today it houses Town Hall, the Howell Fire Bureau, the recreation department and the senior center among other agencies.