expanded edition to debut at Book SIGNING on april 27, 2024
(Press Release: April 3, 2024)
It is with pride and pleasure that the Board of the Matawan Historical Society announces the long-awaited reprinting of The Burrowes Mansion of Matawan New Jersey: and Notations on the History of Monmouth County, Second Edition (2023) by Mary Lou Diecker and Barry C. Orr. The Burrowes Mansion, constructed in 1723, celebrated its 300th Birthday in 2023, and this new edition of the book commemorates that anniversary.
The original book was written by Mary Lou Koegler in 1977 and published in 1978 as a remembrance of the Bicentennial of the United States of America. This second edition continues the story of The Mansion from 1978 to 2023. It includes photographs of the re-enactment of the notorious Tory Raid on the Burrowes Mansion on May 27, 1778 and material on all the occupants and events in The Mansion throughout its entire history. The original book content has been preserved as it appeared in 1978 and includes all its original photographs as well as the charming original artwork by the late Helene J. Enterline. The narrative then continues with the growth of The Mansion into the “Working Museum” envisioned by The Mansion’s final owners, Mildred Josephine Brown Herrick and her husband Ralph Waldo Herrick, who sold The Mansion to the Borough of Matawan for use as a teaching history museum.
The newly expanded book has doubled in size to include an extensive Index, Bibliography, Chronology of The Mansion, as well as photos and pages of new information on the families and others who occupied The Mansion for 300 years. A brand-new discovery in 2023 was more information about the building’s service as The Colonial Tea House for three years in the late 1930s. Numerous other new details made possible using online resources and the work of Historical Society researchers are included.
This unique work is now more informative than ever. It is a perfect addition to every library for the human-interest stories of The Mansion’s occupants—filled with intrigue, joy, and sorrow—and its vivid recounting of local history. As a valuable reference for genealogists, the book contains expanded family histories and a comprehensive set of footnotes. This publication has arrived at just the right time for all those already engaged in planning celebrations for the upcoming 250th anniversary of the founding of The United States.
The Book will be introduced to the public during a gala open house and book signing at The Burrowes Mansion on Saturday, April 27, between the hours of 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. At that time, everyone will have an opportunity to experience the magic of the Mansion first-hand, browse through sample books, and chat with the authors and Historical Society members. While no tours of the home will be given during the reception, docents will be available to welcome visitors and relate what they are experiencing to what they will read in the book. Books will be available for purchase during the event.
The Burrowes Mansion of Matawan, New Jersey is priced at $20.00 with all proceeds going to The Mansion for upcoming critical renovations to enable the Society to keep the programs flowing and the doors to The Mansion open to the public. Ms. Diecker and Mr. Orr are looking forward to speaking with every visitor and both will be delighted to personally sign each person’s book.
For more information contact info@matawanhistoricalsociety.org. No reservations are necessary.
PLEASE NOTE THAT the following weekend of May 4 and 5 is “A Weekend in Old Monmouth” when all historical museums in the County are open to the public. Ms. Diecker and Mr. Orr will again be at The Mansion both days of that weekend to help welcome visitors to The Mansion AND to sign their new book.
Exclusive: Mary Lou Diecker, April 3 2024